Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carries out successful maiden flight test of Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ from Su-30 MK-I platform.

About GAURAV

• An air launched 1,000 kg class glide bomb capable of hitting targets at long distance.
  • Glide bomb after launch steer towards the target using highly accurate hybrid navigation scheme with a combination of Indian Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) data.
• Designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.

Minister of Minority Affairs launched the Jiyo Parsi scheme Portal.

• Portal will enable Parsis to apply online, check status of application and receive financial assistance online through Direct Benefit Transfer.

About Jiyo Parsi scheme (2013-14)

• Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme 
• Objective: Reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions to stabilize their population.
• Encompasses three components namely Medical, Health of Community, and Advocacy Component. 

Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application.

• In news version, information from 592 flood monitoring stations (earlier 200) will be covered along with 150 major reservoirs. 

About FloodWatch India Application

• Developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC).
  • CWC is a premier Technical Organisation in the country in the field of water resources. 
• Aim: Using mobile phones to disseminate information related to flood situation in the country and flood forecasts up to 7 days on a real-time basis to the public.
• Utilizes advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling and real-time monitoring.

Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted Phase-I of the Exercise Tarang Shakti at Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu.

About Exercise Tarang Shakti

• India’s first Multinational air exercise. 
• Aims to showcase India’s defense prowess and provide a platform for participating militaries to foster interoperability.
• IAF announced to conduct it biennially. 

According to Scientists, ballast water carried by ships is providing a vehicle to bring in exotic and invasive species in coastal areas.

About Ballast Water

• It is fresh or saltwater held in the ballast tanks and cargo holds of ships to provide stability and maneuverability.
• Untreated ballast water released at the ship’s destination could potentially introduce a new invasive marine species.
• International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention), adopted in 2004, regulates the transfer of potentially invasive species.

Recently, a massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack resulted in glitches in interview of a former US President over Social Media platform X.

About DDoS Attacks

• It is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service or network by overwhelming the target or its surrounding infrastructure with a flood of Internet traffic.
  • In Denial of Service (DoS) attack, the attacker uses a single internet connection to barrage a target with fake requests or to try and exploit a cybersecurity vulnerability.
• It can utilize multiple compromised computer systems as sources of attack traffic.

Recently, DRDO successfully test-fired indigenously built Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).

About MPATGM Weapon System

• It is a shoulder-launched, portable missile system, specifically designed to counter enemy tanks and armoured vehicles.
• It consists of Launcher, Target Acquisition System, and Fire Control Unit.
• It is equipped with advanced infrared homing sensors and integrated avionics which makes it versatile in both day and night operations.

Researchers from the US found methods to trace the origin and destination of the Forever Chemicals, scientifically known as Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

About Forever Chemicals

• Forever chemicals refer to human-made toxic compositions which are not depleted naturally and can stay in the environment for thousands of years.
• Applications: Water-proofing, heat resistance, detergents, food packaging and non-stick technologies, etc.
• Concerns: Could lead to adverse health effects such as liver damage, low infant birth weights, hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, immune system effects, and even cancer.