Latest news with #Curiosity
Hans India
5 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
From Earth to Space: The Role of AI in Space Exploration
We often look up at the vast sky and wonder how humans have managed to send spacecraft and satellites so far away from Earth. Did you know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a huge part in making all of this possible? From navigating distant planets to predicting potential dangers in space, AI is quietly becoming the astronaut's best companion. So, are you wondering how exactly AI is helping us explore the unknown? Let's take a journey together from Earth to space to understand AI's incredible role. The Role of AI in Space Exploration We all know that exploring space isn't easy. It takes years to plan a mission. Humans can't always be there to control every detail, especially when spacecraft travel far beyond our planet. That's where AI steps in. It acts like a brain for machines in space, helping them think, learn, and make decisions on their own. For example, NASA uses AI in its Mars rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance. These rovers are equipped with AI systems to analyze rocks, avoid obstacles, and even decide which path to take, all without waiting for instructions from Earth. Isn't it amazing that a robot millions of kilometers away can think for itself? The Need for AI in Space Although astronauts or scientists can control things from Earth, there are risks and problems associated with that. And one main issue is the time delay. When a spacecraft sends a signal from Mars to Earth, it can take up to 20 minutes to reach us. In case of an emergency, waiting for human instruction can be a risky affair. AI solves this by letting machines make quick decisions on their own. AI is also crucial for analysing huge amounts of data. Telescopes and satellites send back tons of information about stars, planets, and galaxies. Thanks to AI, without it, it would take humans years to go through all of it. But AI can scan the data in minutes and find patterns or unusual objects in space. Uses of AI in Space Missions Most of you must be thinking that AI is a futuristic concept. And for those who don't think that way, you probably think that AI is all about virtual assistance on phones, online shopping, maps and navigation. But there's more to AI, and one such critical area is the use of AI in space. Here are some fascinating ways AI is already helping us explore space. Autonomous Spacecraft Navigation - Spacecraft like NASA's Deep Space 1 used AI to navigate through space and avoid obstacles. AI helps them stay on course without constant human control. Satellite Health Monitoring - AI monitors satellites in orbit to check if they're working properly. It can detect problems early and even suggest solutions. Astronaut Assistance - AI-powered robots like CIMON (Crew Interactive Mobile Companion) aboard the International Space Station act as helpful companions for astronauts. They can answer questions, remind astronauts about tasks, and even lighten the mood by telling jokes. Searching for Alien Life - AI is analyzing signals from space to detect signs of life. Yes, you read it right. Humans are developing AI to search for alien life. Future of AI in Space Like any other field, the future of AI in space is promising for India and the rest of the world. With missions planned to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, AI's role will only grow. Space agencies like NASA and ISRO are working on AI systems for future Mars missions that will help astronauts survive harsh conditions and even grow food on other planets. AI is the perfect solution for space missions, but it is important to know that in the end, it is just a machine, and machines can make mistakes. And in space, even a small error can have serious consequences. That is the reason scientists worry about over relying on AI. Therefore, there should be a balanced approach where human expertise and AI work hand in hand. So let us wait and see how AI is going to change the landscape of space exploration.
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
NCERT Launches New Textbooks For Class 5, 8; Art Education Made Compulsory
Last Updated: The NCERT Class 8 science book highlights India's modern accomplishments through chapters on the COVID-19 vaccine, the Make in India initiative, the Chandrayaan mission, etc. NCERT has introduced new books for classes 5 and 8 starting from the 2025-26 session. These books are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. Designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and concept clarity in children, the new Class 8 books include 'Curiosity' (Science), 'Kaushal Bodh' (Vocational Education), 'Malhaar' (Hindi), and 'Poorvi' (English). The new NCERT books emphasise Indian culture, scientific achievements, and moral values. The Class 8 science book 'Curiosity' highlights India's modern accomplishments through chapters on the COVID-19 vaccine, the Make in India initiative, the Chandrayaan mission, Ayurveda principles, and traditional medicine systems, encouraging scientific curiosity and showcasing India's global achievements. The new Class 8 books are engaging, written in simple language, and designed with a clear vision. 1. 'Curiosity' is a new science book with 18 chapters covering chemistry, physics, and biology, focusing on practical activities and real-life examples. Topics like genetics, ecology, and biotechnology are explained in simple terms. 2. 'Kaushal Bodh' centres on vocational education, providing students with skill-based education to prepare them for future employment opportunities. 3. 'Poorvi' (English) features five theme-based units, including stories of Major Somnath Sharma's bravery, Verghese Kurien's 'White Revolution', and physicist Bibha Choudhary. These success stories inspire values like courage, kindness, and scientific curiosity. 4. 'Malhaar' (Hindi) and 'Kriti' (art education) have also been launched for Class 8. 'Kriti' includes theatre, music, and drama as regular subjects, making art education compulsory as per NEP 2020 recommendations. 5. 'Santoor' (English) and 'Veena' (Hindi) have been introduced for Class 5, focusing on activity-based teaching to help young children learn language in an interesting way through play. Where can I get new NCERT books? Although NCERT has launched these books under NEP 2020, some challenges have arisen. The new books are not yet fully available online, and there have been complaints of shortages on Amazon or in local shops. Some parents and teachers have requested NCERT to upload PDFs of these books on their website. NCERT plans to print 15 crore books and has partnered with platforms like Amazon and Flipkart to facilitate easier delivery. view comments First Published: July 12, 2025, 13:51 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
From Isro missions to atoms, new NCERT standard 8 textbook maps India's scientific legacy
Representative image NEW DELHI: From Isro missions to concept of atoms ('parmanu'), the NCERT's new Class 8 Science textbook called 'Curiosity' is trying to amalgamate traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary science in order to make students aware about India's scientific legacy. In the chapter 'Particulate Nature of Matter', the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbook talks about 'Acharya Kanad, an ancient Indian philosopher, (who) first spoke about the idea of a Parmanu (atom)'. The book has also incorporated different missions of Isro like Chandrayaan 1, 2 and 3 to study the Moon, Aditya L1 to study the Sun and Mangalyaan to study Mars. In the chapter 'Light: Mirrors and Lenses', the textbook says over 800 years ago, during Bhaskara II's time, Indian astronomers used shallow water bowls and angled tubes to observe and 'measure the positions of stars and planets in the sky' via reflections, suggesting a practical understanding of reflection laws despite their absence in literature. 'This integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific education is intended to develop curiosity, environmental awareness, ethical values and critical thinking,' the foreword of the book said. Another chapter titled 'Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures' mentions that ancient Indian texts have mentioned the use of alloys for medicinal purposes. The chapter also features an 'Ever Heard Of?' section spotlighting India's recent contributions to global health. 'Long before modern vaccines, India had a traditional method called variolation to protect against smallpox,' reads a section titled 'Our Scientific Heritage' in the chapter 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure'. 'Indian vaccine companies played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to support the global health efforts,' it said, linking ancient practices to modern advancements.
Hindustan Times
16-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Kanad's 'Parmanu' to ISRO missions, new NCERT textbook maps India's scientific legacy
From ancient philosopher Acharya Kanad's concept of atoms ('parmanu') to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions, the new Class 8 Science textbook called 'Curiosity' by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has mapped legacy of bridging traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary science. Kanad's 'Parmanu' to ISRO missions, what new NCERT textbook offers (HT PHOTO)(HT_PRINT) Also read: NCERT Class 8 textbook revision features 'brutality' of Delhi Sultanate, 'intolerance' of Mughals with a disclaimer "This integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific education is intended to develop curiosity, environmental awareness, ethical values and critical thinking," the foreword of the book notes. "Long before modern vaccines, India had a traditional method called variolation to protect against smallpox," reads a section titled 'Our Scientific Heritage' in the chapter 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure'. Variolation is a practice that predates Edward Jenner's work on vaccination. The chapter also features an 'Ever Heard Of?' section spotlighting India's recent contributions to global health. "Indian vaccine companies played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to support the global health efforts," it says, linking ancient practices to modern advancements. Also read: NCERT book links modern science to early Indian discoveries In the chapter 'Particulate Nature of Matter', the textbook mentions that "Acharya Kanad, an ancient Indian philosopher, first spoke about the idea of a Parmanu (atom)". Another chapter titled 'Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures" mentions that ancient Indian texts have mentioned the use of alloys for medicinal purposes. The book also includes different missions of ISRO such as Chandrayaan 1, 2 and 3 to study the Moon, Aditya L1 to study the Sun and Mangalyaan to study Mars. In the chapter 'Light: Mirrors and Lenses', the textbook says over 800 years ago, during Bhaskara II's time, Indian astronomers used shallow water bowls and angled tubes to observe and "measure the positions of stars and planets in the sky" via reflections, suggesting a practical understanding of reflection laws despite their absence in literature. Also read: Vedic Mathematics to be integrated into NCERT textbooks Class 8 students will now read about the valour of Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, and the historic Battle of Budgam in their updated NCERT English textbook. In 'Santoor', the Class 5 English textbook, the 'Let us explore' section poses a query to students. Asking them which vocation they would pursue, it has numerous illustrations including that of a woman pilot and photographer juxtaposed along a male chef and florist. A chapter 'Panchayat' has a woman panchayat head. The 33 per cent reservation in the local bodies implemented by a few state governments has ensured a strong presence of women in this decision-making body in villages. The book also teaches kids the greatness of water conservation and makes learning fun with lessons on 'Gilli Danda' and hockey too.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Acharya Kanad To ISRO: NCERT Class 8 Book Maps India's Scientific Legacy
Grounding modern scientific concepts in the rich heritage of ancient Indian discoveries, the new NCERT Class 8 science textbook titled 'Curiosity' has taken a fresh turn. The 228-page textbook brings to the forefront Acharya Kanad's atomic theory, Bhaskara II's astronomical experiments with water bowls, bridging traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary science. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, the book not only focuses on experiential and inquiry-based learning but also highlights India's long-standing scientific temper. "This integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific education is intended to develop curiosity, environmental awareness, ethical values, and critical thinking," the foreword notes. "Long before modern vaccines, India had a traditional method called variolation to protect against smallpox," reads a section titled 'Our Scientific Heritage' in the chapter 'Health: The Ultimate Treasure'. Variolation is a practice that predates Edward Jenner's work on vaccination. The chapter also features an 'Ever Heard Of?' section spotlighting India's recent contributions to global health. "Indian vaccine companies played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic and continue to support the global health efforts," it says, linking ancient practices to modern advancements. The book recalls the work of Acharya Kanad, an ancient Indian philosopher, in chapter titled 'Particulate Nature of Matter'. It is this philosopher who proposed the concept of Parmanu (atom). "He believed that matter is made up of tiny, eternal particles called Parmanu," the textbook notes, referencing his work 'Vaisheshika Sutras'. Moving to the world of metals and mixtures, the chapter 'Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures' explores how ancient Indian texts referred to alloys like Bronze which is known as 'Kamsya', "an alloy made up of Copper (Tamra, 4 parts) and Tin (Vanga, 1 part), and was used to improve digestion and boost immunity," the book reads. Astronomy gets a historical lens in 'Light: Mirrors and Lenses', where the book notes that Indian astronomers during Bhaskara II's time used shallow water bowls and angled tubes over 800 years ago to study celestial reflections to "measure the positions of stars and planets in the sky", demonstrating practical knowledge of reflection before the laws were formally recorded. Verses from the ancient text 'Taittirīya Saṃhitā' have been included in chapter titled 'Keeping Time with the Skies', illustrating the Sun's six-month journey in its northern and southern directions. It also includes ISRO's space missions, from Chandrayaan 1, 2 and 3, to Aditya L1 and Mangalyaan, portraying a continuum of Indian exploration from ancient texts to interplanetary missions. The book is designed not just to inform, but to inspire. Sections like 'Be a Scientist' elaborate the role of Indian scientists including Vikram Sarabhai, Meghnad Saha, Asima Chatterjee, Kamal Ranadive, and Maharaj Kishan Bhan. NCERT is rolling out these updated textbooks in a phased manner. After launching new books for Classes 1 and 2 in 2023, and Classes 3 and 6 in 2024, textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 are being released this year.
