Today in History (July 15th, 1964)
Mariner 4, an uncrewed space probe, was launched by NASA in 1964, which flew by Mars and returned close-up pictures of its surface on this day in 1965, proving that Mars’ rumoured canals were illusions.
Summary of Today’s News
World Youth Skills Day
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as the World Youth Skills Day to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The theme of 2023 is “Skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future.” It highlights the role of teachers, trainers, and educators in providing employable skills for youth and actively engaging in their communities and societies.
Legion of Honour
The Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi, was conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military award. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to be conferred this award at the Elysee Palace. Previously, this award has been awarded to Nelson Mandela (former South African President) and Angela Merkel (former Chancellor of Germany.)
Pakistan launches Chinese-designed nuclear project.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the 1,200 MW nuclear power plant being built With China’s assistance in Punjab. Earlier, he had inked an agreement with China worth 53.5 billion under which Beijing would build the Chashma V nuclear plant at Chashma in the Mianwali district of Punjab.
Wholesale Price Index
India’s wholesale prices remained in deflationary territory for the third straight month in June, with price contraction quickening to -4.12% from May’s -3.48%. The sharpest contraction in headline wholesale prices in about eight years was mainly due to the base effect, as inflation based on the wholesale price index was 16.2% in June 2027. A fall in some commodity prices also contributed to accelerating the deflationary trend in the Wholesale Price Index.
Chandrayaan-3
Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, was successfully launched on board a Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It marks India’s second attempt at a soft landing on the lunar surface. Thus far, only three countries, the United States, Russia, and China, have successfully soft-landed on the moon.
