Pralay Missile

India is now considering a request from Armenia to supply the Pralay tactical ballistic missile.

• Pralay Missile has been developed for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).
• It is a canisterized, short-range ballistic missile that was designed for battlefield use.
• Developed by – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Range – 150 km to 500 km.
• Features – It can carry a variety of warheads, including high-explosive preformed fragmentation, penetration-cum-blast (PCB), and runway denial penetration submunitions (RDPS).
• It is capable of targeting critical enemy infrastructure such as radar installations, communication centres, command posts and airfields.
• Armenia – Armenia had approached India seeking to procure the Pralay tactical ballistic missile to counter Azerbaijan's acquisition of the Israeli LORA long-range surface-to-surface missile system.
• LORA system was allegedly used by Azerbaijan against Armenia In October 2020 during a military conflict.
• Nagorno-Karabakh is a disputed region between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Crop Weather Watch Group (CWWG)

• A weekly meeting of Crop Forecast Coordination Centre (CFCC) to review the status of crops and weather conditions.
• During the meeting the following are reviewed:
  • Status of area coverage under different crops and their conditions, rainfall and weather situation and
  • Reservoir status, inputs availability, price and procurement situation of agricultural commodities.
• Crop Forecast Coordination Centre (CFCC) is a division under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.
• Under the RTISA (Real Time Information System on Agriculture), CFCC provides monthly assessment of major crops by integrating the output of various organisations.
• In conjunction with this MNCFC provides forecast for 9 crops and IEG provides forecast for 13 crops.
•  Coordinating efforts with various organisation to enhance the existing crop forecast.

High Integrity Forest Investment Initiative (HIFOR)

• High Integrity Forest Investment Initiative (HIFOR) is a new nature finance initiative, bridging the gap between climate and biodiversity.
• HIFOR initiative is a Payment for Ecosystem Services scheme designed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• It serve as a tool to be used by all those interested in the conservation of high integrity tropical forests. (Statement 2 is correct)
• HIFOR units represent one hectare of well maintained, high integrity tropical forest located within a large well-conserved landscape.
• Investments in HIFOR directly support tropical forest conservation and help maintain the critical biodiversity and ecosystem services that they provide.
• A single investment, with multiple benefits:
• Claims – Purchasers of HIFOR units can make claims related to land conservation, climate, biodiversity, wildlife populations, and socio-economics.
• Long-term investment – HIFOR is an investment, not an offset. Maintaining high integrity areas is the cost efficient form of conservation.
• Climate and biodiversity de-risking – Improves outcomes across the whole investment portfolio by accounting for systemic risk (climate regulation and nature loss).
• Between 35% and 54% of assets held by financial institutions are highly or very highly dependent on ecosystem services supported by biodiversity.
• Geographically diversified – Reduces the risk of natural capital investment portfolio from natural disasters through a geographically diversified portfolio.
• The HIFOR portfolio spans the geographic range where high integrity forests are found.
• No greenwashing – Maintenance of high integrity tropical forests can be demonstrated through easily accessible metrics. HIFOR claims rest on the idea of a global contribution, not a corporate offset.
• Africa’s first HIFOR project was launched in Nouabale-Ndoki National Park (NNNP) in the Republic of the Congo by Congo’s Minister of Forest Economy and WCS.
• NNNP is the best example of an intact forest ecosystem remaining in the Congo Basin.
• The park has never been logged, contains no roads within its borders, and still protects wildlife populations deep within its interior that have had little or no contact with people.
• The forest is part of the larger Sangha Tri-National Forest Landscape that in July 2012 was nominated as a World Heritage Site.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

• Garlic is a perennial plant of the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), grown for its flavourful bulbs.
• It is a common cooking ingredient with numerous health benefits.
• It belongs to the genus Allium and has close ties with the onion, rakkyo.
• The plant is native to central Asia but grows wild in Italy and southern France and is a classic ingredient in many national cuisines.
• Allicin – Garlic contains allicin, which acts as an antibiotic and releases allicin when a person chops or crushes it.
• It is responsible for garlic's characteristic flavour, is produced when garlic is chopped, crushed, or chewed.
• Allicin interacts with receptors on sensory neurons in the trigeminal nerve.
• Historical and cultural uses – Garlic has been used in human diets for thousands of years.
• Sumerian clay tablets from 4000 years ago contain garlic recipes.
• In Ayurveda, warm garlic-infused milk known as Lasuna Ksheerapaka is used in various remedies for respiratory conditions and as a digestive aid.
• Plant defence mechanisms – Plants, being stationary, have developed chemical defences against predators.
• Underground parts of plants are particularly vulnerable to various threats.
• Garlic's chemical composition – Recent analysis has identified over 2,300 chemicals in garlic cloves.
• Only about 70 of these are currently included in nutrition charts.
• Garlic is rich in manganese, selenium, and vitamin B6.
• Other compounds include thiosulfinates, lectins, saponins, and flavonoids.
• Garlic production in India – India is the second-largest producer of garlic globally.
• Notable varieties include Riya van from Madhya Pradesh, Gadag local varieties from Karnataka, and Kashmiri varieties. (Statement 3 is incorrect)
• Madhya Pradesh is the largest garlic-producing State in India.
• Potential health benefits – Garlic compounds may influence inflammatory processes, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health.
• The flavonoid luteolin may inhibit the formation of amyloid beta plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
• Consumption recommendations – Moderation is key to avoid side effects like heartburn and diarrhea.
• Some health practitioners recommend about 4 grams of garlic per day.

Asia Power Index, 2024

India has overtaken Japan as Asia's third most powerful nation in the recently released Asia Power Index.

• The Asia Power Index measures resources and influence to rank the relative power of states in Asia.
• The Asia Power Index is compiled annually by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, evaluates the power dynamics of countries across Asia. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• It maps out the existing distribution of power as it stands today and tracks shifts in the balance of power over time.
• The Index explores 131 indicators across 8 thematic measures of power.
• The 8 thematic measures of power include:
  1. Diplomatic influence
  2. Culture influence
  3. Economic capability
  4. Military capability
  5. Resilience
  6. Future resource
  7. Economic relationships
  8. Defence networks
• The Index ranks 27 countries and territories in terms of their capacity to shape their external environment.
• In the Asia Power Index, 2024, the United States holds the top position, followed by the China in second place, with India securing the third spot.
• India has overtaken Japan as Asia's third most powerful nation in the index.
• India’s rise to the third position reflects its expanding capabilities in several key areas, including defence, diplomacy, and economic growth.
• Challenges on India’s road to superpower status:
  1. Income disparities
  2. Infrastructure needs
  3. Geopolitical tensions