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- Using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers recently discovered a new warm Jupiter exoplanet, located over 1,000 light years from Earth.
- About the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS):
- TESS is a NASA mission launched in March 2018, designed to identify thousands of exoplanets orbiting the brightest dwarf stars visible in the sky. It is the successor to the Kepler space telescope, which was highly successful in detecting thousands of exoplanets during its decade-long mission after its 2009 launch.
- In its primary mission, TESS conducted a two-year survey of the solar neighborhood, monitoring star brightness for periodic dips caused by planet transits. These transits provide insights into a planet's size and orbital characteristics. Planets within specific orbital ranges are found in the "habitable zone," where conditions could potentially allow for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface.
- The prime mission of TESS concluded on July 4, 2020, and the mission has now entered an extended phase. TESS continues to discover a wide variety of planets, from small, rocky worlds to massive gas giants, highlighting the vast diversity of planetary systems throughout the galaxy. By the end of its primary mission, TESS had mapped about 75% of the sky and discovered 66 new exoplanets.
- India and Russia have begun a six-day naval exercise, 'Indra,' off the coast of Chennai. The exercise features advanced maritime drills and live weapon firings.
- About Exercise INDRA:
- Exercise Indra is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Russia. Since its initiation in 2003, it has become a hallmark of the enduring strategic partnership between the Indian and Russian navies. Over the years, the exercise has grown into a key symbol of maritime collaboration, demonstrating both nations’ dedication to strengthening naval interoperability and operational coordination.
- INDRA 2025:
- The 14th edition of Exercise Indra is currently underway. The exercise is being conducted in two distinct phases: the Harbour phase in Chennai and the Sea phase in the Bay of Bengal.
- The Harbour phase included an opening ceremony, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), reciprocal visits, sports activities, and pre-sail briefings for personnel from both navies.
- During the Sea phase, more complex naval drills will take place, including tactical manoeuvres, live weapon firings, anti-air operations, underway replenishment, helicopter cross-deck landings, and the exchange of sea riders.
- Russian naval ships such as Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov are participating, while the Indian Navy has deployed warships Rana, Kuthar, and maritime patrol aircraft P-8I.
- Environmentalists have recently expressed concerns to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding the alleged release of hazardous effluents from Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) into the Dhansiri River, warning that it could lead to severe ecological harm.
- About Dhansiri River:
- The Dhansiri River is a major watercourse flowing through the Golaghat District of Assam and the Dimapur District of Nagaland. It serves as an important tributary to the Brahmaputra River.
- Course: The river originates from the Laisang Peak in Nagaland. For the first 40 km, it flows in a northwesterly direction, then shifts to a northeastern path for about 76 km, reaching Dimapur. Beyond Dimapur, the river flows generally northward until it reaches Golaghat. There, it takes a sharp turn towards the northwest, eventually joining the Brahmaputra at Dhansirimukh, Assam. The river spans approximately 352 km in length from its source to its outfall.
- The total catchment area of the Dhansiri River is around 1,220 square kilometers. It flows along the border between Nagaland and Assam, supporting rich biodiversity. On one side of the river lies the Dhansiri Reserved Forest, and on the other side is the Intanki National Park.