Will there be a drought where I live?

Anil Menon, an astronaut of Indian descent, is gearing up for his first mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2026 as part of a NASA crew. This marks a significant milestone not just for Menon personally, but also for the global Indian community, as he joins a small but growing list of astronauts with Indian roots to venture into space.

Editor’s Note: Space missions always capture public imagination, but this one’s extra special because it highlights the increasing diversity in space exploration. Menon’s journey is a point of pride for many, showing how talent from all backgrounds is shaping humanity’s future beyond Earth. Plus, it keeps the excitement alive for upcoming deep-space missions—reminding us that the cosmos isn’t just for a select few.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is gearing up for a special chat with students and ISRO scientists—but with a twist: he’ll be speaking to them from space aboard the International Space Station. The conversation, happening this Friday via ham radio, is part of the ARISS program, which connects space crews with Earthbound audiences to spark interest in science and tech. The live session will be hosted at Bengaluru’s U R Rao Satellite Centre, giving young minds a rare chance to engage directly with an astronaut in orbit.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a cool space call—it’s a strategic nudge to inspire India’s next generation of scientists and engineers. With STEM education as the focus, Shukla’s interaction could turn into a defining "I want to do that!" moment for students. It also highlights India’s growing role in global space collaboration, making cosmic ambitions feel a little closer to home.

A high-tech satellite funded by Jeff Bezos to track methane emissions—a major contributor to climate change—has gone missing in space, according to New Zealand officials. The project, backed by over $100 million from Bezos' Earth Fund, was meant to help monitor and reduce harmful greenhouse gases. Now, its unexpected disappearance puts a dent in those efforts.

Editor’s Note: Losing this satellite isn’t just a financial blow—it’s a setback for global climate monitoring. Methane is a supercharged greenhouse gas, and tracking its sources is key to fighting global warming. With this tool gone, scientists and policymakers lose valuable data, making it harder to hold polluters accountable and measure progress. For a project with Bezos' name and cash behind it, the failure also raises questions about the reliability of private-funded climate solutions.

The U.S. has been shipping massive amounts of plastic waste to other countries for years, often under the guise of recycling. But Malaysia—one of the biggest recipients—just pushed back, refusing to be the world’s dumping ground. They’re turning away contaminated and non-recyclable trash, signaling a growing global resistance to shouldering the burden of rich nations’ waste.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Malaysia—it’s a wake-up call. Wealthy countries have long offloaded their plastic problems onto poorer nations, claiming it’s being recycled when much of it ends up polluting rivers and landfills. With more countries saying "no," the pressure’s on to actually reduce waste instead of just shipping it out of sight.

House Republicans have introduced a bill that includes an unexpected tax provision targeting renewable energy projects. If passed, it could significantly increase costs for wind and solar developers, potentially stalling the growth of clean energy in the U.S. Critics argue the move favors fossil fuels, while supporters claim it levels the playing field for traditional energy sources.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political skirmish—it’s a direct hit on the renewable energy sector at a time when the U.S. is trying to accelerate its transition away from fossil fuels. If this tax sticks, it could slow down wind and solar projects, drive up energy costs, and undermine climate goals. For anyone invested in clean energy or concerned about climate change, this is a big deal.