Boat announced a partnership with luggage and travel accessories company Safari during a Prime Day 2025 event held in New Delhi on Monday. As part of the ‘Safari x Boat’ collaboration, the Indian smart wearable brand will launch new smart luggage during the Amazon Prime Day sale, which is to be held in the country between July 12 and 14.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s farewell message from the ISS during the Axiom-4 mission was a stirring tribute to India’s space journey. Echoing Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 phrase, Shukla said that from orbit, India appears “full of ambition, fearless, confident and full of pride.” His 18-day stay aboard the ISS included over 60 experiments, with seven led by Indian scientists on topics such as muscle loss and plant biology.
Apple appointed Sabih Khan as the company’s Chief Operating Officer on Tuesday. Khan, who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations, will take the new position later this month, as the existing COO, Jeff Williams, transitions from the role. It is understood that Williams will continue to work in an advisory role and take retirement later this year.
Axiom-4 mission (also known as Ax-4), which is carrying four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), is finally taking off today (Wednesday). The mission was originally scheduled to take off on June 10, but it was delayed several times due to technical issues. The mission also marks an important moment for India as the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian to take a spaceflight in the last 40 years.
China’s continued restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals could reportedly have a negative impact on India’s consumer tech supply chain job market. In 2023, the Chinese government imposed stricter export controls over seven rare earth minerals due to the ongoing tariff war and trade-related tensions. Notably, these restrictions are placed on dysprosium, gadolinium, lutetium, samarium, scandium, terbium, and yttrium.
SpaceX launched SiriusXM's SXM-10 satellite early Saturday, June 7, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. The mission marked the eighth flight for the reused first-stage booster, which landed on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas.” SXM-10, a 6,400-kg satellite built by Maxar, will enter geostationary orbit to enhance SiriusXM’s broadcasting services across North America.
An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drone from MavLab (TU Delft) outperformed human pilots at Abu Dhabi’s A2RL drone racing event, winning three out of four races, including the AI vs Human showdown. Competing against 13 other global teams, the autonomous drone also won the flagship 170-metre course as well as an AI-only drag race during the event.
While conducting microgravity experiments and preparing for the Ax-4 crew, ISS astronauts documented massive wildfire smoke clouds drifting over Canada and the U.S., highlighting the station’s role in monitoring Earth-based environmental events from orbit. The smoke, seen from space, resulted from wildfires that triggered evacuations and impacted air quality across several North American regions
OpenAI announced its acquisition of Jony Ive’s artificial intelligence (AI) hardware startup io on Wednesday. Just hours after that, Sam Altman reportedly revealed information about the secretive AI device the two companies are building. As per the report, the under-the-wrap device is not a smartphone, or a wearable such as smartglasses.
CloudSEK announced the completion of its Series A2 and B1 funding rounds on Tuesday. The cybersecurity platform said that it has raised $19 million (roughly Rs. 162.3 crore) in the combined funding round. The round witnessed participation from both Indian and US-based investors, the company stated. While new investors have been onboarded, the existing backers continue to be part of the company.
Apple is reportedly developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to let people use its devices without lifting a finger. As per the report, the Cupertino-based tech giant has partnered with Synchron, a medtech startup specialising in developing implantable BCIs, to create a new standard for this technology. The startup’s first device to follow this standard is reportedly in the early testing phase currently.
LockBit, the notorious ransomware group, reportedly suffered a massive data breach on Wednesday. As per the report, the group’s dark web platform’s admin and affiliate panels were compromised to show a message and link to a MySQL database dump. The database reportedly contains 20 tables that include sensitive information around the cybercriminal group’s affiliate network, extortion tactics, details around malware builds, as well as nearly 60,000 Bitcoin addresses.
Ionized Hydrogen gas cloud is believed to have the missing matter of the universe, said scientists. This discovery, conducted by DESI, changed the perspective of black hole theory and is believed to switch on and off at its duty cycle. The scientists will further use new measurements in the existing models of the Universe.
The team of biologists from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Netherlands, has identified microplastics on the casings of claddisly. The research was proven when blue-colored plastic was found on a casing dated back to the 1970s. The team observed 549 casings before concluding their research and findings.
The expert team of researchers from NASA has started to study winds and improve aircraft tracking with its experimental aircraft, i.e., Joby. This aircraft will collect essential data and drive improvements in the aviation industry by air collision avoidance and enhanced aircraft tracking, specifically in high-traffic areas.
Upon blending the oil, water, and nickel mixture, a shape-recovering liquid, which consistently returns to the shape of a Grecian urn, was formed. It defies the law of thermodynamics. Further investigations revealed that this strange behaviour of the particles is due to the magnetic field of the particles and not a violation of the law of thermodynamics
Strange underwater life ranging from hand-sized sea spiders to jelly-like sea pigs to a breeding sea butterfly has been found by Australian scientists investigating the Antarctic ocean floor. Taken aboard the RSV Nuyina icebreaker, these unusual species found at enormous depths provide understanding of life in one of the toughest places on Earth. Special seawater containers make such exploration possible.
In the time of the ice age, dating back around 10,000 years, fire was lit by creating various sophisticated hearths of different sizes for purposes such as cooking, heating, or making tools. Scientists found that wood was used as the main fuel, supported by bones and fat later to sustain the fire.
Ancient green oceans may return due to climate change.
A team of international astronomers has identified a new sub-Neptune exoplanet that has been orbiting the star called GI 410. This has been a magnificent discovery in the area of science. This newly detected sub-Neptune exoplanet weighs approximately 8.5 Earth masses. The discovery was commenced by the use of the Radial Method, the technique that has been behind the identification of over 600 exoplanets.
Nike has unveiled the Air Max Dn8 with upgraded Dynamic Air technology featuring dual-pressured air units. Building upon the Air Max Dn from last year which introduced this technology, the company has now expanded it to the full length of the foot, claiming to deliver better cushioning, flow, sensation, and motion whilst maintaining a low-profile package. Nike says it is inviting athletes and sneaker fans to explore its latest experiment; Air Max Dn8 ahead of its launch.
A groundbreaking DNA technique, known as Twigstats, is helping to unlock new insights into Britain's history. Researchers are studying human remains to understand the migration and interactions of populations after the Romans left. This innovative method is already shedding light on significant periods such as the Anglo-Saxon invasion and Viking expansion, challenging previous historical assumptions and offering a new perspective on ancient Europe’s complex cultural shifts
South Korean researchers have built a wearable robotic exoskeleton suit that can help people with paraplegia walk again. The suit, dubbed WalkON Suit F1, was developed by the Exoskeleton Laboratory team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The researchers have built several iterations of the wearable robotic exoskeleton previously, but the latest model comes with a frontal-docking mechanism.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made its closest-ever approach to the Sun on Tuesday, becoming the first man-made object to accomplish this feat. Parker should have travelled as close as 6.1 million kilometres to the Sun, gathering important data about its outer atmosphere. The confirmation about these feats should arrive by December 27, as the space agency had to disconnect from the craft during the passage.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and backup astronaut Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, selected for India's historic Gaganyaan mission, have completed the first phase of their training in collaboration with NASA. The training, which began in August 2024, was designed to prepare the astronauts for their roles in India’s first-ever human spaceflight, scheduled for late 2026.
NASA’s satellite images have captured the ongoing volcanic eruption near Iceland's Blue Lagoon. The eruption, which started on 20 November, caused lava to flow from a fissure, with the nearby Blue Lagoon spa and Grindavík being evacuated. The infrared visuals reveal lava glowing brighter than Reykjavík. While the eruption is ongoing, lava flow has slowed since the initial event.
NASA’s Curiosity rover is set to explore Martian "spiderweb" formations, known as boxwork, which may reveal secrets about the planet’s ancient watery past. These unique structures, first observed decades ago, could help scientists understand Mars' history of water and the potential for past life. The rover’s investigation aims to study minerals left by ancient lakes and oceans, providing further insight into the planet's potential for supporting life.
A new study published in the American Journal of Primatology uses advanced 3D scanning technology to examine fossilized bones and muscle insertion points, shedding light on the evolution of bipedalism in human ancestors. Led by Professor Josep M. Potau from the University of Barcelona, the research suggests that early hominins, like Australopithecus and Paranthropus, combined bipedal locomotion with tree-climbing, similar to modern bonobos.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured groundbreaking images of Westerlund 1, a supermassive star cluster located 12,000 light-years away. The new findings offer a closer look at star formation processes, particularly the discovery of brown dwarfs, and highlight the role of energetic radiation in shaping planetary environments.
Researchers from the University of Arizona have uncovered evidence of a powerful solar storm that occurred between 664 and 663 BCE, known as a Miyake Event. The discovery was made by analysing radiocarbon spikes in ancient tree rings, which act as natural records of past solar activity. These rare events, first identified in 2012, occur when solar radiation dramatically increases, leaving a trace in both tree rings and ice cores.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), a space station designed to advance India’s space exploration efforts. Initially, the BAS will support a crew of three astronauts, with plans to expand this capacity to six in the future. The station will serve as a platform for a variety of scientific research, including interplanetary studies, life sciences, and medicine, with a particular focus on understanding the effects of microgravity on human health.
In China, a major potato-producing nation, researchers are racing to develop heat-resistant potato varieties as global warming threatens crop yields. A study led by the International Potato Center (CIP) in Beijing indicates that higher temperatures, predicted by the end of the century, could accelerate tuber growth but lead to reduced harvests.
A recent study by Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment reveals that although common contaminants like arsenic and lead are not present in harmful concentrations near the Kings Mountain lithium mine in North Carolina, high levels of lithium, rubidium, and cesium were detected in local water sources. The research, which focused on water from the surrounding groundwater and streams, provides critical baseline data for understanding the potential impacts of future lithium mining operations on drinking water.
Cyclone Fengal is approaching Tamil Nadu, and ISRO’s advanced satellite systems, including EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR, have been closely monitoring its progress since November 23, 2024. The EOS-06 Scatterometer, part of the Oceansat-3 mission, is instrumental in detecting ocean wind patterns associated with the cyclone, while INSAT-3DR offers real-time updates on the cyclone’s intensity and direction. This critical satellite data enhances the effectiveness of early warnings and disaster management strategies, ensuring better preparedness and safety for affected communities.
TIDYE-1b, a "baby" gas giant exoplanet just 3 million years old, has been discovered orbiting a protostar in the Taurus molecular cloud. The planet’s youth makes it around 1,500 times younger than Earth, offering a rare glimpse into planetary formation. However, TIDYE-1b is orbiting a star surrounded by a misaligned protoplanetary disk, which challenges our understanding of how planets form.
In a groundbreaking discovery, footprints from 1.5 million years ago have revealed that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei coexisted in Kenya. The fossilised tracks, found at Koobi Fora, show distinctive foot structures, with Homo erectus leaving footprints similar to modern humans, while Paranthropus boisei’s tracks reflect a different walking pattern.
A team of bioarchaeologists from the Austrian Archaeological Institute, Université de Bordeaux, and Aix-Marseille Université has made a groundbreaking discovery in France, revealing the long-term embalming practices of an aristocratic family spanning nearly two centuries. The team, led by experts in bioarchaeology, uncovered 12 sets of remains, including adults and children, from the Caumont family, who were buried in a crypt beneath the chapel at Château des Milandes in Dordogne, France.
ISRO is set to launch ESA's Proba-3 mission on December 4. The mission will explore the Sun’s corona using groundbreaking precision formation flying. Two satellites will create an artificial eclipse to observe the corona for extended periods. Proba-3 will also monitor solar irradiance and space weather, advancing our understanding of solar phenomena.
In November 2022, asteroid 2022 WJ1 exploded above Niagara Falls in a green fireball, making it the smallest space rock ever measured. Detected hours before impact, the asteroid provided valuable insights into asteroid tracking and analysis. Researchers utilised telescopes and meteor cameras to determine its size and composition, setting a precedent for future observations. Although no fragments have been recovered, experts remain optimistic about potential findings.
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected massive black holes from the early universe, just millions of years post-Big Bang. A new hypothesis suggests they could have formed from primordial “seeds” during the chaotic initial moments of the universe, bypassing the need for stellar collapse. This idea challenges traditional theories and may reshape how scientists understand black hole evolution. Further studies and simulations are underway to explore this theory.
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft has begun deploying its key science instruments as it travels towards Jupiter. Launched in October 2023, the probe is on a 1.8-billion-mile journey to study Jupiter’s icy moon Europa. The recent deployment includes the magnetometer’s boom and radar antennas, crucial for studying Europa's magnetic field and subsurface ocean.
A study in the Red Sea has shown that satellite-tagged green turtles can map seagrass meadows more accurately than conventional satellite imagery. By tracking 53 turtles, the researchers uncovered 34 new seagrass patches. This method not only overcomes the challenges of existing mapping technologies but also aids in conserving these vital ecosystems that support biodiversity and carbon storage.
Recent studies suggest that microscopic primordial black holes may exist within the solar system, potentially impacting planetary orbits and satellite movements. These small, early-universe black holes could also contribute to the mystery of dark matter, which makes up 85% of the universe's mass. Methods are being developed to detect their gravitational effects through satellite and orbit data, although challenges remain in distinguishing these effects from other cosmic phenomena.
In a groundbreaking discovery, China has uncovered a massive gold deposit in Hunan province, estimated to be worth $83 billion. With more than 40 gold veins containing up to 1,100 tons of gold, this find could potentially be the largest known gold deposit on Earth. The discovery has significantly impacted global gold prices, pushing them close to record highs. While this deposit will help meet China’s growing demand, it will only cover its consumption for about 1.4 years.
A study published in Nature has analysed 200-million-year-old fossilised dinosaur faeces (coprolites), uncovering critical insights into early ecosystems. According to researchers, coprolites contained undigested plant matter, prey remains, and even charcoal, offering a glimpse into dinosaur diets and environmental conditions during the Late Triassic period. Charcoal found in herbivorous dinosaurs' dung suggests detoxification strategies to counter toxins from certain ferns, a survival trait crucial during a time of environmental upheaval.
NASA has awarded a $20.5M contract to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to develop Suprathermal Ion Sensors under NOAA's Space Weather Next Programme. The sensors will play a pivotal role in monitoring ions and solar winds, aiding early warnings against space weather impacts. Spanning a period through 2034, the project also involves integration, testing, and operational support at multiple facilities, including NASA’s Goddard and Kennedy Space Centres.
China’s Tianzhou 7 spacecraft, launched in January 2024, concluded its mission with a controlled reentry on 17 November. After delivering supplies and materials to the Tiangong space station and being loaded with waste, the cargo spacecraft was deorbited over the South Pacific Ocean. The mission also included the release of the Bayi-08 cubesat, designed for Earth observation and optical communication experiments.
A new study from Curtin University has revealed that the Ninetyeast Ridge, the world's longest straight underwater mountain chain, was formed by a moving volcanic hotspot, not a stationary one as previously believed. Spanning 5,000 km along the Indian Ocean, the ridge was shaped by the Kerguelen hotspot, which shifted several hundred kilometres over millions of years. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, challenges existing models of tectonic plate movement and provides crucial insights into Earth's geological processes.
Magnetic tornadoes twisting down from Jupiter's ionosphere create massive, Earth-sized anticyclonic storms in the planet's atmosphere. These dark ovals, detectable only in ultraviolet light, form dense hazes of aerosols stirred by swirling magnetic vortices. This phenomenon, visible at Jupiter's poles, was unveiled through data from the Hubble Space Telescope's OPAL project and NASA's Cassini mission.
Japan's space programme faces setbacks as the Epsilon S rocket engine explodes during testing for the second time in just 16 months. The engine, a key part of the upcoming Epsilon S rocket, failed during a test at JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center, raising concerns about meeting the March 2025 debut launch timeline. JAXA has announced an investigation into the failure while reaffirming its commitment to improving rocket reliability.