In News:

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the Flight Tests of Guided Pinaka Weapon System.

Key Details of the Flight Tests:

• Conducted as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Trials.
• Tests Phases: Flight tests were carried out in three phases at different field firing ranges.
• Parameters Assessed:
  • Ranging (the distance the weapon can accurately target).
  • Accuracy (precision of hits).
  • Consistency (performance over multiple trials).
  • Rate of Fire (ability to fire multiple rockets simultaneously in salvo mode).

Guided Pinaka Weapon System:

• Design and Development:
  • Developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in association with other DRDO labs and production agencies, including:
    • Research Centre Imarat,
    • Defence Research and Development Laboratory,
    • High Energy Materials Research Laboratory,
    • Proof & Experimental Establishment.
  • Production Agencies: Munitions India Limited, Economic Explosives Limited, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and Larsen & Toubro.
• Key Features:
  • Pinaka: A multi-barrel rocket launcher system named after Lord Shiva’s bow.
  • Mobility: Highly mobile, providing quick deployment in battlefield scenarios.
  • Firepower: Capable of delivering concentrated firepower on enemy targets.
  • Upgraded Version (Pinaka Mark II):
    • Extended range: 70 to 80 km.
    • Future range targets: 120 km and 300 km.
  • Salvo Mode: Tested for the ability to launch 12 rockets simultaneously.
• Significance:

• Strategic Importance: The successful trials enhance the artillery firepower of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Completion of Pre-requisite Trials: The system has successfully completed all flight trials before its induction into the Indian Army.

In News:

Recently, Prasar Bharati launched its OTT platform WAVES, to cater to India’s increasing demand for digital streaming services. 

Key Features of WAVES OTT Platform:

• Content Offered: A mix of classic content and contemporary programming, catering to various audiences.
• Target Audience: Aimed at Indians and those abroad wishing to stay connected to their Indian roots.
• Languages: Available in 12+ languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, Assamese.
• Genres: Spanning 10+ genres, including infotainment, games, current affairs, and news.
• Free Access: Most content is available free to download and view, with exceptions for premium content.
• Additional Features:
  • Video on demand.
  • Free-to-play gaming.
  • Radio streaming.
  • Live TV streaming with 65 live channels.
  • Online shopping via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) supported e-commerce platform.

Content Highlights:

• Fauji 2.0: A modern adaptation of the iconic 1980s Shahrukh Khan show, focusing on lives of people who serve and protect India.
• Kakbhushandi Ramayana: An original show on DD National now available on WAVES, based on research of over 350 versions of the Ramayana worldwide. The show aims to provide a new portrayal of the epic, appealing to younger audiences.

Vision for WAVES OTT:

• WAVES aims to revive nostalgia while embracing modern digital trends.
• It serves as an inclusive platform that highlights Indian culture with an international outlook.

In News:

Tamil Nadu Forest Department staff and members of a non-governmental organisation rescued a rare peacock with white feathers, caused by a genetic condition called leucism, in Coimbatore.

Key Highlights:

Incident Details:

• Species: Indian peacock (Pavocristatus), known for its beautiful plumage.
• Condition: The peacock was rescued due to a leg injury and its rare white plumage.
• Cause of White Plumage: The bird's white feathers are caused by leucism, a genetic condition that reduces pigmentation in feathers while leaving eye color unaffected.

Expert Insights:

• Leucism: It causes partial loss of pigmentation in animals. A leucistic animal retains normal eye color but has pale or white coloration.
• Distinction from Albinism: Unlike albinism, which results in a complete lack of melanin and often causes red or pink eyes, leucistic animals retain normal eye pigmentation.
• Identification of Leucism in Peacock: The bird’s dark eyes and pink bill and feet confirmed it as fully leucistic.

Peacock Species:

• Indian Peacock (Pavocristatus): The National Bird of India, native to India and Sri Lanka. It belongs to the Phasianidae family, which also includes pheasants, quails, and jungle fowl.
• Green Peacock (Pavomuticus): Found from Myanmar to Java.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Status: Listed as Least Concern.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: The Indian peacock is listed under Schedule I, offering it the highest level of legal protection in India.

In News:

The Ministry of Science and Technologyrecently launched India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data bank that is aimed at propelling innovation and boosting the country’s national securityat the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024.

• • The event theme: “AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance”.

Key Highlights:

• Objective:
  • Propel innovation and enhance national security.
  • Provide access to diverse, high-quality datasets for creating scalable and inclusive AI solutions.
• Key Features of the AI Data Bank:
  • Target Audience: Researchers, startups, and developers.
  • Data Types: Satellite, drone, and IoT data.
  • Purpose:
    • To enhance national security through real-time analytics.
    • Enable predictive analytics for disaster management and cybersecurity.

Strategic Importance of AI in India:

• National Security: AI to strengthen national security by providing real-time analytics from satellite, drone, and IoT data.
• AI for Development:
  • AI’s role in reshaping sectors like governance, business, healthcare, education, and space exploration.
  • AI as a tool for economic growth, addressing climate change, improving public service delivery, and ensuring national security.
• Ethics and Governance:
  • Ensuring responsible AI use with optimal handling.
  • Addressing algorithmic bias and data privacy through robust governance frameworks.
  • Commitment to transparent and fair AI systems that empower people rather than replace them.
• AI in Disaster Management and Cybersecurity:
  • Aligning with India’s goals to use AI for predictive analytics in disaster management.
  • Enhancing cybersecurity through AI technologies.

Government’s Vision on AI:

• Empowering Citizens: AI must bridge divides and ensure equitable access to its benefits.
• AI as Backbone for Future Development: India’s focus on making AI an integral part of its future economic and technological growth.

In News:

Recently, the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI 2025) report was released at the annual UN climate conference in Baku.

Key Highlights:

• It is published by think tanks German watch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International.It was first published in 2005.
• It tracks the progress of the world’s largest emitters in terms of emissions, renewables, and climate policy.

India's Ranking in Climate Change Performance (CCPI 2025)

• India's Rank: 10th (Dropped two places from the previous year).
• Key Factors for India's High Rank:
  • Low per capita emissions: 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent (global average: 6.6 tons).
  • Rapid deployment of renewables: India is a leader in solar energy projects, including large-scale solar and rooftop solar schemes.
  • Renewable energy targets: Aims for 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  • Energy efficiency standards: Introduced, but coverage remains inadequate.
  • Electric vehicle (EV) deployment: Significant progress, especially in two-wheelers.
• Challenges for India:
  • Heavy reliance on coal: India remains one of the top 10 countries with the largest developed coal reserves.
  • Growth-oriented approach: Economic growth and energy demand continue to drive climate action, with limited change in climate policy expected.
• Future Pledges:
  • Net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • Global leadership in green energy.

CCPI 2025 Rankings Overview

Rank

Country

Key Points

1-3

Empty

No country performed well enough to achieve a "very high" rating.

4

Denmark

Leading climate actions but ranks 4th technically.

5

Netherlands

Strong climate performance, follows Denmark.

6

U.K.

Notable improvement due to coal phase-out and halting new fossil fuel licenses.

10

India

High performer, despite challenges like reliance on coal.

55

China

Largest emitter, heavily reliant on coal, ranks 55th despite promising plans.

57

U.S.

Second-largest emitter, ranks 57th with insufficient climate targets.

59

Argentina

Major climate policy setbacks, including potential exit from Paris Agreement.

64-67

Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia

Lowest-ranked, major oil and gas producers with weak climate policies.

General Findings of the Report

• CCPI Methodology: Assesses 63 countries (plus the EU) responsible for 90% of global emissions based on their emissions, renewable energy efforts, and climate policies.
• Global Trends:
  • No country has been able to secure a "very high" rating across all categories.
  • Denmark and Netherlands are among the top performers.
  • The U.K. shows significant progress with its coal phase-out and fossil fuel policies.