17 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 17 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 17 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 – 17 July 2023

World Day for International Justice 2023: Date, Theme, Significance and History

Every year on July 17, the International Criminal Court (ICC) honours International Criminal Justice Day. This notable event marks the approval of the Rome Statute, which formed the ICC, on July 17, 1998. The court’s primary mission is to safeguard individuals from atrocities like genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. On this day, people all across the world come together to demand justice, advocate for victims’ rights, and work together to prevent crimes that threaten global peace, security, and prosperity.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Theme of World Day for International Justice 2023

The theme of World Day for International Justice 2023 is not known yet.

Significance of World Day for International Justice 2023

The significance of the World Day for International Justice is to increase public awareness about the ICC, its mandate, and the significance of justice in the fight against impunity for serious international crimes. It provides an opportunity to advance human rights, the rule of law, and the prosecution of significant international crimes. The day is celebrated to support and help the victims who have endured suffering as a result of different atrocities, and works to uphold their rights.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) observes World Day for International Justice to raise awareness about egregious human rights violations and the critical role of the ICC in addressing them. This is an excellent chance to emphasise the significance of supporting the rule of law, protecting human rights, and opposing impunity for those responsible for such atrocities. The day also acknowledges the challenges faced by victims of these heinous acts and underscores the necessity of protecting their rights and ensuring that their voices are heard and acknowledged.

History and Significance of World Day for International Justice

According to the International Criminal Court (ICC), “17 July is the Day of International Criminal Justice. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998, the founding treaty of the ICC, which seeks to protect people from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. “17 July brings together all those who want to support justice, promote victims’ rights, and help prevent crimes that threaten the world’s peace, security, and well-being.”

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 enlighten his transitional steps to defeat multiracial democracy in South Africa. This article entitles the history and significance of this day authentically.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

The day was first observed on July 18, 2010, Mandela’s 92nd birthday, to commemorate the anti-apartheid leader’s achievements. 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. This year, the call to action is, “It’s in your hands”.

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 is important in honouring Nelson Mandela’s legacy as 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 only the first democratically elected black president but also a man with colossal dreams to transform 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.

Wimbledon 2023 Final: Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic

Wimbledon 2023 men’s singles final in which Carlos Alcaraz beat four-time defending champion Novak Djokovic 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to win his maiden title at The Championships. The action on the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club’s Centre Court in London, England.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

On women’s singles

Marketa Vondrousova wins Wimbledon, becoming the Open Era’s first unseeded champion. In the final, she defeats last year’s runner-up Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-4. Marketa Vonddrousova is the first unseeded player to do so in the Open Era.

Here is the Complete List of Winners in Different Categories:

Wimbledon Championships 2023

The Wimbledon Championships 2023 is a Grand Slam tennis tournament that takes place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom. The tournament will be played on grass courts, with all main draw matches to be played from Jun 26–Jul 16, 2023, at the All England lawn tennis and croquet club, Wimbledon. The 2023 Championships will be the 136th edition, the 129th staging of the Ladies’ Singles Championship event, the 55th in the Open Era, and the year’s third Grand Slam competition.

Wimbledon 2023 Prize Money

Men’s and Women’s Doubles prize money Total amounts for each team in £= Pound

Winner – £600,000

Runner-up – £300,000

How much players earn by round

Winner: £2,350,000

Runner-up: £1,175,000

Semi-Finalists: £600,000

Quarter-Finalists: £340,000

Fourth Round: £207,000

Third Round: £131,000

Second Round: £85,000

First Round: £55,000

Total prize money: £32,154,000

Project Gajah Kotha Launched in Assam

Assam has initiated the “Gajah Kotha” campaign, involving over 1,200 people and advocating cooperation, in an effort to ameliorate the rising human-elephant conflict (HEC). This programme focuses on HEC-affected communities in eastern Assam, with the goal of educating villagers on the behaviour, ecology, and cultural value of elephants in the region, with an emphasis on conservation. Spearheaded by Aaranyak, a prominent wildlife NGO based in Guwahati, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust and the Assam Forest Department, and with support from the Darwin Initiative, this initiative demonstrates their dedication to fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Advancements made thus far

So far, the campaigns have taken place at different venues such as Haladhibari, Jaborchuk Kathoni, Gazera, Gazera High School, Ujani Majuli Kherkatia High School, Pub Majuli Kherkatia High School, Jaborchuk Basa, and Jopanchuk in Majuli. Aaranyak has collaborated with various local organizations to actively involve community members and nurture future advocates in each area affected by human-elephant conflict (HEC). Through these collaborations, organisations and community members were able to interact with Aaranyak experts, exchanging ideas on creative techniques that foster happy coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Assam’s Thriving Elephant Population and the Urgency for Sustainable Coexistence

With a flourishing elephant population of nearly 5,000 Asiatic elephants, Assam holds the second position in India in terms of elephant numbers, just behind Karnataka. Nonetheless, the region faces escalating conflicts as a result. The encroachment on natural habitats, fragmentation of forests, and insufficient management of elephant corridors have all played a role in exacerbating these conflicts, highlighting the vital importance of initiatives such as “Gajah Kotha” in promoting a sustainable coexistence.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Chief Minister of Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma

The first GSI survey of the Siachen

Context:

In June, 1958, the First Geological Survey of India (GSI) of the Siachen took place by an Indian geologist, V.K. Raina.

What’s in News?

The first Geological Survey of India (GSI) of the Siachen Glacier took place in June 1958, led by V.K. Raina, an Indian Geologist.

This survey is of historical and geostrategic significance as it disapproves the notion that Pakistan had control over the glacier since its inception.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

What is Geological Survey?

Geological Survey examines an area to determine its rocks masses, mineral resources and formations.

Geological Survey is often conducted by a governmental bureau.

Siachen Glacier:

• The Siachen Glacier is the glacier located in the eastern Karakoram range in the
• It is just northeast of the point NJ9842 where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends.
• It is the longest glacier in Karakoram.
• It is the second longest glacier in the world’s non-polar areas.
• It falls from an altitude of 5,753m above sea level at its head by Indira Col on the India-China Border.

Unique Features of Siachen Glacier:

• Siachen Glacier is the longest glacier in the Karakoram Range which is 78 km long.
• It is the second longest glacier in the world’s non-polar areas.
• Since 1948, Siachen has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan.
• The Indian Army initiated operation ‘Meghadoot’ to gain control over the entire Siachen Glacier.
• The melting waters of the glacier are the primary source of the Nubra River in the Indian region of Ladakh.
• The Nubra River flows into the Shyok River which eventually joins the Indus River in Pakistan.
• India has constructed the world’s highest helipad, known as Point Sonam, at an elevation of 21,000 feet (6,400m) to support its troops on the glacier.
• The world’s highest telephone booth has also been set up by India on the Siachen Glacier.

Reason behind Pakistan not asserting its claim over the Glacier:

During the period of Survey, Pakistan did not protest or show interest despite the India presence. This could be because of two reasons:

• Karachi ceasefire agreement of 1949: Both countries were following the terms of Karachi ceasefire agreement of 1949, which clearly outlined the ceasefire line, including up to the glaciers and agreed to mutually demarcate it.
• While the region beyond NJ 9842 was awaiting mutual demarcation, it was clear that if the agreed line extended north to the glacier intended, that region would still be part of Indian territory.
• As exploration and scientific visits did not pose a threat or indicate a breach of the agreement by either side, they were not given significance importance.

Israel Parliament Approves Bill Limiting Supreme Court’s Power

Israel’s parliament approved a bill in its first reading that aims to limit the Supreme Court’s oversight powers.

An Overview of the News

The bill received a majority of 64 to 56 in favor of the proposed limit, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right ruling coalition overwhelming the opposition.

The bill is part of a controversial judicial reform initiated by Netanyahu’s government, raising concerns about the erosion of checks and balances within the government system.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

The bill still needs two more votes to become law. With Netanyahu’s ruling coalition holding a 64-seat majority in parliament, the bill is likely to pass. If this happens, there is a possibility of intensifying the protests.

The Bill aims to limit the power of the Supreme Court to invalidate decisions taken by the government, ministries and elected officials as unreasonable.

About Israel

• Capital – Jerusalem
• Prime Minister – Benjamin Netanyahu
• Official language – Hebrew

A renowned Marathi film actor Ravindra Mahajani passed away.

Marathi film actor Ravindra Mahajani has passed away at the age of 74.

He was living alone in the Ambi area of Pune. He acted in many Marathi, Hindi, and Gujarati films.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

He made his debut with Marathi Film Zunj (झुंज) in 1975. Lakshmi (लक्ष्मी),Duniya Kari Salaam (दुनिया करी सलाम) , Gondhalat Gondhal (गोंधळात गोंधळ) are some of his popular films.

Guinness World Record Created for Lambani Art at the 3rd G20 Culture Working Group Meeting.

As part of the third G20 culture working group (CWG) meeting in Hampi, a Guinness world record was created for the ‘largest display of Lambani items’.

On July 10, a Guinness World Record was created for displaying a total of 1755 Lambani items.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

This record has been made under the ‘Culture Unites All’ campaign of the Culture Working Group, Ministry of Culture. More than 450 Lambani women artisans and cultural practitioners associated with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra Kendra (SKKK) came together to create these items using GI-tagged Sandur Lambani embroidery having 1755 patchworks.

This World Record endeavour is in accordance with the PM’s campaign of Mission ‘LiFe’ (Lifestyle for environment). Sandur Kushal Kala Kendra (SKKK) is aiming to revive traditional crafts and enhance the livelihoods of craftswomen by nurturing their skills.

Lambani Art:

Lambani embroidery is prevalent in several villages of Karnataka such as Sandur, Keri Tanda, Mariyammanahalli, etc. It is mainly performed by skilled women of the Lambani community for their livelihood.

Lambani crafts involve skillfully stitching together small pieces of discarded cloth to make beautiful clothes. It is a combination of colourful threads, mirror work, and a rich array of stitch patterns. Lambani art is also known as Banjara embroidery.

Yashasvi Jaiswal made history by becoming the first Indian opener to score a Test century on debut overseas.

Jaiswal became the 17th Indian, and the third designated opener to score a century on Test debut.

However, he is the first Indian opener to Make a century in his first Test away from home.

Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw made their maiden Test centuries against Australia and West Indies at Mohali and Rajkot respectively. Jaiswal is only the fifth Indian to score a century on Test debut overseas.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

In 1959, the first player to do so was Abbas Ali Baig against England. The others are Surinder Amarnath at Auckland in 1976, Pravin Amre against South Africa at Durban in 1992, Sourav Ganguly against England at Lord’s in 1996, and Virender Sehwag against South Africa at Bloemfontein in 2001.

At the age of 21 years and 196 days, Jaiswal became the fourth youngest Indian after Prithvi Shaw, Abbas Ali Baig, and Gundappa Vishwanath to score a century on his Test debut.

Before Jaiswal, the last Indian to score a century on debut was Shreyas Iyer against New Zealand in 2021.

Eastern Cross Taxiways, and the fourth runway inaugurated by Scindia at Delhi airport

On 14 July, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways and the fourth runway at the Delhi airport.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), is the largest airport in the country, which handles over 1,500 aircraft movements every day.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

The Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT) is 2.1 kilometers long and will reduce the time spent by passengers on the tarmac after landing and before take-off of flights.

With the ECT, this airport will be the only airport in India to have an elevated taxiway with roads passing beneath it. The ECT will connect the northern and southern airfields on the eastern side of the airport and reduce the taxiing distance for aircraft by seven kilometers.

It can handle wide-body aircraft, including A-380 and B-777 and B-747. IGIA will now have four runways including RW 09/27, RW 11R/29L, RW 10/28, and RW 11L/29R. The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which is a consortium led by GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd, operates IGIA.

India and France decided to co-develop the jet engine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Both countries announced that they will extend their defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies. They will co-develop the combat aircraft engine and also the engine for the Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH).

India and France will also cooperate on the motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the IMRH programme. To enable progress on the IMRH programme, HAL and Safran Helicopter Engine will sign a shareholders’ Agreement. Both also announced cooperation on small and advanced modular reactors. India and France also agreed to support the adoption of a road map for joint actions in the Indo-Pacific and the finalization of the joint Earth observation satellite. Recently, HAL and General Electric signed a MoU to manufacture the F-414 engine for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft MK2.

Due to the slowdown in the global economy, India’s total exports fell by 13% to $60.09 billion.

India’s total exports, including both goods and services, are estimated to be USD 60.09 billion in June 2023, showing a decline of about 13% from June 2022.

Exports in June 2022 were USD 69.20 billion. Total imports are estimated to be US$ 68.98 billion in June 2023, a decline of about 14% from the 2022 figure of US$ 80.12 billion.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

However, the trade balance, i.e., the difference between exports and imports, narrowed to US$ 8.89 billion from US$ 10.92 billion in June. In April-June 2023 quarter, India’s overall exports (merchandise and services combined) are estimated to exhibit a 7.29% decline over April-June 2022 at USD 182.70 billion.

Total imports are estimated to decline by 10.18% to USD 205.29 billion in April-June 2023 as compared to April-June 2022. In April-June 2023-24, the trade deficit also narrowed to USD 22.59 billion from USD 31.49 billion. The commerce ministry said the global economy will slow down substantially to 2.1% in 2023 after growing at 3.1% in 2022.

Government will provide free Doordarshan DTH connections in border villages on the Indo-China border.

The Government has aimed to distribute one lakh 50 thousand Free Dish connections in villages in border areas. This initiative is part of achieving the goal of reaching out to the people living in far-flung and border areas.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur was on a three-day tour to Leh-Ladakh as part of the “Vibrant Village” programme of the government.

Anurag Thakur held close interaction with the local villagers and administrative officials. He also unveiled plans for future initiatives that would further enhance the development of border villages.

These initiatives include upgrading infrastructure for better connectivity and promoting eco-tourism to leverage the region’s natural beauty. He also assured local people that their demands for better digital connectivity, enhancing tourism infrastructure, and sports infrastructure will be implemented on a priority basis. India shares 3488 kms of border with China that runs along Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

IFSC Banking Unit inaugurated by Bank of India at GIFT City.

On 12 July, the Bank of India inaugurated its IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in the International Financial Services Centre at GIFT SEZ area in Gandhinagar.

BOI has targeted to achieve $1 billion in business by March 2024 and $4 billion in the subsequent three years.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

The IBU will provide services such as External Commercial Borrowings (ECB), trade finance facilities, foreign currency loans, syndication loans, and foreign currency deposit accounts-current to various customers permitted as per IFSCA guidelines.

BOI’s overseas branches contribute to nearly 15 per cent of global deposits and 16 per cent of global advances book.

Bank of India has a presence in 15 foreign countries through 21 overseas branches, 4 overseas subsidiaries, one joint venture, and one representative office.

In addition, BoI also inaugurated the NRI Help Center (NRI HC) located in the premises of the Centralized Foreign Exchange Back Office (FEBO) in the domestic sector of GIFT City.

China and Russia to hold joint naval drills

About the News

China, Russia, and Iran have initiated the “Security Bond-2023” naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman. This five-day exercise aims to safeguard vital maritime routes. Aerial search and rescue missions, maritime rescue operations, fleet formation exercises, and other specified responsibilities will be part of the exercise. China’s navy has sent five warships, including the guided-missile destroyer ‘Nanning,’ to participate in the drills, which are mostly focused on non-combat activities such as maritime rescue and search and rescue operations.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Security Bond Drills Coincide with International Maritime Exercise 2023, the Largest in the Middle East Region

The Security Bond drills are occurring simultaneously with the final phase of the 18-day International Maritime Exercise 2023 (IMX 2023), which is recognized as the largest maritime exercise in the Middle East region. IMX 2023 began on March 2 at the Bahrain headquarters of the US 5th Fleet, marking the eighth edition since its inception in 2012. The US-led event currently includes 50 countries and international organisations, including France, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, NATO, and Interpol.

Guided-missile destroyer: Nanning

Equipped with cutting-edge integrated radar and a 64-cell vertical launch system capable of deploying air defense, land attack, anti-ship, and anti-submarine missiles, the Nanning, a 7,500-tonne vessel was launched on February 23, 2019.
Having undertaken missions in the Indian Ocean, the vessel has recently participated in the Pakistan-led multinational naval exercise AMAN-23, which took place in the Arabian Sea. Additionally, it also joined the International Defense Exhibition held in Abu Dhabi.

Security Bond Exercise: Strengthening Maritime Security and Promoting Regional Stability

The Security Bond exercise aims to showcase the collective determination and capabilities of the participating nations in safeguarding maritime security. It also seeks to foster a shared future for the sea, promoting regional peace and stability. The US acknowledges the joint drills without viewing them as a new danger, but it will keep an eye on the developing connections between two adversaries. The exercise acts as a platform for improving practical cooperation among participating navies, strengthening regional peace and stability.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• China’s defence minister Li Shangfu
• Current edition of “Security Bond-2023” exercise: Third
• The previous editions of the “Security Bond-2023” exercise took place in: 2019 and 2022

Saudi Arabia becomes 51st country to sign ASEAN’s TAC

Jakarta, Indonesia (AFP) — Saudi Arabia officially became the 51st country to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) on the margins of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Jakarta. The accession signing ceremony took place on July 12, and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, on behalf of ASEAN, expressed her appreciation to Saudi Arabia for joining the treaty.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to ASEAN Values and Principles

With the signing of the TAC, Saudi Arabia demonstrates a strong commitment to adhere to the values and principles of ASEAN as embodied in the treaty. To promote peace and stability in Southeast Asia and beyond, the TAC urges for cooperation, collaboration, and adherence to international law. These ideals and concepts are becoming increasingly important in the context of present geopolitical events.

Welcoming Saudi Arabia to the ASEAN Family

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi warmly welcomed Saudi Arabia to the ASEAN family, emphasizing the need for all member countries to be a positive force for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The accession ceremony was witnessed by ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the ASEAN Secretary General.

Expanding the Reach of the TAC

The signing of the TAC by Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in expanding the reach and influence of the treaty beyond ASEAN’s member countries. Prior to Saudi Arabia, Ukraine was the last country to accede to the TAC in 2022. Notably, in 1989, Papua New Guinea became the first country outside of ASEAN to join the TAC. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the TAC is expected to foster stronger ties between the Kingdom and ASEAN nations, contributing to regional peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific area.