{"id":41129,"date":"2025-04-14T19:13:58","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T13:43:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=41129"},"modified":"2025-04-14T19:14:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T13:44:09","slug":"news-in-short-14-04-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/14-04-2025\/news-in-short-14-04-2025","title":{"rendered":"News In Short-14-04-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Atmospheric Rivers\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS1\/Geography&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently, a large part of the United States experienced heavy rain, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms caused by an atmospheric river<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Atmospheric rivers\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They are narrow, fast-moving bands of moisture and wind\u2014like rivers in the sky\u2014that transport large amounts of water vapor from tropical oceans to land.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They typically span 402 to 606 km in width and over 1,600 km in length.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They often resemble hurricanes in intensity and are most common in mid-latitudes.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A famous example is the<strong> Pineapple Express<\/strong>, which carries moisture from Hawaii to the U.S. and Canadian West Coasts.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, the recent storm in the U.S. originated from the Caribbean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Importance and Threats\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most atmospheric rivers are weak and beneficial, supplying <strong>vital rain and snow<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They can also cause severe weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and mudslides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Study\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A NASA study predicts that future atmospheric rivers will be longer, wider, and more intense, increasing the risk of severe flooding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source :IE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>DRDO Tests Laser Weapon System\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS3\/Defence&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>DRDO successfully tested the Mk-II(A) <strong>Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) <\/strong>system in Andhra Pradesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The system was developed by DRDO\u2019s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad along with other labs, academic institutions and Indian industries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has the ability to engage and destroy drones, enemy sensors, and antennae with speed and precision.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With this achievement, India joins a select group of countries, including the <strong>US, China, and Russia<\/strong>, possessing such advanced capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It offers a cost-effective solution to counter <strong>low-cost drone threats<\/strong>, with the cost of operation being equivalent to just a few litres of petrol.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It uses a high-intensity laser beam to neutralize targets at the speed of light, minimizing collateral damage and reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Importance\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>DRDO emphasized that as drone swarms and unmanned aerial systems become major threats, laser-DEWs are emerging as effective alternatives to traditional missile defence systems, offering ease of use, precision, and low operational costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source :TH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>ADB Revises India&#8217;s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.7%<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Asian Development Bank (ADB)<\/strong> in the Asian Development Outlook 2025, revised India\u2019s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to <strong>6.7%<\/strong>, down from its earlier estimate of <strong>7%.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For FY27<\/strong>, the growth forecast has been set at <strong>6.8%.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The economies of Developing Asia and the Pacific are expected to grow at a rate of <strong>4.9% in 2025<\/strong>, which is a slight decrease from 5% in 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reasons:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rising US Tariffs:<\/strong> The imposition of higher tariffs on India\u2019s exports could disrupt trade and investment flows, potentially creating volatility in the domestic financial market.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structural Food Inflation: <\/strong>A mismatch between demand and supply trends contribute to higher food inflation and raise inflationary expectations in the absence of effective policies to improve food supply chain resilience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mitigating Factors: <\/strong>The risks could potentially be mitigated by a <strong>trade agreement between India and US,<\/strong> which is being negotiated.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s exports to the US are only <strong>2% <\/strong>of GDP, limiting direct impact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"979eb0\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"531\" height=\"469\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/04\/adb-india-forecast.png\" alt=\"adb india forecast\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-41131\" style=\"--dominant-color: #979eb0; width:377px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/04\/adb-india-forecast.png 531w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/04\/adb-india-forecast-300x265.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 531px) 100vw, 531px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Asian Development Bank<\/strong><br>&#8211; ADB is a regional development bank established in<strong> 1966<\/strong> for Social and Economic Development. It has <strong>68 members.<\/strong><br>&#8211; It is a<strong> multilateral development bank,<\/strong> which seeks to help its developing member countries to reduce poverty and improve their people&#8217;s quality of life through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration.<br>&#8211; <strong>Headquarters: <\/strong>Manila, Philippines.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/economy\/news\/adb-revises-india-s-fy26-gdp-growth-to-6-7-amid-trade-uncertainty-125040900317_1.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>BS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Exercise Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS3\/Defence&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The first edition of the large-scale multilateral exercise Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) is being held from 13 to 18 April 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)\u00a0 exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AIKEYME, which means \u2018Unity\u2019 in Sanskrit, is planned for six days from 13 to 18 Apr 25 and will include participation from <strong>Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, alongside the c<\/strong><strong>o-hosts India and Tanzania.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It aligns with India&#8217;s vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (<strong>MAHASAGAR<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Importance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It aims to address shared regional maritime challenges by enhancing interoperability and joint operations among participating navies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also reflects the strong and friendly ties between India and African nations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source :TH<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Alfalfa Hay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Environment; Science&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The delay in India&#8217;s approval of<strong> genetically modified (GM) alfalfa <\/strong>hay imports from the US has emerged as a contentious issue in ongoing Indo-US trade negotiations.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Despite clearance from India&#8217;s <strong>Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)<\/strong>, the final nod from the Agriculture Ministry remains pending.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Alfalfa Hay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is often referred to as the <strong>&#8216;Queen of Forages&#8217;<\/strong> and is a highly nutritious and versatile crop widely used in agriculture and livestock farming.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is rich in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins, making it an ideal feed for dairy cattle, horses, and other livestock.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its high fiber content aids in digestion and promotes overall animal health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alfalfa is a<strong> perennial legume<\/strong> that thrives in <strong>well-drained soils <\/strong>and <strong>moderate climates.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving soil fertility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has a <strong>deep root system<\/strong>, which allows it to access nutrients and water from deeper soil layers, making it drought-resistant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other Food Safety Issues in Trade Talks With U.S.<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Alcoholic Beverages:<\/strong> India is considering relaxing food safety norms for RTD low-alcohol beverages, a concern raised by the United States Trade Representative <strong>(USTR)<\/strong>.<br>1. Current regulations allow 0.5-8% alcohol content, but discussions are underway to permit 10-15% alcohol in this category.<br>&#8211; <strong>Whiskey Import Standards: <\/strong>The USTR has sought explicit protection for US whiskey products like Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey.<br>1. India\u2019s FSSAI permits these imports, but further clarifications are being discussed.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/economy\/foreign-trade\/alfalfa-hay-import-delay-sparks-tensions-in-indo-us-trade-talks-other-food-safety-issues-on-the-table\/articleshow\/120043719.cms?UTM_Source=Google_Newsstand&amp;UTM_Campaign=RSS_Feed&amp;UTM_Medium=Referral\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Source: ET<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">Recently, a large part of the United States experienced heavy rain, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms caused by an atmospheric river<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Atmospheric rivers\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">They are narrow, fast-moving bands of moisture and wind\u2014like rivers in the sky\u2014that transport large amounts of water vapor from tropical oceans to land.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">They typically span 402 to 606 km in width and over 1,600 km in length.<\/li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/14-04-2025\/news-in-short-14-04-2025\" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41129","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41129"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41172,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41129\/revisions\/41172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}