World Youth Skills Day 2023

• In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day, to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
• This day aims to celebrate and emphasize the importance of equipping the youth with the necessary skills for their professional growth and success.
• The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2023 is Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future.

DAC Approves Proposals for Procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft

• On July 13, 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Shri Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence of India, convened and approved three significant proposals aimed at strengthening India's naval capabilities.
• Under the first proposal, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from the French Government.
• This acquisition will encompass associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulators, spares, documentation, crew training, and logistic support for the Indian Navy.
• The decision to procure these advanced aircraft was based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and France.

43 New Implementing Partners Enrolled Under SAMARTH Scheme

• The Textile Ministry has recently announced the inclusion of 43 new implementing partners under the SAMARTH schemes.
• This expansion also comes with an increased training target of 75,000 beneficiaries and a 5% increment in support provided to the implementing partners.

Union Cabinet Approves Amendments to Jan Vishwas Bill

• The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the amendments proposed in the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023.
• These amendments intend to eliminate the criminalization of minor offenses by modifying 183 provisions within 42 Acts that fall under the jurisdiction of 19 ministries.
• The primary objective behind these changes is to facilitate a more business-friendly environment and alleviate the burden of pending court cases.

International Temple Convention and Expo

• Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak (Chief) of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is set to inaugurate the International Temple Convention and Expo (ITCX) at the Rudraksh Convention Center in Varanasi.
• This event is a significant component of the Incredible India campaign and has received active support from the Ministry of Tourism.
• Over the course of three days, the convention aims to explore various aspects concerning the pilgrimage experience, effective crowd management, proper solid waste management, and the improvement of essential facilities at temples, monasteries, and gurudwaras.

India-ASEAN Conference on Traditional Medicines

• On July 20, 2023, India is set to host the ASEAN Countries Conference on Traditional Medicines at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• Bringing together a total of 75 participants, this one-day conference will feature international delegates from eight ASEAN countries, along with two additional virtual participants.
• The primary objective of the conference is to foster collaborative brainstorming sessions and promote the exchange of ideas regarding Traditional Medicines.