Why NASA is studying 1.2-billion-year-old Scottish rocks for clues to ancient life on Mars and the Red Planet’s watery past

Economic Times - Sep 29, 2026

Ancient rocks found in Scotland's Stoer Formation are being studied by NASA to understand potential signs of life. These rocks formed 1.2 billion years ago under water-influenced environments and evidence of microbial life is preserved. NASA's Perseverance rover discovered a rock on Mars with distinctive mineral patterns that may indicate biological origins. The Scottish research helps interpret findings from Mars while preparing for possible future sample analysis.

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12% deficit: Rain report gives a dry reading
Sep 29, 2026
12% deficit: Rain report gives a dry reading

The impact is showing in commodity markets: prices of several pulses are up amid crop concerns and festive demand. Maharashtra has declared drought across large parts, and Karnataka is facing similar conditions.

Social Security Benefit Increase 2027: What to know about the next COLA
Sep 29, 2026
Social Security Benefit Increase 2027: What to know about the next COLA

Social Security recipients are awaiting the official 2027 cost-of-living adjustment, which is set to be revealed by the Social Security Administration on October 14. The Senior Citizen League currently projects a 3.5% increase, which would be higher than the 2.8% adjustment for 2026 and 2.5% increase for 2025. If that estimate becomes official, the average monthly benefit of $1,940 would rise by around $67.90 to almost $2,007.

Curative plea challenges SC's split verdict on poll panel appointment law
Sep 29, 2026
Curative plea challenges SC's split verdict on poll panel appointment law

A curative petition has been filed in the Supreme Court amid challenges to the appointment of election commissioners. This petition questions a prior split verdict regarding the Election Commission of India's appointment process. The petitioners argue that the previous judgment raises fundamental issues about the independence of the Election Commission.

Curative plea challenges SC's split verdict on poll panel appointment law
Sep 29, 2026
Curative plea challenges SC's split verdict on poll panel appointment law

A curative petition has been filed in the Supreme Court amid challenges to the appointment of election commissioners. This petition questions a prior split verdict regarding the Election Commission of India's appointment process. The petitioners argue that the previous judgment raises fundamental issues about the independence of the Election Commission.

Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas divest over 68 lakh BSE shares worth Rs 2,186 crore ahead of Nifty 50 inclusion
Sep 29, 2026
Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas divest over 68 lakh BSE shares worth Rs 2,186 crore ahead of Nifty 50 inclusion

Goldman Sachs and BNP Paribas divested 68.33 lakh shares of BSE through bulk deals on the NSE. The combined sale amounted to approximately Rs 2,186.44 crore and occurred before BSE's entry into the Nifty 50 index. UTI Mutual Fund and Nippon India Mutual Fund purchased a total of 52.43 lakh shares of BSE. BSE shares ended 3.31% higher at Rs 3,200, reflecting significant market interest.

Congress CWC demands Modi, Shah, CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignations over SIR
Sep 29, 2026
Congress CWC demands Modi, Shah, CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignations over SIR

Congress Working Committee convened to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The committee also called for the suspension of the special intensive revision process for electoral rolls. Additionally, they urged the restoration of over 13 crore deleted names from these rolls. The meeting focused on launching nationwide agitations against the Election Commission's actions.

Top court quashes arrest of Sambhal violence accused, fines UP government 10 lakh
Sep 29, 2026
Top court quashes arrest of Sambhal violence accused, fines UP government 10 lakh

The Supreme Court declared Mulla Afroz's preventive detention under the National Security Act as illegal. The court found that an alleged confessional statement could not solely justify the detention. Justices highlighted the need for considering surrounding circumstances before issuing such orders.

Top court quashes arrest of Sambhal violence accused, fines UP government 10 lakh
Sep 29, 2026
Top court quashes arrest of Sambhal violence accused, fines UP government 10 lakh

The Supreme Court declared Mulla Afroz's preventive detention under the National Security Act as illegal. The court found that an alleged confessional statement could not solely justify the detention. Justices highlighted the need for considering surrounding circumstances before issuing such orders.

Child rights panel NCPCR faces SC heat over 25% EWS school quota
Sep 29, 2026
Child rights panel NCPCR faces SC heat over 25% EWS school quota

The Supreme Court criticized the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights for lax enforcement of the Right to Education Act. The commission is required to ensure that private schools reserve 25% of seats for economically weaker sections. Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe found the NCPCR's affidavit unsatisfactory and demanded accountability. They directed the commission's chairperson and director to be present at the next hearing.

Child rights panel NCPCR faces SC heat over 25% EWS school quota
Sep 29, 2026
Child rights panel NCPCR faces SC heat over 25% EWS school quota

The Supreme Court criticized the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights for lax enforcement of the Right to Education Act. The commission is required to ensure that private schools reserve 25% of seats for economically weaker sections. Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe found the NCPCR's affidavit unsatisfactory and demanded accountability. They directed the commission's chairperson and director to be present at the next hearing.

Foodgrain output target cut over El Nino impact
Sep 29, 2026
Foodgrain output target cut over El Nino impact

Of the overall target, 177.72 mt is expected to come from the rabi season, agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said at the National Agriculture Conference-Rabi Campaign 2026 Tuesday.

A 1,700-year-old Egyptian tomb contains a Greek poem, protective spells, Roman coins and ancient afterlife imagery
Sep 29, 2026
A 1,700-year-old Egyptian tomb contains a Greek poem, protective spells, Roman coins and ancient afterlife imagery

A tomb dating back 1,700 years has been uncovered in the Dakhla Oasis region of Egypt. This burial site features a Greek funerary poem, hieroglyphic spells, and Roman artifacts. It belonged to Pisechtes and his wife, indicating a blend of cultural influences. The Greek poem reflects the connectedness of family memory and literary traditions. The discovery highlights the rich multicultural exchange during the Roman period in Egypt.

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