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- The United States has developed a new anti-missile defense system called Dark Eagle, which is approaching full operational status following a successful test flight.
- About the Dark Eagle Anti-Missile System:
- Dark Eagle is a long-range hypersonic anti-missile system created by the United States, designed to intercept enemy missiles mid-flight.
- The system can target and destroy ballistic, cruise, hypersonic missiles, and warheads.
- It boasts an operational range of more than 2,775 kilometers (1,724 miles), allowing it to engage targets deep within enemy territory.
- The system's ballistic missile is equipped with a two-stage mechanism, one of which incorporates a hypersonic glide warhead (C-HGB) capable of reaching speeds of Mach 17, making interception a highly challenging task.
- With the C-HGB warhead reaching speeds of 3,000 to 3,700 meters per second at altitudes below 50 km, the missile is designed to counter and potentially exceed the capabilities of Russia’s S-300V4, S-400, and S-500 air defense systems.
- The Supreme Court recently highlighted the importance of balancing the conservation of wildlife in Sariska Tiger Reserve with the religious sentiments of pilgrims visiting the Pandupol Hanuman temple.
- About Pandupol Hanuman Temple:
- The Pandupol Hanuman Temple is a sacred shrine, over 5,000 years old, nestled within the lush surroundings of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, Rajasthan.
- The temple's history is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology.
- According to the Mahabharata, it is believed that the Pandavas, along with their wife Draupadi, spent a significant portion of their exile in the region.
- The area, known as Viratnagar during their exile, is thought to be where Bhima had a legendary encounter with Lord Hanuman.
- The name "Pandupol" is derived from the word "Pandava," connecting the temple to this ancient narrative.
- The term "Hanuman" honors Lord Hanuman, the central figure in the temple.
- The temple's main attraction is the reclining statue of Lord Hanuman, which is believed to have been placed there by the Pandavas.
- The Malayan Night Heron, a migratory bird from Southeast Asia, has been officially spotted in Madurai for the first time, near the Alagar Kovil hills.
- About the Malayan Night Heron:
- Also known as the Malaysian Night Heron or Tiger Bittern.
- It is a medium-sized, nocturnal bird species.
- Appearance:
- The bird is recognized by its rufous-colored neck, a chestnut back with distinctive barring, a black cap with a crest, and white-tipped primary feathers.
- Habitat:
- The Malayan Night Heron inhabits dense subtropical forests, ranging from low wetlands with streams, marshes, and swamps to moderate elevations with evergreen forests, secondary scrublands, and reservoirs.
- Distribution:
- This species is found across India, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and the East Indies. It is native to Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, and migrates to India during the winter months.
- It is mainly observed in northern Tamil Nadu and is commonly seen in Kerala and Karnataka.
- Diet:
- The heron primarily feeds on terrestrial creatures, particularly earthworms and beetles.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Least Concern.
- The Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology recently announced that 8.6 lakh candidates have enrolled in the IndiaAI Future Skills platform.
- About the IndiaAI Future Skills Platform:
- It is one of the seven key pillars of the IndiaAI Mission.
- The platform aims to improve India's AI workforce readiness by reducing barriers to entry in AI programs and enhancing the AI talent pipeline.
- The initiative will expand AI courses across undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. levels.
- It focuses on ensuring inclusive access to AI education by setting up Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities throughout India, providing foundational AI courses.
- Developed in collaboration with industry partners, it offers cutting-edge training programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
- AI Data Labs are being established in cities like Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Shimla, Aurangabad, Patna, Buxar, and Muzaffarpur, aiming to distribute technological advancements beyond major urban centers.
- What is the IndiaAI Mission?
- The IndiaAI Mission is designed to create a comprehensive ecosystem for AI innovation by making computing more accessible, improving data quality, developing homegrown AI technologies, attracting top AI talent, fostering industry collaboration, providing risk capital for startups, ensuring AI's social impact, and promoting ethical AI practices.
- The mission is focused on the responsible and inclusive growth of India's AI ecosystem through its seven foundational pillars.