Author: Rasmita Jena

  • Massive Radio Jet Discovered from Early Quasar – A Historic Find!

    Massive Radio Jet Discovered from Early Quasar – A Historic Find!

    Astronomers have spotted a gigantic radio jet that stretches over 200,000 light-years! That’s twice as wide as our Milky Way galaxy! This incredible jet comes from a quasar, a powerful object in the universe, and it dates back to when the universe was just 1.2 billion years old—less than 10% of its current age. The findings were shared in a science journal on February 6.

    The quasar, called J1601+3102, is powered by a supermassive black hole. This discovery is exciting because it’s the largest radio jet ever found from such an early time in the universe. Scientists believe these powerful jets helped shape the first galaxies.

    Why Is This Jet Important?

    Finding jets from the early universe is tough because there’s a lot of cosmic microwave background radiation that hides them. But this time, astronomers used two powerful radio telescopes to see the jet clearly, including one called LOFAR in Europe. They also used telescopes in Hawaii and Texas to gather more information, which helped them understand the quasar and its giant jet better.

    Lead researcher Anniek Gloudemans from NOIRLab said, “This is the largest radio jet seen so far in the early Universe.” She mentioned that jets this big have been hard to find because of interference from cosmic radiation.

    A Smaller Yet Powerful Black Hole

    At the center of J1601+3102 is a black hole that’s 450 million times heavier than our Sun. While that sounds huge, it’s relatively small compared to other quasars that can weigh billions of times as much. Gloudemans pointed out that this finding shows that you don’t need an enormous black hole to create such powerful jets in the early universe, which goes against what scientists thought before.

    The jet itself isn’t even, with one side being longer and brighter than the other. Scientists think something in its surroundings is affecting its shape, but they’re not sure what that is yet.

    How Early Black Holes Shape the Universe

    One big question in astronomy is whether early black holes could create strong jets. This new discovery shows that they could, suggesting these jets were actively changing the young universe by spreading heat, magnetism, and cosmic rays beyond their home galaxies.

    Gloudemans highlighted how important this finding is: “It shows that these jets were already shaping the universe long ago!”

    Astronomers now think there may be even more of these jets out there waiting to be discovered. However, detecting them is difficult because of the cosmic background radiation that often overshadows their signals. Thanks to new telescope technologies, scientists hope to find more of these hidden giants. Discovering more of these radio jets can help us understand how black holes and galaxies formed over billions of years.

    Gloudemans expressed excitement about the discovery: “There are around 1,000 known quasars from this time and even earlier in the universe, so while they are rare, we definitely know many of them. Jets have been found even earlier, but never this large!”

    This discovery is a key step in understanding our universe’s early days. The research team plans to study J1601+3102 further to learn what conditions led to the creation of such enormous jets. Each discovery brings us closer to understanding how black holes and galaxies evolved in the first billion years after the Big Bang.

  • Babar Azam’s Uncertain Status Ahead of Big Pakistan vs. India Clash

    Babar Azam’s Uncertain Status Ahead of Big Pakistan vs. India Clash

    Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batsman, was not at training before their important Champions Trophy game against India on Sunday. This has led to worries about whether he will play in the match. Babar faced a lot of criticism after scoring only 64 runs off 90 balls in Pakistan’s last game, where they lost to New Zealand by 60 runs. His absence from practice raised questions about his health and if he would be selected for the game.

    However, Pakistan’s interim coach, Aaqib Javed, said there was no need to worry. He explained that Babar chose to take some rest.

    Mohsin Naqvi, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was at practice and made it clear he expects the team to win against India “at any cost.” He talked to captain Mohammad Rizwan, coach Aaqib Javed, and key players like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf about the pressure to win. Naqvi seemed unhappy with some player selections and took time to speak with each player and coach.

    After practice, Naqvi told the media he believed Pakistan is ready for the game. He said, “It will be a great game. Our team is fully prepared, and I think they’re in good form. We support them no matter what.”

    Because of security issues, India decided not to travel to Pakistan, so their matches in the Champions Trophy are being played in Dubai instead. If India makes it to the final, that game will also be held in Dubai, even though Pakistan is the official host for the tournament.

    With Babar Azam’s status still unclear and strong expectations from the PCB chief, the upcoming match between Pakistan and India is set to be exciting on and off the field.

  • NEET SS 2025 Registration: Sign Up Before February 24!

    NEET SS 2025 Registration: Sign Up Before February 24!

    Hey, future doctors! If you want to take the NEET SS 2025 exam, be sure to register before it’s too late! The last day to sign up is this Monday, February 24, 2025. You can register online at the official website of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, or NBEMS, at natboard.edu.in. Make sure to complete your registration by 11:55 PM tomorrow!

    How to Register
    – To sign up, you need to pay a fee of ₹3500. You can pay using a credit card or a debit card.
    – Once you are registered, you can make any corrections from February 27 to March 3, 2025.
    – Your admit card, which you need to take the test, will be available on March 25, 2025.
    – The NEET SS exam will take place on March 29 and 30, 2025, and will have 150 questions to answer in 2½ hours.

    The exam will happen in two parts each day: the first part from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, and the second one from 2 PM to 4:30 PM.

    Steps to Register
    1. Go to the official website at natboard.edu.in.
    2. Click on the “Examination” tab and choose “NEET SS.”
    3. Click on the application link that appears.
    4. Enter your details to create your account and submit.
    5. Complete the application form and pay the fee.
    6. Download the confirmation page and print it for your records.

    Make sure to check the official website of NBEMS for more information. Good luck with your exam preparations!

  • India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025: Key Match Preview and Insights

    India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025: Key Match Preview and Insights

    India and Pakistan have both had exciting matches in recent ICC tournaments. India won against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. But back in 2017, Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy by beating India.

    This time, India is led by Rohit Sharma and they’ll be seen as the favorites because they know the Dubai conditions well. However, Pakistan can feel confident too, as the pitches in Dubai have been slow lately. This means their spinners might do well and it could make it hard for India to score runs in the middle overs.

    The match starts at 1 PM, and likely, dew won’t be a big issue, making the toss very important. Last year, Sri Lanka learned to set challenging targets, and they succeeded against India by using their spinners effectively. Pakistan will want to do something similar, but India has also learned from their past games.

    In their first match against Bangladesh, India wanted to bowl first but then realized it was tough to chase on a slowing pitch. Teams will remember this when they play in Dubai. Batters are expected to go for big shots early on, but it might get harder to score as the game continues.

    Form Guide
    – Pakistan: L L W L W (last five ODIs)
    – India: W W W W L

    Pitch Report
    The pitch in Dubai is expected to get slower, making it harder for batters later in the match. India has been practicing hard to face spin bowlers since they expect spin to play a big role. At the start, both batting and fast bowling will have an advantage, but as the match goes on, spinners will become more important.

    Last time, Bangladesh struggled on this pitch, getting bowled out for 228 runs. So, batting first might be a smart move for the team that wins the toss.

    Weather Report
    The weather will be hot, with temperatures around 33°C in the afternoon, dropping to 26°C at night. It should be mostly sunny and warm, with no rain expected, meaning the game will go on without interruptions.

    Match Details
    The India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 match will start at 2:30 PM IST on Saturday, February 23, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

    Where to Watch
    This exciting match will be live on the NiftyStat website, with real-time updates and detailed coverage. Fans can also watch it on Star Sports Network and Sports18 Network. Online streaming will be available on the JioCinema app and website.

  • How Anora Is Changing the Perspective on Sex Work in Hollywood

    How Anora Is Changing the Perspective on Sex Work in Hollywood

    It’s not often that a movie about sex work wins an Oscar. If Sean Baker’s film Anora wins big this Sunday, it will not only take home awards but also gain respect from sex workers.

    “Sean truly understands sex work,” says Casey Calvert, a porn actress and director. She’s busy shooting a scene in the San Fernando Valley, the center of the US porn industry. Eli Cross, a well-known adult film cinematographer, adds, “Sean is the only mainstream filmmaker who really gets it right.”

    Sean Baker began his Oscar journey in this Valley, famous for its connection to adult films. His earlier work, Starlet, tells the story of a young adult actress who befriends an elderly woman. Unlike many Hollywood films that disrespect sex work, Baker’s approach has built strong relationships with sex workers, leading to Casey’s involvement as a consultant on his film Red Rocket.

    Now, she and many others in the adult film industry are cheering for Anora as it competes for several Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress. “It’s so exciting!” Casey says. “This could finally shine a positive light on our industry.”

    Anora tells the story of a New York stripper and escort named Ani, who falls for a young Russian man connected to a wealthy family. Baker adds small details that show the real struggles and emotions sex workers experience. For Casey, these elements make it relatable.

    Often, movies about sex work have negative portrayals, like the well-known film Pretty Woman, which presents a false fairy tale. Many in the sex work industry are skeptical of Hollywood’s representations. Casey says, “Most films about sex work don’t show us in a positive light.”

    Baker intentionally avoids typical clichés, focusing instead on the real emotions and experiences of sex workers. He explores the stories of marginalized communities, making his films about their humanity.

    Anora has already won several awards, including the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Festival. Baker has often credited sex workers for his success, and actress Mikey Madison used her BAFTA speech to promise to support them.

    This changing attitude is significant in Hollywood, which used to resist discussing sex work openly. Some prominent figures, like Meryl Streep, previously opposed sex work decriminalization. The debate continues, with some arguing for protection against exploitation and others advocating for the rights of sex workers.

    Siouxsie Q, a pornographer, said it’s “amazing” to see a film about consensual sex work getting such recognition. “We’ve made great progress,” she said.

    However, the stigma against adult film remains strong. Many talented filmmakers in the adult industry struggle to break into mainstream cinema. On the set where Casey is filming, the neighbors were nervous about reporters lurking outside, showing the still-present fear about porn.

    Sean Baker stands out as a director who casts real porn actors and genuinely connects with both industries. Casey believes that Baker’s success with Anora is crucial in breaking down barriers between mainstream movies and sex work.

  • Ajith Kumar Survives Second Scary Crash: Fans Worry About His Safety

    Ajith Kumar Survives Second Scary Crash: Fans Worry About His Safety

    Actor Ajith Kumar recently survived a serious crash while racing in Spain. This was the second major accident he had in just one month. Ajith is competing in the Porsche Sprint Challenge and runs his own team.

    In a recent race in Valencia, a video showed Ajith’s car bumping into another racer. His car flipped over several times before landing on the gravel. Many fans are worried about Ajith’s safety. Thankfully, he was not hurt.

    Ajith’s manager, Suresh Chandra, shared a post about the crashes. He explained that in the first race, Ajith finished in 14th place, which people liked. But in the next race, he crashed two times because of other cars. Suresh said Ajith worked hard and got back into the race after the first crash, but then he flipped over again in the second crash. Luckily, Ajith is safe and can keep racing.

    Fans shared their thoughts online. Some believe he needs more practice before racing. Others were surprised he has had so many crashes. People expressed their relief when they learned he was okay, but many urged him to think more about his safety. One fan wrote that racing is thrilling, but nothing is more important than life and family.

    Ajith Kumar is known for his recent movie Vidaamuyarchi, which did not do well at the box office. He will act in another film called Good Bad Ugly. Ajith has taken a break from acting for the past year to focus on racing. This is his first professional racing opportunity in over 15 years!

  • York County Hospital Shooting: Officer Duarte Tragically Loses His Life

    York County Hospital Shooting: Officer Duarte Tragically Loses His Life

    On Saturday, a sad event happened at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania. A gunman named Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, who was 49 years old, carried out a dangerous attack. Around 10:35 a.m., he entered the hospital’s intensive care unit with a gun and zip ties. He took some hospital staff members hostage before police arrived.

    When law enforcement officers got there at about 10:43 a.m., Archangel-Ortiz had already zip-tied one female staff member. During the confrontation, Officer Andrew Duarte from West York Borough Police was shot. Sadly, he did not survive. Other people, including a doctor, a nurse, a cleaning worker, and two officers, were also hurt during the incident.

    The police bravely responded to the situation by shooting Archangel-Ortiz while he was still holding one of the hospital employees. Fortunately, no patients were harmed. UPMC Hospital confirmed that the gunman was dead and the area was safe, although the hospital was not accepting new patients at that time.

    Authorities later revealed that Archangel-Ortiz had visited the ICU earlier in the week for medical reasons related to someone else. This showed that his attack was planned.

    Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed sadness about the events, mentioning how both good and bad things happened that day. He honored Officer Andrew Duarte, calling him a hero who dedicated his life to helping others. The West York Borough Police Department also paid tribute to Duarte, saying that their community mourns the loss of a true hero.

  • India and Japan Unite for Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN 2025

    India and Japan Unite for Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN 2025

    The Indian Army is heading to Japan for the 6th India-Japan Joint Military Exercise named DHARMA GUARDIAN. This important event will take place from February 24 to March 9, 2025, in the East Fuji Manoeuvre Training area of Japan, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.

    This military exercise happens every year, rotating between India and Japan. The last one was held in Rajasthan from February to March 2024. This time, the Indian team will have 120 soldiers, mainly from the MADRAS Regiment, along with some troops from other units. On the Japanese side, their team will also consist of about 120 members from the 34th Infantry Regiment.

    The main goal of Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN is to help both countries work better together. They will practice skills like urban warfare and counter-terrorism, following United Nations guidelines. The exercise will involve lots of physical training, joint planning, and tactical drills.

    During the exercise, they will work on various things like tactical drills, joint exercises, and ways to respond to disasters. All of these activities aim to improve their skills and teamwork.

    This exercise builds on the strong relationship between India and Japan, which was reinforced by the Chief of the Army Staff’s visit to Japan from October 14 to 17, 2024. It highlights the commitment of both nations to maintain peace and stability in the region, supporting their shared vision of a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

    Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN is an essential part of strengthening the military ties between India and Japan, helping build friendship, trust, and cultural understanding. This event is not just about military skills; it’s a celebration of the close bond between the two nations, showing their dedication to working together for a better tomorrow.

  • Jharkhand Destroys 19,000 Acres of Illegal Poppy Farms – 190 Arrested!

    Jharkhand Destroys 19,000 Acres of Illegal Poppy Farms – 190 Arrested!

    In Jharkhand, authorities have destroyed illegal poppy farms covering about 19,000 acres over the past two months. This is a big jump compared to previous years! So far, 190 people who were involved in this illegal farming have been arrested.

    Since January, a strong effort has been made to stop illegal poppy farming in the state. A report showed that a total of 19,086 acres of illegal poppy crops have been destroyed, which is four times more than in the last few years. Officials have opened 283 cases related to these activities.

    The affected areas include Chatra, Khunti, Latehar, Ranchi, Palamu, Chaibasa, Saraikela, and Hazaribagh. Khunti saw the most damage, with 10,520 acres of poppy crops destroyed, followed by Ranchi with 4,624 acres. Palamu had the least amount, with only 396 acres affected.

    Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary, Alka Tiwari, has asked officials to keep pushing hard to wipe out all illegal poppy farms and continue operations until March 15. She mentioned that while the efforts are working, it is important to completely eliminate the poppy crops and also increase the number of arrests.

  • AITC Leaders Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra Meet IUML’s Thangal in Kerala

    AITC Leaders Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra Meet IUML’s Thangal in Kerala

    Derek O’Brien, who leads the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in the Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra visited Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, the leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), at his home in Kerala. Their visit lasted two days and included former MLA P.V. Anvar, who is now the head of AITC in Kerala after leaving the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

    After the visit, Thangal told reporters that it was just a friendly meeting and there were no serious talks about politics. He mentioned that AITC is already part of the INDIA alliance. Strengthening this alliance is important as elections approach. Thangal said that they will discuss this within the United Democratic Front (UDF) before deciding what to do next.

    O’Brien and Moitra arrived late at night at Calicut airport and are expected to visit Manjeri in Malappuram soon. They plan to meet with local party members to talk about important issues, such as the rising conflict between humans and animals in the state. Anvar, who used to support the Left, left the LDF after disagreements with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He has chosen not to run in the upcoming elections and has decided to support the UDF instead.