The article explores the recent findings about Mars’ core and its implications for habitability, the lives and philosophies of two profound Vedic thinkers – Ramanujacharya and Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, and an introduction to India’s first water metro service in Kochi.
Mars’ Core and Habitability Insights
A team of international researchers used data from NASA’s InSight Mars Lander to investigate the core of Mars. They found that it is smaller and denser than previously thought, with a radius between 1,780 and 1,810 kilometres. The core appears to be in a liquid state, primarily composed of iron, supplemented by lighter elements like sulphur and oxygen, which make up a fifth of its weight.
The core plays a crucial role in generating a planet’s magnetic field, which is absent in Mars. Earth’s magnetic field comes from its liquid outer core, providing protection against solar winds and enabling water retention. However, the lack of such a shield on Mars contributes to its hostile surface conditions unsuitable for life. Understanding the core properties could help create better models of Earth and Mars’ formation process and discover why Mars evolved the way it did.
Life and Philosophy of Ramanujacharya
Prime Minister recently paid tribute to Sri Ramanujacharya on his Jayanti. Born in 1017 in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, Ramanujacharya was a groundbreaking Vedic philosopher and social reformer. He advocated social justice and equality, propagated the Bhakti movement, and revived the Vishishtadvaita subschool of Vedanta philosophy.
His teachings emphasized harmony with nature, compassion, humility, equality, mutual respect, and the idea of the universe as one family (“vasudhaiva kutumbakam”). He condemned discrimination and encouraged societal inclusion. His revolutionary ideas for equality have immortalised him with a 213-feet tall statue in Hyderabad, known as the Statue of Equality.
Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya’s Contribution
The Prime Minister also paid homage to Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya on his birth anniversary. Born in the 8th century AD, Kerala, Adi Shankaracharya is regarded as one of India’s revered philosophers. He founded the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy, focusing on unity and oneness of all existence.
Shankaracharya strived to revive Hinduism and re-establish its philosophical and spiritual roots. He authored numerous commentaries on essential Vedic texts, including the Brahma Sutras, the Bhajagovinda Stotra, the Nirvana Shatakam, and the Prakaran Granths. He also worked towards eliminating caste-based discrimination and fostering social equality.
India’s First Water Metro
The first phase of Kochi Water Metro, India’s first-ever metro system of its kind was recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The project, implemented by the Kochi Metro Rail Corporation, aims to connect ten island communities in Kerala’s city with the mainland, promising shorter travel times and cost-effective transportation.
The Kochi Water Metro is a modern ferry transport system that runs along 16 routes across Greater Kochi. Equipped with cutting-edge safety devices and advanced technology, these boats provide smooth commute and efficient travel experiences. Furthermore, being powered by batteries, these ferries require only 10 to 20 minutes for completing their respective routes.
