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Did Van Gogh Paint 'The Starry Night' on July 22, 1889? New Study Offers a Date

A study from Kyung Hee University in South Korea suggests that the positions of the Moon, Venus and the Hyades star cluster in The Starry Night best match the dawn sky of July 22, 1889, as seen from the asylum where Van Gogh stayed in southern France. The researchers say observation and imagination may have combined in the work and accept their findings are not conclusive. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam maintains the painting was made in June 1889.

25 Oct 2026, 02:08 AM

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Hyderabad scientists find the protein that lets cells spot a virus — and raise the alarm

Scientists at CSIR-CCMB in Hyderabad have identified a protein, DZIP3, that both detects viral RNA inside human cells and switches on the immune response, triggering the production of Type I interferons. The pathway was shown to offer protection against SARS-CoV-2, Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis viruses, suggesting potential for broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. The team is now working on small-molecule candidates to boost DZIP3 activity, though any treatment remains years away.

22 Oct 2026, 01:57 PM

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Astronomers Confirm Youngest Known Planet, Still Forming in Its Dusty Cradle

Astronomers have confirmed Elias 2-24 b, a planet less than a million years old, making it the youngest known. It orbits a star about 450 light-years away and is still moving through the disk of dust and gas from which it formed, a finding that challenges existing models of planet formation.

19 Sep 2026, 02:54 AM

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Kodavas Are Three Distinct Populations, Not One, Finds Genetic Study

A peer-reviewed study has found that the Kodava (Coorg) community of Kodagu in Karnataka is not a single population but three genetically distinct groups, Coorg1, Coorg2 and Coorg3, whose histories stretch back up to 3,000 years. The research, published in Communications Biology, also points to male-mediated migration from Central Asia and the Middle East followed by assimilation with indigenous South Asian women.

18 Sep 2026, 01:51 PM

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SRM University-AP joins global open access movement with Springer Nature pact

SRM University-AP has signed an Open Access agreement with Springer Nature, enabling its researchers to publish without paying Article Processing Charges. The partnership aims to make the university's scholarly output freely accessible worldwide, enhancing global visibility and contributing to the open access movement.

09 Sep 2026, 03:48 PM

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Rare Early Detection: Asteroid Safely Burns Up Over Indian Ocean

A small asteroid detected only hours before entry burned up safely over the Indian Ocean on September 6, 2026. The event, only the 13th such pre-impact detection, provided a valuable test for planetary defence systems.

08 Sep 2026, 02:53 AM

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NASA Launches Roman Space Telescope to Study Dark Energy and Exoplanets

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has been launched to survey billions of galaxies, probe dark energy and dark matter, and directly image exoplanets. With a wide field of view and advanced instruments, it promises a new era of cosmic discovery.

31 Aug 2026, 05:30 AM

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Sun's Journey Through Dense Cosmic Clouds May Have Driven Ancient Ice Ages, Study Says

New NASA-funded research indicates that the Sun's passage through dense interstellar clouds compressed the heliosphere, exposing Earth to cosmic rays and altering ancient climate patterns. The study links these cosmic events to possible ice ages, supported by evidence from deep-sea sediments, lunar cores, and Antarctic ice.

26 Aug 2026, 03:40 AM

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Spacewalk milestone: Anil Menon and Sophie Adenot step outside ISS

In a display of international cooperation, NASA's Anil Menon and ESA's Sophie Adenot conducted a spacewalk outside the ISS. The mission underscores the growing role of Indian-origin astronauts and the importance of collaborative space exploration.

25 Aug 2026, 04:40 PM

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Lunar Eclipse on August 28, 2026: Timings and Where It Will Be Visible

A deep partial lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026, will cover 96% of the Moon, visible fully in the Americas and partially in Europe, Africa, and West Asia. It will not be visible from India, Australia, or Antarctica. The event coincides with Raksha Bandhan.

23 Aug 2026, 08:48 AM

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ICAR-NRCB releases two new banana varieties after 15 years of research

ICAR-NRCB has released two new banana varieties, Kaveri Thangam and Kaveri Nadan, after 15 years of research. Kaveri Thangam is rich in Vitamin A and has a longer shelf life, while Kaveri Nadan offers double the yield of conventional varieties.

21 Aug 2026, 01:23 PM

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Webb Telescope Spots Ancient Black Hole Shrouded in Dense Gas, Not Dust

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have found an ancient black hole surrounded by dense gas, not dust, explaining its red colour. The discovery could lower mass estimates for such black holes and reshape our understanding of the early universe.

17 Aug 2026, 07:46 AM

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HBCSE Opens Registrations for Chemistry Olympiad Teacher Camp 2026

The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) has opened registrations for its four-day Chemistry Olympiad Exposure Camp 2026 for teachers of Classes 10-12. The camp, to be held in Mumbai in November, will focus on theoretical and experimental chemistry, with applications due by September 11.

17 Aug 2026, 01:50 AM

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Astronomers identify possible new class of 'black hole star' in early universe

MIT-led research has identified a possible new class of cosmic object called a 'black hole star' — a dense hydrogen cloud surrounding a massive black hole. The finding may explain mysterious red dots seen in JWST images of the early universe.

14 Aug 2026, 02:10 AM

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NASA's Perseverance Rover Finds Surprise Gemstone-Related Minerals on Mars

NASA's Perseverance rover has found chromium-bearing corundum, a mineral linked to gemstones, in rocks at Jezero Crater. The unexpected discovery suggests complex hydrothermal activity on ancient Mars, offering new clues about the planet's watery past and its potential for hosting life.

13 Aug 2026, 03:42 AM

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M.P. Parameswaran: The scientist who carried science to Kerala's streets

M.P. Parameswaran, the nuclear scientist who became a leading public intellectual in Kerala through the people's science movement, has passed away. Tributes highlight his role in making science accessible to all and his lasting impact on scientific temper and rational thinking in society.

11 Aug 2026, 03:17 PM

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First-Ever Tiny Swirls Seen on Sun Offer Clues to Solar Magnetic Energy

Scientists have observed tiny swirling patterns on the Sun's surface for the first time, using the Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope. The swirls, known as Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, may explain how the Sun's magnetic energy builds and releases, potentially impacting Earth's technology.

11 Aug 2026, 06:09 AM

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Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks This Week: When, Where and How to Watch

The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak on the night of August 12-13, with up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. A new moon ensures dark skies, making this a good year for viewing. Astronomers share tips on when and where to look, along with the science behind the celestial show.

09 Aug 2026, 06:24 PM

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Explained: How India's first private FFSC rocket engine could boost space ambitions

Astrobase Space Technologies unveils India's first privately built 800 kN FFSC rocket engine, EVEREST, making India the fourth nation to possess this advanced propulsion technology. The engine could enable reusable launch capabilities and strengthen India's space ambitions.

09 Aug 2026, 10:08 AM

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IQ Scores Declining in Some Countries: What’s Behind the 'Reverse Flynn Effect'?

A new study examines the 'Reverse Flynn Effect,' where IQ scores have declined in several developed nations. Researchers attribute the shift to environmental and educational factors, not inherent intelligence, and urge long-term studies to identify causes and solutions.

06 Aug 2026, 02:59 AM

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NavIC Revival: NVS-03 Ready for Launch, Four Satellites in Pipeline, Says Jitendra Singh

Union minister Jitendra Singh announced in Lok Sabha that NVS-03 is ready for launch with corrective measures, followed by NVS-04, NVS-05, and one more satellite to complete the NavIC constellation. NavIC, currently not providing standalone services due to atomic clock failures, is expected to be restored with these launches.

05 Aug 2026, 07:38 PM

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Four-Tonne SpaceX Rocket Piece Expected to Crash Into Moon; No Threat to Earth

A four-tonne Falcon 9 upper stage, launched by SpaceX in 2015, was projected to impact the Moon's surface near the Einstein Crater. The event posed no danger to Earth but could offer scientific insights into lunar impacts and space debris.

05 Aug 2026, 10:47 AM

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Coimbatore to host global sugarcane research hub to speed up new varieties

A global Centre of Excellence for sugarcane research will be set up at the Indian Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore with an investment of ₹90 crore. The centre aims to develop new sugarcane varieties in eight years instead of 14, addressing challenges like pests, climate stress, and declining sugar recovery.

31 Jul 2026, 04:53 PM

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Curiosity Rover Spots Vast Network of Honeycomb-Like Patterns on Mars

NASA's Curiosity rover has photographed a vast field of polygonal, honeycomb-like patterns on Mars in the Valle Grande area of Gale Crater. The structures, far larger than any seen before, may reveal clues about the planet's ancient climate and geological history.

31 Jul 2026, 02:28 AM

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India's NavIC Navigation System Loses Independence After Satellite Failure, Government Confirms

India's NavIC satellite navigation system can no longer provide independent positioning due to a satellite failure, leaving only three operational satellites instead of the required four. The government confirmed this in Parliament, while ISRO prepares to launch new satellites to restore full capability.

30 Jul 2026, 10:46 PM

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ISRO and Space Department Launch Mega Recruitment Drive: 746 Posts, Including 92 Scientist Roles

ISRO and the Department of Space have launched a recruitment drive for 746 posts, including 92 scientist/engineer roles and 244 administrative positions. The initiative aims to address a 25-year-high vacancy rate, though it covers only a fraction of the 5,632 unfilled posts.

30 Jul 2026, 07:48 PM

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Vikram-1 Launch Success: A Testament to India's Space Sector Public-Private Partnership, Says ISRO Chief

ISRO Chairperson V. Narayanan said the successful launch of Vikram-1 by Skyroot Aerospace highlights the strength of India's public-private partnership in space. Speaking at IIST's convocation, he called space sector reforms a transformational milestone that has opened opportunities for private participation.

30 Jul 2026, 02:22 PM

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150 Years of IACS: The Institute That Shaped Indian Science

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, founded in 1876, celebrates 150 years as India's oldest research institute. It nurtured luminaries like C.V. Raman, J.C. Bose, Meghnad Saha, and S.N. Bose. The institute's history underscores both scientific achievements and the ongoing challenge of translating discoveries into applications.

29 Jul 2026, 02:17 PM

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Andhra teen among 20 Indian girls selected for world's first all-female lunar CubeSat mission

Kandula Jessie, a Class X student from Andhra Pradesh, is the only student from the state among 20 Indian girls selected for Mission ShaktiSat, the world's first all-girls lunar CubeSat mission. She met Minister Nara Lokesh, who praised her achievement and assured government support.

28 Jul 2026, 10:04 AM

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Juno Spacecraft Maps Subsurface Heat of Jupiter's Volcanic Moon Io

NASA's Juno spacecraft has captured high-resolution thermal images of Jupiter's moon Io, revealing subsurface heat patterns. The findings show a temperature rise of over 20°C in the upper metres, helping scientists understand Io's volcanic activity and tidal heating processes.

26 Jul 2026, 06:41 PM

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NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Shares View of SpaceX Starbase from Orbit

NASA astronaut Anil Menon, recently arrived at the ISS, shared a photograph of SpaceX's Starbase launch facility from orbit. The image highlights the site's role in space exploration and drew positive reactions online.

26 Jul 2026, 04:05 AM

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11th Phase of Keeladi Dig Reveals Continuous Brick Structures, Drainage System

The 11th phase of excavation at Keeladi in Tamil Nadu has unearthed continuous brick structures, a terracotta drainage system, and over 1,300 artefacts including gold ornaments and inscribed pots. The findings suggest the area may have been an industrial zone.

25 Jul 2026, 06:43 PM

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Private Investment in India's Space Sector Surpasses $618 Million; 17 Startups Approved for Space Activities

Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that private investment in India's space sector has crossed $618 million. He also announced that 17 startups have been approved for space activities, reflecting the success of recent space sector reforms.

23 Jul 2026, 10:58 PM

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Andhra Pradesh Teen Selected for All-Girls Lunar Satellite Mission

Kandula Jessie, a 14-year-old Class 10 student from a government school in Andhra Pradesh, has been selected for Mission ShakthiSAT, the world's first all-girls lunar satellite mission. Despite her father being a carpenter and financial constraints, she excelled in a competitive global selection process and will train with scientists for a CubeSat launch.

22 Jul 2026, 02:14 PM

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Astronomers Confirm Atmosphere on Rocky Planet in Habitable Zone

Astronomers have confirmed an atmosphere on the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b, located in the habitable zone 49 light years away. This is the first such detection on a rocky planet in a habitable zone, suggesting the presence of liquid water and potential conditions for life.

20 Jul 2026, 05:49 AM

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Astronomers Discover Third Planet in Beta Pictoris System Using James Webb Space Telescope

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a third giant planet, Beta Pictoris d, in the nearby Beta Pictoris star system. The finding was made through atmospheric spectroscopy rather than direct imaging, and the system now hosts three directly imaged exoplanets.

20 Jul 2026, 04:36 AM

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India bags 1 gold, 3 silver at International Biology Olympiad 2026

India won one gold and three silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania. All four Indian students returned with medals, continuing the country's strong run in international science Olympiads.

19 Jul 2026, 09:45 AM

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India Ties for Top Rank at International Chemistry Olympiad 2026, All Four Students Win Gold

India's team won four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad 2026, securing joint first place with China, Vietnam, and a Russian participant. This is India's best-ever performance at the competition, held in Tashkent with 93 countries participating.

19 Jul 2026, 07:00 AM

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India’s Strongest Showing: Four Gold Medals at Chemistry Olympiad 2026

India secured four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad, its best ever performance. The team finished joint first with China and Vietnam. The winners are from four different states.

19 Jul 2026, 05:14 AM

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Indian Students Strike Gold at International Chemistry Olympiad, Bag Four Medals

Indian students win four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad in Uzbekistan, tying with top-performing teams from China and Vietnam.

19 Jul 2026, 04:04 AM

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Tamil Nadu excavation traces human occupation from Stone Age to Sangam era

Archaeologists in Tamil Nadu have uncovered a settlement near the Vaippar river that was continuously inhabited from the Microlithic period to the Sangam era. The excavation reveals a large brick structure, burial pots with peacock motifs, and evidence of craft production, offering new insights into ancient life in southern India.

19 Jul 2026, 01:05 AM

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Skyroot's Vikram-1 Becomes India's First Private Orbital Rocket

Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket has successfully placed satellites in orbit, making it India's first private orbital launch. The mission marks a milestone in the country's space sector, with PM Modi calling it a defining moment. India now joins the US and China in having private orbital launch capability.

18 Jul 2026, 10:43 PM

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Skyroot's Vikram-1 Successfully Launches, Becoming India's First Private Orbital Rocket

Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully performed India's first private orbital launch, placing six payloads into low Earth orbit. The milestone opens new avenues for commercial satellite launches and reduces dependence on ISRO for small satellite missions.

18 Jul 2026, 07:05 PM

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VIT-AP Students Build Space Payload, Launched Aboard Skyroot’s Vikram-1 Rocket

VIT-AP University’s student-built payload VISWA-M was launched aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 rocket. The payload will study the solar spectrum, marking the university’s first space mission and a milestone for India’s private space sector.

18 Jul 2026, 04:06 PM

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ISRO Tightens Exit Rules for Scientists on Key Missions Amid Resignation Spate

The Department of Space has tightened exit rules for ISRO scientists on key missions after nearly 100 resignations, requiring all requests to be referred to the DoS. Critics argue the move fails to address underlying retention issues like better pay and career opportunities in the private sector.

18 Jul 2026, 07:18 AM

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Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Launch Halted Seconds Before Liftoff: Planned Hold

Skyroot Aerospace's first orbital launch attempt of the Vikram-1 rocket was halted at T-4:59 minutes due to a planned hold. The mission aims to validate the rocket's performance and gather data for future launches.

18 Jul 2026, 06:08 AM

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India's space agency faces worst staffing crisis in 25 years as vacancies soar

The Department of Space is experiencing its worst staffing gap in 25 years, with nearly 30 per cent of sanctioned posts vacant. The employee strength has fallen to levels lower than in 2001-02, even as India undertakes ambitious space missions. Recruitment delays due to Covid-19 and reforms are cited as reasons.

17 Jul 2026, 07:34 PM

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Astronomers Confirm Atmosphere on Rocky Exoplanet in Habitable Zone

Astronomers have confirmed an atmosphere on the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b, located 49 light-years away in its star's habitable zone. The discovery, made using the James Webb Space Telescope, is the first such detection for a potentially habitable rocky world. While no evidence of life exists, the finding marks a milestone in the search for habitable planets.

17 Jul 2026, 03:22 PM

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New Monkey Species Discovered in Congo: Conservation Hopes and Fears

A new monkey species, Colobus congoensis, has been classified after years of study in Congo. Known locally as Likweli, the animal was first sighted in 2008. Its discovery brings both hope for conservation and risks from increased human attention.

17 Jul 2026, 12:45 AM

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New study reveals hidden debris cloud in vital geostationary orbit, raising collision risks

A new study from the University of Warwick has revealed a hidden cloud of small space debris in geostationary orbit, home to many communication and weather satellites. The debris, as small as 5 centimetres, was found by reprocessing older telescope data with advanced algorithms, raising concerns about increased collision risks for operational spacecraft.

15 Jul 2026, 05:13 AM

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