Explained: Why scientists study tardigrades, tiny eight-legged ‘water bears’, in space

• Among the scientific experiments astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will undertake during his two week stay at the International Space Station (ISS) is one that will examine the revival, survival, and reproduction of tardigrades in space.
• What is the Voyager Tardigrades experiment? And why do scientists study these microscopic, eight-legged organisms?

First, what are tardigrades?

• Tardigrades, also known as “water bears”, are robust aquatic animals that have been around for roughly 600 million years, 400 million years before dinosaurs walked the planet. They have survived all the five major mass extinction events to have taken place thus far, and scientists believe they could be around long after humanity has died out.
• Typically about 0.5 mm long when fully grown, tardigrades have four pairs of legs, with 4-6 claws on each foot. They also have a specialised mouth which helps them suck nutrients from plant cells, algae, and other small invertebrates.
• the Tardigrades can be found almost everywhere — from highest mountains to the deepest oceans. Their most common habitat, however, is the thin film of water found on mosses and lichens, which bestows upon these animals the moniker of “moss piglets”.

Why do scientists study tardigrades?

• Scientists study tardigrades because of their remarkable resilience and ability to survive in extreme conditions. These microscopic, eight-legged creatures, also known as water bears, can endure temperatures ranging from -272.95°C to 150°C, survive ultraviolet radiation and high-pressure environments, and even live after being stored in a freezer for 30 years.
• Their survival mechanisms, particularly cryptobiosis and anhydrobiosis, allow them to halt their metabolism and reduce water levels by over 95%, forming a durable, shrunken state called tun. This enables them to withstand space radiation, vacuum exposure, and extreme dehydration.

Studying tardigrades has practical applications, including:

• Developing resilient crops that can withstand harsh climates.
• Creating advanced sunscreens using their protective proteins.
• Preserving human tissues and organs for transplantation.
• The Voyager Tardigrades experiment, currently being conducted at the International Space Station (ISS), aims to identify the genes responsible for their resilience, which could help protect astronauts from space radiation and counteract muscle and bone density loss during long-duration space missions

Comparison of Tardigrades with Other Extremophiles

• Tardigrades are among the most resilient organisms on Earth, but they are not the only extremophiles. Here’s how they compare to other organisms that thrive in extreme environments:

1. Heat Resistance: Tardigrades vs. Thermophiles

• Tardigrades can survive temperatures up to 151°C, but only in a cryptobiotic state.
• Thermophiles (like Pyrolobus fumarii) thrive at 122°C without entering dormancy.

2. Radiation Resistance: Tardigrades vs. Radiophiles

• Tardigrades withstand radiation levels above 5,000 Gy, thanks to unique proteins that repair DNA.
• Radiophiles (like Deinococcus radiodurans) survive 15,000 Gy, using efficient DNA repair mechanisms.

3. Cold Tolerance: Tardigrades vs. Psychrophiles

• Tardigrades endure freezing conditions as low as -272°C by suspending metabolic activity.
• Psychrophiles (like Colwellia psychrerythraea) thrive at -20°C without dormancy.

4. Acid & Alkaline Tolerance: Tardigrades vs. Acidophiles & Alkaliphiles

• Tardigrades tolerate pH levels from 2 to 9, but extreme pH disrupts their enzyme functions.
• Acidophiles (like Picrophilus torridus) thrive at pH 0, while alkaliphiles (like Natronobacterium) survive at pH 12.

5. Survival in Space: Tardigrades vs. Other Extremophiles

• Tardigrades are the first animals to survive direct exposure to space, enduring vacuum conditions and cosmic radiation.
• Other extremophiles, like deep-sea microbes, survive high-pressure environments, but not space exposure.

What does the Voyager Tardigrades experiment seek to do?

• Scientists will take tardigrades to the ISS in a state of tun, before reviving them and examining the effects of space radiation and microgravity on their biological processes.
• The primary objective of the experiment is to identify the genes that are responsible for making these animals resilient. In other words, scientists hope to pinpoint the specific molecular machinery that enables tardigrades’ survival and DNA repair in space.
• This will help scientists develop strategies to protect astronauts during long-duration space missions, and preserve biological materials for extended space travel.
• For instance, the survival mechanisms of tardigrades can be used to come up with strategies that better shield astronauts from space radiation, or counteract muscle and bone density loss experienced during lengthy space stays.

Have tardigrades been taken to space before?

• Tardigrades have been a part of space missions since 2007, when some 3,000 moss piglets hitched a ride to space aboard the European Space Agency’s Foton-M3 mission.
• The tardigrades, in a state of tun, were kept in a little round box on the side of the spacecraft whose lid was opened in space. Upon returning to Earth, they were rehydrated and examined. The German and Swedish scientists undertaking the experiment found that not only did many water bears survive the harsh space environment, some were also able to reproduce successfully.
• “While exposure to UV radiation did cause some damage and reduce survival rates slightly, the experiment confirmed that the vacuum of space alone was not a barrier to their survival, solidifying their status as one of Earth’s most durable organisms,” Pandey said.
• The experiment also made tardigrades the first animal to survive exposure to space. Before water bears, animals had only survived space in the safety of a spaceship or space suit.

Applying Tardigrade Survival Mechanisms to Human Space Travel

• Tardigrades are remarkably resilient organisms, capable of surviving extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum exposure. Scientists are studying their unique survival mechanisms to develop protective strategies for astronauts during long-duration space missions.

1. DNA Protection Against Space Radiation

• Tardigrades produce Damage Suppressor (Dsup) proteins, which shield their DNA from radiation-induced damage.
• Researchers are exploring genetic modifications to incorporate Dsup-like proteins into human cells, potentially reducing radiation risks for astronauts.

2. Counteracting Muscle & Bone Density Loss

• In microgravity, astronauts experience muscle atrophy and bone density reduction.
• Tardigrades enter cryptobiosis, halting metabolism and preserving cellular integrity.
• Scientists aim to replicate cryptobiosis-like effects to minimize astronaut health deterioration.

3. Long-Term Biological Preservation

• Tardigrades survive decades in a frozen state, reviving when conditions improve.
• This mechanism could help preserve human tissues and organs for extended space travel.
• Applications include cryogenic storage for medical emergencies on deep-space missions.

4. Enhancing Space Suit & Habitat Design

• Tardigrades withstand extreme dehydration using cytoplasmic-abundant heat soluble (CAHS) proteins.
• These proteins could inspire moisture-retaining materials for space suits and habitats, improving astronaut survival in harsh environments.

5. Future Space Missions & Genetic Engineering

• The Voyager Tardigrades experiment at the International Space Station (ISS) aims to identify resilience-related genes.
• Findings could lead to biotechnological advancements, enabling humans to withstand space conditions more effectively

From innovation to inclusion: Empowering rural India through agriculture

• India’s agricultural landscape has undergone a historic transformation over the past decade. As the sector becomes more resilient and productive, the focus under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved beyond traditional methods to a broader vision—market access, diversification, climate-smart farming, and inclusive rural empowerment.

Infrastructure driving change

• At the heart of this transformation is robust infrastructure development. The ₹1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is supporting over 42,000 projects across India, including modern warehouses and food processing units. These facilities are key to reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ profits.
• The PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, now numbering 1.8 lakh, serve as integrated agri-service centers, providing inputs, guidance, and market linkages. Simultaneously, the digital revolution in agriculture is taking root with the e-NAM platform connecting 1,473 mandis across 23 states and 4 union territories, enabling seamless trade worth ₹4 lakh crore. Mega Food Parks have surged from just two in 2014 to 41 in 2025, significantly boosting agro-processing and value addition.

Innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots

• Innovation and women’s empowerment have emerged as defining features of this new era. The Namo Drone Didi initiative empowers 15,000 women-led self-help groups with drones, enhancing precision farming and creating new income streams. Meanwhile, the AgriSURE fund by NABARD, with a corpus of ₹750 crore, is backing high-potential agri-startups. Already, nearly 2,000 startups have scaled operations under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, integrating technology with grassroots farming.

Diversifying income sources for farmers

• Diversification beyond conventional crops is reshaping rural livelihoods. India continues to be the world’s top milk producer, with indigenous milk production rising by 69 percent and providing sustenance to 8 crore individuals. The fisheries sector has nearly doubled in output, supported by renewed attention to inland and marine ecosystems.
• Food processing capacity expanded from 12 to 242 lakh metric tonnes, while exports have doubled to $9 billion. Beekeeping, another high-value activity, reached 1.42 lakh metric tonnes in honey production, with exports tripling. Under the “Sweet Revolution,” 167 women self-help groups are actively participating.

Towards sustainability and organic farming

• Green energy and organic farming are driving the shift towards sustainability. The Ethanol Blending Programme has reached nearly 18 percent blending, ensuring better returns for sugarcane farmers and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• The PM-KUSUM scheme is helping farmers adopt solar pumps and generate clean energy. Natural farming practices, promoted through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and the National Mission on Natural Farming, are gaining traction for being eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Reviving traditional grains and future foods

• India has also emerged as a global leader in the millet renaissance. After the United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, India rebranded millets as “Shree Anna” and began promoting them as a health and climate-resilient food option. This revival has reintroduced traditional grains into modern diets and markets, both domestically and internationally.

Strengthening the seed-to-market value chain

• The entire agricultural chain—from seed to market—is now more robust than ever. The SMSP Scheme has enabled over six lakh seed villages, ensuring the supply of 530 lakh quintals of quality seeds. Digital tools like the SATHI Portal have brought transparency and traceability to seed distribution systems, empowering farmers with information and access.

Expanding reach through new schemes

• To consolidate these gains, new schemes have been introduced. The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana targets productivity enhancement in 100 underperforming districts, impacting over 1.7 crore farmers.
•  The One District One Product initiative encourages regional agri-specialties, promoting rural entrepreneurship. Additionally, the newly formed Makhana Board will strengthen the value chain and exports of this specialty crop from Bihar.
• India’s agricultural journey today reflects more than just rising yields—it embodies a social and economic shift. From modernisation and digitisation to women-led innovation and renewable energy, the sector is poised to lead the way for rural prosperity.
• As the farmer transitions from food provider to growth driver, a new chapter in India’s development story is being written—one that is inclusive, entrepreneurial, and future-ready.

India building alternative rare earth supply chain amid curbs China curbs: Piyush Goyal

• India is taking strategic steps to address China''s rare earth export restrictions, which have raised concerns about global supply chain stability. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that these curbs serve as a wake-up call for industries overly dependent on Chinese suppliers and highlighted India’s commitment to building alternative supply chains.

Key strategies

• Diplomatic Engagement: Ongoing discussions between India''s embassy and Chinese authorities to navigate export challenges.
• Strengthening Domestic Production: Providing resources to Indian Rare Earths Limited to boost local extraction and processing.
• Industry Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between automotive manufacturers and domestic innovators for sustainable solutions.
• Global Trust and Supply Chain Diversification: Positioning India as a reliable partner for businesses seeking to reduce reliance on China.
• The automotive industry has requested expedited approvals for importing rare earth magnets from China, as these are crucial for vehicle production. China currently dominates over 90% of global magnet production, making disruptions particularly impactful.
• Goyal expressed optimism that these short-term challenges could turn into long-term opportunities, strengthening India''s manufacturing ecosystem and fostering self-reliance. India is actively developing emerging technologies that could serve as alternatives to Chinese rare earth supplies, further reinforcing its industrial independence.
• India''s strategic shift to developing an alternative rare earth supply chain in response to China''s export restrictions could have far-reaching effects on global trade.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential long-term impact:

• Reduced Dependence on China – China''s dominance in rare earth production has made many countries vulnerable to supply disruptions. India''s efforts to develop domestic capacity and secure alternative suppliers could lead to a more diversified global market.
• Strengthened Domestic Industry – Investment in Indian Rare Earths Limited and collaboration with startups could boost India''s industrial capabilities, fostering technological innovation in mining and refining rare earth materials.
• New Trade Alliances – India may strengthen economic ties with nations such as Australia, the US, and Japan, which are also looking to reduce reliance on China for rare earths. This could lead to bilateral agreements and strategic partnerships benefiting multiple industries.
• Boost for Electric Vehicles & Renewable Energy – Rare earth elements are critical for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and other clean energy technologies. India''s self-reliance in rare earth supply could accelerate its transition to sustainable energy sources.
• Global Supply Chain Stability – As India emerges as a trusted supplier, industries worldwide could see greater stability in sourcing rare earth materials, reducing geopolitical risks and production bottlenecks.
• Competitive Pricing & Market Expansion – Increased production from alternative suppliers could create a more competitive pricing structure, reducing cost pressures for manufacturers in the electronics, automotive, and energy sectors.
• India''s efforts to build an alternative rare earth supply chain amid China''s export restrictions will have a significant impact on multiple industries.

1. Automotive Industry

• Rare earth magnets are essential for electric vehicle (EV) motors, power steering systems, and other components.
• China controls over 90% of global magnet production, making India''s automotive sector vulnerable to supply disruptions.
• Delays in rare earth imports could slow EV production, affecting planned rollouts of new models.
• Automakers are exploring alternative suppliers in Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, and the US.

2. Electronics & Semiconductor Industry

• Rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium are crucial for smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor chips.
• Supply shortages could lead to higher costs and production delays in consumer electronics.
• India may need to accelerate domestic rare earth processing to support its growing tech sector.

3. Renewable Energy Sector

• Wind turbines and solar panels rely on rare earth materials for efficient energy conversion.
• India''s push for clean energy could be impacted if rare earth shortages persist.
• Strengthening domestic production could boost India''s renewable energy goals.

4. Defense & Aerospace Industry

• Rare earth elements are used in radar systems, missile guidance, and aircraft components.
• India''s defense sector may need to diversify suppliers to maintain production stability.
• Strengthening domestic rare earth extraction could enhance national security.

5. Telecommunications & Industrial Machinery

• Rare earth materials are vital for battery technologies, robotics, and precision instruments.
• Supply chain disruptions could slow advancements in industrial automation and telecom infrastructure.

India''s rare earth exploration initiatives

• India is actively working to expand its rare earth exploration initiatives to reduce dependence on China and strengthen its domestic supply chain. Here are some key developments:

1. Joint Exploration with Central Asian Countries

• India and five Central Asian nations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) have expressed interest in joint exploration of rare earths and critical minerals.
• The India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum was established to facilitate cooperation and exchange delegations for mineral exploration.
• This initiative aims to diversify the rare earth supply chain, currently dominated by China.

2. Expansion of Domestic Rare Earth Mining

• India has identified new rare earth deposits in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.
• Processing plants are being set up to refine Neodymium, Dysprosium, and Lithium, essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy.
• Private sector partnerships are encouraged to boost domestic production.

3. Strategic Stockpiling & Global Supply Chain Diversification

• India has signed rare earth agreements with Australia, the US, and Japan to secure long-term supplies.
• The government is establishing a National Critical Minerals Reserve to ensure energy security.
• Efforts are underway to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

4. Environmental & Sustainable Mining Practices

• India is implementing green mining regulations to minimize ecological impact.
• AI-powered mineral exploration is being developed to improve efficiency.
• Stricter norms on waste disposal and rare earth refining emissions are being enforced.

5. Challenges in India''s Rare Earth Strategy

• High costs and environmental risks associated with rare earth extraction.
• Competition with China’s dominant position in the global rare earth market.
• Limited expertise in advanced rare earth refining and processing technologieS.

Centre notifies SEZ reforms to boost semiconductor and electronics manufacturing

• The recent amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules, 2006 aim to boost semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing in India by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging investment. Here are the key changes:
• Lower Land Requirement: The minimum land needed for SEZs dedicated to semiconductor and electronics manufacturing has been reduced from 50 hectares to 10 hectares, making it easier for firms to establish operations.
• Encumbrance-Free Land Relaxation: SEZ land can now be mortgaged or leased to Central or State governments, allowing more flexibility in land acquisition.
• Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) Calculation Update: Goods received or supplied free of cost can now be included in NFE calculations, following customs valuation rules.
• Domestic Sales Allowed: SEZ units in these sectors can now sell products in the domestic tariff area (DTA) after paying applicable duties, improving commercial viability.

Following these reforms, two major SEZ projects have been approved:

• Micron Semiconductor Technology India Pvt. Ltd. (MSTI) will set up a semiconductor manufacturing SEZ in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of ₹13,000 crore.
• Hubballi Durable Goods Cluster Pvt. Ltd. (Aequs Group) will establish an electronics components SEZ in Dharwad, Karnataka, with an investment of ₹100 crore.

PM pays tribute to Birsa Munda

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 125th death anniversary, also known as Balidan Diwas. He honored Munda’s legacy as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to tribal welfare and national pride.
• Birsa Munda, born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu village, Jharkhand, was a key figure in India’s freedom struggle. Despite limited formal education, he united Adivasi communities against British exploitation and led a socio-religious movement to assert tribal identity and rights.
• Known as ‘Dharti Aaba’ (Father of the Earth), Munda fought against colonial oppression and worked for Indigenous empowerment. He passed away at 25 years old in British custody but left behind a legacy of resistance that continues to inspire generations
• Birsa Munda made significant contributions to tribal rights and land reforms, particularly through his leadership in the Ulgulan Movement (Great Tumult) against British colonial rule. Here’s how his efforts shaped tribal empowerment:

1. Protection of Tribal Land Rights

• Birsa Munda fought against the Zamindari system, which displaced Adivasi communities from their ancestral lands.
• His resistance led to the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908), which legally protected tribal land ownership and prevented outsiders from acquiring tribal lands.

2. Ulgulan Movement (1899–1900)

• He mobilized tribal communities against British exploitation, forced labor, and unfair taxation.
• His rebellion challenged British interference in tribal governance and demanded self-rule for Adivasis.

3. Socio-Religious Reforms

• Birsa Munda revived tribal identity by blending traditional customs with Vaishnavism.
• He founded the Birsait sect, which encouraged social unity, cultural pride, and resistance against colonial oppression.

4. Legacy in Tribal Welfare

• His movement inspired future tribal rights activism and policies protecting Indigenous communities.
• The Indian government honors his contributions by observing November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day)

India’s transformative foreign policy: A decade of strategic diplomacy

• Over the past eleven years, the Narendra Modi-led government has redefined India’s foreign policy, transitioning from a reactive to a proactive and assertive global stance. Guided by the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas,” India’s diplomacy has become more inclusive, development-focused, and aligned with national interests.

Neighborhood First and Regional Engagement

• Central to India’s foreign policy is the ‘Neighborhood First’ approach, which emphasizes strengthening ties with neighboring countries. This policy has been complemented by the ‘Act East,’ ‘Think West,’ and ‘Connect Central Asia’ strategies, aiming to enhance India’s engagement with its extended neighborhood. The government’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) underscores the commitment to regional stability and cooperation.

Indigenous Defense and Strategic Partnerships

• India’s defense policy has focused on achieving self-reliance and enhancing indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The commissioning of the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, showcases the country’s growing prowess in defense technology.
•  Through initiatives like the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX), India has supported startups and innovators in developing successful prototypes, fostering innovation and technological advancement in the defense sector.

Humanitarian Leadership and Disaster Response

• India continues to play a pivotal role as the ‘First Responder’ during times of humanitarian crises. The establishment of the Rapid Response Cell as a specialized division in the Ministry of External Affairs has made disaster protocols more resilient.
• India has undertaken several major relief and evacuation operations, such as Operation Dost (2023), Operation Ganga (2022), Operation Devi Shakti (2021), and Mission Sagar (2020), demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian assistance.

Global Initiatives and Multilateral Engagement

• India’s foreign policy has been characterized by active participation in global initiatives and multilateral platforms. The launch of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement reflects India’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. These initiatives have strengthened India’s multilateral relations and showcased its leadership in promoting a sustainable future. 

G20 Presidency: A Global Milestone

• India’s G20 presidency in 2023 marked a significant achievement in its diplomatic journey. The theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future) resonated globally, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all nations.
•  India successfully advocated for the inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the G20, highlighting its leadership role in representing the Global South.
• Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s foreign policy has evolved into a dynamic and transformative force on the global stage. By prioritizing regional cooperation, indigenous defense capabilities, humanitarian assistance, global initiatives, and multilateral engagement, India has established itself as a responsible and influential global power.

 ‘How extracting and producing nickel can be made more sustainable

• Nickel is a crucial component in clean energy technologies like electric vehicles, and demand for it is expected to rise sharply by 2040. However, traditional nickel extraction methods are highly carbon-intensive, shifting the environmental burden from fossil fuel-based transportation to mining and processing sectors
• Nickel powers everything, from gadgets to green technologies. But getting it currently involves a far from green, in fact, a dirty process. However, a new study has revealed what its authors have said is a game-changing and sustainable method to extract nickel from low-grade ores using hydrogen plasma instead of carbon. It’s a one-step process free of carbon dioxide that reportedly saves both energy and time.
• Nickel is an important metal used in several clean energy technologies, especially Electric Vehicles (EVs), and the demand for it is expected to surpass six million tonnes a year by 2040. While EVs are seen as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles, there are hidden environmental costs associated with their production, especially in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.
• A major component in these batteries is nickel and its extraction is highly carbon-intensive. Producing just one tonne of nickel can result in more than 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
• So while EVs reduce emissions during operation, the process of sourcing materials like nickel simply shifts the pollution burden from the transportation sector to the mining and processing sector, among others.

The methodology

• The study, published was conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, Germany. In the study, the researchers bypassed the traditional multistep process to extract nickel — which includes calcination, smelting, reduction, and refining — and developed a single metallurgical step conducted in one furnace.
• “The proposed method has the potential to be up to about 18% more energy efficient while cutting direct carbon dioxide emissions by up to 84% compared with the current practice,”.
• Ubaid Manzoor, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute and lead author of the study, said, “Traditional nickel extraction is multi-step, energy-intensive and relies on carbon. Nickel oxide is heated with carbon, which removes the oxygen, producing pure nickel, along with carbon dioxide emissions.” The researchers have proposed replacing carbon with hydrogen as the reducing agent and using electricity as the energy source, specifically through an electric arc furnace.
• “In our method, we use hydrogen plasma. Hydrogen gas, when subjected to high-energy electrons in an electric arc, splits into high-energy ions, entering a plasma state — the extremely hot and reactive fourth state of matter. It is distinct from solids, liquids, and gases.
•  This hydrogen plasma rapidly reduces the metal oxides. From a thermodynamic perspective, the process is not only cleaner but significantly faster,” .This method is kinetically superior — meaning the chemical reaction is more energetically favoured — thanks to the highly reactive and unstable nature of plasma.
• “The end product of hydrogen reacting with oxygen is water, not carbon dioxide. Therefore, the entire process is carbon-free, using only electricity, hydrogen, and yielding water as a byproduct,”.

Enabling sustainable production

• The study focused on laterite ores, a type of soil-rich rocks that contain metals like nickel. They form in hot, tropical regions when rain and heat break down rocks over time, leaving behind metal-rich layers. They are abundant but tough to process. “While sulphide ores are found deeper underground and are easier to process, they’re rapidly depleting. The new method used in the study works efficiently on laterites, making it key to future nickel production,”
• India has substantial nickel laterite reserves, particularly in Odisha’s Sukinda region. “These deposits, containing 0.4-0.9% nickel as nickeliferous limonite in chromite mine overburden, are often overlooked because traditional methods require higher-grade ores.
• “Without such innovations, the sustainability revolution — whether in electrification, renewables, or green infrastructure — risks merely shifting the carbon dioxide and energy burdens from one sector to another.
• In other words, we might build a ‘greener’ world through EVs, solar panels, and high-performance magnets while still relying on carbon-intensive methods to mine and refine the critical metals … that make all of it possible,” he said.
• The inescapable demand for nickel in multiple industries and its traditionally carbon-intensive production pose “a particular challenge for countries like India, where rapid industrial growth is essential for economic development. India must simultaneously meet ambitious climate goals and leverage market opportunities in the green economy,”.
• That the technology aligns well with India’s dual goals — to accelerate industrialisation and infrastructure development while staying committed to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. It also reduces the need to import high-grade ores and maximises the potential of domestic, underutilised mineral assets.

Using bacteriophages to combat antimicrobial resistance

• The Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global crisis, with bacteria evolving to resist antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. The World Health Organization estimates that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. Without intervention, this number could double by 2050.
• One promising approach to combat AMR is the use of bacteriophages, viruses that naturally prey on bacteria. Unlike antibiotics, which can kill multiple bacterial species, phages are highly specific and can evolve alongside bacteria to counter resistance. While phage therapy was largely overshadowed by antibiotics in the past, it is now being reconsidered as a viable treatment option.
• However, regulatory challenges remain. Since phages evolve, they don’t fit traditional drug approval frameworks. Some countries allow phage therapy under special access programs, but widespread adoption is still a work in progress
• Bacteriophages are ‘good viruses’ that naturally prey on bacteria. They are all around us, in the water, in the soil, in our gut, on our skin, etc. There are believed to be 10-times as many phages as bacteria on the earth.
• Phages were beginning to be used against bacterial infections about a century ago, but antibiotics superseded them once they were discovered. Unlike an antibiotic, which may be able to kill many species of bacteria, phages may only kill a few strains of a particular bacterium. Therefore only countries in the Soviet bloc, cut off from the antibiotics, continued to use them. An institute in Tbilisi, Georgia, with over 100 years of experience, is famous for its phage expertise. Due to AMR, the rest of the world is now rediscovering phages and relevant research is ongoing in many countries.
• Phages have been used for burns, foot ulcers, gut infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, etc. There are two main strategies that have been used. One, isolate the bacteria from the infected tissue, check which phage works against it in the lab, grow more of that phage and administer it to the patient.
•  These phages may come from a phage bank of one’s own or in very serious cases one may even ask phage banks elsewhere in the world for help. These are natural phages. Then there are genetically engineered phages, which have been modified in the lab to, say, expand the variety of bacteria they can kill.

Two main approaches to phage therapy exist:

• Natural Phages – Isolate bacteria from an infection, identify a matching phage, grow it in the lab, and administer it to the patient.
• Genetically Modified Phages – Alter phages to expand their range or enhance their effectiveness.
• One regulatory challenge is that phages evolve alongside bacteria, making them difficult to approve as conventional drugs.
•  Some countries allow phage therapy under "compassionate use" or "special access" programs, but widespread adoption remains elusive.
• Phage therapy offers several advantages in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making it a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Here are its key benefits:
• Targeted Action – Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, which indiscriminately kill bacteria (including beneficial ones), phages are highly specific. They attack only the harmful bacterial strain, preserving the body''s natural microbiome.
• Minimal Side Effects – Since phages only target specific bacteria, they cause fewer side effects compared to antibiotics, which often disrupt gut health and lead to secondary infections.
• Effective Against Resistant Bacteria – As bacteria evolve to resist antibiotics, phages can also adapt. Phages evolve alongside bacterial mutations, ensuring continued effectiveness against resistant strains.
• Reduced Impact on Microbiome – Antibiotics can wipe out beneficial bacteria, leading to issues like gut dysbiosis. Phage therapy selectively kills harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial microbes intact.
• Rapid Action – Phages work by injecting their genetic material into bacteria, causing them to rapidly lyse (burst). This speeds up bacterial eradication compared to traditional antibiotics, which may take longer to disrupt bacterial growth.
• Potential for Personalized Treatment – Since phages can be isolated and tailored to specific infections, treatment can be highly personalized. This is particularly useful for difficult-to-treat conditions like chronic wound infections.
• Biodegradable and Natural – Phages exist naturally in the environment, making them biodegradable and posing a lower ecological risk compared to the overuse of antibiotics, which contributes to environmental contamination.
• Exploration of Synthetic Phages – Scientists are working on genetically engineered phages to expand their effectiveness against multiple bacterial strains, addressing the specificity challenge

UNFPA State of World Population Report 2025 reveals that millions unable to realise fertility goals

• The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)’s 2025 State of World Population (SOWP) Report, titled, ‘The Real Fertility Crisis’, states that one in three adult Indians (36%) face unintended pregnancies, while 30% experience unfulfilled desire for having either more or fewer children..  
• The report calls for a shift from panic over falling fertility to addressing unmet reproductive goals and stated that millions of individuals are not able to realise their real fertility goals, which is a real crisis and not the underpopulation or overpopulation. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative said that the answer lies in greater reproductive agency – a person’s ability to make free and informed 150% choices about sex, contraception and starting a family. 
• The report, which includes a UNFPA-YouGov online poll survey across 14 countries: India, Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Italy, Thailand, Hungary, United States, Sweden, Republic of Korea and Germany; with 14,000 respondents, reveal multiple barriers to reproductive autonomy in India, such as, financial limitations as one of the biggest barriers to reproductive freedom. 
• India’s total fertility rate has fallen to 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. While fertility rates have declined due to improved education and healthcare, disparities persist across states. Some regions, like Bihar (3.0), Meghalaya (2.9), and Uttar Pradesh (2.7), still experience high fertility rates, whereas states like Delhi, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have sustained below-replacement fertility.

Key findings from the report include:

• Financial limitations are one of the biggest barriers to reproductive freedom, with nearly 4 in 10 people citing financial constraints as a reason they cannot have the families they desire.
• Job insecurity (21%), housing constraints (22%), and lack of reliable childcare (18%) also contribute to reproductive decisions.
• Anxiety over climate change, political instability, and partner or family pressure (19%) further influence fertility choices.
• India’s total fertility rate has fallen to 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1. High fertility states like Bihar (3.0), Meghalaya (2.9), and Uttar Pradesh (2.7) contrast sharply with states like Delhi, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, which have sustained below-replacement fertility.

India''s Fertility Landscape:

• India''s total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1.
• High-fertility states: Bihar (TFR 3.0), Meghalaya (TFR 2.9), and Uttar Pradesh (TFR 2.7).
• Low-fertility states: Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Sikkim (TFR 1.0).
• The adolescent fertility rate in India remains high at 14.1 per 1,000 women aged 15–19, significantly higher than China (6.6) and Thailand (8.3).

The report suggests solutions such as:

• Expanding sexual and reproductive health services with universal access to contraception, safe abortion, maternal health, and infertility care.
• Removing structural barriers by investing in childcare, education, housing, and workplace flexibility.
• Promoting inclusive policies for unmarried individuals, LGBTQIA+ persons, and marginalized groups.
• Improving data and accountability beyond fertility rates to measure unmet family planning needs.
• Fostering social change through community initiatives challenging stigma and building health literacy