Top 5 Current Affairs: 2 July 2020

Russians approve for new constitutional reforms, Vladimir Putin may stay Russia’s President till 2036

Russians have approved the constitutional changes on July 1, 2020, which were proposed by President Vladimir Putin led Russian government. These changes may allow President Putin to stay in power for another 16 years, till 2036. Russia went to poll for a nationwide referendum on newly proposed constitutional reforms.

India appoints Indra Mani Pandey as its Permanent Representative in UN, Geneva

Indra Mani Pandey has been appointed as the Permanent Representative of India in the United Nations, Geneva. He is a 1990 batch Indian Foreign Officer and will succeed Rajiv K Chander on the position. He will represent India in more than 25 UN organisations which include the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Australia launches a mega-billion 10-year defence plan amid rising tension in Indo-Pacific

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on July 1, 2020, launched 270 billion Australian dollars worth a 10-year defence plan. The country will be investing in air and sea-based long-range and hypersonic strike missiles. While launching the plan, the PM mentioned that Indo-Pacific is the epicenter of the rising strategic competition.

Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee and Prof. Raj Chetty are named among ‘2020 Great Immigrants’ Honorees

The Carnegie Corporation of New York has named Pulitzer Prize winner Siddhartha Mukherjee and Prof. Raj Chetty among the ‘2020 Great Immigrants’ Honoree. Through this honor, Carnegie Corporation recognizes an eminent group of citizens who have been making a difference in the American Society. The honorees will be recognized on America’s Independence Day which is on the Fourth of July.

India’s First Plasma Bank inaugurated by Delhi CM: Who can donate and How?

Delhi Chief Minister on July 2 inaugurated India’s first Plasma bank through Video Conference. The bank has been set up for the treatment of COVID-19 patients at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Science in Delhi. Plasma can be donated by the COVID-19 recovered patients. Delhi CM also made an appeal to all the recovered patients to come forwards and help in the treatment of other COVID-19 patients.