1. Dhvani Missile

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is nearing a significant milestone with the upcoming test of Dhvani, a next-generation hypersonic missile that could place India among the elite group of nations with advanced hypersonic technology.

About Dhvani Missile:

• Developed by DRDO, Dhvani is a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) that combines ultra-high speed with superior maneuverability.

• Unlike conventional cruise missiles, Dhvani will ascend to high altitudes before gliding towards its target at speeds beyond Mach 5–6 (≈7,400 km/h).

• It will be capable of hitting both land and maritime targets with pinpoint accuracy.

• Estimated range: 6,000–10,000 km.

• The missile features a blended wing-body design (9 m long, 2.5 m wide) and an advanced heat shield using ultra-high-temperature ceramic composites (withstanding 2,000–3,000°C).

• Its stealth-optimized geometry minimizes radar visibility, making interception nearly impossible.

2. Compressive Asphyxia

Following the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) rally tragedy in Velusamypuram, where 41 people lost their lives, doctors confirmed compressive asphyxia as the primary cause of death.

About Asphyxia:
Asphyxia (or asphyxiation) occurs when the body fails to receive sufficient oxygen, disrupting respiration and potentially causing unconsciousness or death.

About Compressive Asphyxia:
This form of asphyxia happens when external pressure prevents the chest from expanding—such as during a crowd crush or when heavy weight is applied to the chest—causing the lungs to collapse and halting breathing.

3. Dark Stars

Astronomers have found potential evidence that some of the earliest luminous objects in the universe could be dark stars—celestial bodies powered not by fusion, but by dark matter annihilation.

About Dark Stars:

• Dark stars are theoretical celestial objects believed to have existed in the early universe.

• Unlike normal stars that rely on nuclear fusion, they are powered by dark matter heating.

• They are massive and luminous, yet relatively cool and diffuse due to the absence of core fusion.

• These stars might have been as bright as early galaxies, emitting gamma rays, neutrinos, and antimatter, but remain difficult to detect as they don’t emit visible light.

4. Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG)

The textile industry has urged the government not to impose anti-dumping duties on Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG)—a key raw material for polyester fibre and filament production.

About MEG:

• Chemical formula: C₂H₆O₂ (also known as ethylene glycol or glycol).

• A clear, colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a sweet taste and low odour.

• Produced through the reaction of ethylene oxide with water.

• Hygroscopic in nature—absorbs moisture from the air.

• Commonly used to produce polyester fibres, fabrics, and PET resin (used in plastic bottles).

• Other uses: coolants, antifreeze, heat transfer agents, and hydrate inhibitors in gas pipelines.

5. Valmiki Tiger Reserve

A recent tiger attack in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, West Champaran, has renewed focus on this critical wildlife habitat.

About Valmiki Tiger Reserve:

• Located in West Champaran, Bihar, on the India–Nepal border.

• Spread over ~880 sq. km, it is Bihar’s only tiger reserve.

• Comprises Valmiki National Park and Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Lies in the Himalayan Terai zone, bordered by Royal Chitwan National Park (Nepal) and the Gandak River.

• Terrain includes Bhabar and Terai tracts, porous soils, and deep water tables.

• Flora: Sal, teak, bamboo, semal, khair.

• Fauna: Tigers, leopards, deer, gaur, sloth bears, monkeys, and more.

6. NATO Pipeline System (NPS)

Poland recently announced plans to join the NATO Pipeline System (NPS), strengthening its defence logistics amid rising regional tensions.

About NPS:

• Established during the Cold War to supply fuel to NATO forces.

• Network length: ~10,000 km across 12 NATO countries with 4.1 million m³ storage capacity.

• Connects refineries, depots, airbases, pumping stations, and civil airports.

• Managed under the NATO Security Investment Programme.

• Governed by the Petroleum Committee, reporting to the Logistics Committee.

• Includes 8 national and 2 multinational pipeline systems, with CEPS managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.

7. Pulicat Lake

Fishermen around Pulicat Lake have called for urgent measures to address silt accumulation threatening their livelihoods.

About Pulicat Lake:

• India’s second-largest brackish lagoon (after Chilika), spanning Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

• Separated from the Bay of Bengal by Sriharikota Island.

• Fed by Aarani and Kalangi rivers, with the Buckingham Canal running through it.

• Declared a Ramsar site in 2002.

• Home to 132+ plant species and 200+ bird species, including flamingos, sand plovers, and curlews.

• Rich in seagrass beds, mudskippers, and oyster reefs, supporting a unique estuarine ecosystem.

8. Painted Stork

After four years, painted storks have been spotted again in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

About Painted Stork:

• A large wading bird from the stork family (Mycteria leucocephala).

• Found across tropical Asia, especially south of the Himalayas.

• Prefers freshwater wetlands, flooded fields, and canals.

• Diet: Primarily small fish, along with amphibians, insects, and reptiles.

• Males are slightly larger than females; identified by their distinct black breast band.

• Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN Red List).

9. Akshar Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV)

The Indian Coast Guard recently commissioned ICGS Akshar at Karaikal, Puducherry, marking another step in strengthening maritime security.

About Akshar FPV:

• Second of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited (over 60% indigenous content).

• Name meaning: “Imperishable”, reflecting ICG’s resilience and commitment.

• Displacement: ~320 tons | Speed: 27 knots | Endurance: 1,500 nautical miles.

• Equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP), Integrated Bridge System (IBS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS) for enhanced efficiency.

• To be based at Karaikal, under Coast Guard Region (East).

10. Baratang Island

India’s only active mud volcano, located on Baratang Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has erupted once again after nearly two decades.

About Baratang Island:

• Located in North and Middle Andaman district, about 150 km from Port Blair.

• Known for its unique mud volcanoes, last erupted in 2005.

• Home to the Jarawa tribe, one of the indigenous groups of the Andamans.

About Mud Volcanoes:

• Also known as “mud domes”, they expel a mix of mud, gases (mainly methane), and water.

• Unlike lava volcanoes, they don’t eject molten rock.

• Can range from 1–700 m high and up to 10 km wide, sometimes altering coastal topography.