Ingerana Occidens: Ingerana occidens is a new species of frog discovered in the Garo and Khasi Hills of Meghalaya+ It commonly known as the Western Trickle Frog+ Name Origin – ‘Occidens’ derives from Latin for “west,” marking the westernmost range of the genus+ Found in – Garo and Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, south of the Brahmaputra River+ Genetic Divergence – Shows ~18% DNA difference from Ingerana borealis north of the Brahmaputra, confirming distinct species status+ Smaller size (adult females ~26 mm)+ Smooth skin with mild wrinkling, unlike the heavily wrinkled northern relative.

Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL): Recently defence minister inaugurates an Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDO+ It is a premier aerospace and missile systems research facility, under DRDO, India’s primary military R&D agency+ Founded in – 1958 at Hyderabad, Telangana+ Specialization – It focuses on advanced missile systems and aerospace technologies crucial for national security+ It boosts the integration and development of indigenous air defence platforms+ Key Areas – To expertise in missile technology, rocket engineering, aerodynamics, navigation systems, and propulsion.

Project Kusha: Official Name – Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) or Precision-Guided Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (PGLRSAM)+ It is an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system+ Led by – DRDO with the involvement of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the radar systems and integration+ Aim – To protect strategic and civilian assets from stealth aircraft, drones, and cruise or ballistic missile+ Primarily designed for – Indian Air Force (IAF).