India is set to finalise a significant defence deal with Russia worth USD 4 billion to acquire an advanced long-range early warning radar system from Russia's renowned Voronezh series. The system, capable of detecting threats like ballistic missiles and aircraft at ranges of up to 8,000 kilometers, will enhance India's missile detection and air defence capabilities. The acquisition aligns with India's defence modernisation efforts and the "Make in India" initiative, with 60% of the system's components to be manufactured domestically. The radar will be installed in Chitradurga, Karnataka, a strategically important location. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is currently visiting Russia to further strengthen bilateral ties and finalise the deal. The acquisition is expected to provide India with a critical edge in monitoring missile and aircraft movements, boosting its security and technological capabilities on the global stage.

The marbled duck, a rare waterfowl known for its distinctive plumage and migratory nature, has been spotted at Sultanpur Park after a 30-year absence. This rare sighting is seen as a positive indicator for the park's ecosystem and biodiversity. Experts believe the return of the marbled duck highlights the success of recent conservation efforts in the park, which has become home to various migratory and resident bird species. The presence of the marbled duck is hoped to encourage further research and preservation initiatives, ensuring the protection of Sultanpur Park’s natural habitats for future generations.

Using the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii, astronomers have captured a remarkable image of two galaxies locked in a cosmic dance, millions of light-years away. Their gravitational forces are pulling and distorting each other, offering a rare opportunity to study galactic interactions. These interactions are crucial in the formation and evolution of galaxies, often triggering the birth of new stars and causing dramatic structural changes. The Subaru Telescope’s high-resolution imaging continues to provide valuable insights into the wonders of the cosmos, sparking further curiosity and research into the forces shaping our universe.

Comedian Munawar Faruqui recently shared the emotional and financial challenges he faced when his young son was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a rare condition that causes inflammation in blood vessels, including those that supply blood to the heart. Speaking on a podcast with Janice Sequeira, Munawar recalled how his son, only one-and-a-half years old at the time, fell severely ill, and he struggled to find the funds for treatment. Despite having just Rs 700-800 in his wallet when Rs 75,000 was needed, Munawar managed to arrange the money. Kawasaki disease primarily affects children under five and, if treated early, usually leads to a full recovery.

The first annual review meeting of the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) 2.0 was held on December 5-6, 2024, at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar, Kashmir. Chaired by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, the event highlighted the progress of RuTAG projects aimed at fostering technological innovation in rural India. The meeting featured key presentations from RuTAG centres, including IITs and ICAR-NAARM, with an emphasis on scalable, sustainable, and commercially viable technologies. The event also saw the launch of the RuTAG logo and the introduction of the RuTAG Smart Village Centres (RSVC) Initiative, designed to transform villages into economic hubs using innovative, locally-tailored technologies. The meeting concluded with discussions on scaling up these innovations to achieve broader societal impacts and enhance rural livelihoods across the country.

Europe's Vega-C rocket successfully resumed its operations on December 5, 2024, after a two-year suspension due to a failure during its previous mission. Launched from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, the rocket deployed the Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite into orbit. This satellite will replace the non-operational Sentinel-1B and work alongside Sentinel-1A to enhance Earth observation capabilities. The Sentinel-1 programme, crucial for environmental monitoring and disaster management, has generated over 30 petabytes of data. The Vega-C’s successful relaunch marks a critical step in fulfilling its upcoming missions, while the European Space Agency plans to introduce the next-generation Vega-E rocket.

In a distressing incident in north Kolkata, a seven-month-old infant was raped, prompting a swift police investigation that leveraged cutting-edge technology. Authorities arrested Rajib Ghosh, 34, alias Gobra, at a resort in Gopiballavpur, Jhargram. He has been charged under the Pocso Act and the BNS Act. The police analyzed grainy CCTV footage, which revealed the suspect crossing the crime scene multiple times, and employed 'Walking Gait' analysis to match his limp with footage from the day of the crime. The infant is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tushil, a cutting-edge multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, next week in Kaliningrad, Russia. This advanced warship, an upgraded Krivak III-class frigate, is part of Project 1135.6 and marks the first of two additional ships contracted in 2016. Built with close collaboration between Indian and Russian shipyards and OEMs, the frigate underwent rigorous trials in early 2024, proving its readiness for combat. INS Tushil will join the Navy’s Western Fleet, enhancing India’s maritime defense capabilities. With a displacement of 3,900 tons, the ship incorporates advanced technologies from both nations, showcasing the growing India-Russia defense ties. Its name, Tushil, meaning "protector shield," symbolizes its mission to safeguard India’s maritime borders.

On Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh, launched 'Nano Bubble Technology' at the National Zoological Park, Delhi, aimed at cleaning and purifying the water in the zoo's ponds. This innovative technology works by removing algae and similar growths from dirty pond water, ensuring a healthier environment for aquatic animals. The technology is being tested in a 15-day trial, and if successful, it will be implemented permanently. The goal is to maintain clean water, which is essential for the health and well-being of the zoo's aquatic creatures, preventing foul smells and algae buildup. The event was attended by key officials, including National Zoological Park Director Sanjeet Kumar and Anand Kapoor from the Nano Bubble Company.

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in collaboration with the NITI Aayog and the Embassy of Sweden, alongside Nordic partners, has successfully concluded SheSTEM 2024. This initiative celebrates women's contributions in STEM and inspires young minds to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The challenge invited students from grades 6–12 across India to submit innovative ideas focused on Battery Technology and Energy Storage (BEST) systems, resulting in over 1000 submissions. The event emphasized collaboration, creativity, and sustainability, highlighting the pivotal role of youth-led innovation in addressing global challenges. Key figures, including Ambassador Jan Thesleff and AIM's Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, expressed their commitment to fostering the next generation of STEM leaders through this initiative.

Researchers have unveiled a new ancient human species, Homo juluensis, meaning "big head," based on fossil evidence discovered in China. The fossils, dating back between 220,000 and 100,000 years ago, reveal large brains and thick skulls, with features similar to Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans. This discovery challenges existing classifications of early human species and supports the idea of hybridization playing a key role in human evolution, particularly in East Asia. While the species name is gaining traction, experts continue to debate its exact classification, with some suggesting the fossils might align with other species like Homo longi. This breakthrough adds to our understanding of the evolutionary complexity during the Middle Pleistocene epoch.

Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have made a groundbreaking discovery that could transform the treatment of malaria and Covid-19. Their research identifies the human protein Hsp70 as a critical factor in the spread of these diseases. The team developed a small molecule inhibitor of Hsp70, which could act as a broad-spectrum treatment for multiple infections. By targeting Hsp70, the research aims to prevent drug resistance, a common challenge in treating infections. The team’s findings, published in the International Journal for Biological Macromolecules, show that inhibiting Hsp70 blocks the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in lab tests, presenting a new approach for combating rapidly evolving viruses like Covid-19 and malaria. This host-targeting method could offer an innovative solution for future pandemics.

Indian Railways has introduced an innovative AI-based system, Linen Inspection and Sorting Assistant (LISA), developed by the Pune division. This advanced automation system ensures 100% quality inspection of bed sheets used in air-conditioned coaches, aiming to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav inaugurated the system at the Ghorpadi Integrated Coaching Complex. The introduction of LISA comes as part of a broader initiative to automate operations and improve the cleanliness of linens, with plans for wider deployment across the railway network.Additionally, Indian Railways is preparing to set up a Gram Tent City for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, offering premium accommodations with excellent amenities, including medical support, for attendees. The tent city will be located near the bathing ghats, with a cost of ₹6,000 plus taxes per person per night, including breakfast.

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), a serious fungal infection caused by exposure to Aspergillus spores, is responsible for approximately 340,000 deaths annually worldwide. A study by AIIMS Delhi reveals that CPA is particularly deadly for individuals with pre-existing lung damage, with 1 in 3 such patients succumbing to the infection within five years. The study, published in Lancet Infectious Diseases, highlights the higher mortality rates in people suffering from other lung diseases and emphasizes the critical need for accurate diagnosis and antifungal treatment. Misdiagnosis as tuberculosis is common, delaying appropriate treatment. Factors such as age, interstitial lung disease, and smoking-related lung damage contribute to worse outcomes. Timely diagnosis and the use of antifungal medications or surgery are essential for improving survival rates.

The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi, India. Organized by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the event will bring together scientists, meteorologists, satellite operators, and students to discuss the use of satellite data in meteorology and climatology. The conference aims to promote satellite observations, advance remote sensing science, foster collaboration, and encourage the development of new technologies.The conference will feature oral and poster presentations, panel discussions, and a training workshop for participants, with a special focus on the application of satellite data in weather and climate forecasting. The event will be inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Hon'ble Minister of State for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and will be attended by prominent dignitaries including Dr. M. Ravichandran (Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences) and Sh. Nilesh M. Desai (Director, Space Application Centre, ISRO). Prior to the conference, a two-day international training workshop will take place from December 2-3, with 70 trainees from various countries. Following the conference, an international coordination meeting will be held on December 7, 2024, to promote global cooperation in satellite-based weather and climate services.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking and mineral water as a "High-Risk Food Category," subjecting them to mandatory risk-based inspections and third-party audits. This decision follows the government's removal of the requirement for certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for these products. Manufacturers of these products will now undergo annual inspections and must have their businesses audited by FSSAI-recognized third-party agencies. The new regulations aim to streamline compliance for the industry and ensure stricter food safety standards.

A 30-year-old female elephant was found dead at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the Kundukere range of Gundlupet taluk, Chamarajanagar district, with suspected anthrax being the cause of death. The elephant's body was discovered during a routine patrol by forest department staff. Following a postmortem, the carcass was burned as per protocol. Samples from the elephant’s organs were sent to Bengaluru for further testing to confirm the cause of death. Forest authorities have reassured that no other elephants have shown similar symptoms so far.

Russia is set to deploy the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, commonly known as "Satan 2," despite technical challenges and previous test failures. Designed to replace the Soviet-era R-36 ICBMs, this next-generation missile is a cornerstone of Russia's nuclear deterrent strategy.With a capacity to carry up to 15 nuclear warheads, the Sarmat features stealth technology, making it hard to detect. Its speed, exceeding 12,000 mph, allows it to strike European targets within minutes. Announced by President Putin in 2018 and entering combat service in 2023, the missile showcases domestic manufacturing and unparalleled destructive power, capable of targeting areas as large as Texas or France. This development heightens global security concerns over its devastating potential and strategic implications.

The first edition of Exercise CINBAX, a joint Table Top Exercise between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army, commenced on December 1, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. Scheduled to conclude on December 8, the exercise involves 20 personnel from each army and focuses on simulating Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.The event is structured into three phases, covering orientation, scenario-based exercises, and the finalization of plans. Discussions will include cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, logistics, casualty management, and peacekeeping operations. The exercise also highlights India’s indigenous defence capabilities, showcasing locally-produced weapons and equipment as part of the ‘Atmanirbharta’ initiative.CINBAX aims to build trust, camaraderie, and interoperability between the two armies while enhancing their joint efficiency in peacekeeping missions and counter-terrorism strategies.

For the first time, scientists have successfully captured a detailed image of a star in another galaxy. The star, WOH G64, located 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud, was previously only visible as a point of light. Using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI), researchers revealed that WOH G64 is in the final stages of its life, surrounded by gas and dust. The star, which is around 2,000 times the size of the Sun, is expected to explode as a supernova, scattering heavy elements like gold and uranium into space. This breakthrough offers new insights into the life cycle of massive stars and their transformation into either black holes or supernovae.

A recent study using fossilized feces and vomit, known as bromalites, has shed light on how dinosaurs became dominant during the Triassic Period. The research, focused on Poland, analyzed over 100 kg of bromalites to examine the dietary patterns and ecological roles of early dinosaurs. The study found that early dinosaurs, alongside other reptiles like Polonosuchus, adapted better to environmental changes, enabling them to outcompete rivals and thrive. These findings highlight how shifts in the environment, along with the emergence of new plant life, contributed to the evolution of larger plant-eating dinosaurs, which prompted the rise of larger predatory dinosaurs, marking the transition to dinosaur dominance.

A groundbreaking study has revealed a significant connection between insulin resistance and aortic stenosis, a heart valve disease. Individuals with insulin resistance, often associated with Type 2 diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing aortic stenosis, which can lead to severe cardiovascular complications such as heart failure. The research suggests that metabolic disturbances linked to insulin resistance might accelerate the progression of this condition. Experts recommend lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, to manage insulin resistance and reduce the risk of heart valve issues. Early detection and regular heart checkups are crucial for individuals at risk to prevent complications.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the cancellation of mining rights granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) for tungsten mining in Madurai district. Stalin raised concerns over the environmental impact, particularly the potential harm to the Arittapatti biodiversity heritage site, which is home to important archaeological and natural resources. The Tamil Nadu government had previously objected to the auctioning of mining rights for strategic minerals, highlighting the lack of state consent. Local villagers and activists have been protesting against the proposed mining project, fearing damage to their environment and livelihoods. Stalin urged the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure that no mining projects are awarded without the consent of the state government.

Scientists at the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) observatory in Namibia have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting the most energetic cosmic rays ever observed. These rays, reaching up to 40 teraelectronvolts (TeV), are likely originating from sources located only a few thousand light-years away from Earth. The finding, published in Physical Review Letters, suggests that the rays lose some energy while traveling through space due to interactions with light and magnetic fields, indicating their nearby origin. This discovery also includes the detection of high-energy electrons and positrons, offering direct evidence of powerful cosmic phenomena. Understanding these cosmic rays could shed light on more extreme events, such as star explosions, pulsars, and black holes.

Karnataka's Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has directed health department officials to conduct a scientific study on the rare Handigodu disease, a genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical disabilities. During a meeting in Shivamogga, he emphasized the need for effective control measures and also ordered the immediate closure of unauthorized clinics offering allopathic treatments. Minister Rao further announced that mobile Medicare units would be deployed in several rural taluks, new ambulances would be provided to 340 health centers, and special physiotherapy centers would be set up in district hospitals. Additionally, a campaign will be launched in Shivamogga to eliminate blindness, and the Ashakirana scheme will be extended statewide. He also instructed private hospitals to display their treatment rates, with non-compliance leading to strict action.

Researchers led by Prof. Gaurab Gangopadhyay from Bose Institute have discovered a new microbe responsible for a peculiar disease affecting sesame crops in Midnapore, West Bengal. The disease causes the sesame plants to regress from their flowering and fruiting stages to a vegetative state, with the flowers turning green instead of maintaining their usual white and pinkish hue. The culprits behind the disease are Candidatus Phytoplasma, a bacteria that resides in the gut of pests like leafhoppers and plant-hoppers, which are responsible for transmitting the pathogen. The findings, published in the Plant Molecular Biology Reporter in 2024, also explore the impact of this bacterial infection on the metabolic pathways of sesame, contributing to the development of its disease symptoms. This research could help in the development of better management strategies for sesame crops affected by Phytoplasma infection.