North Korea recently unveiled an AI-guided underwater weapon designated as the ‘Zam-2.0’ torpedo system. A torpedo is a self-propelled, underwater explosive weapon designed to attack surface ships or submarines. The Zam-2.0 system integrates artificial intelligence for enhanced target detection and homing guidance underwater. Unlike autonomous weapons that make independent engagement decisions, guidance automation primarily aids course correction using sensor data. This technological advancement reflects North Korea’s growing emphasis on modernization and stealth capabilities in its naval defense architecture.

Pakistan was designated as the incoming Chair of the separate Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for 2027. The Board of Governors is the highest decision-making body of both Bretton Woods institutions, comprising one governor and one alternate governor appointed by each member country. This chairmanship is distinct from executive leadership roles, such as the Managing Director of the IMF or the President of the World Bank Group. The decision highlights Pakistan’s upcoming leadership role at these international financial platforms during their joint governance meetings.

Scientists have discovered and described three new centipede species belonging to the genus Rhysida in Southern India, increasing the country’s total known species in this genus to 23. The research was led by scientists from the Western Ghat Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kozhikode, and Malabar Christian College. The three newly identified species are Rhysida quadrispinosa, Rhysida coorgensis and Rhysida neyyarensis. Rhysida quadrispinosa is named after the presence of four ventrolateral spines on the prefemur of its ultimate leg. Rhysida coorgensis is named after Coorg in Karnataka, where the specimen was collected. Rhysida neyyarensis is named after Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, where it was discovered.

Recently, Janakikkad Forest was in the news after the first photographic evidence of the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl (Ketupa nipalensis) was recorded in the region. Janakikkad Forest is an eco-tourism centre located in Kozhikode district, Kerala. The Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl is a large, nocturnal bird of prey recognised by its distinctive dark chevron markings and deep call. Located near the Kuttiyady River basin, the forest supports diverse birdlife and forest-dwelling species. Janakikkad forms part of the ecologically rich Western Ghats, highlighting the importance of conserving biodiversity and natural habitats.

Scientists have identified Neyveli and the Tiruchirappalli Badlands in Tamil Nadu as terrestrial analogues for Martian mineral environments. Neyveli contains Melanterite (a hydrated iron sulphate, while the Tiruchirappalli Badlands contain Gypsum. These sulphate minerals provide essential clues regarding past water–rock interactions, acidic aqueous conditions, and historical habitability on Mars. A terrestrial analogue is an Earth-based site or mineral proxy that mimics conditions found on other planetary bodies, allowing researchers to study extraterrestrial geological processes directly.