13 July 2023 Current Affairs – The Day’s Top News | GKSERIES
Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why; many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 13 July 2023, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.
So, here is the Top News of the Day for 13 July 2023 to help you prepare the Latest Current Affairs part. After reading this section, you can successfully attempt Current Affairs Quiz.
Current Affairs for Competitive Exam – 13 July 2023
SBI appoints Abhijit Chakravorty as SBI Card’s CEO
Abhijit Chakravorty has been named MD & CEO of SBI Cards & Payment Services (SBI Card), the country’s largest pure-play credit card provider. Chakravorty, who is now a Deputy Managing Director at SBI, will take over his new post on August 12, according to a filing with stock markets by SBI Card. He has been appointed as SBI Card’s MD&CEO for two years.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Incumbent MD & CEO Rama Mohan Rao Amara has tendered his resignation owing to his transfer to SBI. Amara will demit office on August 11.
Experiences
Chakravorty will take up his new post at a time when the Indian credit card sector is experiencing rapid development in terms of both volume and card spends. Chakravorty, who started his banking career as a Probationary Officer with SBI in 1988, has gained over 34 years of rich experience in Retail and Corporate Banking, Overseas Operations and IT verticals of the bank.
He also served at the Hongkong branch of the Bank. He had a long tenure in Commercial Credit Group and was involved in high value Corporate Lending. As CEO and Country Head, Chakravorty managed SBI’s Bangladesh operations.
In his previous assignment as Chief General Manager (Channels & Operations) at the Global IT Centre of the Bank, Chakravorty was leading the vertical responsible for IT operations of the customer-facing channels and payment systems. He holds a master’s degree in applied chemistry and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- SBI Card Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana;
- SBI Card Founded: October 1998.
Chandrayaan-3 Launch Date, Mission, Live Updates
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that India’s moon mission Chandrayaan 3 will launch on July 14 at 2:35 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.The date was later confirmed by Secretary of Space department and ISRO Chairman S. Somnath at a press briefing on the sidelines of the G-20 Fourth Economy Leaders Meeting in Bengluru.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Chandrayaan-3 Launch Countdown Live Updates
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) tweeted on Tuesday that the ‘Launch Rehearsal’ for Chandrayaan 3 had been completed successfully. The rehearsal involved a comprehensive simulation of the entire launch preparation and process, spanning 24 hours.
About the Chandrayaan 3
The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will be launched by the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3). Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-up to Chandrayaan-2, to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-up mission to Chandrayaan-2 that will demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe lunar landing and wandering. The Lander and Rover configurations make up Chandrayaan-3. Chandrayaan-3 will be launched by Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-3) from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Chandrayaan-3 is consists of Lander Module (LM), Propulsion Module (PM) and a Rover with an objective of developing and demonstrating new technologies required for Interplanetary Missions. The Lander and Rover are equipped with research payloads to conduct experiments on the lunar surface. The launcher for Chandrayaan-3 is designated as GSLV-MK3.
Process of launching of Chandrayaan 3
Chandrayaan-3 is expected to soft land between August 23 and 24 at moon’s South Pole, the area which will have sunlight. The spacecraft’s solar panels must be exposed to sunlight. If these two dates are not met, the landing will be postponed until September, when the moon will be illuminated. The moon is illuminated for 14-15 days.
Objectives of Chandrayaan-3
- To demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface.
- To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon.
- To conduct in-situ scientific experiments.
Technologies used in Chandrayaan-3
To achieve the objectives of the mission, several technologies are used in Lander and that are:
- Altimeters: Laser and RF based Altimeters.
- Velocimeters: Laser Doppler Velocimeter and Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera.
- Inertial Measurement: Laser Gyro based Inertial referencing and Accelerometer package.
- Propulsion System: 800N Throttleable Liquid Engines, 58N altitude thrusters and Throttleable Engine Control Electronics.
- Navigation, Guidance and Control: Powered descent trajectory design and associate software elements.
- Hazard Detection and Avoidance: Lander hazard detection & avoidance camera and processing algorithm.
- Landing Leg Mechanism.
Test carried out for soft landing of Chandrayaan 3
- Integrated Cold Test: The helicopter was used as a test platform for the demonstration of integrated sensors and navigation.
- Integrated Hot Test: For the demonstration of closed loop performance test with sensors, actuators and NGC using tower crane as test platform.
- Lander Leg Mechanism performance test on a lunar stimulant test bed simulating different touch down conditions.
Importance of the Chandrayaan 3 Mission
Missions such as Chandrayaan are significant because they involve numerous countries. These coordinated efforts promote scientific exchange and international friendship. There is a potential for future international cooperation in exploring the south-polar region of the Moon. This region contains craters that are perpetually shadowed and devoid of sunlight. These cold, shadowed sites are believed to contain hydrogen, water, ice, and possibly even primordial material that can provide insights into the origins of our Solar System. Additionally, the largest lunar crater is located in the south polar region, and its formation around 4 billion years ago remains a mystery. Exploring and understanding our celestial neighbor will greatly contribute to our understanding of the cosmos.
The question of why India should engage in such high-tech endeavours rather than focusing on widely available technologies for the public good may arise. The answer lies in the fact that these high-tech areas can indeed be used for the public good as well. Developing countries require knowledge in these areas to enhance the quality of life for their citizens. Space technologies have become indispensable for weather prediction, marine resource assessment, forest cover estimation, communication, defense, and various other domains. Every country must strike a balance between futuristic and immediately relevant technologies, allocating resources accordingly.
R. Chidambaram, a former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, once emphasized that active participation in emerging technologies positions a nation as a leader in that field, granting it leverage in international negotiations. This, in turn, enables a country to enhance its science and technology base, ultimately improving the lives of its citizens and elevating its prestige.
North Korea Launches Unspecified Ballistic Missile off East Coast
Why Unspecified Ballistic Missile in news?
North Korea has launched an unidentified ballistic missile off its eastern coast, according to remarks from the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea and the Japanese military. The missile launch came after North Korea issued a string of strongly worded complaints about US military operations, including accusations of airspace violations by American spy planes in its economic zones and condemnation of a visit by a US nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine to South Korea.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
In recent developments, North Korea successfully test-fired its inaugural solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this year, marking a significant advancement in its missile capabilities. North Korea also attempted but failed to launch its first spy satellite using a new launch vehicle. It is worth noting that UN Security Council resolutions expressly forbid North Korea from using ballistic missile technology, including for satellite launches. As a consequence of its missile and nuclear weapons programs, North Korea has faced sanctions imposed by the Security Council and several nations.
Overview of the News
- According to analysts, satellite images from commercial sources indicate that North Korea is preparing to showcase its military might, including a significant parade, during an upcoming holiday on July 27. This festival commemorates North Korea’s declaration of victory over the United States, South Korea, and their ally forces during the Korean War (1950-1953).
- The relationship between the two Koreas is currently experiencing a period of extreme tension, with diplomatic efforts stalled following unsuccessful attempts in recent years to engage in discussions regarding Pyongyang’s denuclearization.
Ballistic Missile
- It is a self-guided strategic-weapons system powered by a rocket that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch location to a predefined target.
- A ballistic trajectory is the path of an unpowered item, such as a missile, that moves only due to gravity and potentially atmospheric friction, with no significant lift to modify the course of flight. It can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.
- The International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (ICOC), now known as the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC), is a political initiative aimed at globally curbing ballistic missile proliferation.
India is a signatory to this convention
- The voluntary Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), established in April 1987, attempts to control the proliferation of ballistic missiles and other unmanned delivery systems that could be used for chemical, biological, and nuclear strikes. India has joined the MTCR.
Some of India’s Ballistic Missiles:
- Agni P Missile
- Shaurya Missile
- Prithvi Missile
- Dhanush Missile
- Sagarika Missile etc.
United States holds title for world’s most powerful military make new title
The United States has the most powerful military force in the world, according to Global Firepower, a famous statistics website specialising in defense-related information. Russia and China are closely followed in second and third place, respectively, with India in fourth place. The recently released 2023 Military Strength list, which evaluates over 60 factors, also highlights nations with comparatively weaker military forces such as Bhutan and Iceland.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Assessment of the report:
The assessment by Global Firepower takes into account various criteria, including the number of military units, financial resources, logistical capabilities, and geographical considerations, to determine each nation’s overall score. The study includes a list of 145 countries as well as a comparison of each country’s year-on-year rating changes.
- The top four nations remain as they were in the 2022 Global Firepower list. In a shift from the previous year’s rankings, the United Kingdom has advanced from eighth to fifth place in terms of military strength. South Korea retains its sixth position from last year.
- Notably, Pakistan has joined the top 10, taking seventh place. Japan and France, which were fifth and seventh, respectively, last year, have plummeted to eighth and ninth this year.
Here are the 10 nations with the most powerful militaries in the world:
| Rank | Country |
| 1 | United States |
| 2 | Russia |
| 3 | China |
| 4 | India |
| 5 | United Kingdom |
| 6 | South Korea |
| 7 | Pakistan |
| 8 | Japan |
| 9 | France |
| 10 | Italy |
Here are the 10 nations with the least powerful militaries in the world:
| Rank | Country |
| 1 | Bhutan |
| 2 | Benin |
| 3 | Moldova |
| 4 | Somalia |
| 5 | Liberia |
| 6 | Suriname |
| 7 | Belize |
| 8 | Central African Republic |
| 9 | Iceland |
| 10 | Sierra Leone |
President appoints two new judges in Supreme Court
The President has appointed Telangana Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Kerala Chief Justice S. Venkatanarayana Bhatti to the Supreme Court. These appointments were made shortly after the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, recommended their names to the government.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Overview of the news
- The two new appointments increase the judicial strength of the apex court to 33, leaving only one vacancy. Justice Bhuyan, who was appointed to the Gauhati High Court on October 17, 2011, had been the Chief Justice of Telangana since June 28 of last year.
- Justice Bhatti was appointed as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on April 12, 2013. The Collegium justified its selection of Justice Bhatti by stating that the High Court of Andhra Pradesh had not had any representation on the Supreme Court Bench since August 2022.
- Justice Bhatti was transferred to the High Court of Kerala in March 2019. He had been serving as Chief Justice there since June 1, 2023.
- The Collegium had noted that Justice Bhatti’s judgments dealt with a myriad range of issues from multiple branches of law, and “stand testimony to his legal acumen and competence”.
Experience of Justice Mishra
- Justice Bhatti was appointed to the Andhra Pradesh High Court on April 12, 2013 and is the senior-most judge in his parent High Court.
- He was transferred to the Kerala High Court in March 2019 and is presently serving as Chief Justice there since June 1, 2023.
Experience of Justice Viswanathan
Justice Bhuyan is currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court while Justice Bhatti is the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court. Justice Bhuyan’s parent High Court is the Gauhati High Court. On October 17, 2011, he was appointed as a judge of the Gauhati High Court. He is the most senior judge on his parent High Court and has been Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court since June 28, 2022.
What is a Collegium System and How Did It Evolve?
The Collegium System of Supreme Court is one of the very important topics in understanding the appointment of the Supreme Court judges and the judicial system. It is the system of appointment and transfer of judges that has evolved through judgments of the SC, and not by an Act of Parliament or by a provision of the Constitution.
Who heads the Collegium System?
The Supreme Court’s Collegium System is led by the CJI (Chief Justice of India) and includes four of the court’s most senior judges. A High Court collegium is led by the current Chief Justice and two other of the court’s most senior judges. Judges of the higher judiciary are appointed only through the collegium system and the government has a role only after names have been decided by the collegium.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Supreme Court of India HQ: New Delhi;
- Supreme Court of India Established: 26 January 1950.
UP govt approves two thermal power projects with NTPC
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the development of two “Obra D” thermal power projects in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. These projects, each having an 800MW capacity, aim to solve rising power demand and deliver cheaper electricity to the state’s residents. The power plants will be built using ultra-supercritical technology, which offers high efficiency and reduced coal consumption. The projects will be executed in collaboration with the central government-owned power generator NTPC.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Enhancing Power Generation Capacity
The two thermal power projects in Sonbhadra’s Obra district would boost Uttar Pradesh’s power producing capacity greatly. With each plant having an 800MW capacity, the total power generation capacity will increase by 1,600MW. The implementation of these projects is expected to contribute approximately 25% to the current thermal power generation capacity of the state, which currently stands at about 7,000MW.
Ultra-Supercritical Technology
The Obra D thermal power projects will be the first of their kind in the state, utilizing ultra-supercritical technology. This cutting-edge technology operates at temperatures and pressures above the critical point of water, resulting in increased efficiency and lower coal use for the same amount of power generation. By adopting state-of-the-art technology, the projects aim to optimize power production and minimize costs.
Timeline and Implementation
The construction of the two thermal power projects in Sonbhadra’s Obra district is estimated to be completed in a span of 50 months for the first unit and 56 months for the second unit. The government has already allocated 500 acres of land for the projects, with the possibility of additional land allotment if required. The projects will be carried out on a 50:50 basis by the Uttar Pradesh government and NTPC. While 30% of the equity would go towards project implementation, the remaining 70% will come from financial institutions.
Power Hubs of the Country
The decision to establish power plants in Obra and Anpara regions as power hubs of the country stems from the aim to meet the growing energy demands in Uttar Pradesh. Power demand in the state reached a record high of 27,000MW during the peak summer season, emphasising the need for greater power generating capacity. The state government hopes to secure a steady and consistent power supply to meet the expanding demands of industry, businesses, and families by building these power projects.
Key takeaways for competitive examination
- Chairman & Managing Director of National Thermal Power Corporation: Gurdeep Singh
Mobile-Dost-App launched in Jammu and Kashmir
A path-breaking Mobile-Dost-App was launched in sync with the integrated vision of Apka-Mobile-Hamara-Daftar as a pioneering initiative for mobile-based delivery and sharing of citizen-centric services in Jammu, one of the Union Territories of India. and Kashmir. This remarkable event marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the region, bringing unparalleled convenience and accessibility to the residents of Jammu & Kashmir in terms of mobility in accessing online services.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Mobile-Dost-App aims to empower the citizens by providing them with a comprehensive platform to access citizen services (G2C) directly from their mobile devices. With just a few taps, residents can now effortlessly avail themselves of numerous services, enhancing their daily lives and fostering an efficient, effective and transparent governance system.
L&T signs Master Ship Repair Agreement with US Navy
Larsen & Toubro has signed the Master Shipyard Repair Agreement with the US Navy to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in the defense sector.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
L&T’ Kattupalli Shipyard, near Chennai, a major node in the Southern Defence Corridor, has been undertaking voyage repairs of the Military Sealift Command vessels.
USNS Salvor ship was received at Kattupalli Shipyard for voyage repairs.
This is the third US ship coming to the shipyard for voyage repairs.
415 million people exited poverty in India in 15 years: UN report
According to the latest Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), by UNDP, around 415 million people exited poverty within a span of just 15 years between 2005 and 2021 in India.
India is also one of the 25 countries that have successfully halved their global MPI values within 15 years.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Some of the other countries that have achieved this include China, Cambodia, Congo, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Serbia and Vietnam. According to the UNDP statement, this analysis is based on trends from 2000 to 2022 covering 81 countries with comparable data over time.
The global MPI monitors both poverty reduction and how people experience poverty in different aspects of their daily lives — from access to education and health, to living standards such as housing, drinking water, sanitation, and electricity. It monitors both poverty reduction and how people experience poverty in different aspects of their daily lives.
Odisha govt approved Kui language inclusion in 8th schedule
Odisha state cabinet approved a proposal to recommend the inclusion of the Kui language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution of India.
Aim: Help in the preservation, promotion, and propagation of the language and culture.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
About Kui Language:
Kui is a South-Eastern Dravidian language spoken by the Kandha community. It is primarily spoken in the state of Odisha. Kui is traditionally written using the Odia script, which is also used for writing the Odia language.
- Kui (also known as Kandh, Khondi, Khond, Khondo), is a South-Eastern Dravidian language spoken by the Kandha community.
- It is primarily spoken in the state of Odisha.
- It is closely related to other languages in the Dravidian family, such as Gondi and Kuvi. It was also referred to as the Kuinga language during the historical period.
- With 941,988 registered native speakers, it figures at rank 29 in the 1991 Indian census.
- Script: Kui is traditionally written using the Odia script, which is also used for writing the Odia language.
France will join Britain in supplying long-range SCALP missiles to Ukraine
France President Emmanuel Macron has informed that France would join Britain in supplying long-range SCALP missiles to Ukraine.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
This announcement was made at a summit of the NATO alliance in Lithuania.
Reason: To boost military aid to Ukraine to help its counteroffensive
SCALP missile is equipped with inertial, GPS, and terrain-referencing navigation, and its pre-set target systems make it highly resistant.
About NATO:
Founded: 4 April 1949
HQ: Brussels, Belgium
Preeti Aghalayam to become first woman director of IIT, to led IIT Zanzibar
IIT Madras is all set to open its first offshore campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The campus will be led by Preeti Aghalayam, an alumna of IIT Madras and a professor in the Chemical Engineering department. Aghalayam is the first woman to be appointed as the director of an IIT campus.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
She is an IIT Madras alumna and professor in the Department of chemical engineering.
The campus is scheduled to commence its first academic session in October 2023. It will offer a four-year bachelor of science degree in data science and artificial intelligence, as well as a two-year master of technology degree in the same discipline.
Recently, India and Tanzania inked an MoU, which facilitated IIT Madras to launch its first international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania’. The institute would offer two full-time academic programs and the applications for admission are already open.
India tops the medal tally at the 34th International Biology Olympiad, UAE
India topped the medals tally at the 34th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2023 held in Al Ain, UAE from 3 July to 11 July 2023.
This is the first time that India won all gold medals at IBO and also the first time that India has topped the medals tally at the Olympiad.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
The students this year were:
- Dhruv Advani from Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Ishan Pednekar from Kota, Rajasthan
- Megh Chhabda from Jalna, Maharashtra
- Rohit Panda from Risali, Chattisgarh
RBI cancels licence of 2 cooperative banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of two cooperative banks — Sri Sharada Mahila Co-operative Bank, Tumkur, Karnataka and Harihareshwar Sahakari Bank, Wai, Satara.
Reason: As the lenders do not have adequate capital and earning prospects.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
About 99.96% of the depositors of Harihareshwar Sahakari Bank and 97.82% of the depositors of Sri Sharada Mahila Co-operative Bank are entitled to receive the full amount of their deposits from DICGC.
In the case of Sri Sharada Mahila Co-operative Bank, about 97.82 per cent of the depositors are entitled to receive the full amount of their deposits from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
Elon Musk Reveals xAI to Challenge OpenAI
Elon Musk, the well-known billionaire entrepreneur known for his achievements in electric vehicles, space exploration, and social media, has announced the launch of his highly awaited artificial intelligence business, xAI. The primary objective of the company is to disrupt the dominance of major technology corporations in the AI industry, with a particular focus on developing an alternative to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Musk has consistently advocated for caution and regulation as AI technology advances. He has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the potential risks of uncontrolled advancement, emphasizing the possibility of “civilizational destruction.” In response to these concerns, xAI will adopt a distinct approach to prioritize the safety of its AI systems.
Overview of the news:
In March, Musk registered a new company called X.AI Corp, based in Nevada, with himself as the sole director. This move indicates Musk’s dedication to exploring AI technology further. Musk previously hinted at the launch of TruthGPT, an AI model focused on seeking maximum truth, aiming to rival Google’s Bard and Microsoft’s Bing AI, both designed to understand the universe’s intricacies.
The release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November of the previous year, preceding the launch of Bard and Bing AI, drew major attention to the emergence of generative AI. These chatbots demonstrated AI’s ability to generate human-like text responses. To ensure a comprehensive approach to AI safety, xAI will benefit from the guidance of Dan Hendrycks, director of the Center for AI Safety. Hendrycks specialises in analysing the risks associated with AI systems. Although xAI is a separate entity from X Corp, Musk’s involvement in various influential companies such as Twitter and Tesla suggests a close collaboration between xAI and these ventures.
As xAI moves forward, the company is already actively looking for qualified engineers and researchers to join its team in the San Francisco Bay Area.