Science/Tech / The Times of India
They appear tranquil soaring above Himalayan forests, but a string of cable car projects in Nepal have sparked violent protests, with locals saying environmental protection should trump tourism development. Across Nepal, five cable car projects have opened in the past two years -- and 10 more are under development, according to government figures.
A village in the Philippines' capital region initiated a unique mosquito bounty plan amid a dengue outbreak. Residents are rewarded with cash for capturing mosquitoes, dead or alive. With an alarming rise in dengue cases, the initiative aims to combat the spread of the disease and incentivize proactive community involvement in mosquito control.
In the US, many workers, including those in retail and at airports, face challenges due to prolonged standing. Extended standing can cause health issues such as back pain and leg swelling. Some places have laws to ensure seating for workers, while employees at certain companies are negotiating for similar rights to improve their working conditions.
Nasa is monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 1.5% chance of hitting Earth by 2032. Measuring between 130 and 300 feet wide, the asteroid could impact a major city, endangering millions. Space agencies worldwide are tracking its path, considering potential interventions. Despite uncertainties, vigilance remains crucial to mitigate risks.
Space startup GalaxEye successfully tested its SyncFusion Imaging System onboard Isros POEM platform in the South Atlantic Anomaly. The test validated the payload's ability to perform under extreme cold conditions. The firm now plans to test it under extreme heat. This milestone sets the stage for their upcoming Mission Drishti, a multi-sensor satellite project.
Around 20% of newborns with neonatal seizures will later develop epilepsy by age one, according to a study by Copenhagen University Hospital. Key risk factors include stroke, birth defects, and low Apgar scores. Most survivors did not develop epilepsy, highlighting the need for targeted follow-up.
A University of Bristol simulation predicts the formation of supercontinent Pangaea Ultima within 250 million years, making Earth uninhabitable due to extreme heat, volcanic activity, and increased humidity. Temperatures could reach 50C, with volatile conditions leading to mass extinctions. Human survival would require adaptation, advanced technology, or even space colonization.
India's first microbiological nanosatellite, RVSAT-1, developed by students from RV College of Engineering, was launched by ISRO to study gut bacterium in space. Data collected from the mission will aid in space medicine, waste management, and combating antibiotic resistance, providing insights for astronaut health and prebiotic supplementation during long journeys.
India's planned Chandrayaan-4 mission aims to collect lunar samples and return them to Earth, requiring two separate launches due to its 9,200kg mass. Chennaiyan -5, also known as Lupex, is a joint mission with Japan featuring a heavier lander and sophisticated payloads contributed by India, Japan, USA, and Europe.
Japan has set new decarbonization targets, aiming to cut emissions by 60 per cent by 2035 and 73 per cent by 2040 from 2013 levels. The updated energy plan boosts renewables to 40-50 per cent by 2040 while reviving nuclear power, targeting 20 per cent of energy supply. However, nuclear expansion faces safety concerns and slow regulatory processes. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is monitoring plant restarts, including at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, amid local opposition.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are returning to Earth on March 19, 2025 after over eight months aboard the ISS. They faced delays due to issues with Boeings Starliner. Upon return, they'll undergo an extensive rehabilitation program to readjust to gravity, rebuild strength and balance, as well as mitigate the effects of microgravity.
The journey to Earth's vibrant colours began over 600 million years ago with the evolution of vision. Fast-forward to today, and this advancement has resulted in trichromatic vision, the introduction of colourful plants, and the appearance of bright animal species, influencing biodiversity.
A severe cold wave across the central and northern US has brought life-threatening temperatures, snowstorms, and deadly floods, resulting in at least 13 deaths. The National Weather Service issued extreme cold warnings, and severe weather conditions have also led to flooding and hazardous travel, prompting federal disaster assistance requests.
Many schools and shops in eastern Canada closed, flights were delayed, and driving was hazardous due to a major snowstorm in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. The storm brought significant snowfall, yet residents expressed delight at the wintery weather. Canadians joyfully engaged in snow activities despite the challenges.
Nearly all nations missed the UN deadline to submit new targets for carbon emissions reduction, including major economies like China, India, and the EU. Only 10 countries met the February 10 deadline, with most G20 economies absent. Submissions are crucial to assessing climate plans before the COP30 summit.