15 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 15 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 15 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 – 15 July 2023
INS Sunayna participated in CMF Ex ‘Op Southern Readiness-2023’
INS Sunayna was at Seychelles from 10-12 Jul 23 to participate in Op Southern Readiness 2023 conducted by Combined Maritime Forces(CMF). The visit was aimed at strengthening multilateral ties and enhancing cooperation through CMF exercise which is a multinational initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security, countering piracy to ensure safety and freedom of navigation in the region.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
It is a multinational initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security, countering piracy to ensure the region’s safety and freedom of navigation.
Participating Navies: USA, Italy, UK, Seychelles Defence Forces & Marine Police, EUNAVFOR members.
PM Modi receives France’s highest award Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
During the visit to France, PM Modi was honoured with France’s highest civilian and military honour, ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour’, by French President Emmanuel Macron. The award was presented to PM Modi by President Emmanuel Macron following a private dinner hosted by the French leader at the Élysée Palace in Paris. PM Modi has thanked President Macron for this singular honour on behalf of the people of India, the external affairs ministry said on Friday.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
With this honour, he also becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this honour. He also joined the French National Day (July 14) celebrations as the Guest of Honour.
“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest award, on 13 July 2023, by H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France. Prime Minister thanked President Macron for this singular honour on behalf of the people of India,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in the statement.
Other awardees: Nelson Mandela, King Charles, Angela Merkel, Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
Justice Alexander Thomas appointed as acting Chief Justice of Kerala HC
The Central Government has notified the appointment of Justice Alexander Thomas as acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
He has replaced Chief Justice SV Bhatti, who was transferred to the Supreme Court.
He was appointed additional judge of the Kerala High Court on January 23, 2014, and was made a permanent judge on March 10, 2016.
He served as a government pleader (1996-1998) and senior government pleader (1998-2001) in the High Court of Kerala.
Nelson Mandela International Day 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History
Every year on July 18, Nelson Mandela Day is honoured. The United Nations (UN) designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela Day in 2009 to recognise Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid leader who served as the country’s first President from 1994 to 1999. Mandela was the first black head of state and was the first elected President in a fully democratic election in South Africa. The Day will also shed light on his interim attempts to destroy multiracial democracy in South Africa. This article accurately describes the history and significance of this day.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
The day was first celebrated on July 18, 2010, the 92nd birthday of Mandela, to honour the achievements of the anti-apartheid leader. To mark the first celebration of Mandela Day, fundraising programs, art exhibitions and music concerts were organised.
Theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2023
With the theme Climate, Food & Solidarity, we are calling on our partners and the public to take action against climate change and create food-resilient environments in solidarity with communities across the world facing crisis due to climate change. “It’s in your hands” is this year’s call to action.
Significance of Nelson Mandela International Day 2023
Nelson Mandela Day signifies the importance of serving humankind and working for those who cannot fight on their own. Mandela Day is a global call to action which celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to bring a change and make an impact on society. This day plays a significant role in honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the former South African President. This day, often known as ‘46664,’ was created to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. 46664 was a series of AIDS benefit concerts played in honour of Nelson Mandela by South African and foreign musicians between 2003 and 2008.
History of Nelson Mandela International Day
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 as ‘Nelson Mandela International Day to recognise the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom in society. He was not simply the first democratically elected black president, but a man with grand ambitions to change the the world.
This day acknowledges his fight against poverty, gender inequality, racism, and the abolition of human rights. UN’s resolution A/RES/64/13 observes Mandela’s values and his lifelong dedication to the service of humanity.
Australia picks first female central bank head to shepherd through reform
Australia has appointed the first female head of its central bank, passing over the current governor to elevate his deputy to the high-profile job amid a public backlash over steeply rising interest rates. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Michele Bullock would lead the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for the next seven years, after Governor Philip Lowe declined to be reappointed for a second term. Bullock, 60, joined the RBA in 1985 with a masters from the London School of Economics and is widely respected by analysts.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Why Philip Lowe not reappointed?
Lowe’s 43-year tenure at the bank will come to an end on September 17. Lowe’s decision comes as Chalmers prepares to attend a Group of 20 conference in India next week. The government has been under pressure to dump Lowe for encouraging people to borrow during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 by saying interest rates were unlikely to rise until 2024, only to start hiking two years early in mid-2022. Since then, the central bank has raised rates 12 times to a decade high of 4.1%, adding hundreds of dollars to monthly mortgage payments at a time when the cost of living is already straining household budgets.
About the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
The RBA is currently undertaking the biggest reorganisation in decades after an independent review into its operations recommended sweeping changes to the way policy was formulated and communicated. The Reserve Bank of Australia is Australia’s central bank and banknote issuing authority. It has served in this capacity since 14 January 1960, when the Reserve Bank Act 1959 abolished the Commonwealth Bank’s central banking duties.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Reserve Bank of Australia Capital: Canberra;
- Reserve Bank of Australia Prime minister: Anthony Albanese;
- Reserve Bank of Australia Currency: Australian dollar ($) (AUD).
Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission bags SKOCH Award 2023
The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) has bagged the SKOCH Award under the theme “State of Governance India 2047” in Gold category for its outstanding efforts in creating marketing avenues for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Union Territory.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
The SKOCH award marks a significant milestone for JKRLM, being the first award received since the inception of the scheme.
It represents a remarkable accomplishment for the organization. The JKRLM has introduced several groundbreaking initiatives that have transformed the lives of countless women associated with Self Help Groups. The AVSAR scheme, Umeed Women’s Haat, and District Rural Haat, SHG products available on e-commerce platforms are prime examples of these initiatives, which have not only provided a platform for SHGs to showcase their products but have also opened up new marketing avenues for them.
China launches world’s first methane-fuelled space rocket
A private Chinese company has launched the world’s first methane-liquid oxygen space rocket into orbit.
The Zhuque-2 carrier rocket blasted off at 9am local time (01:00 GMT) on Wednesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, and “completed the flight mission according to the procedure”, state media reported.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
The rocket successfully delivered a test payload into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), the first in the world to make such an achievement.
Methane-powered engines, with their high performance and low operational costs, are particularly suited for the developing trend of reusable rockets.
Razorpay launches first international payment gateway in Malaysia
Fintech unicorn Razorpay has launched its first international payment gateway for the Malaysian market with Curlec.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
In February 2022, Razorpay acquired a majority stake in the Malaysia-based startup which is now known as Curlec by Razorpay. The company currently works with over 700 Malaysian businesses, including Tune Protect, CTOS, Courts, Mary Kay and The National Kidney Foundation. “The new Curlec payment gateway will serve more than 5,000 businesses with a target of RM10 billion ($2 billion) in annualized gross transaction value (GTV) by 2025,” Razorpay said in its statement.
Aim: To widen its reach in the international markets and make its capabilities available in emerging markets.
As per the report, digital trade in Malaysia contributes 22.6% to the country’s GDP and is expected to rise to 25.5% by 2025.
Inauguration of ‘Sagar Sampark’ DGNSS by Sarbananda Sonowal
About the News
- Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, launched Sagar Sampark, an indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS), with the goal of promoting digitization in the marine domain.
- Sagar Sampark’s primary objective is to improve the precision of positioning data by rectifying errors and inaccuracies found in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
- Sagar Sampark will provide precise information to improve ship safety, reducing the possibility of collisions, groundings, and accidents in ports and harbours. As a result, it will facilitate the secure and streamlined movement of vessels.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Sagar Sampark, India’s Indigenous DGNSS, Enhances Accuracy and Promotes Safety
- Sagar Sampark, an indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS), serves as a terrestrial-based improvement system for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
- This rectification process significantly improves the accuracy of positioning information, enabling mariners to navigate with greater precision.
- By leveraging multiple satellite constellations such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Sagar Sampark enables mariners to improve their positioning accuracy within 5 meters.
- By mitigating atmospheric interferences, satellite clock drift, and other factors, Sagar Sampark, India’s indigenous DGNSS, markedly enhances the precision of GPS positioning. For a distance of 100 nautical miles (NM) from the Indian coastlines, the error correction accuracy has been improved from 5 to 10 metres to less than 5 metres. This is achieved through the utilization of state-of-the-art technology receivers and regularly updated software.
The initiation of Sagar Sampark at six locations aims to assist the Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) in delivering radio aids for maritime navigation to ships. Sagar Sampark will enable the smooth and effective transportation of vessels while ensuring security.
Key takeaways for competitive examinations
- Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways: Shri N. Muruganandam
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) Report, 2022
On July 17, 2023, NITI Aayog will release the third edition of the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for Indian States/UTs for the year 2022. This index assesses the export performance of Indian states and UTs, considering the global trade context in FY22. The report emphasises the significance of developing districts as export centres and undertakes a district-level examination of the country’s merchandise exports.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Understanding the Export Preparedness Index (EPI):
The EPI serves as a comprehensive tool to measure the export preparedness of Indian states and UTs. It recognizes that exports play a crucial role in stimulating economic growth and development. The index assesses states and UTs based on a variety of export-related characteristics, with the goal of identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The methodology of the index is continually refined based on stakeholder feedback, making the rankings of this edition not directly comparable to previous editions. Nevertheless, the EPI aims to provide insights that drive policy changes to address specific challenges faced by states and UTs.
EPI assess the performance of the States and UTs across four pillars:
Pillar 1: Policy Pillar
The Policy Pillar assesses states and UTs based on their adoption of export-related policies at both the state and district levels. It also assesses the institutional framework that supports the export ecosystem. This pillar is concerned with comprehending the policy ecology and its implications for export performance.
Pillar 2: Business Ecosystem
The Business Ecosystem Pillar evaluates the prevailing business environment within a state/UT, considering factors such as business-supportive infrastructure and transport connectivity. The purpose of this pillar is to examine the entire business climate and its impact on export activity.
Pillar 3: Export Ecosystem
The Export Ecosystem Pillar focuses on the export-related infrastructure within a state/UT. It examines the trade support provided to exporters and the prevalence of Research and Development (R&D) to foster innovation. This pillar is intended to assess the state’s efforts to promote exports through infrastructure development and innovation.
Pillar 4: Export Performance
The Export Performance Pillar measures the output-based indicators of a state’s export growth compared to the previous year. It analyzes the concentration and footprint of a state’s exports in global markets. This pillar provides a comprehensive picture of a state/UT’s export preparedness and encourages peer-learning among them to promote competitive federalism.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)
Southern Railway has taken an important step towards improving station facilities by identifying 90 stations for upgrading under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). The scheme aims to prepare master plans for these stations and implement them in a phased manner.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023
Developmental Division Distribution
Each of the six divisions within the Southern Railway network has identified 15 stations for development, totaling 90 stations. This strategic allocation ensures that development initiatives are distributed equitably across the region.
Master Plans and Tendering
Master plans for all 90 stations have been prepared by a consultant and approved by the Railway administration. The identified work has been classified in Phase I, and tenders for development projects for 35 stations have been awarded. The process of finalizing tenders is in its final stages for the remaining stations.
Inaugural Phase: Focus on Chennai, Salem, Tiruchirapalli, and Madurai Divisions
Among the 90 stations, 60 fall within the divisions of Chennai, Salem, Tiruchirapalli, and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. This first phase emphasises the commitment to improving the stations within these divisions.
Stations in Chennai Identified for Facelift
Several stations in Chennai have been identified for a significant facelift, including Beach, Park, Guindy, St Thomas Mount, Guduvancherry, Ambattur, Perambur, and Tiruvallur. A total of Rs 251.97 crore has been allocated from the overall project fund of Rs 934 crore for the completion of 45 improvement works in the Chennai zone.
What is the Distance between Earth and Moon?
The Earth-Moon distance is 384,400 kilometres (238,855 miles) on average. This is approximately 30 times the diameter of the Earth. Because the Moon’s orbit is elliptical, the distance between the two bodies varies slightly. The Moon’s closest approach to Earth is called the perigee. At perigee, the Moon is about 363,104 kilometers (225,623 miles) from Earth. The Moon’s farthest point from Earth is called the apogee. At apogee, the Moon is about 405,696 kilometers (252,088 miles) away.
Important point you must know about the Moon
The Effect on Tides and Eclipses
The distance between the Moon and Earth has a considerable impact on the intensity of ocean tides. When the Moon is closest to Earth, its gravitational attraction is stronger, causing the tides to rise. When the Moon is farthest from Earth, the gravitational pull is weaker, which causes the tides to be lower.
The Moon’s distance from Earth also affects the appearance of solar eclipses. When the Moon is at perigee, it appears larger in the sky, which means that it can completely block out the Sun during a solar eclipse. When the Moon is at apogee, it appears smaller in the sky, which means that it may only partially block out the Sun during a solar eclipse.
The Changing Distance
The Moon’s distance from Earth changes all the time due to the Sun’s and other planets’ gravitational influence. However, the average distance between the two bodies has remained relatively constant for billions of years.
The Formation of the Moon
The Moon is the only natural satellite of Earth. It is thought to have formed about 4.5 billion years ago, when a large object collided with Earth. The impact ejected a large amount of debris into space, which eventually coalesced to form the Moon.
The Future of the Moon
For scientists and engineers, the Moon is a significant resource. It can be used to learn about the solar system’s history, develop new technologies, and explore other worlds. The Moon is a truly unique and special place, and we are only beginning to understand its full potential.