This series is part of Cricket Australia’s long-term player development strategy. It forms part of the preparation for a two-year-long ICC U19 World Cup cycle, with the tournament scheduled for January 2026.

Two boys with Indian roots, Aryan Sharma and Yash Deshmukh, will be in the Australia U19 squad for the upcoming series against India from 21 September to 10 October. The series between India U19 and Australia U19 teams will feature three 50-over matches and two four-day matches in Brisbane and Mackay.

While Aryan Sharma hails from the state of Victoria, Yash Deshmukh is from New South Wales.

This series is part of Cricket Australia’s long-term player development strategy, offering young players the chance to gain international experience in white-ball and red-ball formats. It forms part of the preparation for a two-year-long ICC U19 World Cup cycle, with the tournament scheduled for January 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The cycle has so far included a camp at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, AUS U19 tour to India, and a specialised spin/batting training camp in India.

The matches mark the first appointment for former Australian coach Tim Nielsen as head coach of the national U19 squad, bringing a wealth of experience at international level, which will be invaluable in guiding Australia’s next generation of cricketers.

The National Under-19 male championships will be held in December, after which the final squad for the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2026 will be selected.

Cricket Australia said that the Australia U19 squad was chosen by the youth selection panel in collaboration with state talent managers. Following the series, players will return to their states and territories to continue preparations for the upcoming season.

Australia Men’s U19 Squad for India series

Simon Budge (WA/Melville CC)

Alex Turner (VIC/Prahran CC)

Steve Hogan (QLD/Sandgate-Redcliffe District CC)

Will Malajczuk (WA/Subiaco Floreat CC)

Yash Deshmukh (NSW/Fairfield Liverpool CC)

Tom Hogan (ACT/Ginninderra CC)

Aryan Sharma (VIC/Carlton CC)

John James (NSW/Northern Districts CC)

Hayden Schiller (SA/Northern Districts CC)

Charles Lachmund (QLD/Western Districts CC)

Ben Gordon (QLD/Sunshine Coast Scorchers)

Will Byrom (NSW/Northern Districts CC)

Kasey Barton (NSW/Sutherland CC)

Alex Lee Young (NSW/Mosman CC)

Jayden Draper (QLD/Valley District Cricket Club)

India U19 vs Australia U19 schedule

September 21: 1st 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)

September 24: 2nd 50-over match I, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)

September 26: 3rd 50-over match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 2:30pm AEST (D/N)

September 30-October 3: 1st Four-day match, Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, 10am AEST

October 7-10: 2nd Four-day match, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 11am AEDT

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

In cases where individuals cannot produce sound, attempting to speak generates airflow from their lungs.

Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, and Ohio State University, USA, have developed an underwater vibration sensor that enables automated and contactless voice recognition.

The sensor, they said, offers a promising alternative communication method for individuals with voice disabilities who are unable to use conventional voice-based systems.

The findings of the research have been published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.

According to Uttam Manna, Professor, Department of Chemistry, voice recognition has become an integral part of modern life of late.

“It helps users in operating smart devices including mobile phones, home appliances and other devices through voice commands. However, for the people with voice disorders, this technological development remains inaccessible.

“Recent studies show that a noticeable percentage of children and young adults aged between 3 and 21 experience some form of voice disability, underscoring the significant need for more inclusive communication technologies,” Manna said.

To address the limitation, the research team found a solution by focusing on the air exhaled through the mouth while we speak, a basic physiological function.

In cases where individuals cannot produce sound, attempting to speak generates airflow from their lungs. When this air flows over a water surface, it produces subtle waves.

The research team developed an underwater vibration sensor which can detect these water waves and interpret speech signals without depending on audible voice, thus creating a new pathway for voice recognition.

Manna explained that the developed sensor is made from a conductive, chemically reactive porous sponge.

When placed just below the air-water interface, it captures the tiny disturbances created by exhaled air and converts them into measurable electrical signals.

The team used Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), a type of deep learning model, to accurately recognise these subtle signal patterns. This setup allows users to communicate with devices from a distance, without the need to generate sound.

“It is one of the rare designs of material allowing to recognise voice based on monitoring the water wave formed at air and water interface because of exhaling air from mouth. This approach is likely to provide a viable solution for communication with those individuals with partially or entirely damaged vocal cords,” Manna said.

On a lab-scale, the working prototype costs Rs 3,000, he said.

“With research exploring potential industry collaboration for bringing the technology from lab to real world use, the cost of the final product is expected to reduce,” he said.

The research team now plans to get clinical validation for the device. Further, the team plans to collect more datasets from individuals with voice disabilities who can articulate different words necessary for operating home appliances and other voice-commanded smart devices.

“Using these datasets, the research team will be able to refine the developed model for recognising specific words or phrases when exhaled air is directed over a water surface.

“This development holds potential beyond voice recognition. Other than hands-free operation of various devices, the developed sensor can also be used in exercise tracking and movement detection.

“Additionally, its proven durability, remaining stable after extended underwater use, suggests potential applications in underwater sensing and communication,” Manna said.

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)

Three-day event to focus on global cooperation, safety mechanisms, and regulatory convergence for traditional medicine.

India will host the World Health Organization (WHO) – International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH) workshop from August 6 to 8. Organised by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with WHO and supported by the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), the three-day international workshop aims to strengthen global capacity in the regulation of herbal medicines.

The workshop is expected to serve as a platform for international cooperation and technical exchange, focusing on five key objectives – fostering collaboration, enhancing safety and efficacy mechanisms, supporting regulatory convergence, and empowering traditional medicine systems globally, an Ayush official said.

Among the highlights are reviews of WHO–IRCH working groups on safety, regulation, efficacy, and intended use of herbal medicines, along with sessions on pre-clinical research, regulatory frameworks, and safety case studies, including a focused discussion on Ashwagandha.

“Participants will benefit from hands-on training in herbal drug identification, heavy metal analysis, and chemo-profiling using HPTLC technology at PCIM&H laboratories. The workshop will also introduce the Ayush Suraksha (Pharmacovigilance) programme, aimed at strengthening safety monitoring of traditional medicines,” the official explained.

To provide exposure to India’s integrative health ecosystem, the delegates will also visit PCIM&H, the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Ghaziabad, and the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.

With participation from regulatory authorities and experts across continents, the Ministry noted that the workshop is expected to significantly contribute towards harmonising global standards and promoting the safe and effective integration of traditional medicine into mainstream public health systems.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Centre presents roadmap to expand low-cost cinemas, promote content creation beyond metro cities.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Tuesday (August 5, 2025) urged States to utilise the India Cine Hub portal to facilitate global film production locally and also presented a roadmap for promoting low-cost cinemas.

At a conference attended by State and Union Territory Information and Public Relations secretaries, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said the portal had been revamped into a unified single-window system, offering streamlined access to filmmaking permissions and services across the country.

“With GIS features and common forms, it supports ease of doing business and showcases India’s film-friendly policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

The Minister highlighted grassroots cinema initiatives aimed at empowering women and local communities through low-cost theatres. He said major global events such as WAVES 2025 and IFFI Goa attracted global talent, boosted India’s creative economy, promoted cultural diplomacy worldwide, and empowered creative minds of tomorrow.

He said the recently launched Indian Institute of Creative Technology would skill the youth in animation, gaming, music, and other creative fields.

I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju emphasised the role of Centre-State collaboration in effective communication and media development. He highlighted the rise of digital creators, vernacular media, and the need to strengthen district-level information and public relations setups. He urged all States to integrate with the Press Sewa portal for smoother publication processes and flagged concerns over disjointed responsibilities in media departments across States.

Mr. Jaju stressed the need to expand beyond metros and support local talent, stating that initiatives like India Cine Hub were introduced to promote filmmaking and enable creators to monetise content.

A major focus area of the conference was sensitisation and onboarding of the officers concerned of the States and Union Territories on the Press Sewa portal. Another key highlight was the emphasis on the revamped India Cine Hub portal, which went live on June 28, 2024. Seven States and two Union Territories have already completed full integration, while 21 States and six Union Territories have been onboarded through a common application form.

The India Cine Hub portal supports GIS-based location mapping, crowdsourced content from industry professionals, and differentiated workflows for filming, non-filming, and incentives.

The conference also discussed identifying low screen density zones using GIS mapping, repurposing existing public infrastructure, streamlining licensing through single-window systems, and offering tax and land policy incentives to attract private investment in affordable cinema infrastructure.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The scientists pointed out that infections at wound sites are often difficult to detect early, especially in chronic or deep wounds.

An interdisciplinary team of scientists from BITS Pilani Hyderabad campus has developed a smart wound dressing capable of killing the infection-causing bacteria and also visually signalling the presence of infection — all without the use of traditional antibiotics.

The work has been published in ACS Infectious Diseases, a journal of the American Chemical Society, highlighting its promise in tackling one of the most pressing global health threats of our time—Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR), said an official release on Monday.

The study has been authored by a team comprising Vaishnavi N., Ramakrishnan Ganesan, and Jayati Ray Dutta who have also developed a user-friendly colour analysis application for instant infection assessment by analysing a photograph of the dressing.

The scientists pointed out that infections at wound sites are often difficult to detect early, especially in chronic or deep wounds. Delayed diagnosis can lead to prolonged healing, the spread of infection, or even sepsis.

The newly developed wound dressing addresses this issue using a multi-layered design: base layer with antibiotic-free fibres functionalised with ionic silver to kill bacteria on contact. Over this, a hydrogel layer is embedded with an enzyme-specific colour-changing compound to serve as an infection sensor.

When bacteria colonise the wound, they release enzymes that migrate upward into the hydrogel layer, triggering a visible colour change — a signal that infection is present. “Our dressing is designed to be proactive. It simultaneously kills bacteria and alerts clinicians or caregivers to the onset of infection. It does so without relying on antibiotics, which is key in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria,” said the scientists.

The technology functions without the need for complex equipment or laboratory processing, making it particularly well-suited for bedside care and home use. The research team envisions the dressing being further developed into commercial point-of-care products, including infection-responsive bandages or integrated wound monitoring strips.

Such products could revolutionise the way wounds are monitored and treated, especially for diabetic ulcers, post-surgical wounds, and burns. This work was supported by the Department of Science and Technology, the release added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

“NISAR is one of the key missions that will garner large-scale operational user feedback from across the globe,” Ex-Project Manager of NISAR said.

The NISAR mission, a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA, will demonstrate Indian space engineering capabilities for Earth observation on a global scale, a top scientist has said.

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a global mission, and its data will be accessible for download worldwide by users, said Radha Krishna Kavuluru, former Ground Segment Engineer and Ex-Project Manager of NISAR.

ISRO is set to launch the NISAR satellite aboard the GSLV-Mk II rocket from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on July 30 at 5:40 p.m. The GSLV-F16 marks the 18th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle and the 9th operational flight with an indigenous cryogenic stage.

The countdown is expected to commence later on Tuesday (July 29, 2025), ISRO sources said.

This mission is the first GSLV launch to achieve a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit. The 51.7-meter-tall, three-stage rocket will lift off from the second launch pad, approximately 135 km east of Chennai. About 19 minutes after launch, the satellite is expected to be placed into its designated orbit.

Elaborating on the mission, Mr. Kavuluru explained that NASA provides the L-Band, while ISRO contributes the S-Band for the Synthetic Aperture Radar, enabling the collection of vast amounts of data.

“The satellite will transmit extensive data covering the Earth, including Antarctica, the North Pole, and oceans,” he told PTI.

Highlighting the mission’s significance, Mr. Kavuluru noted that unlike earlier ISRO observation satellites such as the Resourcesat and RISAT series, which could capture images globally but were operationally focused on India and surrounding regions, NISAR will collect data across the entire globe for operational use.

“This data will be extensively utilised by governments and commercial entities worldwide,” he said.

“NISAR is one of the key missions that will garner large-scale operational user feedback from across the globe,” Mr. Kavuluru emphasised.

“All countries will leverage NISAR data for various applications, showcasing the strength of Indian space engineering. This is the core importance of the mission,” he added.

Mr. Kavuluru underscored the mission’s importance as ISRO’s first major partnership with NASA for an Earth observation satellite. “This collaboration fosters significant technical exchange, with ISRO and NASA sharing insights into their respective planning and execution processes,” he said.

Mr. Kavuluru added that ISRO will process and make most of the data available as open-source, accessible to users globally. The satellite, which will cover the entire Earth every 12 days, will provide approximately 2.5 coverages per month and 10 coverages in 120 days.

“This will enable us to monitor seasonal changes, including forest dynamics, mountain shifts, and glacier movements in regions like the Himalayas and Antarctica,” he explained.

“This is a highly significant, high-value, and ambitious mission for ISRO,” Mr. Kavuluru remarked. The GSLV-F16/NISAR mission is designed for a lifespan of five years.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

“This momentous repatriation has been made possible through an exemplary public-private partnership between the government of India and the Godrej Industries Group,” the Ministry of Culture said.

A portion of the sacred Buddhist relics excavated in the northern parts of the country in 1898, which was earlier set to go under the hammer at an international auction house in Hong Kong in May, was returned to India on Wednesday (July 30, 2025.)

“This momentous repatriation has been made possible through an exemplary public-private partnership between the government of India and the Godrej Industries Group,” the Ministry of Culture said.

“The sacred Piprahwa relics, carried in a box, were received by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at a technical area of the Delhi airport,” a senior official said.

“This successful repatriation sets a benchmark in cultural diplomacy and collaboration, showcasing how strategic partnerships between public institutions and private enterprise can protect and preserve global heritage,” the Ministry said.

“The sacred Piprahwa relics will be formally unveiled during a special ceremony and placed on public display, allowing citizens and visitors to pay homage and witness these rare artefacts,” it said in a statement.

The Piprahwa relics, discovered in 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé in Piprahwa (in today’s Uttar Pradesh), are believed to be associated with the mortal remains of Lord Buddha. Enshrined by his followers around the third century BC, these relics have long held immense spiritual value for the global Buddhist community and represent one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Indian history.

“Originally slated for auction in Hong Kong on May 7, the sacred artefacts were “successfully secured” by the Ministry of Culture through “decisive intervention”, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving India’s cultural and spiritual heritage,” the statement further said.

“The return of the Piprahwa gems is a matter of great pride for every Indian. This is one of the most significant instances of repatriation of our lost heritage and would not have been possible without the vision and initiative of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Mr. Shekhawat was quoted as saying in the statement.

On May 5, the Ministry had said that it had issued a “legal notice to Sotheby’s Hong Kong”, seeking “immediate cessation of the auction” of a portion of the sacred Piprahwa Buddhist relics and demanded their repatriation.

On May 7, it said, “The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has successfully secured the postponement of the auction of the sacred Piprahwa Buddhist relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, which was scheduled for May 7, 2025.”

The Ministry of Culture on Wednesday said, the “Government of India, proudly announces the historic return of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha to their rightful home in India.” Pirojsha Godrej, Executive vice-chairperson of Godrej Industries Group, said, “We are deeply honoured to contribute to this historic moment. The Piprahwa gems are not just artefacts — they are timeless symbols of peace, compassion, and the shared heritage of humanity.” “Our partnership with the government of India reflects our deep commitment to preserving cultural legacies for future generations,” he added.

“This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader mission to reclaim and celebrate India’s ancient cultural and spiritual heritage from across the world,” the Ministry said.

“The return of the Piprahwa gems further reinforces India’s standing as a global guardian of peace, compassion, and the timeless values of the Buddha,” it added.

“The Piprahwa Relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer and offerings, such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated by Peppe in 1898,” the Ministry had said in a statement on May 7.

“An inscription in the Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha deposited by the Sakya clan,” it had said.

“The majority of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 1899 and classified as “AA” antiquities under the Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale,” it had added.

“While a portion of the bone relics was gifted to the King of Siam, a selection retained by Peppe’s descendants has now been listed for auction,” the statement had said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Equipped for air, surface and underwater combat, the vessel adds muscle to India’s maritime force.

Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd on Thursday delivered ‘Himgiri’, an advanced guided-missile frigate, to the Indian Navy, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous warship building programme.

The 149-metre-long, 6,670-tonne vessel is the first of three frigates being constructed by GRSE under the Navy’s Project 17A. The warship was formally accepted by Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Eastern Naval Command.

Equipped with BrahMos cruise missiles for land and ship targets, and Barak 8 anti-aircraft missiles, Himgiri represents a significant leap in the Navy’s strike and defence capabilities.

The frigate also features advanced AESA radar, modern combat systems, and is powered by a mix of diesel engines and gas turbines, enabling operations across anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine domains.

The three ships being built under this project by GRSE are worth over ₹21,833 crore, and have significantly contributed to employment and the domestic supply chain, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Launched in December 2020, Himgiri is the 112th warship—and the 801st vessel overall—delivered by the Kolkata-headquartered GRSE, which is currently constructing 15 more warships across four different classes.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Trump cites India’s purchases of Russian oil, weapons, high tariffs, and “obnoxious” trade barriers; Centre studying implications, will take all steps needed to secure national interest, says Commerce Ministry.

Putting an end to months of speculation, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday (July 30, 2025) announced that imports from India will attract 25% tariffs from August 1, “plus a penalty”, citing India’s purchases of energy and military equipment from Russia, its high tariffs, and its “strenuous and obnoxious” non-monetary barriers to trade.

Hours later, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that the government was “studying the implications” of Mr. Trump’s announcement and will “take all steps necessary to secure our national interest”.

India and the U.S. have been negotiating a potential Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) since February, when a joint statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Trump stated that such a deal would be concluded by fall 2025.

No mini-deal

Apart from that comprehensive deal, negotiators from the two countries have also been trying to work out a “mini-deal” that would walk back the retaliatory tariffs that Mr. Trump announced for India and a number of other countries.

This mini-deal, however, has not yet been finalised. Statements by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Monday (July 28, 2025) also indicated that negotiations with India may extend beyond the August 1 deadline set by Mr. Trump. The U.S. President’s statement on Wednesday (July 30, 2025), however, seems to confirm that such a mini-deal will not materialise.

‘Strenuous and obnoxious’

“Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country,” Mr. Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social.

“Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! INDIA WILL THEREFORE BE PAYING A TARIFF OF 25%, PLUS A PENALTY FOR THE ABOVE, STARTING ON AUGUST FIRST [sic],” he added.

This tariff rate is marginally lower than the earlier 26% tariff that Mr. Trump had threatened to levy on imports from India. The additional “penalty” is now the unknown factor, however, as Mr. Trump did not specify what form it will take.

‘Studying implications’

In its statement, the Commerce Ministry said that the government has taken note of Mr. Trump’s statement on bilateral trade. “The Government is studying its implications. India and the US have been engaged in negotiations on concluding a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. We remain committed to that objective. The Government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs,” it said.

“The Government will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest, as has been the case with other trade agreements including the latest Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK,” it added.

Retaliatory tariffs

In early April, the U.S. President had imposed retaliatory ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs on imports from most countries in the world, arguing that these countries imposed much higher tariffs on U.S. goods than the U.S. did on imports from them. Thereafter, he announced a 90-day pause, so as to work out bilateral trade deals with several of these countries.

At the end of the 90-day pause in July, Mr. Trump further extended this window to August 1. During this period, he issued letters to at least 14 countries stating the tariffs that would be imposed on imports from them.

Making deals with Trump

Over the last month, he has also concluded deals with the United Kingdom (U.K.), Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and the European Union. The deal with the U.K. will see British car exports to the U.S. attract a 10% tariff, down from the earlier 27.5% and a removal of tariffs on aerospace exports to the U.S.

Indonesia’s exports to the U.S. will now attract a 19% tariff under its deal with the U.S., the same as will be charged on U.S. imports from the Philippines. Japan negotiated lower tariffs of 15% for its exports to the U.S., the same as the European Union.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)