The Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) lunar orbiter Chandrayaan-1 has begun its two-year-long science mission. On Nov 15, it sent a 30-kilogram impact-probe crashing to the surface of the Moon. The probe, painted on two sides with the Indian flag, reached the Moon's surface at 20:34 Indian Standard Time (15:04 GMT).

An ISRO representative told the AFP news agency, "During its descent from Chandrayaan-1, an onboard video camera transmitted lunar pictures to the ISRO command centre." The probe also sent back data about the Moon's tenuous atmosphere.

A landmark occasion occurred in the European Union last week. For the first time ever, the European Court of Auditors gave a "clean bill of health" to the EU’s account. It has only taken 14 years.

Previously the Auditors had refused to endorse the accounts, although it found the accounts themselves "reliable." This means that the European Commission had accurately recorded all transactions, assets and liabilities, but there were problems with how the money was used.

Chinese political activist wins Freedom of Thought award.

Hu Jia, a prominent Chinese human rights activist and dissident, is the winner of this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. China's ambassador to the EU had warned that selecting Hu Jia would, "bring serious damage to China-EU relations." China issued a similar warning to Norway when Hu Jia was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The European Parliament has awarded the Sakharov Prize annually since 1988. The prize honours individuals or organizations for their efforts on behalf of human rights and against oppression and injustice. Previous recipients include Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi and the Belarusian Association of Journalists. The prize is worth 50,000 Euros (US$65,000).

Under normal light Mr Green Genes is ginger tabby. Switch off the light and turn on the infrared and he glows green.

The six-month old cat has been genetically engineered by scientists at the Audubon Centre for Research of Endangered Species in New Orleans. They have taken a section of jelly fish DNA and inserted it into the cat's genetic material or genome. Having DNA from another species in his genome makes Mr Green Genes a transgenic cat.

Nominations are in for the least sort after awards in Europe.

Voting has opened for the annual 'Worst EU Lobbying Awards'. The public are invited to visit this site, familiarize themselves with this year’s nominees and cast a vote for the most outrageous behaviour. There are two categories, "Worst EU Lobbying" and "Worst Conflict of Interest."

According to the organizers the idea behind the awards is, "to discourage controversial lobbying practices by exposing them to the public." This is the fourth year the competition has been held and it promises to be a close race.