Today's Current Affairs 23rd July 2023

NATIONAL

Mega plantation drive starts in Uttar Pradesh

• The mega plantation drive in Uttar Pradesh started today with a target of the plantation of overall 35 crore saplings out of which 30 crore saplings will be planted today. Another part of the drive will be on Independence Day when five crore saplings will be planted by the 15th of August. The State has set a target of plantation of 35 crore saplings this year.
• Aakashwani correspondent reports that, the theme of this year’s plantation drive is ‘Ped Lagao Ped Bachao’ which means ‘plant trees, save trees’. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath started the campaign by planting saplings in Vidur Kuti Ashram in Bijnaur. In his tweet message Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to every citizen of the State to take part in this campaign and plant at least one sapling around their place.
• Governor Anandiben Patel is in Mathura to take part in this drive and other Ministers are also taking part in this mega plantation drive at different districts. The State has divided this year’s plantation drive into two parts beginning today when a total of 30 crore saplings will be planted. Another five crore saplings will be planted on the 15th of August. Different Ministries have been given targets for this plantation drive and the whole State machinery will work in tandem to achieve the goal of plantation of 30 crore saplings. Last year, the State achieved a record of planting 35 crore saplings and this year the same target has been fixed.

DPIIT and Govt. of Gujarat jointly launch ‘One District One Product’ Wall at Garvi Gujarat Bhawan

• One District One Product (ODOP) program, an initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, launched its first collaboration with the Government of Gujarat in New Delhi to promote the indigenous crafts and artisans of the State. Smt. Manmeet Nanda, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, and Smt. Arti Kanwar, Resident Commissioner and Secretary (Economic Affairs) Finance Department, Government of Gujarat jointly inaugurated the ODOP Wall at Garvi Gujarat Bhawan.
• Gujarat, with its 33 districts, exemplifies the vast geographic coverage and potential for diverse products across the state. ODOP-Gujarat features a rich collection of 68 unique products, ranging from traditional crafts like Gamthi Block print and Mata-ni-Pachedi to agricultural goods such as groundnuts and cumin
• In a significant collaboration, ODOP has partnered with the Government of Gujarat to implement product tagging and story cards, enhancing the promotion and recognition of Gujarat's unique products. This collaboration aims to drive consumers towards emporia, boosting sales and increasing the visibility of Gujarat's products at the national level. Garvi Gujarat Bhawan has integrated ODOP products into its interiors to better showcase Gujarat handicrafts.

Kerala gets India’s first Construction Innovation Hub

• Kerala got the country’s first Construction Innovation Hub (CIH) that seeks to promote affordable and sustainable building facilities so as to foster collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing among the stakeholders.
• Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) will be responsible for the CIH’s overall programme management, including the identification and recruitment of the nascent companies as well as providing them housing-related technical mentorship and connections, besides program design and facilitation.
• Set up in association with Habitat for Humanity India (HFHI), which is an American non-profit organisation building homes and providing housing-related services to low-income families, the CIH is set to be based in Kochi.

SPORTS

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty win Korea Open 2023 men’s doubles title in Yeosu Korea

• Asian Champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated world no. 1 Indonesian duo Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto in a thrilling 3-game men’s doubles final 17-21, 21-13, 21-14 to clinch the Korea Open 2023 title in Yeosu, Korea on 23rd July 2023.
• The duo entered the summit clash after a thrilling straight-game win over the world number two Chinese pair of Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. The world number three Indian pair notched up a 21-15, 24-22 win over the second-seeded Chinese in a 40-minute duel at the Jinnam stadium in Yeosu. It was Satwik and Chirag’s first win over the Chinese pair following two earlier defeats. Satwik and Chirag, who has won the Indonesia Super 1000 and Swiss Open Super 500 titles this year will look to add another feather to their already decorated cap with a win in the Korea Open.

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Admiral Lisa Franchetti becomes first woman to lead US Navy

• The nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti served as significant milestone in the history of US Navy, becomes first woman to serve as the Chief of Naval Operations and member of Joint Chiefs of Staffs.
• Franchetti, who is currently serving as the vice chief of naval operations, was commissioned in 1985 and has served as the commander of US Naval Forces Korea. She is the second woman ever to achieve the rank of four-star admiral in the United States Navy. In a statement on Friday, US Presiden Joe Biden said Lisa Franchetti will bring dedicated service to the nation as a commissioned officer, including her current role of Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
• Franchetti studied at the North-western University’s Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Illinois. She was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and earning developmental honors in history. She joined the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Programme and was commissioned in 1985. She furthered her education at the Naval War College and obtained a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.

IMPORTANT DAYS

Parents' Day

• Parent Day or National Parents' Day, is observed annually on the fourth Sunday of July, to pay tribute to parents and their selfless sacrifices. This year, we'll celebrate and honor parents on July 23.
• History - The roots of National Parents’ Day can be traced back to 1994 when President Bill Clinton officially established it by signing a Congressional resolution. This special day is observed on the fourth Sunday of July each year and is dedicated to celebrating parents and their crucial role in our lives. Over the years, the annual festivities have grown to include parades, speeches, awards ceremonies, and various special events, all aimed at honoring and cherishing the indispensable contributions parents make to our well-being and development.
• The National Parents' Day is of great significance as it is an annual celebration dedicated to honouring and appreciating parents for their selfless love, sacrifices and guidance in shaping the lives of their children.

SUMMIT'S & MOU's

5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit

• The 5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit will be held on the 25th of July 2023 at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The event will be jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd., and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
• The Summit will be inaugurated by Chief Minister, of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. The objective of the Summit includes enhancing the scope of the UDAN scheme in remote and hilly terrains. The event's theme is "Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters & Small Aircraft".

India Chamber of Business and Commerce signs MoA with ICMR to build future of Indian healthcare

• India Chamber of Business and Commerce and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the presence of the Minister of MSME Narayan Rane to promote India as global hub in healthcare manufacturing and delivery and for creating a global stakeholders platform for building robust healthcare ecosystem promoting future of health capabilities in India and promoting investment creation in the field of healthcare.
• The MoA is in line with creating institutional arrangement for India Health Dialogue- A national flagship initiative driven by India Chamber of Business and Commerce in partnership with ICMR, IMA and Ministry of MSME to build profound business ecosystem for transforming health and healthcare for the future and building India led global supply chain networks.
• This partnership will also help in promoting international collaborations in innovation and technology, building healthcare delivery standards, academia and industry partnerships, capacity building and promoting new innovations in the field of health. .