The documentary is a poignant tribute to the unsung heroes of organ donation in India — Organ Transplant Coordinators.

Professor Rajesh Chandwani, a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), received the Best Documentary Film Award for 2023 from President Droupadi Murmu at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday. He received the award for his documentary film ‘God, Vultures and Human’.

Produced by Professor Chandwani in collaboration with Studio Lichi and directed by Rishiraj Agarwal, the documentary is a poignant tribute to the unsung heroes of organ donation in India — Organ Transplant Coordinators (OTCs). The film shines a light on the emotionally complex and often overlooked role these professionals play in bridging life and death, hope and grief, in the organ donation and transplantation process.

“While working in the domain of organ donation, I came to know about the critical role of Organ Transplant Coordinators. Their role is paradoxical — seen as ‘God’ by the grateful recipients, yet as ‘Vultures’ by grieving families. They simultaneously carry the weight of grief, ethical dilemmas, and extraordinary responsibility. The film seeks to humanise their silent labour, blending academic insight with human stories. The film’s recognition with the National Film Award has been a deeply humbling moment in my journey. This project exemplifies my belief that filmmaking can bridge academic scholarship and societal welfare,” according to Chandwani.

‘God, Vultures and Human’ offers an intimate exploration of the lives of OTCs, who serve as the vital link between donor families, recipients, hospitals, police, and forensic teams. The documentary captures their delicate balancing act — offering comfort to grieving families, managing complex logistics, and navigating ethical challenges while enduring the emotional toll of their work. Created in collaboration with the Chennai-based NGO Mohan Foundation, the film highlights the dual perceptions of OTCs as both life-givers and bearers of grief, showcasing their resilience and dedication.

The documentary premiered at the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation Conference 2024 (ISOT 2024) in Ahmedabad and has since garnered international acclaim. It has been selected for screening at prestigious film festivals, including the Dokubaku International Documentary Film Festival (IDFF) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headlines edited)

HONC Gas Pvt. Ltd. says the technology converts purified water into hydrogen gas through a proprietary multi-stage electrolysis and gas-blending process. The company is awaiting government approval to bring the technology to market.

A private company, HONC Gas Pvt. Ltd., has claimed to have indigenously developed a technology to convert purified water directly into hydrogen gas through a proprietary multi-stage electrolysis and gas-blending process.

The company on Friday demonstrated the technology at its factory in Avinashi, Tiruppur, where devices ranging from kitchen-top gas stoves to industrial burners were operated with its gas.

Bealur Ramalingam Kaarthic, founder of the company, told journalists that HONC Gas could be applied across heavy and large industries currently relying on fossil fuels, but all equipment must be compatible with the fuel. “While the core technology is complete, the supporting equipment and components are yet to be developed for full-scale industrial use,” he said. However, the technology needs to be scientifically validated.

According to him, his “innovation”, Gyroid Electrolyte Membrane (GEM), produces a precise mixture of hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) for fuel generation. “When purified water is poured into the HONC gas generators, the hydrogen and the oxygen are broken down after which the combine is converted into hydrogen gas through multiple scientific processes,” he said. “The GEM technology generates fuel on demand, removing the need for compression, long-distance transport, or storage,” he added.

“HONC Gas operates entirely on purified water, producing hydrogen fuel instantly with no carbon emissions, reflecting its name: Hydrogen–Oxygen, No Carbon,” he added.

“These power generator units, which convert water into hydrogen gas, are fully indigenous and run on DC current or solar power while recycling energy. They consume minimal quantities of water. The system is cost-efficient: boiling one litre of water with LPG takes 5.36 minutes at ₹0.63, while using HONC Gas, it takes 1.32 minutes at ₹0.14,” he said.

Actor-politician R. Sarath Kumar, who is the executive director of the company, said it has completed the patenting process and submitted the technology to State and Central government authorities. The company is awaiting approval to bring the technology to market, after which the cost of HONC Gas generators will be finalised.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The aircraft was the backbone of the IAF till the mid-2000s, playing crucial roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, the 2019 Balakot air strikes, and most recently Operation Sindoor.

The Indian Air Force will officially retire its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26, marking the end of nearly six decades of service for the aircraft widely hailed as the “workhorse” of India’s air defence.

A ceremonial flypast and decommissioning event will be held at the IAF base in Chandigarh and will be attended by senior military leaders and veteran pilots who have flown the jet across generations.

Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 was India’s first supersonic fighter, with its maiden squadron — the 28 Squadron at Chandigarh — earning the nickname First Supersonics. Over the years, India inducted more than 700 MiG-21s of different variants, many built domestically by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The aircraft was the backbone of the IAF till the mid-2000s, playing crucial roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, the 2019 Balakot air strikes, and most recently Operation Sindoor. It was in a MiG-21 that Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman (then Wing Commander) shot down a Pakistani F-16 in 2019 before being captured across the border.

Besides combat successes, the MiG-21 also boosted India’s aerospace industry, pushing indigenous manufacturing and technological capabilities to new levels.

In August this year, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh paid tribute to the jet with solo sorties from the Nal airbase in Bikaner in Rajasthan.

The IAF, in a post on X, described the MiG-21 as a “warhorse that carried the pride of a nation into the skies,” releasing a tribute video showcasing its storied history.

As the MiG-21 squadrons are phased out, the IAF’s combat strength will dip to 29 squadrons. However, senior officers have hinted that the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A will step in to replace the ageing fighter in the years to come.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Despite their profound value, these sites face growing pressures from rapid tourism, encroachment, grazing, fuelwood collection, and declining traditional beliefs.

 Uttarakhand, revered as ‘Devbhoomi’ or the Land of Gods, has taken a monumental step towards formally recognising the deep spiritual connection embedded in its landscape. For the first time, the State Forest Department has meticulously identified and documented 161 Sacred Natural Sites (SNS) across the state, offering a tangible testament to the ancient faith and profound reverence for nature defining this Himalayan abode.

This landmark initiative maps the pervasive divinity within the state, encompassing sacred forests, groves, high-altitude meadows (bugyals), and pristine lakes. These sites represent a unique blend of ecological richness and spiritual sanctity, often embodying localised worship protected for centuries by community reverence.

“This is the first systematic scientific documentation that goes beyond groves to include lakes and bugyals,” stated Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjiv Chaturvedi, who guided the year-long study, in conversation with TNIE. He added, “Sacred groves offer a beacon—a model demonstrating that safeguarding nature begins with respect and community stewardship.”

Many of these sites are steeped in ancient tales and local folklore, connecting them to deities or significant mythological events. This deep-rooted cultural protection has inadvertently made these areas vital ecological hotspots. Researchers found these SNS play crucial ecological roles—regulating microclimates, conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitats for rare flora and fauna, including endangered species like Brahmakamal.

These sacred spaces are widespread. In Garhwal, 46 SNS were mapped, including revered spots like Ulkagadi temple (Pauri), Anusuya Devi (Chamoli), Surkanda Devi (Tehri), and the iconic Tungnath (Rudraprayag) – all rooted in pristine alpine forests. Other significant sites like Rudranath and Hemkund Sahib also blend spiritual pilgrimage with unique alpine ecosystems.

Kumaon boasts over 90 SNS, many protected under local ‘van panchayats,’ including Dhwaj (Pithoragarh), Jageshwar temple forest (Almora), and groves near Golu Devta temples. Thal Kedar (Pithoragarh), Uttarakhand’s first biodiversity heritage site, also features over 200 medicinal plant species.

Despite their profound value, these sites face growing pressures from rapid tourism, encroachment, grazing, fuelwood collection, and declining traditional beliefs. Sacred groves near hubs like Tapkeshwar and Sahastradhara already show ecological stress, underscoring urgent protective measures.

To safeguard this heritage, the study recommends integrating SNS into forest management and conservation plans. It emphasises empowering local communities, particularly women and youth, through participatory management, combining traditional reverence with modern tools. Funded by JICA, this initiative underscores the deep connection between Uttarakhand’s ecology, culture, and spiritual identity.

Of the 161 sites documented, 83 are sacred forests, 62 sacred groves, 12 alpine meadows, and four are revered high-altitude water bodies—Nandi Kund, Satopnath Taal, Shri Hemkund Sahib, and Kak Bhusandi Taal.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

In cold-chain (temperature-controlled supply chain) monitoring, the chip can ensure vaccine and perishable supply chain integrity across pharma and food logistic.

Researchers at IIT Hyderabad have developed an indigenous, IoT-enabled system-on-chip (SoC) that seamlessly integrates 4G, 5G, and satellite communications into a single platform, paving the way for “transformative applications” across sectors.

A system on a chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that combines most or all key components of a computer or electronic system onto a single microchip.

Compact, low-power, and low-cost, the chip extends connectivity to virtually any corner of the Earth—reliably and for years without a battery replacement, said Kiran Kuchi, professor at IITH.

Researchers at IIT Hyderabad have developed an indigenous, IoT-enabled system-on-chip (SoC) that seamlessly integrates 4G, 5G, and satellite communications into a single platform, paving the way for “transformative applications” across sectors.

A system on a chip (SoC) is an integrated circuit that combines most or all key components of a computer or electronic system onto a single microchip.

Compact, low-power, and low-cost, the chip extends connectivity to virtually any corner of the Earth—reliably and for years without a battery replacement, said Kiran Kuchi, professor at IITH.

“While conventional 6G is often imagined as ultra-high-speed networks for immersive applications, this chip represents a special class of 6G technologies: low-power, narrowband, sensor-driven connectivity,” he told PTI on Wednesday.

Such technologies will be fundamental to enabling the “Internet of Everything” and complement high-speed 6G by ensuring billions of devices—sensors, meters, trackers, wearables—can connect intelligently and sustainably, he said.

Observing that the chip has “transformative applications across sectors”, he said wearables and animal tags equipped with the chip can monitor health indicators, delivering early alerts and improving both human wellness and livestock management.

With built-in GPS, assets, perishable goods, school bags, or even children can be tracked affordably and safely, he said.

In cold-chain (temperature-controlled supply chain) monitoring, the chip can ensure vaccine and perishable supply chain integrity across pharma and food logistics, he said.

Water distribution networks can be monitored in real-time, detecting leaks early and reducing wastage, he said.

Talking about the chip’s defence and strategic applications, Kuchi said, with satellite capability, mobile assets can be tracked over vast distances, independent of cell tower coverage which is critical for defence and national security.

He said the chip has already been tested and qualified for essential standards compliance, ensuring interoperability and reliability across diverse networks.

With conformance validated, the chip is now ready to be introduced into operator networks, paving the way for large-scale commercial rollout, he said.

“This success is the result of India’s fabless semiconductor model: the chip is designed in India, fabricated abroad, but tested, packaged, and productized within the country,” Kuchi said.

Crucially, intellectual property ownership rests in India, securing long-term strategic independence, he said.

As the country’s semiconductor fabrication capabilities expand under the India Semiconductor Mission, future production of such chips will also be localized domestically, he said.

Saying that the chip represents a vision of an “inclusive 6G”, he said, by enabling ultra-low-power, sensor-based communications, it complements high-speed 6G networks and makes massive-scale connectivity feasible, affordable, and sustainable.

The wealth of data generated by billions of devices (using the chip) can drive smarter governance, improve citizen services, and strengthen India’s digital foundations in health, education, agriculture, and security.

This aligns perfectly with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047: a technologically sovereign, self-reliant India that leads in both advanced innovation and citizen-centric deployment, he said.

“Importantly, central and state agencies are encouraged to leverage this technology early and adopt it for the public good, accelerating its impact across governance and citizen services,” he added.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Calling it a “strategic initiative,” the Army said the step highlights its ongoing efforts to enhance capability and ensure operational readiness in challenging Himalayan terrain.

 In an important development aimed at bringing logistical efficiency to its formations in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), including the high-altitude regions critical to India’s national security, the first exclusive freight train successfully touched Anantnag.

The Army on Monday said, “Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) witnessed a historic milestone with the successful run of Freight Train, the first exclusive freight train of the Indian Army, from BD Bari to Anantnag on 12-13 September.”

The train carried 753 metric tonnes of Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) loads for Indian Army units and formations in J&K, marking a decisive turning point in the Army’s AWS modus operandi.

Calling the development a “strategic initiative,” the Army said this step “underscores the Indian Army’s ongoing capability development efforts to ensure operational preparedness in challenging Himalayan terrain.”

What French military strategist Napoleon Bonaparte expounded long back holds true even today: “an army marches on its stomach,” highlighting the significance of food and supplies, which affects morale and operational effectiveness. Some areas in winters get cut off from the nearest road, restricting all kinds of movement.

Jammu and Kashmir have a significant presence of the military (Army, Air Force & limited elements of Navy), Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Units, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other security agencies deployed in Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism duties, in addition to static deployments along the Line of Control with Pakistan.

The beginning of the freight train, the Army said, is “a unique demonstration of dual-use logistics and military-civil fusion. The return rake of the Freight Train will transport Kashmiri apples to markets in the rest of India. This step not only strengthens the Army’s winter preparedness but also provides direct benefits to local communities.”

Farmers, who in the past suffered heavy losses due to road blockages caused by landslides and floods, will now be able to transport their produce seamlessly, ensuring both economic relief and livelihood security, the Army said.

The initiative reflects the Army’s role in nation-building, extending beyond its core mission of defence to contribute tangibly to the socio-economic development of Kashmir.

By harnessing rail infrastructure for both military and civilian purposes, the Indian Army has taken a major stride in strengthening resilience, connectivity, and prosperity in the region. The move has potential ripple effects, including preserving military assets, reducing costs, and boosting development.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)