Ladakh's Puga valley hot springs may hold clues to the origin of life
On 29 July 2025, DST said Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences scientists observed rapid carbonate precipitation at hot springs in Puga valley, Ladakh.
Summary
Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, observed rapid carbonate precipitation at a geothermal hot spring in Puga valley, Ladakh, the Ministry of Science and Technology reported on 29 July 2025. Origin-of-life theories have so far focused on silica, and the role of calcium carbonates has been largely unexplored. The finding could help trace how life began on early Earth and guide the search for biosignatures on Mars. The project was carried out under BSIP's newly formed Earth and Planetary Exploration Group (EPEG).
Key facts
- Site
- Puga valley hot springs, Ladakh
- Institute
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (DST)
- Observation
- Rapid carbonate precipitation
- Group
- Earth and Planetary Exploration Group (EPEG)
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Scientists of which institute reported rapid carbonate precipitation at the Puga valley hot springs in Ladakh, linked to origin-of-life research (July 2025)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences
PIB (29 July 2025): scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), a DST autonomous institute, made the observation in Puga valley.