Current Affairs Daily Digest – July 29 2020
1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended 5th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of AIIB
Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman attended the 5th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through video conference in New Delhi on 28 July.
- The Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG) meet to take key decisions that impact the Bank’s future every year.
- The ministers discussed the meeting broadly covered official business including the election of the President of the AIIB.
- The discussion was based on the theme ‘AIIB 2030-Supporting Asia’s Development over the Next Decade’.
2. Archana Soreng named by UN chief to new advisory group
Indian climate activist, Archana Soreng has been named by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to his new advisory group comprising young leaders who will provide perspectives and solutions to tackle the worsening climate crisis, as the global body mobilizes action as part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts.
3. Fleet of 5 Rafale multi-role combat jets arrived in India
A fleet of five French-manufactured Rafale multi-role combat jets arrived in India. Rafale Jets landed at the Ambala Air Force base after covering a distance of 7,000 km from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux.
Two Sukhoi 30 MKIs escorted the fleet of Rafale jets after they entered the Indian air space. The fleet, which comprises three single seater and two twin seater aircraft, would be inducted into the IAF as part of its Ambala-based No 17 Squadron, also known as the ‘Golden Arrows’.
4. Stuart Broad becomes 7th bowler to take 500 Test wickets
England cricketer, Stuart Broad becomes 7th bowler to take 500 wickets in Test cricket. Stuart Broad achieved an elusive milestone on Day 5 of the third Test against West Indies in Manchester. Kraigg Brathwaite became Stuart Broad’s 500th-Test wicket.
5. IRCTC & SBI Card launches Co-branded Contactless Credit Card
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and SBI Card has launched a new Co-branded Contactless Credit Card on RuPay Platform.
The card was revealed by Union Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal. The newly launched card aims to ensure a safe, convenient and improved travel experience for the rail passengers.
6. Schemes for promotion of Bulk Drugs & Medical Devices Parks
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri DV Sadananda Gowda has launched four schemes for the promotion of domestic manufacturing of bulk drugs and medical devices parks in the country.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has formulated four schemes, two each for Bulk Drugs and Medical Devices parks. These schemes will work towards the development of Indian pharmaceutical capacities and reduce India’s dependence on imports, making it self reliant.
7. IMF Grants $4.3 bn to S. Africa in biggest COVID-19 loan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved USD 4.3 billion to S. Africa in emergency funding, the largest amount is given to any country yet to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The funds “support the authorities’ efforts in addressing the challenging health situation and economic impact of the COVID-19 shock”. South Africa is the worst-hit country in the continent with over 4,50,000 cases.
8. July 29: Global Tiger Day
Every year July 29 is celebrated as Global Tiger Day. The decision to celebrate the day was taken at the Saint Petersburg Declaration on Tiger conservation that was signed in 2010.
The day is celebrated to create awareness for tiger conservation. It promotes a system to protect natural habitats of tigers and raise public awareness.
This year, the Global Tiger Day is celebrated with the slogan, “Their Survival is in our hands”.
9. Indian-Origin Politician Appointed Singapore’s First Leader Of Opposition In Parliament
Indian-origin politician Pritam Singh was designated as the Leader of the Opposition in Singapore, the first such appointment in the history of the city-state.
The 43-year old Pritam Singh’s Workers’ Party won 10 parliamentary seats out of the 93 contested in the July 10 general elections held, making it the biggest opposition presence in Singapore’s Parliament.
