Latest news with #DEW
7NEWS
31-05-2025
- 7NEWS
Rare flooding transforms SA's dry Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre into an outback oasis
The salty flats of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre are flooding for just the fourth time in the past 160 years. When water fills the tourism hotspot in the northeast corner of South Australia, the dry lake bed turns into a temporary outback oasis with wildlife and vegetation all springing to life. 'Brine shrimp hatch from eggs in the soil, millions of waterbirds and breeding birds from as far as China and Japan migrate to the lake, and fish that are in the floodwaters will spawn and eat the shrimp,' the SA Department for Environment and Water said. The Department advised the best way to view the phenomenon is with a scenic flight tour, but added at least one camping spot on the shore offered irresistible access to the 'spectacle'. 'The best way to see the lake and the hundreds of species of birdlife that it attracts is from the air,' DEW said. 'Many visitors will be keen to make the most of this rare event by camping at the Halligan Bay Point Campground.' Halligan Bay Point is an exposed, flat campground with limited facilities, including toilets and picnic shelters. Alternative camping is also available at Muloorina Bore, north of Marree. Campers will need to stick to 'dedicated viewing points within the park'. Recreational water activities — such as swimming, driving off designated tracks, boating and landing aircraft on the lake — are also off limits under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Some people have expressed frustration with the restrictions, including boaties keen to take their vessels onto the lake's rarely seen waters. But the lake management plan is designed both for public safety and to protect the sacred site, and keep people safe in the remote region. Visitor numbers of about 5000 in a dry year can surge to about 25,000 in a flood year, DEW said. The lake covers about 9500sqkm and is co-managed with the Arabana people, the native title holders of the lake which is considered in lore to be sacred and dangerous to visit without the guidance of cultural authority. Arabana Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman Bronwyn Dodd called Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre a 'a very special place' and said that its preservation also 'preserves our way of life'. 'We are proud to share this part of our Country, and the Ularaka (story) that belongs here,' she said. Nature-lovers have several months to check out a brimming Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. 'Water started to find its way into the north lake in early May and there will be varying water levels for up to six months,' DEW said. 'The best times to visit would be between May and October.'
Russia Today
14-04-2025
- Science
- Russia Today
India tests its first anti-drone laser weapon
India has joined an elite group of countries, including Russia, the US, and China, in having the capability to deploy high-energy laser weapons to neutralize drones and other aerial threats, officials have said. On Sunday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a state-owned entity, successfully demonstrated its domestically-developed Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system with a test conducted at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. 'The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered at the target within few seconds made it the most potent counter-drone system,' the DRDO said in a statement. According to DRDO officials quoted by news agency ANI, the system utilizes a 30-kilowatt laser beam to engage and destroy various targets, including fixed-wing drones, swarm drones, surveillance sensors, and antennae, with high speed and precision. The Mk-II(A) DEW system was developed by the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories, as well as academic institutions and Indian industries. The system features a 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor, which enables precise targeting of aerial threats. CHESS DRDO conducted a successful field demonstration of the Land version of Vehicle mounted Laser Directed Weapon(DEW) MK-II(A) at Kurnool today. It defeated the fixed wing UAV and Swarm Drones successfully causing structural damage and disable the surveillance sensors. With… — DRDO (@DRDO_India) April 13, 2025 It has a range of five kilometers (3.1 miles) and is equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities, including communication and satellite signal jamming, allowing it to effectively neutralize aerial targets. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat told ANI that India has joined the US, Russia, and China in demonstrating a laser weapon system. Israel is currently working on similar technology. READ MORE: India to launch base for nuclear subs – media Kamat emphasized that the achievement is just the first step toward attaining an even greater goal. He also mentioned that DRDO is working on other advanced technologies, such as high-energy microwaves and electromagnetic pulses, with the goal of developing 'Star Wars-like' capabilities, of which the demonstrated laser system is just one component. Last week, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, drones have virtually emerged as a new combat arm, if not a transformative science. 'The majority of losses of soldiers and equipment have been attributed neither to traditional artillery nor to armor, but to drones.' 'Similarly, capacities in low earth orbit are transforming military intelligence, surveillance, positioning, targeting, and communications, taking combat to a new high,' he was cited by the Hindustan Times as saying. DRDO is currently developing a more advanced laser system, known as 'Surya', which will have a power output of 300 kilowatts and an operational range of 20 kilometers. This next-generation weapon is being designed to counter high-speed aerial threats, including missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), according to officials.
Times of Oman
13-04-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
India demonstrates "Star Wars" capability to shoot down fixed-wing drones, swarm drones using high-power laser weapons
Kurnool: In a major success for the country, India on Sunday joined the select League of Nations, including the US, China and Russia, with the capability of shooting down fixed-wing drones and swarm drones using a high-energy 30-kilowatt laser beam. The successful trial of the Mk-II(A) Laser- Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system was showcased at the National Open Air Range (NOAR), Kurnool, mastering the technology of disabling missiles, drones and smaller projectiles, Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials told ANI here. Success has put India in the exclusive and limited club of nations that possess the high-power Laser-DEW. Speaking with ANI, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said, "As far as I know, it is the United States, Russia and China that have demonstrated this capability. Israel is also working on similar capabilities, I would say we are the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system." Kamat said that this is just the "beginning of the journey", adding that DRDO is working on a number of technologies "that will give us Star Wars capability." "This is just the beginning of the journey. The synergy that this lab has achieved with other DRDO labs, industry and academia, I am sure we will reach our destination soon... We are also working on other high energy systems like high energy microwaves, electromagnetic pulse. So we are working on a number of technologies that will give us Star Wars capability. What you saw today was one of the components of Star Wars technologies," Kamat said. Indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed-wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae. The lightning speed of engagement, the precision and the lethality delivered to the target within few seconds made it the most potent Counter Drone System. DRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad, developed the system along with LRDE, IRDE, DLRL and academic institutions and Indian industries. Once detected by a radar or by its inbuilt Electro Optic (EO) system, laser-DEW can engage targets at the speed of light and use an intense beam of powerful light (Laser Beam) to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted. This type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionize the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition while also lowering the risk of collateral damage. The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities. The DEW will soon be replacing traditional kinetic weapons and missile defence systems due to its ease of operation and cost-effectiveness. The requirement for cost-effective defence solutions to offset the low-cost drone attacks is driving the adoption of DEWs by military organisations worldwide. The cost of firing it for a few seconds is equivalent to the cost of a couple of litres of petrol. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-term & low-cost alternative to defeat the target. Today's demonstration of the DEW System was witnessed by Secretary DDR&D and Chairman, DRDO. He congratulated the DRDO team and said that the inclusion of DEW Mk-II(A) in the services will boost their layered air defence capability. The Director General (ECS), along with the Directors and officers of DRDO Labs, were also present during the trial.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mini Crossword: Pulls a Fast One on & Other Hints, Answers for March 12
The NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for March 12 is here, and it comes with a twist. Today's game includes some intriguing hints, including the repeated clue 'Blue expanse.' Now, for those unaware, Mini Crossword is a bite-sized version of the classic New York Times crossword puzzle. Perfect for a quick mental workout, it features a compact 5×5 grid with a handful of clues that are both fun and challenging. If players are struggling to solve it, here are all the hints, answers, and more. Mini Crossword for March 12 offers a mix of straightforward and tricky clues. One of the standout features is the repeated clue 'Blue expanse,' which appears in both the Across and Down sections. Here's a breakdown of the Mini Crossword hints for March 12: ACROSS 1A Drops on a putting green, say 4A Change that a Spaniard or German might request? 6A Beat handily, in slang 7A Annoying, as a younger sibling 8A Blue expanse DOWN 1D Pulls a fast one on 2D Clear, as a blackboard 3D Speaker of the line 'You know, no other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall' 4D Paranormal gift, for short 5D Blue expanse If players are stuck on any of the clues, here are the NYT Mini Crossword's answers to help complete today's puzzle: ACROSS 1A – DEW 4A – EUROS 6A – SPANK 7A – PESKY 8A – SEA DOWN 1D – DUPES 2D – ERASE 3D – WONKA 4D – ESP 5D – SKY The NYT Mini Crossword is designed to be quick, but sometimes, even seasoned solvers get stuck. Here are some tips to help players improve their solving speed. Like many clues, it relies on wordplay. A phrase like 'Blue Expanse' can mean both SKY and something else, so consider all possibilities before settling on an answer. Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon. The post Mini Crossword: Pulls a Fast One on & Other Hints, Answers for March 12 appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Forgotten marsupial makes unprecedented return home after being on the brink of disappearing: 'Extinction has now been headed off'
Lately, Australia has been making great strides in bringing back nearly extinct animals. Another impeccable example has come with the recent news that the red-tailed phascogale, a carnivorous native marsupial, has been successfully reintroduced to South Australia. For decades, these marsupials were only found in the wild southwest woodlands of Western Australia, and their population was so low that they were not able to be recorded in the wild of South Australia. As detailed by the region's government, 45 of the critters were reintroduced into the Gawler Ranges National Park in May. Since then, a whopping 30 young red-tailed phascogales have been born into the wild for the first time in years. More reintroduction efforts successfully followed in the winter of 2024. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Combined efforts of the Department of Environment and Water (DEW) and the Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species (FAME) have ensured a future for the marsupials. FAME CEO Tracy McNamara said in the government's press release, "After years of determined effort, the western quoll, the brush-tailed possum and now the phascogale are thriving in those northern areas of SA and extinction has now been headed off. This program is a wonderful example of what can be achieved by committed, capable and like-minded partners." The overarching mission of the DEW's 30-year Bounceback project was to manage the threats to particular species. This meant an effort to reduce fox and cat numbers as well as managing goat numbers. A combination of habitat loss and an abundance of predators like foxes and cats led to the marsupials' near extinction. Australia's continued mission of reintroducing animals on the brink of extinction is rebalancing ecosystems, playing a role in managing food sources and creating a healthy world for all living things. McNamara noted that a shared, determined effort is the needed factor to create a better environment: "The importance of private/public partnerships in nature positive conservation and the collaboration that comes with it drives success." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
