In a major leap toward self-reliance in defense technology, India is set to develop its very own fifth-generation fighter jet—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) . In a historic move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved an innovative execution model for the indigenous stealth fighter programme. This model brings together Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry players in a competitive framework, marking a significant shift in how India approaches military aviation manufacturing. This bold initiative comes at a critical time, as China has already fielded two fifth-generation fighters , and reports indicate it will supply 40 J-35 stealth jets to Pakistan . Against this backdrop, fast-tracking the AMCA has become an urgent national security imperative. AMCA: India’s Indigenous Stealth Fighter Dream The AMCA project , spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) , received its l...
Dark Oxygen: A New Discovery Reshaping Life’s Origins and Possibilities on Other Planets Discovery Overview: In July 2024 , scientists discovered the phenomenon of "dark oxygen" 13,100 feet deep in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean. This deep ocean region is known for its rich deposits of metallic nodules containing manganese and iron. Key Features of Dark Oxygen Production: Oxygen Generation Without Sunlight: Metallic nodules on the seafloor were found to split seawater (H₂O) to produce oxygen without relying on sunlight. Traditional oxygen production on Earth primarily comes from photosynthesis , but dark oxygen challenges this assumption. Scientific and Astrobiological Implications: Potential for Life on Other Planets: Dark oxygen production suggests that oxygen-rich habitats could exist on planets without sunlight. This increases the possibility of discovering life on planets or moons with deep-sea or underground environments. Early Earth's Ecosyste...