Ceasefire violations at LoC: Pakistan continues firing despite India cautioning it at DGMO talks

 Ceasefire Violations at the LoC: Pakistan Continues Firing Despite India's Cautioning at DGMO Talks

The Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, has long been a flashpoint for military confrontations. Despite multiple ceasefire agreements, violations persist, undermining efforts for lasting peace. Recent developments have once again brought the fragile truce into question, with Pakistan continuing cross-border firing despite India's diplomatic engagements through Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) talks. (2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes)

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Background: The Fragile Ceasefire

In February 2021, India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the 2003 ceasefire agreement during DGMO-level talks. Both sides agreed to "strict observance of all agreements, understandings, and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors" . This understanding led to a significant reduction in cross-border firing incidents, offering a semblance of normalcy to the border regions. (Pakistan, India agree on strict observance of LoC ceasefire, India, Pakistan agree to follow all ceasefire pacts, stop cross-border firing along LoC | India News - Times of India)

However, the peace was short-lived. By 2023, sporadic skirmishes resumed, culminating in a significant escalation in April 2025 following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists . India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, leading to heightened tensions and renewed hostilities along the LoC. (2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes, Pakistan says intelligence suggests Indian military action likely soon)

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Recent Escalations: A Breakdown of Trust

Following the Pahalgam attack, India undertook several measures, including: (2025 India–Pakistan standoff)

• Expelling Pakistani diplomats and suspending visas for Pakistani nationals.

• Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement.

• Closing its airspace to Pakistani aircraft. (2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes, Indian and Pakistani troops exchange fire after Kashmir attack, Pakistan says it has 'credible intelligence' India will attack within days)

• Closing its airspace to Indian airlines.

• Suspending trade and halting visas for Indian nationals.

• Placing all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, in abeyance . (Pakistan closes air space for Indian airlines, warns against water treaty violation as ties plummet)

Amid these diplomatic retaliations, cross-border firing incidents increased. Both sides reported exchanges of fire along the LoC, with each accusing the other of initiating hostilities . Notably, Pakistan claimed to have shot down two Indian drones near the LoC, further escalating tensions . (Pakistan says intelligence suggests Indian military action likely soon, India, Pakistan agree to follow all ceasefire pacts, stop cross-border firing along LoC | India News - Times of India, 2025 India–Pakistan standoff)

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DGMO Talks: Attempts at De-escalation

In light of the escalating situation, Indian and Pakistani armies held a Brigadier-level flag meeting in February 2025 along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector. The meeting aimed to prevent breaches of the 2021 ceasefire agreement. Both sides agreed to honor the ceasefire in the larger interest of peace on the borders . (LoC meet with Pakistan army to plug ceasefire breaches | India News - The Times of India)

Despite these talks, ceasefire violations continued. Indian officials reported that recent cross-border firing in the Poonch sector was retaliated by the Indian Army, resulting in heavy damage on the Pakistan side. The most significant breaches occurred on February 10 and 14, leading to injuries among Indian troops. (LoC meet with Pakistan army to plug ceasefire breaches | India News - The Times of India)

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International Reactions and Calls for Restraint

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The United Nations and the United States have called for maximum restraint and urged both countries to seek peaceful resolutions . (2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes, Pakistan and India exchange fire as UN calls for 'maximum restraint')

Pakistan's President of the administered Kashmir region, Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, has called for urgent international mediation, citing heightened military activity along the LoC and the downing of Indian drones . He emphasized the need for lasting peace and attention to the long-term fate of Kashmir's people. (Head of Pakistan-administered Kashmir calls for international mediation)

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Conclusion: The Path Forward

The persistent ceasefire violations along the LoC underscore the fragile nature of peace between India and Pakistan. Despite diplomatic engagements and agreements, trust deficits and retaliatory actions continue to hinder progress. The recent escalations following the Pahalgam attack highlight the urgent need for sustained dialogue, confidence-building measures, and international support to prevent further deterioration of relations and to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians in the border regions.

In 2019, We Discover a Fungus Capable of Metabolizing Gold — Some Already Want to Make Them the Key to Space Mining

 

In 2019, We Discover a Fungus Capable of Metabolizing Gold — Some Already Want to Make Them the Key to Space Mining 

In 2019, Australian researchers made a discovery that would push the boundaries of both biology and mining. They found that certain strains of the Fusarium oxysporum fungus were capable of metabolizing gold. This ability not only caught the attention of the scientific community but also raised intriguing possibilities for future mining ventures—both on Earth and in space.

A Surprising Discovery About Gold

The discovery was made by scientists at the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. The Fusarium oxysporum fungus, which is generally known for its role in decomposing organic matter, was found to extract gold particles from its environment. What makes this particularly remarkable is the chemical inertness of gold, which makes it extremely difficult for most organisms to interact with it.

As Dr. Tsing Bohu, the lead researcher of the study, explained, “Gold is so chemically inactive that this type of interaction is unusual and surprising.” This unusual metabolic process, where the fungus incorporates gold into its structure, could provide new methods for gold extraction in the future.

Implications for Earth’s Mining Industry

The discovery of fungi capable of metabolizing gold has already sparked interest within the mining industry, particularly in Australia, the world’s second-largest gold producer. Mining companies are now considering how these fungi could be used to locate new gold deposits.

The concept revolves around using fungi to identify areas rich in gold by analyzing soil for specific strains of Fusarium oxysporum. This is a method that could work similarly to how other natural indicators, such as eucalyptus trees or termite mounds, are used to locate gold.

The idea is to make the search for gold more efficient, potentially reducing the need for invasive mining techniques. In an environment where gold resources are becoming increasingly difficult to access, this breakthrough could offer a more sustainable and less destructive method of gold prospecting.

Plant-pathogenic strain of Fusarium oxysporum that causes fusarium wilt.

Space Mining: Could Fungi Be the Key?

What makes this discovery even more exciting is the potential application in space exploration. Companies are already exploring the possibility of sending microorganisms, including fungi, into space to process ores directly on asteroids and other celestial bodies.

This approach, known as “metabolic mineralurgy,” could change the game for space mining. It aims to address the challenges posed by traditional mining techniques, which are ill-suited to the harsh conditions of space. By sending modified fungi to space, it may be possible to extract metals such as gold from asteroids without the need for heavy machinery or complex equipment.

The concept of using fungi in space mining could significantly simplify resource extraction from space, offering a promising solution to one of the key challenges of space exploration: how to obtain valuable materials in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.

‘Indian housewife smartest fund manager’: Uday Kotak says world should learn from India as gold prices cross Rs 1 lakh mark

 

‘Indian housewife smartest fund manager’: Uday Kotak says world should learn from India as gold prices cross Rs 1 lakh mark

Gold rate: As gold prices in India soared past the Rs 1 lakh mark per 10 grams in the retail market, Kotak Mahindra Bank founder and director, Uday Kotak, hailed Indian housewives citing their age-old investment wisdom.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kotak referred to them as "the smartest fund managers in the world," lauding their long-standing practice of investing in gold as a store of value.

“The performance of gold over time highlights that the Indian housewife is the smartest fund manager in the world,” Kotak wrote.

He further added in a tongue-in-cheek remark, “Governments, central banks, economists, who support pump priming, high deficit funding, may need to take a leaf from India, a net importer of store of value forever!”

Kotak’s statement comes at a time when gold prices are reaching record highs amid global economic uncertainty. On Tuesday, gold June futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) hit a new all-time high of Rs 99,178 per 10 grams, up by nearly Rs 1,900 from the previous session. In the physical market, gold was trading at Rs 97,200 per 10 grams before GST. With the 3 per cent Goods and Services Tax added, retail prices breached the Rs 1 lakh threshold.

Silver also saw upward movement, with May futures opening at Rs 95,562 per kilogram, up 0.33 per cent. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index weakened to a three-year low of 98.12, adding to gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset.

The surge in precious metals is largely attributed to increasing geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing US-China trade dispute, and growing investor anxiety over interest rate policy disagreements between the US President and the Federal Reserve.

Gold has experienced a 30 per cent increase since January 1, 2025, and 14.5 per cent growth since April 8, according to Avinash Gupta, vice-chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council.

In international markets, gold futures achieved a new record high of $3,504.12 per ounce before settling at $ 3,490.72 per ounce, representing an increase of $65.42 or 1.91 per cent.

"Gold prices crossed USD 3,500 per ounce levels in the international markets for the first time and also crossed 97,000 levels in the domestic markets amid uncertainty in the global financial markets and escalating US-China trade war continue to support prices of precious metals," Rahul Kalantri, Vice-President of Commodities, Mehta Equities Ltd, said.

Page Industries Dividend: Shareholders have received nearly ₹1,000 per share over last 12 months

 

Page Industries Dividend: Shareholders have received nearly ₹1,000 per share over last 12 months© Copyright (C) https://cnbctv18.com. All Rights Reserved.

The board of Page Industries Ltd., the parent company of Jockey India, will meet on May 15 to discuss and approve results for the March quarter and also its final dividend for the financial year 2025.

Over the last 12 months, Page Industries has rewarded its shareholders through dividends on at least five separate instances, with each instance being in triple digits per share.

Page Industries has paid dividends worth over ₹900 per share over the last 12 months, dating back to February 2024.

In February this year, the company had approved its third interim dividend worth ₹150 per share, following up a dividend payout of ₹250 per share that it had announced in November 2024.

At the end of the first quarter of financial year 2025, Page Industries had approved an interim dividend of ₹300 per share, which was paid to shareholders after August 2024.

In February 2024, the company had paid ₹100 per share as dividend to shareholders.

Between June 2022 and November 2023, Page Industries has paid ₹470 per share as dividends to shareholders, with the average payout ranging between ₹60 to ₹75 per share.

Shares of Page Industries are currently trading little changed at ₹45,420 and have gained 5% in the last one month. The stock has declined 5% so far in 2025.

India stands tall as global markets falter since Trump’s April 2 tariff shock

 Three weeks since US President Donald Trump’s "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2, India has emerged as the lone bright spot in the global equity landscape. While markets across continents have crumbled under the weight of escalating trade tensions, the Sensex and Nifty have bucked the trend, rising 3.6 percent and 3.4 percent in local currency terms. In dollar terms, they’re up 4.0 percent and 3.8 percent—making India the only major economy to deliver positive returns in both gauges.

In contrast, US indices have taken a hit. The Dow Jones has dropped 9.6 percent, while the S&P 500 is down 9 percent. Losses across Europe are equally grim: Germany’s DAX is down 5.3 percent, France’s CAC has slipped 7.3 percent, and the UK’s FTSE 100 has fallen 3.9 percent, Bloomberg data showed.

returns since 2 april

South Korea’s Kospi is down 0.6 percent but has eked out a 2.0 percent gain in USD terms. Brazil’s Ibovespa has fallen 1.2 percent locally and 3.1 percent in dollar terms. Other Southeast Asian markets have also turned red—Jakarta is down 0.7 percent in local currency and 2.3 percent in USD, the Philippines has slipped 1.9 percent and 1.3 percent respectively, and New Zealand’s NZX 50 Index is down 2.5 percent in local terms but up 2.1 percent in USD.

Against this backdrop, India’s resilience is remarkable.

Experts say that a major factor supporting sentiment is the market’s growing anticipation of a bilateral trade agreement between the US and India. India never went down the road of confrontation. No reciprocal tariffs, no public criticism, instead, India has been ahead in talks and could be among the first nations with which the US signs a trade pact.

Unlike neighbouring China, which slapped retaliatory tariffs against the US, India’s early moves to reduce tariffs on US goods—cutting duties on premium motorcycles, bourbon, and telecom equipment—have signalled diplomatic agreements. At the same time, a declining dollar, which hit a 3-year low, has the potential to attract more FPI inflows into India in the short run. Furthermore, a dip in crude oil prices has provided an additional boost by lowering inflationary pressure and improving the trade deficit.

The ongoing Q4 earnings season has also played a key role in lifting sentiment. Major banks like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank have reported steady numbers, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season. Investors are now hopeful of a reasonably strong showing from India Inc. Supporting this optimism is the new RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, whose early steps to ease system-wide liquidity have provided timely support to the market, especially amid global slowdown concerns and tariff-related uncertainty.

Importantly, India’s consumption-driven economy is seen as relatively immune to the fallout from global trade tensions, a factor that’s helping it stay afloat while export-heavy peers could face heat.

At about 2:20 pm, Indian benchmark indices were up for a sixth consecutive trading session. The Sensex was up 195.71 points or 0.25 percent at 79,604.21, and the Nifty was up 53.35 points or 0.22 percent at 24,178.90. About 2,333 shares advanced, 1136 shares declined, and 107 shares remained unchanged.

Asian markets haven’t fared any better. Japan’s Nikkei has declined 3.8 percent in local terms but managed a modest 1.5 percent gain in USD terms, thanks to currency moves. China’s CSI 300 is down 2.8 percent locally and 3.6 percent in dollar terms, while the Hang Seng has plunged 7.8 percent. Taiwan’s stock exchange is the worst performer globally, falling 10.7 percent in local currency and 8.9 percent in USD.

Andhra approved two renewable energy projects

 

The State government has approved two major renewable energy projects totalling 628 MW—540 MW solar in Anantapur and an 88 MW wind project.

VIJAYAWADA: The State government has approved two major renewable energy projects totalling 628 MW—540 MW solar in Anantapur and an 88 MW wind project in Kurnool, according to Energy Department orders issued on April 10.

ReNew Vikram Shakti Pvt. Ltd. will set up solar plants in Utakallu, Ubicherla, Bethapalle, Dharmapura, Mamdur, and Edurur villages across Gooty and Pamidi mandals. JSW Neo Energy Ltd. will establish the wind farm in Aspari, Kurnool district.

The proposals were cleared after technical and financial evaluations by the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of AP (NREDCAP). The projects come under the AP Integrated Clean Energy Policy, 2024, which aims to expand the state’s renewable energy capacity. Developers will receive government or revenue land on a 30-year lease at Rs 31,000 per acre annually, with a 5% increase every two years.

Land conversion fees are waived, and the status will be deemed non-agricultural. Power generated will be primarily exported, with no mandate for local DISCOM procurement. However, the State holds the right of first refusal for up to 30% of the capacity, subject to tariff approval by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC).

APTRANSCO will handle power evacuation to Central Transmission Utility substations, with infrastructure provided by developers. Projects must be completed within 24 months. Eligible Central grants may be availed without burdening State finances. Several departments will coordinate implementation.

Goodbye China, Namaste India! Laptop brands shift production as PLI scheme bears fruit, Trump’s tariffs loom large

 India's Rs 17,000 crore production-linked incentive programme for IT hardware is beginning to yield results as several brands previously reliant on China establish partnerships with domestic contract manufacturers for laptop production in India.

These collaborations come against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions between China and the US. Despite the Donald Trump administration's current exemption on IT hardware imports from China, companies are hastening their discussions for local manufacturing arrangements with Indian firms, driven by concerns over potential sector-specific tariffs anticipated in May.

Indian manufacturers are enhancing their production capabilities whilst offering global brands advantages through reduced tariffs and incentive schemes. Additionally, they provide opportunities to participate in government contracts requiring 20-50% local content.

Industry sources told ET that present manufacturing capacity in India could replace approximately 10-20% of total laptop imports, which reached $11 billion in FY2024. Current domestic laptop production stands at roughly $1 billion, as per industry statistics.

Goodbye China, Namaste India! Laptop brands shift production as PLI scheme bears fruit, Trump’s tariffs loom large

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) 2.0 for IT Hardware, introduced on May 29, 2023, features a Rs 17,000 crore budget allocation across six years. The programme offers approximately 5% incentive on net incremental sales of locally manufactured products. Manufacturers must increase component localisation annually to secure additional incentives.

The government anticipates that PLI 2.0 will attract Rs 3,000 crore in investments, generate Rs 3.5 lakh crore in production value, and create 47,000 jobs nationwide.

Asus recently launched an assembly line at VVDN Technologies' Manesar facility after six months of discussions regarding scalability and localisation. According to Gourab Basu, senior vice president at VVDN, who spoke to the financial daily, their current production line produces one laptop every 240 seconds.

"Our commitment to India is very, very strong," Dinesh Sharma, vice president, commercial PC and smartphone system business group, ASUS, said. "When you are trying to shift your production supply chain, cost efficiency is a matter of concern. And the more backward integrations we can get, the better".

Gurugram-based Syrma SGS has established an agreement with Taiwan-based MSI for laptop manufacturing in India, responding to stricter import regulations. As a participant in the IT hardware PLI, the contract manufacturer recognises the opportunity for Indian companies to benefit from the shift away from high-tariff nations such as China and Vietnam.

"We in the industry should catch the bull by its horns and take this opportunity to develop the ecosystem of components base in India," said Jasbir Singh Gujral, managing director, Syrma SGS, noting that the organisation will consider capacity expansion to attract additional laptop brands for exports.

Dixon Technologies has allocated over Rs 1,000 crore towards establishing a new manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu for HP Inc laptop production. The facility, scheduled to commence operations in May, will initially produce two million laptops yearly. Additionally, Dixon has contracted with Lenovo and Asus for laptop production at this location, whilst already producing 25-30% of Acer's domestic requirements at their Noida facility.

Government statistics indicate that as of December 2024, PLI has attracted Rs 520 crore in investments, achieved Rs 10,000 crore in production value, and created 3,900 employment opportunities.

The programme has experienced limited participation, as international companies continue importing most of their Indian sales volume, benefiting from China's 4-5% manufacturing cost advantage prior to tariff implementation. Despite China's established cost-effective ecosystem, global companies are now actively developing a comparable infrastructure in India as an alternative manufacturing base.

India's laptop exports remain constrained due to stringent US product testing requirements. An executive pointed out that India lacks appropriate testing facilities, necessitating product shipments to Shanghai's nearest laboratory for US export certifications, resulting in additional expenses.

Asus' Sharma indicated the company's consideration of encouraging their global component suppliers to establish Indian operations, expressing willingness to share these suppliers with VVDN to support their backward integration initiatives.

VVDN reported ongoing manufacturing of various components and modules, including Wi-Fi antennas, camera modules, memory packaging, display assembly, mechanical inclusions, and additional items. The company intends to establish a printed circuit board manufacturing facility.

Horn Ok Please: Nitin Gadkari mulls new law to make honking sound 'pleasant'

 

Horn Ok Please: Nitin Gadkari mulls new law to make honking sound 'pleasant'

Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said he is mulling a new legislation under which sounds of Indian musical instruments will be used as horn for vehicles.

"I am planning to make a law that horns of all vehicles should be in Indian musical instruments so that it is pleasant to hear. Flute, tabla, violin, harmonium," Gadkari was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Gadkari, who was speaking at an event in New Delhi, said that the transport sector accounts for about 40 per cent of the air pollution in India, adding that the Modi government is promoting vehicles that run on green and bio-fuel, including methanol and ethanol.

This is not the first time that Gadkari has proposed such a law in the country.

In 2021, Gadkari had said he was planning to introduce a law to make sound of Indian musical instruments mandatory as a horn for vehicles.

The Union minister also said he was considering replacing the sirens used in ambulances and police vehicles with a more pleasant tune played on the All India Radio (AIR).

Gadkari had suggested that sounds of instruments like flute, tabla, violin, mouth organ and harmonium could be used while honking.

In 2023, Gadkari said that the government was planning to introduce an upper limit of around 50 decibels for the vehicle horns.

(With inputs from PTI)

See new posts Marcus Bagley's Remarkable Three-Point Outburst

 During an ongoing NBA game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks, Marcus Bagley, known for his struggles from beyond the arc, delivered an astonishing performance. Bagley, who had previously made only one three-pointer in his career, erupted for 14 points in the first half, sinking four out of five three-point shots. This surge propelled the Sixers to a 66-60 lead at halftime. The game carries significant playoff implications, with the Hawks aiming to secure the 8th seed, while a loss for the Sixers could position them for a better draft pick by securing the 5th worst record. Contributions from other players like Adem Bona and Jared Butler also bolstered the Sixers' lead.

These 6 NASA images capture the beauty of the Universe of galaxies | See Pics

 Our planet Earth is part of a solar system located in the Milky Way Galaxy. Many other galaxies are situated millions of light years away from our home. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has shared several images of our neighbouring galaxies and those located far beyond our reach.

Catch a glimpse of a few galaxies out of one hundred billion galaxies in our Universe with these NASA images.

NASA images of galaxies

The image captures the spiral arms of the nearby galaxy Messier 81

The image of nearby galaxy Messier 81 was captured by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. The galaxy is located in the northern constellation of Ursa Major (which also includes the Big Dipper). Skygazers who wish to enjoy the sight of this galaxy can spot this neighbour with the help of binoculars or a small telescope. 

M81 is located at a distance of 12 million light-years. It was one of the first publicly released datasets soon after Spitzer's launch in August 2003. 

Centuraus A, also known as NGC 5128 or Caldwell 77, is a galaxy located in constellation of Cenaurus.© Provided by Live Mint

The image was formed with the help of the data collected by the European Southern Observatory and the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment. Thousands of lines shown in the image are the magnetic fields observed by NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). These magnetic fields are shown as streamlines over an image of the galaxy taken at visible and submillimeter wavelengths by the European Southern Observatory and Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (orange).

Cartwheel Galaxy© Provided by Live Mint

The spectacular image of Cartwheel Galaxy is the result of intricate details captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The image reveals star formation and the galaxy’s central black hole. Webb’s powerful infrared gaze produced this detailed image of the Cartwheel and two smaller companion galaxies against a backdrop of many other galaxies.

View of neighbouring spiral galaxy Andromeda, also called M31,

The NASA image unveils a spectacular view of the neighbouring spiral galaxy Andromeda, also known as M31, in ultraviolet light. Scientists have formed this image with the inputs of 330 images from Swift’s Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope. Some 20,000 ultraviolet sources are visible in the image, including M32, a small galaxy in orbit around M31.

The view of field of galaxies known as Cosmos field.coloured dots are galaxies that host black holes emitting lower-energy X-rays. 

Galactic Chaos: Our neighbouring galaxy is falling apart, scientists warn

 

Galactic Chaos: Our neighbouring galaxy is falling apart, scientists warn

Sometimes, even galaxies close to us face hard times. A quiet neighbour of the Milky Way, the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), appears to be falling apart. And scientists say they didn’t see it coming.

Pulled by Its Larger Companion, the LMC

The SMC is about 200,000 light-years from Earth. It’s a dwarf galaxy that orbits our Milky Way galaxy. But it now seems to be in real trouble. According to a new study published on April 10 in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, another galaxy may be to blame.

Researchers believe the SMC is being pulled by the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The LMC is SMC’s much bigger companion. The team says this gravitational tug could be slowly tearing the SMC apart.

Lead researcher Kengo Tachihara from Nagoya University, Japan, admitted their surprise. “At first, we thought our data had some error,” he said. “But when we looked again, the results were very clear.”

Stars Moving in Strange Directions

The team studied data from ESA’s retired Gaia spacecraft. They discovered that stars in the SMC were moving in opposite directions. “It’s as if something is pulling them apart,” Mr Tachihara explained.

Some stars were heading toward the LMC. Others were moving away from it. This suggests that the SMC might be slowly losing its shape. The researchers believe the LMC’s strong pull could be the reason.

That wasn’t the only surprise. The study found something else unusual. The large stars within the SMC are not rotating as expected. Normally, stars rotate around a galaxy’s centre. But in this case, that rotation seems to be missing.

What It Means for Our Galaxy’s History

The lack of rotation could affect what we know about the SMC. Mr Tachihara said it may change past calculations of galactic movements. This includes the history of the Milky Way, the SMC and the LMC.

“If there is no rotation, our models need revising,” he explained. It could mean we’ve misunderstood the SMC’s mass or past collisions.

The SMC and LMC are part of a group of about 30 nearby galaxies. The SMC is only 7,000 light-years wide, while the Milky Way spans 100,000 light-years. The SMC completes an orbit around the Milky Way every 1.5 billion years.

Despite its size, the SMC is very bright. It’s even visible to the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere. Because of this, it gives scientists a rare chance to study galaxy behaviour.

Learning from a Neighbour We Can See

“We cannot see the Milky Way from the outside,” Mr Tachihara said. “But we can study nearby galaxies like the SMC and LMC in detail.”

He added that this study helps connect star formation with stellar motion. Watching these galaxies closely offers clues about how stars behave across time.

The SMC’s slow tearing apart may not be fast or dramatic. But it offers a deep insight into the life of galaxies. Even those in our own corner of the cosmos are not safe from change.