In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...
A recent study has brought to light a grave issue affecting public health in the Gangetic plains of Bihar—Manganese (Mn) contamination in drinking water. The contamination is linked to severe health consequences, including cancer, posing a significant challenge to ensuring safe and clean drinking water. The Toxicity of Manganese Manganese is the fifth-most abundant metal on earth and exists naturally in various forms, including oxides, carbonates, and silicates. It is a hard, brittle, silvery metal commonly found in food, water, soil, and rocks. While manganese is an essential nutrient necessary for human health in trace amounts, excessive consumption can lead to severe health issues. Health Implications of Manganese According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable limit for manganese in drinking water is 0.1 mg/L, with a permissible limit of 0.3 mg/L. Consuming water with manganese levels exceeding these limits can result in severe toxicity, manifesting as neurologica...