Mercenary Spyware
Apple has issued warnings to users in India and other countries of potential “mercenary spyware” attacks.
- Mercenary Spywares – Designed to remotely infiltrate and compromise smartphones and other devices without the knowledge or consent of the users.
- Significance – Target specific individuals and can be used to monitor movements, communications and steal private data.
- Example – Pegasus, FinSpy and Galileo.
- Spyware – Malicious software or malware that is installed on a computing device without end user’s knowledge and monitors or steals sensitive information.
S&T – PRISM
Fresh proposals under S&T-PRISM program have been invited by Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, Nagpur.
- Ministry – Ministry of Mines (MoM)
- Objective – To promote ecosystem for research, design, development, IPR creation, pilot project and manufacturing in Mining, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy and Recycling.
- Implementing Agency – JNARDDC, autonomous body under MoM.
Web3
India’s share of global pool of Web3 developers has increased from 3% in 2018 to 12% in 2023.
- Web 3 – It is the 3rd generation of World Wide Web.
- Features –
- Enables peer-to-peer transactions and interactions without intermediaries.
- Enables people to control their own data.
- Includes cryptocurrencies, Non-Fungible Tokens etc.
- Operated by users collectively rather than a corporation
Baobab Tree
Global Society for Preservation of Baobabs and Mangroves has initiated a mission to rejuvenate baobab trees.
- Baobab Tree (Genus: Adansonia) – Long-lived deciduous, small to large trees from 20 to 100 ft tall with broad trunks and compact tops.
- Grows in – Africa, Madagascar and Australia.
- Presence in India – Found in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh.