News In Shorts: 28 September 2024

Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MRLS) System

Pinaka Rocket: 

• Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher: Pinaka is a multi-barrel rocket system (MBRL) capable of firing a salvo of 12 rockets within 44 seconds.
  • A Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a type of artillery that has several launchers mounted on one platform, allowing it to fire multiple rockets with different ranges and warheads.
  • Examples: Indian Pinaka system, the Russian Grad, and the American HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System)
• Origin : The Pinaka rocket system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the late 1980s to serve as an alternative to Russian-made multi-barrel rocket launchers like the ‘Grad’.
• First Battlefield Use: The system was first successfully deployed during the Kargil War in 1999 .
• Versions and Range
  • The Mark-I version : range of approximately 40 kilometres.
  • Pinaka Mk-I Enhanced : approx 60 kilometres and 
  • Pinaka Mk-II : 90 kilometres.
    • The Mark-II integrates navigation and control systems linked to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, enhancing both accuracy and range.
  • DRDO is working on two variants of the Pinaka-MK3 rocket launcher.
    • The first variant:  range of 120 kilometres or even more.
    • The range of the subsequent variants will be 300 kilometres.

Global Innovation Index 2024

More on the news

• India’s ranking has improved by 42 positions over the last 9 years.
• It ranks first among 38 lower-middle-income economies
  • It  shows its leadership in innovation among developing nations.

Global Innovation Index (GII)

• The Global Innovation Index is an annual ranking that assesses countries based on their innovation capabilities and achievements.
• Publisher: It is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• Regional and Global Achievements:
  • India ranks first among 10 economies in Central & Southern Asia.
  • India secures 4th place in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Science & Technology (S&T) Cluster Ranking.
  • Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai are listed in the top 100 global S&T clusters.
  • India is ranked 7th globally in intangible asset intensity, which includes patents and trademarks crucial for innovation.
• Factors Contributing to rise in ranks:
  • Focus on fostering an environment conducive to innovation.
  • Contributions of Indian innovators and entrepreneurs.