PM Modi launches railway projects, methanol plant in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled several RAILWAY projects across the Northeast region, while also inaugurating a methanol plant and laying the foundation stone for a bridge over the Brahmaputra river. Modi conducted the virtual inauguration of five railway works, along with other projects, from the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium

The newly rolled-out railway projects include the Digaru-Lumding and Gauripur-Abhayapuri sections, as well as the doubling of tracks between New Bongaigaon and Dhup Dhara.

Furthermore, Modi launched the electrification of the Raninagar-Jalpaiguri-Guwahati, Senchoa-Silghat, and Senchoa-Mairabari sections. The total cost of these projects is estimated to be Rs 7,300 crore

Nandini Gupta wins Femina Miss India 2023

Nandini Gupta from Rajasthan has been crowned Femina Miss India World 2023 in a grand ceremony held recently, making her the winner of the 59th edition of the beauty pageant. The first runner-up was Shreya Poonja from Delhi, and the second runner-up was Thounaojam Strela Luwang from Manipur. The event featured dazzling performances by Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday, and was hosted by Manish Paul and Bhumi Pednaker. Nandini will represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates

India to challenge WTO panel ruling on ICT import duties at appellate body

India is set to appeal against the recent ruling by the World Trade Organizations (WTO) trade dispute settlement panel, which found that the countrys import dues on certain information and technology products are inconsistent with global trade norms. The dispute was filed by the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan, which argued that the import duties imposed by India on certain informational and technology products violated WTO rules.

India will appeal the ruling in the WTOs appellate body, which is the final authority on such trade disputes. However, the appellate body is currently not functioning due to differences among member countries to appoint members, with the US blocking the appointment of members. Even if the appellate body starts functioning now, it could take over a year to take up Indias appeal.

World Art Day 2023 observed on 15th April

UNESCOs General Conference declared April 15 as World Art Dayto commemorate Leonardo da Vincis birthday, recognizing the importance of art in promoting creativity, cultural diversity, and information exchange. Art has always encouraged innovation and sparked discussion among individuals worldwide.

However, to preserve artistic freedoms, it is crucial to safeguard the conditions that support and protect artists. This celebration is an opportunity to encourage the development, distribution, and enjoyment of art annually

World Art Day was officially established on April 15 during the General Assembly of the International Association of Art in 2012. This was the first year of celebration, and the date was chosen in honor of the renowned artist, Leonardo da Vincis birthday. Da Vinci has become a symbol of Tolerance, Multiculturalism, freedom of expression, and world peace

UAE Indias second largest export destination and third largest source of imports

According to recent figures released by the Indian Ministry of Commerce, the UAE remains the second most significant export destination for India. The US and UAE held onto their first and second positions, respectively, during the financial year 2022-23. The ministrys figures, released two weeks into the new fiscal year, indicate a six percent increase in Indias overall exports of goods and Services during the financial year that concluded last month

The US and the UAE retained their first and second positions as Indias top export destinations

Indias total exports of goods and services grew by six percent during this period

The Netherlands replaced China to secure the third spot in Indias overall export ranking due to higher imports of refined petroleum products via the maritime nation

Among the GCC countries, only Saudi Arabia made it to the list of Indias top export destinations and import sources, ranking eighth and fifth, respectively

Agriculture Infrastructure gap

In order to bridge the Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agriculture gap by empowering agriculture and villages and boosting private Investment, the Government of India launched a Central Sector Scheme of financing facility under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. The AgricultureInfrastructure Fund (AIF) is a medium-long term debt financing facility through interest subvention and credit guarantee support on loans for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.

Under the scheme, Rs. 1 Lakh Crore will be provided by banks and financial institutions as loans with interest subvention of 3% per annum and credit guarantee coverage under CGTMSE for loans up to Rs. 2 Crores to the eligible beneficiaries include farmers, FPOs, PACS, Marketing Cooperative Societies, SHGs, Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Agri-entrepreneurs, Start-ups, and Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public-Private PARTNERSHIP Projects for creation of post-harvest management infrastructures like Supply chain Services including e-marketing platforms, Warehouses, Silos, Pack houses, Assaying units, Sorting & grading units, Cold chains, Logistics facilities, Primary processing centres, Ripening Chambers etc.

Community farming assets eligible under Agri Infra Fund includes: Organic inputs production, Bio stimulant production units, Infrastructure for smart and precision agriculture, Projects identified for providing supply chain infrastructure for clusters of crops including export clusters, Projects promoted by Central/State/Local Governments or their agencies under PPP for building community farming assets or post-harvest management projects.

KISAN RAIL

To implement the budget announcement 2020-21, a Committee was constituted on Kisan Rail and Krishi Udan. The Committee constituted a sub-committee for detailed deliberation and preparation of concept note under convenership of Executive Director, RAILWAY Board.

Ministry of Railways after due deliberation with Ministry of Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has started operating Kisan Special Trains for transportation of perishable / agriculture products, Dairy, Fisheries etc. These trains are multi-commodity, multi-consignor/consignee Services, running in a time-tabled manner with stoppages at all major stations.

The first Kisan Rail was flagged off from Devlali (Maharashtra) to Danapur (Bihar) by Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Shri Piyush Goyal, then Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry on 7th August 2020, for transportation of perishable agriculture/horticulture products, dairy, fisheries etc.

Currently, a total of 2359 trips of Kisan Rail trains have been operated on 167 routes, wherein nearly 7.9 lakh tones of consignments have been transported.

The routes for Kisan Rail are decided on demand received from farmers and other stakeholders. Whenever a demand for Kisan Rail for a particular route is received, arrangements are made by the concerned Zonal Railway for supply for rakes and operation of Kisan Rail train, duly considering the operational feasibility of the proposed route.

India launches Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo System (SMART)

India successfully launched Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo System (SMART) from Abdul Kalam Island, off the Odisha coast.

During the mission, full range capability of the missile was successfully demonstrated.

SMART system has been designed for enhancing anti-submarine warfare capability far beyond the conventional range of torpedo.

This was a textbook launch, in which entire trajectory of the test was monitored by the electro optic telemetry system and several range radars, including down range instrumentation & down range ships.

SMART carried a torpedo, release mechanisms and parachute delivery system.It was launched from a ground mobile launcher and can cover a range of distances.

The DEFENCE Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed the weapon for INDIAN NAVY.

SMART is a next-generation, missile based standoff torpedo delivery system. It has been designed to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability. Missile will work beyond the conventional range of the torpedo. It is a canister-based missile system comprising of advanced two-staged solid propulsion, precision inertial and electromechanical actuators.

Asian Development Outlook report- Update

The Asian released its Asian Development Outlook Report and reduced its Growth forecasts for developing Asia for year 2021.

This move came in line with the uncertainty that new Omicron coronavirus variant has brought.

ADB now sees 2021 gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7.0% for developing Asia, as opposed to 7.1% forecast.

For 2022, it forecasted the growth of 5.3%.

Most of developing Asias subregions are expected to grow slower than previous forecast in 2021.

ADB has projected Chinas growth as 8.0% in 2021 and will slow down to 5.3% in 2022. Chinas economy, which staged an impressive rebound from last years pandemic slump, has lost momentum in recent months as it grapples with surging prices, a slowing manufacturing sector, debt problems in the property market and persistent COVID-19 outbreaks.

National Summit on Agro and Food Processing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the valedictory session of National Summit on Agro & Food Processing.

His summit is being organised as part of Vibrant Gujarat Summit which is scheduled to be held in Anand, Gujarat from December 14 to December 16.

Conference will be witnessed and attended by 5000 farmers.

80 central institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ATMA Network in states and Krishi Vigyan Kendras will also connect farmers to witness this event live.

During the event, farmers will get to know and learn about practice and benefits of Natural Farming.

Government has also implemented Zero Budget Natural Farming as a promising tool for minimizing the dependence of farmers on purchased inputs and reducing the cost of Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agriculture by using traditional field-based technologies. It emphasizes on shifting agriculture practices from mono-crops to diversified multi-crops system. Cow and its dung & urine play an important role in making inputs like Beejamrit, Jivamrit and Ghanjivamrit, on the farm.