Author: Deshwale Science and Environment Desk

India has achieved another proud milestone in its space journey. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, aboard its most powerful rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-M5), from Sriharikota. Often called ‘Bahubali’ for its strength, this rocket has carried India’s space ambitions to a whole new height. A self-reliant leap in space technology This mission marks a defining moment in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in space technology. Until recently, India had to depend on foreign launchers like the European Ariane-5 for sending large communication satellites into orbit. These launches came with high costs and…

When we think about the Sun, it seems obvious that the closer you get to it, the hotter it must be. But in reality, the Sun plays a strange trick on science. Its outer layer known as the corona burns millions of degrees hotter than the surface below it. It’s a bit like wearing a jacket that’s somehow warmer than your body! The mystery of the solar corona The surface of the Sun, called the photosphere, has a temperature of about 5,500°C. That’s already blazing hot. But just above it lies the corona, a vast outer atmosphere stretching millions of…

Every year, as Diwali celebrations light up Delhi, the city’s air quietly turns toxic. Firecrackers, stubble burning from nearby states, and stagnant winter air combine to create one of the worst pollution spikes in the world. Residents struggle with Delhi Pollution that can trigger respiratory problems, allergies, and long-term health risks. This year, the Delhi government is turning to Artificial Rain as a possible solution – a scientific experiment aimed at washing away smog and giving the city temporary relief. But can man-made rainfall really make a difference, or is it just a fleeting fix for a chronic problem? Understanding…

The Indian government has taken a landmark step by notifying its first legally binding emission targets for high-polluting industries. This move affects sectors such as cement, steel, pulp and paper, fertilisers, and thermal power. The new rules, part of India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, mark a clear shift from voluntary guidelines to legally enforceable climate obligations. Industries will now have to limit their emission levels per unit of production or face penalties, while better-performing companies can trade surplus credits. This step signals India’s commitment to ensuring industrial growth aligns with environmental responsibility. Understanding the New Rules The legally binding emission…

Quantum research is the study of how tiny particles like atoms, electrons, and photons behave. Unlike the everyday world we see around us, the quantum world follows very different rules. Particles can exist in more than one state at a time, pass through barriers, or even stay connected over long distances, a phenomenon called entanglement. These strange behaviors may sound like science fiction, but they have real implications for technology and science. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their groundbreaking work in this field. They conducted experiments…

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their groundbreaking work in quantum mechanics. Their research showed that quantum effects, which are usually observed only at very small atomic levels, can also appear in larger electrical circuits made of superconducting materials. This discovery is important because it connects theoretical quantum physics with real-world applications, making it possible to build technologies that were once only imagined. Their work has had a major impact on quantum computing, a field that promises to revolutionize computing power and speed. For example, Martinis…

NASA is exploring the possibility of using nuclear bombs to prevent asteroid 2024 YR4 from colliding with the Moon. This asteroid, discovered in December 2024, initially raised concerns about a potential 3% chance of hitting Earth in 2032. However, further observations have ruled out any risk to our planet, although a collision with the Moon still remains a possibility. If 2024 YR4 were to strike the Moon, it could eject lunar debris into space. These micrometeoroid particles could pose serious risks to satellites and spacecraft in low Earth orbit, and even endanger astronauts in spacesuits. The potential consequences highlight why…

On September 28, 2025, SpaceX once again made headlines by successfully launching 28 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This launch is part of SpaceX’s ongoing Starlink project, which aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to every corner of the globe. With this latest mission, the Starlink constellation now has over 8,500 active satellites, bringing the world a step closer to truly global broadband connectivity. The primary goal of Starlink is to bridge the digital divide. Millions of people in remote or underserved areas still struggle with slow or unreliable internet. By expanding…

Raman Research Institute (RRI), supported by the Department of Science and Technology, has created a breakthrough dual-trap optical tweezers system. This new design makes the advanced technology accessible to Indian scientists and opens fresh possibilities in neuroscience, drug discovery, biology, and nanoscience. Optical tweezers, awarded the Nobel Prize in 2018, allow scientists to trap and move tiny objects using light. They are vital in research areas like bioengineering, materials science, and molecular biology. Yet, traditional dual-trap systems still face major hurdles such as interference, high costs, and complex integration with microscopes. The RRI team has solved these problems with a…

Imagine a satellite that sees Earth through clouds, darkness, and storms. That’s what NISAR first radar images deliver. Launched on July 30, 2025, by India’s ISRO, this NASA-ISRO project sent back its first snapshots in August. They’re not just pictures. They’re windows into our planet’s pulse—showing forests, rivers, towns, and farms in crisp detail. I remember hearing about space missions as a kid. They felt like sci-fi. But NISAR is real, and it’s changing how we watch Earth. These images aren’t for show. They help us track floods, monitor crops, and spot land shifts. Let’s dive into why NISAR first…