Context:
A 3.5-billion-year-old crater on Mars has been officially named ‘Krishnan’ in honour of Dr. M.S. Krishnan, a pioneering Indian geologist. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) also approved Kerala-based names for smaller associated landforms.
Key Details:
Other Martian Names: Smaller craters and a valley named Valiamala, Thumba, Bekal, Varkala, Periyar Vallis.
Krishnan Palus: The plain inside the Krishnan crater.
Significance: First time Kerala place names have been adopted for Martian features.
Indian Contribution: Proposal submitted by researchers from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).
Significance
Enhances India’s presence in planetary science and space exploration.
Encourages recognition of Indian scientists and local heritage in global scientific endeavours.
Highlights collaborative contributions of Indian researchers in space science.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
