The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has approved the proposal for introducing The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to amend The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 for increasing the number of Judges of the Supreme Court of India by 4 from the present 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India).
Point-wise details:
Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 provides for increasing the number of Judges of the Supreme Court by 04 i.e. from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India).
Major Impact:
The increase in the number of Judges will allow Supreme Court to function more efficiently and effectively ensuring speedy justice.
Expenditure:
The expenditure on salary of Judges and supporting staff and other facilities will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Background:
Article 124 (1) in Constitution of India inter-alia provided “There shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of India and, until Parliament by law prescribes a larger number, of not more than seven other Judges…”.
An act to increase the Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India was enacted in 1956 vide The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act 1956. Section 2 of the Act provided for the maximum number of Judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India) to be 10.
The Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India was increased to 13 by The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1977. The working strength of the Supreme Court of India was, however, restricted to 15 Judges by the Cabinet, excluding the Chief Justice of India, till the end of 1979, when the restriction was withdrawn at the request of the Chief Justice of India.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986 further augmented the Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India, excluding the Chief Justice of India, from 17 to 25. Subsequently, The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2008 further augmented the Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India from 25 to 30.
The Judge strength of the Supreme Court of India was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the Chief Justice of India) by further amending the original act vide The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2019.
Using MIRI (Mid Infrared Instrument) on board the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a team of researchers led by former MPIA (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Heidelberg, Germany) PhD student Sebastian Zieba (Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge, USA) and Laura Kreidberg, MPIA Director and study PI (principal investigator), analysed the surface composition of the rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b. Beyond characterizing exoplanetary atmospheres, this kind of deciphering the geological properties of planets orbiting distant stars is the next step in unveiling their nature. The results of this investigation are now published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
A dark and airless rocky super-Earth
LHS 3844 b is a rocky planet 30% bigger than Earth and orbits a cool red dwarf star once within roughly 11 hours. Whirling just three stellar diameters above the host star’s surface, the planet is tidally locked to its orbit. This means one rotation takes just as long as one revolution. As a result, the same hemisphere of LHS 3844 b always faces its star, producing a constant dayside with an average temperature of about 1000 Kelvin (approximately 725 Degrees Celsius or 1340 Degrees Fahrenheit). The LHS 3844 system is only 48.5 light-years (14.9 parsecs) away from Earth.
“Thanks to the amazing sensitivity of JWST, we can detect light coming directly from the surface of this distant rocky planet. We see a dark, hot, barren rock, devoid of any atmosphere.” – Laura Kreidberg, MPIA.
With its dark surface, LHS 3844 b may resemble a larger version of the Moon or the planet Mercury. This conclusion is based on analysing the infrared radiation received from the planet’s hot dayside. However, when measuring this radiation, we cannot see the planet directly; instead, we register the repeating change in brightness we receive from the star and the orbiting planet combined.
MIRI divided a portion of the planet’s infrared emission, ranging from 5 to 12 micrometres, into smaller wavelength sections and measured the brightness per wavelength bin. This is what astronomers call a spectrum, a rainbow-like distribution of the light’s components. Another data point, obtained from observations with the Spitzer Space Telescope and published a few years ago, augmented the analysis.
Constraining geological activity
Similar to how exoplanetary atmosphere research has benefited from climate science, this emerging field of exoplanetary geology draws on Earth-based geologic knowledge. Zieba, Kreidberg, and their collaborators ran models and accessed template libraries of rocks and minerals known from Earth, the Moon, and Mars to see what infrared signatures they would produce under the conditions on LHS 3844 b. Comparing observation-based data with these computations confidently ruled out a composition comparable to Earth’s crust, typically silicate-rich minerals such as granite.
Although this result is not very surprising – even in the Solar System, Earth is the only planet with such a crust – it may reveal details on LHS 3844 b’s geological history. Earth-like silicate-rich crusts are thought to form through a prolonged refinement process that requires tectonic activity and typically relies on water as a lubricant. The rocky material repeatedly melts and solidifies as it is mixed with mantle material, leaving the lighter minerals on the surface.
“Since LHS 3844 b lacks such a silicate crust, one may conclude that Earth-like plate tectonics does not apply to this planet, or it is ineffective,” says Sebastian Zieba. “This planet likely only contains little water.”
What can we deduce about the exoplanet’s rocky surface?
Instead, the dark surface points to a composition reminiscent of terrestrial or lunar basalt, or of Earth’s mantle material. However, the astronomers attempted an even more detailed characterization.
A statistical analysis of how well this spectrum fits various mineral mixtures and configurations revealed that extended solid areas of basalt or magmatic rock best match the observations. They are rich in magnesium and iron and can include olivine. Crushed material, such as rocks or gravel, also fits fairly well, whereas grains or powders are inconsistent with the observations due to their brighter appearance, at least at first glance.
Without a protective atmosphere, planets are subjected to space weathering, predominantly driven by hard, energetic radiation from the host star and impacts from meteorites of various sizes.
“It turns out, these processes not only slowly dissolve hard rocks into regolith, a layer of fine grains or powder as found on the Moon,” explains Zieba. “They also darken the layer by adding iron and carbon, making the regolith’s properties more consistent with the observations.”
Geologically fresh or weathered? Two possible scenarios
This assessment left the astronomers with two scenarios for the planet’s surface that match the data equally well. One involves a surface dominated by dark, solid rock composed of basaltic or magmatic minerals. Compared to geological timescales, space weathering alters its properties quickly. Therefore, the astronomers conclude that, in this scenario, the surface should be relatively fresh, produced by recent geological activity, such as widespread volcanism.
The second scenario also proposes a dark surface, comparable to the Moon or Mercury. Still, it accounts for prolonged space weathering, which leads to extended regions covered by a darkened regolith layer, a fine powder also present on the Moon, as evidenced by the iconic photos of the astronauts’ footprints. This alternative relies on longer periods of geological inactivity, thereby requiring conditions opposite to the first scenario.
Attempts to resolve the ambiguity
These two alternatives differ in the degree of recent geological activity required. On Earth and other active objects in the Solar System, a typical phenomenon during such activity is outgassing. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a gas commonly connected to volcanism. If present on LHS 3844 b in reasonable amounts, MIRI should have detected it. Still, it found nothing. Therefore, a recent period of activity seems unlikely, which leads the astronomers to favour the second scenario. If correct, LHS 3844 b may truly look much like Mercury indeed.
In order to test their idea, Zieba, Kreidberg, and their colleagues are already pursuing a more direct approach. They have obtained additional JWST observations, which should enable them to discern surface conditions by exploiting small differences in how solid slabs and powders emit or reflect light. The distribution of emission angles depends on surface roughness, which affects the amount of radiation received at a given viewing angle. This concept is successfully applied to characterizing asteroids in the Solar System. “We are confident the same technique will allow us to clarify the nature of LHS 3844 b’s crust and, in the future, other rocky exoplanets,” concludes Kreidberg.
Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered something that experienced ballroom dancers have long known: When dancers are in tune with each other, their brains may sync up, helping them move as one.
“When we dance, our brains are actually coupling,” said Thiago Roque, a graduate student in the Atlas Institute who led the study. “We are synchronizing our brains through our behavior.”
For the unique experiment, the researchers placed electroencephalogram (EEG) caps, or devices that measure electrical activity in the brain, on pairs doing the Argentine Tango—a sensuous dance where a leader and follower hold each other tight while moving together to music.
The team found that when those dancers were moving together in time, the activity in their brains also began to look startling similar. Scientists call that phenomenon “interbrain coupling” or “neural synchronization.” Researchers have seen similar patterns in other social activities, such as playing duets on the guitar, but never before in dancing.
Roque presented the group’s results in March at the 20th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded and Embodied Interaction in Chicago.
The researchers also took their findings one step further, designing a wearable device that monitors dancers’ brains and vibrates when they sync up.
The tool, which dancers wear on their wrists, is still in its early stages. But Roque envisions that similar technologies could one day help people learn a wide range of tasks that require humans to coordinate without speaking—such as playing music or team sports.
“When we are performing, we aren’t conscious of this sort of synchronization,” Roque said. “My goal was to bring unconscious things to the conscious level.”
Shall we dance?
Ruojia Sun knows all about that kind of unconscious communication. She took part in the new study both as a researcher and co-author and as one of the dancers.
Sun started tangoing when she moved to Boulder five years ago. Unlike many other types of dances, the tango is rarely choreographed — dancers usually improvise their steps in the moment. Pairs signal their next moves through subtle signs like a light compression of the hands or a shift in the upper body.
“I wound up loving so many aspects of it,” said Sun, who earned a master’s degree in creative technology and design at CU Boulder in 2024. “It’s a really interesting way to connect with another human being.”
To explore that connection, Roque brought five pairs of experienced tango dancers, including Sun and her long-time dance partner, into the lab. In addition to the EEG caps, the pairs wore movement sensors on their ankles so that the research team could track their steps.
Then, the dancers began to tango.
Riding the wave
When neurons fire in the brain, they create pulses of electrical activity, or “brainwaves.” EEG sensors measure those waves at different frequencies. Humans, for example, tend to produce fast pulses known as beta waves when they are concentrating or thinking hard. In contrast, they often generate slower, theta waves, when they’re relaxing.
Roque noted that how those waves behaved in the experiment depended on how in-step the dancers were with each other.
When a leader, for example, took a step forward and the follower took an immediate (within 200 milliseconds or less) step back, their brain waves tended to match up—rising and falling at about the same time. When their steps weren’t in sync, neither were their brains. Those trends were true for a range of brain waves, including beta and theta waves.
“When I started seeing the results—they were perfect,” Roque said. “The coupling was even better than I expected.”
Other co-authors of the new study included Grace Leslie, associate professor at ATLAS and the College of Music, and Ellen Do, professor at ATLAS and the Department of Computer Science.
From dancing to cycling
He and his colleagues wondered if a wearable device could enhance that experience of synchrony.
Sun tried out the team’s biofeedback device with her tango partner. The tool buzzed at all times but vibrated vigorously when the pair’s brain waves lined up. Sun noted that the buzzing was distracting when she and her partner weren’t in sync. But when they were, it just felt right.
“It almost enhanced that feeling of connection,” Sun said.
Roque still has a lot of work to do before dancers, or anyone else, can wear that kind of device in the real world. For a start, he’d like to flip the settings—making the wrist device buzz when dancers aren’t in tune with each other and go silent when they’re synchronizing.
He believes that technologies that make unconscious signals conscious could help humans learn and understand each other’s behavior—including during collective sports like soccer, cycling and more.
“In sports, you need to know what your teammates are going to do,” he said. “By using a system like this, they may be able to better learn how to understand each other during training.”
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) have joined hands to establish a structured, five-year collaboration in the domains of digital forensics, cybersecurity, and advanced technology research.
The memorandum of understanding provides an umbrella framework for collaboration and brings together two key national institutions to further strengthen cyber resilience across UIDAI’s digital infrastructure, which underpins India’s digital identity ecosystem.
The MoU was exchanged between Shri Vivek Chandra Verma, CEO UIDAI and Prof (Dr.) S.O. Junare, Director Gujarat Campus, NFSU. The ceremony was attended by Shri Abhishek Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General of UIDAI and several senior officials from both the sides.
The collaboration will focus on six strategic pillars: academic and professional development, information security and system integrity, forensic infrastructure and lab excellence, technical support for cyber security activities, technical advisory and research including join research in emerging areas like AI, blockchain, deepfake detection, and cryptographic technologies etc, and strategic placement and outreach including a pathway for placement and outreach opportunities for NFSU students.
“This collaboration marks a significant step towards further strengthening the security, resilience, and forensic capabilities supporting India’s digital public infrastructure and ensuring further safeguards for India’s digital identity systems,” said Shri Vivek Chandra Verma, CEO UIDAI.
As remote work cements itself in modern workplaces, digital collaboration platforms such as Zoom and Google Docs have become indispensable. Yet, researchers argue that these tools are still built around a flawed assumption—that all users collaborate in similar ways.
A team of researchers has now introduced a new human-computer interaction (HCI) framework called RemoteCollabEval (RCE), designed to uncover hidden barriers in digital teamwork and help developers create more inclusive collaboration environments.
The research falls within the broader field of Human-Computer Interaction, which focuses on improving usability and user experience in digital systems.
According to Sandeep Kuttal, an associate professor at North Carolina State University, existing evaluation methods rely heavily on simplified assumptions. One widely used technique, known as a groupware walkthrough, involves designers simulating how a small group of users might interact on a platform. However, these simulations often overlook the diversity in communication and collaboration styles.
Kuttal notes that individuals from different backgrounds approach teamwork differently, but current inspection methods fail to capture this variation—limiting how effective and inclusive collaboration tools can be.
Six factors shaping collaboration
To address this gap, researchers identified six core personality traits that influence how people work together:
Leadership approach—ranging from democratic to authoritative
Interruption behaviour—whether someone speaks over others or waits
Use of non-verbal cues—expressive versus reserved communication
Relationship focus—prioritising rapport versus task completion
Social awareness—attention to team dynamics
Collaborative confidence—belief in the group’s ability to succeed
Using these dimensions, the team created detailed user “personas” to represent different collaboration styles. These personas allow developers to simulate real-world friction and identify what the researchers call “inclusivity bugs”—issues that standard testing methods often miss.
Rethinking how platforms are tested
The RCE framework builds on traditional groupware walkthroughs but requires designers to actively consider all six personality facets during evaluation. By combining structured personas with a revised walkthrough process, the method provides a more nuanced assessment of how platforms perform across diverse user behaviours.
To test the approach, researchers conducted a study involving 29 students divided into 10 teams. Half the teams used conventional evaluation methods, while the others applied the RCE framework to assess the same collaboration platform.
The results were striking. Teams using RCE identified six times more inclusivity-related issues compared to those using traditional methods.
Toward better digital teamwork
The findings suggest that incorporating behavioural diversity into design testing can significantly improve how collaboration tools function in real-world settings. By identifying friction points early, developers can refine features and interfaces to better support varied teamwork styles.
Importantly, researchers emphasise that RCE is both practical and scalable. It does not require extensive resources or specialised infrastructure, making it accessible for design teams across organisations.
As remote and hybrid work environments continue to evolve, such approaches could play a critical role in shaping collaboration tools that are not just functional, but genuinely inclusive.
Many breast cancer therapies work by causing DNA replication stress, but triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells survive this stress, even at high levels
TNBC cells overexpress an enzyme, RNase H2, that helps them survive the DNA damage caused by replication stress
In this preclinical study, blocking RNase H2 directly damaged cancer cells and also activated the immune system, making this a promising therapeutic approach.
Blocking RNase H2 Enzyme Shows Promise Against Aggressive Breast Cancer
Scientists at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a crucial enzyme that helps one of the most difficult forms of breast cancer withstand treatment, opening up a potential new therapeutic pathway.
The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, focuses on RNase H2—an enzyme that appears to enable triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to survive intense DNA damage caused during treatment. TNBC is widely considered one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes due to its resistance to many standard therapies.
Led by researcher Shiaw-Yih Lin, the team found that RNase H2 plays a dual role. While it helps cancer cells cope with DNA replication stress, blocking the enzyme both damages tumour DNA and triggers the body’s immune system, effectively turning the cancer’s survival mechanism against itself.
Lin described this as a “one-two punch,” where inhibiting RNase H2 not only disrupts the tumour’s ability to manage stress but also activates immune signals that draw T cells to attack the cancer.
Why replication stress matters
Replication stress occurs when cells struggle to copy their DNA accurately, leading to structural damage. Many cancer treatments deliberately induce this stress to kill tumour cells. However, TNBC cells have developed ways to tolerate and survive it, allowing the disease to persist and progress.
One key contributor to this stress is the build-up of RNA fragments within DNA. RNase H2 typically removes these fragments to maintain genomic stability.
The enzyme’s hidden role in cancer survival
The researchers discovered that RNase H2 is significantly overproduced in TNBC tumours and is linked to poorer patient outcomes. This suggests that the enzyme helps cancer cells adapt to and survive high levels of DNA damage.
When the team blocked RNase H2—either through genetic methods or experimental drugs—tumour cells experienced heightened replication stress, leading to reduced tumour growth in preclinical models. At the same time, the resulting DNA damage activated the innate immune system, which then signalled T cells to target the cancer.
Implications for future treatment
Although the findings are still at a preclinical stage, they point to RNase H2 as a promising drug target. Inhibitors of the enzyme are already under development, and the study suggests they could be used alongside existing therapies.
Notably, blocking RNase H2 was found to enhance the effectiveness of ATR and PARP inhibitors—two classes of drugs already used in cancer treatment—raising the possibility of combination therapies in future clinical trials.
If validated in humans, this approach could offer a more effective strategy against TNBC, a cancer subtype that has long posed challenges due to its limited treatment options.
A team of professional and amateur Japanese astronomers found evidence for a thin atmosphere around a small body in the outer Solar System. The object is so small that it should not have a sustainable atmosphere, raising questions about when and how the atmosphere formed. Future observations to better characterize the atmosphere will help solve these mysteries.
In the cold reaches of the outer Solar System lie thousands of small objects known as trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) because they lie outside the orbit of Neptune. A thin atmosphere has been observed around Pluto, the most famous TNO, but studies of other TNOs have yielded negative results. Most TNOs are so cold, and their surface gravity so weak, that they are not expected to retain atmospheres.
But astronomers like to expect the unexpected, so they took advantage of a lucky “natural experiment” to look for an atmosphere around a TNO known as (612533) 2002 XV93. This object, abbreviated as 2002 XV93, has a diameter of approximately 500 km. For reference, Pluto’s diameter is 2,377 km. The orbit of 2002 XV93 is such that, as seen from Japan, it passed directly in front of a star on January 10, 2024. As the star disappears behind 2002 XV93, it might gradually fade, indicating that the light is being attenuated as it passes through a thin atmosphere; or it might suddenly wink out as it slips behind the solid surface of the TNO.
Artist’s conception of this research showing an imagined time sequence as a star passes behind a TNO with an atmosphere. Credit:NAOJ
A team of professional and amateur astronomers, led by Ko Arimatsu at NAOJ Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory, observed the star as 2002 XV93 passed in front of it from multiple sites in Japan. The obtained data are consistent with attenuation by an atmosphere.
Calculations show that the atmosphere found around 2002 XV93 is expected to last less than 1000 years unless it is replenished. So it must have been created or replenished recently. Observations by the James Webb Space Telescope show no signs of frozen gases on the surface of 2002 XV93 that might sublimate to form an atmosphere. One possibility is that some event brought frozen or liquid gases from deep inside the TNO to the surface. Another possibility is that a comet crashed into 2002 XV93, releasing gas that formed a temporary atmosphere. Further observations are needed to distinguish between these two scenarios.
A new study has found that children born to mothers lacking a specific fatty acid in their blood during pregnancy face a significantly higher risk of developing asthma in early life, shedding fresh light on how prenatal conditions shape long-term respiratory health.
Childhood asthma—often marked by shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and frequent respiratory infections—remains one of the most widespread chronic illnesses among children globally. Increasingly, scientists are tracing its origins back to the earliest stages of life, including the prenatal period.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), based at the Danish Pediatric Asthma Center, examined the role of a fatty acid molecule known as 12-HETE in pregnant women. Their findings suggest that the absence of this molecule is associated with a markedly higher likelihood of children developing asthmatic bronchitis within their first year.
Over a ten-year observation period, the study found that children whose mothers lacked measurable levels of 12-HETE faced a 62 percent higher incidence of asthma compared to those whose mothers had detectable levels. However, researchers caution that the findings establish correlation rather than direct causation.
The study also identified broader health implications. Infants born to mothers without measurable 12-HETE were more prone to repeated respiratory infections and showed distinct differences in airway bacterial composition. These early-life changes in the microbiome and immune response are believed to contribute to the elevated asthma risk.
According to the researchers, differences in airway biology can be detected as early as one month after birth. Lower levels of the fatty acid during fetal development may impair immune system maturation, leading to an altered lung microbiome and increased vulnerability to infections.
The findings also add nuance to the role of omega-3 supplements during pregnancy. While earlier research has suggested that omega-3 intake—commonly through fish oil—can help reduce asthma risk in children, this study indicates that the benefit may depend on the presence of 12-HETE. Among mothers with measurable levels of the fatty acid, omega-3 supplementation was linked to a 58 percent reduction in early childhood asthma. No such effect was observed in mothers lacking the molecule.
This suggests that blanket supplementation strategies may not be equally effective for all pregnant women, and future interventions could be tailored based on individual biological markers.
Despite the promising insights, researchers stress that the findings are not yet ready for clinical application. More precise benchmarks for measuring 12-HETE levels are needed before it can be used to guide treatment or prevention strategies.
The research draws on data from two major cohorts—the Danish COPSAC2010 study and the US-based VDAART cohort—tracking more than 1,600 mothers and their children. The consistency of findings across both groups strengthens the reliability of the results, even as questions around causality remain unresolved.
Taken together, the study points to the potential of 12-HETE as a biomarker that could one day enable more personalised approaches to preventing childhood asthma—an area of growing urgency given the condition’s global prevalence.
India is emerging as a leading hub for Medical Value Travel (MVT) by integrating advanced medical infrastructure with traditional wellness systems such as AYUSH. Strong policy support, digital facilitation, and initiatives like AYUSH Visa and Regional Medical Hubs are strengthening the ecosystem. Rising global healthcare costs and demand for holistic care are driving international patients to India for affordable, high-quality treatment and preventive wellness solutions.
Across the world, rising healthcare costs, long waiting times, and the growing burden of lifestyle diseases are driving patients to seek treatment abroad. This global shift has led to the emergence of a multi-billion-dollar Medical Value Travel (MVT) industry.
The global Medical Value Travel market was valued at about USD 115.6 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach around USD 286.1 billion by 2030. The market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 10.8%.
India has emerged as one of the most significant destinations in this evolving global landscape. Industry estimates place the medical tourism market at about USD 8.7 billion in 2025, with projections of USD 16.2 billion by 2030.
For centuries, India has been regarded as a sanctuary for those seeking healing, balance and recovery. Today, this ancient legacy has evolved into a dynamic Medical Value Travel ecosystem. It combines modern medical science with the timeless wisdom of traditional systems.
Through the flagship “Heal in India” initiative, the Government is positioning the country as a premier destination for integrated and holistic healthcare.
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To understand the scope of this landscape, it is essyogaential to distinguish between its two vibrant pillars:
Medical Tourism: It focuses on curative interventions such as complex surgeries, organ transplants, and advanced diagnostic care provided by specialised hospitals and healthcare institutions.
Wellness Tourism: It centres on preventive and holistic well-being through traditional systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and other AYUSH practices. It offers therapies that promote physical, mental and spiritual health.
Together, these two pillars form the foundation of India’s Medical Value Travel ecosystem. They address both advanced clinical treatment needs and the rising global demand for preventive healthcare.
According to the Medical Tourism Index 2020–21:
India ranks 10th among the top 46 medical tourism destinations globally
12th among the world’s top 20 wellness tourism markets
5th among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.
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The 2025-26 Statistical Landscape
As per Ministry of Tourism estimates, in FY24, travel and tourism contributed 5.22 per cent to GDP, close to pre-pandemic levels. The sector also supported an estimated 8.46 crore direct and indirect jobs, accounting for about 13.3 per cent of total employment.
The latest data for 2025 highlights the sector’s momentum:
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): In 2025, India recorded 9.15 million FTAs.
Medical Purpose Arrivals: In 2025, 507,244 foreign nationals arrived specifically for medical treatment.
Sectoral Share: 2025 data shows that medical tourism constitutes approximately 5.5% of total FTAs.
Leading Markets: According to 2025 figures, the top source countries for medical tourists include- Bangladesh (3,25,127 arrivals), followed by Iraq (30,989), Uzbekistan (13,699), Somalia (11,506), Turkmenistan (10,231), Oman (9738), and Kenya (9,357).
Patients from other countries primarily travel to India for specialised treatments such as:
Cardiac surgery
Orthopaedic procedures
Cancer treatment
Organ transplants
Neurological interventions
Cosmetic surgery
Dental care
Fertility treatment
AYUSH-based wellness therapies
India’s Competitive Edge: Quality, Expertise and Affordability
India holds a unique advantage that places it 10th globally in the Medical Tourism Index (MTI). The government identifies several pillars of this competitive advantage:
Robust Medical Resources
India’s healthcare system is supported by one of the world’s largest pools of trained medical professionals.
India has 69,364 hospitals (43,486 private hospitals, and 25,778 public hospitals) with 1.2 million registered doctors, achieving WHO recommended doctor population ratio.
Furthermore, English serves as the primary language of medical education and clinical practice in India, enabling seamless communication with international patients. Over the past decade, India has significantly expanded its medical education capacity and healthcare infrastructure. This has strengthened the availability of skilled healthcare professionals across specialised disciplines.
Advanced Technology and Accreditation
India’s healthcare system is supported by robust quality assurance mechanisms and internationally recognised accreditation standards. Hospitals and healthcare providers across the country obtain accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH).
NABH establishes rigorous benchmarks for patient safety and quality of care. As of 2026, NABH has accredited over 1,299 hospitals using more than 600 safety parameters. Meanwhile, the Quality Council of India oversees systematic quality improvement.
NABH accreditation is recognised globally through its affiliation with the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua). In addition, several Indian hospitals hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. It places the hospitals among healthcare institutions that meet globally accepted standards of clinical excellence.
Medical Value Travel (MVT) service providers are primarily concentrated in the Southern and Western States of India. As of 2022, the concentration of JCI-accredited hospitals by city is as follows:
City
Number of JCI Accredited Hospitals
Delhi
9
Mumbai
6
Bangalore
3
Chennai
2
Hyderabad
2
Ahmedabad
2
Kolkata
1
Nagpur
1
Cochin
1
Other notable cities with a concentration of service providers include Pune and Nashik.
Cost-Effective Medical Treatment
India’s medical tourism appeal is significantly strengthened by its cost competitiveness. High-quality medical treatment in India is often available at substantially lower cost compared to many developed countries, while maintaining comparable clinical standards.
This affordability is supported by advanced medical technology and skilled professionals.
It enables international patients to access specialised treatment without long waiting periods.
Strengthening AYUSH-led Medical Value Travel
India possesses a unique advantage in wellness tourism through its centuries-old traditional systems of medicine collectively known as AYUSH — Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
As the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda, India continues to promote these systems as integral components of holistic health and preventive care.
AYUSH Visa Facilitation: To streamline access for international patients, the Government of India introduced a dedicated AYUSH Visa on 27 July 2023. It enables foreign nationals and their attendants to travel to India specifically for treatment under recognised AYUSH systems.
Quality Standards: Efforts are underway to strengthen credibility and standardisation in the sector. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has adopted ISO 22525, an international standard related to medical wellness tourism services.
Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage for AYUSH therapies has also expanded significantly. Under the Health Insurance Regulations of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), insurers are permitted to cover treatments under AYUSH. As a result, around 27 insurance companies now offer more than 140 policy products covering AYUSH treatments.
Global Engagement and Ecosystem Development: Medical Value Travel remains a key theme across major AYUSH initiatives. This includes the “Global Synergy in AYUSH: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel” Summit, held in Mumbai (2024) and Chennai (May 2025).
Capacity building is being strengthened through initiatives such as the AYUSH sub-council under the Health Sector Skill Council.
Global outreach is also expanding through platforms like the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, the Know India Programme, and AYUSH initiatives showcased during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
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Strategic Initiatives: Union Budget 2026-27 Highlights
The Government of India has unveiled a visionary path to cement the nation’s status as a global medical hub through the Union Budget 2026-27.
Regional Medical Hubs
A key proposal involves the establishment of five Regional Medical Hubs across the country in partnership with State Governments and the private sector. These Hubs are designed as integrated healthcare complexes that will house medical, educational, and research facilities under one umbrella.
To ensure a comprehensive healing experience, these hubs will feature:
Specialised Centres: Every hub will include AYUSH Centres and dedicated Medical Value Tourism (MVT) Facilitation Centres.
End-to-End Care: Infrastructure will be developed for advanced diagnostics, post-treatment care, and rehabilitation.
Employment Generation: These complexes are expected to create diverse job opportunities for doctors and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).
Infrastructure for Wellness
In addition to strengthening modern healthcare infrastructure, the Government is also expanding the country’s capacity in traditional systems of medicine.
The establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda has been proposed to enhance education, research, and clinical services in Ayurveda.
Simultaneously, the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is being upgraded to strengthen evidence-based research and global collaboration in traditional medicine systems.
These initiatives reflect the Government’s integrated approach to developing both medical treatment services and wellness-based healing traditions as complementary pillars of India’s healthcare ecosystem.
Roadmap for Quality and Governance
To maintain India’s competitive advantage, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism.
The roadmap focuses on three key areas of governance:
Institutional Framework: The National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTB) serves as an umbrella organisation to coordinate between ministries, state governments, and the private sector.
Quality Assurance: The government is strengthening NABH accreditation for hospitals, wellness centres, and dental clinics. It is also encouraging the registration and rating of Medical Value Trave (MVT) facilitators to build international trust.
Skilling and Capacity Building: The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a pilot scheme to upskill 10,000 guides in 20 iconic tourist sites through a 12-week training course. Additionally, paramedical and non-medical staff are being trained in cross-cultural sensitivities and foreign languages to better serve international patients.
By integrating these governance and quality measures, the government aims to project India as a 365-day destination for holistic healing. This integrated communication strategy, is promoted as a sub-brand of “Incredible India”. Through these initiatives, India is transitioning toward a more formalised, regulated, and trusted global hub for the “holistic health revolution”.
Government Facilitation and Digital Transformation
The government has streamlined the international patient’s journey through robust digital and policy interventions. A cornerstone of this is the liberalised visa regime, where the e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa facilities have been extended to nationals of 172 countries.
Additionally, new categories like the e-AYUSH Visa and e-AYUSH Attendant Visa have been introduced to support those seeking traditional Indian treatments.
Digital initiatives are further enhancing the “Heal in India” experience:
Revamped MVT Portal: The government is upgrading the one-stop Medical Value Travel Portal to provide an “end-to-end” solution. It enables patients to explore, plan, and book services, as well as make payments and access post-operative care.
Airport Facilitation: Plans include setting up MVT Concierge and Lounges at important airports. This is to greet travellers at the aerobridge and assist them through immigration, customs, and baggage claims.
Institutional Mechanism for Medical and Wellness Tourism
To ensure coordinated development of Medical Value Travel, the Government has established an institutional framework.
National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board (NMWTB): Constituted by the Ministry of Tourism in 2015, chaired by the Union Minister for Tourism. It promotes and facilitates medical and wellness tourism in India.
Multi-Stakeholder Platform: The Board brings together ministries, state governments, hospitals, wellness centres, accreditation bodies, and industry stakeholders. Together, they strengthen the Medical Value Travel ecosystem.
State-Level Coordination: States are encouraged to establish dedicated Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Boards or cells to support regional development and promotion.
Promoting Wellness and Cultural Integration
Wellness tourism represents an important component of India’s broader health tourism strategy. The country’s rich traditions in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and spiritual healing offer unique opportunities for integrating wellness with cultural tourism.
Yoga as a Global Brand for Holistic Health
Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ (meaning “to join” or “to unite”). It has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s global soft power. It symbolises the unity of mind, body, thought, and action, and promotes a holistic approach to well-being.
The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 served as the primary vehicle for integrating wellness into the national and global consciousness. Under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event aligned yoga with sustainability and global well-being.
PIB
India is positioned as a favoured destination for Yoga and traditional therapies, attracting Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs). They travel specifically to maintain their wellness lifestyle or seek preventive healthcare. This journey is now significantly streamlined by the government’s dedicated e-AYUSH Visa facility.
Towards a Global Healing Hub
India’s medical and wellness tourism ecosystem is evolving into a globally trusted model of integrated healthcare. It combines modern medical infrastructure with traditional systems such as AYUSH. This enables both curative and preventive care.
Strong government policy, digital facilitation, and international quality standards support this growth. Expanding global outreach is further strengthening India’s position as a comprehensive destination for Medical Value Travel.
As global demand rises, India is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of global healthcare and wellness travel.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed noted lyricist, writer and communications strategist Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, the country’s public service broadcasting body.
Joshi brings with him a wide creative and professional canvas, spanning literature, advertising, cinema and public messaging. Recognised for writing that blends cultural depth with contemporary relevance, his work across film lyrics, brand campaigns and social narratives has consistently resonated with diverse audiences.
Welcoming the appointment, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw described Joshi as a rare creative voice whose work reflects Indian ethos while earning global recognition. He expressed confidence that Joshi’s leadership would infuse Prasar Bharati with renewed direction and creative vitality.
Prior to this role, Joshi served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification since 2017, where he navigated the balance between artistic freedom and regulatory oversight. His earlier corporate tenure includes leading McCann Worldgroup India as CEO and heading its Asia Pacific operations. He is also associated as a trustee with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
His appointment comes at a time when public broadcasting is undergoing rapid technological shifts and adapting to changing audience behaviour, placing renewed emphasis on digital engagement and content innovation.
About Prasar Bharati
Formed under the Prasar Bharati Act of 1990 and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati functions as India’s autonomous public broadcaster. It operates through two key arms: All India Radio, one of the world’s largest radio networks reaching audiences across regions and languages, and Doordarshan, which delivers news, education, entertainment and cultural programming nationwide.
The organisation has also expanded its digital presence with its OTT platform, Waves, aimed at strengthening free-to-air digital broadcasting.
With an extensive terrestrial and digital network, Prasar Bharati continues to play a central role in delivering credible information, promoting cultural continuity and ensuring inclusive access to public service media across India.
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a CPSE under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), today formally unveiled Padma Doree, a unique cross-cultural textile initiative that brings together the Eri (Ahimsa) silk traditions of Northeast India with the rich Chanderi weaving heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative was officially launched by Secretary, MDoNER, Sanjay Jaju, followed by a captivating fashion show that showcased the fusion of Eri silk—renowned for its ethical and sustainable production—with the intricate motifs and finesse of Chanderi textiles.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Sanjay Jaju said It is Hon’rable Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s vision of Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat that Padma Doree is come into being. He said that under the visionary leadership of Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia this new initiative as realised today .
He stated Padma Doree is distinct because it is coming from two different textile traditions – Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh and Eri Silk from the North East India. Shri Jaju said Padma Doree is not just bringing heritage, but also brining innovation.
The launch event featured curated exhibition walkthroughs, offering insights into the development of the textiles and the collaborative processes behind them. Positioned within the broader discourse on Indian textiles, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable luxury, the initiative underscores the relevance of traditional crafts in contemporary markets.
The three-day exhibition, commencing today, has been designed as an interactive and evolving platform, allowing visitors to engage directly with artisans, understand textile processes, and experience the journey from fibre to fabric.
Artisans from Northeast India and Madhya Pradesh are actively participating in the showcase, offering live demonstrations and sharing insights into their craft traditions. The event also integrates regional culinary experiences, reflecting the cultural richness of the participating regions.
Speaking at launching programme NEHHDC Managing DirectoMara Kocho said, “Padma Doree brings together the fibre traditions of the North East and the handloom heritage of Chanderi, creating an integrated and sustainable textile ecosystem.
The unveiling event was graced by film Director Muzaffar Ali, Senior officials of MDoNER, officials from Madhya Pradesh Handloom along with other dignitaries, designers, and artisans associated with the initiative.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed noted filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India, scheduled to take place in Goa later this year.
Gowariker, known for his expansive body of work in Indian cinema, brings with him decades of association with the festival. His engagement with IFFI reflects a long-standing involvement with both Indian and global film cultures, positioning him as a seasoned choice for the role.
Reacting to the appointment, Gowariker said he was honoured to take on the responsibility. He recalled his journey with the festival, noting that he first attended IFFI in 1984 and has remained connected to it over the years, most recently serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024. He described the opportunity as both a privilege and a moment of pride.
He emphasised the legacy of the festival, which has been shaped by numerous contributors since its inception in 1952, and said he looks forward to working closely with the Union Ministry and the Government of Goa to build on that foundation.
Established in 1952, IFFI is among Asia’s most prominent film festivals and serves as a key platform for global cinema. Over the decades, it has evolved into a meeting point for filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences, fostering cultural exchange through cinema.
Organised jointly by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Entertainment Society of Goa, the festival has grown into a diverse showcase of cinematic expression. Its programming typically includes international competitions, country focus segments, retrospectives, masterclasses, and the Film Bazaar—an industry hub for collaboration and project development.
Set against Goa’s coastal landscape, the upcoming 57th edition, scheduled for November 2026, is expected to expand its scope further, bringing together a wide spectrum of storytelling traditions, languages, and emerging technologies in cinema.
In a significant move to bolster supply security and accelerate a circular economy, the Ministry of Mines has completed eligibility screening for its incentive programme on critical mineral recycling, clearing 58 companies to participate.
The scheme—backed by a ₹1,500 crore outlay under the National Critical Mineral Mission—was notified on October 2, 2025, alongside detailed operational guidelines. It is designed to build domestic recycling capacity for key materials recovered from lithium-ion batteries, electronic waste and industrial scrap, helping curb import dependence while supporting clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Applications were invited between October 2, 2025 and April 1, 2026, drawing strong industry interest. Submissions were evaluated by the Project Management Agency at the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, in line with prescribed criteria.
Following the review, the Executive Committee approved 58 entities in two tranches—20 on March 30, 2026, and 38 on April 29, 2026. Together, these firms have committed an estimated 850 KTPA of recycling capacity and investments of around ₹5,000 crore. The selected participants span battery recycling, e-waste processing and recovery from other waste streams, indicating growing momentum in India’s critical minerals ecosystem.
The programme now moves into the implementation phase, where approved projects will be assessed for financial support based on capacity creation and the start of operations.
Transaction volume surges nearly 12,000-fold in last 10 years, Value exceeds ₹314 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, reflecting deep nationwide adoption.
Over 700 banks onboarded as UPI captures nearly 49% of global real-time payments, driving high-frequency retail usage and inclusive digital growth.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched on 11 April 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the regulatory oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has emerged as the backbone of India’s digital payments ecosystem and a critical driver of financial inclusion.
Over a decade of operations, UPI has demonstrated extraordinary scale and momentum. Annual transaction volume expanded from just 2 crore transactions in FY 2016-17 to over 24,162 crore transactions in FY 2025-26, representing an almost 12,000‑fold surge in transaction volume. Parallelly, transaction value rose sharply from ₹0.07 lakh crore in FY 2016-17 to approximately ₹314 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, translating into a more than 4,000‑fold increase in transaction value.
This simultaneous expansion in both volume and value highlights UPI’s deepening role in supporting high‑frequency retail payments. The unprecedented scale, reliability, and interoperability achieved by UPI have received global recognition, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) acknowledging it as the world’s largest real‑time payment system by transaction volume, underscoring India’s leadership in building scalable, inclusive, and innovative digital public infrastructure.
INDIA CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF UPI
A Decade of Transforming India’s Digital Payment Landscape
From 21 Banks & 0.01 Crore Transactions in a month in the Year 2016 to 700+ Banks & 2000+ crore Transactions in a month in the Year 2025
24,162 Crore
Annual Transactions (FY2026)
₹314 Lakh Crore
Annual Value
(FY2026)
66 Crore
Daily Average Transactions
₹0.86 Lakh Crore
Daily Average Value
(FY2026)
I. The Decade in Numbers
UPI AT A GLANCE : KEY STATISTICS (NPCI)
Annual Transaction Volume (FY2025-26)
24,161.69 Crore
Annual Transaction Value (FY2025-26)
₹314 Lakh Crore
YoY Volume Growth (2025-2026)
30.0%
YoY Value Growth (2025-2026)
20.59%
Daily Average Transactions (2025)
66 Crore
Record Monthly Volume (March 2026)
2264 Crore (peak)
Record Monthly Value (March 2026)
₹29.53 Lakh Crore
Banks Live on UPI (As on March 2026)
703 Banks
Banks at Launch (April 2016)
21 Banks
First Month Transactions (April 2016)
373
Share of UPI in India’s Digital Payments
85% (FY2025-26)
Share of Global Real-Time Volume
49% of World (2025)
Countries Accepting UPI
8 Countries
Annual Transaction Volume Growth (2016-2025)
Fig 1: UPI Annual Transaction Volume in Crore|
Annual Transaction Value Growth (2016-2025)
Fig 2: UPI Annual Transaction Value in ₹ Lakh Crore
II. Monthly Performance, 2025
The Year 2025 marked a significant milestone in the growth trajectory of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Monthly transaction volumes crossed 2,000 crore transactions for the first time in August 2025, reaching 2,001 crore transactions, signalling a new scale of adoption. This momentum continued through the remainder of the year, with December 2025 recording 2,163 crore transactions, the highest monthly transaction volume in UPI’s decade‑long journey.
Over the course of the calendar year 2025, UPI processed approximately 22,000 crore transactions in total, translating into a daily average of about 60 crore transactions. This sustained high‑frequency usage reflects the deep penetration of digital payments across the country and the growing trust of citizens, merchants, and businesses in India’s digital payments ecosystem.
Fig 3: UPI Monthly Transaction Volume (2025)
III. Ecosystem Strength, Banks, Apps & Geography
Banks Live on UPI, Unprecedented Participation
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has witnessed a steady and broad-based expansion in institutional participation since its launch. The number of banks live on UPI increased from 44 banks in FY 2016-17, the first year of operations, to 703 banks by FY 2025-26. This onboarding covers public sector banks, private banks, small finance banks, payment banks, and cooperative banks, enabling UPI’s deep geographic reach. Each bank functions as a Remitter PSP (processing outgoing transactions) and/or a Beneficiary PSP (receiving funds), with NPCI monitoring performance metrics for all participants.
Fig 4: Number of Banks Live on UPI (FY2017–2026)
IV. Transaction Segmentation, P2P & P2M Analysis
An analysis of UPI transactions highlights a clear divergence between volume and value across payment types. Person‑to‑merchant (P2M) transactions account for 63% of total transaction volume, reflecting UPI’s extensive use for high‑frequency, low‑value retail payments. In contrast, person‑to‑person (P2P) transactions dominate transaction value, contributing 71%, indicating their use for higher‑ticket transfers between individuals. This contrast underscores UPI’s dual role as a mass retail payments platform and a trusted channel for larger‑value fund transfers.
Transaction Distribution by Ticket Size, Micro-Payments Dominate
Fig 5: UPI P2P vs P2M Split, Volume & Value
In FY2026, UPI transactions totalling 24,162 crore reflected the platform’s deep integration into everyday digital payment usage across the country. with particularly robust momentum in the merchant segment. P2M transactions were largely driven by small-ticket payments, with 86% below ₹500, highlighting UPI’s deep integration into routine retail and day-to-day commerce, even as higher-value transactions continued to expand. P2P transactions also showed widespread usage for low-value transfers (59% below ₹500), while a significant 41% of transactions above ₹500 reflects UPI’s growing versatility in facilitating both regular personal payments and higher-value fund transfers.
Fig 6: UPI transaction distribution by ticket size
V. UPI on the World Stage
What began as a domestic payments innovation has today evolved into a global benchmark in digital payments.
As of 2024, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounts for nearly 49 % percent of the world’s real-time payment transaction volume, a milestone recognized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its report in June 2025.
With over 66 crores transactions processed daily, UPI has surpassed global payment network, reinforcing India’s position as the world leader in instant, secure, and inclusive digital payments.
Country / Region
Status
UAE
Operational, accepted at major merchant points; used by Indian diaspora
Singapore
Operational, linked with Singapore’s PayNow for cross-border transfers
France
Operational, expanding Indian tourist payment acceptance
Operational, integrated with local payment infrastructure
Qatar
Operational.
VI. The Road Ahead, UPI’s Next Decade
The next decade of UPI is poised to drive even greater transformation in India’s digital payments landscape. By bringing new users and merchants to the UPI Ecosystem, Government of India remains committed to enabling the next phase of UPI-led innovation and strengthening India’s digital payments ecosystem through continued policy support, technological advancement, and greater financial inclusion.
The sperm and the egg cell’s nuclei compete for size directly after fertilization and this is necessary for the proper embryonic development. The mouse study with Kobe University participation finally gives meaning to a phenomenon biologists have known for decades.
At the beginning of a new individual’s life, an egg and a sperm fuse to form what biologists call a “zygote,” a fertilized egg. In mammals such as mice and humans, the DNA-carrying nuclei of these cells don’t fuse right away but remain separate as so-called “pronuclei” until just before the first cell division. “This fact has been known for decades, but no one really understood why this separation exists. People just treated it as a descriptive feature rather than something to be tested experimentally,” says Kobe University developmental biologist KYOGOKU Hirohisa. If anything, separate nuclei may increase the risk of errors during the first cell division. In assisted reproduction, embryos in which the maternal and paternal pronuclei are fused early have therefore attracted interest, but these embryos are known to have a lower likelihood of developing to term.
Kyogoku specializes in studying early development directly after fertilization. “The DNA an individual inherits from their mother and father differs not only in its genetic information. It is also known that the maternal genome has a lot of chemical modifications, like little tags, on the molecules around which the DNA is wrapped. The genome from the sperm, on the other hand, has virtually no such modifications. But these proper modifications are essential for embryonic development,” he explains. Thus suspecting that the fusion of pronuclei might have an influence on gene regulation, he teamed up with researchers from RIKEN and, using his special cell manipulation techniques, took a close look at what happened to these modifications when the pronuclei are fused and under other conditions.
In the journal Nature, the team now published that they found that the size of the pronuclei is essential for maintaining the regulatory modifications. Whenever the size of the nucleus was large, either through manipulation or because of the premature fusing of the maternal and paternal pronuclei, the degree of the chemical tagging became low. And when they investigated what keeps the pronuclei’s sizes small in the natural, separated state, they found that the two pronuclei engage in a race to absorb factors that regulate nucleus growth. This then yielded a clear mechanistic explanation for why the developmental potential of fused nuclei is smaller: Because the single nucleus doesn’t have to compete for these factors it ends up much larger and as a result the genome’s regulatory tags get lost. “I find it exciting that a very familiar structure — two separate nuclei in a fertilized egg — turns out to have a clear and functional role, that is, it actively creates a competitive environment inside the cell which helps maintain proper regulation and supports development,” says Kyogoku.
Caption In mammals such as mice and humans, the DNA-carrying nuclei of these cells don’t fuse right away but remain separate as so-called “pronuclei” until just before the first cell division. This 3D-reconstructed image shows a mouse zygote (fertilized egg), where maternal (magenta) and paternal (green) genomes are enclosed in separate pronuclei. “This fact has been known for decades, but no one really understood why this separation exists,” says Kobe University developmental biologist KYOGOKU Hirohisa. Credit: KYOGOKU Hirohisa
To test their theory, the team temporarily introduced into zygotes with prematurely fused pronuclei an additional pronucleus to re-establish competition. And indeed, this intervention successfully limited nuclear size and partially restored the regulatory marks as well as the developmental potential.
The Kobe University work opens a whole new chapter of research into the very first steps a new life takes. “Even at the beginning of life, spatial organization is not just incidental but fundamentally important,” explains Kobe University biologist Kyogoku. He continues, “This result brings us one step closer to understanding the physical and biological principles that explain why early embryos are both robust and error-prone at the same time.”
Scientists are developing a new approach that could tackle plastic pollution and the global energy challenge at once — by converting discarded plastics into clean fuel using sunlight.
A study led by PhD researcher Xiao Lu at the University of Adelaide explores how solar-powered systems can transform plastic waste into hydrogen, syngas and other industrial chemicals. The findings, published in Chem Catalysis, point to a potential pathway for building a circular and sustainable economy.
With global plastic production exceeding 460 million tonnes annually — much of it ending up in landfills and oceans — researchers say the material’s high carbon and hydrogen content makes it a valuable, yet underutilised, resource.
“Plastic is often seen purely as waste, but it also holds significant potential,” Lu said, noting that efficient conversion using sunlight could simultaneously address environmental damage and energy demand.
How the process works
The technology relies on a method known as solar-driven photoreforming. It uses photocatalysts — light-sensitive materials — to break down plastics at relatively low temperatures. This process generates hydrogen, a clean fuel that produces no emissions at the point of use, along with other commercially useful chemicals.
Compared to conventional hydrogen production methods such as water splitting, plastic-based photoreforming is considered more energy-efficient because plastics are easier to oxidise, making the process more viable for scale.
Senior researcher Xiaoguang Duan said recent experiments have delivered promising outcomes, including sustained hydrogen production, formation of acetic acid and even diesel-range hydrocarbons. Some systems have operated continuously for over 100 hours, demonstrating improving stability.
Barriers to large-scale deployment
Despite encouraging progress, the study highlights several technical hurdles that must be addressed before commercial rollout.
One of the biggest challenges is the heterogeneous nature of plastic waste. Different polymers react differently during conversion, while additives such as dyes and stabilisers can disrupt chemical processes. This makes sorting and pre-treatment critical for efficiency.
Another concern lies in the durability of photocatalysts. These materials must remain stable under harsh chemical conditions, yet many current designs degrade over time, limiting long-term use.
“There remains a gap between laboratory success and real-world application,” Duan said, stressing the need for more robust catalyst systems and scalable designs.
The road ahead
Separating the end products — typically a mix of gases and liquids — also remains energy-intensive, reducing the overall sustainability advantage. To overcome this, researchers are calling for integrated solutions combining improved catalyst design, advanced reactor engineering and system optimisation.
Emerging approaches include continuous-flow reactors, hybrid systems that combine solar with thermal or electrical inputs, and smarter monitoring tools to enhance efficiency.
The research team believes that with sustained innovation, solar-powered plastic-to-fuel technologies could become a cornerstone of future low-carbon energy systems.
“This field is advancing rapidly,” Lu said. “With the right breakthroughs, it has the potential to transform waste into a valuable energy resource while reducing environmental harm.”
India has significantly expanded its Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network since 2014, increasing from 14 operational units to 50, marking over 250% rise. These additions, covering over 87% of the country, improve forecasting for cyclones, heavy rain, and thunderstorms under the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with 50 more planned under Mission Mausam.
This was stated here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh speaking to the media after inaugurating a Selfie Point, depicting Weather Radar, at the entrance gate of India Meteorological Department (IMD) headquarters, at Lodhi Road, here. The event was held in the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, and Director General of Meteorology, IMD, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, along with senior officials and scientists.
The Minister said, this transformation has been made possible due to the high priority accorded to the sector by the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to greater accuracy, accessibility and public trust in forecasts.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that India’s meteorological services have undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade. From a time when weather forecasts were often met with scepticism, the system today provides highly reliable and precise predictions used by a wide spectrum of users, from farmers and homemakers to pilots and event planners. He said that people now routinely check weather updates on their mobile phones before stepping out, reflecting the growing trust and reach of IMD services.
Referring to advancements in forecasting, he highlighted the introduction of ‘Nowcast’ services, which provide highly localised and accurate forecasts for the next three hours. He said that such real-time information is crucial for disaster preparedness, urban planning and day-to-day decision-making. He added that India’s forecasting capability has reached a stage where it can provide detailed inputs on rainfall intensity, type of precipitation, possibility of hailstorms, and even the size of raindrops.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the role of Doppler Weather Radar technology in strengthening India’s weather monitoring system. These radars use the Doppler effect to track the movement and velocity of weather systems, enabling accurate and timely forecasts. The modern radars deployed by IMD are equipped with dual-polarization technology, allowing precise identification of precipitation types such as rain, hail and drizzle, improved rainfall estimation, and better detection of severe weather events while minimizing false signals.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the expanding radar network enables continuous monitoring of the atmosphere over large distances and supports early warnings for cyclones, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events. It also plays a critical role in aviation safety, agricultural planning and disaster risk reduction.
Highlighting the broader impact, the Minister said that India’s forecasting capabilities are also benefiting neighbouring countries, reflecting the country’s commitment to global cooperation and shared resilience.
The Minister also referred to the government’s focused initiatives such as Mission Mausam, aimed at strengthening weather and climate services, and the ongoing expansion of radar infrastructure, including installations in vulnerable regions like Jammu & Kashmir following recent extreme weather events.
The Selfie Point inaugurated today showcases a legacy weather radar system, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the evolution of meteorological technology in India. It has been set up to create greater public awareness about weather science and to encourage citizens to engage with IMD’s services through platforms such as mobile applications, SMS alerts and social media.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that such initiatives will help bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public awareness, enabling citizens to better understand and utilise weather information in their daily lives.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will flag off the extended Srinagar–Katra Vande Bharat Express up to Jammu Tawi on April 30, marking a significant upgrade to rail connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The move comes alongside a major capacity expansion, with the train’s rake increased from 8 to 20 coaches in response to consistently high passenger demand.
The service, which earlier terminated at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, will now run till Jammu Tawi Railway Station, directly linking the Union Territory’s largest railhead with the Kashmir Valley.
Following the ceremonial run, regular operations will begin from May 2, with two pairs of trains operating six days a week across the 266-km corridor.
The first service will depart Jammu Tawi early morning and reach Srinagar in under five hours, while a second service will offer additional morning and afternoon options from both ends, improving flexibility for travellers.
Seamless travel for pilgrims, tourists and commuters
The extension eliminates the need for passengers to change trains at Katra, a long-standing inconvenience for pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine and tourists travelling further into the Valley. It also enables a single, uninterrupted rail journey connecting Jammu directly to Srinagar.
For pilgrims, especially those combining visits to Vaishno Devi and the Amarnath Yatra routes via Srinagar, the new service simplifies travel logistics significantly. Tourists arriving in Jammu can now access Kashmir’s key destinations entirely by rail, bypassing weather-prone mountain roads.
Boost for local mobility and business
The expanded service is expected to benefit daily commuters, including students, officials and patients travelling between Jammu and Srinagar, particularly during winter when highway closures disrupt road connectivity.
For traders and artisans, the faster and more reliable rail link is likely to ease movement of goods and reduce travel costs, strengthening economic activity across the region.
Akashwani News
Engineering backbone of the route
As part of the visit, the minister will inspect the Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, both critical components of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
The Chenab bridge, standing taller than the Eiffel Tower, and the Anji bridge represent some of the most complex railway engineering efforts undertaken in the Himalayan region.
Part of a broader rail transformation
The extension is the latest milestone in a decade-long push to modernise rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The USBRL project, spanning 272 km with extensive tunnelling and bridge construction, has enabled all-weather connectivity to the Valley.
The first Vande Bharat service on the route was flagged off by Narendra Modi in June 2025. The latest extension now brings that high-speed service to a wider population base, linking Jammu more directly with Kashmir’s economic and tourism circuits.
Scientists have developed a new smart oxide that not only stores energy but also visibly indicates how much charge it holds. The material changes colour depending on its charge level—turning blue when charged and becoming transparent as it discharges—offering a simple, real-time visual cue that the device needs recharging.
From smartphones to solar grids, modern systems depend heavily on efficient energy storage. Yet, most devices are typically designed either to store energy or display information, rarely combining both functions in a single material.
Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, have addressed this gap by creating an oxygen-deficient bimetallic oxide made of molybdenum and tungsten (Mo₀.₁₁W₀.₈₉O₃₋ₓ). This compound enables both energy storage and visual indication of charge through its colour-changing property.
Led by Principal Researcher Ashutosh Kumar Singh, the team synthesised the material using a solvothermal process. Its unique behaviour stems from its oxygen-deficient structure. Missing oxygen atoms create extra space within the material, allowing ions to move more freely. As these ions shift during charging and discharging, they alter the material’s electronic structure—resulting in a visible colour transition that acts as a built-in charge indicator.
Morphology of Bimetalllic oxide and its application demonstration in energy storage and electrochromic devices
The researchers also tested the material in electrochromic applications, developing a 5×5 cm² device that demonstrated strong optical modulation of 43% at 700 nm and high colouration efficiency, indicating low power consumption. When used as a supercapacitor electrode, the material delivered a specific capacitance of 234 F g⁻¹ and an areal capacitance of 975 mF cm⁻², highlighting its strong energy storage capability.
The findings, published in Materials Chemistry A, show that the material maintains stability over 10,000 charge-discharge cycles and performs reliably under mechanical bending and varying environmental conditions. It also exhibited fast switching speeds and strong optical contrast. In practical demonstrations, devices built with the material were able to power an LCD timer and illuminate an LED, underscoring its potential for next-generation smart energy systems.
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