About Arun Kumar N

Arun has been associated with India International Times since 2018 and he has been a key reporter in covering science and space related stories. He can be reached at arunKnn@indiainternationaltimes.com.

President Trump Calls Artemis II Astronauts before crew wraps up historic Lunar Flyby [Watch Videos]

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration launched four astronauts on April 2 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the Artemis II mission. The crew is set for a 10-day test flight around the Moon, marking the first human lunar flyby since the Apollo era. The mission aims to validate spacecraft systems and pave the way for future Moon landings and Mars exploration.

NASA’s Artemis II mission has marked humanity’s return to deep space, becoming the first crewed journey near the Moon since Apollo 17. Four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft completed a seven-hour lunar flyby, capturing detailed observations of the Moon’s far side. The crew also set a new record for the farthest distance traveled by humans, surpassing Apollo 13. During the mission, they witnessed a solar eclipse from space and observed rare meteoroid impacts on the lunar surface. The spacecraft is now on its return trajectory, while scientists analyze data collected during the flyby.

Aboard the Orion spacecraft were NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen who completed their lunar flyby, broke the Apollo 13 distance record (252,756 miles from Earth), and regained contact after passing the Moon’s far side.

🚀 LIVE FROM SPACE: President Donald J. Trump Calls Artemis II Astronauts After Breaking the Farthest Distance Record in Human Spaceflight 🇺🇸 HISTORIC!

“Your mission paves the way for America’s return to the lunar surface very soon.” pic.twitter.com/1TzmIEQG0l

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 7, 2026

US President Donald J.Trump calls the Artemis II Astronauts in space:

The White House shared video of President Trump phoning the Artemis II crew to congratulate them after breaking the human spaceflight distance record during their lunar flyby. Artemis II astronauts reached about 252,757 miles from Earth on April 6, 2026, surpassing Apollo 13’s 1970 mark of 248,655 miles by over 4,000 miles while passing the Moon’s far side.

Trump told the crew their mission paves the way for America’s return to the lunar surface, highlighting it as a historic step in U.S. space leadership.

Trump further said , “Thank you very much Jared and you are doing a fantastic job and hello very special hello to Artemis II. Today you’ve made history and made all America really proud, incredibly proud. We have a lot of things to be proud of lately, but there’s nothing like what you’re doing, circling around the moon for the first time in more than a half a century and breaking the all-time record for the farthest distance from planet Earth.

“Humans have really never seen anything quite like what you’re doing in a manned spacecraft. It’s really special. I wanted to congratulate each and every one of you. I want to personally salute and congratulate Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, and I also want to thank the entire amazing team at NASA, headed by Jared [Isaacman], who’s a very special guy, by the way. You have made this day possible, you’ve really inspired the entire world, really, everybody’s watching it”, Trump added.

And also there were few question from Trump to Artemis Crew about the mission where Trump asked “about most unforgettable part of this really historic day, and was there any difference in feel between the far side of the moon and the near side of the Moon, to which the Astronauts explained the differences due to Earth’s gravitational pull creating dramatic variations in the lunar landscapes. They described views of the Orientale crater, a solar eclipse from space, and Earthshine.

Also Read:

Artemis II Update-17, Day 6: Lunar Flyby Updates

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Artemis II Update-18, Day 6: Crew Wraps Historic Lunar Flyby

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The four astronauts aboard Artemis II closed out a landmark day in deep space Tuesday, completing a lunar flyby that carried humans farther from Earth than ever before.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, spent nearly seven hours observing the Moon as their Orion spacecraft swept past its far side. It marked the first time humans have traveled this route since Apollo 17 in December 1972.

The crew crossed a historic threshold earlier in the day. At 1:56 p.m. Eastern Time, Orion surpassed the distance record set during Apollo 13, when astronauts reached 248,655 miles from Earth during their emergency return. Two minutes after their closest lunar approach, the Artemis II crew pushed that boundary further, reaching approximately 252,756 miles from Earth.

Eclipsed: A View from Orion: The Moon, backlit by the Sun during a solar eclipse, is photographed by NASA’s Orion spacecraft on April 6, 2026, during the Artemis II mission. Orion is visible in the foreground on the left. Earth is reflecting sunlight at the left edge of the Moon, which is slightly brighter than the rest of the disk. The bright spot visible just below the Moon’s bottom right edge is Saturn. Beyond that, the bright spot at the right edge of the image is Mars. Credit: NASA
Image Credit: NASA

Lunar Flyby Observations And Record-Breaking Distance

The spacecraft’s closest pass came at about 7:00 p.m., when Orion flew roughly 4,067 miles above the Moon’s surface. That maneuver occurred during a planned communications blackout, as the Moon temporarily blocked signals between the spacecraft and Earth.

While out of contact, the crew documented the lunar far side, a region never visible from Earth. They photographed impact craters, ancient lava plains, and networks of ridges and fractures shaped over billions of years. Differences in brightness and color were also noted, offering clues about the Moon’s composition and geological history.

As Orion slipped behind the Moon, the astronauts witnessed an “Earthset,” watching Earth disappear below the lunar horizon. Moments later, as the spacecraft emerged, they observed an “Earthrise,” a visual long associated with early Apollo missions.

The observations are expected to support ongoing lunar science work. NASA officials said the imagery and data collected during the flyby will help refine understanding of the Moon’s surface evolution and assist in planning future crewed missions under the Artemis program.

Starstruck
art002e012588 (April 7, 2026) – A stunning snapshot in time. The Artemis II crew captured this breathtaking photo of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The Milky Way’s elegant spiral structure is dominated by just two arms wrapping off the ends of a central bar of stars. Spanning more than 100,000 light-years, Earth is located along one of the galaxy’s spiral arms, about halfway from the center. Credit: NASA
Image Credit: NASA

Solar Eclipse And Rare Lunar Phenomena Recorded

Toward the end of the flyby, the alignment of the spacecraft, the Moon, and the Sun created a prolonged solar eclipse visible from Orion. For nearly an hour, the astronauts observed the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, appearing as a halo around the Moon’s edge.

The eclipse also allowed the crew to study the Moon’s darkened surface under unique conditions. During this period, astronauts reported seeing six brief flashes of light, believed to be meteoroids striking the lunar surface at high speeds.

Such impacts occur regularly but are rarely observed directly from orbit. Scientists plan to analyze the timing and location of these flashes using spacecraft data and compare them with observations from Earth-based astronomers.

Post-Flyby Outreach And Data Analysis Begins

Following the flyby, the crew took part in a live call with Donald Trump, who congratulated the astronauts during NASA’s broadcast coverage. They also spoke with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and responded to questions submitted through social media platforms.

Mission teams are now preparing to receive a large volume of data transmitted from Orion. Engineers and scientists will review images, audio recordings, and telemetry collected during the flyby to identify key scientific insights and operational lessons.

NASA said the crew is scheduled to discuss their observations with the lunar science team in a live broadcast on April 7. Researchers are also expected to invite amateur astronomers to contribute observations taken during the same window, particularly in tracking the reported impact flashes.

The Artemis II mission, designed as a crewed test flight, continues its journey back toward Earth following the flyby. The success of this phase is expected to inform future missions aimed at returning astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in more than half a century.

Also Read:

Artemis II Update-17, Day 6: Lunar Flyby Updates

Artemis II Update-16, Day 6: Crew Nears Historic Lunar Flyby

Artemis II Update-17, Day 6: Lunar Flyby Updates

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Live lunar flyby updates for NASA’s Artemis II mission will be published on this page. All times are Eastern.

9:35 p.m.

The Artemis II crew has completed the mission’s lunar observation period and is now beginning the return trip home. On Tuesday, April 7, Orion will exit the lunar sphere of influence at approximately 1:25 p.m., at a distance of 41,072 miles from the Moon.

8:35 p.m.

Artemis II is now entering a solar eclipse that will last for about an hour as Orion, the Moon and the Sun align. During this phase, the crew will see the Sun disappear behind a mostly darkened Moon.

The crew will use the opportunity to study the solar corona — the Sun’s outermost atmosphere — as it glows around the lunar edge. They also will watch for flashes of light from meteoroids striking the surface, which could offer insight into potential hazards on the Moon.

7:24 p.m.

The Artemis II crew witnessed an Earthrise as Orion emerged from behind the Moon, moments before the Deep Space Network reacquired the spacecraft’s signal and restored communications.

7:02 p.m. 

The Artemis II crew has reached the mission’s maximum distance from Earth at 252,756 miles, setting a new record for human spaceflight. This milestone places the crew 4,111 miles farther from Earth than the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.

7:00 p.m.

Orion has reached its closest approach to the Moon at about 4,067 miles above the lunar surface. At this point, the spacecraft is traveling about 60,863 miles an hour relative to Earth, but only 3,139 miles an hour relative to the Moon.

6:44 p.m.

“As we prepare to go out of radio communication, we’re still going to feel your love from Earth. And to all of you down there on Earth and around Earth, we love you, from the Moon. We will see you on the other side.” Victor Glover, Artemis II Pilot

Victor Glover, Artemis II Pilot

The Orion spacecraft has entered a planned communications blackout as it passes behind the Moon. For about 40 minutes, the lunar surface blocks the radio signals from NASA’s Deep Space Network on Earth needed to stay in contact with the crew.

Similar blackouts occurred during the Artemis I and Apollo missions and are expected when using an Earth-based communications system. Once Orion emerges from behind the Moon, the network will quickly reacquire the signal and restore communications with mission control.

6:41 p.m.

As Orion traveled behind the Moon, the crew witnessed an “Earthset” — the moment Earth dropped below the lunar horizon — marking another milestone in the mission’s lunar flyby.

The Earth will re-emerge at “Earthrise” from the opposite edge of the Moon in about 40 minutes.

4:40 p.m.

A lively stream of science observations from the crew throughout the flyby has been received with grins, nods, and lots of chatter in the Science Evaluation Room, where lunar scientists are supporting the observations in mission control. The crew reported color nuances, which will help enhance scientific understandings of the Moon. Shades of browns and blues that can be picked out with human eyes can help reveal the mineral composition of a feature and its age. As crew reports are received, the science team is updating the observation plan based on their follow up questions and sending up new guidance to the crew.

2:45 p.m.

Due to last approximately seven hours, the lunar observation period is the duration of time that the crew is close enough to the Moon to make impactful science observations (4,070 miles altitude at closest approach) and the spacecraft is oriented such that the windows are pointed at the Moon.

At the beginning of the window, as Orion approaches the Moon on the near side, the side we can see from Earth, people in parts of the eastern hemisphere can view some of the same features the astronauts will observe. These include future CLPS landing site Reiner Gamma, a bright, mysterious swirl the origin of which scientists are still trying to understand, and Glushko, a bright, 27-mile-wide crater known for the white streaks that shoot out from it for up to 500 miles.

1:56 p.m.

The Artemis II crew of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen have set the record for the farthest distance from Earth traveled by a human mission, surpassing the Apollo 13 record of 248,655 miles set in 1970.

“As we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration. We will continue our journey even further into space before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear. But we most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived.” Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist

Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist.

NASA Flight Director Brandon Lloyd, Capsule Communicator Amy Dill, and Command and Handling Data Officer Brandon Borter also marked a lighthearted milestone today by emailing the crew what is now assumed to be the longest person-to-person message ever sent in human history.

(Shortly after 2 p.m. EDT, the crew described two small, unnamed craters on the heavily pockmarked lunar surface. Calling down to Earth, they suggested provisional names for them. Just northwest of Orientale basin, highlighted above, is a crater they would like to name Integrity after their spacecraft and this historic mission. Just northeast of the Integrity crater, on the near and far side boundary, and sometimes visible from Earth, the crew suggested an unnamed crater be designated Carroll in honor of Reid Weisman’s late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman, who passed away on May 17, 2020. After this mission is complete, the crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, an organization that governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features.NASA)

After breaking the record for human spaceflight, crew also took a moment to provisionally name a couple of craters on the Moon, noting they were able to see them with their naked eye.

Just northwest of Orientale basin highlighted above is a crater they would like to name Integrity after their spacecraft and this historic mission. Just northeast of Integrity, on the near and far side boundary, and sometimes visible from Earth, the crew suggested Carroll crater in honor of Reid Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman. After this mission is complete, the crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, the organization that governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features.

NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman is pictured with his late wife Carroll Taylor Wiseman.
Wiseman Family

1:30 p.m.

NASA’s lunar science officer briefed the crew on their science objectives for the upcoming lunar observation period.

On April 5, the science team sent the crew the final list of 30 lunar surface targets, including the Orientale basin, a nearly 600-mile-wide crater that straddles the Moon’s near and far sides. This 3.8-billion-year-old crater formed when a large object struck the lunar surface and retains clear evidence of that collision, including dramatic topography in its rings. The crew will study Orientale’s features up close and from multiple angles as they pass by.

Hertzsprung basin also is on the crew’s list of targets. Northwest of Orientale, it is a nearly 400-mile-wide crater on the Moon’s far side. An older ringed basin, Hertzsprung offers a unique contrast to Orientale because its features have been degraded by subsequent impacts. By comparing the topography of the two craters, the crew’s observations will help scientists gain insight into how lunar features evolve over geologic timescales.

1 p.m.

NASA’s live coverage of the Artemis II lunar flyby is underway on NASA+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, and Roku, alongside the agency’s 24/7 coverage on its YouTube channel. Learn how to stream NASA content through a variety of online platforms, including social media.

Coverage will include live views of the Moon from cameras mounted on Orion’s solar arrays. Image and view quality may vary throughout the lunar observation period due to distance from Earth, system limitations, and bandwidth across NASA’s communications network.

Note: The spacecraft will enter a planned communications blackout from 6:44 to 7:25 p.m. EDT as Orion passes behind the Moon. Spacecraft camera views will not be available during this time, but NASA’s live coverage will continue.

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Artemis II Update-16, Day 6: Crew Nears Historic Lunar Flyby

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission woke up to a milestone few humans have experienced. Less than 19,000 miles from the Moon, they began final preparations for a lunar flyby that will mark humanity’s return to deep space after more than five decades.

Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen are expected to guide the Orion spacecraft through a carefully timed trajectory past the Moon later in the day. The moment carries symbolic weight. The last time humans ventured this far was during Apollo 17 in December 1972.

The crew’s wake-up call came with music. “Good Morning,” by Mandisa and TobyMac played through the spacecraft, followed by a recorded message from Apollo-era astronaut Jim Lovell, who died in 2025. Lovell commanded Apollo 13, the mission that previously held the record for the farthest distance traveled by humans from Earth.

That record is expected to fall at approximately 1:56 p.m. Eastern Time. Orion will surpass Apollo 13’s maximum distance of 248,655 miles, eventually reaching about 252,760 miles from Earth later in the evening.

“Hello, Artemis II! This is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood! When Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and I orbited the Moon on Apollo 8, we got humanity’s first up-close look at the Moon and got a view of the home planet that inspired and united people around the world. I’m proud to pass that torch on to you — as you swing around the Moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars … for the benefit of all. It’s a historic day, and I know how busy you’ll be. But don’t forget to enjoy the view. So, Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy, and all the great teams supporting you – good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.”

Lovell,Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13 Astronaut

Lunar Flyby Timeline And Observation Plans

The flyby itself is scheduled to begin around 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time and will span roughly seven hours. During this window, Orion will pass close enough to the lunar surface to allow astronauts to observe geological features in detail.

NASA has indicated that cameras mounted on Orion’s solar arrays will transmit live views of the Moon back to Earth. The agency plans to stream coverage across multiple platforms, including NASA+, YouTube, and major streaming services.

Engineers have cautioned that image quality may fluctuate. The distance from Earth, along with bandwidth constraints across NASA’s Deep Space Network, could affect transmission clarity during portions of the flyby.

The spacecraft’s closest approach is expected shortly after a planned communications blackout. At about 6:44 p.m., Orion will pass behind the Moon, temporarily losing contact with Earth as lunar mass blocks radio signals. The blackout is expected to last around 40 minutes.

Within that window, at approximately 7:02 p.m., Orion will reach its nearest point to the lunar surface, about 4,070 miles above it. This maneuver is critical for setting up the spacecraft’s trajectory for its return journey.

Final Flyby Preparations
art002e009294 (April 6, 2026) – Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen prepare for their journey around the far side of the Moon by configuring their camera equipment shortly before beginning their lunar flyby observations.
Image Credit: NASA

Solar Eclipse Viewed From Deep Space

As the flyby concludes, the crew will witness a rare celestial alignment. Beginning around 8:35 p.m., the astronauts are expected to see a solar eclipse from their vantage point in space.

From Orion, the Moon will move directly between the spacecraft and the Sun, blocking sunlight for nearly an hour. The crew will observe the solar corona, the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, which becomes visible during such eclipses.

NASA officials have said this phase of the mission offers both scientific and experiential value. Observing the corona from deep space provides a unique opportunity to study solar activity without atmospheric interference.

The Artemis II mission is designed as a test flight, evaluating systems that will support future lunar landings under NASA’s Artemis program. Unlike later missions, Artemis II does not include a landing. Its focus remains on validating life support systems, navigation, and crew operations in deep space.

Still, Tuesday’s flyby represents a turning point. For the first time in more than 50 years, humans are returning to the Moon’s vicinity, setting the stage for a sustained presence in lunar orbit and, eventually, on its surface.

The spacecraft will continue its journey following the flyby, looping back toward Earth in the coming days.

Key moments for the lunar flyby include this following. All times are Eastern and may be adjusted based on real-time operations:

NASA

Monday, April 6

1:30 p.m.: The science officer in the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will brief the crew on their science goals for the upcoming flyby.
1:56 p.m.: The Artemis II crew is expected to surpass the record previously set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970 for the farthest humans have ever traveled from Earth.
2:45 p.m.: Lunar observations begin.
6:44 p.m.: Mission control expects to temporarily lose communication with the crew as the Orion spacecraft passes behind the Moon.
6:45 p.m.: During “Earthset,” Earth will glide behind the Moon from Orion’s perspective.
7:02 p.m.: Orion reaches its closest approach to the Moon at 4,070 miles above the surface.
7:07 p.m.: Crew reach their maximum distance from Earth during the mission (252,706 miles).
7:25 p.m.: “Earthrise” marks Earth coming back into view on the opposite edge of the Moon.
7:25 p.m.: Mission control will re-acquire communication with the astronauts.
8:35-9:32 p.m.: During a solar eclipse, the Sun will pass behind the Moon from the crew’s perspective.
9:20 p.m.: Lunar observations conclude.

Tuesday, April 7

1:25 p.m.: Orion exits the lunar sphere of influence at 41,072 miles from the Moon.

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Artemis II Update-15, Day 5: Correction Burn Complete, Crew Locks In Lunar Flyby Trajectory

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Study Links High-Fat Diets To More Aggressive Breast Cancer Behavior

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Researchers at Princeton University have found that high-fat diets may make certain breast cancers more invasive by altering tumor structure. The study, published March 3 in APL Bioengineering, examined triple-negative breast cancer using advanced 3D models. Scientists say the findings could help explain why diet influences cancer outcomes, though results remain limited to lab conditions.

In a controlled lab setting, researchers watched tumors change shape.

Not grow faster. Not shrink. Change form.

That shift, they say, may help explain why diet influences how some cancers behave.

A team at Princeton University has identified new links between high-fat diets and aggressive breast cancer, focusing on how fat alters the structure of tumors rather than simply accelerating their growth.

The study examined triple-negative breast cancer, a subtype that does not respond to many conventional therapies and is often associated with poorer outcomes.

High-fat nutrients linked to invasive tumor structure

Using 3D tumor models designed to mimic human biological conditions, researchers exposed cancer cells to different nutrient environments, including fats, cholesterol, insulin, and ketones.

The results showed a clear structural difference.

Tumors exposed to fatty acids and cholesterol developed hollow, branching extensions that spread outward from the tumor core. These structures are associated with invasive behavior, allowing cancer cells to penetrate surrounding tissue and potentially spread through the body.

Celeste Nelson, the study’s lead investigator, described these formations as characteristic of aggressive cancers.

“Aggressive cancers have these tendrils, and it’s the leading edges that end up invading into our normal tissues and making it into either a lymphatic or a blood vessel and escaping and metastasizing,” she said.

Notably, the tumors did not grow significantly faster under high-fat conditions. Instead, cells redistributed, moving from the center toward the edges, reshaping the tumor’s structure.

Gene activity points to possible mechanism

The team also identified increased activity of a gene known as MMP1, which is associated with the breakdown of collagen, a key structural component of tissue.

Higher MMP1 levels were strongly correlated with the structural changes observed in the tumors.

Researchers believe this may allow cancer cells to break down surrounding tissue more easily, creating pathways for invasion.

However, the study stops short of proving direct causation. Nelson said further research is needed to determine whether high-fat diets directly trigger this gene activity or if other factors are involved.

Future experiments may test whether blocking MMP1 changes how tumors respond to high-fat conditions.

Fluorescence images of sample tumors show invasions into surrounding tissue over several days. Branching invasions are most pronounced in the lower right frame. (Photo illustration from image provided by the researchers/Princeton University.)
Credit:Princeton University

Other diets showed limited impact in the model

The study also tested tumor responses under different nutrient conditions, including high insulin, glycerol, and ketones.

These conditions showed little difference from baseline tumors, which remained relatively compact and did not develop invasive structures.

One unexpected result involved a simulated ketogenic diet, which is typically high in fat and low in carbohydrates.

Researchers had expected it might slow tumor progression. Instead, the tumors did not show improved outcomes compared to baseline conditions within the model.

“We were expecting a ketogenic diet to be protective,” Nelson said. “Yet we didn’t see that here.”

She added that the model may not fully capture the complexity of how such diets interact with the human body, particularly immune responses and other systemic factors.

Study highlights limits of lab-based cancer models

The findings are based on 3D microfluidic tumor models, which aim to replicate aspects of real biological environments more accurately than traditional lab methods.

Unlike 2D cell cultures, which grow in simplified conditions, these models simulate both the physical and chemical environment of tumors. At the same time, they remain more controlled than animal studies, allowing researchers to isolate specific variables such as diet.

Even so, the researchers caution that the results are limited.

The tumors studied are simplified representations and do not include the full range of interactions present in the human body. That means the findings cannot be directly translated into dietary recommendations or clinical outcomes.

“Every tumor is an individual’s tumor,” Nelson said, noting the challenge of capturing the full diversity of cancer behavior in a single study.

New direction for diet and cancer research

The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that diet influences cancer progression, though the mechanisms remain unclear.

By focusing on structural changes rather than growth rates, the Princeton team offers a different lens for understanding how nutrients interact with tumors.

The research also points to potential targets for future therapies, particularly genes involved in tissue breakdown and tumor invasion.

For now, the findings remain an early step.

They show how fat may change the way tumors behave under controlled conditions, opening new questions about how those processes unfold inside the human body.

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Indian Railways Clears ₹1,364 Crore for Kavach Signalling across Multiple Zones

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Indian Railways has approved projects worth ₹1,364.45 crore to strengthen safety, signalling and communication systems across multiple zones. The works include Kavach deployment on locomotives, optical fibre expansion and signalling upgrades. The approvals, part of the 2024–25 works programme, aim to improve operational safety and network efficiency.

What is Kavach

Kavach is an indigenous automatic train protection (ATP) system developed by Indian Railways to prevent train collisions and improve safety on the rail network. It is like an automatic braking and warning system that takes control if something goes wrong.

How Kavach works:

Kavach acts like a real-time safety shield for trains.

It uses radio communication and GPS to continuously track trains
It connects locomotives, tracks, and control centers
It constantly compares train speed and position with safe limits

If a driver makes a mistake, Kavach automatically applies brakes to avoid accidents.

Where It Is Installed

Kavach works through a combination of systems:

Onboard equipment in locomotives
Trackside devices along railway lines
Station systems integrated with signalling
Central control systems monitoring operations

India’s national rail network is moving deeper into a technology-led safety upgrade, with a fresh round of approvals targeting both trains and trackside systems.

Indian Railways has sanctioned projects worth ₹1,364.45 crore covering locomotive safety equipment, communication backbone expansion and signalling modernisation across several key zones. The approvals are part of a broader capital programme focused on reducing risk, improving reliability and preparing the network for higher traffic density.

Kavach deployment on locomotives in Southern Railway

A key component of the package is the rollout of Kavach, the indigenous train collision avoidance system, across locomotives in Southern Railway.

The transporter has approved ₹208.81 crore for installing onboard Kavach equipment on 232 locomotives. The work falls under a larger umbrella programme titled “Provision of Kavach with communication backbone of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) on balance routes of Indian Railways (Umbrella Work 2024–25),” which carries an overall outlay of ₹27,693 crore.

Within this, Southern Railway has been allocated ₹2,950 crore. The current phase focuses on equipping locomotives with Kavach Version 4.0, which integrates real-time signalling inputs and automatic braking systems to prevent collisions.

Kavach has been positioned as a central pillar of railway safety strategy, especially on high-density routes where traffic frequency increases the risk of human error.

Optical fibre expansion strengthens communication backbone

Parallel investments are being made to upgrade the communication systems that support modern signalling and safety technologies.

In Northern Railway, three projects worth ₹400.86 crore have been approved to expand the optical fibre cable network. These works fall under a separate umbrella programme for strengthening and replacing communication backbone infrastructure, with a total approved cost of ₹4,871 crore.

A sub-allocation of ₹871 crore has been earmarked for the zone.

The approved works include installation of 2×48 fibre cables across 926.05 route kilometres in Ambala Division, 1,204 route kilometres in Delhi Division along with station-level OFC rooms, and 1,074 route kilometres in Lucknow Division.

The upgrades are designed to improve bandwidth, reliability and redundancy in communication systems, which are critical for both signalling operations and Kavach deployment.

OFC network expansion in North Central Railway

Further expansion of the fibre network is planned in North Central Railway, where ₹176.77 crore has been approved for laying 2×48 fibre OFC cables across 2,196 route kilometres.

The work is split across major divisions, including 1,016 kilometres in Prayagraj, 709 kilometres in Jhansi and 471 kilometres in Agra.

This project is part of the same communication backbone programme and is supported by a ₹200 crore sub-allocation for the zone.

Officials say the expansion will support high-density routes where real-time communication between trains and control systems is essential for safe operations.

Electronic interlocking upgrades in South Central Railway

Signalling systems are also being upgraded through a shift from older panel interlocking systems to electronic interlocking.

In South Central Railway, projects worth ₹578.02 crore have been approved to replace panel interlocking at 49 stations.

The works include upgrades at 35 stations in Guntakal Division and 14 stations in Nanded Division, both located on high-density and highly utilised routes.

These projects fall under an umbrella programme for electronic interlocking, which has an overall cost of ₹15,164 crore.

Electronic interlocking systems reduce manual intervention and improve the precision and reliability of train routing decisions. They are also better suited for integration with automated safety systems such as Kavach.

Network-wide push toward safer, more efficient operations

The latest approvals reflect a layered approach to railway modernisation, combining onboard safety systems, trackside communication upgrades and signalling improvements.

Each component supports the others. Kavach relies on robust communication networks, while modern signalling systems ensure accurate data flow and control.

Indian Railways has been scaling up these technologies as part of its long-term strategy to handle increasing passenger and freight demand without compromising safety.

The ₹1,364 crore package represents a targeted investment across zones, but it also fits into a much larger national effort to upgrade infrastructure, reduce accidents and improve operational efficiency.

As these systems are deployed, the network is expected to move closer to a model where technology plays a central role in preventing errors and managing traffic at scale.

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Government Holds Inter-Ministerial Briefing On West Asia Developments

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

As part of its ongoing efforts to keep the media apprised of developments in West Asia, the Government of India convened a briefing at the National Media Centre today. Representatives from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs, shared updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, and assistance to Indian nationals in the region, along with measures to ensure stability across sectors. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution also provided updates on food security preparedness and prices of essential commodities.

Food security and prices update

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution shared an update on the availability of essential food items and the prevailing price situation. It also highlighted measures being taken to ensure adequate supply and maintain market stability. The Ministry said:

Food Security Preparedness

· The Government is closely monitoring the food security situation in view of the ongoing developments in West Asia.

· Adequate buffer stocks of rice and wheat are available to ensure sufficient supplies for the Public Distribution System (PDS) as well as to meet any emergency requirements.

· The National Food Security Act continues to ensure access to foodgrains for vulnerable populations.

Market Intervention – Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic)

· The Government continues to monitor foodgrain prices and undertakes market interventions through the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) (OMSS – D) whenever required.

· Under OMSS (D), FCI releases surplus wheat and rice in the open market to augment supply, stabilise prices and contain inflation.

· Adequate stocks are available with FCI to undertake such interventions if required.

· The scheme also enables sale of rice to State Governments at subsidised fixed prices to meet additional requirements.

Procurement – RMS 2026–27

· Procurement of wheat under MSP operations for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026–27 has commenced, primarily through State Government agencies.

· The Department is regularly reviewing preparedness in coordination with States.

· Adequate packaging materials are being ensured for procurement operations.

Foodgrain Packaging

· Proactive steps have been taken to ensure availability of packaging materials during RMS 2026–27.

· In coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, the Department is diversifying packaging sources and maintaining contingency measures to address any potential shortfall.

Edible Oil Scenario

· Domestic availability of edible oils remains comfortable despite global uncertainties.

· Imports from key partner countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina and Brazil continue steadily.

· Improved mustard production has strengthened domestic supply.

· Overall edible oil supply remains stable and the Government continues close monitoring with readiness to intervene if required.

Sugar Sector

· Adequate sugar buffer stocks are available and sugar production in 2025–26 is expected to remain sufficient.

· About 15.80 LMT of sugar has been permitted for export, of which 3.73 LMT has already been exported.

· Major export destinations include Sri Lanka, West Asia and East Africa.

· Retail sugar prices remain stable with inflation remaining around 3% over the past three years.

Prices of Essential Commodities

· The Department of Consumer Affairs monitors daily prices of 40 food commodities reported from 578 centres across the country.

· Price trends are being closely monitored in view of the ongoing developments in the Middle East.

· So far, no unusual volatility has been observed and prices remain stable for most commodities, indicating adequate availability.

· There is no evidence of generalized supply stress or inflationary transmission in essential food commodities.

Availability of Pulses

· Pulses production is estimated to be higher than the previous year at about 266 LMT compared to 257 LMT last year.

· Government stocks of pulses are around 28 LMT, while procurement of Tur and Rabi pulses under the Price Support Scheme is ongoing.

· So far, about 3.21 LMT of Tur and 5.71 LMT of Chana have been procured.

· The import policy for pulses in 2026–27 continues the existing framework of 2025-26 to ensure supply flexibility and stable availability.

· Import of Tur and Urad is allowed under the ‘Free’ category till 31 March 2027, while imports of Chana and Masoor attract 10% duty and Yellow Peas 30% duty.

Availability of Horticultural Crops (TOP)

· Production of major horticultural crops such as potato, tomato and onion are sufficient to meet domestic demand.

· Potato production is estimated at about 584 LMT (against 586 LMT last year), tomato at about 227 LMT, and onion at about 273 LMT.

· The Government of India has set a price stabilisation buffer target of 2 LMT for onion in 2026–27, with National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF) initiating procurement preparations.

· Procurement of Rabi 2026 onion for buffer stocking is expected to support mandi prices and moderate volatility.

Monitoring and Enforcement

· The Department of Consumer Affairs has set up a Control Room to facilitate continuous interaction and information exchange with State Governments on prices and supply of food commodities.

· The Control Room also monitors enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including action against hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities.

· The Department is also keeping a close watch on the complaints being received on the National Consumer Helpline-1915, available in 17 languages across the country. The helpline is also available through multiple platforms, including WhatsApp and the INGRAM portal , enabling consumers to register grievances with ease.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

An update on the prevailing fuel supply situation was shared, highlighting the steps being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the Strait of Hormuz closure. It was noted that:

Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness

· Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG and rely only on official sources for information.

· LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.

· Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops.

· All citizens are urged to conserve energy during the current situation.

Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures

· Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has prioritised domestic LPG and PNG supply, particularly for hospitals and educational institutions.

· The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.

· Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand.

· The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers.

· States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers.

· A review meeting chaired by Secretary (MoPNG) with State officials highlighted measures to ensure adequate LPG supply and directed States to prioritise prioritize LPG distribution, especially for domestic and essential needs, while maintaining strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion, and misinformation. On reports concerning FTL LPG supplies to migrant workers, States clarified that there is no disruption in LPG supply affecting migrants and that supplies remain stable. Secretary informed that states may consider managing targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL LPG cylinders, based on local requirements along with OMCs.

Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms

· State Governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000 to monitor supply and act against hoarding and black marketing of petroleum products.

· All Chief Secretaries, ACS/Principal Secretary/Secretary Food & Civil supply of all the States/UTs are requested –

Ø To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories.

Ø To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.

Ø To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs

Ø To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs

Ø To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs.

Ø To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.

· All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing.

· The Government of India vide letter dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have requested Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs to intensify proactive & regular public communication, conduct daily press briefs at appropriate senior level along with timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media to effectively counter misinformation and to reassure citizens regarding adequate availability and smooth distribution of LPG.

· Currently, 23 States/UTs are issuing regular press briefings.

Enforcement and Monitoring Actions

· Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG.

· More than 1 lakh raids have been conducted and over 52,000 cylinders seized.

· Over 850 FIRs have been registered and about 220 persons arrested.

· PSU Oil Marketing Companies have strengthened surprise inspections and issued over 1,500 show-cause notices, imposed penalties on 118 LPG distributorships and suspended 41 distributorships.

LPG Supply

Domestic LPG Supply Status:

· LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation.

· No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.

· Online LPG bookings have increased to about 97% across the industry.

· Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 90% to prevent diversion.

· Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries remain normal, with over 18 crore cylinders delivered to households since 1 March 2026.

Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:

To look into the issues of availability of petrochemicals like propylene, polypropylene, isopropyl alcohol, butadiene, butyl acrylate etc. for department of Pharmaceuticals, Animal Husbandry, Dept. of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, DPIIT etc, a Joint working group has been constituted which has recommended for diversion of certain volume of C3-C4 molecules by Refinery & Petrochemical complexes for these sectors. This group has also given recommendations for availability of feedstock for C2 based derivatives like LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE etc. and their supplies for the downstream units.
Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation.

· Since 23 March 2026, about 6.75 lakh 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have been sold.

· PSU OMCs have organised around 550 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Keralam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal.

· More than 6,700 – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold in these camps.

· A three-member committee of Executive Directors from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL is coordinating with State authorities and industry bodies to plan commercial LPG distribution.

· About 79,909 MT of commercial LPG (equivalent to over 42 lakh 19-kg cylinders) has been sold since 14 March 2026.

Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives

· Priority sectors continue to receive protected supplies, including 100% supply to domestic PNG and CNG transport.

· Gas supply to operating urea plants is currently around 70–75% of their six-month average consumption and is planned to increase to about 90% from 6 April 2026 (today).

· Gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, will be increased by an additional 10% from 6 April 2026 (today).

· CGD entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens.

· CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.

· States/UTs and Central Ministries have been requested to expedite approvals required for expansion of CGD networks.

· The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG.

· 17 States/UTs are already receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.

· PNGRB has directed CGD entities to connect institutions such as schools, hostels, community kitchens and anganwadi kitchens through PNG within five days where pipelines are available.

· The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has adopted an Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure for three months to process applications on priority.

· The Government of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

· The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas.

· It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India’s gas-based economy.

· The Ministry of Defence has issued a short-term policy modification till 30 June 2026 to expedite PNG infrastructure installation in defence residential areas.

· PNGRB has extended the National PNG Drive 2.0 till 30 June 2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion.

· Since March 2026, about 3.67 lakh PNG connections have been gasified and about 4 lakh additional customers have registered for new connections.

Crude Position and Refinery Operations

· All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.

· Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.

Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures

· Retail outlets across the country are operating normally.

· The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.

· Export levy has been imposed at ₹21.5 per litre on diesel and ₹29.5 per litre on ATF to ensure adequate domestic availability.

· Retail prices of petrol and diesel remain unchanged with no increase at retail outlets.

· The Government has advised citizens not to believe rumours and requested State Governments to disseminate accurate information through press briefings.

Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures

· An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States/UTs over and above regular allocation.

· A Gazette notification dated 29 March 2026 allows distribution of PDS Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) in SKO-free States/UTs for cooking and lighting purposes through designated PSU OMC service stations.

· 18 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The current maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, along with measures being undertaken to safeguard Indian vessels and crew, was also briefed. It was stated that:

· The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to closely monitor shipping movements, port operations and the safety of Indian seafarers, while ensuring continuity of maritime trade.

· All Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.

· In the past two days, two Indian-flagged LPG vessels, Green Sanvi and Green Asha, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Green Sanvi is carrying about 46,650 MT of LPG with 25 seafarers onboard, while Green Asha is carrying about 15,405 MT of LPG with 26 seafarers onboard.

· At present, 16 Indian-flagged vessels with 433 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) continues close monitoring in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.

· The DG Shipping Control Room remains operational 24×7 and has handled 5,113 calls and 10,647 emails since activation, including 25 calls and 100 emails in the past 24 hours.

· DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 1,599 Indian seafarers so far, including 120 in the last 24 hours from airports and various regional locations across the Gulf.

· Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.

· The Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure welfare of Indian seafarers and uninterrupted maritime operations.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

Recent developments in the region, including assistance through Indian Missions, were shared during the briefing. It was informed that:

· The External Affairs Minister held telephonic conversations with the Foreign Ministers of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia.

· The External Affairs Minister also received a call from the Foreign Minister of Iran, during which both sides exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in the region.

· The Embassy of India in Tehran has so far facilitated the movement of 1,777 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. This includes 895 Indian students and 345 Indian fishermen. The fishermen travelled from Armenia to Chennai on 4 April 2026. The Embassy also facilitated the transit of two foreign nationals—one from Bangladesh and one from Sri Lanka.

· Of the total evacuated, 1,545 crossed into Armenia and 234 into Azerbaijan. India has expressed appreciation to the authorities of Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan for their support in facilitating safe transit of the evacuees.

· The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remaining the highest priority.

· A dedicated MEA Special Control Room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their families, with close coordination ongoing with State Governments and Union Territories.

· Indian Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round the clock, maintaining 24×7 helplines, issuing updated advisories and staying in regular contact with Indian community associations, organisations and companies.

· Missions continue to assist Indian nationals, including visa facilitation, consular services, logistical support and facilitating transit through neighbouring countries where airspace restrictions apply. They remain in close contact with local governments.

· Welfare of Indian students in the Gulf countries remains a priority, with Missions coordinating with local authorities, Indian schools, educational boards and the National Testing Agency to ensure that academic schedules and examinations such as JEE and NEET are not adversely affected.

· Missions are also providing support to Indian seafarers in the region, including coordination with local authorities, consular assistance, facilitating communication with families and assisting requests for return to India.

· Since 28 February, around 7,30,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India.

· In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations, with around 90 flights expected to operate today to India.

· Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.

· Qatar airspace remains partially open, with Qatar Airways expected to operate around 8–10 flights to India today.

· Kuwait airspace remains closed, with Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.

· Bahrain airspace also remains closed, with Gulf Air operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.

· Due to flight restrictions and airspace closures, travel of Indian nationals continues to be facilitated through alternative transit routes.

Ø From Israel via Egypt and Jordan.

Ø From Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ø From Iraq via Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Ø From Kuwait and Bahrain via Saudi Arabia.

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Waste enters, Work begins, Value Created: Navi Mumbai Turns Textile Waste Into Livelihood Opportunity for Local Women

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Waste enters, Work begins, Value Created: Navi Mumbai Turns Textile Waste Into Livelihood Opportunity for Local Women

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

In a repurposed building in Belapur, discarded clothes are no longer waste. They are inventory.

Sarees, uniforms, denim, and worn-out household linen arrive in bags, tagged, sorted, and redirected into a system that treats fabric as a resource rather than refuse. What emerges on the other side is not just recycled material, but income for women and a shift in how cities think about waste.

India generates nearly 7.8 million metric tonnes of post-consumer textile waste each year, a volume that has historically flowed into landfills with little intervention. Municipal systems have begun to acknowledge that textiles, long overlooked in solid waste management, require dedicated recovery and reuse frameworks.

Textile recovery facility in Belapur

The Textile Recovery Facility (TRF) set up in Belapur represents one of the first structured municipal attempts to address that gap.

Developed under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, the facility is designed as a full-cycle system that integrates collection, sorting, processing, and product development.

Collection begins at the neighborhood level. The city has deployed 140 textile bins across housing societies in all eight municipal wards, with plans to expand to 250. The approach is decentralized, built to encourage participation at the household level.

Once collected, materials are routed to the Belapur facility, where each item is weighed, tagged, and categorized into streams such as reusable, recyclable, upcyclable, downcyclable, or reject.

Technology plays a central role in this process. Handheld scanners are used to identify fiber types in real time, distinguishing between cotton, polyester, wool, and blended materials. This level of classification allows for more efficient recovery and reduces contamination in recycling streams.

A digital tracking system is also under development, intended to map each item’s journey from donation to end-use. The system is expected to improve traceability and support data-driven decisions on waste management.

Women-led workforce turns discarded fabric into income

Inside the facility, the work is largely carried out by women from self-help groups.

More than 300 women have undergone structured training modules covering fiber identification, repair techniques, and upcycling methods. Over 150 are now actively engaged in the process, earning between ₹9,000 and ₹15,000 per month through sorting, stitching, and product creation.

The transformation is both economic and social. Participants move from informal or unpaid roles into structured work tied to a growing segment of the urban economy.

Recovered textiles are converted into bags, garments, accessories, and home décor items. These products are sold through exhibitions and public events, creating a market link that sustains the system.

The facility has already produced more than 400 upcycled product samples, including experimental outputs such as paper derived from textile waste.

Scale, outreach, and measurable waste reduction

The numbers offer a snapshot of the model’s reach.

The facility has collected 30 metric tonnes of textile waste so far, with 25.5 metric tonnes processed through scientific sorting systems. More than 41,000 individual items have been handled, averaging around 500 items per day.

Public engagement has been central to the initiative. Outreach efforts have reached over 114,000 families, supported by more than 75 awareness workshops and the involvement of over 350 housing society representatives.

The model relies on this participation. Without household-level segregation and donation, the system would not function at scale.

Challenges and expansion plans for textile waste management

Early implementation was not without friction.

Officials encountered resistance to placing textile bins in residential areas, along with limited awareness around fabric segregation. Sorting mixed-fiber materials also posed technical challenges.

These issues were addressed through phased rollout strategies, public engagement campaigns, and the adoption of fiber-scanning technology.

With the interim facility demonstrating viability, the next phase involves establishing a permanent, higher-capacity center in Koparkhairane near Nisarg Udyan.

The expansion signals an attempt to move from pilot to scalable infrastructure, positioning textile recovery as a formal component of urban waste systems.

Circular economy model gains policy relevance

The Navi Mumbai initiative aligns with broader policy frameworks focused on sustainability and resource efficiency.

It connects with national programs such as Swachh Bharat 2.0 and the Smart Cities Mission, while also reflecting global sustainability goals tied to responsible consumption and production.

At its core, the model reframes textile waste as an economic input. Materials once discarded are reintroduced into production cycles, generating both environmental and financial value.

In Belapur, that shift is visible in the daily flow of fabric through the facility. Each item carries a different outcome, but the system around it is consistent.

Waste enters. Work begins. Value is created.

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Artemis II Update-15, Day 5: Correction Burn Complete, Crew Locks In Lunar Flyby Trajectory

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

In deep space, small adjustments carry large consequences.

Late in the day, astronauts aboard Orion executed a short but critical maneuver, firing the spacecraft’s thrusters for just 17.5 seconds to refine their trajectory toward the Moon. The burn began at 11:03 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and was coordinated with teams at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

The timing and duration were deliberate. Even minor changes in velocity can alter the spacecraft’s path over hundreds of thousands of miles, making precision essential as the mission approaches lunar proximity.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen remain on track for a planned flyby of the Moon.

Trajectory correction burn sharpens lunar approach

The outbound correction burn marks one of the final propulsion adjustments before the spacecraft reaches the Moon.

Earlier in the mission, multiple planned burns were canceled after flight controllers confirmed Orion was already following a precise trajectory. This maneuver, however, was carried out to fine-tune the spacecraft’s alignment ahead of the flyby.

Such burns are part of standard deep space navigation. They ensure that the spacecraft arrives at the correct position, orientation, and velocity for key mission events.

NASA engineers monitor these maneuvers closely, analyzing performance data to confirm that propulsion systems respond as expected.

Orion survival suit testing completed in orbit

Earlier in the day, the crew completed a full evaluation of the Orion Crew Survival System suits, one of the mission’s key human systems tests.

Each astronaut performed a sequence that included donning and pressurizing the suit, conducting leak checks, simulating seat entry, and assessing mobility. They also tested their ability to eat and drink while wearing the suit.

The suits are designed to support astronauts during high-risk phases of flight, including launch and reentry, and to provide life support in the event of cabin depressurization. They also play a role in post-splashdown survival operations.

Engineers are using the data to assess how the suits perform during extended wear in microgravity, where movement, comfort, and thermal regulation become critical.

The Artemis II crew – NASA Astronaut Reid Wiseman Wiseman (far left), CSA (Canadian Space Agency) Astronaut Jeremy Hansen (center left) and NASA astronauts Christina Koch (center right) and Victor Glover (right) participated in a live media event in the Orion spacecraft during Flight Day 4. and seen live on the agency’s 24/7 coverage.
NASA

Entering lunar gravity sets stage for far-side flyby

As the day concludes, Orion is scheduled to cross a key threshold. At approximately 12:41 a.m. on April 6, the spacecraft will enter the Moon’s gravitational sphere of influence.

At that point, lunar gravity becomes the dominant force shaping the spacecraft’s trajectory, marking a shift from transit to direct lunar interaction.

The milestone sets up the next phase of the mission: a flight around the far side of the Moon.

This segment carries both operational and symbolic weight. It will take the crew out of direct communication with Earth for a period, as the Moon blocks radio signals, and position Orion for its primary observation window.

Inside the capsule, preparations are largely complete. The trajectory has been refined, systems have been tested, and the crew has worked through the procedures that will guide them through the flyby.

The spacecraft continues forward on a path that now depends less on correction and more on execution.

Key lunar flyby times, milestones (all times Eastern subject to change based on real-time operations):

1 p.m.: NASA+ coverage of lunar flyby begins.

1:56 p.m.: The crew will surpass the record for humans’ farthest distance from Earth, previously set by Apollo 13 in 1970.

2:10 p.m.: Crew remarks on breaking Apollo 13 distance record (audio only)

2:15 p.m.: Crew configures Orion’s cabin for flyby operations

2:45 p.m.: Lunar observation begins

6:44 p.m.: Predicted loss of communications as crew heads behind the Moon (approximately 40 minutes)

7:02 p.m. Orion closest approach to the Moon (4,070 miles)

7:07 p.m.: Orion reaches maximum distance from Earth (252,757 miles)

7:25 p.m.: “Earthrise” marks Earth coming back into view on the opposite edge of the moon; Predicted acquisition of communications as crew reemerges from behind the Moon
8:35-9:32 p.m.: During a solar eclipse, the Sun will pass behind the Moon from the crew’s perspective

9:20 p.m.: Lunar observation concludes

The crew is scheduled to begin their sleep period for the day at 2:20 a.m., and will receive their wake up call to begin flight day 6 at 10:50 a.m. on Monday, April 6.

Watch live coverage of the Artemis II lunar flyby on NASA+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max and Roku beginning at 1 p.m., alongside the agency’s 24/7 coverage on its YouTube channel. Learn how to stream NASA content through a variety of online platforms, including social media.

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Artemis II Update-14, Day 5: Crew Demos Suits, Readies for Lunar Flyby

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Astronauts aboard Artemis II continue their workday aboard the Orion spacecraft, testing survival suits and preparing for a lunar flyby set for Monday, April 6. The crew is set to enter the Moon’s gravitational influence just after midnight and execute a key trajectory correction burn later in the day. Final science targets, including major lunar basins, have been assigned ahead of a six-hour observation window.

Inside Orion, the workday has shifted toward final preparations for one of the mission’s defining moments.

With the Moon now close enough to begin shaping the spacecraft’s path, the four astronauts are balancing system checks with scientific planning, moving through a schedule that blends engineering discipline with observation readiness.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen are continuing a full evaluation of the Orion Crew Survival System suits, a system designed for worst-case scenarios in spaceflight.

Orion spacesuit testing and emergency readiness in deep space

The suit demonstration involves a complete operational sequence. Astronauts are performing leak checks, simulating seat entry, and testing how well they can move, eat, and drink while fully suited.

NASA designed the suits to function across multiple mission phases. They provide life support if cabin pressure is lost, protect crew members during launch and reentry, and support survival after splashdown in the ocean.

Engineers are using this test to understand how the suits perform over extended use in microgravity. Comfort and flexibility are critical, especially for missions that will last longer than earlier lunar programs.

The evaluation also feeds into planning for future deep space missions, where astronauts may need to rely on such systems for longer durations and under more demanding conditions.

(This photo shows the Orion spacecraft with the Moon in the distance, as captured by a camera on the tip of one of its solar array wings during flight day 2 of the mission.
NASA)

Outbound trajectory correction burn and lunar approach timing

Following the suit tests, the crew is scheduled to carry out an outbound trajectory correction burn at approximately 11:03 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

The maneuver will refine Orion’s path toward the Moon, ensuring that the spacecraft is correctly aligned for its flyby observation window. Earlier in the mission, two planned burns were canceled after flight controllers confirmed the spacecraft was already on an accurate trajectory.

Ahead of the maneuver, Koch and Hansen are reviewing procedures, with Hansen assigned to monitor navigation data and spacecraft configuration during the burn.

The mission timeline also includes a key milestone. Orion is expected to enter the Moon’s gravitational sphere of influence at about 12:41 a.m. on April 6, marking the transition from transit to direct lunar interaction.

(A screenshot of the application the Artemis II crew sees on their PCDs that guides them in the execution of the lunar science observation plan. This custom software was built by the Crew Lunar Observations Team, a subset of the Artemis II lunar science team. In this screenshot you can see Orientale basin, target number 12 circled on the bottom right of the Moon, and to its left, target number 13, Hertzsprung basin.
NASA)

Lunar flyby science targets include major impact basins

Mission control has delivered the final list of lunar observation targets, giving the crew a defined set of features to document during the flyby.

Among the most prominent is the Orientale basin, a massive impact structure nearly 600 miles wide that spans the boundary between the Moon’s near and far sides.

Formed roughly 3.8 billion years ago, the basin preserves clear evidence of a large collision, including concentric rings and dramatic surface topography. Its visibility during the flyby makes it a priority for imaging and analysis.

Another key target is the Hertzsprung basin, located northwest of Orientale on the Moon’s far side. At roughly 400 miles across, it represents an older and more degraded structure.

By comparing the two basins, astronauts will help scientists study how lunar features evolve over time. Differences in structure, erosion, and impact history offer clues about the Moon’s geological development.

The crew is expected to review these targets in detail and coordinate with mission controllers to finalize observation techniques before the flyby begins.

Final preparations inside Orion as flyby approaches

As the spacecraft moves deeper into the Moon’s gravitational influence, operations inside Orion are becoming more tightly focused.

Each task, from suit testing to trajectory adjustments, is tied directly to the upcoming flyby. The six-hour observation window will require precise timing, coordination, and execution.

The astronauts are working through final checklists, ensuring that both human and mechanical systems are ready. Cameras must be positioned, observation plans synchronized, and spacecraft orientation carefully controlled.

The mission has reached a stage where preparation outweighs transit. The spacecraft continues along a stable path, but the emphasis has shifted to how effectively the crew can carry out their objectives once they reach lunar proximity.

For the Artemis II team, the work now is less about getting to the Moon and more about what they will do when they get there.

Key moments for the lunar flyby include the following. All times are Eastern and may change based on real-time operations:

Monday, April 6

12:41 a.m.: Orion enters lunar sphere of influence at 41,072 miles from the Moon.
1:30 p.m.: The science officer in mission control will brief the crew on their science goals for the upcoming flyby.
1:56 p.m.: The Artemis II crew is expected surpass the record previously set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970 for the farthest humans have ever traveled from Earth.
2:45 p.m.: Lunar observations begin.
6:44 p.m.: Mission control expects to temporarily lose communication with the crew as the Orion spacecraft passes behind the Moon.
6:45 p.m.: During “Earthset,” Earth will glide behind the Moon from Orion’s perspective.
7:02 p.m.: Orion reaches its closest approach to the Moon at 4,070 miles above the surface.
7:07 p.m.: Crew reach their maximum distance from Earth during the mission.
7:25 p.m.: “Earthrise” marks Earth coming back into view on the opposite edge of the Moon.
7:25 p.m.: NASA’s Mission Control Center should re -acquire communication with the astronauts.
8:35-9:32 p.m.: During a solar eclipse, the Sun will pass behind the Moon from the crew’s perspective.
9:20 p.m.: Lunar observations conclude.

Tuesday, April 7

1:25 p.m.: Orion exits the lunar sphere of influence at 41,072 miles from the Moon.

During the flyby, the spacecraft will break the record for the farthest distance from Earth traveled by any human mission, surpassing the mark set by Apollo 13 in April 1970 during its emergency return to Earth. The spacecraft is expected to break the record at 1:56 p.m. and will reach its maximum distance at 7:07 p.m., a total of 252,760 miles from Earth; Apollo 13 reached 248,655 miles from Earth.

When Orion passes behind the Moon, the mission will enter a planned communications blackout of about 40 minutes as the lunar surface blocks the radio signals needed for the Deep Space Network to connect with the spacecraft. Similar blackouts occurred during the Artemis I and Apollo missions and are expected with an Earth-based communications infrastructure. Once Orion reemerges, the network will quickly reacquire its signal and restore contact with mission control.

Artemis II Update-13, Day 5: Crew Tests Survival Suits As Spacecraft Nears Lunar Gravity Zone

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Astronauts aboard Artemis II began Flight Day 5 by testing their Orion survival suits as the Orion spacecraft closed to within 65,235 miles of the Moon. The activities include a full suit evaluation, a planned trajectory correction burn, and entry into the Moon’s gravitational sphere of influence. The mission is transitioning into its final approach phase ahead of a scheduled lunar flyby.

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The day aboard Orion began with music and method.

As CeeLo Green’s “Working Class Heroes (Work)” played through the cabin, the four astronauts shifted quickly into one of the mission’s most practical tests: evaluating the suits designed to keep them alive if something goes wrong.

At this stage of the mission, the spacecraft is about 65,235 miles from the Moon. The distance marks a transition point, where lunar gravity begins to shape the trajectory more strongly than Earth’s pull.

The crew also heard a special message from Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke.

“John Young and I landed on the Moon in 1972 in a lunar module we named Orion. I’m glad to see a different kind of Orion helping return humans to the Moon as America charts the course to the lunar surface. Below you on the Moon is a photo of my family. I pray it reminds you that we and America and all of the world are cheering you on.”

Charlie duke, Apollo 16 Astronaut

Orion Crew Survival System suit test in microgravity

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen are conducting a full operational sequence using the Orion Crew Survival System suit.

The test is structured to mirror real mission scenarios. Astronauts will don the suits, pressurize them, and perform leak checks. They will then simulate entering their seats and assess how easily they can move, eat, and drink while fully suited.

NASA engineers are particularly focused on how the suits perform over extended periods in microgravity. Unlike earlier programs, Artemis missions are designed for longer durations, making comfort and mobility as critical as protection.

The suit itself serves multiple purposes. It is built to provide life support if the cabin loses pressure, protect astronauts during high-risk phases such as launch and reentry, and support survival operations after splashdown in the ocean.

Enhanced thermal regulation, improved communication systems, and greater flexibility are among the features being evaluated during this demonstration. The data collected will shape how future crews operate during longer missions beyond the Moon.

Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Reid Wiseman work together inside the Orion spacecraft on their way to the Moon.

Final trajectory adjustments and lunar approach phase

Later in the day, the crew is scheduled to execute an outbound trajectory correction burn, one of the final planned propulsion maneuvers before the lunar flyby.

These burns fine-tune the spacecraft’s path, ensuring that Orion reaches the correct position and orientation for its observation window around the Moon. Earlier in the mission, several planned burns were canceled due to the spacecraft’s precise trajectory. This maneuver is expected to proceed as scheduled.

The crew will also receive their final set of lunar science targets, completing the preparation phase for the flyby. These targets include specific surface features identified by NASA scientists for observation and imaging.

By the end of the day, Orion is expected to enter the Moon’s gravitational sphere of influence, a region where lunar gravity becomes the dominant force acting on the spacecraft.

This shift has both symbolic and operational significance. It marks the point where the mission transitions from transit to direct lunar interaction.

(The Artemis II crew took this photo on day 4 of their journey to the Moon. In it, the Moon is oriented with the South Pole at the top and are beginning to see parts of the lunar far side. Orientale basin is on the right edge of the lunar disk in this image. Artemis II marks the first time that humans have seen the entire basin. The Artemis II crew will continue to observe Orientale from multiple angles as they approach the Moon and throughout the lunar flyby. Orientale is the textbook multi-ring impact basin used as a baseline to compare other impact craters on rocky worlds from Mercury to Pluto.
NASA)

Mission operations continue under close ground coordination

Mission managers and scientists are scheduled to provide a detailed update during a briefing streamed on NASA’s official channels later in the day.

The briefings serve as a key link between the spacecraft and the public, offering updates on system performance, crew health, and mission progress.

Inside the capsule, the crew’s schedule remains tightly controlled. Each task, from suit testing to propulsion maneuvers, is timed to align with both spacecraft operations and communication windows with Earth.

The suit demonstration stands out as one of the more human-centered activities in the mission. It focuses not on where the spacecraft is going, but on how the crew will function if conditions change rapidly.

As Orion continues its approach, the astronauts are balancing technical precision with preparation for the unexpected. The systems being tested now, including the suits, are designed for scenarios that mission planners hope never occur but must be ready to handle.

The Moon is now close enough to influence the spacecraft’s path. Inside Orion, the crew is working through the final checklists that will carry them into the flyby phase, where observation, timing, and coordination will define the mission’s next milestone.

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Artemis II Update-11, Day 4: Crew Enters Deep Space, Lunar Flyby Prep

Artemis II Update-12, Day 4: Astronauts Hand-Fly Orion, Sharpen Lunar Flyby Plan in Deep Space

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Astronauts aboard Artemis II completed a 41-minute manual piloting test of the Orion spacecraft on Flight Day 4, taking turns controlling the vehicle in deep space. The demonstration, carried out tested thruster modes and maneuvering capabilities as the crew also reviewed targets for an upcoming lunar flyby. The mission continues on a stable trajectory toward the Moon, with further piloting tests planned later in the flight.

The astronauts aboard Orion spent part of their fourth day in space doing something few humans have ever done: manually steering a spacecraft far beyond Earth orbit.

Late in the day, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen took control of the capsule, guiding it through a series of controlled maneuvers designed to test how the spacecraft responds to human input in deep space.

The exercise began at 9:09 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and lasted 41 minutes, giving engineers a detailed look at Orion’s handling under different conditions.

Orion manual piloting test evaluates deep space handling

During the demonstration, the astronauts tested two distinct thruster configurations. One allowed full six degrees of freedom, enabling movement and rotation across all axes. The other restricted motion to three degrees of freedom, simplifying control inputs and simulating different operational scenarios.

The goal is data. NASA engineers are studying how Orion behaves when astronauts take direct control, measuring responsiveness, stability, and precision. These findings will inform how future crews operate spacecraft during longer missions, where autonomy becomes essential.

Commander Reid Wiseman and pilot Victor Glover are scheduled to repeat the test on Flight Day 8, allowing ground teams to compare performance across different crew members.

Manual control remains a backup capability in modern spacecraft, but NASA continues to treat it as a core skill. In deep space, where delays in communication can limit ground intervention, astronauts must be able to operate independently if needed.

Lunar flyby imaging plan finalized ahead of observation window

While piloting tests drew focus late in the day, earlier hours were spent preparing for the mission’s next major milestone: the lunar flyby.

The crew reviewed a list of imaging targets prepared by NASA’s science team, outlining specific features on the Moon that astronauts will photograph and analyze during a six-hour observation period.

That window begins at approximately 2:45 p.m. on April 6, when Orion’s main cabin windows will be oriented toward the lunar surface.

The targets include impact craters, volcanic plains formed by ancient lava flows, and structural features such as ridges and fractures. By documenting variations in brightness, texture, and color, astronauts will contribute data that helps scientists interpret the Moon’s geological history.

Unlike earlier missions that passed close to the surface, Orion will observe the Moon from thousands of miles away. That distance allows the crew to capture a broader view, including polar regions that are difficult to study from low-altitude trajectories.

The planning session ensures that each crew member understands their role during the flyby. Timing, camera positioning, and observational priorities must align precisely during the limited window available.

Crew life aboard Orion blends routine with milestone moments

Even as the mission advances toward the Moon, daily life aboard Orion continues to follow a structured routine.

Earlier in the day, the astronauts used one of the spacecraft’s external solar array cameras to capture selfies, offering a glimpse of the crew inside the capsule as Earth recedes in the distance. The images are expected to be transmitted to mission control in the coming days.

Such moments, while informal, serve a broader purpose. NASA often shares these images to document the human experience of spaceflight, providing visual context for missions that otherwise unfold far from public view.

The crew is scheduled to begin their sleep period at 3:15 a.m., with mission control at the NASA Johnson Space Center set to wake them at noon Central Daylight Time to begin Flight Day 5.

Structured sleep cycles remain essential. Maintaining physical and cognitive performance is critical as the mission approaches its most observation-intensive phase.

Precision trajectory allows focus on operations

Artemis II continues along a stable trajectory toward the Moon, allowing astronauts to dedicate more time to operational tasks rather than propulsion adjustments.

NASA flight controllers have already canceled multiple planned trajectory correction burns, citing the spacecraft’s accurate path. That precision reduces workload on both the crew and ground teams while conserving fuel for later mission phases.

Inside Orion, that translates into a shift in focus. The early days of the mission emphasized propulsion and navigation. Now, attention has turned to piloting validation, scientific preparation, and system monitoring.

The manual piloting demonstration is part of that transition. It marks a point where the spacecraft is no longer just being guided by automated systems but is also being tested as a vehicle that astronauts can control directly in deep space.

As the Moon draws closer, the crew’s preparations inside the capsule are becoming more deliberate. Every maneuver, checklist review, and system test feeds into the upcoming flyby.

For now, the spacecraft continues forward on a steady path, with astronauts alternating between routine tasks and moments that underscore the scale of the mission.

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Artemis II Update-11, Day 4: Crew Enters Deep Space, Lunar Flyby Prep

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

As the Orion spacecraft continues its path toward the Moon, the Artemis II crew will spend their fourth flight day preparing for their lunar flyby on Monday, April 6. Traveling more than 169,000 miles from Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft, astronauts are set to manually pilot the vehicle and study the Moon from a distant vantage point. The mission will also include a planned communications blackout and record-breaking distance milestone as Orion moves deeper into space.

Inside the Orion capsule, the day began with music and routine. The four astronauts, already days into deep space travel, woke to Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” before shifting into a tightly scheduled slate of mission tasks.

By the time they started work, the spacecraft had already crossed roughly 169,000 miles from Earth and was closing in on the Moon, which lay about 110,700 miles ahead. The numbers mark a point where Earth is no longer the dominant visual reference, and operational focus shifts toward lunar proximity.

Manual control test of Orion in deep space

Later in the day, pilot Victor Glover is scheduled to take manual control of Orion, a rare exercise designed to evaluate how the spacecraft responds to human input far beyond Earth orbit.

NASA officials have framed the test as critical for future missions, where astronauts may need to intervene directly in spacecraft navigation. The maneuver will provide engineers with data on handling characteristics, including responsiveness and stability under manual control.

The crew is also running a 24-hour acoustics test inside the cabin. Engineers are using the data to map the spacecraft’s sound environment, which affects both crew comfort and communication clarity during extended missions.

These activities reflect a broader goal of Artemis II. Beyond reaching the Moon, the mission is designed to validate systems that astronauts will rely on during longer journeys, including eventual missions to Mars.

https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jsc2025m000169-artemis-ii-mission-map-720.mp4?_=1

(This artist’s concept depicts the nominal trajectory for NASA’s Artemis II test flight, an approximately 10-day mission that will send four astronauts around the Moon and back. The agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft will launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion will fly two orbits of Earth and then venture around the Moon in a figure-eight pattern before returning to Earth.NASA/JSC/Goddard)

Lunar flyby observations and scientific targets

Preparation for the lunar flyby dominates the schedule. The six-hour observation window begins at approximately 2:45 p.m., when Orion’s main windows will face the Moon, allowing astronauts to begin detailed visual and photographic analysis.

Unlike the Apollo missions, which passed about 70 miles above the lunar surface, Orion will remain roughly 4,066 miles away at its closest point. From that distance, the crew will see the Moon as a full disk, including polar regions rarely observed in a single view.

Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will work through a checklist of surface features identified by NASA’s science team.

They are expected to document impact craters, ancient lava plains, and fractures in the Moon’s crust. Variations in brightness and color will also be recorded, offering clues about the composition and geological history of the lunar surface.

The flyby will also create a rare viewing condition. As Orion, the Moon, and the Sun align, astronauts will witness a solar eclipse from space lasting about an hour. During that period, they will study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, as it becomes visible around the Moon’s edge.

NASA has also tasked the crew with watching for flashes of light caused by meteoroid impacts on the lunar surface. These observations could help scientists better understand surface hazards for future missions.

https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/lunarflyby-1min-2160p30small.mp4?_=2

(This visualization follows the trajectory of the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II flyby of the Moon, showing what astronauts will see out the window as they approach the Moon and fly around its far side. The flyby will last from 2:45 – 9:40 PM EDT on April 6, 2026, and marks the window of time that the Artemis II crew will be close enough to the Moon to make scientific observations and Orion’s windows will be pointed toward the Moon. The angle of the Sun’s illumination of the Moon will change throughout the period based on the shifting positions of the Sun, Moon, and spacecraft — revealing both familiar nearside terrain and portions of the far side not visible from Earth. This visualization, compressed from seven hours to one minute, includes Earthrise and Earthset, and a solar eclipse, which will be visible to the crew at the end of the flyby window, when the Sun will glide behind the Moon for nearly an hour from the perspective of Orion.NASA/Ernie Wright)

Communications blackout and record distance milestone

A planned communications blackout is expected when Orion passes behind the Moon. The interruption will begin around 5:47 p.m. and last approximately 40 minutes, as the Moon blocks signals between the spacecraft and NASA’s Deep Space Network.

Such blackouts are standard in lunar missions and were also experienced during earlier programs. Once Orion emerges from behind the Moon, ground stations are expected to quickly reestablish contact.

During this phase, Artemis II is also set to surpass a long-standing distance record. Orion will travel about 252,757 miles from Earth at its farthest point, exceeding the distance reached by the Apollo 13 crew.

The milestone reflects both trajectory design and the mission’s broader objective of pushing human spaceflight deeper into space than previous crewed missions.

(Orion snapped this high-resolution selfie in space with a camera mounted on one of its solar array wings during a routine external inspection of the spacecraft on the second day into the Artemis II mission. The image was downlinked by the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System.NASA)

Life sciences research and onboard system challenges

Beyond navigation and observation, Artemis II is carrying a suite of experiments aimed at understanding how humans and biological systems respond to deep space.

One payload, known as AVATAR, includes bone marrow cells derived from crew blood samples to study immune system behavior in space. The astronauts are also collecting saliva samples as part of ongoing biomedical research.

Radiation exposure remains a key concern. Sensors provided by the German Aerospace Center, along with NASA instruments, are measuring radiation levels throughout the spacecraft.

Crew members are also wearing actigraphy devices that track sleep patterns, movement, and overall health. These data sets will inform planning for longer missions, where maintaining crew performance becomes increasingly complex.

Not all systems have operated without issue. Engineers are working to clear a wastewater vent line after a partial blockage. The crew has been instructed to use backup collection methods if necessary, although the main system remains functional.

Mission controllers at the NASA Johnson Space Center have again canceled a planned trajectory correction burn, confirming that Orion remains on its intended path. Instead, the spacecraft will be oriented toward the Sun to help resolve the vent issue.

Expanding communications capabilities in deep space

In parallel with crew operations, Orion’s optical communications system has surpassed 100 gigabytes of data transmitted back to Earth.

The system uses laser-based transmission, allowing higher data rates than traditional radio signals. NASA officials see the technology as essential for future missions that will require rapid transmission of high-resolution imagery and scientific data.

As Artemis II approaches its lunar flyby, the mission has shifted into a phase where precision operations, scientific observation, and human endurance intersect. The spacecraft continues on a trajectory that requires no correction, while inside, astronauts prepare to document the Moon from a distance no crew has experienced in decades.

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Artemis II Update-9, Day 3: NASA cancels first trajectory correction burn

Artemis II Update-10, Day 3: Crew Prepares Orion Cabin As Lunar Flyby Nears Milestone

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The crew of Artemis II moved into preparation mode on April 6 as their spacecraft, Orion spacecraft, continued its trajectory toward a lunar flyby. The outbound trajectory correction burn was canceled after flight controllers confirmed the spacecraft remained on course. Astronauts focused on cabin readiness, medical drills, and system checks as the mission passed its halfway point to the Moon.

The four astronauts aboard Artemis II are settling into the rhythms of deep space travel as their spacecraft closes in on a critical phase of the mission. By Monday afternoon, the crew had shifted focus from major propulsion events to preparing the Orion capsule for sustained lunar observation, a period that will define the mission’s operational success.

“We all had a collective expression of joy at that… We can see the Moon out of the docking hatch right now. It’s a beautiful sight.” –Christina KOCH, NASA Astronaut (Artemis II Mission)

Mission controllers at the NASA Johnson Space Center confirmed that the first planned outbound trajectory correction burn was no longer necessary. The spacecraft’s path, they said, remained precise enough to meet mission parameters without adjustment. That decision removed one of three scheduled trajectory maneuvers designed to fine-tune Orion’s route to the Moon.

Inside the capsule, the change translated into a different kind of workload. Rather than executing propulsion tasks, the crew began configuring their living and observation environment for the upcoming lunar flyby window.

Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Reid Wiseman work together inside the Orion spacecraft on their way to the Moon.

Orion cabin preparation for lunar observation phase

Cabin preparation is not cosmetic. It involves reconfiguring equipment, securing loose items, and ensuring all observation tools are accessible during the Moon flyby. Astronauts must also adjust lighting, camera systems, and window access points to capture scientific data and imagery.

NASA officials have described this phase as one of the most human-centered parts of the mission. The spacecraft, which has operated largely as a transport vehicle until now, becomes a workspace and observation platform as it approaches lunar proximity.

Crew members spent part of the day organizing onboard equipment and verifying that all systems required for observation are functioning within expected parameters. This includes environmental controls, onboard computing systems, and manual override mechanisms.

Alongside technical preparation, astronauts continued routine health maintenance. Exercise sessions remain a daily requirement to counter the effects of microgravity on muscles and bone density. Medical response drills were also conducted, simulating potential emergencies that could arise far from Earth.

These drills are not theoretical. NASA requires crews to demonstrate the ability to respond to medical situations independently, given the communication delays and physical distance involved in deep space missions.

Deep space systems testing and mission timeline adjustments

The crew also tested Orion’s emergency communications system, a critical component designed to maintain contact with Earth under degraded conditions. Engineers on the ground monitor these tests closely, using them to validate system redundancy and resilience.

Deep space communication differs significantly from low Earth orbit operations. Signal delays increase, and the margin for error narrows. Testing ensures that backup systems can function if primary channels fail.

NASA’s decision to cancel the trajectory correction burn underscores the precision of the spacecraft’s navigation systems. According to mission control, Orion’s current trajectory aligns closely with pre-flight calculations, reducing the need for mid-course corrections.

That precision has operational consequences. Fewer burns mean conservation of fuel and reduced mechanical stress on propulsion systems, both of which can extend mission flexibility.

The Artemis II timeline continues to evolve in real time. While the crew prepared for rest around 3 a.m. Central Daylight Time, mission control scheduled their wake-up for the next operational phase. The timeline reflects both planned activities and adjustments based on spacecraft performance.

Despite the technical complexity, daily life aboard Orion follows a structured routine. Sleep cycles, exercise periods, and work blocks are carefully scheduled to maintain crew health and efficiency.

For the astronauts, the mission has now entered a quieter but equally demanding stage. The high-energy launch and orbital maneuvers have given way to sustained operations, where attention to detail becomes critical.

The lunar flyby, expected soon, will serve as both a technical demonstration and a symbolic milestone. Artemis II is the first crewed mission under NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence.

The mission builds on decades of spaceflight experience while introducing new systems designed for deep space exploration. Orion, developed specifically for missions beyond low Earth orbit, represents a shift in spacecraft design priorities, emphasizing autonomy, durability, and crew safety over extended durations.

As the spacecraft moves closer to the Moon, the crew’s preparations inside the cabin will shape how effectively they can carry out observation tasks. Every adjustment made now, from equipment placement to system checks, feeds into that moment.

For mission control teams in Houston, the cancellation of a major burn signals confidence in both the spacecraft and the planning behind it. For the astronauts, it means more time to prepare for the view ahead.

The Moon is no longer a distant objective. It is approaching, steadily, on a trajectory that no longer requires correction.

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Govt mandates features on OTT platforms for hearing and visually impaired

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued accessibility guidelines for OTT platforms on February 6, 2026, requiring features for hearing and visually impaired audiences. The rules mandate captions or sign language for hearing-impaired users and audio descriptions for visually impaired viewers on new content. The announcement was made in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State L. Murugan. The move aims to make digital streaming content more inclusive across India.

Streaming platforms in India are now required to rethink how their content is presented, not just what they show.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a new set of accessibility guidelines aimed at ensuring that films, series, and other digital content can be accessed by viewers with hearing and visual impairments.

The guidelines, released on February 6, 2026, apply to publishers of online curated content, commonly known as OTT platforms. They establish both mandatory features and a phased implementation schedule for compliance.

OTT accessibility rules mandate captions and audio description

Under the new framework, all newly published content must include at least one accessibility feature for each category of disability.

For viewers with hearing impairment, platforms must provide options such as closed captioning, open captioning, or Indian Sign Language interpretation. For visually impaired audiences, content must include audio descriptions that narrate visual elements of a scene.

These requirements are designed to ensure that accessibility is integrated into content at the point of release, rather than added later.

The guidelines also outline a structured rollout timeline, allowing platforms to align production workflows with the new standards.

Government statement in Rajya Sabha on OTT accessibility policy

The policy details were presented in Parliament by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan in response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Maya Naroliya.

The ministry said the objective is to make audio visual content accessible to a broader segment of the population, particularly those who face barriers in consuming standard formats of digital media.

The guidelines have been made publicly available through the ministry’s official website under its policy documents section.

Push for inclusive digital media and compliance expectations

The move reflects a wider shift toward accessibility in digital services, as governments and regulators increasingly emphasize inclusion in technology and media.

OTT platforms have expanded rapidly in India over the past decade, becoming a primary source of entertainment across languages and regions. The new rules bring accessibility into that growth trajectory.

For content creators and platforms, the guidelines introduce new compliance requirements that will affect production, post-production, and distribution processes.

For viewers, particularly those with disabilities, the changes are expected to expand access to mainstream entertainment and information.

The guidelines position accessibility not as an optional feature but as a baseline requirement for digital content distribution in India’s evolving media landscape.

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Government slashes excise duty on Petrol, Diesel despite surge in global oil prices

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Government slashes excise duty on Petrol, Diesel despite surge in global oil prices

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The Government of India has reduced excise duty by ₹10 per litre on petrol and diesel with immediate effect following a sharp rise in global crude prices. The move, announced amid a surge from about $70 to $122 per barrel in March 2026, is aimed at supporting state-run oil companies while keeping retail fuel prices unchanged. The decision follows disruptions linked to conflict in West Asia and seeks to ensure supply stability across India. The policy also includes a new export levy on diesel.

The price on the fuel pump did not move. Behind the scenes, the economics shifted sharply.

India’s decision to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre comes at a moment when global crude prices have climbed rapidly, reshaping fuel markets across continents. Over the past month, benchmark crude rose from roughly $70 to $122 per barrel, a jump of nearly 75 percent driven by supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.

For Indian consumers, the immediate impact is stability. Retail prices remain unchanged. For the country’s oil marketing system, the change is more consequential.

Fuel excise cut offsets mounting OMC under recoveries

The excise reduction is not being passed on as a price cut at petrol pumps. Instead, it directly reduces the financial burden carried by public sector oil marketing companies.

These companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, have continued supplying fuel at prices below their cost of procurement.

At current international levels, under recoveries are estimated at about ₹26 per litre on petrol and ₹81.90 per litre on diesel. The combined daily loss absorbed by these firms is around ₹2,400 crore.

The ₹10 per litre excise cut offsets a portion of these losses, easing pressure on company balance sheets while allowing retail prices to remain steady.

This approach shifts the fiscal burden from consumers to the government. Lower excise collections reduce revenue, but they prevent a direct pass-through of global price volatility to households and businesses.

Global fuel price surge and India’s price stability strategy

Fuel prices have risen sharply in many parts of the world since the latest oil shock began. According to government data, prices have increased by 30 to 50 percent across South and South-East Asia, about 30 percent in North America, and roughly 20 percent in Europe.

India has diverged from that trend by holding retail prices steady, a strategy that relies on a combination of tax adjustments and loss absorption by public sector companies.

The policy reflects a broader approach seen during earlier global disruptions, including the period following the Russia Ukraine conflict 2022, when similar measures were used to limit domestic price increases.

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said the government faced a choice between raising prices or absorbing the impact.

“The Government had two choices: either increase prices drastically for citizens of Bharat as all other nations have done, or bear the brunt on its finances so that the Indian citizen is insulated from international volatility,” Puri said.

He added that the decision was taken to reduce the losses faced by oil marketing companies during a period of elevated global prices.

Diesel export levy introduced to secure domestic supply

Alongside the tax cut, the government has introduced an export levy on diesel. The measure aims to discourage refiners from diverting supply to international markets where prices are currently higher.

By prioritizing domestic availability, the policy seeks to ensure that fuel supplies at Indian pumps remain uninterrupted despite global market pressures.

The move reflects a balancing act between commercial incentives and domestic energy security. High global prices can make exports more attractive for refiners, but reduced domestic supply could lead to shortages or price spikes within the country.

India’s latest intervention underscores the scale of the current oil shock and its ripple effects across national economies. By absorbing part of the impact through fiscal measures, the government is attempting to stabilize both supply and pricing in a volatile global environment.

How do giant caldera volcanoes refill magma after massive eruptions

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

Researchers from Kobe University have identified how magma reservoirs beneath giant caldera volcanoes refill, based on a study of the Kikai caldera. The findings, published in Communications Earth & Environment in 2026, show that fresh magma is injected into reservoirs rather than left over from past eruptions. The work draws parallels with massive systems like the Yellowstone caldera and Toba caldera, offering new insight into how such volcanoes evolve after eruptions.

The crater left behind after a supervolcano erupts can stretch for miles, a scar formed when vast volumes of magma are expelled in a single event. What happens next, beneath that quiet surface, has long remained uncertain.

A new study from Kobe University offers a clearer picture. It suggests that the magma chambers of these giant caldera volcanoes do not simply retain leftover material. Instead, they are gradually refilled by new injections of magma rising from deeper within the Earth.

That distinction matters for scientists trying to understand how and when these volcanoes might erupt again.

Kikai caldera magma reservoir mapping using seismic surveys

The research focused on the Kikai caldera, located mostly underwater off southern Japan. Its last major eruption around 7,300 years ago is considered the largest of the Holocene epoch, the current geological period.

The site’s underwater setting provided a rare advantage. It allowed scientists to conduct detailed, large-scale surveys of the subsurface using controlled seismic techniques.

Working with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, researchers deployed airgun arrays to generate seismic waves and ocean-bottom seismometers to track how those waves moved through the Earth’s crust.

These measurements revealed a large reservoir beneath the caldera that is composed largely of magma. Its size and position indicate that it corresponds to the same reservoir involved in the ancient eruption.

“Due to its extent and location it is clear that this is in fact the same magma reservoir as in the previous eruption,” said geophysicist Nobukazu Seama.

New magma injection replaces remnants from past eruptions

While the reservoir occupies the same region, the material inside it appears to be new.

Over the past 3,900 years, a lava dome has been forming at the center of the caldera. Chemical analysis of material from this dome and other recent activity shows a composition different from the magma ejected in the ancient eruption.

That difference led researchers to conclude that the current magma is not simply leftover from the previous event.

“This means that the magma that is now present in the magma reservoir under the lava dome is likely newly injected magma,” Seama said.

The finding supports what researchers describe as a “magma re-injection model,” in which fresh material gradually replenishes emptied reservoirs over thousands of years.

This process changes how scientists interpret signals from volcanoes. Instead of looking for signs of residual magma building pressure, attention shifts to how new magma enters and accumulates.

Implications for Yellowstone and other supervolcano systems

The study’s implications extend beyond Japan. Giant calderas such as Yellowstone in the United States and Toba in Indonesia share similar structural features, including large shallow magma reservoirs.

“This magma re-injection model is consistent with the existence of large shallow magma reservoirs beneath other giant calderas like Yellowstone and Toba,” Seama said.

Understanding how these reservoirs refill is central to predicting volcanic behavior. Supervolcano eruptions are rare but can have global consequences, affecting climate, ecosystems, and human activity.

Despite their scale, the processes leading up to such eruptions remain poorly understood. Scientists know that these volcanoes can erupt again, but the timing and triggers are difficult to determine.

The new model offers a framework for tracking those processes over time, particularly by monitoring how magma is supplied to reservoirs after major eruptions.

Toward improved monitoring of future giant eruptions

Researchers say the next step is refining the tools used in this study to better observe magma movement beneath the Earth’s surface.

“Our ultimate goal is to become better able to monitor the crucial indicators of future giant eruptions,” Seama said.

For now, the findings provide a clearer view of what happens after a supervolcano erupts. The surface may appear quiet, but deep below, new magma is slowly rebuilding the conditions for the next chapter in the volcano’s life cycle.

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Japan commits ODA loan to India in urban Transport, health and agriculture sectors

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The Government of Japan has committed an Official Development Assistance loan worth JPY 275.858 billion, about ₹16,420 crore, to India for four infrastructure and social sector projects. The agreement, signed on March 24, 2026, in New Delhi, covers metro rail expansion in Bengaluru and Mumbai, healthcare upgrades in Maharashtra, and horticulture development in Punjab. The funding will be implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency and is part of the broader India-Japan strategic partnership.

A fresh tranche of Japanese funding is set to shape some of India’s most critical urban and social infrastructure projects, from metro rail expansion in its largest cities to strengthening healthcare systems and farm incomes.

The agreement, finalized on March 24, brings together officials from both governments at a time when India’s infrastructure pipeline is expanding rapidly across states.

The Notes for the loan were exchanged between Alok Tiwari, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs under India’s Ministry of Finance, and Keiichi Ono, Japan’s ambassador to India. Loan agreements were also signed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the country’s primary development finance arm. [1]

Bengaluru and Mumbai metro expansion projects funding details

A significant portion of the funding is directed toward urban transport, with two metro rail projects accounting for the bulk of the allocation.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase 3 will receive JPY 102.480 billion. The expansion aims to meet rising commuter demand in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region by extending the mass rapid transit network.

Officials say the project is designed not only to improve mobility but also to reduce congestion and vehicle emissions, contributing to climate mitigation efforts in one of India’s fastest-growing urban centers. [2]

In Mumbai, the Metro Line 11 Project will receive JPY 92.400 billion. The line is expected to address similar pressures in the country’s financial capital, where traffic density and air pollution remain persistent challenges.

Both metro projects are positioned as long-term investments in urban sustainability, linking transport infrastructure with environmental goals. [3]

Maharashtra healthcare system upgrade and Punjab agriculture project

Beyond transport, the loan package includes funding aimed at strengthening public health systems in Maharashtra.

The Project for Strengthening Tertiary Healthcare Delivery, Medical Education System and Nursing Education System in Maharashtra will receive JPY 62.294 billion. The initiative includes the construction and upgrading of tertiary care hospitals, medical colleges, and nursing schools.

The goal is to improve both access to advanced medical care and the quality of medical education, with a broader focus on advancing Universal Health Coverage across the state. [4]

In Punjab, JPY 18.684 billion has been allocated for a project focused on sustainable horticulture. The initiative aims to help farmers diversify into high-value crops, supported by infrastructure development and capacity-building programs.

Officials say the project is intended to strengthen agricultural value chains while promoting environmentally sustainable practices. [5]

India Japan development cooperation and strategic partnership

The latest funding builds on decades of development cooperation between India and Japan, which dates back to 1958. Economic collaboration has become a central pillar of the bilateral relationship, with Japan emerging as one of India’s key partners in infrastructure financing.

Projects funded through Japanese ODA have historically included metro systems, industrial corridors, and environmental initiatives across multiple states.

The current loan package reinforces that trajectory, linking infrastructure expansion with broader goals such as climate resilience, public health, and rural income growth.

It also reflects Japan’s continued focus on supporting large-scale, long-term development projects through concessional financing mechanisms, often implemented via JICA.

The four projects, spread across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Punjab, are expected to move into implementation phases following the signing of loan agreements, marking another step in the evolving India-Japan strategic and global partnership.

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Space Breakthrough: Astronomers confirm rogue planet candidate as a planet for the first time

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

An international team led by Peking University confirmed the mass of a rogue planet for the first time using a rare alignment of telescopes in May 2024. The object, detected through microlensing, was found to be about the mass of Saturn, confirming it as a true planet. The findings, published in Science in January 2026, relied on combined data from ground observatories and the Gaia spacecraft. Scientists say the discovery could reshape understanding of free-floating planets across the Milky Way.

In the vast dark between stars, planets drift unseen. For years, astronomers suspected they existed in large numbers, but proving what they were has been far more difficult.

That changed with a brief flicker of light in May 2024.

The signal lasted just two days. It came from a distant star whose brightness momentarily intensified as an unseen object passed in front of it. That phenomenon, known as microlensing, has long been one of the few ways to detect rogue planets.

This time, the data went further.

“For the first time, we have a direct measurement of a rogue planet candidate’s mass and not just a rough statistical estimate,” said Dong Subo, an astronomer at Peking University. “We know for sure it’s a planet.”

Microlensing technique confirms rogue planet mass for first time

Rogue planets, unlike Earth or Jupiter, do not orbit a star. They move independently through space, making them nearly impossible to detect with traditional methods that rely on starlight.

Microlensing offers a workaround. When a planet crosses the line of sight between Earth and a distant star, its gravity bends the star’s light, briefly amplifying it. The effect acts like a natural magnifying glass.

Astronomers have used this method for decades, but it comes with limitations. While it reveals that an object exists, it often cannot precisely determine its mass because distance and gravitational strength are intertwined in the signal.

That ambiguity has left many rogue planet candidates in a gray area.

The new study, published in Science, resolved that uncertainty for one object by combining observations from multiple telescopes across Earth and space. The event, catalogued as KMT-2024-BLG-0792 and OGLE-2024-BLG-0516, was first detected by the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network and the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment.

At the same time, the Gaia spacecraft, operated by the European Space Agency, recorded the same event from its position roughly 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.

That overlap proved critical.

Gaia parallax measurement unlocks distance and mass data

The key to the breakthrough lay in measuring what astronomers call the microlens parallax effect. This effect works similarly to human depth perception, where viewing an object from two different positions reveals its distance.

In this case, Gaia’s vantage point in space and Earth-based telescopes provided two perspectives of the same event. The microlensing signal appeared about two hours later from Gaia’s position than from Earth.

That time difference allowed researchers to separate the object’s distance from its gravitational influence, enabling a precise mass calculation.

“We are able to use the same principle to extract the distance information of this rogue planet candidate, finding the mass and distance separately,” Dong said.

The result placed the object at roughly one-fifth the mass of Jupiter, comparable to Saturn. That measurement confirmed it as a planet rather than a more massive object such as a brown dwarf.

Implications for rogue planet population in the Milky Way

The finding carries implications beyond a single object. Astronomers have long theorized that the Milky Way Galaxy may host vast numbers of rogue planets, potentially numbering in the billions or more.

“Our discovery offers further evidence that the Galaxy may be teeming with rogue planets that were likely ejected from their original homes,” Dong said.

These planets are thought to form within star systems before being expelled through gravitational interactions, especially during early stages of planetary formation. Passing stars may also disrupt systems, sending planets into interstellar space.

Some theories suggest that a subset of rogue planets could form independently, collapsing directly from gas clouds without ever orbiting a star.

The new measurement strengthens confidence in microlensing surveys that have hinted at such populations for years.

Future space telescopes to expand rogue planet discoveries

The study also highlights the importance of coordinated observations across multiple platforms. The overlap between Gaia, KMTNet, and OGLE marked the only time in Gaia’s operational lifetime that all three observed the same rogue planet candidate.

Future missions are expected to make such measurements more routine.

NASA plans to launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will conduct large-scale microlensing surveys capable of detecting hundreds of rogue planets. China is also developing new missions, including the Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope and a proposed Earth 2.0 mission, both of which include microlensing in their scientific goals. [8]

These next-generation observatories will operate above Earth’s atmosphere, improving sensitivity and reducing distortions that affect ground-based observations.

“The new space-based facilities such as Roman, CSST, and Earth 2.0 are going to revolutionize the field of microlensing and the study of free-floating planets,” Dong said.

For now, the confirmed mass of a single rogue planet marks a turning point. It transforms a fleeting signal into a measurable world, offering a clearer view of a population that has long remained in the shadows.

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ESMT Berlin and BMW Group’s ‘Change Maker Fellowship 2026’ opens for MBA, MSc applicants globally

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Arun Kumar N

The BMW Group and ESMT Berlin have opened applications for the 2026 Change Maker Fellowship, offering eight scholarships across MBA and MSc programs. The initiative, now in its fifth year, targets STEM graduates from select countries including India, the United States, and Germany. The fellowships aim to train future leaders in digital transformation and mobility innovation. Applications are tied to academic intakes beginning September 2026 through January 2027.

The push to build leaders for a digital economy is increasingly moving inside corporate boardrooms and business schools. This year, BMW Group is doubling down on that effort with a new round of fellowships designed to connect engineering talent with executive training.

The automaker, working with ESMT Berlin, is offering eight Change Maker Fellowships for the 2026 academic cycle. The program is structured across three tracks, each aligned with a different stage of professional development.

Two fellowships are reserved for the full-time Master of Business Administration program starting in January 2027. Two more will support students entering Master of Science programs in September 2026. The remaining four are allocated to the Global Online MBA beginning in October 2026.

BMW ESMT fellowship eligibility and program structure

The fellowship targets candidates with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, often referred to as STEM. Applicants are expected to either hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or demonstrate work experience in areas such as information technology, automation, or digital systems.

The program reflects a growing demand for leaders who can navigate both technical systems and business strategy. Participants will combine formal management education with exposure to digital transformation challenges, particularly those shaping the future of mobility.

“We are proud to be entering the fifth year of our partnership with ESMT,” said Ilka Horstmeier, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for People and Real Estate. “Especially now, we need leaders who take responsibility and use technology and digitalization to shape the future.”

Eligibility is limited to applicants from countries where BMW maintains IT hubs, including Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, China, the United States, and South Africa. Individuals with recognized refugee status in Germany are also eligible.

For applicants to the full-time MBA and MSc tracks, an age cap applies. Candidates must be under 30 years old as of September 1, 2026.

Focus on digital transformation and mobility leadership

The fellowship sits at the intersection of two shifts in global business. One is the increasing importance of artificial intelligence and digital systems in decision-making roles. The other is the transformation of the mobility sector, where traditional automakers are expanding into software-driven ecosystems.

BMW Group employs more than 10,000 IT and software specialists worldwide and operates a network of technology hubs across multiple continents. That footprint shapes both the geographic eligibility and the program’s focus on real-world digital challenges.

At ESMT Berlin, the curriculum integrates business fundamentals with emerging technologies. The aim is to prepare candidates for leadership roles that require both technical fluency and strategic thinking.

“We thank BMW Group for its sustained partnership in advancing this initiative,” said Jörg Rocholl. “Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are changing the capabilities required in leadership roles.”

Applicants will also be required to respond to a central essay question during the selection process: “The BMW Group actively shapes the future of mobility: what aspect of a digital future fascinates you most, and why?”

Why companies are investing in leadership fellowships

Programs like the Change Maker Fellowship reflect a broader shift in how companies build talent pipelines. Rather than relying solely on recruitment, firms are investing earlier in education and training, particularly in fields tied to digital transformation.

For BMW, this includes aligning academic training with its global operations. The company’s IT hubs in regions such as India and the United States play a role in shaping both the talent pool and the skills required for future roles.

The fellowship also underscores the increasing overlap between engineering and management. As industries digitize, technical expertise alone is often not enough for leadership positions. Business education is becoming a complementary requirement.

The partnership with ESMT Berlin, now entering its fifth year, reflects a sustained effort to bridge that gap.

Applications for the 2026 Change Maker Fellowship are currently open through ESMT Berlin’s admissions process. Candidates must meet the entry requirements of their chosen program in addition to the fellowship criteria.