Prelims Focus 14th April 2025

Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’

In News: The Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ is a precision-guided munition developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

Key Features of Gaurav

• Weight and Dimensions: The Gaurav weighs approximately 1,000 kg, is 4 meters long, and has a diameter of 0.62 meters with a wingspan of 3.4 meters.
• Range and Accuracy: It has a demonstrated range close to 100 km, with a potential range of 30 km to 150 km. The trials have shown pinpoint accuracy.
• Guidance System: The bomb uses a hybrid navigation system combining inertial navigation with satellite guidance (GPS/NavIC) for precise targeting.
• Launch Platform: The Gaurav is designed to be launched from the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

SAARC Development Fund

In News: The SAARC Development Fund, boasting a capital base of $672 million and authorized funds of $1.5 billion, is drawing increased attention following recent reductions in USAID funding.

Overview of the SAARC Development Fund

• Establishment and Purpose: The SDF was established in 2010 as the umbrella financial institution for SAARC projects, aiming to promote regional integration and economic cooperation among member states.
• Funding Windows: The SDF operates through three funding windows: Social, Economic, and Infrastructure. These windows support projects in areas such as education, health, trade, industrial development, energy, and transportation.

Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme

In News: UTs with legislatures – Delhi, J&K, Puducherry – at the moment are covered under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment’ scheme, launched in 2020-21.

• Under this scheme, the Central government provides financial assistance to states in the shape of a 50-yr interest-free loan for capital funding initiatives.
• Provisions are made for infrastructure projects like roads, flyovers, bridges, clinic homes, development of tourism sectors and other capital initiatives.
• It was launched considering the difficult fiscal environment confronted by the State Governments due to COVID-19 pandemic.
• Ministry: Ministry of France.
• The Scheme was persisted in financial years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 and further in FY 2024-25.

Index of Industrial Production

In News: Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew at its slowest rate in six months, clocking a tempo of 2.9% in February 2025.

• The IIP is an index which indicates the boom fees in special industry organizations of the economy in a stipulated period of time.
• It is a composite indicator that measures the increase rate of industry organizations categorized under:
  • Broad sectors: Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity.
  • Use-based sectors: Basic Goods, Capital Goods, and Intermediate Goods.
• Released by: The Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• Base year: 2011-2012
• Periodicity: Monthly basis

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