Daily Current Affairs 29th July 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India’s First Sunken Museum at Humayun’s Tomb Set for Grand Inauguration

The capital city of India is poised to unveil a groundbreaking addition to its rich tapestry of historical attractions. On July 29, 2024, the country’s first sunken museum at the Humayun’s Tomb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be inaugurated in Delhi. This innovative museum promises to offer visitors a unique perspective on Mughal history and architecture, seamlessly blending the past with cutting-edge technology.

EAM Jaishankar Unveils Bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Tokyo’s Edogawa ward, highlighting Gandhi’s global legacy and timeless message of peace and non-violence. The event coincided with Jaishankar’s visit to Japan for a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting.

APJ Abdul Kalam’s 9th Death Anniversary

July 27, 2024, marks the 9th death anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a visionary scientist, educator, and the 11th President of India. Renowned as the “Missile Man of India,” Dr. Kalam made monumental contributions to aerospace engineering and defense technology, particularly through the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. His legacy continues to inspire generations, emphasizing integrity, humility, and perseverance.

Nita Ambani Unveils India House at Paris 2024 Olympics

Nita Ambani, IOC member and founder of the Reliance Foundation, inaugurated the India House during the Paris 2024 Olympics on July 27. This marks India’s first-ever country house at the Olympics, highlighting a significant milestone in India’s Olympic journey. In her speech, Ambani celebrated the occasion as a representation of India’s Olympic ambitions and expressed hope for India to host the Games in the future.

International News

INS Tabar Reaches Saint Petersburg for Russian Navy Day Celebrations

INS Tabar, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived in Saint Petersburg to participate in the 328th Russian Navy Day celebrations. The ship, part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command, was warmly welcomed by the Russian Federation Navy (RuFN). The visit is set to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies, aligning with India’s policy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Japan’s Sado Gold Mine Gains UNESCO Status

The UNESCO World Heritage committee on July 27 decided to register Japan’s controversial Sado gold mine as a cultural heritage site after the country agreed to include it in an exhibit of its dark history of abusing Korean laborers during World War II. The decision signals an improvement in ties between Tokyo and Seoul.

Summits and Conferences

9th Governing Council Meeting Of NITI Aayog Outcomes

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on July 28. The Meeting was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi.  It was attended by Chief Ministers/Lt.Governors representing 20 States and 6 UTs.

Dr. S. Jaishankar At The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting In Tokyo

Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the United States said on July 29, they were seriously concerned about intimidating and dangerous manoeuvres in the South China Sea and pledged to bolster maritime security in the region. The joint statement came after talks between the so-called ‘Quad’ countries in Tokyo, attended by Australia’s Penny Wong, India’s Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Japan’s Yoko Kamikawa and Antony Blinken from the U.S.

Business News

UltraTech Acquires 32.7% Stake in India Cements for ₹3,945 Crore

UltraTech Cement, a flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, will acquire a 32.72% equity stake in India Cements for ₹3,945 crore. The acquisition will be finalized through a Share Purchase Agreement with the promoters of India Cements, led by N. Srinivasan, pending regulatory approvals. UltraTech plans to make an open offer to India Cements shareholders at ₹390 per share after securing these approvals.

Banking News

Karnataka Bank Partners with ICICI Lombard General Insurance

Karnataka Bank has announced a strategic partnership with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, enabling its customers to access a comprehensive range of insurance products. This collaboration aims to cater to various insurance needs, including health, motor, travel, and home insurance, for both individuals and businesses.

Economy News

Digital Payments Rise 12.6% by March-End 2024: RBI Data

As of March 31, 2024, digital payments in India experienced a 12.6% year-over-year increase, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI). The index reached 445.5, marking an increase from 418.77 in September 2023 and 395.57 in March 2023. The RBI attributed this growth to improvements in payment performance and infrastructure across the country.

Appointments News

Manoj Mittal Takes Charge As Sidbi’s CMD After Appointment By Centre

Manoj Mittal has taken charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), following his appointment by the Government of India. Prior to this, he was the managing director (MD) of Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI). 

State News

Telangana CM Announces ₹309 Crore Development Package for Kalwakurthy

On Sunday, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy attended a public meeting in Kalwakurthy to mark the death anniversary of former Union Minister S. Jaipal Reddy. The event served as a platform to honour Jaipal Reddy’s contributions to Indian politics and announce a significant development package for the Kalwakurthy Assembly constituency.

Sports News

Lewis Hamilton Wins Belgian Grand Prix After George Russell’s Disqualification

Lewis Hamilton clinched victory at the 2024 Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix under dramatic circumstances after his Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who initially crossed the finish line first, was disqualified due to a technical infringement. The disqualification stemmed from Russell’s car being found underweight in the post-race inspection, a violation confirmed by a Technical Delegate’s Report.

Important Days

International Tiger Day 2024: Date, history and significance

International Tiger Day stands as a beacon of hope for one of the world’s most magnificent creatures. This global initiative focuses on protecting the natural habitats of tigers and raising public awareness about their conservation. In an age where digital engagement plays a crucial role in spreading information, this day serves as a catalyst for increasing online interest in tiger-related issues.