

The date for the highly anticipated Surya Grahan 2024 has been announced, with the first solar eclipse of the year set to take place on April 8. Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible in India, but spectators in North America, Mexico, and Western Europe will have the opportunity to witness this rare celestial event. The American space agency, NASA, will be live streaming the eclipse on YouTube, providing a unique and educational viewing experience for those unable to witness it in person. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Moon cover the Sun for a remarkable 7.5 minutes.
The first solar eclipse of 2024, known as Surya Grahan in Hindi, is scheduled to occur on April 8. This celestial event promises to be a mesmerizing sight for observers in certain parts of the world, while others can witness it virtually through live streaming.
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. This happens when the Moon's orbit intersects with the Earth's orbit around the Sun and is aligned in a straight line.
Depending on the alignment of the celestial bodies, solar eclipses can be total, partial, or annular. In a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, creating a brief period of darkness. In a partial eclipse, only part of the Sun is blocked. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is farther from the Earth and appears smaller, so that it creates a "ring of fire" around the edge of the Sun.
The Surya Grahan on April 8, 2024, will be a total solar eclipse, with the Moon completely covering the Sun for a duration of 7.5 minutes. The eclipse will be visible in a path across North America, Mexico, and Western Europe. Unfortunately, it will not be visible in India.
NASA will be live streaming the eclipse on its YouTube channel for those who are unable to witness it in person. This live broadcast will provide stunning views of the eclipse and expert commentary.
1. Why isn't the eclipse visible in India? The path of the Moon's shadow during the eclipse will not cross India, so it will not be visible there.
2. How often do solar eclipses occur? Solar eclipses happen relatively frequently, but a total solar eclipse visible from a specific location is a rare event.
3. Is it safe to look at a solar eclipse? It is never safe to look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Special solar eclipse glasses or a solar filter are essential to prevent eye damage.
4. What other countries will see the 2024 eclipse? In addition to North America, Mexico, and Western Europe, the eclipse will also be visible in parts of Iceland, Greenland, and Central and South America.
5. Can I see the eclipse if I'm outside the path of totality? Yes, you can still see a partial eclipse outside the path of totality. The amount of the Sun that is covered will vary depending on your location.

A college student shares her personal journey of becoming a vegetarian, despite facing challenges and health concerns. She then delves into an ethics class she took, where the concept of marginal cases were discussed. Following an article by philosophy professor Alastair Norcross, she concludes that even though individual action may seem insignificant, refusing to consume factory-farmed meat holds moral significance due to the potential to prevent immense suffering for animals.

On October 24, the global community commemorates World Polio Day to honor the legacy of Dr. Jonas Salk and the efforts of countless individuals and organizations in the fight against polio. This highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, once a widespread epidemic, is now largely preventable thanks to the development of a life-saving vaccine. India's successful eradication of polio serves as a testament to the importance of strong vaccination programs and collaborations in public health initiatives.

As winter arrives in India, so does the hazardous air pollution. Delhi NCR's AQI has already crossed the 400 mark, making it crucial to invest in air purifiers, especially after Diwali. Dyson, Qubo, HomePure, and Philips have launched high-quality air purifiers with advanced features to tackle different types of pollutants and create cleaner indoor air. With prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh, these purifiers are a practical and timely purchase for a healthier living.

In a recent family vlog, Indian celebrity couple Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar shared their "natural" hair care routine for their son, using a homemade mask made with rice flour, flax seeds, and coconut oil. However, experts warn that what works for adults may not be suitable for babies, whose sensitive skin and scalp could react to the ingredients. While the ingredients may improve hair texture, they do not necessarily promote hair growth. Instead, a healthy diet and good scalp care are more important in maintaining healthy hair.

A recent consumer study has found multiple brands of soft contact lenses in the U.S. to contain "forever chemicals" that can be harmful to both the body and the environment. The study, conducted by the nonprofit organization Environmental Health Sciences, tested 18 varieties of popular contact lenses and found all of them to contain markers for PFAS. Brands such as Acuvue, Alcon, and CooperVision were among the list of affected products. This news serves as a cautionary lesson on the potential risks of overusing contact lenses.

On the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the ‘Missile Man’ of India, tributes pour in on social media celebrating his life, vision and impact. A visionary scientist, inspiring leader and true patriot, Dr. Kalam's humility, compassion and constant interaction with students continue to inspire generations. His tireless efforts in defense, science and youth empowerment have strengthened India's path towards self-reliance and his legacy continues to motivate young minds to dream big and work hard for the nation.

Recent studies have found that extreme heat, particularly when combined with high humidity, can have a significant impact on mental health. A study in India showed that when wet bulb temperature exceeded 27°C, the probability of reporting severe depression increased by 0.5%, even when the temperature was slightly lower. This finding is consistent with global reviews that have linked high temperatures to mood disorders, increased hospital admissions for psychiatric conditions, and even elevated suicide risk. The Lancet has also published evidence that rising temperatures worldwide are a growing threat to emotional and cognitive health.

In a meeting with university officials in Udaipur, Rajasthan Governor Hari Bhau Bagde stressed the importance of incorporating India's ancient knowledge traditions into academic research. He highlighted the deep repository of knowledge in India since ancient times and urged scholars and scientists to draw upon this tradition in their work. Bagde also suggested making ancient texts available in university libraries for study and research purposes, in order to shape the intellectual abilities and love for the nation among the younger generation.

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering research into quantum mechanical tunnelling. Their discovery has opened new possibilities for quantum technologies, and will be formally presented on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. This announcement follows the tradition of recognizing transformative contributions to science, and the award carries a prestigious prize of 11 million Swedish kronor.

The US-Japanese trio of Mary E Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi have won the 2025 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine “for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance". Through their research, they have shown how the immune system is kept in check and why serious autoimmune diseases do not affect everyone. Sakaguchi found a new class of T cells, while Brunkow and Ramsdell discovered the explanation behind a specific mouse strain's vulnerability to autoimmune diseases. Together, they have significantly advanced our understanding of immunology and autoimmune diseases.