For decades, scientists have wondered whether life ever existed beyond Earth, and Mars has always been one of the biggest mysteries. Thanks to NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has been exploring the planet since 2021, we are now closer than ever to answering that question. The Junior Age has all the details you need to know about the rover’s latest and most exciting findings.
Could Life Have Existed on Mars? NASA’s Perseverance Rover Offers Clues:
Since touching down on the Red Planet in February 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover has been on an extraordinary mission: exploring Jezero Crater, a region that was once home to an ancient lake and river. The goal is to uncover signs that life may have existed on Mars billions of years ago.
The Hunt for Clues on Mars
Perseverance has been busily collecting and analysing rocks using its suite of onboard instruments. One of the most exciting discoveries came from a dried-up riverbed, where the rover found rocks marked with unusual patterns like leopard spots.
These spots are not just pretty patterns; they could be chemical footprints of life. The rocks are roughly 3.5 billion years old, dating back to a time when Mars may have had liquid water on its surface.
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What do the Leopard Spots Mean?
On Earth, similar markings appear when microbes interact with minerals in mud, forming new minerals like vivianite and greigite. According to Joel Hurowitz, the lead scientist on the project, these chemical reactions are often but not always driven by living organisms. These leopard spots could be the remnants of ancient Martian microbes, tiny organisms that lived long ago and are too small to see without a microscope.
There may also be non-living, natural processes that could produce similar markings. While the leopard spots are the strongest evidence yet pointing toward possible ancient life on Mars, scientists caution that it is not proof.
Astronomy
To confirm whether life ever existed on Mars, researchers will need to examine the rocks in more detail back on Earth. NASA is already planning a future mission to bring Perseverance’s collected samples home for deeper study. Until then, the Red Planet continues to guard its ancient secrets, but the clues are stacking up.
Finding signs of past life on Mars would be a historic moment for science. It could reshape our understanding of life in the universe and inspire future generations of explorers. For now, these leopard-spotted rocks are tantalising evidence that Mars was once a planet with the conditions to support life.
As per the latest reports by UNICEF, the global children’s organisation, for the first time, more children around the world are obese than underweight. This is a big shift in child health and nutrition, and is quite concerning, too. The Junior Age provides all the details you need to know about the rise of childhood obesity.
Know All About UNICEF And Its Warning About How Childhood Obesity Is On The Rise, And Ways To Tackle It:
The reports by UNICEF state that around 188 million children and teenagers aged 5 to 19 are now living with obesity. That is approximately 9.4% of children in this age group worldwide. Meanwhile, the number of underweight children has fallen to 9.2%. Back in 2000, underweight children were much more common at 13%.
The possible reasons for childhood obesity to happen are:
1. Too Much Junk Food Leading to Childhood Obesity
These days, many kids eat foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These ultra-processed junk foods are spotted everywhere from supermarkets, online stores, and even on TV. While they taste good, however, eating too much junk food can lead to weight problems.
2. Change in Type of Meals
In today’s fast-paced life, the traditionally home-cooked and healthy meals have taken a back seat. They are now being replaced by easy-to-cook, packaged meals that aren’t very nutritious. In some countries, these calorie-packed foods are cheap and easy to get, which makes them even more popular.
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Which Countries Are Most Affected by Childhood Obesity?
Some of the highest rates of childhood obesity are in the Pacific Island nations. In countries like Niue and the Cook Islands, nearly 40% of kids are living with obesity, which is a huge number!
Other countries also have worrying numbers:
Chile: About 27% of children aged 5 to 19 are obese.
United States: Around 21% of kids fall into the obesity category.
United Arab Emirates: Similarly, 21% of children are affected.
Childhood obesity can lead to serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart issues, and other illnesses. It can also affect how kids grow, learn, and feel about themselves.
UNICEF’s Advice on How to Tackle Childhood Obesity
UNICEF states that this is not just about one country or one kid. It is a global issue, and everyone has a role to play. Here is what they recommend:
1. Make Schools a Healthy Zone
Schools should limit or completely remove junk food from canteens.
Offer more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-packed snacks.
Teach kids about nutrition in fun ways, like cooking classes, school gardens, or interactive food games.
2. Reduce Junk Food Marketing to Kids
Companies should not advertise sugary drinks, sweets, or fast food to children.
Parents and teachers can help kids spot marketing tricks, so they know when an ad is trying to make them crave unhealthy foods.
Youth First
3. Encourage Active Lifestyles
Daily physical activity is crucial: walking, cycling, playing outside, or sports.
Limit screen time so kids are not sitting for long hours watching TV or playing games.
Make movement fun like dancing, skipping, or even family games count!
4. Raise Awareness and Educate
Kids should know why eating too much sugar and fat can be harmful.
Schools and parents can share tips for smart snacking and balanced meals.
Understanding nutrition helps kids make better choices for themselves now and in the future.
Obesity is about helping kids grow healthy and strong. With the right support from schools, families, and communities, children can enjoy tasty meals, stay active, and feel their best every day.
The Asia Cup 2025 finale concluded with a resounding victory by Team India. The thrilling finale ended with India defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets. The performance was packed with aggression, skill, and nerves of steel. From a blazing opening partnership to clinical bowling and flawless fielding, Team India dominated every phase of the game. With Tilak Verma and Shivam Dube leading the charge with the bat and the bowlers keeping Pakistan in check, this victory was as commanding as it was unforgettable. The Junior Age has all the details for you.
Know All About How India Won The Asia Cup 2025 Beating Pakistan By 5 Wickets:
Bringing the curtains down on the Asia Cup 2025, India roared to victory by beating Pakistan. Tilak Varma rose to the occasion with a gritty, match-winning knock as India clinched their record ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai.
Match Score:
Pakistan: 146 all out (20 overs)
India: 147/5 (19.4 overs)
Star Performances
Tilak Varma’s composed 69* off 53 balls, featuring three fours and four towering sixes, came under immense pressure as wickets fell around him. He stitched crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson (24 off 21 balls, with two fours and a six) and Shivam Dube (33 off 22 balls, with two fours and two sixes) to guide India home in a nail-biting finale.
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The tension was immense due to off-field events leading up to the final, but this Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav and guided by Gautam Gambhir, walked the talk when it came to upping the fearlessness quotient in a pressure-cooker scenario – with the stands at boiling point and fans engaging in fisticuffs.
Bowling Brilliance From Team India
On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs. His spell was crucial in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup, which collapsed from a strong 113/1 to 146 all out. Supporting Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel each claimed two wickets, maintaining pressure throughout the innings and ensuring Pakistan couldn’t recover.
Deepak Malik / CREIMAS for Asian Cricket Council
Asia Cup 2025: Awards and Recognition
Player of the Match: Tilak Verma for his match-winning 69*.
Player of the Tournament:Abhishek Sharma, who scored 314 runs at a strike rate of 200, including 19 sixes.
Most Wickets in Tournament:Kuldeep Yadav, with 17 wickets.
Gamechanger of the Match:Shivam Dube, for his crucial 33 runs under pressure.
Most Sixes in Final: Tilak Verma, with 4 sixes.
In recognition of their achievement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of ₹21 crore for the players and support staff, acknowledging their exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
India has dominated the competition, winning all their matches to reach the summit clash. Abhishek Sharma led the run-scoring charts, while Kuldeep Yadav sits on top of the wicket-takers’ list, underlining the team’s all-round strength. The Men in Blue continued their unbeaten run, secured a third win over Pakistan in this edition, and lifted the Asia Cup trophy for the ninth time.
India has rewritten the history books in shooting at the 16th Asian Championship 2025 held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, by clinching a record-breaking 99 medals, including an unprecedented 50 golds. This stellar performance not only marked India’s most successful outing at the championship but also underscored the nation’s growing dominance in the sport of shooting on the continental stage. The Junior Age has all the details below.
India’s shooting glory rounds up with a historic 99 medals haul at the Asian Championship 2025:
India’s shooting stars have etched their names in history with an unprecedented performance at the Asian Championship 2025 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. The Indian contingent stormed the competition, securing a staggering 99 medals, including 50 golds, 26 silver, and 23 bronze, marking the country’s most successful campaign ever at this prestigious event. The championship witnessed a perfect blend of skill, precision, and nerves of steel, showcasing India’s growing dominance in the shooting arena.
Asian Shooting Org
Here is a detailed list –
Asian Championship 2025: Indian Shooting medal winners
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is celebrated across India as the day when good triumphs over evil. But here is the exciting part, the way people celebrate it changes from state to state. In some places it’s all about burning Ravan’s effigies, in others it’s about flowers, dolls, or even a 75-day-long tribal fair! The Junior Age is all set to take you on a grand tour across India and explore how every region celebrates in its own unique way.
From Mysuru To Kolkata: Know How India Celebrates Dussehra In Unique Ways:
1. Dussehra In Delhi & North India
In Delhi and across northern states, Dussehra is all about drama – quite literally!
Known as: Ramleela & Ravan Dahan
How it’s celebrated: Ramleela plays, often performed in open grounds, narrate the Ramayana over several days. On the final day, massive effigies of Ravan, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze with fireworks. It is meant to teach moral values and the victory of truth and righteousness in a community-driven spectacle.
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2. Haryana & Punjab
Dussehra here focuses on worshipping the divine feminine through young girls.
Known as: Kanjak (Kanya Pujan)
How it’s celebrated: On the eighth or ninth day of Navratri, girls are invited into homes, their feet washed, and they are fed special meals like puri, halwa, and chana, and given gifts. Kanjak is done in honour of Maa Shakti, the feminine energy, and reminds society to respect and value girls.
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3. Uttar Pradesh
Folk art takes centre stage in Dussehra through the creative practice of Sanjhi.
Known as: Sanjhi
How it’s celebrated: Women and children decorate walls with designs made of mud, flowers, and colours. Community prayers and folk songs often accompany this practice. Sanjhi is linked to Radha and Krishna’s love and devotion, celebrating creativity and faith.
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4. Uttarakhand (Almora Dussehra)
Almora makes Dussehra a spectacle of fire and creativity.
Known as: Almora Dussehra
How it’s celebrated: Gigantic effigies of demons are built by local artisans, paraded through the town, and set ablaze with fireworks. It represents burning away evil and showcases Almora’s artistic skills, making it a major cultural festival.
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5. Himachal Pradesh (Kullu)
Kullu’s Dussehra begins when the rest of India winds down its celebrations.
Known as: Kullu Dussehra
How it’s celebrated: Deities from neighbouring villages arrive in palanquins to join a week-long procession. Music, dance, and fairs add to the festive spirit. This celebrates local deities and community unity, reflecting Himachal’s unique spiritual identity.
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6. Telangana
Dussehra in Telangana blossoms into a colourful flower festival.
Known as: Bathukamma
How it’s celebrated: Women and girls gather flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and celosia, stacking them into tall, conical arrangements called Bathukamma. They sing folk songs, dance around these floral towers, and immerse them in ponds or rivers. The celebration symbolises nature’s beauty, honours Goddess Gauri, and thanks Mother Earth for fertility, health, and prosperity.
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7. Gujarat
Navratri in Gujarat becomes the world’s longest dance festival.
Known as: Raas Dandiya/Garba
How it’s celebrated: Men and women dress in colourful costumes and perform Garba and Dandiya dances around a central lamp or goddess image. Fasting, prayers, and cultural shows add to the energy. The celebration is to honour goddess Amba (Shakti), symbolising unity, joy, and devotion.
Krishna Shah
8. Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s Dussehra mixes gratitude, prosperity, and devotion.
Known as: Dasara
How it’s celebrated: Families exchange Apta tree leaves, also called Sona, for gold-like prosperity. It honours – Kubera, the god of wealth. Giving this leaf is believed as a worship of Kubera, gratitude for wealth, and a sign of wishing his blessings on each one. It is believed – the more you give Apte leaves, the more wealth Kubera blesses you with.
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9. West Bengal
Dussehra in Bengal is celebrated as the grand Durga Pujo.
Known as: Durga Pujo
How it’s celebrated: Gigantic themed pandals house stunning idols. Families offer pushpanjali, enjoy cultural programmes, and perform dhunuchi dances. On the last day, idols are immersed in rivers or lakes. Durga Pujo is celebrated to honour goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, highlights women’s strength, and serves as a cultural and social high point of the year.
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10. Goa
Dussehra in Goa carries a unique Konkani flavour.
Known as: Pednechi Punav / Dasro
How it’s celebrated: Local communities stage folk theatre, hold fairs, and perform temple rituals. The festival is known for its intense spiritual atmosphere, which includes instances of spiritual possession in a distinctly colourful Goan style.
Viraj Jr
11. Karnataka Celebrates Dussehra In Two Ways
Karnataka celebrates Dussehra with a mix of royal pageantry and vibrant folk culture.
Mysuru: Mysuru Dasara
Known as: Mysuru Dasara
How it’s celebrated: Mysore Palace is illuminated with over one lakh bulbs. The grand Jamboo Savari procession carries the idol of Chamundeshwari on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant. It is to commemorate Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura and celebrate Karnataka’s royal heritage, drawing lakhs of visitors. Folk dances, wrestling matches, music shows, and fairs add to the festivities.
Utsav
Madikeri: Madikeri Dasara
Known as: Madikeri Dasara
How it’s celebrated: For ten days, mantapas (decorated floats) depict mythological and social themes. Originally a ritual to ward off evil spirits, it has evolved into a community festival, blending devotion with Kodava pride and local culture. Traditional drumming, folk music, and street performances continue late into the night.
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12. Kerala
Dussehra in Kerala marks the sacred start of learning.
Known as: Vidyarambham
How it’s celebrated:Vidyarambham means Vidya – knowledge, and rambham means beginning. This signifies knowledge as the greatest blessing, invoking Saraswati’s blessings. Children write their first letters on rice, sand, or notebooks, guided by elders or priests. Often inside temples or at home, they begin with “Hari Shree Ganapathaye Namah”.
Satramana
13. Tamil Nadu
Dussehra in Tamil Nadu combines temple rituals with creative home celebrations.
Kulasai Dasara
Known as: Kulasai Dasara
How it’s celebrated: At the Mutharamman Temple, devotees dress as gods, demons, kings, and mythological characters, sometimes after months of preparation. Music, dance, and rituals continue for days, drawing lakhs of devotees.
Srivatsan Sankaran
Bommai Kolu
Known as: Bommai Kolu (Tamil Nadu)
How it’s celebrated: Families set up stepped platforms adorned with dolls representing gods, goddesses, village life, or even modern scenes. Guests visit, exchange sweets, and sing devotional songs.This ritual is all about storytelling, devotion, and creativity, symbolising the presence of divinity in everyday life.
