Author: Rahul M

A frog thought to have been extinct for over 120 years has reemerged in the remote regions of Chile, marking an extraordinary moment in the study of South American amphibians. The species, Alsodes vittatus, was first described in 1902 but had not been seen since the early 1900s. This rediscovery has excited researchers and conservationists, offering new hope for a species long believed to be lost to time. A Century of Silence for Alsodes Vittatus Alsodes vittatus, a small frog endemic to Chile, was last recorded by the German-born naturalist Rudolph Amandus Philippi. Philippi’s original description mentioned a distinct yellowish…

A groundbreaking study from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has shown that long-term retinal regeneration in mammals is possible. This development holds the potential to restore vision for millions suffering from retinal diseases, a condition that affects over 300 million people globally. For years, retinal degeneration, such as that seen in retinitis pigmentosa, has been a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Now, researchers have taken a significant step toward reversing this debilitating condition. A breakthrough in retinal regeneration The research team, led by scientists at KAIST, has successfully demonstrated the regeneration of retinal cells in mice,…

A new study has upended long-held beliefs about the origins of the Altar Stone at Stonehenge. Contrary to previous assumptions, this iconic stone does not come from Wales but from the Orcadian Basin in Scotland, a surprising 466 miles away. This revelation forces historians to rethink how such a large, heavy stone was transported and what it reveals about the society that built Stonehenge. The Welsh Theory: A Long-Accepted Belief For decades, experts have assumed that the Altar Stone, a massive slab of Old Red Sandstone, came from the Brecon Beacons in Wales. This theory was widely accepted due to…

Summary Michael Jordan makes a comeback to the NBA as its special contributor for the NBC This marks his first TV role covering the league NBC also returns to covering the NBA for the first time since 2002 Michael Jordan is making a return to the NBA but for different reasons. NBC announced earlier this week that the Hall of Famer would become the special contributor to its NBA coverage, starting this fall. Jordan announced his new role in a video at NBC’s Upfront and the network later posted to X the message, “A legendary addition to our team! We’re…

After a five-year pause, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume in June 2025, marking a significant moment for pilgrims eager to undertake the sacred trek. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially announced the reopening of registration, with the deadline set for May 13, 2025. The pilgrimage, known for its spiritual significance and challenging terrain, offers two distinct routes for devotees: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) – A trekking route with five batches, each accommodating 50 pilgrims. Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) – A motorable route, allowing ten batches of 50 pilgrims. Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be Indian citizens…

Chimpanzees, long regarded as one of humanity’s closest living relatives, are now challenging our understanding of communication in the animal kingdom. A recent study, spearheaded by Cédric Girard-Buttoz from the Max Planck Institute, uncovers the remarkable complexity of chimpanzee vocalizations. These findings show that, far from simply issuing calls for basic needs, chimpanzees can combine different calls to express more nuanced meanings, akin to human syntax in language. This discovery, published in Science Advances, suggests that the human capacity for language may not be as unique as once thought. It seems that the roots of language complexity may extend deeper…

In an extraordinary experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), physicists have turned lead into gold — but only for a brief moment. This feat, a modern-day form of alchemy, occurred when high-energy lead ions collided, resulting in the creation of gold nuclei for a fraction of a second. While the process is far from the centuries-old dreams of turning lead into pure gold, the achievement holds significant scientific value, offering insights into particle interactions under extreme conditions. A Modern Twist on Alchemy The idea of turning lead into gold has long been a dream of alchemists. Though the ancient…

Miami during F1 weekend is a full-spectrum cultural flex. The paddock doubles as a runway, the air hums with engine growls and curated playlists, and everyone’s dressed like they might end up in someone’s recap carousel. Thanks to an invite from Liquid I.V., we experienced the chaos from a cooler vantage point—literally. Perched above the track at the Race House, we found shade, refreshing mocktails, and a crowd that knew the assignment: stay sharp, look sharp, and keep it moving at 200 mph while staying hydrated. As an F1 fan, this was my first time experiencing the Formula 1 Crypto.com…

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Army carried out a high-precision retaliatory strike under “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was launched in direct response to the deadly terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. According to Indian military sources, the operation was “measured, targeted, and non-provocative,” with a clear focus on dismantling terror infrastructure. Importantly, no Pakistani military establishments were targeted. The Indian Army stated that the strikes were aimed solely at…

On May 7, 2025, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a carefully coordinated military operation targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was in direct retaliation to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians. The strikes were aimed at dismantling infrastructure belonging to terror outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). In a joint effort involving the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, precision strikes were carried out on nine locations, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad. Viral videos on social media showed massive explosions, thick plumes of smoke,…