July 13, 2026 - Current Affairs

CJI Unveils Tower of Justice, Says Judiciary must be Efficient, Impartial

Context

The Chief Justice of India inaugurated the “Tower of Justice” in Gurugram, a new judicial complex with 56 courtrooms and digital infrastructure.

CJI Remarks

He underlined that the objective of judicial reforms cannot be limited merely to the speedy disposal of cases and priority must always be to establish a judicial system that is both efficient and impartial.

It must also be ensured that no citizen feels deprived of justice due to financial, social, or procedural hurdles.

States Fiscal Math in the Age of ‘Freebies’

Context

Welfare freebies are being increasingly offered by states, and while overall state finances in India are broadly stable, fiscal stress is rising in highly indebted states.

Fiscal Position of States

The combined fiscal deficit of states was below 3 percent of gross domestic product during FY2017-FY2024, except during the COVID-19 pandemic when the deficit rose to 4.1 percent of gross domestic product in FY2021.

The fiscal deficit of states increased to 3.3% of GDP in FY2025 and is projected to stay at the same level in FY2026.

India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030

In News

The India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership was announced in Auckland and they adopted the Roadmap to 2030 as a framework for deepening bilateral cooperation in the next four years.

Background

India and New Zealand established diplomatic relations in 1952 and enjoy warm and friendly relations based on shared values of democracy, membership of the Commonwealth, common legal traditions and inclusive economic development.

New Zealand has recognised India’s growing importance by designating India as a priority partner through initiatives like the 2011 ‘Opening Doors to India’ policy, the NZ Inc.

Weaving Sustainability Into India’s Textile Future

Context:

India’s textile sector is increasingly embracing circular economy principles to improve sustainability, resource efficiency and global competitiveness.

Importance of Textile Industry in India

The textile and apparel industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries of India.

It contributes about 2% towards India’s GDP and accounts for nearly 11% of manufacturing GVA.

Indian Lab Demonstrates Quantum Advantage Using IBM Quantum Processor

Context:

Scientists from BITS Pilani, in collaboration with IBM Quantum, have developed a quantum algorithm that demonstrated quantum advantage by simulating the behaviour of subatomic particles on a 120-qubit quantum processor.

Key Findings

The quantum processor completed the simulation in 20 seconds. A classical computer required around two hours for the same calculation.

The achievement has been recognised as “active” by the Quantum Advantage Tracker (QAT).

News In Short 13-07-2026

In News

Recently Delhi CM has sought ₹100 crore as a first phase central government financial assistance to implement the revised Pradhan Mantri Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) in the national capital.

The Pradhan Mantri –Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY)

It was launched on 29 October 2019 under the NCT of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Regulations, 2019 .

The DDA has an online portal for issuance of Conveyance Deeds (for government land) and Authorisation Slips (for private land). As at 31 March 2026, about 40,000 documents have been issued.