1) Astra missiles test-fired successfully
- Astra was successfully launched from Su-30 MKI fighter jet in two developmental trials conducted at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha on 20th May.
- In the first trial, the supersonic missile was released when the fighter jet was performing a “very high-g manoeuvre.” In the second trial, the g manoeuvre was higher than in the first exercise.
- The extreme conditions were simulated for the missile’s launch in both trials when it was released at very low and very high altitudes. DRDO scientists plan to conduct another trial on Thursday to prove the long range capability of the missile
- With these tests, seven developmental trials were conducted and the missile is expected to be inducted by 2016 after a few more tests. The 3.8-metre tall Astra is a radar homing missile and one of the smallest weapon systems developed by the DRDO.
2) India on 6th position in terms of scientific publications
- India has reached sixth position in terms of scientific publications. Department of Science and Technology 21st May said that India elevated from tenth to sixth position in terms of publishing scientific research papers in different journals.
3) Everest glaciers may disappear by 2100: Study
- Scientists on 27th May warned that glaciers in the Everest region of the Himalayas can shrink at least 70 per cent or even disappear entirely by the end of the century if greenhouse-gas emissions continue to rise. A team of researchers in Nepal, France and the Netherlands have found that the Everest glaciers can be very sensitive to future warming. They have predicted that sustained ice loss through the 21st century is likely. The signal of future glacier change in the region is clear. The glacier model used by Shea and his team shows that glacier volume could be reduced between 70 per cent and 99 percent by 2100.