Japan's space agency JAXA is scheduled to launch its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission on October 20, 2026, using the H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Centre. Supported by NASA, the mission will study Mars' moons Phobos and Deimos, collect at least 10 grams of material from Phobos and return the samples to Earth in 2031. The launch will also be an important test for Japan's H3 rocket following previous technical setbacks.
El Niño is associated with unusual weather patterns worldwide, as Tokyo reportedly recorded 35 consecutive days of rainfall while Chile’s Atacama Desert witnessed a rare wildflower bloom following heavy showers. The extreme conditions have raised concerns about changing rainfall patterns and global temperatures.
Indian badminton star PV Sindhu scripted history by winning her maiden Japan Open Super 750 title after defeating Japan's former world champion Akane Yamaguchi in straight games. The victory marks one of the biggest achievements of Sindhu's career since her 2019 World Championship triumph and makes her the first Indian woman to win the prestigious tournament.
Nilambari Salunke
