2023 Current Events: Sum Up 2023 with a Quiz! | Big Trivia (2024)

What major things happened in 2023?

2023 was a year of building international tension. From the wars in Gaza and Ukraine and the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh to the Chinese balloon flying over the US, populist leaders elected all around the globe, and AI promises and threats. Not to forget the big Hollywood strikes and the Diva-Pop explosion.

What are some current events happening right now?

Here are some 2023 current events that are still on. The US Presidential race is warming right now as the Nov. 2024 elections approach. The war in Gaza started on Oct. 7, 2023, and is still ongoing. The sad same goes for the war in Ukraine, which has been going on since Feb. 2022. Oh, and the Earth is still warming.

What are some major January 2023 current events?

Croatia’s Euro Adoption (Jan. 1)
– Croatia rings in 2023 by trading the Kuna for the euro, joining the exclusive club of eurozone nations. It’s a monetary makeover that speaks to Croatia’s European aspirations, proving that in the world of currency, sometimes change is more than just pocket deep.
Avatar Sequel’s Box Office Bonanza (Jan. 18)
– James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” drowns the competition, becoming the sixth-highest-grossing film ever. In a world where streaming is king, this aquatic adventure proves that some films still make waves big enough to fill theater seats.
Germany and US Amp Up Ukraine Support with Tanks (Jan. 25)
– In a bold move reminiscent of a high-stakes chess game, Germany and the US send tanks to Ukraine. This powerful gesture, a year into Russia’s invasion, signals a significant shift in military aid and a commitment to supporting Ukraine in a way that’s more metal than metaphorical.

What are some major February 2023 current events?

Google’s Bard Enters the Chatbot Arena (Feb. 6)
– Google introduces Bard, its answer to ChatGPT. In the ever-evolving AI race, Bard promises to simplify complex subjects and spice up mundane tasks like party planning. It’s a digital duel where words are the weapons, and search engines are the battleground.
Nikki Haley’s Presidential Bid (Feb. 15)
– Nikki Haley announces her presidential run, becoming the first Republican challenger to Donald Trump in 2024. It’s a political gambit that adds diversity and generational change to the Republican recipe.
Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News Revelations (Feb. 27)
– Rupert Murdoch admits under oath that some Fox News hosts perpetuated false claims about the 2020 election. Murdoch’s testimony is part of a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems.

What are some major March 2023 current events?

Silicon Valley Bank’s Collapse (Mar. 10-13)
– Silicon Valley Bank’s implosion marks the second-largest bank failure in US history, turning the tech and finance worlds upside down. It’s a tale of bank runs, credit downgrades, and a Federal rescue that reads more like a financial thriller than a business case study.
TikTok’s Congressional Testimony (Mar. 23)
– TikTok’s CEO faces congressional grilling, denying allegations of spying on behalf of the Chinese government.
Elon Musk’s AI Cautionary Call (Mar. 29)
– Elon Musk and other tech luminaries signed a letter calling for a pause on AI systems that are more potent than GPT-4. It’s a moment where the tech world seems to say, “Maybe we should slow down and think about this,” a rare occurrence in an industry known for its ‘move fast and break things’ mantra.
FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried’s Legal Woes (Mar. 28)
– Sam Bankman-Fried, the fallen crypto king, faces a slew of criminal charges, including foreign bribery. It’s a story of a rapid rise and even quicker fall in a world where cryptocurrency’s promises meet harsh legal realities.
Donald Trump’s Indictment and Arrest (Mar. 30 – Apr. 4)
– Donald Trump makes history again, this time with an indictment for falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment. His arrest and subsequent not-guilty plea add another chapter to the saga of a figure who’s as much a political lightning rod as a former president.

What are some major April 2023 current events?

Elon Musk’s Megapack Factory in Shanghai (Apr. 9)
– Elon Musk announces plans to open a factory in Shanghai to produce Tesla’s Megapacks. This move signifies a strategic expansion in Tesla’s energy ventures, reinforcing Musk’s vision of a future powered by sustainable energy solutions.
Classified US Documents Leaked on Discord (Apr. 11)
– A major leak of US intelligence documents on Discord exposes details of Ukraine support, stirring up a storm in the shadowy world of information warfare.
HBO’s Rebranding for Max Service (Apr. 12)
– Warner Bros. Discovery announces HBO Max’s rebranding for its upcoming Max era.
Violence in Khartoum (Apr. 15)
– The RSF’s attack in Khartoum ignited four days of deadly clashes, threatening Sudan’s fragile transition to civilian rule. It’s a stark reminder of the country’s tumultuous journey since Omar Hassan al-Bashir’s fall.
Fox News Settles with Dominion (Apr. 18)
– Fox News reaches a settlement with Dominion over false election claims, sparing Rupert Murdoch a court appearance.
Tucker Carlson’s Surprise Exit from Fox News (Apr. 21)
– Tucker Carlson bids farewell to Fox News, ending his tenure with a slice of pizza and no clue of the impending announcement of his firing.
Montana’s TikTok App Store Ban (Apr. 2023)
– Montana bans TikTok from app stores, citing espionage concerns. This unprecedented move could set a precedent for other states, highlighting the growing tension between tech giants and government regulations.

What are some major current events in May 2023?

First Republic Bank’s Seizure and Sale (May 1)
– First Republic Bank is seized and sold to JPMorgan Chase, marking the second-largest bank failure in US history. This move underscores JPMorgan’s role as a crisis-era dealmaker in the banking sector.
Writers Guild of America Strike (May 2)
– The WGA goes on strike, halting production of new episodes and movies. This strike highlights the ongoing tensions between writers and studios/streaming services in the digital age.
King Charles III’s Coronation (May 6)
– King Charles III was crowned at Westminster Abbey, marking a new chapter in the British monarchy. The coronation, steeped in tradition and pageantry, symbolizes royal lineage continuity.
Mirror High Court Phone Hacking Trial (May 10)
– Prince Harry and other celebrities take the Mirror to court over phone hacking allegations. The trial delved into the murky waters of media ethics and celebrity privacy.
Sam Altman’s Senate Testimony on AI Regulation (May 16)
– Sam Altman, a prominent figure in AI, testified before a Senate subcommittee, advocating for regulatory measures for powerful AI systems. His proposal reflects the increasing need for oversight in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Presidential Run (May 24)
– Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, announces his presidential candidacy, shaking up the political landscape as he prepares to join the White House race.
Turkey’s Presidential Election (May 28)
– Recep Tayyip Erdogan triumphs in Turkey’s presidential election, securing another term amidst economic challenges and post-earthquake recovery. Erdogan’s win reaffirms his grip on Turkish politics, continuing his two-decade rule.

What are some major June 2023 current events?

First Republic Bank Acquisition by JPMorgan Chase (June 1)
– JPMorgan Chase acquired the troubled First Republic Bank, marking a significant moment in US banking history. The move reinforces JPMorgan’s role as a stabilizing force in the financial sector.
Writers Guild of America Strike (June 2023)
– The WGA goes on strike, impacting popular TV shows and movies. The strike underscores ongoing tensions in the entertainment industry, particularly in the era of streaming services.
Deadly Train Collision in India (June 2)
– A catastrophic train collision in Odisha, India, resulted in over 300 deaths and 1,000 injuries, marking one of the country’s worst railway disasters. This tragedy underscores the ongoing challenges of rail safety in densely populated regions.
Nova Kakhovka Dam Disaster (June 6)
– Tensions escalate as Ukraine accuses Russia of destroying the Nova Kakhovka dam, causing widespread flooding and evacuations. Moscow denies the allegations.
Donald Trump’s Indictment (June 9)
– Former President Donald Trump and his aide Walt Nauta face a 37-count indictment for retaining and concealing sensitive documents. The charges add another layer to Trump’s complex legal and political narrative.
Titan Submarine Tragedy (June 18)
– The Titan submersible is lost during a dive to the Titanic wreckage, highlighting the risks associated with deep-sea exploration. The unsuccessful search and rescue operation underscores the ocean’s unforgiving nature.
Prigozhin’s Armed Rebellion (June 24)
– Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner private military company, leads a rebellion against the Russian military, halting his advance near Moscow after negotiations.

What are some major July 2023 current events?

Elton John’s Farewell Tour Conclusion (July 8)
– Elton John concludes his epic ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour in Stockholm, capping off over five decades of live performances. The tour’s success, including an earning record and a standout Glastonbury performance, solidifies his status as a music legend.
SAG-AFTRA Strike (July 14)
– SAG-AFTRA declares a strike against major studios and streamers, stopping film and TV production in the US. The strike raises critical issues in the entertainment industry, including streaming royalties and AI use.
“Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” Movie Releases (July 21)
In theaters, “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” present audiences with a diverse cinematic experience – from a biographical drama to a whimsical take on a cultural icon in a double feature dubbed Barberheimer.

What are some major August 2023 current events?

Donald Trump’s New Charges in Georgia (August 15)
– Former President Donald Trump faces an additional set of charges in Fulton County, Georgia, including forgery and racketeering. This development adds a fourth layer to Trump’s ongoing legal challenges.
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Plane Crash (August 23)
– Yevgeny Prigozhin, the notorious leader of Russia’s Wagner force, dies in a plane crash, marking the end of a controversial figure often called “Putin’s chef.”

What are some major current events in September 2023?

Morocco Earthquake (September 8)
– A devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Morocco, resulting in over 2,900 deaths. This tragedy has become the deadliest earthquake in the country since 1960.
Kim Jong-un Meeting with Vladimir Putin (September 12)
– Kim Jong-Un travels to Vladivostok via train to discuss space cooperation and military-technical matters with Vladimir Putin, demonstrating North Korea’s continued alignment with Russia.
Russell Brand’s Sexual Misconduct Denial (September 16)
– Russell Brand pre-emptively denies sexual misconduct allegations before a joint investigation report is published. The allegations and Brand’s response drew significant media attention.
Hollywood Writers’ Strike Ends (September 25)
– The Hollywood writers’ strike concludes, resuming film and TV production in the U.S. This resolution marks the end of a significant standoff in the entertainment industry.
Armenian Exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh (September 2023)
– A mass exodus of 120,000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh occurred due to fears of persecution under Azerbaijani rule, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.

What are some major October 2023 current events?

Donald Trump’s New York Civil Fraud Trial (October 2)
– Former President Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial begins in New York, continuing legal scrutiny surrounding his business practices.
Kevin McCarthy Ousted as Speaker (October 3)
– Kevin McCarthy is removed as Speaker of the House through a resolution, a first in US political history.
California Bans Certain Food Additives (October 7)
– Governor Gavin Newsom signs a bill banning Red Dye 3 and other food additives in California, citing health concerns and signaling a shift towards stricter food safety regulations.

What are some major November 2023 current events?

Hollywood Actors’ Strike Ends (November 9)
– The Hollywood actors’ strike concludes, resuming film and TV productions and resolving key issues related to streaming royalties and diversity.
Sam Altman’s Return to OpenAI (November 17 & 22)
– After a dramatic boardroom shuffle at OpenAI, Sam Altman is ousted and reinstated as CEO.

What are some major December 2023 current events?

Beyoncé’s “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” Release (December 1)
– “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” hits theaters, bringing the artist’s visionary album, tour, and behind-the-scenes footage, to the big screen and showcasing her multimedia prowess.
Javier Milei Becomes Argentina’s President (December 10)
– Javier Milei, known as El Loco, was inaugurated as President of Argentina. This indicates a new chapter in the country’s political landscape with a far-right libertarian leadership.

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