A 6.5 per cent expansion is still faster than most large economies manage. But the direction matters as much as the figure — and the direction has shifted, driven almost entirely by forces outside India's control. New Delhi: India's economic momentum is running into a wall it did not build
Assam Dispur Election 2026: Pradyut Bordoloi is a seasoned politician as he has represented Assam’s Nagaon parliamentary constituency twice as a Congress MP and four times as an MLA from the Margherita assembly seat. Assam Election 2026: When former Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to unveil infrastructure, industrial, and cultural projects spanning several districts during his visit to Gujarat on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) The visit will begin in Koba village of Gandhinagar district, where the Mr
As the government signals that one of India’s longest-running internal conflicts may finally be nearing its end, the conversation around Naxalism is once again in focus. Beyond politics and policy, the subject has also found space in cinema, though only occasionally
6 straightforward prompts to try on Google Ask Maps to improve your search resultsGoogle claims that this new feature, powered by Gemini, “is fundamentally changing what a map can do.” Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 11:24 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link Google has officially launched
Life on Mars: NASA finds ‘clearest sign ever’, discovers ‘leopard spots’
Life on Mars: NASA finds ‘clearest sign ever’; Perseverance rover discovers ‘leopard spots’
NASA's Perseverance rover has added fresh clues in the search for life on Mars. It has found signs in Martian rocks that remind scientists of conditions linked to life on Earth. The new study was published in Nature.
In July 2024, it drilled a mudstone core named Chevaya Falls from Sapphire Canyon in the Neretva Vallis, an ancient river channel. It found minerals and textures similar to those on Earth that often form with microbial activity.
However, scientists caution that natural chemistry may also explain them.
“This finding by Perseverance is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on the Red Planet is a groundbreaking discovery, and one that will advance our understanding of Mars,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy.
“NASA's commitment to conducting Gold Standard Science will continue as we pursue our goal of putting American boots on Mars' rocky soil,” Duffy added.
The core sample is now sealed for possible return to Earth for advanced testing.
Joel A. Hurowitz of Stony Brook University led the study describing mudstone textures and nodules, informally called “leopard spots”. Instruments SHERLOC and PIXL detected organic carbon along with phosphate, iron and sulfur in repeating patterns.
Two minerals stand out: vivianite and greigite. On Earth, these often appear in water-rich, oxygen-poor sediments influenced by microbes.
Vivianite forms blue-green nodules where microbes reduce iron. Greigite links to sulfate-reducing bacteria. In the Martian sample, vivianite rims surround greigite-rich cores, resembling Earth's microbial reactions.
While this does not prove life on Mars, the rocks from Bright Angel show conditions compatible with microbial activity. Scientists say it is a cautious but exciting step forward in the search for life on Mars.
Does this prove life on Mars?
NASA officials have stressed caution over the new Mars findings. Nicky Fox of NASA's Science Mission Directorate said, “It's not life itself.”According to Fox, it is only a potential biosignature.
Hurowitz echoed this: “We cannot claim this is more than a potential biosignature.”
At the same time, Duffy keeps the options open.
“This very well could be the clearest sign of life that we've ever found on Mars,” he said.
Source: LiveMint
Related Posts: Perseverance rover spots unusual rock that could be a ‘visitor’ to Mars Masked-prowler video tops sheriff's list of clues to Nancy Guthrie abduction Naked mole-rat’s DNA repair mechanism offers promising longevity clues Did Taylor Swift's Cardiff show drop some major new album clues US mother says late-night Google search helped save her 6-year-old son’s life 27-year-old man gets rejected for refusing Range Rover Jaguar Land Rover production severely hit by cyber-attack UK considers financial support for Jaguar Land Rover suppliers after cyber-attack India-made Range Rover Evoque’s first unit rolls out from Tamil Nadu – Details Delhi Man Turns His Hyundai Exter Into Range Rover
Assembly elections 2026 live updates: After the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections, political activity has intensified across Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Assembly elections 2026 live updates: After the Election Commission
3 hours ago
Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir and reminds us to follow the path of non-violence, truth, and compassion in our lives. Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most sacred festivals in Jainism, celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara
3 hours ago
U.S. President Donald Trump has told his aides that he's willing to end the military operation against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, leaving the campaign to reopen it for a later date, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing administration officials.U.S
3 hours ago
Pakistan's role as intermediary in this conflict took many by surprise. The head of its armed forces, Field Marshall Asim Munir, is in US President Donald Trump's favour. The US leader frequently refers to him as his "favourite" Field Marshall and has previously spoken about how Munir knows Iran
3 hours ago
Hrithik Roshan's son Hridaan Roshan to follow in dad's footsteps? 17-year-old heads to US to study filmmakingHrithik Roshan's younger son, Hridaan, has enrolled at the prestigious University of Southern California to study filmmaking. Mar 31, 2026
3 hours ago
Indian GM R Praggnanandhaa continued his steady start at the FIDE Candidates Tournament, playing out a composed draw with China’s Wei Yi in Round 2 to remain in joint lead with 1.5 points on Monday. Coming off an impressive opening-round win over Anish Giri
3 hours ago
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: The battle lines are drawn and Tamil Nadu is ready for a high-stakes assembly election on April 23, which will move away from a traditionally bipolar to a three-cornered contest this time. Tamil Nadu’s 56.7 million-strong electorate is set to decide the future
3 hours ago
Stampede reported at Sheetla Temple in Bihar's Nalanda; casualties fearedStampede reported at Sheetla Temple in Bihar's Nalanda; casualties feared Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 11:24 AM IST By HT News Desk Share via Copy link A stampede reportedly broke out at the Sheetla Temple in Nalanda, Bihar
3 hours ago
'Am I being exploited?': First-time employee questions 13-hour shift, just 2 leaves a monthA Reddit user claims their new job requires employees to inform management if they travel outside Kochi during their weekends. Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 11:21 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A
3 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Mini home theatre under ₹20,000: Stream, play and watch on a bigger displayPlanning a home theatre on a budget? These mini projectors under Rs. 20,000 bring large screen viewing
3 hours ago
Meme of the day: KitKat theft becomes a marketing moment as brands flood X with witty reactionsBrands reacted with humour after a massive KitKat theft in Europe. Published on: Mar 31, 2026 11:11 AM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A massive shipment of KitKat chocolate bars has been
3 hours ago
Karnataka 1st PUC Result 2026 declared at result.proed.in, direct link to check here Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 9:33 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board has declared the Karnataka
3 hours ago
Assam elections: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Assam's transformation from instability to peace and progress under the BJP government. He credited peace agreements for lasting stability, especially in Bodoland. Modi urged party workers to focus on booth-level engagement, voter education
3 hours ago
JSW Sports, the distinguished sports arm of Indian conglomerate JSW Group, has confirmed the signing of Niki Prasad, captain of India's ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup 2025 winning team. At just 20 years of age, Niki has already demonstrated exceptional leadership and consistency
3 hours ago
The United States is weighing military options to target Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical oil export hub, as tensions escalate in the Gulf. Experts say while capturing the island may be feasible, sustaining control could prove far more challenging amid Iran’s military reach
3 hours ago
Korean Air says it is moving into emergency management mode to buffer the impact of surging jet fuel costs as the global economy is rocked by the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. A spokesperson for the national flag carrier said on Tuesday that it will implement "internal cost-reduction measures"
3 hours ago
![Sanand (Gujarat) [India], March 31 (ANI): The Khele Sanand Season 3 came to a rousing end on March 30 as the Andej boys' team and the DG School girls' team](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/khele-sanand-season-3-comes-to-a-rousing-end-with-andej.webp?height=520)
Sanand (Gujarat) [India], March 31 (ANI): The Khele Sanand Season 3 came to a rousing end on March 30 as the Andej boys' team and the DG School girls' team were crowned as U-14 Kabaddi champions. Taking on teams from Shela and Zamp in their respective finals
3 hours ago
Iran’s ability to continue fighting depends heavily on how long its missile and drone arsenal can sustain operations. According to Reuters, US intelligence assesses that only about one-third of Iran’s missile stockpile has been definitively destroyed
3 hours ago
Star Portuguese footballer Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City as his contract is nearing its end. The Portuguese star has offers from across the globe, but his preferred destination is clear: Barcelona. As per A Bola, Silva, who joined City in 2017
3 hours ago
CSK’s aggressive approach fails vs RR. Gaikwad and Hussey react after crushing IPL 2026 defeat. The Chennai Super Kings are already showing signs of trouble after they lost to the Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and batting coach Mike Hussey have ideas about what went wrong
3 hours ago
India is rapidly witnessing an expansion of public policy education that teaches students such subjects as data analysis, impact assessment and policy implementation. The number of policy schools has risen from around 10 in 2016 to over 130 in 2024
3 hours ago
Amid the resounding success of “Dhurandhar", author Harinder Sikka has expressed regret over the cinematic adaptation of his 2008 espionage novel Calling Sehmat, which inspired the 2018 film “Raazi" starring Alia Bhatt and directed by Meghna Gulzar. Sikka took to X
3 hours ago
The report from Deloitte India’s said the muted rise was due to subdued equity‑market performance, which reduced the value of stock‑linked compensation — a significant component of executive pay. New Delhi: Median compensation for professional chief executives in India rose 5 per cent
3 hours ago
Who is Jaden Ivey's wife Caitlyn Newton? All about their family and children Published on: Mar 31, 2026 8:27 AM IST By Shirin Gupta Share via Copy link Ivey's remarks about NBA Pride events spark controversy, influencing interest in his family and relationship with wife, Caitlyn Newton
3 hours ago
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of a strong response to perceived enemy aggression amid US military build-ups in West Asia. He accused adversaries of psychological operations and stated Iran would defend its rights, making the enemy regret their actions
3 hours ago
Fitness trainer shares exact blueprint to lose 2kg in April without visiting the gym: Lists home exercises with dumbbellIt is possible to stay on the fitness journey by consistently working out at home when going to the gym is not feasible, shares Divy Chheda. Updated on: Mar 31
3 hours ago
Assam assembly polls: BJP manifesto promises ₹5 lakh crore investment, protection of indigenous peopleBJP's 'Sankalp Patra' comprises 31 promises, including the recovery of encroached land from Bangladeshi Miyas, bringing UCC, and ensuring development. Published on: Mar 31
3 hours ago
