Info Nuggets

Astra missile

The Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile was successfully test-fired from the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft off the Odisha coast. The Astra missile is an advanced air-to-air missile designed for fighter aircraft, enabling them to engage targets beyond 100 km without direct visual contact. Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, the missile boasts impressive features, including a range of over 100 km, altitude of 20 km, and speed of Mach 4.5.

Hantavirus

Betsy Hackman’s death from hantavirus infection has raised awareness about this rare but deadly virus. Hantavirus causes severe respiratory distress and kidney failure through Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). The virus is transmitted through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, with inhalation being the primary mode of transmission. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, with no specific cure available, emphasising the importance of early detection and rodent control measures.

SpaDeX

ISRO achieved a milestone in space docking technology by successfully undocking two SpaDeX satellites. This makes India the fourth country to demonstrate rendezvous, docking, and undocking capabilities in orbit. The SpaDeX mission, launched on December 30, 2024, aimed to test spacecraft docking and undocking operations, crucial for future space station assembly, lunar sample return missions, and deep-space exploration. The mission paves the way for India’s space station, supports human spaceflight, and enhances India's deep-space exploration capabilities.

Indian Rupee symbol

Tamil Nadu’s government sparked controversy by replacing the official Indian Rupee symbol with the Tamil letter “Ru” in the state Budget 2025-26. The Indian Rupee symbol, adopted in 2010, represents India’s economic strength and global identity. Designed by Udaya Kumar, it uniquely blends Devanagari and Roman scripts, with stripes symbolising the national flag and economic stability. The symbol’s distinct design ensures easy recognition in global financial systems, making it an integral part of India’s economic identity.