Mesoporous silica nanoparticles and related research has noticed a huge growth since last few years. Some interesting statistics about reports on mesoporous silica are presented in this highlight. After their arrival on the world stage of research this material has captured several fields of applications which include catalyst supports, drug delivery, water purification and their use in bio-materials. Hydrothermal stability, porous structure stability against hydrolysis and suitable organic or bio-functionalization of them for improved biocompatibility are the main issues to be addressed in near future. Some recent achievements in synthesis and surface modification of these materials are discussed briefly.