India Sets Ambitious Goal to Safely Land Astronauts on the Moon and Return Them by 2040, Says ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced India's ambitious goal to achieve a manned Moon mission by 2040, marking a significant milestone in the nation's space exploration journey. This mission aims to safely land an Indian astronaut on the Moon and return them to Earth, positioning India as the fourth country to achieve such a feat after the USA, Russia, and China. This vision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directives to advance India's capabilities in human spaceflight and establish strategic autonomy in space activities.<br /> <br /> Dr. Narayanan shared these insights at educational institutions, inspiring graduates to contribute their skills toward the country’s space ambitions. He emphasized the importance of dedication and excellence in scientific and technical fields to make India a developed nation. India’s recent achievements underpinning this roadmap include successful Mars orbit insertion on its first attempt, the Aditya-L1 solar observatory mission, and a docking experiment conducted in 2025 that demonstrated critical technology for human spaceflight.<br /> <br /> Alongside the manned Moon mission, ISRO plans to build an independent space station by 2035, with the first module expected to launch in 2028. The rapid expansion of India’s space infrastructure also involves tripling the number of operational satellites by 2040, driven by increasing demand for space-based services. The evolving space ecosystem includes greater participation from private companies, reflecting a shift toward public-private collaboration to accelerate innovation.<br /> <br /> Dr. Narayanan’s vision highlights India’s dynamic and growing role in space science and exploration while motivating the next generation to play a vital part in the nation’s space future.

Study reveals detailed map of northern B.C. megathrust quake zone, but major risk remains distant

Scientists have captured the first detailed images of the tectonic plate boundary off the coast of northern British Columbia, revealing a nascent subduction zone with the potential to trigger massive "megathrust" earthquakes and tsunamis. This fault zone, part of the Queen Charlotte fault system near Haida Gwaii, marks an early-stage collision where the Pacific Plate is beginning to dive beneath the North American Plate at a rate of about 2.5 centimeters per year. Using an advanced 15-kilometer-long underwater hydrophone streamer outfitted with thousands of microphones, researchers produced high-resolution seismic images of the ocean floor and underlying fault structures up to 10-20 miles deep. These images provide conclusive evidence that this region can produce megathrust earthquakes, which are powerful seismic events caused by the sudden release of built-up stress along a subduction zone. The Queen Charlotte fault system is Canada’s most significant seismic hazard, having produced the country's largest recorded earthquake, a magnitude 8.1 event in 1949. The newly imaged fault, called the Haida Gwaii thrust, also ruptured in a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 2012, generating a Pacific-wide tsunami. The study’s findings are critical for improving earthquake forecasting and tsunami modeling, especially for coastal communities that could be affected by future large seismic events. This discovery is significant not only because it confirms a potentially dangerous tectonic setup but also because it captures the earliest stages of plate subduction initiation, offering valuable insights into the processes that lead to some of the world's most catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis.<br /> <br />The research involved an international collaboration with scientists from the University of New Mexico, Dalhousie University, and Canadian institutions. Their work resembles a geological "X-ray," enhancing understanding of fault geometries critical to seismic hazard assessment and emergency preparedness for the region’s population.

Khenrab Phuntsog: The Ladakhi Wildlife Guard Who Saved 47 Snow Leopards Using Only a Blanket and a Net

A 2012 camera trap survey in Hemis National Park counted 11 snow leopards, a rise from just 7 in 2006. Currently, wildlife expert Khenrab estimates the park hosts around 60 snow leopards, with over 250 in the broader Ladakh region. This significant population growth highlights the success of conservation efforts in this high-altitude Himalayan area. Recent comprehensive studies confirm Ladakh as a stronghold for snow leopards in India, harboring nearly 477 individuals—about 68% of the country's total population. Hemis National Park, in particular, boasts the highest recorded snow leopard density worldwide, with up to three leopards per 100 square kilometers. This density far exceeds global averages and surpasses previously highest known densities in regions like Tibet and China. Several factors contribute to this thriving population. Ladakh's rugged, resource-rich grasslands offer abundant prey such as wild goats and domestic livestock. The moderate climate and complex terrain reduce human disturbances, while over 60% of snow leopards live outside protected areas, often sharing landscapes with local communities and their livestock. The local communities play a crucial role through cultural reverence for snow leopards, low rates of poaching, and effective conflict management strategies. Economic benefits from snow leopard-related tourism also incentivize conservation. These combined efforts create a model for coexistence that supports one of the world's densest and most stable snow leopard populations. However, ongoing threats such as infrastructure development and climate change continue to pose challenges, stressing the importance of sustained conservation vigilance in Ladakh. <br /> <br /> This upward trend from fewer than a dozen individuals to several hundred in less than two decades underscores a successful blend of scientific monitoring, community involvement, and habitat protection in Hemis National Park and surrounding areas.

India targets a safe crewed Moon landing and return by 2040, says ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan at SRMIST’s 2025 convocation

During the 21st Convocation Ceremony at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, Chennai, Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India, delivered a powerful message to the graduating students. He emphasized that "no matter the heights you achieve, let honesty be the cornerstone of your success." This advice underlined the importance of integrity in both personal and professional life. The event also saw Dr. V. Narayanan and Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, being honored with the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to science and technology. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor of SRMIST, who spoke about the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and impacting society positively. This year, SRMIST awarded a total of 9,769 degrees, including 8,994 undergraduate degrees, 564 postgraduate degrees, and 211 doctoral degrees. The graduating batch comprised 7,586 males and 2,183 females. Of the doctoral degrees, women represented a significant proportion, accounting for 119 of the 211 honored PhD scholars. The ceremony also recognized 157 rank medallists, celebrating top academic achievers with distinctions such as 93 first-rank holders, 39 second-rank holders, and 25 third-rank holders. Dr. Narayanan’s inspirational words combined with the prestigious honors and the large number of graduates highlight SRMIST’s role in fostering dedicated, honest professionals equipped to contribute to the nation’s progress and scientific landscape. <br /> <br /> The convocation also showcased India’s ambitious space goals under Dr. Narayanan’s leadership, including plans to land astronauts on the Moon by 2040, reflecting a vision for continued excellence and integrity in science and technology.

NASA astronaut captures stunning image of the mighty Ganga river delta from space

Pettit’s recent social media post features a striking high-contrast image of the Ganges Delta, the world’s largest river delta, showcasing its vast and fertile landscapes that stretch across eastern India and Bangladesh. This unique perspective dramatically highlights the expansive network of rivers, channels, and alluvial plains that make this delta an extraordinary geographic and agricultural region. The Ganges Delta, also known as the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, covers over 105,000 square kilometers, with roughly two-thirds lying in Bangladesh and the remaining portion in India’s West Bengal state. It is formed by the combined flows of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, which drain large areas of the Himalayas, carrying nutrient-rich sediments that replenish the soil and sustain the delta’s renowned fertility. This has earned the region the nickname "Green Delta" due to its prolific agricultural productivity. The delta’s landscape features a complex labyrinth of waterways, floodplains, swamps, and fertile alluvial soils, supporting one of the densest human populations in the world. Its shape is triangular or arcuate, extending from the Hooghly River in the west to the Meghna River in the east, emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The rich sediment deposits continuously reshape the delta, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving environment. Pettit’s image not only beautifully captures this intricate natural system but also serves as a reminder of the delta’s critical ecological importance and vulnerability, especially given the risks of flooding during monsoon seasons and pressures from climate change on the Himalayan water sources. <br /> <br /> In sum, Pettit’s photograph offers a rare window into the immense scale and vitality of the Ganges Delta, highlighting it as a vital lifeline for millions of people while emphasizing the delicate balance of this flourishing yet fragile ecosystem.

The true impact of ultraprocessed foods on your health revealed

Many foods consumed today are ultraprocessed, meaning they have undergone multiple industrial processes and contain additives, preservatives, high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These foods include items such as frozen pizzas, ready-to-eat meals, sugary sodas, processed meats, and many store-bought breads. Ultraprocessed foods generally lack essential nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are engineered to be highly palatable and calorie-dense, which promotes overconsumption and weight gain. The health risks associated with these foods are significant and increasingly documented by research. High intake of ultraprocessed foods has been linked to a greater risk of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, dementia, and increased overall mortality. Studies reveal that adults may consume over half of their daily calories from ultraprocessed foods, with children’s consumption rates even higher. This rising consumption trend correlates with worsening rates of obesity and related chronic diseases. These issues are especially acute among lower-income populations, who often face limited access to affordable, nutritious foods, leading to disproportionate consumption of cheaper ultraprocessed options. This socioeconomic factor exacerbates health disparities by increasing exposure to these harmful dietary elements. While some ultraprocessed foods like whole grain breads may not carry the same risks, the vast majority contribute to adverse health outcomes. Public health experts are calling for increased awareness and changes to reduce reliance on ultraprocessed foods to mitigate their impact on chronic disease prevalence in the population. <br /> <br /> Research continues to explore the full mechanisms behind the health risks, including the effects of food additives and changes in food structure, but the prevailing evidence supports limiting ultraprocessed foods as a crucial step toward better health outcomes.