Current affairs 17 May 2023

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 will host by Laos.

The annual ASEAN Tourism Forum will be hosted by Laos in January 2024.
The theme of the forum will be Quality and Responsible Tourism -- Sustaining ASEAN Future.
The forum will include a tourism exhibition and serves to spur tourism and further service improvement in associated businesses.
Previously, Laos hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2004 and 2013.
The Lao government is working to promote the country’s potential as a nature-based tourism destination.

The 76th Cannes Film Festival has been started in France on May 16, 2023.
The festival has officially kicked off with the world premiere of the Johnny Depp starring film Jeanne Du Barry.
MoS for I&B, Dr. L Murugan lead an Indian delegation at the 12-day event, accompanied by filmmaker Guneet Monga and others.
The Indian Pavilion has been conceptualized and designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad with the theme - Showcasing India’s Creative Economy.

Under the 50 start-ups exchange program between India and Bangladesh, the first group of 10 start-up companies returned to Dhaka after completing a successful five-day visit to India from 8-12 May 2023.
Under this program, 50 Startups from Bangladesh and 50 Startups from India will exchange visits to each other’s countries.
Reason: To explore partnerships, expand business relations, share experience and knowledge, and expand youth and entrepreneurial cooperation

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has launched a mobile application named Meri LiFE (My life) in New Delhi.
This app is inspired by the concept of LiFE, envisioned by PM Modi at COP 26.
This app will showcase the power of citizens, especially young people in saving the environment.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was launched in October 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat.
Focus: Behaviour changes in individuals through simple easy-to-do actions

IRDAI has constituted a five-member expert committee to advise it on matters related to mental health and insurance.
The committee is headed by Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS, Bangalore.
The panel will advise on coverages offered/to be offered under insurance products, for mental illnesses.
The panel will also provide expert advice/inputs on terminology, concept, and the like on matters relating to mental illnesses from the medical domain perspective.