12.04.25

Mahadayi River

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  • Protest Against Land Acquisition: Farmer leaders, environmentalists, religious figures, and advocates are protesting the Karnataka state government’s proposed land acquisition for the Bandura Nala water diversion project in the Mahadayi river basin.

  • Mahadayi River Dispute: The Mahadayi River (also known as Mandovi/Mhadei) is a point of contention between Karnataka and Goa due to water sharing. Maharashtra is also party to this dispute.

  • River’s Course: The river originates in Karnataka’s Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, flows briefly through Maharashtra, then through Goa, emptying into the Arabian Sea at Panaji. Most

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    of its length (76 km out of 111 km) is in Goa.

  • Kalasa-Banduri Project: This project aims to divert water from the Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha River basin in Karnataka to meet the drinking water needs of several districts. Goa opposes this project.

  • Objective of Project: To meet the drinking water needs of Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Gadag districts in Karnataka.

Gaurav Glide Bomb

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  • Successful Trials: DRDO successfully tested the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from a Su-30 MKI aircraft between April 8-10, 2025, hitting a land target on an island with pinpoint accuracy.

  • Enhanced Standoff Capability: The ‘Gaurav’ enhances the Indian Air Force’s ability to strike targets from a safe distance (up to

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100 km).

  • Indigenous Development: The bomb is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO, aligning with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.

  • Key Characteristics:

    • 1,000 kg class, air-launched.
    • Range: Up to 100 km when launched from high altitudes.
    • Precision-guided: Uses a hybrid navigation system (INS and GPS).

  • How it Works: Dropped from an aircraft, it glides to the target using aerodynamic surfaces and guidance systems, ensuring accuracy with minimal collateral damage.

  • Significance: This development increases the Armed Forces’ capabilities.

  • Industry Collaboration: Developed with support from partners like Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge, and MSMEs, highlighting collaborative efforts.

  • Pathway to Induction: The successful trials pave the way for inducting ‘Gaurav’ into the Indian Air Force.

    • Vitamin D

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    • Silent Epidemic: India faces a widespread Vitamin D deficiency, impacting one in five Indians.
    • ICRIER Report: The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) highlighted the issue, calling for urgent action.
    • Key Actions Needed: The report recommends a national campaign, pricing reforms for supplements, food fortification, and improved diagnostics.
    • Prevalence & Regions: Deficiency is highest in eastern India (nearly 39%), with urban areas more affected.
    • Causes
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      – Lifestyle:       Indoor lifestyles, high-rise buildings, and screen time limit sun exposure. Pollution blocks UVB rays. Extreme weather and cultural norms also limit sun exposure.
    • Causes – Diet: Low consumption of Vitamin D-rich foods (fish, eggs, dairy) and lack of fortified staples contribute to the problem.
    • Consequences: Deficiency leads to skeletal disorders, increased risk of non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, cancers), mental health issues, weakened immunity, and maternal/child health problems.
    • Socio-Economic Factors: High testing and supplement costs, along with 18% GST, create barriers for low-income groups.
    • Targeted Groups: Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects.

    Industrial Output Index

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    • Slowdown in Industrial Growth: IIP grew by only 2.9% in February 2025, the slowest in six months, significantly below the expected 4%.

    • Sectoral Deceleration: All key sectors experienced slower growth.

      • Mining slowed sharply to 1.6% (from 8.1% in Feb 2024).
      • Manufacturing grew at 2.9% (down
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        from 4.9% a year ago).
      • Electricity output growth dropped to 3.6% (from 7.6% in Feb 2024).

    • High Base Effect & Slowing Growth: Combination of high base effects and slower growth in mining and manufacturing led to the decline.

    • Use-Based Classification:

      • Except for capital goods, all other goods categories saw slower output growth.
      • Capital goods grew fastest at 8.2%.
      • Intermediate goods grew slowest at 1.5%.
      • Consumer non-durables continued to decline, although at a slower pace (-2.1%).

    • Worrying Trend: Output growth across all use-based sub-sectors declined compared to the previous month, indicating muted industrial output.

    • Analyst Views: Deceleration primarily driven by manufacturing, partially offset by higher power demand. Anticipation of accelerated growth in March due to inventory build-up before U.S. tariff announcements.

    • IIP Basics: Measures short-term changes in industrial production volume across mining, manufacturing, and electricity. Published by CSO, MoSPI. Base year is 2011-12.