Top 5 Current Affairs: 13 July

Mithali Raj becomes first player to score 6000 runs in women’s ODI cricket

Mithali Raj, the captain of women’s cricket team, has scripted history by becoming the only female cricketer to surpass the 6000 run mark in One-Day Internationals (ODI). Mithali overtook Charlotte Edwards (5992) after scoring her 34th run against Australia in Bristol. The 34-year-old reached the landmark in her 183rd ODI, taking 164 innings - 16 less than Edwards. She is also the first player to score 7 consecutive 50s in ODIs.

In a first, India grants Rupees 3.2 crore aid to the Philippines to fight ISIS

India has granted USD 500000 to the Philippines for the rehabilitation and relief efforts in war-torn Marawi City. The immediate assistance to the Philippines was announced on 11 July 2017 on the Facebook account of the Indian embassy in Manila. It is the first time that India is sending financial aid to another country affected by terrorism.

China sends troops to open first overseas military base in Djibouti

China has flagged-off its troops to Djibouti in advance of formally establishing the country's first overseas military base. At the same time, Djibouti’s position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worries in India; as a base in Djibouti would help China’s “string of pearls” of military alliances and assets ringing India. A small but strategically located country in the Horn of Africa is the latest security concern for India. The dragon stated that the base will aid in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions but that is not how India views it.

Army empowered to directly procure critical weapons systems

Reports are there that the Union Government has empowered the Army to directly procure critical weapons systems and military platforms to maintain combat readiness for short duration intense wars. In addition to this, the Army vice-chief Sarath Chand has been given the full financial powers to procure ammunitions. As part of the decision, the Army has been allowed to procure 46 types of ammunition and spares for 10 different types of weapons systems.

Saudi Arabia approves physical education for girls in state schools

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education (MoE) has approved a physical education program at girls’ schools starting in the coming academic year. Education Minister Ahmed Al-Issa issued a decree on 11 July 2017 saying, “The program will be compliant with Islamic rules and will be implemented in the 2017-2018 school year.” The decision comes after three months of intensive studies by a specialised team commissioned by the minister to review all directives and recommendations in this regard.