18 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 18 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 18 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 – 18 July 2023

China launched world’s first methane-fuelled space rocket

Context:

A private Chinese business named “Zhuque-2” launched the world’s first methane-fueled space rocket into orbit.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Highlights of the News

The Zhuque-2 carrier rocket blasted off at 9:00A.M. (01:00 GMT) on 12^th July from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous region and completed the flight mission according to the procedure.

• China’s Zhuque-2 is the world’s first methane-powered rocket to successfully enter orbit.
• This was Landscape’s second attempt after a launch failed in December.
• This historic breakthrough represents a paradigm shift in the quest to cleaner, safer, and more reusable space travel technology.
• Zhuque-2 achieved the expected trajectory and completed its flight according to plan.
• The launch indicated significant progress in the development of the reusable rockets, as methane engines offers excellent performance with lower operational costs.
• Landscape also became the second private Chinese company to launch a liquid-propellant rocket.

About the Zhueque-2:

• The Landscape’s Zhuque-2 is a Chinese orbital class launching vehicle.
• It is liquid-fuelled rocket powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane (methalox).
• It is first methane-fuelled rocket to reach orbit.
• Zhuque-2 has a liftoff weight of 216 metric tonnes and four TQ-12 methalox engines with a thrust of 67 metric tonnes in the first stage.
• The second stage utilizes one optimized TQ-12 with a thrust of 80 metric tonnes in combination with an 8 metric tonnes thrust TQ-11 engine which acts as a vernier thruster.
• Zhuque-2 has a capability of lifting 6,000 kg of payload into a 200 km low Earth orbit and 4,000 kg of payload into a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit.
• Zhuque-2 has also been launched on 14 December 2022 but it was a failure.

Process of launching of Zhueque-2:

One of the two planned spacecraft-carrying rockets will land on the moon’s surface, while the other would convey the crew. The twin-rocket plan would overcome China’s longstanding technological hurdle of developing a heavy-duty powerful enough to send both astronauts and a moon lander probe into space. After Chinese astronauts have completed their scientific tasks and collected samples from the moon, the lander will transport the astronauts back to the orbiting spacecraft, on which they will return to Earth.

Former Kerala CM Oommen Chandy passes away at 79

Former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy died at the age of 79. He was a well-known public personality and a famous politician in the Kottayam region, representing the Puthupally constituency. Chandy held the office of Chief Minister twice during his political career.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

On October 30, 1943, he was born to Karottu Vallakalil K.V. Chandy and Baby Chandy and began his political career by actively participating in the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Youth Congress. In his political career, he served as the State General Secretary of the KSU in 1965 and then as its State President in 1967. Chandy received his education at St. George High School in Kottayam and went on to study at CMS College, Kottayam, SB College Changanassery, and the Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram.

Long Political Career of Oommen Chandy

• Oommen Chandy led the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) governments in Kerala on two occasions: from August 31, 2004, to May 12, 2006, and from May 18, 2011, to May 20, 2016.
• Throughout his lengthy political career, he held a number of significant positions, including Labour Minister in the K. Karunakaran Ministry in 1977 and the same portfolio in the succeeding ministry led by A.K. Antony. He also served as the Home Minister in the K. Karunakaran cabinet from December 1981 to March 1982 and held the Finance portfolio in the UDF ministry of 1991.
• Chandy’s political journey began as the president of the Youth Congress in 1970, and he was actively involved in the INTUC, the Congress-backed trade union. He was first elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1970. He was also the convener of the UDF from 1982 to 1986 and again from 2001 to 2004. Chandy assumed the position of Chief Minister in 2004 after A.K. Antony’s resignation and held the office for a second time in 2011. During 2006-2011, he served as the Opposition Leader.
• Representing the Puthupally constituency for more than five decades, Chandy was a skilled politician who played a significant role in the internal ‘group’ dynamics within the state unit of the Congress. During his stint as Chief Minister, he gained widespread popularity and instituted the ‘Mass Contact’ programme to address public issues. Additionally, he was presently serving as the general secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Typhoon Talim Disrupts Hong Kong

Talim made landfall in Guangdong province’s Zhanjiang city. China’s primary flood season normally lasts from late July to early August. During this time, there is an increase in tropical storm and typhoon activity, notably in the South China Sea and Western Pacific regions, with a focus on the country’s southern and southeastern coasts.Hong Kong hoisted the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No 8,the third-highest warning level first time this year.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Typhoon Talim Triggers Disaster Mitigation Measures in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Southern China

• Typhoon Talim formed in the South China Sea, prompting Hong Kong, Vietnam, and southern China to activate disaster mitigation procedures.
• The grounding of flights and temporary halt of trade in Hong Kong’s markets were implemented in which the evacuation of over 1,000 people took place.
• In reaction to Typhoon Talim, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a storm warning, causing all court hearings in the city to be cancelled.
• Zhuhai Jinwan Airport in Guangdong canceled 43 inbound and 36 outbound flights, while Meilan International Airport in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan, and Qionghai Boao Airport on the resort island also canceled all flights.
• In Haikou City, classes, work, flights, park activities, and company operations were halted, with inhabitants being ordered to remain at home. Emergency shelters were also made available to the public.
• Government departments in coastal cities and counties have been asked to call all vessels to return to ports to avoid the wind, maintain and reinforce aquaculture facilities and aquaculture fishing rafts, strengthen the inspection of coastal seawalls, locks and other facilities in a timely manner.

List of tropical cyclones named ‘Talim’

The name ‘Talim’ has been used for four tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific Ocean. The name was contributed by the Philippines and is a Filipino word meaning “a sharp or cutting edge”

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• The most powerful tropical cyclone ever recorded in history: Super Typhoon ‘Haiyan‘ in 2013

Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission bagged SKOCH Award 2023

Context:

The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood (JKRL) got the SKOCH Award in the Gold category under the theme “State of Governance India 2047” for its excellent efforts in providing marketing channels for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Union Territory.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

 What’s in News?

The Jammu-Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRL) has bagged the SKOCH Award under the theme “State of Governance India 2047” in Gold category.

This award was given to JKRL for its excellent efforts in developing marketing channels for the Self-Help Group in the U.T. The SKOCH Award marks a significant milestone for JKRM, being the first award received since the inception of the scheme.

The award gives recognition to the JKRL for its hard work and dedication of the JKRL team, especially its Mission Director who has been instrumental in driving the Mission’s major goal of creating marketing opportunities from district-level avenues to national-level platforms.

Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRL):

The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission is a variant of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development. JKRLM aims to reduce poverty in the U.T. by building strong grassroots institutions of the poor, engage them into gainful livelihood interventions and ensure appreciable improvement in their income on a sustainable basis.

Core Beliefs of the Mission:

• Poor can come out of poverty only through their own organizations.
• High level of leadership among the poor.
• An innate tendency among the poor to help each other.
• Poor are partners in the development and not the beneficiaries.
• Poor are gold decision makers and planners.
• Every poor has a desire to come out of poverty.
• Poor has a lot of survival skills.
• Poor cannot come out of poverty because of the unfavourable environment around them.

Contribution of JKRL:

The JKRL has introduced several ground-breaking 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.         

A book titled “India Rising Memoir of a Scientist” authored by R. Chidambaram and Suresh Gangotra

R. Chidambaram and Suresh Gangotra wrote the book “India Rising: Memoir of a Scientist.” Dr. R. Chidambaram, one of India’s greatest scientists, served as the Government of India’s main scientific advisor (PSA) and chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet (SAC-C) from November 2001 to March 2018. As one of India’s most distinguished experimental physicists, Dr Chidambaram has made outstanding contributions to many aspects of basic science and nuclear technology.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

About the R. Chidambaram

He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions to the design and execution of the peaceful Nuclear Explosion experiment at Pokhran in 1974, and he led the team of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) that designed the nuclear devices and carried out the Pokhran tests in May 1998 in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). During his stewardship of the DAE, the nuclear power programme got a big boost and the capacity of the nuclear power plants increased sharply.

Ruminating about his interactions with the scientific community and the political leadership, Dr Chidambaram describes key events in India’s journey to self-reliance in nuclear energy. India Rising is not only a memoir of one of India’s eminent scientists, but also a fascinating account of India’s ascendance in the world of science and technology.

National Zoological Park, New Delhi celebrates World Snake Day 2023

On July 16, 2023, the National Zoological Park in New Delhi (Delhi Zoo) observed World Snake Day. The goal of World Snake Day is to safeguard snakes by creating awareness about snakes in India, snake myths, and the value of snakes in our ecology. On this occasion, an enrichment activity was conducted by snake keeping staff by providing cage furniture in the reptile house. Plantation was also conducted inside the snake houses.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

At reptile house interaction with about 350 visitors and small children’s was conducted about snakes and healthy lifestyle following the Mission LiFE. Reptile house walk was conducted and visitors interacted with the snake keepers. During this visit visitors participated enthusiastically in it and learn the role of zoo in conservation of snakes. Literature on reptiles was also distributed among visitors. At present National Zoological Park have 31 no of snakes of 07 species.

About the National Zoological Park, New Delhi 

• The National Zoological Park (formerly known as the Delhi Zoo) is a 176-acre (71-hectare) zoo located in New Delhi, India. A 16th-century citadel, a large green island, and an eclectic variety of animals and birds, all in the heart of expanding urban Delhi. The zoo can be seen on foot or using a battery-operated vehicle which can be rented at the zoo. Visitors are not permitted to bring any food other than drinking water, but there is a canteen in the zoo.
• The Delhi zoo came decades later after New Delhi was built. although the idea to have a zoo at the national capital was mooted in 1951, the park was inaugurated in November 1959.
• In 1952, the Indian Board for Wildlife formed a committee to investigate the possibility of establishing a zoo in Delhi. The Indian government wanted to build the zoo and then pass it over to Delhi as a working venture. In 1953 the committee approved the location of the zoo, and in October 1955 it assigned N. D. Bachkheti of the Indian Forest Service to oversee the creation of the zoo.
• Initially, Major Aubrey Weinman of the Ceylon Zoological Garden (now the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka) was invited to help develop the plans for the zoo, but due to his inability to commit long-term, Carl Hagenbeck of the Zoological Garden of Hamburg was employed. In March 1956, Hagenbeck presented a preliminary plan, which included the recommendation to use moated enclosures for the new zoo. The plan was modified as needed to account for local conditions, and approved by the Indian government in December 1956.
• By the end of 1959, the Northern part of the zoo was complete, and animals which had been arriving for some time and which had been housed in temporary pens were moved into their permanent homes. The park was opened on 1 November 1959 as the Delhi Zoo. In 1982 it was officially renamed to National Zoological Park, with hopes that it could become a model for other zoos in the country.

Tezpur University and IITM Pune signed An MoU for Carbon research

The University of Tezpur and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to analyse and re-examine carbon dioxide net ecosystem transfer in Assam’s famous Kaziranga National Park. Along with it, Both will collaborate and develop various research areas related to “Greenhouse Gases and Biosphere–Atmosphere Exchange of Energy”.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

The institutes will broadly collaborate in research areas such as biosphere-atmosphere exchange of green-house gases and energy, observation of meteorological and bio-meteorological parameters such as rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, radiation, soil temperature, soil heat flux, using Eddy Covariance and other systems.

Tripura state started free ferry service for “school students”

In July 2023, the Tripura Department of School Education inaugurated a “Free School Boat” service to carry impoverished kids residing in Dumbur Lake Islands in Gumati District, Tripura, to their schools. As we all know that Dumbur Lake, surrounded by 48 islands, is 120 km from the state capital. poor children living in Dumbur Lake and the many small islands face difficulty going to school as they cannot afford the “boat fare”.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Approximately 120 km away from the capital city Agartala, the Dumbur Lake is surrounded by 48 islands, and is one of the primary sources of income for people living in its vicinity. “Dakmura Gumati Senior Basic School has 100 students but attendance is low due to communication bottleneck. Around 50 students come from various islands of Dumbur Lake and they often fail to attend school as they can’t afford to bear the travelling expense as the boat is the only means of communication,” Chandni Chandran, State Project Director (SPD) of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. 

Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stones for several development projects in Lucknow

On July 17th, 2023, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the groundwork for multiple development projects in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, including the “Madiaon-IIM Crossing flyover” as part of the National Highways Project, and two national highway projects worth Rs 3300 crore. He also inaugurated the newly constructed “Alamnagar Railway Station”.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Singh inaugurated 94 projects and laid foundation stones for 64 others. These development projects are being undertaken by 10 departments –PWD, medical and health, District Urban Development Authority, LMC, LDA, mandi samiti, Village Development Authority, rural engineering department, culture and Ayush.

Indian-origin Shamina Singh has been appointed to the Export Council of America

US President Joe Biden appointed Indo-US business leader Shamina Singh as a member of the President’s Export Council, the premier national advisory body on international trade. Shamina is the Executive Vice President of Sustainability at MasterCard. She has also held key positions in the White House and the United States House of Representatives.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Biden shared his intentions of appointing Shamina to serve the key role on 1 July, highlighting the administration’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of decision-making. As the Founder and President of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Shamina has a strong track record of championing initiatives promoting prosperity and financial inclusivity in the United States and worldwide.

Shooters Shubham Bisla and Sainyam won gold medals for India in the 10m air pistol men’s and women’s categories

Shubham Bisla and Sainyam won gold medals for India in the men’s and women’s 10m air pistol events at the 2023 ISSF World Youth Championships. The ISSF Junior World Championships are being held at “Changwon” in the Republic of Korea. India tops the medal list with two gold medals.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

India, as a result, won both golds on offer on day one of the competitions and were comfortably leading the medal tally. Shubham was the first to fire for India when he shot 244.6 in the men’s air pistol final, leaving China’s Bu Shuaihang, who shot 239.6, way behind.

Draupadi Murmu to launch “Bhoomi Samman 2023”

On July 18th, 2023, President of India Draupadi Murmu will launch “Bhoomi Samman 2023” in New Delhi, comprising 9 State Secretaries and 68 District Collectors who have excelled in completing key components of the project to modernize digital India land records. The “Bhoomi Samman” project attempts to improve people’s quality of life through this effort.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Land Records Modernization – Core of Governance:

• The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) is considered the core of governance.
• Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh, emphasized the significance of the event for Revenue and Registration functionaries.
• They will earn the “Bhoomi Samman” for their great achievement for the first time in the last 75 years.

Centre-State Cooperative Federalism:

• Shri Giriraj Singh praised the “Bhoomi Samman” Scheme as an example of Centre-State cooperative federalism based on trust and partnership.
• The grading system is mainly based on the reports and inputs provided by the States/UTs in computerization and digitization of land records.

Impact of Digitization on Land Records:

• The digitization of land records and registration is intended to reduce the number of court proceedings pending over land disputes.
• This will help cut down GDP loss due to projects being stalled over litigation related to land disputes.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Enhancing Effectiveness of Government Programs:

• Shri Giriraj Singh highlighted the significance of land records related information for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of various government programs.
• Departments like Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Chemical and Fertilizer, PDS, Panchayati Raj, and Financial Institutions can benefit from the uniformity and inter-operability of land records information.

Achieving Digitization Targets:

• The Department of Land Resources has achieved 94% digitization targets pan-India.
• The aim is to achieve 100% saturation of the core components of digitization of land records in all districts of the country by March 31, 2024.

PM Modi to inaugurate Port Blair airport terminal building

On 18 July at 10:30 a.m., Prime Minister Narendra Modi will digitally launch the new integrated terminal building of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair via video conference. The event will witness the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of State for Road, Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation, General (Retd.) V K Singh, and other senior officials attending the ceremony in person.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Key Facts About the New Integrated Terminal Building

• The terminal was built at a cost of approximately Rs 710 crore and is a crucial step in enhancing connectivity for the island union territory.
• With a total built-up area of over 40,800 sqm, the terminal can handle around 50 lakh people per year.
• An Apron capable of accommodating two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft has also been constructed at Port Blair airport, costing Rs 80 crore.
• The terminal building’s architectural design incorporates a shell-shaped structure, symbolising the region’s close relationship with the sea and islands.

Sustainability Features for a Greener Future

The new airport terminal building boasts several sustainability features, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility:

• Double Insulated Roofing System: This technology reduces heat gain, promoting energy efficiency and comfort within the terminal.
• Skylights: Skylights strategically placed during the day maximise the utilisation of natural sunshine, reducing the demand for artificial lighting inside the building.
• LED Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lighting has been adopted to reduce overall energy consumption.
• Low Heat Gain Glazing: The use of low heat gain glazing helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Eco-friendly Practices

The terminal’s environmental focus extends beyond energy efficiency:

• Rainwater Catchment: The terminal incorporates an underground water tank for rainwater catchment, contributing to water conservation efforts.
• On-site Sewage Treatment Plant: With 100 percent of treated wastewater being reused for landscaping, the terminal promotes responsible water management.
• Solar Power Plant: The installation of a 500 KW capacity solar power plant harnesses renewable energy sources.

Enhancing Tourism and Employment Opportunities

Port Blair, as the principal gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar islands, receives a large number of tourists. The expansive architecture of the new integrated terminal building is expected to increase aviation traffic and tourism in the region. Additionally, the improved infrastructure is likely to create enhanced employment opportunities for the local community, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

The inauguration of the new integrated terminal building is a momentous occasion for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, signifying progress, development, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The government’s investment in connectivity and infrastructure underscores its dedication to promoting the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty while fostering economic prosperity for its people.

PM MITRA Park launched in Amravati, Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), the Maharashtra government, and the Indian Ministry of Textiles signed a memorandum of understanding in Amravati, Maharashtra, to develop the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel Park (PM MITRA Park). The inauguration of the PM MITRA mega textile park took place with the aim of attracting an investment of ₹10,000 crore and creating 300,000 job opportunities.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: July 2023

Location and Infrastructure of the PM MITRA Park in Amravati

Occupying a contiguous land area of 1,020 acres in Nandgaon Peth, adjacent to the Additional Amravati Industrial Area (MIDC), the Park is conveniently located just 30 kilometers away from the Mumbai Nagpur Samruddhi Highway and 147 kilometers from the nearest port, the Wardha Dry Port. Because it is a brownfield park, it already has necessary infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and electricity.

Government’s Initiative for PM MITRA Parks: Boosting Textile Industry in India

• Earlier this year, the Government of India unveiled plans to establish 7 PM MITRA Parks across the country as designated sites for the textile industry. These parks aim to create top-notch industrial infrastructure that can attract substantial investments, including foreign direct investment (FDI), while fostering innovation and job creation within the sector.
• The PM MITRA Parks, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious 5F idea (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign), represent a key step towards realising the government’s objective of placing India as a global centre for textile manufacture and exports.
• The establishment of these parks in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the textile industry, enabling economies of scale and enticing international players to manufacture in India.

These parks will provide exceptional infrastructure, plug-and-play facilities, as well as training and research resources tailored to the industry’s needs. The PM MITRA Parks represent a one-of-a-kind concept in which the central and state governments work together to attract investments, stimulate innovation, create job opportunities, and ultimately establish India as a global leader in textile manufacture and exports. These parks are expected to attract investments worth around Rs. 70,000 crores and employ approximately 2 million people.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Union Minister of Textiles: Piyush Goyal
• India’s first PM MITRA Park in: Virudhunagar,Tamil Nadu