Current Affairs 28 July 2020

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 28 July 2020, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2020 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

Our Current Affairs July 2020 events will help you to get more marks in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, CLAT and all State Government Exams. Also, try our Latest Current Affairs Quiz and Monthly Current Affairs 2020 PDF which will be a pedestrian to crack your exams.

Date-Wise Current Affairs July 2020 PDF for Paid Users – Click Here to Know More

Top 25 Current Affairs of 28 July 2020

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

India-European Union Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation renewed for next five years (2020-2025)

i.On July 25, 2020, India and European Union (EU) exchanged Note Verbale to renew its Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for the next five years (2020-2025) which expired on May 17, 2020. It was initially inked on 23 November 2001 and renewed two times in past in 2007 and 2015. 
ii.This renewal is on the lines of the decision taken by both nations during the virtual 15th India-EU Summit which was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from India’s side.
iii.This extension of agreement will further collaborate in research and innovations based on the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity and also acknowledge 20 years of cooperation.
About European Union (EU):
The Union currently counts 27 EU countries. The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on 31 January 2020.
European Parliament president – David-Maria Sassoli
Headquarter– Brussels, Belgium
<< Read Full News >>

TRIFED Signed Tripartite MoU with IIT Delhi and Vijnana Bharati Under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan of MHRD

i.On 24th July 2020, The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs(MoTA) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) –  Delhi and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), a Swadeshi Science Movement under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan(UBA), a flagship programme under the Ministry of Human Resource Development(MHRD).
ii.The partnership aims to increase the opportunities for better livelihood and income generation for the tribal communities.
About TRIFED:
Managing Director– Pravir Krishna
Head Office– New Delhi
Works under– Ministry of Tribal Affairs
About Ministry of Tribal Affairs:
Union Minister– Arjun Munda
Minister of State– Renuka Singh Saruta
<< Read Full News >>

INDIA-UK’s 14th Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting 2020 held virtually

i.On July 24, 2020, the 14th Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) 2020 was held virtually for the first time amid COVID-19 between India and United Kingdom (UK), which was co-chaired by Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Vedprakash Goyal and UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Elizabeth Mary Truss. 
ii.Both nations have affirmed their shared commitment towards Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In this regard, the two sides will engage in early harvest schemes or limited trade agreements in a staged manner as steps towards FTA.
iii.It should be noted that the Early Harvest Programme basically consists of those projects which are to be implemented within a short timeline.
About United Kingdom (UK):
Capital– London
Currency– Pound sterling
Prime Minister– Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson
<< Read Full News >>

Indian Air Force Commanders Conference: 22nd – 24th July 2020

On 22nd July 2020, Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Defence inaugurated the Air Force Commanders Conference(AFCC) at the Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), New Delhi. The conference chaired by Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria was conducted from 22nd July 2020 to 24th July 2020.
The theme of the conference was “IAF in the Next Decade”.
Key People:
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General MM Naravane
AFCC discussions:
i.The current operational scenario and deployment were reviewed and discussed in the conference.
ii.The action plan for operational capability enhancement of the Indian Air force for the next 10 years was also discussed.
iii.A Thorough review on the Indian Air Force’s transformation roadmap for the next 10 years was done following the discussion on the current situation.
iv.The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) reviewed the stats and issues related to all the commands and the branches at the headquarters.
About Indian Air Force(IAF):
Chief of Air Staff(CAS)– Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria
About Ministry of Defence:
Union Minister– Rajnath Singh
Minister of State– Shripad Yesso Naik

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Harsh Vardhan Participated Virtually in the SCO Health Minister’s Digital Meet chaired by Mikhail Murashko

On July 24, 2020 Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan participated digitally in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Health Minister’s Digital Meet at Nirman Bhawan, Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation.

• The key topic discussed in the meet was about the ongoing COVID crisis.

About SCO:
Headquarters– Beijing, China
Secretary-General- Vladimir Norov
<< Read Full News >>

22 million children from South Asia missed out on early childhood education due to COVID-19: UNICEF

In accordance with the new research titled “Childcare in a global crisis: The impact of COVID-19 on work and family life” by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 22 million children from South Asian countries, including India, have missed out on early childhood education in their pre-school year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic closure. This report was produced by UNICEF’s Office of Research – Innocenti.

• In the South Asia region, UNICEF covered Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for the research.
• At least 40 million children worldwide, of which nearly 22 million are from South Asia, have missed out on early childhood education in their critical pre-school year

• Prolonged school closure and limited access to distant learning have deprived children of their universal right to education.

Key Point:
-Childcare and early childhood education builds a foundation upon which every aspect of children’s development relies. The pandemic is putting that foundation under serious threat.
-Lockdown has left many parents struggling to balance childcare and paid employment, with a disproportionate burden placed on women who, on average, spend more than three times longer on care and housework than men.
-The research recommended social protection systems including cash transfers that reach families working in non-formal employment.
-Governments and employers must play their part to help ensure proper childcare and access to education.
About UNICEF:
Headquarters– New York, United States of America (USA)
Executive Director– Henrietta Holsman Fore

BANKING & FINANCE

Bank of Maharashtra joined hands with Uniken for Omni-channel security

i.The state-owned Bank of Maharashtra has joined hands with Uniken, a pioneer in the field of digital security in India to secure its Internet banking channels on mobile, card, call centres and ATMs, among others, against cyber fraud. 
ii.In this regard, the bank will use Uniken’s REL-ID technology for Omni-channel security for its online banking app MahaSecure .
About Bank of Maharashtra:
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– A S Rajeev 
Headquarter– Pune, Maharashtra
Tagline– One Family One Bank (Ek Parivar Ek Bank)
About Uniken:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Bimal Gandhi
Headquarter– Chatham, New Jersey, United States (US)
<< Read Full News >>

   APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS         

Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid appointed as Interim Prime Minister

On 25th July 2020, President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed appointed Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid as the interim Prime Minister of Somalia following the impeachment of Hassan Ali Khaire, the previous Prime Minister of Somalia.
About Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid:
i.Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid practiced law in Somaliland and served as the legal advisor for the Second Electoral Commission.
ii.He worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the national program office for the Rule of Law, Security and Governance programs.
iii.He took office as the Deputy Prime Minister in March 2017.
Key Points:
i.The parliament of Somalia voted 170-8 to expel Hassan Ali Khaire from the post of Prime Minister in a no-confidence vote.
ii.Gulaid will take charge to manage the activities of the cabinet until the appointment of replacement.
iii.The new Prime Minister of Somalia will be appointed within a month.
About Somalia:
President– Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed
Capital– Mogadishu
Currency– Somali Shilling

Tunisia’s Interior Minister Hichem Mechichi appointed as new PM; to form govt in 1 month

Tunisian President Kais Saied appointed Hichem Mechichi(46-year-old), Interior Minister as it’s new Prime minister.  He has a month to form a government i.e., should be capable of winning a confidence vote in parliament by a simple majority. He succeeded Elyes Fakhfakh, who resigned over allegations of a conflict of interest.
Key Info
i.If Hichem Mechichi cannot form the government in a month the president will dissolve parliament and call for another election.
ii.Hichem Mechichi was not one of the names proposed by the governing political parties to the  President.
About Tunisia:
Capital– Tunis
Currency– Tunisian Dinar(TND)

Croatian Parliament Approved New government Led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic after Election

On July 23, 2020 The Croatian parliament approved the new government led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic whose Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party won the most parliamentary seats in the general election held on July 5, 2020.

• Andrej Plenkovic was the prime minister of the previous government that was also led by his HDZ .

Key Info
i.Andrej Plenkovic’s government won the support in the 151-member assembly in a 76-59 vote, where the remaining lawmakers didn’t vote or were not present there.
ii.The government now also has the support in parliament of two small liberal groups and national minorities.
iii.The government won 66 seats in the parliament in the July 5 vote. The main opposition party gained 41.
About Croatia:
Capital– Zagreb
Currency- Croatian kuna

 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Harsh Vardhan launched “Mausam” App for Weather Forecasts

On 27th July 2020, in the event of14th Foundation day of the Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES), Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Earth Sciences launched the mobile app “Mausam” designed and developed by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
About Ministry of Earth Sciences:
Union Minister– Dr. Harsh Vardhan
<< Read Full News >>

China launched new high-resolution mapping satellite Ziyuan-III 03 from Shanxi

i.On July 25, 2020, China sent a new high-resolution mapping satellite namely “Ziyuan III 03”, developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, into space through Long March-4B carrier rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in the Northern Province of Shanxi, China. 
ii.It was the 341st flight mission by the Long March rocket series.
iii.Along with high-resolution mapping satellite, there were two small satellites used for dark matter detection and commercial data acquisition were also sent which were developed by the Shanghai ASES Spaceflight Technology Co. Ltd.
About China:
Capital– Beijing
Currency– Renminbi
President– Xi Jinping
<< Read Full News >>

SPORTS

Haryana to host the 4th edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2021

i.The Minister of State  of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju and Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar announced that Haryana will host the 4th edition of Khelo India Youth Games(KIYG) in 2021 through video conference. 
ii.The Games will be held in Panchkula in Haryana. 
iii.Star Sports will be the Official Broadcast Partner like the previous year.
iv.The games will take place after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
About Haryana:
Capital- Chandigarh.
Governor– Satyadeo Narayan Arya.
<< Read Full News >>

OBITUARY

Two time Oscar winner and actress, Olivia de Havilland passed away at the age of 104 in Paris, France

On July 24, 2020 Olivia de Havilland, two time Oscar Winner died at the age of 104 in Paris, France. 
She was known as a doe-eyed actress. She was born on 1st July 1916, in Tokyo, Japan. She served as the last surviving lead of the movie ‘Gone with the Wind’. 
About Olivia de Havilland
Career
i.Notable works: Captain Blood (1935), The adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Gone with the Wind (1939), The Snake pit, The Heiress.
ii.Warren Bros chose de Havilland in 1934 to act with Mickey Rooney who played Puck. 
iii.She unchained the Hollywoods contract system which was later called as “De Havilland Law”  
Awards
i.On March 13, 1946, Olivia won an Oscar award for the movie ‘To Each His Own’ under the category Best supporting actress.
ii.Again in the year 1949 she won the second Oscar award for the movie “The Heiress’
iii.In the year 2008, Olivia was honored with, National Medal of Arts and France’s Legion of Honor (Légion d’honneur) award after two years. 

American Actor John Saxon passed away at 83

On 25th July 2020, the American actor, John Saxon passed away at the age of 83 at his residence in Murfreesboro, Tennessee due to pneumonia. He was born on 5th August 1936 as Carmine Orrico in Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
Career:
i.John Saxon debuted in 1954 and starred in detective and horror shows like “A Nightmare on Elm Street”.
ii.His first credited role was in the movie Running Wild (1955).
iii.He starred in around 200 movies and TV shows.
iv.He was best known for his role in “Enter the Dragon” (1973) starring Bruce Lee.
v.He also starred in westerns like Death of a Gunfighter, Joe Kidd (1972) and films like Rock, Pretty Baby (1956), Summer Love (1958) and The Reluctant Debutante (1958).
Awards:
He won the Golden Globe Award for the new star of the year in 1958 for the movie “This Happy Feeling”.

Popular Jazz Singer and actor Annie Ross passed away at the age 89 in New York

On July 21, 2020, Annabella Allan Short popularly known as ‘Annie Ross,’ a British-American jazz vocalist, and actress of the 1950s, passed away at the age 89 in New York. She suffered from emphysema and heart disease.  She was born on 25 July 1930, in London, United Kingdom.
About Annie Ross
i.Annie Ross was a lead vocalist of one of jazz’s trio groups Lambert, John Hendricks and Ross. The team became famous after the hit of “Twisted” in 1952.
ii.In 1962, the group won a ‘Grammy award’ for the album, ‘High Flying’.
iii.She married an English actor Sean Lynch who later died in a car crash. 
Career
i.Ross appeared in small plays like, “A view from the Bridge” with the musical production “The Pirates of Penzance”. 
ii.Best known works– Yanks (1979), Superman III, Throw momma from the train, Short Cuts. 
iii.In 2014, Annie Ross released an album ‘To Lady with love’ – a tribute to Billie Holiday 
Awards and honors
i.In 2009 she received the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) Jazz Wall of Fame award. 
ii.In 2010 she received The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master’s Award. 
iii.In 2011, the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs) Award for Lifetime Achievement was given to her. 

BOOKS & AUTHORS

A new book “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World” authored by External Affairs Minister Dr.S Jaishankar was published by HarperCollins, India

The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World, a book authored by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, argues about the standards of India in the global order. The book was published under the HarperCollins India publications. 
He insisted that India should not only visualise its interest but also try to communicate effectively. 
About the book:
i.The book centers about the three burdens that India’s foreign policy carries.Three burdens were partition, delayed economic reforms and prolonged exercise of the nuclear option were listed in the book.
The three burdens in detail

• The 1947 partition has reduced the nation demographically and politically.
• The economic reforms took a decade and a half after those of China, the 15-year gap still puts India at its great disadvantage that delays economic reforms of India.
• Prolong exercise of the nuclear option stands as another burden.

ii.India should have a bolder and non-reciprocal approach to its neighbourhood as the global financial crisis changed the international relations and rules. 
About the Author Dr. S. Jaishankar:
i.Dr. S. Jaishankar is currently the External Affairs Minister of India (Preceded by Sushma Swaraj)
ii.he served as the 31st Foreign Secretary from 2015 to 2018.
iii. He served as the Ambassador to the United States of America from 2013 to 2015, to China from 2009 to 2013 and to the Czech Republic from 2000 to 2004.
iv.He also served as the High Commissioner to Singapore from the year 2007 to 2009
v.He served as a president of the Tata Sons Private Limited.

A new book titled “Quest for Restoring Financial Stability in India”authored by former RBI deputy governor Viral V.Acharya

The book titled “Quest for Restoring Financial Stability in India”authored by former Reserve Bank of India(RBI) deputy governor Viral  V.Acharya. The book portrays his quest to restore financial stability in India and offers a concrete plan for sustained improvement. The book is published by SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd.
Essence of the Book:
i.The book is a compilation of his speeches, research and comments as a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, mostly concerned with central banking.
ii.He shares a feasible plan to address the recapitalization needs of public sector banks, providing solutions on how to improve credit allocation by credit intermediaries and establish potential and efficient capital markets.
iii.The book also mentions the implicit pressure on the monetary policy committee to cut rates.
Note:
Viral V. Acharya is the C. V. Starr Professor of Economics in the Department of Finance at New York University Stern School of Business (NYU Stern).
He served as the deputy governor RBI(23rd Jan 2017 to 23rd July 2019)

IMPORTANT DAYS

82nd CRPF Raising Day: July 27

i.The Central Reserve Police Forces(CRPF)’s raising day is observed annually on July 27. This year marks the 82nd year of its existence. 
ii.The CRPF came into existence as Crown Representative’s Police on 27th July 1939. 
iii.It was renamed as  CRPF on the enactment of the CRPF Act on 28th December 1949 by the country’s 1st  home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
About CRPF:
Headquarters– New Delhi, India
Director General– A P Maheshwari,IPS
<< Read Full News >>

21st Kargil Vijay Diwas 2020 – July 26

26th July 2020 is celebrated as the 21st Kargil Vijay Diwas which marks the 21st anniversary of India’s victory against Pakistan under Operation Vijay, launched to recapture the Indian Territories captured by the Intruders of Pakistani army in the Kargil Drass sector in 1999.
About Indian Army:
Chief of Army Staff– General Manoj Mukund Naravane 
About Ministry of Defence:
Union Minister– Rajnath Singh
Minister of State– Shripad Yesso Naik
<< Read Full News >>

Income Tax Day 2020 – July 24

24th July 2020 is marked as the 160th Income Tax day or Aaykar Diwas by the Income Tax Department. The Income Tax Day has been celebrated in India on 24th July since 2010. 
In 2010, The Income Tax Department declared July 24th as the annual Income Tax Day to mark the 150th year of this levy, the income tax was first imposed as a duty and came into force on 24th July 1860.
History:
Income tax was introduced in India by Sir James Wilson on 24th July 1860, to compensate for the losses of the British government due to the First war of Independence in 1857 
Events:
i.The regional offices of the Income Tax department conducts various activities in the week preceding the Income tax day.
ii.The best performing Indian Revenue Service and other officials of the Income tax department will be awarded on the income tax day.

STATE NEWS

Karnataka Cabinet Approved the New Industrial Policy for 2020-2025

Karnataka Cabinet approved the new Industrial Policy for 2020-2025 that aims to attract Rs 5 lakh crore investment and create about 20 lakh employment over the next 5 years to help mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. 
Other Key Cabinet approval

• “The Industrial Disputes and Certain Other Laws (Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance”2020
•  To set up the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission under section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 to promote 7,000 start-ups, e-commerce and other gig economy companies. 

About Karnataka:
Capital– Bengaluru
Chief Minister– B. S. Yediyurappa
Governor– Vajubhai Vala
<< Read Full News >>

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, launched a free website portal named ‘Rozgaar Bazaar’ for job seekers, employers 

i.On July 27, 2020 the Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal launched a free website http://jobs.delhi.gov.in named  ‘Rozgaar Bazaar 2020’ via video conference. The portal connects the job seekers and the recruiters on one platform. 
ii.The objective of the portal is to boost the economy and employment in Delhi. 
iii.These measures are finalized by a 12-member committee headed by the vice chairman of Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi (DDC), Jasmine Shah. 
About Delhi
Chief Minister – Arvind Kejirwal
Lt. Governor – Anil Baijal 
<< Read Full News >>

AC GAZE

Road in Lucknow named after former MP Governor Lalji Tandon: UP

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation,Uttar pradesh(UP), has named a road Lucknow-Hardoi as Tandon Marg and a crossing Chauk Chauraha as Lalji Tandon Chauraha after former Madhya Pradesh(MP) Governor Lalji Tandon.

*******

Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)