The Airplane Powered Only by the Sun

SOLAR IMPULSE 2

Imagine an airplane that flies without a single drop of fuel—no petrol, no diesel, no aviation turbine fuel—only sunlight. This remarkable vision became reality with Solar Impulse, a pioneering aircraft project that proved clean energy can power flight.

The Solar Impulse aircraft stands as one of the most inspiring achievements in modern aviation and renewable energy innovation.

The Vision Behind the Dream

The Solar Impulse project was initiated by Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg. Their mission was not merely to build a solar-powered airplane, but to demonstrate that existing clean technologies could achieve extraordinary goals.

Their aim was clear:

●To fly around the world using nothing but solar energy.

The reason you often hear “Solar Impulse 2” is because there were two different aircraft built under the Solar Impulse project.

1️⃣ Solar Impulse 1

This was the first prototype, launched in 2009.

It proved that a solar-powered airplane could fly day and night.

In 2010, it successfully completed a 26-hour flight, including nighttime flying.

It mainly conducted test flights across Europe.

It was a technology demonstrator — a proof of concept.

However, it was not designed to fly around the world.

2️⃣ Solar Impulse 2

This was the advanced version, built specifically for the historic round-the-world mission (2015–2016).

Improvements included:

●More efficient solar cells

●Better batteries

●Lighter and stronger structure

●Improved cockpit for ultra-long flights

Solar Impulse 2 successfully completed the first-ever solar-powered circumnavigation of the globe.

How Does Solar Impulse Work?

Solar Impulse runs entirely on solar power. Here’s how:

●Solar Panels: Over 17,000 solar cells are embedded in the aircraft’s wings.

●Energy Collection: During the day, these panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.

●Battery Storage: The electricity powers the motors and simultaneously charges lithium batteries.

●Night Flying: At night, the aircraft uses the stored battery energy to continue flying.

This system allows the airplane to fly both day and night without fuel.

Record-Breaking Journey

In 2015–2016, Solar Impulse 2 completed a historic round-the-world journey. The aircraft travelled across continents and oceans in multiple stages, including a challenging flight over the Pacific Ocean.

The journey covered approximately 43,000 kilometers and lasted over a year, with stops in countries including India, China, Japan, the United States, and the UAE.

This achievement demonstrated that renewable energy is not just theoretical—it is powerful and practical.

Design and Technology

Solar Impulse has some fascinating features:

●Wingspan: About 72 meters—wider than a Boeing 747.

●Weight: Roughly the same as a family car (around 2.3 tons).

●Speed: Maximum cruising speed of about 70 km/h.

●Cockpit: Small and unpressurised; pilots endured long flights in a compact space.

The aircraft is extremely lightweight, built using advanced carbon-fiber materials to maximize efficiency.

Why Is Solar Impulse Important?

Although Solar Impulse is not designed for commercial passenger travel, its importance lies in what it represents:

●A proof that clean energy works.

●Inspiration for sustainable aviation technology.

●Encouragement for innovation in electric mobility.

●A powerful message about climate responsibility.

The project sparked global discussions about renewable energy and environmental protection.

Beyond Aviation

After completing its mission, the Solar Impulse Foundation was created to promote clean technologies worldwide. The foundation supports innovative solutions that help protect the environment while remaining economically viable.

Solar Impulse is not just an airplane—it is a symbol of possibility. It shows that with vision, courage, and technology, humanity can move toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Final Thoughts

The Solar Impulse aircraft reminds us that the sun, our most abundant natural resource, has immense untapped potential. While solar-powered commercial airplanes may still be a challenge for the future, Solar Impulse has already proven that the impossible can become possible.

It teaches us a powerful lesson:

When innovation meets determination, even the sky is not the limit.

Physics in action

THE SCIENCE BEHIND A ROLLER-COASTER RIDE 

There’s something magical about a roller coaster. The slow, suspenseful climb… the heart-stopping drop… the twists that make you scream and laugh at the same time. But behind all that thrill lies pure science. Roller coasters are not just amusement rides — they are living demonstrations of physics in action.

Let’s explore the fascinating science behind a roller coaster.

1. It All Starts with Energy

The secret of a roller coaster lies in energy transformation.

When the train is pulled to the top of the first hill, it gains potential energy. The higher it goes, the more potential energy it stores. This energy depends on:

●Height

●Mass

●Gravity

As the coaster drops, that stored potential energy converts into kinetic energy (energy of motion). The steeper the drop, the faster the train moves.

In simple terms:

Top of the hill = Maximum potential energy

Bottom of the hill = Maximum kinetic energy

This continuous exchange between potential and kinetic energy keeps the coaster moving.

2. Gravity: The Invisible Engine

Unlike cars, most roller coasters do not have engines pushing them after the first climb. Once the train is released, gravity does the rest of the work.

Gravity pulls the train downward, accelerating it. The design ensures that each successive hill is slightly lower than the first one. This compensates for energy lost due to:

●Friction

●Air resistance

Without gravity, the ride wouldn’t exist!

3. Newton’s Laws in Action

The principles discovered by Isaac Newton play a major role in roller coaster physics.

Newton’s First Law (Inertia)

When the coaster suddenly drops, your body wants to stay where it was — this creates that “falling” sensation in your stomach.

Newton’s Second Law (Force = Mass × Acceleration)

The faster the coaster accelerates, the greater the force you feel.

Newton’s Third Law (Action–Reaction)

When the coaster pushes you into your seat, your body pushes back with equal force.

4. The Thrill of G-Forces

Ever felt pressed into your seat during a sharp turn? That’s due to G-forces.

G-force measures acceleration compared to normal gravity:

1G = Normal gravity

2G = Twice your body weight

Negative Gs = “Air-time” feeling (you lift slightly from your seat)

Engineers carefully design coasters to ensure G-forces remain thrilling but safe.

5. Centripetal Force and Loops

How do riders stay in their seats during a loop?

When the coaster enters a vertical loop, centripetal force keeps it moving in a circular path. The speed at the top of the loop must be high enough to counteract gravity.

Modern loops are not perfectly circular — they are shaped like a teardrop (called a clothoid loop). This design reduces extreme forces and ensures a smoother ride.

6. Friction and Air Resistance

Not all energy stays in the system. Some is lost due to:

●Friction between wheels and track

●Air resistance

That’s why:

●The first hill is always the tallest.

●The coaster cannot go higher than its starting point without extra power.

7. Engineering and Safety

Behind every thrilling ride is advanced engineering. Companies like Six Flags and Cedar Fair operate some of the world’s most complex coasters, designed with computer simulations and rigorous safety checks.

Modern roller coasters use:

●Magnetic brakes

●Steel tracks for precision

●Computer monitoring systems

Every twist and turn is calculated scientifically.

🎢 Did You Know?

●The world’s fastest roller coaster is Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. It reaches speeds of about 240 km/h in just a few seconds!

●Roller coaster loops were once circular, but they caused extreme G-forces. Modern teardrop-shaped loops are much safer.

●Wooden roller coasters are known for their classic rattling sound and unique vibration experience.

●Your “stomach drop” feeling happens because your internal organs momentarily experience near weightlessness.

Final Thought

A roller coaster is more than an amusement ride — it’s a moving physics laboratory. From gravity and energy transformation to Newton’s laws and G-forces, every second of the ride is a scientific masterpiece.

So next time you’re climbing that steep first hill, remember — you’re not just screaming…

You’re experiencing science in motion. 

The Japanese Healing Therapy

REIKI 

In a fast-paced world filled with stress and constant activity, many people are turning toward gentle, natural methods of healing. One such practice is Reiki, a Japanese energy healing therapy that focuses on restoring balance within the body, mind, and spirit. Simple yet profound, Reiki is based on the idea that a universal life force energy flows through all living beings.

What Is Reiki?

The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words:

Rei – meaning “universal”

Ki – meaning “life energy” (similar to prana in India or chi in China)

Reiki practitioners believe that when this life energy is low or blocked, a person is more likely to feel stress or fall ill. When the energy flows freely, it promotes relaxation, healing, and overall well-being.

Origin and Founder

Reiki was developed in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui, a Japanese spiritual teacher. According to tradition, Usui experienced a spiritual awakening during a meditation retreat on Mount Kurama in Japan. After this experience, he began teaching and practicing Reiki healing, and the method gradually spread across Japan and later to the West.

Today, Reiki is practiced worldwide as a complementary therapy.

How Does Reiki Work?

During a Reiki session:

●The recipient lies down fully clothed.

●The practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above specific areas of the body.

●Energy is believed to flow through the practitioner’s hands to the recipient.

Reiki is not massage. There is no pressure or manipulation of muscles. Instead, it is a gentle, calming experience. Many people report feeling warmth, tingling sensations, deep relaxation, or emotional release.

Benefits of Reiki

While scientific research on Reiki is still developing, many people experience positive effects such as:

●Reduced stress and anxiety

●Improved sleep

●Relief from emotional tension

●Support during illness or recovery

●Enhanced sense of peace and clarity

Hospitals and wellness centers in several countries even offer Reiki as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments.

Reiki Principles

Mikao Usui taught simple ethical principles to guide practitioners. They begin with:

●Just for today, do not worry.

●Just for today, do not anger.

●Be grateful.

●Work diligently.

●Be kind to others.

These principles emphasise emotional balance and mindful living.

Is Reiki a Religion?

No. Reiki is a spiritual practice but not a religion. It does not require belief in any doctrine. People of all faiths and backgrounds practice and receive Reiki.

A Gentle Path to Healing

Reiki reminds us that healing is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual. In a world that often seeks quick fixes, Reiki offers a quiet, compassionate approach — one that encourages stillness, balance, and connection to the universal life energy within us.

Whether one views it as energy work, relaxation therapy, or spiritual practice, Reiki continues to bring comfort and calm to millions around the world.

Do you know

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WAVE ENERGY AND TIDAL ENERGY 

The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface and are constantly in motion. This movement contains a huge amount of energy that can be converted into electricity. Two important forms of ocean-based renewable energy are wave energy and tidal energy. Although both come from the sea, they are created in different ways and use different technologies.

What Is Tidal Energy?

Tides occur because of the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth’s oceans. As Earth rotates, this pull causes sea levels to rise and fall in a regular and predictable pattern, usually twice a day.

Tidal energy is generated by capturing this movement of water. One common method uses underwater tidal turbines, which look similar to wind turbines but are smaller and much stronger to withstand ocean currents. As tidal water flows past the blades, it turns the turbine, which powers a generator to produce electricity.

Another method involves tidal barrages. These are large barriers built across bays or estuaries. Water is trapped behind the barrage at high tide and then released at low tide, flowing through turbines to generate power.

Advantages of tidal energy:

● Highly predictable and reliable

● Produces clean, renewable electricity

● Long-lasting infrastructure

Limitations:

● Expensive to build

● Can affect marine ecosystems

● Suitable only in areas with strong tidal currents

What Is Wave Energy?

Wave energy comes from wind blowing across the surface of the ocean. The stronger and longer the wind blows, the larger the waves become. Unlike tides, waves vary depending on weather conditions.

Wave energy is captured using machines called wave energy converters. Some of these devices float on the ocean surface and move up and down with the waves. This motion drives pistons or hydraulic systems connected to generators. Other designs trap waves inside a chamber, forcing air through a turbine to generate electricity. Some wave energy systems are placed near the shore, while others operate offshore.

Advantages of wave energy:

● Large energy potential

● Does not produce pollution

● Can be installed near coastal areas

Limitations:

● Less predictable than tidal energy

● Technology is still developing

● Can be damaged by storms

Future of Ocean Energy

Scientists and engineers around the world are still improving these technologies to make them cheaper, safer, and more efficient. Countries with long coastlines, such as the UK, Portugal, Australia, and India, have great potential to benefit from ocean energy.

If developed successfully, wave and tidal energy could play a major role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, helping to fight climate change and provide clean, renewable power for future generations.

Classification of Food Categories

NOVA 

The NOVA food classification system was developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. It classifies foods based on the extent and purpose of food processing, rather than on nutrients alone. This system is widely used in nutrition education, public health, and research.

Why is it called the NOVA classification?

The term “NOVA” comes from the Portuguese word nova, which means “new.” 

This name was chosen by Brazilian researchers to highlight the “new” way foods are produced and consumed in the modern world, especially the rapid rise of industrially processed and ultra-processed foods.

Key Reasons Behind the Name “NOVA”

1. Focus on new food processing methods

Traditional nutrition systems classified food mainly by nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats).

The NOVA system is new because it classifies food based on how much and why it is processed.

2. Attention to newly developed ultra-processed foods

Many modern foods—like instant noodles, soft drinks, packaged snacks—did not exist earlier.

The NOVA system was created to study the health impact of these new industrial foods.

3. Developed in Brazil (Portuguese language)

Since the system was developed by researchers in Brazil, the Portuguese word “NOVA” was naturally used.

In Simple Words

It is called NOVA because it offers a new perspective on food classification, emphasising modern food processing and its effects on health rather than just nutrients.

The Four NOVA Food Groups

🟢 Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

These are natural foods altered very little after harvesting or slaughtering. Processing aims only to preserve or prepare them.

Examples: 

* Fresh fruits and vegetables

* Whole grains (rice, wheat, millets)

* Pulses and legumes

* Milk, curd, plain yogurt

* Eggs, fresh meat, fish

* Nuts and seeds

Purpose of processing: Cleaning, drying, grinding, freezing, boiling

🟡 Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients

These are substances extracted from Group 1 foods or from nature and are used in cooking, not eaten alone.

Examples:

* Sugar

* Salt

* Honey

* Butter, ghee

* Vegetable oils

Purpose of processing: Pressing, refining, milling

🟠 Group 3: Processed Foods

These foods are made by adding salt, sugar, or oil to Group 1 foods. They usually have 2–3 ingredients.

Examples:

* Pickles

* Jam and jelly

* Cheese

* Freshly baked bread

* Salted nuts

* Canned fruits and vegetables

Purpose of processing: Preservation, enhancing taste

🔴 Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods

These are industrially formulated products made mostly from substances extracted from foods, with additives. They are ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat.

Examples:

* Soft drinks and packaged juices

* Instant noodles

* Chips, biscuits, cakes

* Chocolates, ice cream

* Fast foods (burgers, pizza)

* Breakfast cereals (sweetened)

Common additives: Flavours, colours, emulsifiers, preservatives

Why is NOVA Classification Important?

● Helps identify unhealthy ultra-processed foods

● Encourages home-cooked, natural diets

● Useful in school health education and nutrition awareness

● Linked to studies on obesity, diabetes, and heart disease

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each NOVA Food Category

The NOVA classification helps us understand food not just by nutrients, but by how processing affects health, society, and lifestyle. Each group has its own benefits and limitations.

🟢 Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

Advantages

✔ Rich in natural nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants

✔ Support good digestion and immunity

✔ Lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease

✔ Promote traditional diets and local foods

✔ No harmful additives or artificial chemicals

Disadvantages

✘ Short shelf life (fresh fruits, vegetables, milk)

✘ Require time and effort for cleaning and cooking

✘ Seasonal availability may limit access to some foods

🟡 Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients

Advantages

✔ Essential for cooking and food preparation

✔ Improve taste, texture, and aroma of meals

✔ Help meet energy needs (oils, ghee, sugar)

✔ Enable home cooking, reducing dependence on packaged foods

Disadvantages

✘ High intake can lead to health problems

Excess salt → high blood pressure

Excess sugar → obesity, diabetes

Excess fats → heart disease

✘ Not meant to be consumed on their own

🟠 Group 3: Processed Foods

Advantages

✔ Longer shelf life than fresh foods

✔ Convenient and easy to store

✔ Usually made with few ingredients

✔ Can still retain some nutritional value

✔ Useful during travel or emergencies

Disadvantages

✘ Often contain high salt or sugar

✘ Regular consumption may reduce intake of fresh foods

✘ May encourage preference for strong flavours

🔴 Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods

Advantages

✔ Very convenient (ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat)

✔ Attractive taste and appearance

✔ Long shelf life

✔ Easily available and affordable

Disadvantages

✘ High in salt, sugar, unhealthy fats

✘ Low in dietary fibre and micronutrients

✘ Contain artificial colours, flavours, preservatives

✘ Increase risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease

✘ Can cause addiction-like eating habits

✘ Replace traditional home-cooked meals

🌱 Overall Message of NOVA

More Group 1 foods → Better health

Use Group 2 ingredients in moderation

Limit Group 3 foods

Avoid frequent consumption of Group 4 foods

✨ Do You Know?

● The NOVA system is used by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in nutrition studies.

● Diets rich in Group 1 foods are associated with better overall health.

● Ultra-processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

● The NOVA classification was introduced in 2009 by Brazilian nutrition researcher Carlos A. Monteiro and his team.

● The system helps people understand why some foods are harmful even if they seem nutritious on the label.

● Countries with diets high in ultra-processed foods show higher rates of lifestyle diseases.

● Traditional Indian meals mainly belong to Group 1 and Group 2, making them naturally healthier.

India’s First Manned Deep Ocean Mission

SAMUDRAYAAN 

India is stepping boldly into the mysteries of the deep sea with Samudrayaan, a pioneering mission that promises to open an entirely new frontier of exploration. If Chandrayaan helped us understand the Moon, Samudrayaan will help us read the hidden diary of our own planet—written far below the waves, where sunlight never reaches and pressure wraps around like an iron hug.

What Is Samudrayaan?

Samudrayaan is India’s first manned deep ocean mission, launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Its goal is to send Indian aquanauts—scientists trained to explore the ocean—to depths of 6,000 metres beneath the sea. At this depth, the ocean floor lies in eternal night, where strange creatures glow like living lanterns and minerals hide in untouched pockets of the Earth’s crust.

The mission will carry explorers in a special human-carrying submersible named MATSYA 6000—a spherical titanium capsule built to withstand pressure that is nearly 600 times greater than what we feel on land.

Why Are We Exploring the Deep Sea?

The deep ocean is like a vault of Earth’s secrets. Samudrayaan will help scientists:

🌐 Study valuable minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements found near hydrothermal vents.

🧪 Understand deep-sea ecosystems, which may hold clues to new medicines and the origins of life.

🌋 Observe geological processes that shape the Earth from within.

🌦️ Improve climate and ocean predictions, because what happens in the depths affects what happens in the skies.

For a nation with a vast coastline and a vision for the future, understanding the ocean is like understanding the heartbeat of the planet.

Meet MATSYA 6000

The star of Samudrayaan is its submersible—MATSYA 6000. Its design is as impressive as a mythic sea-creature forged in a scientist’s workshop:

🔵 Three-person crew module made of thick titanium

🔵 Life support systems lasting over 12 hours

🔵 High-resolution cameras and robotic arms to collect samples

🔵 Deep-sea lights that slice through pitch-black waters

MATSYA doesn’t swim; it descends gently, like a falling star in slow motion, guided by thrusters and controlled by expert pilots.

A Step Toward the Blue Economy

India envisions a future where the ocean becomes a partner in progress. Samudrayaan supports India’s Deep Ocean Mission, aimed at responsibly harvesting marine resources, protecting biodiversity, and developing deep-sea technology.

It also strengthens India’s place among a small group of nations—including the USA, Japan, France, and China—that have the capability to send humans into the deep sea.

A Journey of Courage and Curiosity

Exploring the deep sea demands grit. The aquanauts who will embark on this mission will enter a world where no sunlight, no sound, and no certainty exists—only science, training, and human spirit. Their journey is a reminder that exploration isn’t just about going far; it’s about going deep.

Samudrayaan reflects India’s confidence, creativity, and commitment to scientific growth—an oceanic echo of the nation’s spacefaring dreams.

✨ Do You Know?

● At 6,000 metres, the pressure is so intense that a styrofoam cup shrinks to the size of a walnut!

● Less than 20% of the world’s oceans have been explored—Earth’s oceans are more mysterious than the Moon.

● The deep sea contains “black smokers”—underwater vents that release superheated water rich in minerals.

● India’s Samudrayaan crew will be among the few humans in history to travel to the hadal zone (ultra-deep parts of the ocean).

The NASA–ISRO Mission That Will Watch Earth Like Never Before

NISAR

The Earth is constantly changing—mountains shift, forests grow or shrink, glaciers melt, and coastlines reshape. But much of this change happens quietly and slowly, often going unnoticed. To understand these hidden transformations, scientists need sharp, reliable eyes in space.

Enter NISAR, the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission—one of the most ambitious Earth-monitoring satellites ever created.

Launched jointly by NASA (United States) and ISRO (India), NISAR is designed to study our planet in extraordinary detail. It will map almost the entire Earth every 12 days, capturing changes as small as a few millimeters!

What Exactly Is NISAR?

NISAR is an advanced Earth-observation satellite equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)—a special kind of radar that can take extremely detailed images of Earth’s surface.

Unlike normal cameras, radar can:

● See through clouds

● Work day and night

● Capture precise measurements in all weather conditions

This makes NISAR incredibly reliable, especially in regions that are cloudy, remote, or difficult to access.

🛰️ A Historic Partnership

NISAR is the first mission where NASA and ISRO have built major satellite components together.

NASA built the L–band radar, communication systems, and data processing equipment.

ISRO built the S–band radar, the spacecraft body, and launched the mission using the GSLV rocket.

This collaboration marks a milestone in global space cooperation.

How Does NISAR Help Us?

NISAR’s radar senses tiny movements and changes on Earth’s surface. This data will help scientists understand and respond to:

1. Natural Disasters

● Earthquakes

● Volcanoes

● Landslides

● Floods and cyclones

2. Climate Change

● Melting glaciers

● Changes in ice sheets

● Sea-level rise

● Forest carbon storage

3. Agriculture & Water

● Crop monitoring

● Soil moisture detection

● Surface and groundwater studies

4. Forests and Ecosystems

● Deforestation

● Wetland mapping

● Biodiversity monitoring

🚀 The Technology Behind NISAR

NISAR carries two powerful radar systems:

● L-band radar (NASA) – penetrates deeper into forests and soil

● S-band radar (ISRO) – ideal for monitoring crops, vegetation, and disasters

Together, they provide a complete, highly accurate picture of Earth’s changing surface.

A highlight of the mission is the 12-meter-wide radar antenna, one of the largest ever sent to space!

Do You Know?

● NISAR’s antenna is 12 meters wide—almost the size of a school bus.

● It can detect ground movement as small as 1–4 mm from 747 km above Earth.

● It will map the entire Earth in just 12 days.

● The mission will produce huge amounts of data every day, all freely available to the public.

● SAR can take clear pictures during storms, floods, and at night.

● NISAR is the world’s first mission to use both L-band and S-band radar together.

● It is a $1.5-billion collaboration, one of the costliest Earth-observation missions ever.

● It can help predict landslides and volcanic eruptions by tracking tiny surface movements.

● Scientists will be able to monitor glacier movement and melting every few days.

● The mission is a symbol of friendship and scientific partnership between India and the United States.

Why NISAR Matters

Earth is changing faster than ever. Climate change, urban growth, melting ice, droughts, and natural hazards affect millions of lives. NISAR provides early warnings, scientific insight, and a deeper understanding of our planet.

More importantly, it proves that international collaboration can lead to extraordinary achievements.

In Simple Words…

NISAR is a super-detailed, all-weather, day-night radar satellite that will help us monitor, understand, and protect our planet.

NISAR is now in the process of becoming fully operational — here’s the current status:

✅ What’s the Current Status of NISAR

1. First Radar Images Are Already Here

On Aug 21, 2025, NISAR’s L-band radar captured its first image of Mount Desert Island, Maine. 

On Aug 23, 2025, it imaged wetlands and farmland in North Dakota, showing forests, circular irrigation fields, and more. 

These images were taken during the commissioning phase, not full science operations yet. 

2. Commissioning / Check-Out Phase

After launch on July 30, NISAR spent about 90 days in a commissioning phase. 

During this time, engineers tested and calibrated both radars (L-band and S-band), and raised the satellite to its operational orbit. 

The large 12-meter antenna reflector successfully deployed in orbit. 

3. Science Operations Starting Soon

According to NASA, full science operations are expected to begin ~ 90 days after launch. 

NASA and ISRO are targeting early November 2025 for the mission to be officially declared “operational.” 

NISAR has already started collecting some data (test / commissioning images).

Not yet in full science mission mode — that should begin around November 2025, once commissioning is fully completed.

A Growing Global Health Concern

DENGUE 

Dengue, often called “break-bone fever”, is a mosquito-borne viral infection that continues to threaten millions of people around the world. Countries like India have been especially affected. 

What Is Dengue?

Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which spreads to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is more common in tropical and subtropical regions where warm temperatures and urban environments help mosquitoes breed easily.

How Dengue Spreads

1. Mosquito-to-Human Transmission

The infection is mainly transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are active during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon.

Another species, Aedes albopictus, can also spread the virus but contributes less to transmission.

2. Human-to-Mosquito Transmission

A mosquito can become infected when it bites a person who already has dengue virus in their bloodstream.

3. Human-to-Human Transmission

Direct human-to-human spread is uncommon. However, maternal transmission (mother to baby) has been reported.

4. Other Rare Modes

Rare cases of dengue have occurred through blood transfusions, organ donations and transovarial transmission (virus passed from an infected female mosquito to its eggs)

Symptoms of Dengue

Common Symptoms: Most people experience mild or no symptoms and recover within 1–2 weeks. Typical symptoms include high fever, severe headache, body aches and joint pain, nausea and skin rash

Severe Dengue: Severe dengue can be life-threatening. It usually appears once the fever reduces. Warning signs include intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool. 

Immediate medical attention is necessary.

Who is at risk?

1. Previous Dengue Infection

People who have had dengue before are at a higher risk of severe dengue, due to a phenomenon called antibody-dependent enhancement.

2. Unplanned Urbanisation 

Uncontrolled population growth and environmental conditions increase mosquito breeding. Risk factors include high population density, water storage practices, human mobility and irregular water supply. 

Global Situation: Dengue has now become one of the top 10 global health threats, as identified by WHO in 2019.

Key Facts

● Around half of the world’s population is at risk.

● An estimated 100–400 million infections occur every year.

● Since many cases are mild or misdiagnosed, the actual number is likely much higher.

Where Is Dengue Most Common?

Dengue is widespread in:

● The Americas

● South-East Asia

● Western Pacific

Asia alone accounts for nearly 70% of the global disease burden.

Europe, too, has begun reporting local transmission—first noted in France in 2010.

Dengue in India

According to ICMR, 2 to 2.5 lakh cases are reported annually across the country.

Prevention: The Best Protection

● There is no complete cure for dengue yet. Preventing mosquito bites is the safest approach.

● Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites

● Wear clothes that cover the arms and legs

● Use mosquito nets

● Apply repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535

● Keep surroundings clean and free of still water

Treatment

For Mild Dengue

● Drink plenty of fluids

● Use paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever

● Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin, as they increase the risk of bleeding

For Severe Dengue

Hospitalisation is required for close monitoring, hydration, and supportive care.

Vaccines

Currently, Dengvaxia is the only licensed vaccine in some countries, but it is effective only for people who have had dengue before.

Ideal Characteristics of a Dengue Vaccine

Scientists aim to develop a vaccine that:

● Is safe in both the short and long term

● Protects against all four dengue virus serotypes

● Reduces risk of severe disease and death

● Works regardless of the person’s age or previous infection

● Provides sustained immunity

India’s upcoming vaccine project is a major step toward meeting these goals.

Steps Taken to Control Dengue

WHO’s Response

WHO supports countries through:

● Global Vector Control Response (2017–2030)

● Strengthening monitoring and prevention strategies

India’s Measures

India implements control through the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP).

It covers six diseases: Malaria, Kala-azar, Lymphatic filariasis, Dengue, Chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis

The programme focuses on mosquito control, disease surveillance, public awareness, and early diagnosis.

Conclusion: Dengue remains a serious public health challenge in many parts of the world, including India. With rising cases and expanding geographical spread, prevention and awareness have become more important than ever. The development of India’s dengue vaccine offers hope for stronger protection in the coming years. Controlling mosquito breeding and seeking timely medical care remain the most powerful tools against this disease.