15-16-04-23 Daily-Odisha-OPSC Current Affairs

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 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 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.

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

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