In a major leap toward self-reliance in defense technology, India is set to develop its very own fifth-generation fighter jet—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) . In a historic move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved an innovative execution model for the indigenous stealth fighter programme. This model brings together Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry players in a competitive framework, marking a significant shift in how India approaches military aviation manufacturing. This bold initiative comes at a critical time, as China has already fielded two fifth-generation fighters , and reports indicate it will supply 40 J-35 stealth jets to Pakistan . Against this backdrop, fast-tracking the AMCA has become an urgent national security imperative. AMCA: India’s Indigenous Stealth Fighter Dream The AMCA project , spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) , received its l...
A recent study has brought to light a grave issue affecting public health in the Gangetic plains of Bihar—Manganese (Mn) contamination in drinking water. The contamination is linked to severe health consequences, including cancer, posing a significant challenge to ensuring safe and clean drinking water. The Toxicity of Manganese Manganese is the fifth-most abundant metal on earth and exists naturally in various forms, including oxides, carbonates, and silicates. It is a hard, brittle, silvery metal commonly found in food, water, soil, and rocks. While manganese is an essential nutrient necessary for human health in trace amounts, excessive consumption can lead to severe health issues. Health Implications of Manganese According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable limit for manganese in drinking water is 0.1 mg/L, with a permissible limit of 0.3 mg/L. Consuming water with manganese levels exceeding these limits can result in severe toxicity, manifesting as neurologica...