Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts

When Myth Meets Science: Raja Muchukunda and the Time Dilation of Interstellar

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The time dilation experienced by Raja Muchukunda in Hindu 'mythology' and the phenomenon depicted in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar share striking conceptual parallels, even though they arise from vastly different worldviews—mythological vs. sci-fi.

For the unacquainted, Raja Muchukunda (also spelled Muchukund) is a revered figure in Hindu mythology, known for his valor, sacrifice, and a unique boon that made him a pivotal character in the Mahabharata and Puranic texts.

Introduction: A Tale of Two Timelines

In the ancient folds of Hindu mythology, Raja Muchukunda awakens from celestial slumber to find centuries have passed on the Earth. In Interstellar, Cooper returns from a black hole’s edge to discover his daughter has aged beyond him. One is a warrior-king; the other, a space-farer. Both are time travelers—one by divine design, the other by gravitational force.
 

Muchukunda: The Warrior Who Slept Through Ages

  • Fought alongside the devas in the celestial Devasura war.
  • Time in Devaloka flowed differently—1 year = 360 Earth years.
  • Returned to Earth in Dvapara Yuga, long after his kingdom had vanished.
  • Granted a boon: anyone who disturbed his sleep would be reduced to ashes.
  • Played a pivotal role in Krishna’s strategy to defeat Kalayavana.
“Time passed differently in the heavens. Muchukunda’s sacrifice became a cosmic bookmark between mythic epochs.”

Interstellar: The Physics of Time Lost

  • Cooper and team explore planets near Gargantua, a massive black hole.
  • Gravitational time dilation causes hours to stretch into years.
  • On Miller’s Planet, 1 hour = 7 Earth years.
  • Cooper returns to find his daughter aged and humanity transformed.
“Einstein’s relativity turned space into a time machine. Nolan turned it into a meditation on love and loss.”

Parallel Themes: Mythology and Modernity

Theme Muchukunda Interstellar
Time Dilation Divine realm (Devaloka) Gravitational field (Gargantua)
Sacrifice Abandoned kingdom for cosmic duty Left Earth to save humanity
Emotional Fallout Finds his world gone Finds his daughter aged
Philosophical Turn Chooses renunciation and penance Seeks reunion and redemption
Cosmic Insight Time is cyclical and sacred Time is relative and personal

Conclusion: Time as a Mirror of Meaning

Whether through the lens of mythology or the equations of physics, time dilation reveals a deeper truth: our experience of time is shaped not just by where we are, but by what we value. Muchukunda’s story reminds us of the cost of cosmic duty; Interstellar shows us the gravity of love across spacetime.
In the end, both stories ask: what do we hold onto when time slips away?
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850 Coins, 300 BCE–300 CE: Yogi Adityanath Releases India’s Ist Comprehensive Study of Ancient North Indian Coins

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850 Coins, 300 BCE–300 CE: Yogi Adityanath Releases India’s Ist Comprehensive Study of Ancient North Indian Coins
  • India’s first comprehensive, illustrated study of early North Indian coinage
  • The largest documented assemblage of indigenous coins spanning republics, tribes, and monarchies
  • The book reflects the contemporary religious, cultural and geopolitical context that shaped these coins
‘Early North India and Its Coinage’, a book published in English and Hindi by the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the 110-year-old Hinduja Group was today unveiled by Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh in the presence of Shri Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Mr. Prakash P. Hinduja, Trustee, Hinduja Foundation and Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Foundation and at a distinguished ceremony attended by scholars, historians and dignitaries from across the spectrum.

The publication documents coinage from the North Indian region dating from 300 BCE to 300 CE. This is India’s first comprehensive and illustrated study, featuring over 850 coins and representing the country’s largest documented assemblage of indigenous coinage from this period in North India. Authored by historian Devendra Handa, the book provides a detailed look at coins from different states, tribes, and kingdoms after the Mauryan period, covering regions such as Mathura, Kannauj, Panchal, Kaushambi of Ganga–Yamuna doab and other regions in the states of Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.

850 Coins, 300 BCE–300 CE: Yogi Adityanath Releases India’s Ist Comprehensive Study of Ancient North Indian Coins

850 Coins, 300 BCE–300 CE: Yogi Adityanath Releases India’s Ist Comprehensive Study of Ancient North Indian Coins

Plans are afoot to showcase select coins from the collection for public viewing at the Lucknow Museum. The Hinduja Foundation’s numismatic collection today comprises over 34,000 historically significant coins, including around 7,000 from North India and nearly 4,200 from Uttar Pradesh alone. The core aim of the Hinduja Foundation’s book is to comprehensively present the vast wealth of India’s heritage through the collection of its ancient coins, which help students, collectors, and curious minds understand India’s glorious yet often forgotten heritage and history.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, said,
Understanding and preserving history is a national responsibility, and I commend the Hinduja Foundation for this remarkable initiative. The book sheds light on the economic, cultural and political fabric of early North India and highlights the importance of preserving the region’s historical heritage for future generations. This book not only chronicles India’s heritage but also underscores the enduring contributions of our civilisation to world history, making it an invaluable resource.


Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Foundation, said,
I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath ji, for unveiling this important volume, and supporting the plan for public display of these coins at the museum in Lucknow. The incursions of foreign influence throughout history across India had disrupted society and led to loss of precious artifacts and historical records and with that the loss of our heritage and cultural roots. With a 110- year legacy rooted in India, the Hinduja family has always seen itself as a custodian of the country’s cultural and civilisational heritage. Thus, through the Hinduja Foundation’s numismatic collection and the book, we are committed to preserving India’s legacy.


Mr. Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, said,
This publication marks an important step in introducing a significant part of North India’s glorious heritage to the public. By showcasing these coins, we enable scholars, students and the wider public to engage with India’s early civilisations first-hand, while ensuring that this heritage is carried forward for future generations. The Hinduja Foundation is committed to preserving, promoting, and fostering the artistic and cultural heritage of India.

The book features an extraordinary variety of coin shapes, metals, and symbols, with images of gods, temples, and early depictions of deities such as Kārttikeya, Śiva, and Lakṣmī. Drawing on archaeological discoveries and relevant parts of the Hinduja Foundation’s collection, it explains how coins offer clues to trade, power, religion, and daily life, making the subject easy to understand and engaging for anyone interested in India’s early history.

The Hinduja Foundation played a pivotal role in enabling this publication by supporting research, providing access to its extensive collection, and funding the project, with the majority of the featured coins drawn from the Foundation’s collection. Building on the earlier work, this publication reinforces the Foundation’s continued commitment to preserving India’s heritage and promoting scholarship, reflecting the Hinduja Family’s enduring dedication to cultural knowledge across generations.

About Hinduja Foundation:

Since its inception in 1968, Hinduja Foundation, one of India’s oldest philanthropic organisations, has played a crucial role in creating a difference in the lives of the community. Guided by the principles and the vision of proactive philanthropy of the Founder, Shri Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, the Foundation’s purpose is to drive development in the areas of health, education, rural livelihood, promoting arts and multiculture understand and water stewardship. The Foundation’s programmes, achieved through direct implementation, partnerships and grant-making, are enabling a wider social impact across India making a difference to more than 7 million lives.

About Hinduja Group:

The Hinduja Group is one of India’s largest most diversified multinational conglomerates with a distinguished 111-year legacy of nation-building. Operating across automotive, information technology, media, entertainment, and communications, banking and financial services, infrastructure project development, cybersecurity, oil and specialty chemicals, power, real estate, trading, and healthcare in over 38 countries and employs 250,000+ people. Guided by values of integrity and transparency, the Group is committed to business excellence, sustainability leadership and creating meaningful social impact through extensive initiatives in education, healthcare, rural development and skill building.

India’s Space Leap: ISRO Readies Historic Satellite Refueling Mission in 2026

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India’s Space Leap: ISRO Readies Historic Satellite Refueling Mission in 2026

ISRO will launch India’s first satellite refueling mission on January 12, 2026, using the PSLV-C62 rocket from Sriharikota. The mission will carry Tamil Nadu based startup OrbitAID Aerospace’s AayulSAT, a pioneering payload designed to extend satellite lifespans by enabling in-orbit refueling and servicing.

Key Highlights of the Mission

  • Launch Date & Vehicle: January 12, 2026, aboard PSLV-C62 from Sriharikota.
  • Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (Anvesha), an advanced Earth observation satellite with hyperspectral imaging capabilities.
  • Historic Payload: AayulSAT by OrbitAID Aerospace — India’s first satellite refueling payload.
  • Co-passengers: 18 additional satellites, including international collaborations.
  • Technology Demonstration: AayulSAT will showcase SIDRP (Satellite In-orbit Docking and Refueling Platform).

Why This Matters

  • Extends satellite lifespan by enabling refueling beyond design limits.
  • Reduces space debris through servicing instead of abandonment.
  • Positions India globally in orbital servicing infrastructure.
  • Highlights private-sector innovation via OrbitAID Aerospace.

Mission Comparison

Feature EOS-N1 (Anvesha) AayulSAT (OrbitAID)
Type Earth Observation Satellite Satellite Refueling Payload
Purpose Hyperspectral imaging for security & surveillance Extend satellite lifespan, reduce debris
Developer ISRO OrbitAID Aerospace (startup)
Global Significance Strategic imaging capability India’s first orbital servicing tech
Innovation Advanced imaging sensors SIDRP docking & refueling system

Risks & Challenges

  • Docking and refueling in orbit requires extreme precision.
  • Reliability concerns after PSLV-C61 failure.
  • Need to align with international orbital servicing protocols.

A Single Pill to Stop Many Viruses? Researchers Say It’s Possible

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A Single Pill to Stop Many Viruses? Researchers Say It’s Possible

Scientists have identified a potential pathway to a universal antiviral drug by targeting common structures on viruses, offering hope for broad-spectrum protection against future pandemics.

Adam Braunschweig, Professor of Chemistry at Hunter College, CUNY (New York) and his team at the Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center (CUNY Graduate Center) discovered compounds that block infections from multiple viruses.

What the Breakthrough Is About

  • Targeting sugars on viral surfaces: Researchers discovered that many viruses share similar carbohydrate structures on their outer shells. By designing small molecules that bind to these sugars, they were able to block infections across multiple virus families.
  • RNA-protein interactions: Another team uncovered how enteroviruses replicate using a structured RNA element. This insight could lead to drugs that disrupt viral replication at a fundamental level.
  • Broad-spectrum potential: Unlike current antivirals that are virus-specific (e.g., HIV or influenza drugs), this approach aims to work against many different viruses at once, including those we haven’t encountered yet.

Why This Matters

  • Pandemic preparedness: Right now, when a new virus emerges, scientists scramble to develop vaccines or treatments. A universal antiviral could serve as an immediate first line of defense.
  • Comparison to antibiotics: Just as broad-spectrum antibiotics revolutionized bacterial infection treatment, a universal antiviral could transform how we fight viral diseases.
  • Versatility: The compounds tested so far blocked infections from at least seven different viruses, showing promise for wide applicability.

Challenges Ahead

  • Safety & toxicity: Any drug that broadly targets viral structures must be proven safe for human cells.
  • Resistance risk: Viruses evolve quickly, so researchers must ensure these antivirals don’t lose effectiveness over time.
  • Clinical trials: The breakthrough is still in the lab stage. It will take years of testing before such drugs could be approved for human use.

Quick Comparison

Feature Current Antivirals (e.g., HIV, flu) Universal Antiviral (in research)
Target Specific viral proteins Shared sugars / RNA structures
Scope One virus family Multiple virus families
Availability Approved & in use Still experimental
Pandemic readiness Slow response (new drug/vaccine needed) Immediate broad-spectrum defense

This is a huge conceptual leap: instead of chasing each virus individually, scientists are trying to hit the common weak spots that all viruses share. If successful, it could be one of the most important medical advances of the century.

Tiny Space Dust Hits Earth Every 16 Minutes, Says ISRO

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Tiny Space Dust Hits Earth Every 16 Minutes, Says ISRO

ISRO’s Dust EXperiment (DEX) has detected interplanetary dust particles striking Earth roughly every 1,000 seconds—tiny fragments from comets and asteroids that continuously bombard our planet.

DEX (Dust EXperiment) is an official ISRO project, developed by its Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad. It is India’s first home-grown dust detector, flown aboard ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) in 2024–25.

What Was Discovered

Flight model of DEX on POEM of the PSLV C58 XPoSat mission
Flight model of DEX on POEM of the PSLV C58 XPoSat mission

  • Instrument: Dust EXperiment (DEX), India’s first home-grown dust detector.
  • Frequency: About once every 16 minutes (1,000 seconds), Earth is hit by microscopic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs).
  • Origin of Dust: Fragments from comets and asteroids, often seen as “shooting stars.”
  • Deployment: DEX was flown aboard the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) in 2024.
  • Design: Compact (3 kg), consumes only 4.5W of power, uses hypervelocity sensors to detect dust impacts.

Why It Matters

  • Scientific Breakthrough: First Indian-made instrument to directly measure IDPs in orbit.
  • Planetary Exploration: Could study dust in atmospheres of Venus, Mars, and the Moon.
  • Safety for Missions: Mapping dust streams helps protect satellites and crewed missions.
  • Atmospheric Science: Dust contributes to Earth’s meteor layer, influencing chemistry and climate.

Key Takeaways

Feature Details
Instrument Dust EXperiment (DEX)
Developed by ISRO’s Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
Launched 2024 aboard PSLV-POEM
Detection Rate Every ~1,000 seconds
Particle Source Comets & asteroids (interplanetary dust)
Applications Planetary atmospheres, satellite safety, deep-space missions

5 Space Missions That Will Define 2026

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5 Space Missions That Will Define 2026

The five biggest space missions of 2026 are: NASA’s Artemis II crewed lunar flyby, SpaceX’s Starship Mars test missions, ISRO’s Gaganyaan G1 human spaceflight test, ESA’s Solar Maximum studies, and China’s Chang’e 7 lunar south pole exploration.

🚀 Top 5 Space Missions of 2026

Mission Agency Objective Significance
Artemis II NASA First crewed lunar flyby in decades; 4 astronauts on Orion spacecraft Tests life-support, navigation, and deep-space systems before lunar landing
Starship Mars Missions SpaceX Cargo missions to Mars; testing atmospheric entry and landing Paves way for future human Mars colonization
Gaganyaan G1 ISRO Uncrewed test flight with humanoid robot Vyommitra Validates systems for India’s first human spaceflight program
Solar Maximum / Aditya-L1 ESA & ISRO Study solar activity during peak cycle Critical for understanding solar storms and protecting satellites
Chang’e 7 CNSA (China) Lunar south pole exploration with orbiter, lander, rover, and flying probe Targets water ice and resources for long-term lunar presence

Brief Details of 2026’s Major Space Missions

Mission Agency Launch Window Key Details Significance
Artemis II NASA Feb–Apr 2026 First crewed mission of Artemis program; 4 astronauts on Orion spacecraft Validates systems before lunar landing; first human lunar flyby in 50+ years
Starship Mars Missions SpaceX 2026 Uncrewed cargo missions to Mars; testing entry and landing Step toward crewed Mars flights; validates interplanetary logistics
Gaganyaan G1 ISRO March 2026 Uncrewed orbital test with humanoid robot Vyommitra Validates crew module and re‑entry systems; India’s first human spaceflight program
Aditya‑L1 ISRO Peak in 2026 Solar observatory at L1 point studying Sun during solar maximum Provides data on solar storms; protects satellites and power grids
Chang’e 7 CNSA (China) Aug 2026 Orbiter, lander, rover, and hopping probe at lunar south pole Targets water ice; tests technologies for sustainable lunar habitation

Why These Missions Matter

  • Artemis II: Marks NASA’s return to crewed lunar missions after more than 50 years.
  • Starship Mars Missions: Bold attempt to test interplanetary logistics, crucial for Mars colonization.
  • Gaganyaan G1: India’s leap into human spaceflight, positioning ISRO among elite agencies.
  • Solar Maximum / Aditya-L1: Studying solar activity helps safeguard Earth’s power grids and satellites.
  • Chang’e 7: Could unlock lunar water ice, vital for sustaining human bases.

Challenges & Risks

  • Technical hurdles: Artemis II must flawlessly validate Orion’s systems.
  • Mars entry risks: Starship faces extreme challenges in atmospheric entry and landing.
  • Human safety: Gaganyaan’s success is critical before India attempts crewed missions.
  • Solar unpredictability: Solar Maximum studies depend on precise timing of solar cycles.
  • Resource competition: Chang’e 7 raises geopolitical questions about space mining rights.
2026 is shaping up as a historic year in space exploration, with multiple nations pushing boundaries beyond Earth orbit. Each mission is not just a technical milestone but also a geopolitical statement of leadership in space.

IN-SPACe Invites Proposals to Establish ‘Antariksh Prayogshala’ (Space Labs) Across Indian Academic Institutions

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IN-SPACe Invites Proposals to Establish ‘Antariksh Prayogshala’ (Space Labs) Across Indian Academic Institutions

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has rolled out a Request for Proposal (RfP) to establish Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) at select academic institutions across India, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s space technology ecosystem and build future-ready talent.

‘Antariksh Prayogshala’ is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at creating state-of-the-art space laboratories within Indian academic institutions. These labs will provide hands on training and exposure to students pursuing space tech courses in academic institutes spread across the country. This initiative is intended to enable meaningful industry–academia collaboration, and support India’s long-term vision of becoming a leading global space economy.

Under the scheme, up to seven academic institutions will be selected in a phased manner from different zones across the country. To ensure balanced regional representation one lab is proposed in each zone. These labs will also be available to NGEs for utilization in that zone. IN-SPACe will provide financial support of up to 75 percent of the total project cost, with a cap of ₹5 crore per institution, to be released on a milestone-linked basis.

The selection process will be carried out in two stages. Institutions will first be screened based on eligibility criteria outlined in the RfP. Shortlisted applicants will then be evaluated and ranked by an Empowered Committee (EC), following which final selections will be made on a zone-wise basis.

Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe, added, “Antariksh Prayogshala is designed to translate academic knowledge into deployable capability. By creating shared spaces for students, researchers, and industry, these labs will enable applied research, early-stage innovation, and skill development aligned with real industry needs. This is a practical step towards building depth, scale, and sustainability in India’s space ecosystem.”

The Antariksh Prayogshala initiative is expected to deliver multiple outcomes, including structured practical training for students, deeper engagement between academia and the space industry, and the creation of a robust pipeline of skilled professionals capable of contributing to India’s expanding private space sector.

Detailed information on the RfP, including eligibility criteria, zonal distribution, and application timelines, is available on the IN-SPACe website. https://www.inspace.gov.in/inspace

MAHE & DST Launch India’s First Self-Financed MIDAS HUB for Medical Innovation

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MAHE & DST Launch India’s First Self-Financed MIDAS HUB for Medical Innovation

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, launched the Medical Instruments, Devices and Allied Services (MIDAS) DST–MAHE HUB on Wednesday 5, 2025 at Manipal Campus, Karnataka. This is the first facility of its kind in a self-financed university.

Inaugurating the DST-MAHE HUB in the MAHE Manipal campus, Dr. Praveen Roy, Head of Scientific Divisions Technology, Translation, and Innovation (TTI) Division, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, highlighted the critical importance of Translational innovation, which plays a critical role in strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem. He said, “We remain committed to supporting all activities of the MIDAS HUB. The DST–MAHE HUB is uniquely positioned, as MAHE’s multidisciplinary foundation enables seamless integration across diverse domains. This initiative represents a paradigm shift in our approach to research and innovation, and the Government of India will extend its full support to ensure its success.”

He also commended MAHE for its strong research ecosystem, which continues to advance impactful scientific progress for the society.

MAHE & DST Launch India’s First Self-Financed MIDAS HUB for Medical
MIDAS DST–MAHE HUB Unveiled in MAHE Manipal

MAHE & DST Launch India’s First Self-Financed MIDAS HUB for Medical
Dr. Praveen Roy, Scientist G, Department of Science & Technology, along with the Pro Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor of MAHE, releasing the MIDAS Annual Report during the inaugural event.

Addressing the occasion, Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, highlighted MAHE’s pivotal role in advancing collaborative, coordinated research and innovation. He emphasized, “the institution’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across academia, industry, and government, positioning MIDAS DST-MAHE HUB as a driving force for impactful scientific progress and societal benefit.”

Speaking at the event Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, expressively spoke about “the HUB’s pivotal role in nurturing high-impact research collaborations and cultivating future scientific leaders. He also appreciated the efforts put in by the team in establishing an excellent centre in the form of MIDAS HUB.”

The ceremony brought together distinguished leaders from academia, industry, and government. Delivering the welcome address Dr. G. Arun Maiya, Principal Coordinator of MIDAS HUB, presented an overview of HUB’s progress in medical device product development. Dr. Lazar Mathew, Senior Advisor, MIDAS HUB, unveiled the HUB logo and explained its philosophy, built around the theme “a project for a product.” The event was supported by MAHE’s key innovation and research entities, including the Directorate of Research, Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator, Manipal GOK Bioincubator, Innovation Centre, and CAIF.

During the event, MAHE launched the Advanced Certificate Program in Medical Device Technology, Innovation and Leadership and released the MIDAS annual report. The HUB also introduced its industry–academia policy, service flyers, and signed multiple MoUs to foster long-term partnerships. Market-ready prototypes, including Laser Shoe, Mbilimeter, Armable Mini, WeCare, FluroAura, RevoCord, Wearable Electrolarynx, and Adrenaline Autoinjector—were showcased, reinforcing the HUB’s focus on impactful, deployable innovations.

The inauguration highlighted MAHE’s commitment to accelerating innovation in medical technology, strengthening industry–academia collaborations, and supporting translational research. MIDAS HUB aims to serve the entire West Coast innovation corridor, from Goa to Trivandrum, through partnerships with IIT Dharwad, IIT Palakkad, NITK Surathkal, Kannur University, Mahatma Gandhi University, BITS Goa, and leading industry players, including BPL, Philips, InBody, and Sparsh Technologies.

Infosys Honors U.S. Scholar Andrew Ollett for Pioneering Work on Prakrit

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Infosys Honors U.S. Scholar Andrew Ollett for Pioneering Work on Prakrit

The Infosys Science Foundation has awarded the Infosys Prize 2025 in Humanities and Social Sciences to Prof. Andrew Ollett, an American scholar at the University of Chicago, for his groundbreaking research on Prakrit languages, a family of Middle Indo-Aryan tongues that shaped India’s literary and cultural history for over a millennium.

A Scholar of Prakrit

Prakrit, spoken across the Indian subcontinent between the 5th century BCE and the 12th century CE, served as the vernacular counterpart to Sanskrit. While Sanskrit was the language of ritual and elite scholarship, Prakrits were closer to everyday speech and became the medium of classical drama, poetry, and religious texts. Jain and Buddhist scriptures, as well as lyrical works like the Gāhā Sattasaī, were composed in Prakrit, making it a vital bridge between ancient Sanskrit and modern Indo-Aryan languages such as Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati.

Prof. Ollett’s research has illuminated how Prakrit was not a “lesser” language but a central cultural force in South Asia. His acclaimed book Language of the Snakes explores Prakrit’s role alongside Sanskrit and vernaculars, offering a magisterial analysis of India’s linguistic and intellectual traditions.

The Infosys Prize

The Infosys Prize, one of India’s most prestigious academic honors, carries a gold medal, citation, and USD 100,000 purse. By recognizing Ollett, Infosys has spotlighted the humanities and philology as essential to understanding India’s past and its global intellectual contributions.

Broader Impact

Ollett’s work underscores the democratizing power of Prakrit, which gave voice to ordinary people and enabled the spread of Jainism and Buddhism.

His scholarship situates Prakrit within the philosophy of language, exploring semantics and pragmatics in classical Indian thought.

The award highlights Infosys’s commitment to honoring not only scientific innovation but also cultural and historical scholarship that enriches global understanding.

Context

The 2025 Infosys Prize honored six laureates across disciplines, including MIT economist Nikhil Agarwal and genome repair pioneer Anjana Badrinarayanan. Ollett’s recognition places Prakrit studies at the center of global academic discourse, ensuring that India’s vernacular traditions receive the same scholarly attention long accorded to Sanskrit.

In essence, Infosys has elevated Andrew Ollett’s extraordinary philological depth and reaffirmed the importance of Prakrit as a living language of ancient India’s people and poets, a bridge between Sanskrit’s ritual authority and the rise of modern Indian languages.

ISRO’s Giant Leap: Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03 Successfully Launched

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ISRO’s Giant Leap: Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03 Successfully Launched

ISRO successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03 (also known as GSAT-7R), aboard the LVM3-M5 rocket on November 2, 2025, from Sriharikota. The 4,410 kg satellite is designed to provide secure, high-bandwidth, multi-band communication for the Indian Armed Forces, especially the Navy, marking a major milestone in India’s heavy-lift space capabilities.

Key Highlights of the CMS-03 Mission

  • Launch Vehicle: LVM3-M5 (Bahubali), India’s most powerful rocket
  • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota
  • Date & Time: November 2, 2025, at 17:26 IST
  • Satellite Mass: ~4,410 kg — heaviest communication satellite launched from Indian soil
  • Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), ~29,970 km x 170 km
  • Mission Purpose: Replace GSAT-7 (2013) and enhance secure naval and defense communications

Strategic Importance

  • Defense Communications: Tailored for the Indian Navy, ensuring encrypted, high-capacity links
  • Indigenous Capability: Fully developed in India, reinforcing strategic autonomy
  • Heavy-Lift Milestone: First >4,000 kg satellite launched into GTO from Indian soil
  • Continuity & Upgrade: Replaces GSAT-7 with greater bandwidth and wider coverage

Comparative Context

Mission Rocket Payload Mass Orbit Purpose
CMS-03 (2025) LVM3-M5 4,410 kg GTO Secure defense communications
GSAT-7 (2013) Ariane-5 2,625 kg GTO Naval communications
Chandrayaan-3 (2023) LVM3-M4 3,900 kg Lunar Transfer Lunar exploration

Broader Implications

  • For India’s Space Program: Strengthens ISRO’s credibility in the global heavy-lift launch market
  • For National Security: Enhances maritime domain awareness and secure communication
  • For Future Missions: Validates LVM3’s readiness for heavier payloads, including crewed missions

ISRO’s Giant Leap: Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03 Successfully Launched

ISRO’s Giant Leap: Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03 Successfully Launched

ISRO Pioneer Who Brought Satellite TV to Villages Passes Away at 100

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ISRO Pioneer Who Brought Satellite TV to Villages Passes Away at 100

Professor Eknath Vasant Chitnis, one of the founding architects of India’s space programme, passed away in Pune on October 22, 2025, at the age of 100.

Legacy Highlights

  • Handpicked by Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Chitnis played a pivotal role in shaping INCOSPAR into what became ISRO.
  • He led the selection of India’s first launch sites—Thumba in Kerala and Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
  • As Director of the Space Applications Centre, he spearheaded the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975–76, bringing educational TV to 2,400 villages using NASA’s ATS-6 satellite.
  • He was instrumental in recruiting Dr APJ Abdul Kalam into ISRO.
  • Honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1985 for his contributions to science and education.
Professor Eknath Vasant Chitnis

Chitnis also served on the Board of Directors of Press Trust of India for nearly three decades, twice as chairman. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian space science, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the nation’s technological ambitions.

IndianaWeb2.com mourn the passing of Prof. Eknath Vasant Chitnis, a visionary scientist and founding architect of India’s space programme. His contributions laid the groundwork for ISRO’s rise and India’s journey into space.

A Lifelong Commitment to Science
Prof. Chitnis’s work bridged technology and education, empowering generations through satellite communication and digital infrastructure. His legacy lives on in every rocket launched, every satellite deployed, and every young mind inspired by India’s space story.

“We Could’ve Done It in 3 Years”: Nambi Narayanan Slams Funding Delays in India’s Space Tech Journey

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“We Could’ve Done It in 3 Years”: Nambi Narayanan Slams Funding Delays in India’s Space Tech Journey

At a time when India’s space startup ecosystem is surging, one of its foundational voices has issued a sobering reminder: progress could have come decades earlier, if only the money had followed the vision.

Narayanan emphasized that while India has made strides in rocket technology, financial bottlenecks remain a major hurdle for faster adoption of cutting-edge space systems.

Speaking at National Innovation Day at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Padma Bhushan awardee and former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan reflected on the long, winding road of India’s space propulsion development. His message was clear: funding bottlenecks—not technical limitations—were the real drag force.

Nambi Narayanan
Nambi Narayanan
We could have completed the liquid propulsion system in three years, Narayanan said. But it took nearly 20 years. Why? Because the funds were not available when we needed them.

The Cost of Delay

  • Narayanan’s remarks cut to the heart of a recurring theme in India’s tech evolution: brilliant minds hamstrung by budgetary hesitation.
  • The liquid propulsion system—critical for modern satellite launches and interplanetary missions—was ready to leap forward in the 1990s.
  • Instead of a sprint, it became a marathon.
We had the technology. We had the talent. What we lacked was timely investment, he added.

A New Era, But Old Lessons

  • India’s space sector has since opened its doors to private players, with over 300 startups now active.
  • The market is projected to reach $44 billion by 2033.
  • Yet Narayanan’s warning resonates: innovation without funding is just aspiration.

Editorial Takeaway

  • Narayanan’s voice is more than nostalgic—it’s strategic.
  • As India positions itself as a global space power, his message is a call to fund not just the future, but the present.
  • Because in space, delays aren’t just costly—they’re orbital.

India’s Flagship Sci. & Tech Conclave ESTIC-2025 to Chart Roadmap for Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat

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India’s Flagship Sci. & Tech Conclave ESTIC-2025 to Chart Roadmap for Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat

  • A stage for young innovators and startups to showcase solutions and connect with industry, says Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister
  • Designed as an outcome-oriented forum, the event aims to accelerate the lab-to-market journey for disruptive innovation. 
  • Scheduled for 3–5 November 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the conclave will feature three days of plenaries, technical sessions, and exhibitions. 
India's flagship Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave, ESTIC-2025 is set to bring together the nation's top scientific minds, innovators and policymakers. Scheduled for November 3-5 at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, the conclave will propel the nation towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat, turning the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 into action. 

As India's flagship S&T conclave under the theme Imagine, Innovate, Inspire for Viksit Bharat 2047, ESTIC 2025 will unite the country's innovation ecosystem across the entire gamut of the scientific spectrum. Curtain raiser programmes by participating Ministries and Departments are building momentum for detailed discussions across the 11 thematic sessions spanning Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Manufacturing, Blue Economy, Digital Communications, Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing, Emerging Agricultural Technologies, Energy--Environment--Climate, Health & Medical Technologies, Quantum Science & Technology, and Space Technologies. 

India’s Flagship Sci. & Tech Conclave ESTIC-2025 to Chart Roadmap for Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat
India’s Flagship Sci. & Tech Conclave ESTIC-2025 to Chart Roadmap for Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat

The programme features plenary addresses by global experts and Nobel Laureates, thematic technical discussions with S&T leaders, women entrepreneurs, and deep-tech startup CEOs, and on-ground showcases that spotlight disruptive innovation, including an exhibition by deep-tech startups and a poster forum for young scientists, faculty, and engineers. Designed as an outcome-oriented forum, ESTIC-2025 aligns research, standards-readiness, and scale-up mechanisms to accelerate the lab-to-market journey.

"The conclave is a stage for young innovators, startups and researchers to showcase innovative solutions, find mentorship, and connect with industry and stakeholders," said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh. He highlighted the integration of key frontier technologies, including semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, biotech, space, and clean energy, across all eleven themes.

“ESTIC brings together India's scientific community, industry and startups on a single platform to turn ideas into impact. By connecting efforts across ministries and aligning with national priorities, the conclave strengthens translation pathways from laboratories to scale," said Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

"Through eleven thematic sessions and high-level panels, ESTIC-2025 will chart a comprehensive roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047, enabled by a whole-of-government approach," said Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), emphasizing ESTIC's role in advancing collaborative pathways that translate science into societal and economic impact.

ESTIC-2025 is designed as an outcome-oriented forum that celebrates stakeholder contributions while fostering collaborations among researchers, entrepreneurs, industry and funding bodies. The conclave's discussions and showcases are structured to identify actionable next steps and measurable follow-ups so that momentum continues beyond the three event days.

The conclave is a collaborative initiative of the Department of Science & Technology, under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, and brings together an association of key ministries and departments including the Department of Atomic Energy, Ministry of Ayush, Department of Biotechnology, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Space, and Department of Telecommunications.

About ESTIC-2025:

The Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) is India’s premier STI platform, bringing together ministries, innovators, and global visionaries. A flagship annual event, ESTIC fosters collaboration, celebrates disruptive innovation, and drives forward the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047." This transformative platform showcases cutting-edge research, deep-tech breakthroughs, and thought-provoking discussions with Nobel Laureates, global experts, policymakers, and emerging leaders. ESTIC-2025 is scheduled for 3-5 November 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Starscapes and Gujarat Tourism Join Forces to Build India’s 1st Dark-Sky Astro Villages

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Starscapes and Gujarat Tourism Join Forces to Build India’s 1st Dark-Sky Astro Villages
  • Starscapes to conduct a detailed study to identify potential stargazing locations across the state
Starscapes, India’s leading astro-tourism company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gujarat Tourism to jointly develop Gujarat as a key astro-tourism destination over the next five years.

As a part of the collaboration, Starscapes will conduct a detailed study to identify potential stargazing locations across the state, starting with North Gujarat. The selected sites will be evaluated based on light pollution levels, accessibility, and suitability for astro-tourism infrastructure. Gujarat Tourism’s approach to categorizing various types of tourism such as adventure, heritage and nature tourism provides a clear advantage in designating specific areas as dark-sky zones. This will play an important role in exclusively developing astro-tourism without interference from other tourism activities that may contribute to light pollution.

The identified astro-tourism zones will later be developed into Astro Villages, where local communities will play a key role in reducing light pollution and preserving dark skies. The initiative aims to generate employment opportunities for local communities, improve livelihood while creating sustainable astro tourism experiences.
 
Starscapes and Gujarat Tourism Join Forces to Build India’s st Dark-Sky Astro Villages

Commenting on the partnership, Ramashish Ray, Founder, Starscapes, said, “ "From the vast salt deserts of Kutch to the clear skies around Gir National Park, Gujarat offers some of the most pristine and untouched dark-sky locations with immense potential for astro-tourism. Our goal is to work closely with the local communities, empowering them to become ambassadors of dark skies and to create a model of responsible, sustainable tourism. We’re excited to partner with Gujarat Tourism to develop the state into a leading astro-tourism destination."

This initiative builds on Starscapes’ ongoing efforts to promote astro-tourism across India. After a successful ‘Nakshatra Campaign’ with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), Starscapes has recently launched ‘Astro-Tourism Guides’ Skill Development Program in collaboration with UTDB and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).

About Starscapes:

Starscapes is India’s premier experiential astronomy venture, dedicated to promoting sustainable live and online celestial exploration. With a nationwide network of observatories, skilled teams, school and hospitality affiliates, and eco-friendly initiatives, Starscapes strives to enrich education and provide unforgettable cosmic experiences.

Starscapes and Uttarakhand Govt Launch India’s First Statewide Astro-Tourism Guide Training Program

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Starscapes and Uttarakhand Govt Launch India’s First Statewide Astro-Tourism Guide Training Program

Starscapes, India’s leading astro-tourism company, has partnered with the Uttarakhand Tourism Board (UTTB) and the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to launch a comprehensive skill development initiative aimed at training 500 aspiring Astro-Tourism Guides across the state over the next six months. This fully funded program, supported by the Government of Uttarakhand, combines astronomy education with practical skills in hospitality, marketing, and community engagement.

Under the tripartite agreement, UTTB will serve as the sponsoring authority, Starscapes as the training partner, and THSC as the executing partner.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement in conserving dark skies and reducing light pollution, Starscapes has collaborated with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, a government-recognized body under India’s Skill Development Mission, to certify its training curriculum as an official course. This ensures that participants not only gain in-depth knowledge of astronomy and telescope handling but also acquire employable skills that can empower them to pursue careers in astro-tourism and related hospitality services.

The training will be conducted across multiple locations in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, Loha Ghat (Champawat), Munsiyari (Pithoragarh), Ramnagar (Nainital), Powri Lansdowne, Almora, Kausani, Karnaprayag, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Chopta.

Targeting local youth, the program is designed to support community-driven tourism initiatives such as homestays. Participants will learn to operate independently while promoting sustainable astro-tourism, contributing to dark sky conservation, and generating income for their communities.

Vivek Shandilya, Vice President, Business Development, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), “Initiatives like these play a significant role in building a future of community-led and responsible tourism. The ‘Astro-Tourism Guides’ Skill Development Program will equip local youth with the right skill set for promising careers in the field of tourism, empower local economies and help preserve our dark skies. We look forward to working with Uttarakhand Tourism Board and Starscapes to bring formal recognition and certification to this unique program."

Mrs Poonam Chand, Additional Director, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, "This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of promoting responsible and community-based tourism in Uttarakhand. By supporting local youth, we are fostering both economic development and environmental conservation."

Commenting on this Ramashish Ray, Founder of Starscapes, said, "At Starscapes, we believe that sustainable impact comes from engaging communities directly. By training local youth astro tourism guides and empowering them with employability skills, we are building a network of advocates who can help conserve our dark skies while creating meaningful livelihood opportunities."

Participants who complete the program will receive government-certified certification, making them eligible for employment within the tourism and hospitality sector, as well as opportunities to collaborate with Starscapes in ongoing community and astro-tourism initiatives.

The program will officially commence in October, and training will continue through March 2026, ensuring a thorough and impactful learning experience across the state.

About Starscapes:

Starscapes is India’s premier experiential astronomy venture, dedicated to promoting sustainable live and online celestial exploration. With a nationwide network of observatories, skilled teams, school and hospitality affiliates, and eco-friendly initiatives, Starscapes strives to enrich education and provide unforgettable cosmic experiences.

IIT Mandi’s Quantum-Inspired Theory Reveals Hidden Logic Behind Collective Movement

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IIT Mandi’s Quantum-Inspired Theory Reveals Hidden Logic Behind Collective Movement
  • IIT Mandi researchers uncover how quantum-inspired dynamics in visual perception can explain flocking, swarming, and coordination, opening doors to new advances in robotics and neuroscience

Why do birds flock, fish school, or humans synchronize their movements without a designated leader? This age-old question has fascinated scientists across disciplines for decades. Now, 0 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have put forward a groundbreaking explanation: the secret may lie in quantum-inspired perception.

The study, led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera and his team, Dr. Jyotiranjan Beuria and Mayank Chaurasiya, recently published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A (2025), introduces a radical mathematical framework to explain how coordination emerges in nature. In classical models of collective motion, such as the well-known Vicsek model, agents align their movement based on their neighbors’ directions. While these models capture some aspects of swarming and flocking, they often fall short in accounting for real-world complexities, such as noisy environments, delays in response, or ambiguous information. The IIT Mandi team approached the puzzle from a different angle. Drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, they proposed that each agent’s perception does not collapse immediately into a definite decision. Instead, it exists in a superposition of possibilities, much like a particle in quantum physics can exist in multiple states until observed.

Commenting on the study, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi and co-author of the paper, said –
“Our work shows that quantum-inspired ideas can move beyond physics and provide fresh insight into one of nature’s oldest mysteries: how collective order arises out of local perception. The implications range from understanding the mind and brain to engineering next-generation intelligent systems.”

His words reflect a growing trend in modern science: borrowing principles from quantum theory to enrich disciplines far beyond fundamental physics. By bridging cognitive science, biology, and engineering, the IIT Mandi study points to a unifying framework for perception and coordination.

A Unified Framework for Nature and MachinesIn this framework, agents perceive their neighbors not through fixed snapshots but through entangled perceptual states that evolve dynamically. Coordination arises naturally as these states resolve, balancing uncertainty and alignment in a way that mirrors quantum behavior. A central contribution of the study is the introduction of two novel quantities: perception strength, which measures how strongly agents align their perceptual states, and perceptual energy, which measures the stability of collective perception within the group. Together, these measures allow scientists to quantify how coordination emerges even in noisy or incomplete conditions. Importantly, the researchers demonstrated that classical flocking models are special cases of their broader, quantum-inspired theory. This means that existing frameworks for collective motion can be seen as approximations within a more general, perception-driven model.

New Metrics for Measuring Group Intelligence

The implications of this work extend far beyond theory. In biology, the framework offers a new perspective on how swarms of animals remain cohesive despite disturbances. Instead of relying solely on physical interaction rules, the study suggests that perception itself plays a fundamental role in generating order in living systems.

Game-Changing Implications

In robotics, swarm robotics such as coordinated drones used in search-and-rescue operations, environmental monitoring, or planetary exploration could adopt quantum-inspired perception to achieve more flexible and adaptive coordination. In neuroscience and psychology, the study resonates with how human perception often involves ambiguity, sudden switching, and context-dependent interpretation. By offering a rigorous mathematical model for perceptual dynamics, the framework provides a fresh way to understand brain function and cognitive processes. In artificial intelligence, future AI systems could harness quantum-inspired perceptual operators to handle uncertainty with greater robustness, avoiding brittle or premature decisions when confronted with ambiguous or incomplete data.

About IIT Mandi:

IIT Mandi is one of the top second-generation IITs located in Kamand Valley, Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is one of eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, and recognized as one of Institutes of National Importance. IIT Mandi's permanent campus about 14 km (8.7 mi) from Mandi consists of the South and North campuses connected by a narrow neck. The South campus is on the left bank of the Uhl River below Kamand village. The North campus is along the Kataula Khad opposite Salgi village. A transit campus at Government Post graduate College, Mandi was handed over by the Himachal Pradesh Government on 16 November 2009. The Kamand campus ground-breaking ceremony, to mark the start of construction, was held on 13 April 2012.

On 25 April 2015, IIT Mandi became the first of all the new IITs to completely shift B. Tech students to its permanent campus in Kamand. Since its inception the institute has been involved with more than 275 Research and Development (R&D) projects worth more than ₹120 crore. In the past 10 years, the institute has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with as many as 11 international and 12 national universities.

Truth in the Time of Toxins: What 'Bad Science' Warns Us About

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In a world where a celebrity’s juice cleanse gets more airtime than a peer-reviewed study, Bad Science by Ben Goldacre is both sword and shield. With biting humor and analytical rigor, Goldacre aims not just to entertain—but to arm the public against misinformation dressed in lab coats.

Deconstructing Hype: The Core Messages of Bad Science

When its apparently an age where clickbait cures and “breakthroughs" are endorsed by celebrities, the book Bad Science by Ben Goldacre slashes through the noise. It reveals how science can be twisted—or ignored—to sell ideas, products, and agendas.

The book, originally published in the UK in 2008, primarily focuses on examples from the UK and Western media, especially in the context of health journalism, education, and pharmaceutical practices. However, it does touch on global implications of pseudoscience and misinformation—including how misleading health claims can affect developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia.

Pseudoscience Wears a Lab Coat

Goldacre shows that “science-sounding” jargon and anecdote can mask empty claims. He exposes:
  • Homeopathy’s absurd dilutions presented as potent medicine
  • Brain Gym exercises billed as neurological cures
  • Detox footpads and ear candles marketed with pseudo-anatomical mumbo-jumbo
These examples illustrate how easy it is to dress nonsense in scientific language—and how few people question the rules of biology it violates.

The Media’s Amplification Machine

Headlines trade nuance for drama, and The common men pays the price. Goldacre dissects:
  • Sensational reporting of preliminary or weak studies
  • Inflated links between vaccines and autism during the MMR scare
  • Misuse of relative risk to make tiny effects look earth-shattering
By following the press’s temptation to oversimplify, he warns us that every catchy headline may hide half-truths.

When Money Drives the Data

Scientific research isn’t immune to commercial pressures. Bad Science uncovers tactics like:
  • Cherry-picking favourable trial results and burying the rest
  • Presenting relative risk (e.g., “50% reduction”) without absolute figures
  • Ghost-writing academic papers on behalf of pharmaceutical sponsors
Goldacre argues for open data, transparent methodologies, and independent scrutiny so that medicine serves health and not marketing.

The Curious Power of Placebos

Placebos aren’t “just sugar pills”—they reveal how expectation shapes outcomes. Goldacre highlights studies where:

Pink pills boosted concentration more than blue ones
  • Higher pill counts (even inert) led to stronger symptom relief
  • A doctor’s empathy and confidence significantly altered patient responses
Understanding placebo effects reminds us that context, belief, and presentation matter in every clinical encounter.

A Call to Critical Thinking

Bad Science isn’t about making everyone a lab-coat expert overnight. It’s a manifesto for:
  • Asking pointed questions when faced with bold claims
  • Reading beyond headlines and checking sample sizes, controls, and reporting standards
  • Demanding transparency from researchers, media, and corporations
By arming ourselves with skepticism and curiosity, we become smarter consumers of information—and better guardians of our own health.

Bad Science also touch on the pharmaceutical industry but more as a warning signal than a deep dive. Goldacre critiques how drug companies can distort evidence, manipulate trial results, and influence public perception through selective data and marketing tactics.
  • Clinical Trials and Data Manipulation: Pharmaceutical companies sometimes design trials to favor their products—using small sample sizes, biased endpoints, or excluding negative results. Goldacre highlights how publication bias creates a skewed picture of a drug’s effectiveness.
  • Relative Risk vs. Absolute Risk: Companies use relative risk to make benefits sound bigger than they are. A “50% reduction” might only mean going from 2 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,000—not a miracle, just misleading framing.
  • Ghostwriting and Sponsored Research: Some academic papers are secretly written by pharma staff and published under independent researchers' names. Goldacre critiques the blurry line between science and sales.
The Bad Science author, Goldacre, also wrote Bad Pharma, an entire exposé of the industry. It covers:
  • Regulators and journals enabling bad practices
  • The global consequences of hidden data
  • Reforms needed to fix systemic issues
Whether you’re a student, journalist, or simply a skeptical reader, Bad Science equips you to spot red flags, decode data, and insist on evidence that truly matters.

NASA-ISRO Satellite Sends 1st Radar Images of Earth's Surface

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NASA-ISRO Satellite Sends 1st Radar Images of Earth's Surface
Captured on Aug. 21, this image from NISAR’s L-band radar shows Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Green indicates forest; magenta represents hard or regular surfaces, like bare ground and buildings. The magenta area on the island’s northeast end is the town of Bar Harbor. (Credit: NASA/Pl-Caltech) 

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has successfully transmitted its first radar images of Earth’s surface, marking a major milestone in the joint U.S.-India mission.

Highlights from the First Radar Images
  • Mount Desert Island, Maine (Aug 21):
    • Captured using NASA’s L-band radar.
    • Forests appear green, water bodies in dark tones, and urban areas in magenta.
    • The town of Bar Harbor is clearly visible, showcasing the radar’s ability to distinguish land cover types.
  • Forest River, North Dakota (Aug 23):
    • Shows wetlands, forests, and farmland with circular irrigation plots.
    • Differentiates fallow fields from active crops like corn and soybeans.
NASA-ISRO Satellite Sends 1st Radar Images of Earth's Surface
On Aug. 23, NISAR imaged land adjacent to northeastern North Dakota’s Forest River. Light-colored wetlands and forests line the river’s banks, while circular and rectangular plots throughout the image appear in shades that indicate the land may be pasture or cropland with corn or soy. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) 

What Makes NISAR Unique

  • Dual Radar System: Combines NASA’s L-band with ISRO’s S-band for comprehensive Earth surface analysis.
  • High Resolution: Can resolve features as small as 5 meters.
  • Global Coverage: Orbits Earth every 12 days from 747 km altitude.

Applications

  • Disaster response (e.g., landslides, floods, earthquakes)
  • Agricultural monitoring and food security
  • Climate change and ecosystem tracking
  • Infrastructure and urban planning
Science operations begin November 2025. NISAR is set to revolutionize Earth observation and environmental monitoring.

Source – usembassy.gov
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