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.

8/11/2025, 8:13:00 AM

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.

8/11/2025, 8:00:27 AM

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.

8/11/2025, 7:57:00 AM

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.

8/11/2025, 7:45:00 AM

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.

8/10/2025, 8:01:00 AM

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.

8/10/2025, 7:47:00 AM

NASA's Curiosity rover, exploring Mars, has discovered a rock formation resembling coral, attracting scientific interest for its implications about the planet’s past. The discovery was made on July 24, 2025, inside Gale Crater. This rock, nicknamed "Paposo" by the science team, measures about two inches (five centimeters) wide and was photographed using Curiosity’s Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) and Remote Micro Imager, high-resolution cameras mounted on the rover's robotic arm. The coral-like shape of Paposo is not biological but is the result of billions of years of natural geological processes. Scientists believe that in an earlier, much wetter era on Mars, mineral-rich water seeped into cracks within rocks. Over time, these minerals hardened as the water dried up, leaving deposits inside the fractures. Subsequently, persistent wind erosion gradually sculpted the surrounding rock, carving it into delicate, branching shapes that resemble Earth’s coral formations. These formations demonstrate Mars’ watery history and provide insight into its environmental conditions billions of years ago. The process responsible for shaping this rock is common on Earth, where water and wind similarly create unique geological features. Curiosity’s findings build a broader understanding of Mars’ habitability in its ancient past and continue to offer clues about water’s role on the planet. This discovery coincides with recent efforts to optimize Curiosity’s energy use and operational efficiency as the rover continues its extended mission on Mars well beyond its original timeline. The study of such rocks helps researchers decode Mars’ climatic evolution, further informing the search for signs of past life and guiding future exploration efforts.

8/10/2025, 7:35:00 AM

The acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy has approved the relocation of a retired Space Shuttle to Houston, Texas, fulfilling a provision included in the recent federal budget bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. However, NASA has not disclosed which specific orbiter was chosen for the move, stating simply that no public statement on the vehicle's identity will be made at this time. The relocation was strongly advocated by Texas Senator John Cornyn, who highlighted Houston’s historical significance in human space exploration and expressed gratitude to Administrator Duffy for correcting what he called a prior administration’s oversight. Cornyn’s legislation specifically targeted Space Shuttle Discovery to be moved to a nonprofit facility near the Johnson Space Center (JSC), tying the display to the city’s long-standing role in astronaut training and mission control. Currently, three space-flown orbiters remain on public display: Endeavour at the California Science Center, Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center, and Discovery at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. A fourth Shuttle, Enterprise, which never flew in space, is displayed in New York. Ownership complicates the matter; the Smithsonian claims ownership of Discovery and reports no contact from NASA about a transfer, while Endeavour belongs to California Science Center. The $85 million allocated in the budget covers both transport and construction of a new display facility near JSC, which hosts NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Despite widespread speculation, NASA’s silence fuels uncertainty, possibly reflecting legal, logistical, or institutional complexities involved in moving such a massive and delicate artifact. In sum, NASA has confirmed a Shuttle will move to Houston, backed by congressional support and funding, but which orbiter remains officially undisclosed as discussions continue among the agencies and stakeholders involved.

8/10/2025, 7:27:08 AM

There is no such thing as an easy-to-make packaged sweet because creating candies that are stable, appealing, and non-sticky requires careful control of ingredients, temperature, and production processes. Candy makers must manage complex chemical and physical transformations to prevent the final product from becoming a hot, sticky mess. For instance, in hard candy manufacturing, raw ingredients like sucrose, glucose, and corn syrup are mixed and heated under precise conditions. Controlling the syrup temperature to the “hard crack” stage (around 300°F to 310°F) is essential to evaporate water correctly and achieve the characteristic brittle texture. Additives like corn syrup or cream of tartar are used to prevent unwanted crystallization, which could ruin texture. After cooking, rapid cooling on materials with high thermal conductivity, such as marble, helps produce a clear, smooth candy without stickiness or cloudiness. Similarly, gummy candies require a controlled process starting from mixing gelatin or pectin with sweeteners and flavorings. This mixture is heated, thoroughly blended, and poured into starch molds to shape and solidify the candies. The starch serves multiple functions, including shaping the candy, preventing sticking during drying, and absorbing moisture to maintain texture. Cooling and drying phases are carefully timed to ensure the candies can be removed from molds easily without deformation or clumping. Behind every seemingly simple sweet lies complex science: managing sugar concentration, moisture levels, temperature, and ingredient interactions are all critical to preventing the sweetness from turning into a sticky, uncontrollable mess. Through precise temperature control, ingredient choice, and molding techniques, manufacturers can consistently produce packaged sweets that look perfect, taste great, and maintain their texture over time. <br /> <br /> In summary, candy production involves a harmonious blend of chemistry and physics, where every stage—from syrup preparation to molding and cooling—must be delicately balanced to keep the final product stable and enjoyable.

8/9/2025, 7:31:52 AM

The Trump administration's approach to climate policy restoration emphasizes repealing and rolling back previous environmental regulations seen as restrictive to economic growth and energy development. The administration's primary goal is to "unleash American energy," focusing on expanding fossil fuel production and reviving traditional energy industries while reducing federal oversight. This involves eliminating regulatory barriers to fossil fuels and infrastructure projects, expediting permitting processes, and withdrawing from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement. Key actions include the termination of the American Climate Corps, a program that supported environmental jobs, and the revocation of federal offshore wind energy leases, effectively blocking offshore wind development. The administration also plans to rescind critical Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) climate regulations, including the 2009 "endangerment finding" that underpins federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants, and oil and gas operations. This move undermines federal authority to regulate greenhouse gases, which critics argue weakens the U.S. ability to combat climate change nationally. The EPA, under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has launched a large-scale deregulation campaign aimed at lowering living costs and revitalizing the American auto and energy sectors by reducing environmental protections and granting states more regulatory control. This agenda rejects the "electric vehicle mandate" and subsidies, promoting consumer choice favoring gasoline-powered vehicles. Overall, the administration frames these policies as restoring economic prosperity, national security, and regulatory clarity but faces criticism for accelerating fossil fuel reliance and hindering progress on climate change mitigation. States like California seek to fill the regulatory gap with their own ambitious initiatives, although their efforts face federal legal challenges. The administration's climate policy direction represents a dramatic shift away from previous federal efforts to address global warming. <br /> <br /> Former Senate Budget Committee ranking members emphasize fiscal discipline and managing public funds responsibly, but the Trump administration’s climate agenda prioritizes easing economic and regulatory burdens over traditional environmental safeguards, reflecting a profound reorientation of U.S. climate politics.

8/9/2025, 5:46:00 AM

Marietta College has invested more than $2.6 million this summer and fall in comprehensive campus improvements covering classrooms, athletic fields, the library, recreation centers, and other key facilities. These upgrades are aimed at enhancing the student experience, academic environment, and athletic performance. A major portion of the funding was allocated to installing a new artificial turf field at Marietta Field. This $1 million project will allow athletes more playtime, which Athletic Director Larry Hiser emphasized supports skill development through increased practice and game opportunities. The turf will also strengthen the hosting potential for tournaments and competitions. Alongside athletic upgrades, extensive renovations took place in the Rickey Science Center, including repair and replacement of floors that were over 60 years old and modifications to vent hoods in science labs to enhance safety. These repairs cost over $500,000 and significantly modernize the science learning environment. In the academic domain, the college is constructing the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success within the campus library. Supported by a $1 million donation, this new center will consolidate multiple student support services such as career development, academic resources, and communication assistance into a centralized hub, underscoring the college’s commitment to student success and career readiness. Interim President Kathleen Dougherty highlighted that these improvements are investments in the college’s future, funded by generous donors who strongly believe in the mission and ongoing legacy of Marietta College, a cultural and educational hub for nearly two centuries. The projects reflect dedication to progress and offer significant, tangible benefits to current and future students.<br /><br />

8/9/2025, 4:43:00 AM

University of California President James B. Milliken warned that cutting $584 million in federal funding to UCLA would “devastate” the entire UC system. This funding was suspended by the Trump administration following allegations from the U.S. Department of Justice that UCLA failed to adequately protect Jewish and Israeli students from harassment and potentially allowed a hostile work environment. The administration’s action aims to address antisemitism concerns but Milliken strongly opposed the move, stating that the cuts would destroy critical research and innovative work that benefits the economy, public health, and national security.<br /><br />Milliken emphasized that these cuts do not actually tackle antisemitism, as UCLA and the wider UC system have been actively working to combat these issues. He characterized the funding suspension as a "death knell" for vital programs and noted the extensive efforts the university has put into fighting discrimination that were ignored by the DOJ. The university agreed to open negotiations with the federal government in hopes of restoring the funds promptly.<br /><br />However, behind the scenes, the Trump administration also proposed a separate demand for over $1 billion from the University of California to settle the charges, including a large fund to compensate individuals affected by alleged discrimination. UC has yet to accept this proposal and is facing political pressure, with California officials urging the university not to yield to what they view as excessive fines in negotiations. The dispute highlights a tense conflict between the university system and the federal government, risking substantial financial harm to one of the nation’s leading public university systems.

8/9/2025, 4:41:00 AM

Sanjay B, after facing three unsuccessful attempts in the highly competitive NEET exams, has carved a new professional path by becoming a data scientist at Syngenta. This transformation was made possible by enrolling in the innovative online Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Data Science and Applications offered by IIT Madras, which does not require cracking the JEE exam. The IIT Madras BS program is designed to provide high-quality, industry-relevant education through a flexible, fully online mode of study. It includes a comprehensive curriculum covering essential data science topics such as machine learning foundations, deep learning, big data, and programming languages like Python and Java. The program also integrates business courses to equip students with economic and analytical skills. With multiple exit points, students can earn certificates, diplomas, or degrees depending on their progress, offering flexibility that suits different learners' needs. Sanjay’s success story highlights the accessibility of this program, which welcomes students and professionals from diverse backgrounds and across all age groups, with no requirement for traditional entrance exams like JEE. Assessments are conducted in-person at centers or via remote proctored exams internationally, ensuring academic rigour. This degree program is recognized for blending rigorous online course delivery with hands-on projects and frequent assessments, preparing students effectively for data science roles in top industries. For Sanjay, it became the gateway to pivot his career after NEET setbacks, exemplifying how IIT Madras' online BS in Data Science and Applications is redefining higher education and career opportunities beyond conventional exam routes.

8/8/2025, 7:45:00 AM

Eating spicy food in hot weather is a widespread practice across many cultures worldwide. This tradition is not accidental but serves functional and cultural purposes. One key reason is the effect of capsaicin, the active component in chillies, which causes the body to sweat. As sweat evaporates from the skin, it cools the body, effectively acting like a natural air conditioner. Thus, while the heat from the spice may initially feel intense, it paradoxically helps a person feel cooler in hot climates. Another important role of spices, especially in tropical and warm regions, lies in food preservation. Before the advent of modern refrigeration, spices like turmeric, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and mustard seeds were used for their antimicrobial properties to prevent food spoilage and ward off insects. This was critical in hot environments where food tends to spoil quickly. Over generations, these preservation benefits led to ingrained culinary traditions where spicy foods became culturally emblematic and widely preferred. Moreover, taste preferences for spicy foods are often culturally transmitted rather than genetic. Early exposure to spicy dishes helps individuals develop a tolerance and even a liking for their fiery flavor, creating a cultural cycle that sustains such eating habits. In summary, eating spicy food in hot weather combines physiological benefits—cooling the body via sweating—and practical ones—preserving food and keeping insects away—alongside cultural practices that shape regional cuisines globally. This synergy explains why many hot-weather countries favor spicy dishes despite the challenging heat they come with.

8/8/2025, 7:40:00 AM

The winners of the Dramatist and Science and Technology awards at the National Eisteddfod 2025 have been officially announced during the event held in Wrexham. This annual festival, celebrated for showcasing Welsh culture and talents, drew significant attention as it highlighted exceptional work in these fields. The Dramatist award recognized outstanding achievement in theatrical writing, honoring a playwright whose work demonstrated originality, creativity, and cultural significance. This award continues the National Eisteddfod’s commitment to enriching Welsh literature and drama by encouraging and rewarding innovation and quality. The winner’s play is expected to contribute meaningfully to Welsh cultural discourse and inspire further creativity within the arts community. Meanwhile, the Science and Technology award celebrated advancements and contributions in these crucial sectors. This category acknowledges innovators and researchers who have made notable impacts in science and technology, promoting progress that aligns with Wales's priorities in education, industry, and public welfare. Winners in this category underscore the National Eisteddfod’s dedication to recognizing not only artistic excellence but also scientific and technological innovation, reflecting a broad spectrum of Welsh achievement. The announcements were among the highlights of the Eisteddfod, which also featured competitive performances, exhibitions, and other awards emphasizing Welsh language and culture. Hosting the festival in Wrexham helped spotlight the region’s vibrant participation in national arts and sciences. Overall, these awardees represent the dynamic spirit of the National Eisteddfod 2025, blending creative expression with scientific inquiry to celebrate Wales’s rich heritage and future potential.

8/8/2025, 7:36:07 AM