Fr Richard D’Souza with Pope Leo XIV. D’Souza has served as superior of the Jesuit community attached to Vatican Observatory since 2002

PANAJI: Physicist, astronomer, scientist, Indiana Jones. Not quite the words to describe a priest, let alone a 46-year-old Jesuit from Mapusa. But that is exactly what Fr Richard D’Souza is.At the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo, an ancient castle that once hosted pontiffs, D’Souza is piecing together the violent history of galactic cannibalism — the consumption of smaller galaxies by larger ones. “My work is basically to understand the histories of galaxies. I try to be a galactic archaeologist, so I put on this Indiana Jones cap and I try to see how galaxies grow to the massive size that they are,” he said.His breakthrough came in 2018, published in Nature Astronomy, when he and Eric Bell proposed that the Andromeda galaxy’s most significant merger — a violent collision that reshaped the Milky Way’s nearest galactic neighbour — occurred approximately 2 billion years ago.D’Souza’s own trajectory was less violent. Born in Pune in 1978, raised partly in Kuwait and partly in Goa, he entered the Society of Jesus, the formal name of the Jesuits, at 18. A Catholic order known for its intellectual pursuits, the society recognised in him something worth nurturing.“I used to go for camping trips while studying at St Britto’s, in the countryside, far away from the city lights where you could see the night sky. This was perhaps my first interest in the heavens, and this was confirmed a lot during my novitiate in Desur, Belagavi, which was a remote place where I could see the night sky,” said D’Souza.For his Jesuit formators, D’Souza’s path was neither straight nor predictable. After completing his physics degree at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, he pursued a master’s degree in Heidelberg, working at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. Then came philosophy in Pune, as his Jesuit formation demanded, followed by theology. Then, a gravitational pull-back to physics through his doctoral work at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Munich.“I seriously started thinking of astronomy as a career when I started my master’s in physics at Heidelberg, where I did some small research project on astronomy, and it was this that really attracted me. I fell in love with the subject,” he said.Between philosophy and theology, he briefly veered towards social action in 2007 when he helped start St Paul’s Community College in Belagavi for school dropouts. This oscillation between the cosmic and the communal, between the spiritual and the celestial, should be debilitating. Not for him.“Our work at the observatory is basically doing scientific research with 80-90% of our time going in collecting and analysing data, and going for conferences. The remaining 10% of the time, we remind the Church that faith and science need to go together,” said D’Souza.Since 2022, D’Souza has served as superior of the Jesuit community attached to the Vatican Observatory. He is now director of the observatory itself, one of the oldest astronomical institutes in the world that dates back to 1774.Given that he straddles the two heavenly realms of theology and astronomy, he is often asked about extraterrestrial life. “I was waiting for this question and my response is, thank God I am not an expert on that,” he recently said at an event in Porvorim, blending humour with pragmatism.

NEW DELHI: Communities living around areas in India that witness mining operations are showing measurable signs of lung impairment and heavy-metal exposure, according to new data tabled in Lok Sabha.The health ministry, citing Indian Council of Medical Research studies, has confirmed that residents in mining belts face risks comparable to those for workers directly involved in extraction.A National Institute of Occupational Health study of 1,202 people living near coal mines found abnormal pulmonary function in 14.3% of miners, 10% of supervisory staff and 7.8% of residents. Chest X-rays showed interstitial lung fibrosis in 2.5% of miners, 2.3% of supervisors and 2.7% of residents. Mercury levels above the permissible exposure limit (<5.8 Mu/dl) were detected in 6.8% of miners and 8% of residents, indicating exposure well beyond workplace boundaries.“These patterns tell us that fine coal dust and silica are travelling far into homes, schools and community spaces,” said Dr Dhiren Gupta, paediatric pulmonologist and allergy specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “When non-workers show lung abnormalities comparable to miners, it means even children and families are facing occupational-level exposure without protection.”In Bhilwara district, Rajasthan, children living near the Rampura Agucha mine had higher blood lead levels than control groups, though researchers did not detect toxicity or IQ decline. In Angul and Damanjodi in Odisha, an ICMR assessment found 2.35% and 2.04% respiratory impairment, respectively, among community members.Experts warn that such findings suggest deeper environmental lapses. “If residents show structural lung changes, it strongly indicates that dust suppression and emission control measures are nowhere near sufficient,” said Dr Pritpal Kaur, senior consultant, Pulmonology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi. She added that community-level exposure points to presence of fugitive dust, inadequate green buffers and outdated dust-control technology.Despite the red flags, mining companies told govt they already provided wide-ranging healthcare in affected areas. Coal India Limited runs 64 hospitals, 300 dispensaries and 18 mobile vans, while NLC India Ltd and Singareni Collieries conduct periodic screening through Occupational Health Centres.But public health specialists say these initiatives fall short of the long-term surveillance mining communities need. “Health camps and mobile units are episodic and basic,” said Dr Neetu Jain of PSRI Hospital. “Only structured programmes with regular screenings, specialist clinics and environmental audits can catch disease early and prevent irreversible damage.”The health ministry said it maintained coordination with the ministry of coal and district authorities to run national programmes relating to respiratory diseases, but experts believe the new data underscores the need for more rigorous monitoring and stronger environmental safeguards in India’s mining belts.

Mumbai: Trust Mumbai’s civic agencies to excel at one thing — passing the buck. And thanks to that, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s most critical Thane–Western Suburbs road link continues to crawl over a battered, pockmarked 9km stretch of Ghodbunder Road, with its worst 3km section slicing through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).For years, the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and the state PWD have been locked in a bureaucratic tug-of-war over who exactly owns barely a kilometre of an arterial stretch on this 3 km stretch — a dispute that has left the road in shambles and forced lakhs of commuters to endure hour-long peak-time snarls, spewing unprecedented pollution over one of the city’s greenest zones.MBMC had initially refused to take up the contentious 1km patch between Kajupada Mahadev temple and Gaimukh Falls near J K Infraprojects Ltd — the summit point of the hilly SGNP section — while TMC has formally not responded yet to a fresh proposal asking it to maintain the piece.According to PWD officials, about 4.1km from Hotel Fountain on NH-48 to the Landmark Jeep Service Point near Kajupada falls under MBMC limits. From Kajupada to Gaimukh Falls — the disputed kilometre — is technically “no man’s land” as it was once private property while the road was carved through it, revealed an official. The next 4.1km up to Kasarvadavali flyover lies with the state PWD.A senior govt official said the 800m–1km hilltop segment between Kajupada and Gaimukh Falls originally needed forest clearance for concretisation. “Because this is the summit and heavy vehicle pressure is high, the surface deteriorates rapidly. Instead of fixing it, agencies were busy shoving responsibility onto each other for a year or two now,” a senior PWD engineer said, pointing out that getting forest clearance was another challenge for them.Divisional commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi has directed MBMC and TMC to split the disputed stretch equally and jointly maintain it, effectively removing the PWD from the equation. “I’m confident both corporations will do justice and resolve this permanently, not just by re-carpeting but by widening the stretch,” he said. Meanwhile, a PWD engineer said TMC has, though verbally agreed to take up the second half towards Thane, there are no formal confirmation letters for the same.Motorist Swarup Prabhune said the indifference was predictable since MBMC and TMC each owned 4.1km while the middle kilometre was nobody’s responsibility. “Now, after motorists filed repeated complaints and with local elections nearing, officials have suddenly woken up. They want both the civic corporations to handle half the stretch. Hopefully, this translates into real relief while we wait endlessly for the Thane–Borivli tunnel,” he said, adding that thousands of litres of fuel are wasted daily in the crawl.

Kidney disease has long been considered a progressive and irreversible condition, where treatment focuses only on slowing decline rather than restoring lost function. However, a promising scientific discovery challenges that belief. Researchers have identified a potential way to reverse kidney damage by blocking the activity of ceramides, a type of fat molecule linked to cellular injury inside the kidney. In animal trials, targeting ceramides protected kidney cells from damage entirely and allowed renal function to return to normal. If future studies confirm similar results in humans, this breakthrough could transform how kidney disease is treated and provide new hope for millions of patients worldwide. Take a look…A peer-reviewed study published in JCI Insight investigated the role of ceramides in acute kidney injury. The researchers demonstrated that suppressing ceramide production in mice preserved mitochondrial function in kidney cells and prevented injury. They reported significantly improved kidney structure and function in treated animals.

How the potential to reverse kidney damage could change future treatment

The role of ceramides in kidney injury

Ceramides are lipid molecules that rise sharply in kidney tissue when the organs are under stress. High ceramide levels interfere with mitochondrial function inside kidney cells. Mitochondria provide the energy cells need to survive and recover, so once they fail, cells begin to die. This leads to inflammation, scarring and long-term loss of kidney function. Researchers believe that stopping ceramide accumulation may prevent early injury from becoming permanent damage.

Protecting kidney cells by reducing ceramides

In the recent animal study, scientists treated mice with a compound that reduced ceramide production before inducing acute kidney injury. The treated mice maintained healthy mitochondrial function and experienced no significant loss of kidney performance. In contrast, untreated mice developed severe damage typical of acute kidney injury. This suggests that kidney cells may be able to recover if they are protected at the cellular level.

Why this matters for patient care

If treatments based on ceramide control can be proven safe and effective in humans, the implications are significant. Instead of waiting for damage to accumulate and eventually relying on dialysis or transplantation, patients may one day receive targeted therapy to restore healthy kidney function shortly after injury. This could dramatically change clinical outcomes for individuals affected by sudden kidney failure caused by infection, surgery complications or medication side effects.

What reversing kidney damage could mean for patients

Why caution and further research are essential

Although results are promising, research is still in early stages. The treatment has only been tested in mice, and human kidneys may respond differently. The studies also examined injury prevention rather than full reversal of long-standing kidney damage. Clinical trials will need to confirm safety, dosage, and effectiveness in humans, and it remains unclear how well this method might work for chronic kidney disease with established scarring.

What scientists plan to explore next

Research groups are now preparing to test ceramide-targeting drugs in human cell models and, later, early-stage clinical trials. Scientists are also exploring whether combining metabolic therapies, cell regeneration strategies, and anti-fibrosis treatments could enhance kidney repair even further. Another focus is the development of early detection tools, so patients receive support before irreversible scarring forms.The discovery that kidney function can be restored in animal studies challenges one of the longest-held assumptions in nephrology. If researchers succeed in translating these findings to human treatment, the future of kidney care may shift from slowing damage to restoring health. Though there is a long road ahead, the progress already achieved marks an important step toward a future where kidney damage does not have to be permanent.Disclaimer: This content is intended purely for informational use and is not a substitute for professional medical, nutritional or scientific advice. Always seek support from certified professionals for personalised recommendations.Also read| Your poop is more valuable than you think: Why stool donors are in demand and how it can save lives

LG Sinha and CM Abdullah (File photo)

SRINAGAR: A political face-off erupted Saturday over age relaxation for J&K’s civil services exam, with chief minister Omar Abdullah accusing LG Manoj Sinha of stalling a crucial file and the latter’s office firing back that “misleading” claims are being spread as the Dec 7 test looms.Abdullah said that uncertainty has gripped aspirants because of “Lok Bhavan’s delay in approving age relaxation, a provision granted multiple times in the past”, and urged J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) to postpone the combined competitive (preliminary) exam. He also cited travel chaos caused by ongoing airline disruptions.The row comes amid student protests seeking an increase in the age limit. J&K currently caps the age at 32 for open-category candidates and 37 for reserved categories. Aspirants said other states such as Uttarakhand and Haryana allow candidates up to 42 years, while UP, MP and Rajasthan set the limit at 40.With five days left for the exam, thousands of candidates remain caught between a stalled decision and the risk of missing what many call a once-in-a-year chance.The LG’s office said it received the age relaxation file on Dec 2 and returned it the same day with a query on whether it was “logistically possible” to alter eligibility criteria so close to the exam. “Despite lapse of four days Lok Bhavan did not receive any response. I fully sympathise with young aspirants,” the statement said, adding that social media posts on the issue were “misleading”.The LG’s office also underlined that JKPSC had published the exam advertisement on Aug 22 and notified Dec 7 as the exam date on Oct 6.NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq had earlier claimed the CM had already approved the age relaxation proposal and forwarded it to the LG on Dec 2. After the LG’s statement, Sadiq said there was “absolutely no reason for any further queries” if the file had already been cleared by the CM.Parties trained fire on both sides. “JKAS age relaxation issue is turning out yet another classical case of passing the buck at the cost of young aspirants,” Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone said. Congress urged both LG and CM to resolve the standoff without further delay, while PDP president Mehbooba Mufti called it “passing of responsibility”.

Beth Mooney once again demonstrated why she remains one of the elite performers in women’s T20 cricket, crafting a sublime 94* off 61 balls to propel Perth Scorchers to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat and seal a place in the WBBL|11 playoffs.

Beth Mooney dominates Perth Scorchers’ chase with class and control

Chasing 165, Mooney anchored the innings with signature calmness and precision, taking the Scorchers home with four balls to spare at the WACA on Saturday, December 6.

The triumph not only strengthens Perth’s position in the finals race but also eliminates any lingering hope for the Heat, who finish the season without a single win.

Opening the innings, Mooney was in complete command from ball one, striking 12 fours in a fluent knock that showcased her ability to shift gears effortlessly. Her innings was a blend of touch and timing, ensuring the Scorchers never lost grip on the required rate while also shielding her inexperienced middle order from scoreboard pressure.

Mooney built three crucial partnerships throughout the chase:

• 42 for the first wicket with Katie Mack (10 off 13), laying the platform
• 67 for the second wicket with Maddy Darke (24 off 22), stabilising after early innings movement
• 37 for the third wicket with skipper Sophie Devine (13 off 14), pushing the chase into the death overs

England all-rounder Freya Kemp provided a late flourish, staying unbeaten on 12 off 6 balls, as the Scorchers crossed the line with a confident finish.

Mooney’s unbeaten 94 – one of her finest innings in orange – puts her firmly in the conversation for the WBBL|11 Player of the Tournament, especially given her consistency at the top of the order.

Player of the Match: Beth Mooney 🏏#cricket #WBBL11 pic.twitter.com/wVzMrWDces

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 6, 2025

Georgia Redmayne leads Brisbane Heat’s effort, but winless season ends bitterly

Earlier, Brisbane Heat posted 164/7, a competitive total built around Georgia Redmayne’s excellently paced 57 off 47 balls. Redmayne found pockets of momentum through the middle overs, but regular wickets prevented the Heat from accelerating into the 170-180 region needed to challenge a strong Scorchers top order.

Despite useful cameos, Heat’s inability to convert starts once again cost them dearly – a recurring theme in a campaign that ends without a win. Their bowling attack showed initial discipline but had no answers to Mooney’s measured assault.

Perth Scorchers register dominant win over Brisbane Heat#cricket #WBBL11 pic.twitter.com/9plborCieK

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 6, 2025

Also READ: Georgia Voll’s brilliant all-round performance leads Sydney Thunder to a dominant victory over Melbourne Stars in the WBBL|11 clash

WBBL|11 finals scenario: Scorchers’ knockout path hinges on Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers result

With the victory, the Scorchers have guaranteed a spot in the WBBL|11 knockout phase, but their exact route to the final will be determined by the result of Sydney Sixers versus Adelaide Strikers on Sunday.

If Sixers win:

• Sixers finish 2nd
• Scorchers drop to 3rd
• Scorchers must win both the knockout and challenger to reach the final

If Sixers lose:

• Scorchers secure 2nd place
• They go straight into the Challenger, needing only one win to face Hobart Hurricanes in the 13 December final

Regardless of results elsewhere, Perth’s emphatic display has sent a strong message: with Beth Mooney in peak form and their batting unit clicking, the Scorchers are a major threat heading into the playoffs of WBBL|11.

Also READ: Fans react as Laura Wolvaardt’s century powers South Africa to commanding 105-run victory over Ireland in 1st T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.