Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 carrying the Advanced Earth Observation Satellite-05 (EOS-05), describing the mission as a reflection of India’s growing capabilities in space technology.

In a post on X, Modi called the mission an “outstanding achievement” and a proud moment for the country. He highlighted that EOS-05 is India’s first-ever imaging satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit, describing the launch as an example of the excellence, innovation and expanding capabilities of the Indian space sector. 

GSLV-F17 Successfully Deploys EOS-05

The GSLV-F17 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in the early hours of Friday. The mission successfully placed EOS-05 into its intended transfer orbit, marking another significant achievement for ISRO's Earth observation programme. 

EOS-05 is designed to operate from geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of roughly 36,000 kilometres. From this position, the satellite is expected to provide continuous observation of a particular geographical region, offering capabilities that differ from Earth observation satellites operating in lower orbits. 

First Imaging Satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit

The mission is significant because EOS-05 is India's first dedicated imaging satellite intended for geosynchronous orbit.

The satellite's positioning will allow it to maintain a consistent view of India and surrounding areas. Such continuous observation can support applications including weather monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, environmental assessment and other Earth observation requirements. 

The satellite was initially placed into a transfer orbit following launch and will carry out subsequent manoeuvres to reach its operational geosynchronous position.

PM Modi Highlights Space Sector Growth

Modi's remarks also pointed to the wider development of India's space ecosystem. The Prime Minister said the successful mission reflected not only ISRO's technical capabilities but also the country's growing space-sector strength.

The Indian space programme has increasingly expanded beyond traditional government-led missions, with private companies and startups becoming more involved in satellite manufacturing, launch services and other space-related activities.

This growing participation is contributing to the development of a broader space economy while ISRO continues to undertake complex scientific and technological missions.

Boost for Earth Observation Capabilities

EOS-05 is expected to strengthen India's ability to monitor large geographical areas continuously.

Traditional Earth observation satellites in lower orbits move around the planet and capture images at intervals. A satellite operating from geosynchronous orbit can remain aligned with a particular region, allowing repeated and near-continuous observation.

Such data can be useful for monitoring changes on the ground and supporting government agencies during emergencies and natural disasters.

Another Milestone for ISRO

The GSLV-F17 mission adds to ISRO's expanding record of satellite-launch and Earth-observation missions.

The launch also demonstrates the role of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle in deploying heavier and more advanced payloads into higher orbits. The successful mission comes as India continues to develop its capabilities across human spaceflight, satellite technology, Earth observation and commercial space activities.

India’s Space Ambitions

The successful deployment of EOS-05 comes at a time when India is seeking to expand its presence in the global space sector.

With growing private-sector participation and a pipeline of scientific and human-spaceflight missions, India's space programme is moving into a broader phase of development.

For ISRO, the GSLV-F17 mission provides another demonstration of India's ability to develop and deploy sophisticated satellite systems. For the wider space ecosystem, the mission reinforces the country's ambitions to build stronger domestic capabilities and expand its role in the global space economy.

 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05, describing the mission as a “significant stride in India’s space journey.”

The launch marks an important milestone for India’s space programme as EOS-05 is the country’s first dedicated imaging satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit. Positioned at an altitude of around 36,000 kilometres, the satellite is expected to provide continuous imaging capabilities, strengthening India’s Earth observation infrastructure.

Congratulating ISRO scientists, engineers and all personnel associated with the mission, Rajnath Singh said the successful launch demonstrates India’s growing technological capabilities and reinforces the country's position as a leading space-faring nation. The mission is expected to support a wide range of applications, including disaster management, environmental monitoring, agriculture and strategic requirements.

The GSLV-F17 mission lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota during the early hours of Friday. About 18 minutes after launch, the rocket successfully placed EOS-05 into its intended transfer orbit. The satellite will subsequently perform a series of orbit-raising manoeuvres before reaching its final geosynchronous position.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised ISRO for the achievement, calling it an “outstanding achievement” and a moment of pride for the nation. He noted that the mission further strengthens India's capabilities in satellite technology and Earth observation.

EOS-05 is expected to offer near real-time imaging of the Indian landmass and surrounding regions. Unlike many Earth observation satellites operating in lower orbits that capture images periodically, a geosynchronous satellite can continuously monitor the same area, improving response capabilities during natural disasters, weather events and other critical situations.

The mission is also being viewed as an important step in ISRO’s broader roadmap as India prepares for future advanced space missions, including human spaceflight initiatives under the Gaganyaan programme and expanded satellite infrastructure.

With the successful deployment of EOS-05, ISRO has added another milestone to its growing list of achievements, further enhancing India’s capabilities in space-based observation, scientific research and strategic applications.

A mysterious object observed in the early universe has attracted the attention of astronomers after researchers identified characteristics that do not fit neatly into the known categories of stars or black holes. At the centre of the international research team studying the object is Rohan Naidu, a Hyderabad-born astronomer who left engineering college at the age of 18 before pursuing a career in astronomy.

The object, described by researchers as a possible “black hole star”, was identified using observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Scientists believe it could provide important clues about how the earliest supermassive black holes formed.

Who Is Rohan Naidu?

Naidu was born in Hyderabad and initially chose engineering as his field of study. However, according to his profile at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he left engineering school and took what the institution describes as a dramatic turn towards astronomy.

He joined the founding class of Yale-NUS College in Singapore, where his interest in astronomy developed further.

Naidu began his research career studying blazars in the Chilean Andes under astronomer Charles Bailyn. He later pursued a PhD at Harvard University under Professor Charlie Conroy, focusing on ancient galaxies hidden within the Milky Way.

His academic career subsequently included a NASA Hubble Fellowship and a Pappalardo Fellowship at MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research.

Naidu is currently an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaiʻi.

Mysterious Object in Early Universe

The research team identified the unusual object after examining images of the early universe captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.

The object, designated MoM-BH-1*, appears as an extremely bright and unusually red source. It is located in the constellation Cetus, also known as the Whale, billions of light years from Earth.

Researchers estimate that the object existed around 660 million years after the Big Bang, placing it in an extremely early phase of cosmic history.

The object is roughly comparable in size to the Solar System and is surrounded by a cloud of gas. Its extraordinary energy output has made it particularly interesting to astronomers.

Why It Is Called a ‘Black Hole Star’

The researchers believe the object could represent a previously unrecognised phase in the development of massive black holes.

Rather than being an ordinary star, the object may contain a rapidly growing black hole surrounded by dense material. The surrounding gas could be producing the unusual characteristics detected by JWST.

Naidu and his colleagues believe such objects could help explain how supermassive black holes became so large relatively early in the history of the universe.

Possible Seeds of Supermassive Black Holes

One of the most important questions in modern astronomy is how supermassive black holes formed in the early universe.

Black holes at the centres of galaxies can eventually grow to enormous sizes. The Milky Way, for example, contains a supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A* at its centre.

The researchers suggest that objects such as black hole stars could represent an early stage in this process.

Naidu said the objects could be the previously anticipated early phase from which supermassive black holes began their evolution.

JWST Provides a New Window

The discovery demonstrates the importance of the James Webb Space Telescope in studying the early universe.

JWST is designed to observe some of the oldest and most distant objects in space. Its ability to detect infrared light allows astronomers to examine galaxies and other sources whose light has been stretched towards longer wavelengths during its journey across the expanding universe.

The unusual red appearance of MoM-BH*-1 helped draw the researchers' attention to the object.

According to Naidu, the way the object's light appears almost entirely red before abruptly disappearing below a particular wavelength makes it unlike previously known classes of astronomical objects.

A New Area of Research

The researchers have described the findings as an opportunity to investigate a potentially new type of astrophysical object.

Naidu said the team is excited to study the object and that there remains significant work to determine exactly what it is and how it formed.

Independent astronomers have also taken note of the discovery. Christian Wolf of the Australian National University, who was not involved in the research, described it as an exceptionally exciting development in black hole research.

From Engineering to Astronomy

Naidu's journey has also drawn attention because of his unconventional academic path.

Leaving engineering at 18, he moved into astronomy and eventually became involved in research into the first stars, galaxies and black holes formed after the Big Bang.

Beyond astronomy, his MIT profile describes him as a quiz and trivia enthusiast and a published poet. He is also known for his interest in Test cricket.

The study of the possible black hole star now places Naidu at the centre of research that could help answer one of astronomy's long-standing questions: how did the first supermassive black holes emerge so early in the history of the universe?

Millions of spectators across parts of Spain and Iceland looked to the skies on Wednesday as a rare total solar eclipsecrossed Europe, marking the continent’s first total solar eclipse in 27 years.

The August 12 eclipse drew large crowds to viewing locations, particularly across rural parts of Spain, where authorities had prepared special observation areas and deployed additional police personnel to manage the expected influx of visitors.

Spain Sees Spectacular Totality

In Spain, spectators gathered in locations along the eclipse path to witness the Moon completely cover the Sun. In Buitrago de Lozoya, north of Madrid, crowds reportedly cheered and applauded as daylight faded and the sky briefly turned dark.

The period of totality lasted for only around a minute in some locations, but the short spectacle produced dramatic changes in the appearance of the sky. Bright points known as Baily's beads, created by sunlight passing through valleys on the Moon's surface, were visible around the edge of the eclipsed Sun.

Photographers and astronomy enthusiasts also travelled to areas offering clearer views of the event.

Crowds Gather Across Rural Areas

Spain prepared extensively for the eclipse, with authorities expecting as many as 6 million visitors in areas along the path of totality, including northern parts of the country and the Balearic Islands.

Several rural communities used the event to attract tourists beyond Spain's traditional coastal destinations. Special viewing locations were established, while local authorities increased security and crowd-management measures.

The eclipse also brought together professional astronomers, amateur observers and tourists carrying telescopes and specialised cameras.

Iceland Gets a Cloudy View

Iceland also fell within the path of totality, although weather conditions made viewing more difficult.

Large parts of the country were covered by clouds, including areas around Reykjavik. However, breaks in the cloud cover in western Iceland allowed some observers to catch glimpses of the eclipse.

Even where the Sun itself was obscured, the sudden darkness associated with totality could still be experienced.

Brian May Among Eclipse Watchers

The eclipse attracted several well-known observers. Brian May, guitarist of the rock band Queen and an astronomy enthusiast, travelled to an observatory in Spain's Teruel province to watch the event.

May documented the experience on social media as the Moon moved across the Sun. Spectators at the site reportedly applauded and cheered as totality approached.

The presence of astronomy enthusiasts such as May added to the global attention surrounding an event that had been anticipated for years.

Rare Event for Europe

The eclipse was particularly significant because of its rarity. It was described as Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.

The Iberian Peninsula had not experienced a total solar eclipse since 1912. However, the region will not have to wait another century for the next one.

Another total solar eclipse is expected on August 2, 2027, while an annular solar eclipse is due in January 2028. Together, the events have been described as part of an "Iberian Eclipse Trio".

A Major Tourism Opportunity

Beyond its astronomical significance, the eclipse provided Spain with an opportunity to promote lesser-known destinations.

Authorities and tourism bodies had encouraged visitors to travel to rural areas along the eclipse path, helping communities that typically receive fewer tourists than Spain's major beach destinations.

The event also became an occasion for special gatherings and celebrations, with some visitors reportedly choosing eclipse-viewing locations for weddings and other events.

For astronomers and the public alike, however, the main attraction remained the brief moment when the Moon completely blocked the Sun, transforming daytime into darkness across parts of Europe.

A prolonged dry spell in Indonesia has caused water levels in the Karian Reservoir in Banten province to fall sharply, revealing the remains of a village that had been submerged for years after the construction of the dam.

The resurfacing of Somang village, including old houses, a mosque and other structures, has offered a striking glimpse of a settlement that disappeared beneath the reservoir after the Karian Dam project was developed. The development comes amid unusually dry conditions in Indonesia, with the country's weather agency warning of below-normal rainfall across large parts of the country.

Village Reappears as Water Recedes

Somang was once a populated village in Banten before the area was submerged as part of the Karian Dam project. Construction of the project began in 2015, and the reservoir became operational in 2023, after which the village was covered by water and residents were relocated. 

As the reservoir's water level dropped during the current dry spell, parts of the old settlement gradually became visible again. Images show remnants of concrete homes, walls, a mosque and other structures emerging from the exposed ground.

The sight has attracted attention because the landscape that had remained hidden underwater for years has suddenly become visible again.

El Niño Linked to Dry Conditions

The falling reservoir level is being reported amid the effects of an El Niño climate pattern, which can alter rainfall patterns across Southeast Asia.

During El Niño, changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures can influence atmospheric circulation and rainfall. In Indonesia, the phenomenon is often associated with reduced rainfall and hotter, drier conditions during the country's dry season.

Recent reporting has also documented worsening drought conditions in parts of Indonesia. Reuters reported that the country is experiencing widespread dry weather linked to an intensifying El Niño pattern, with agricultural communities facing water shortages even as some salt producers benefit from the prolonged sunshine. 

Rainfall Deficit Across Indonesia

Indonesia's weather agency, BMKG, had forecast below-normal rainfall across significant parts of the country in 2026.

According to the Aaj Tak report, BMKG estimated in June that around 64.5 per cent of Indonesia could receive below-normal rainfall, while approximately 57.2 per cent could experience a longer-than-usual dry season. The first part of July also saw rainfall below normal across a large portion of the country. 

BMKG subsequently indicated that El Niño had become active and could strengthen, raising concerns over prolonged dry conditions, water availability, agriculture and the risk of forest and land fires. 

Karian Reservoir’s Importance

The Karian Reservoir is an important water infrastructure project serving the wider Greater Jakarta region. Its water resources are intended to support the needs of a large and densely populated area.

The current decline in reservoir levels therefore carries significance beyond the appearance of the submerged village. A prolonged shortage of rainfall could put additional pressure on water resources, particularly if dry conditions continue for several months.

The re-emergence of Somang provides a visible indication of just how far the reservoir level has fallen.

What Happened to Somang?

Before the dam was constructed, Somang was a functioning village where families lived and worked. The construction of the reservoir required the settlement to be cleared and its residents relocated.

Once the reservoir filled, the village disappeared beneath the water. For years, there was little visible evidence of the settlement from the surface.

Now, with the water retreating, parts of the old village have returned to view. The exposed structures serve as a reminder of the communities that once occupied the land before it became part of the reservoir.

Drought Raises Wider Concerns

The resurfacing of Somang is visually striking, but the underlying reason is a matter of concern. Falling water levels can affect drinking-water supplies, farming and other activities dependent on reservoirs.

Indonesia is also dealing with an elevated risk of wildfires during the current dry period. Recent reports have highlighted fires across parts of the country amid exceptionally dry conditions. 

If rainfall remains below normal, pressure on water resources could increase further.

For now, the remains of Somang stand exposed as an unusual consequence of the drought — a village hidden beneath a reservoir for years has temporarily returned to the surface as Indonesia confronts a prolonged period of dry weather.

The second and final solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on Wednesday, August 12, with the celestial event beginning at 9:04 PM IST. The eclipse will continue into the early hours of August 13, reaching its peak at 11:16 PMand ending at 1:27 AM. 

The August 12 eclipse is a total solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will completely cover the Sun along the narrow path of totality. However, skywatchers in India will not be able to see the eclipse because it will occur below the Indian horizon during the relevant period. 

Solar Eclipse Timing in India

According to the timings reported for the event, the eclipse will begin at 9:04 PM on August 12 according to Indian Standard Time.

The key timings are:

• Eclipse begins: 9:04 PM, August 12

• Peak of eclipse: 11:16 PM, August 12

• Eclipse ends: 1:27 AM, August 13

• Total duration: Around 4 hours 23 minutes

The global astronomical timings place the beginning of the partial eclipse at around 15:34 UTC, with the maximum eclipse occurring at approximately 17:46 UTC. (Time and Date)

Will India See the Eclipse?

No. The August 12 solar eclipse will not be visible from India.

The eclipse's visibility path is concentrated across parts of the Arctic region, Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and Portugal, while a partial eclipse will be visible from much of Europe and parts of North America and northwestern Africa. 

Since the Sun will not be above the horizon in India during the relevant phase, people across Indian cities will not be able to observe the phenomenon directly.

Why Is This Eclipse Special?

The August 12 event is significant because it is a total solar eclipse, one of the most striking astronomical events visible from Earth.

During totality, the Moon moves directly between the Earth and Sun and completely blocks the Sun's bright disk for observers located within the path of totality. This can cause daytime darkness for a short period and make the solar corona visible.

NASA has also announced coverage of the eclipse for people outside the visibility path. Its official broadcast is scheduled to begin on August 12, allowing viewers worldwide to follow the event remotely. 

Eclipse and Religious Beliefs in India

The eclipse coincides with Hariyali Amavasya, the new moon day observed during the Shravan month. This has also generated interest from a religious and astrology perspective.

According to reports based on traditional Hindu practices, because the eclipse will not be visible in India, Sutak Kaal is not considered applicable in India for this particular event. 

The scientific phenomenon and religious interpretations are separate matters. The eclipse itself is caused by the Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun, while Sutak-related practices are based on traditional religious beliefs.

Where Can the Eclipse Be Watched?

The total phase will be visible along a relatively narrow path. Spain is expected to be among the major locations offering a prominent view, while Iceland and Greenland will also fall within the broader path of totality. Parts of Europe will experience a partial eclipse. 

For people in India, the safest option is to watch an official livestream rather than attempting to observe the Sun directly.

Safety Precautions

Anyone observing a solar eclipse from a location where it is visible should never look directly at the Sun without proper solar viewing protection. Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient to protect the eyes.

The Royal Museums Greenwich advises using certified eclipse glasses, a properly filtered solar telescope or safe projection methods.

For Indian viewers, who will not see the eclipse locally, an official online broadcast is the simplest way to follow the event.

The August 12 solar eclipse will therefore be a major astronomical spectacle for observers in its visibility zone, while in India the event will remain invisible despite occurring during the night in Indian Standard Time.

The newly identified species has been named Limnospondylus ajimuensis, marking a significant addition to the evolutionary history of giant salamanders and filling a major gap in Asia's fossil record.

The fossil bones were originally discovered between 1995 and 1997 during excavations in the Ajimu region of Japan. The remains were found in the Tsubusugawa Formation, a geological site known for preserving sediments from an ancient lake.

At the time, scientists could not determine the exact identity of the fossils and tentatively classified them under the Andrias genus, which includes the world's largest living salamanders.

However, advances in fossil analysis and imaging technology prompted researchers from Kyoto University to re-examine the specimens.

Unique Spine Revealed a New Species

Detailed analysis showed that the salamander's mid-trunk vertebra had a structure unlike that of any previously known giant salamander.

This distinctive anatomical feature convinced researchers that the fossils belonged to an entirely new genus and species, leading to the scientific name Limnospondylus ajimuensis.

The discovery offers fresh insights into the evolution and diversity of ancient amphibians in East Asia.

A Giant Amphibian That Lived in Ancient Lakes

Researchers estimate that the prehistoric salamander measured around 1.1 metres (3.6 feet) in length.

Unlike many modern giant salamanders that inhabit fast-flowing rivers, this ancient species is believed to have lived in calm lakes, marshes, and wetland environments.

Its habitat suggests that prehistoric Japan supported a rich freshwater ecosystem capable of sustaining large amphibian predators.

Why the Discovery Matters

Scientists say the finding helps bridge a 20-million-year gap in Asia's fossil record of giant salamanders.

The discovery also improves understanding of how these ancient amphibians evolved and adapted to changing environments over millions of years.

Researchers believe further studies of the Ajimu fossil site could uncover additional evidence about prehistoric ecosystems and the evolution of amphibian life in East Asia.

Key Highlights

• Scientists identified a new giant salamander species from 3.5-million-year-old fossils.
• The fossils were discovered in Japan's Ajimu region nearly 30 years ago.
• Researchers named the species Limnospondylus ajimuensis.
• The ancient amphibian measured approximately 1.1 metres (3.6 feet) in length.
• The discovery fills an important gap in Asia's prehistoric amphibian fossil record.

India is set to enter a new era in commercial space exploration on Saturday as Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch Vikram-1, the country's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle. The mission, named Mission Aagaman, is scheduled to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 11:30 AM IST, marking a significant milestone for India's rapidly expanding private space sector.

Ahead of the launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission as a "historic new frontier" for India's space programme, highlighting it as a symbol of the country's innovation-driven growth and entrepreneurial spirit. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister congratulated the Skyroot Aerospace team and expressed confidence that Vikram-1 would inspire a new generation of innovators while demonstrating the success of India's space-sector reforms.

Mission Aagaman Opens a New Chapter

Mission Aagaman is Skyroot Aerospace's maiden orbital mission and the first attempt by an Indian private company to place a launch vehicle into orbit. If successful, Vikram-1 will become the country's first privately built orbital rocket to deploy payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 450 kilometres.

The mission comes six years after the Government of India opened the space sector to private participation in 2020, encouraging startups to build indigenous launch capabilities and helping the country target a significantly larger share of the global space economy.

Advanced Indigenous Rocket Technology

Vikram-1 has been developed using cutting-edge aerospace technologies. It is India's first orbital launch vehicle built almost entirely with an all-carbon composite structure, making it lighter, stronger and more fuel-efficient than conventional metallic rockets.

The four-stage launch vehicle combines three solid-fuel propulsion stages with an advanced Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM) that uses a fully 3D-printed liquid rocket engine—the first of its kind on an Indian orbital launcher. The rocket also features India's longest monolithic carbon-composite first stage, showcasing major advances in indigenous aerospace manufacturing.

Designed for rapid and on-demand satellite launches, Vikram-1 can carry payloads of up to 350 kilograms into Low Earth Orbit.

Commercial and Technology Payloads

Mission Aagaman is carrying several technology demonstration payloads developed by Indian space startups, including:

• Graha Space

• Cosmoserve Space

• DQube

• Skyroot Aerospace's in-house SCOPE payload

These payloads will help validate next-generation space technologies while collecting valuable mission data for future commercial launches.

A Golden Tribute to India's Scientific Icons

Beyond its technological significance, Vikram-1 also carries a symbolic payload celebrating India's scientific heritage.

A miniature 18-carat gold rocket, created by Cosmos Diamonds, has been included aboard the mission. The artwork features intricate micro-sculptures of three legendary Indian scientists:

• Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space programme

• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, renowned aerospace scientist and former President of India

• Sir C.V. Raman, Nobel Prize-winning physicist

The artistic payload, titled "Cosmic Bloom," blends science, engineering and national pride, making it one of the mission's most distinctive features.

PM Modi Hails India's Growing Space Ecosystem

Calling Vikram-1 a landmark achievement, Prime Minister Modi said the mission reflects the talent, determination and innovation of India's youth. He noted that reforms in the space sector are creating fresh opportunities for startups and private enterprises while strengthening India's position in the global space economy.

The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens, especially young people, to follow the launch and support the mission through the hashtag #IndiaWithVikram1.

Boost for India's Commercial Space Ambitions

Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace has emerged as one of India's leading private space startups. Following the successful launch of the Vikram-S suborbital rocket in 2022, the company is now attempting a full-fledged orbital mission.

A successful Vikram-1 launch would represent a major leap for India's private space industry, opening new opportunities in satellite launch services, attracting international customers and strengthening the country's ambition to become a global commercial launch hub.

A major breakthrough in human gene-editing research has brought the possibility of preventing inherited diseases a step closer to reality. Scientists at Columbia University have successfully edited the DNA of early-stage human embryos with an accuracy level not previously achieved. While researchers say the technology could one day help eliminate certain genetic disorders, the development has also reignited global ethical concerns about the future creation of so-called “designer babies.”

The study was led by geneticist Dieter Egli and focused on a newer gene-editing technique known as base editing. Unlike traditional CRISPR technology, which cuts DNA strands, base editing makes highly targeted changes to individual genetic letters. Researchers say this approach significantly reduces the risk of unintended genetic damage, a major challenge that has limited embryo-editing research in the past.

According to the research team, the technology is still experimental and not ready for clinical use. However, the findings mark an important step toward understanding whether inherited diseases could one day be corrected before birth.

More Precise Than Earlier Methods

The researchers targeted two genes during the experiment. One of them, PCSK9, is associated with cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease, while the HBG gene plays a role in the production of fetal haemoglobin.

Using donated fertilised eggs and two-cell embryos, scientists introduced base-editing molecules and successfully modified both genes. In several cases, they were able to edit both targets simultaneously without causing the large-scale DNA damage that had been observed in earlier CRISPR-based experiments.

The achievement is particularly significant because previous attempts at editing human embryos often resulted in serious genetic disruptions, including chromosome loss and unintended mutations. Researchers say the latest results suggest base editing may offer a safer alternative.

Ethical Questions Return

The breakthrough has once again raised questions about how far gene-editing technology should be allowed to go. While scientists involved in the project emphasise that the goal is to prevent serious inherited diseases, critics warn that the same technology could eventually be used to select or enhance traits such as intelligence, height, appearance, or athletic ability.

The debate over human embryo editing intensified in 2018 when Chinese scientist He Jiankui claimed to have created genetically modified babies resistant to HIV. The experiment was widely condemned by the international scientific community, and He was later sentenced to prison by Chinese authorities.

Since then, many experts have argued that embryo editing remains too risky for clinical use due to concerns about safety, unintended mutations, and long-term health effects.

Potential Benefits for IVF Patients

Researchers believe the technology could eventually benefit couples undergoing IVF treatment. In some cases, embryos carrying disease-causing mutations are discarded because they are unsuitable for implantation. Gene editing may one day allow doctors to repair those mutations, increasing the number of viable embryos available to prospective parents.

Scientists involved in the study say future research will focus on reducing a problem known as mosaicism, where some cells within an embryo are edited while others remain unchanged. This remains one of the biggest barriers to clinical application.

Experts have also stressed that extensive testing, regulatory review, and public debate will be required before any human embryo gene-editing technology could be used in fertility clinics.

The year's smallest full moon coincides with May's second full moon — a rare astronomical pairing visible to the naked eye across India tonight.

Skywatchers across the country have a rare treat waiting for them tonight. The night of May 31 brings together two distinct celestial phenomena — the so-called Blue Moon and a Micromoon — occurring simultaneously, an event that astronomers describe as genuinely uncommon.

What exactly is happening tonight

A Blue Moon, in the popular modern definition, refers to a second full moon falling within the same calendar month. May opened with a full moon on the 1st, and tonight's full moon on the 31st becomes the month's second. Despite the evocative name, the moon will not appear blue — the term is purely calendrical.

At the same time, the moon will be at or near its apogee — the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth, roughly 4.06 lakh kilometres away. This makes it a Micromoon: visibly smaller and somewhat dimmer than a typical full moon, appearing around 5 to 7 percent smaller and about 10 percent less luminous.

A rare pairing, explained

National Award-winning science communicator Sarika Gharu, based in Bhopal, said the convergence of a monthly Blue Moon and a Micromoon is considered a particularly infrequent occurrence. "Both phenomena individually are not especially unusual, but having them align on the same night takes considerably longer to repeat," she noted.

The moon will be positioned in the constellation Scorpius tonight, placing it near Antares — one of the brightest and most distinctly red stars in the night sky. That pairing will be visible to the naked eye through most of the night, without any optical aid required. Because of its position in Scorpius, some observers are calling tonight's full moon a "Scorpio Blue Moon."

Hindu calendar significance

According to the Hindu Panchang, tonight corresponds to the Jyestha Purnima of Adhik Maas — an intercalary month added periodically to align the lunar and solar calendars. The full moon occurs with the moon in Vrischik Rashi, lending additional significance for those following traditional almanac timings.

When to watch

The full moon rises in the east around sunset and will be visible throughout the night. No telescope or binoculars are needed to observe either the Antares conjunction or the moon's slightly smaller disk. Clear skies permitting, central Indian cities including Bhopal, Indore, and Nagpur should have excellent viewing conditions from open ground or rooftops after 8 pm local time.

The next Blue Moons

For those who miss tonight's event, the next opportunities are May 20, 2027 (a seasonal Blue Moon), December 31, 2028 (a monthly Blue Moon coinciding with a total lunar eclipse), and August 24, 2029 (another seasonal Blue Moon).

Worth stepping outside for

While the visual difference between a Micromoon and a regular full moon is subtle enough that most casual observers would not notice without a reference point, the rarity of tonight's combined event makes it a genuine occasion for astronomy enthusiasts. The next time a monthly Blue Moon and a Micromoon fall on the same night is not expected for several years.

Initial reports from amateur astronomy groups indicate organised viewing sessions are being planned in several cities, with some schools and science clubs setting up open-sky events through the evening.

India is on high alert as the Sun shows signs of extreme activity. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has issued a fresh warning after detecting an intense solar storm that could lead to radio blackouts and disruptions in satellite-based services across the country. Scientists say the latest solar flare is among the strongest seen in recent years, raising concerns for communication networks, navigation systems, and power infrastructure.

What Is a Solar Storm and Why Is It Dangerous?

A solar storm occurs when the Sun releases massive bursts of energy in the form of solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These explosions send charged particles racing toward Earth at the speed of light, reaching our planet in just 7–8 minutes.

Normally, Earth’s magnetic field acts as a protective shield. However, when solar activity becomes extremely intense, this protection can weaken, allowing energetic particles to enter the upper atmosphere and cause disturbances.

Why This Solar Storm Is More Intense

According to scientists, the current solar event comes from an active sunspot region that has released an X8.1-class solar flare. Solar flares are classified based on X-ray energy output:

 A, B, C-class: Minor impact

 M-class: Moderate, may affect polar regions

 X-class: Extremely powerful and dangerous

Each class is 10 times stronger than the previous one. An X8.1 flare is considered extremely intense and capable of causing widespread technological disruptions.

ISRO’s Warning and India’s Preparedness

ISRO has stated that it is closely monitoring over 50 operational Indian satellites following repeated solar eruptions observed since early February. The main concern is a potential radio blackout, classified as an R5-level event, which is the most severe category.

Possible impacts include:

 Disruption in radio communication and aviation signals

 GPS and navigation errors

 Mobile networks and satellite TV interruptions

 Increased stress on power grids and transformers

To reduce damage, ISRO may temporarily adjust satellite orientation and protect sensitive instruments from direct solar exposure.

Why This Matters Right Now

The Sun is currently passing through its 11-year solar cycle peak, known as solar maximum. During this phase, solar storms become more frequent and intense. With India increasingly dependent on satellite technology for communication, navigation, defense, and digital services, space weather has become a critical national concern.

 Is There Any Positive Effect?

Yes. Strong solar storms can also create breathtaking auroras. Under very intense conditions, northern lights have even been spotted in parts of Ladakh, offering a rare visual treat.

While solar storms are natural cosmic events, their impact on modern technology can be serious. ISRO’s timely warning highlights the importance of space weather monitoring in today’s connected world. As scientists keep a close watch on the “angry Sun,” the coming days will be crucial in determining whether India faces temporary disruptions—or safely rides out the storm.