Hermit Spyware

• The spyware Is likely developed by Italian spyware vendor RCS Lab S.p.A and Tykelab Srl, a telecommunications solutions company.
• According to Google, all campaigns concerning the spyware that were observed originated with a unique link sent to the target.
• Once clicked, the page attempted to get the user to download and install a malicious application on either Android or iOS.
• In some cases, the actors worked with the target’s ISP to disable the target’s mobile data connectivity.
• Once disabled, the attacker would send a malicious link via SMS asking the target to install an application to recover their data connectivity.
• We believe this is the reason why most of the applications masqueraded as mobile carrier applications.
• These malicious apps can disguise themselves as legitimate apps.
• Hermit hides its malicious capabilities in packages downloaded after it’s deployed.
• It can exploit a rooted device, record audio, and even make and redirect phone calls.

Large Value Funds

• Large Value Fund (LVF) for accredited investors means an AIF or scheme of an AIF in which each investor (other than the manager, sponsor, employees, or directors of the AIF or employees or directors of the manager) is an accredited investor and invests at least Rs 70 crore.
• Under the AIF rules, LVFs are exempt from filing their placement memorandum with Sebi through merchant bankers and incorporate comments of the regulator, if any, in their placement memorandum i.e LVFs can launch their scheme under intimation to the capital markets watchdog.
• LVF is required to obtain approval from its trustee/board of directors/designated partners for extending the tenure beyond two years, at least one month before the expiration of the fund tenure or extended tenure.
• The AIF rules permit LVF to extend its tenure beyond two years, subject to terms of the contribution agreement and other fund documents.

BepiColombo Mission

• BepiColombo is the European Space Agency's mission to Mercury, in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
• Out of the four rocky planets of the inner Solar System, Mercury is the one least explored.
• Hot and more difficult for an orbiter to reach than Saturn.
• BepiColombo will be the second mission ever to orbit Mercury and the most complex one.
• Components: Mercury Planetary Orbiter, Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter, Mercury Transfer Module
• Status: In operations; en route to Mercury
• Mercury flybys: 1 Oct 2021, 23 June 2022, 20 June 2023, 5 Sept 2024, 2 Dec 2024, 9 Jan 2025
• Arrival at Mercury: 5 December 2025
• Beginning of routine science operations at Mercury: Expected in February 2026.

Elvira Rats

• Elvira rat, is a rodent found only in the Yercaud hills in the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
• Although exact population sizes are unknown, it is thought that the species is under high pressure from habitat destruction through the expansion of human settlements, logging, grazing, and dumping of mining debris.
• Previously considered vulnerable, in 2008 it was upgraded to a conservation status of Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

What powers do Governors enjoy as Chancellors?

• The appointment of Vice-Chancellors in state government-run universities is among the responsibilities of Governors as Chancellors.
• Chancellors in most states have the power to annul decisions of the decision-making bodies of universities such as the Executive Council and to make appointments to these bodies.
• They also enjoy the power to preside over the convocation of universities.
• In some states, however, Governors have little or no say in appointing VCs despite holding the post of Chancellor.
• In Telangana and Gujarat, Governors have no option but to appoint VCs from among the names approved by the state governments.
• The Gujarat University Act, 1949 states that “the Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the State Government from amongst three persons recommended by a (search-cum-selection) committee”.
• The Telangana Universities Act, 1991 states that the search committee shall “submit a panel of three persons to the Government in alphabetical order and the Government shall appoint the Vice-Chancellor from out of the said panel”.