8th May 2025

Explanation - Snow Leopards are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They inhabit alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m (9,800 to 14,800 ft). In the northern range countries, they also occur at lower elevations. Their habitat extends through twelve countries - Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. China contains as much as 60% of all snow leopard habitat areas. In India, their geographical range encompasses a large part of the western Himalayas including the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas. The snow leopard, like all big cats, is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), which makes trading of animal body parts (i.e., fur, bones and meat) illegal in signatory countries. It is also protected by several national laws in its range countries. Global Snow Leopard Forum, 2013 - 12 countries encompassing the snow leopard's range (Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan). Bishkek Declaration was passed to protect the species and its environment. Global Snow Leopard and Eco-System Protection Program - It is a joint initiative of range country governments, international agencies, civil society, and the private sector. Goal - secure the long-term survival of the snow leopard in its natural ecosystem.

Explanation - The Venera programme (1961–1984) was a Soviet interplanetary mission series aimed at exploring Venus. It launched 28 probes, of which 13 entered Venus's atmosphere and 10 landed on the surface. Venera 8, the twin of Kosmos 482, successfully landed on Venus in 1972 and transmitted data for 50 minutes. Venus conditions: Surface temperature ~462°C and pressure ~92 times Earth's. Venera landers were specially designed using:

• Spherical titanium hulls
• Heat-resistant layers
• Pressure insulation
• Active cooling systems

Explanation - A combination of the names of Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, BrahMos missiles are designed, developed and produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture company set up by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Mashinostroyenia of Russia. Various versions of the BrahMos, including those which can be fired from land, warships, submarines and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets have already been developed and successfully tested in the past. The earliest versions of the ship launched BrahMos and land based system are in service of the Indian Navy and the Indian Army since 2005 and 2007 respectively. BrahMos is a two-stage missile with solid propellant booster as first stage and liquid ramjet as the second stage. The cruise missiles like BrahMos are a type of systems known as the 'standoff range weapons' which are fired from a range sufficient to allow the attacker to evade defensive fire from the adversary. These weapons are in the arsenal of most major militaries in the world. The versions of the BrahMos that are being tested have an extended range of around 450 kilometers, as compared to its initial range of 290 kilometers, with more versions of higher ranges currently under development.

Explanation - Rafale (built by Dassault Aviation of France) can attain a maximum speed of Mach 1.8/750 kt (2,222.6 km per hour) and can climb up to 50,000 ft. It can jam enemy radars, detect targets anywhere including sea, ground and air. Other superior capabilities include close air support, dynamic targeting, air-to-ground precision strike, anti-ship attack capability and buddy-buddy refuelling. The advanced Rafale aircraft can carry a nuclear weapon, and deploy long range air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs with different warheads and non-guided classic bombs.

Explanation - PGMs use advanced guidance systems like GPS, laser guidance, and infrared sensors for precise targeting. PGMs can adjust their trajectory mid-flight to account for weather, wind, or targeting errors. PGMs are versatile and can be launched from aircraft, ships, ground platforms, or UAVs. PGMs are designed to reduce collateral damage by targeting with precision, minimising harm to civilians and infrastructure.