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Current Affairs 29th July 2026
Important facts
Longest & busiest Asian strait: Strait of Malacca
India–Sri Lanka separation: Palk Strait
Russia–USA separation: Bering Strait
Gateway to the Persian Gulf: Strait of Hormuz
Europe–Asia boundary: Bosporus Strait
Atlantic–Mediterranean link: Strait of Gibraltar
1. India Becomes World's Second-Largest Supplier of Seafarers
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India became the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers according to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026. BIMCO stands for Baltic and International Maritime Council.
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Philippines ranks first, while India ranks second globally. India improved from 5th rank (2015) to 2nd rank (2026). India's maritime workforce share increased from 5.2% (2015) to 12.16% (2026).
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India contributes 311,936 seafarers, accounting for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce.
2. Gujarat Launches e-Zero FIR System
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It enables victims of cyber financial fraud to register complaints without visiting a police station.
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Complaints made through the 1930 National Cybercrime Helpline are automatically converted into e-Zero FIRs. e-Zero FIR (Electronic Zero FIR) means a First Information Report (FIR) that can be registered digitally without considering the jurisdiction (location) of the police station.
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The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. Government Approves RBI Proposal for ₹10 & ₹20 Polymer Banknotes
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the authority responsible for issuing banknotes in India.
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The Central Government's approval is mandatory before introducing a new type of banknote. In India, the ₹1 note is issued by the Ministry of Finance.
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Polymer banknotes are made from a plastic-based substrate, Polymer notes are water-resistant and tear-resistant. Australia became the first country to introduce polymer banknotes in 1988.
4. Former SBI Chief GM to Liquidate Paytm Payments Bank Ltd.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will wind up Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL). The winding-up process was approved by the Delhi High Court.
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Girikumar Nair has been appointed as the Official Liquidator. He is a former Chief General Manager of the State Bank of India (SBI).
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The bank's licence was cancelled due to serious regulatory violations. The liquidation is being carried out under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the Companies Act, 2013.
5. SBI to Become First Indian Bank to Issue Basel III-Compliant AT-1 Bonds
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State Bank of India (SBI) will become the first Indian bank in 2026 to issue Basel III-compliant Additional Tier-I (AT-1) Perpetual Bonds. Perpetual Bonds do not have a fixed maturity date.
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SBI plans to raise ₹5,000 crore through the AT-1 bond issue. The bond issue is part of SBI's ₹60,000 crore capital-raising programme for FY 2026–27.
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AT-1 Bonds are classified as Additional Tier-I Capital under the Basel III framework.BaselIII is an international banking regulatory framework developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS).
6. Axis Finance Launches 'Drishti' Digital Platform
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Axis Finance Limited (AFL) launched its 'Drishti' Digital Platform is an in-house Business Rules Engine (BRE) developed by Axis Finance. The platform aims to strengthen credit decision-making across retail and MSME lending.
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It has been launched in the first phase for Personal Loans, Business Loans, Loan Against Property (LAP), and Disha Home Loans.
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Axis Finance Limited is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). It is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a non-deposit-taking NBFC. Managing Director & CEO of Axis Finance: Sai Giridhar.
7. Edelweiss Mutual Fund Launches India's First REIT-Oriented Index Fund
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It is India's first passive mutual fund exclusively focused on listed REITs.
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The fund tracks the Nifty REITs &InvITs Index. The fund is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
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Mutual Fund invests in financial assets (shares, bonds, gold, etc.), whereas REIT invests in commercial real estate, and InvIT invests in infrastructure assets.
8. AstraZeneca India Sets Up Genomic Solutions Centre
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AstraZeneca India established an Integrated Genomic Solutions Centre in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. The centre is part of India's first Integrated Precision Oncology Programme.
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It focuses on lung cancer and breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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The project uses AI-powered X-rays and Next-Generation Genetic Testing (NGS).AstraZeneca is partnering with Strand Life Sciences and Qure.ai.
WHAT HAPPENED TODAY
International Tiger Day 2026: 29 July 2026
Theme (2026): "Securing the Future of Tigers with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the Heart."
National Animal of India: Royal Bengal Tiger
Tiger Reserves in India (2026): 58 ,Largest Tiger Reserve: Nagarjunsagar–Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh),Smallest Tiger Reserve: Bor Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra)
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