The Anusandhan National Research Foundation’s new tool will generate lay person summaries of complex scientific research, the science funding agency’s CEO said.

As part of its outreach to make scientific research more accessible, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), India’s newest science funding agency, has developed a tool called SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning).

This tool, the organisation’s CEO, Shivkumar Kalyanaraman said, would help generate lay person summaries of complex scientific research. This meant using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to extract information from research publications to generate “videos, podcasts, posters and presentation”, he said at a meeting organised earlier this week by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The ANRF would focus on harnessing “deep science and engineering” to create “deep tech products and start-ups”, Mr. Kalyanaraman said. The organisation would be developing an “AI Science and Engineering Open India Stack” that would significantly influence “drug and chemical discovery, aerospace design, climate and weather and advanced materials and design”, he said.

This July, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation Scheme that intends to provide low interest, long tenure loans to private companies to investment in core research and development.

Congratulations on your publication! 👏
To help your work reach wider audiences, you may consider creating short videos. You can also explore SARAL AI https://t.co/59AB5Ay5hL, a tool designed for creating research dissemination videos.

— Anusandhan National Research Foundation (@ANRFIndia) October 1, 2025

The Foundation’s governing council is expected to play a critical role in evaluating which sectors could receive such funds. The ANRF is envisaged as a single-window clearance mechanism for funding research and development for universities and academic institutions. It is also expected to receive about 70% of its budget from private sources. In function, it has absorbed much of the role the erstwhile Science and Engineering Research Board had played in funding scientific research.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The Ministry of Railways said on Tuesday that the train will have a guaranteed transit time of 120 hours. This development is seen as a significant milestone in the logistics sector.

The Railway Board is set to launch its first assured transit time (ATT) container train service on Wednesday between Delhi’s Tughlakabad and Kolkata’s Shalimar via Agra and Kanpur.

The Ministry of Railways said on Tuesday that the train will have a guaranteed transit time of 120 hours. This development is seen as a significant milestone in the logistics sector.

The service, being introduced on a pilot basis, will be operated by the Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR). It will connect four Inland Container Depots (ICDs) along the route: Tughlakabad (TICD), Agra (ICDY), Kanpur (ICDG), and Kolkata (CTKR/CTCS).

The train will initially have a bi-weekly schedule, departing every Wednesday and Saturday. A railway statement noted, “A unique feature of this service is the hub-and-spoke cargo facility at Agra and Kanpur, enabling efficient cargo aggregation for a wider catchment area.”

A railway official said, “The guaranteed transit time will mark a milestone in the logistics sector by delivering the consignments on time as per its schedule.” The Ministry also noted that customers will benefit from a waiver of empty wagon haulage charges between Tughlakabad and Kanpur. Officials clarified that if the train or some containers are empty between the starting point and Kanpur, customers will not be charged extra.

Outlining the objectives of this ATT service, the Railway said, “The pilot project is expected to provide multiple advantages to customers, including door-to-door assured and reliable delivery for time-sensitive cargo, a competitive alternative to road transport, enhanced connectivity for northern hinterland cargo, and priority benefits for early adopters.”

The Ministry added that the service supports sustainability by encouraging a shift from road to rail, reducing the carbon footprint, and aligning with India’s commitment to green logistics. “Through this initiative, Indian Railways and CONCOR reaffirm their focus on customer-centric, reliable, and sustainable logistics solutions,” the ministry said.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Though the designed mission life of AstroSat was five years, it continues to provide valuable data.

India’s first dedicated Space Astronomy Observatory, AstroSat completed a decade of operations on Sunday (September 28, 2025).  

Ten years ago, on September 28, 2015, the AstroSat was launched by PSLV-C30 (XL) rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota with a mission life of five years. Though the designed mission life of AstroSat was five years it continues to provide valuable data.

In the last decade, the multi wavelength space observatory with five payloads onboard has made major interesting discoveries.

Commemorating the milestone in a post on X, the Indian Space Research Organisation said, “On this day 10 years ago, AstroSat, India’s first multi wavelength astronomy observatory was launched by ISRO. From black holes to neutron stars, from the nearest star Proxima Centauri to first time detection of FUV photons from galaxies 9.3 billion light years away, AstroSat enabled groundbreaking insights across the electromagnetic spectrum from UV/Visible to high energy X-rays. Congratulating AstroSat for a successful decade and wishing many more years of exciting results and discoveries.”

Celebrating a decade of AstroSat: India’s first observatory dedicated for astronomy
On this day 10 years ago, #AstroSat 🛰️✨, India’s first multi wavelength astronomy observatory was launched by ISRO. From black holes to neutron stars, from the nearest star Proxima Centauri to… pic.twitter.com/yCtqmUHqB1

— ISRO (@isro) September 28, 2025

Five payloads

AstroSat was designed to observe the universe in the Visible, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum simultaneously with the help of its five payloads.

The five scientific payloads onboard the satellite are Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC), Cadmium–Zinc–Telluride Imager (CZTI), Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) and Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM).

Astrosat was realised by ISRO with the participation of all major astronomy institutions including Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) of Pune, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) at Mumbai, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP) and Raman Research Institute (RRI) of Bengaluru as well as some of the universities in India and two institutions from Canada and the UK.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

India stay unbeaten to claim the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai as the team refuses to accept the trophy from Pakistan officials amid tense moments during the ceremony.

Some things don’t change. Just as the usual non-cricketing matters hog the limelight ahead of almost every India-Pakistan game, there was no change in Pakistan’s ineptness with the bat against the Indians in the final of the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday.

India’s pursuit of the modest 147-run target began poorly, but Tilak Varma (69 not out off 53 balls), with assists from Sanju Samson (24 off 21 balls) and Shivam Dube (33 not out off 22 balls) took India home by five wickets in their third straight victory over Pakistan which also earned them their ninth Asia Cup crown.

That they won the tournament staying unbeaten is the icing on the cake for Team India.

The first-ever Asia Cup final between the two countries was not a one-sided affair like the two previous meetings. India didn’t have it easy on Sunday and had to wait till the deciding over. But the overall quality of this Indian side, as opposed to mediocrity of Pakistan and the other Asian teams, stood out right through the tournament. It didn’t change in the final as well.

Abhishek Sharma, for the first time in the competition, had an off day as he fell to the slowness of the pitch. After Faheem Ashraf gave Pakistan a vital breakthrough, Shaheen Shah Afridi extended Suryakumar Yadav’s lean patch.

India were 10/2 in the third over when Tilak walked out to the middle. Soon after, he saw Shubman Gill perishing, with Ashraf picking up his second wicket. The scorecard read 20/3 for India after four overs.

Tilak’s form wasn’t a concern, but India didn’t have Hardik Pandya’s experience in this game as the senior all-rounder was ruled out with a quadriceps injury. Tilak was joined by Sanju Samson, who didn’t have enough time with the bat for most of this Asia Cup.

But Tilak and Samson joined forces for a crucial 57-run fourth-wicket stand that kept India’s hopes alive. A few deliveries also gripped a little on the surface, which could have been an issue for Dube, but he complemented the solid and steady Tilak brilliantly with his power and striking ability during their match-defining 60-run fourth-wicket alliance.

Tilak’s innings, comprising three boundaries and four maximums, was all about clean, calculated strokeplay with an immensely cool head on his shoulders. Not once did he look fazed after India’s top three departed cheaply, and then kept guiding Samson and Dube during those two key partnerships.

India still needed 10 to win off the last six balls. But Haris Rauf, who had a bad day with the ball, erred again in that second ball of the final over and Tilak took no half measures. Depositing it into the stands over deep square leg, he ensured the game and trophy was India’s before Rinku Singh, in his first game of the tournament, scored the winning runs with two balls remaining.

Tilak’s innings and that of Dube showed how many miles India were ahead of Pakistan in terms of ball-striking and range of shots. Tilak, though, was a tad lucky when Mohammad Haris goofed up a simple run out chance in the 14th over, before Haris conceded 17 in the next to help India regain momentum.

India’s pursuit of the modest 147-run target began poorly, but Tilak Varma (69 not out off 53 balls), with assists from Sanju Samson (24 off 21 balls) and Shivam Dube (33 not out off 22 balls) took India home by five wickets in their third straight victory over Pakistan which also earned them their ninth Asia Cup crown.

That they won the tournament staying unbeaten is the icing on the cake for Team India.

The first-ever Asia Cup final between the two countries was not a one-sided affair like the two previous meetings. India didn’t have it easy on Sunday and had to wait till the deciding over. But the overall quality of this Indian side, as opposed to mediocrity of Pakistan and the other Asian teams, stood out right through the tournament. It didn’t change in the final as well.

Abhishek Sharma, for the first time in the competition, had an off day as he fell to the slowness of the pitch. After Faheem Ashraf gave Pakistan a vital breakthrough, Shaheen Shah Afridi extended Suryakumar Yadav’s lean patch.

India were 10/2 in the third over when Tilak walked out to the middle. Soon after, he saw Shubman Gill perishing, with Ashraf picking up his second wicket. The scorecard read 20/3 for India after four overs.

Tilak’s form wasn’t a concern, but India didn’t have Hardik Pandya’s experience in this game as the senior all-rounder was ruled out with a quadriceps injury. Tilak was joined by Sanju Samson, who didn’t have enough time with the bat for most of this Asia Cup.

But Tilak and Samson joined forces for a crucial 57-run fourth-wicket stand that kept India’s hopes alive. A few deliveries also gripped a little on the surface, which could have been an issue for Dube, but he complemented the solid and steady Tilak brilliantly with his power and striking ability during their match-defining 60-run fourth-wicket alliance.

Tilak’s innings, comprising three boundaries and four maximums, was all about clean, calculated strokeplay with an immensely cool head on his shoulders. Not once did he look fazed after India’s top three departed cheaply, and then kept guiding Samson and Dube during those two key partnerships.

India still needed 10 to win off the last six balls. But Haris Rauf, who had a bad day with the ball, erred again in that second ball of the final over and Tilak took no half measures. Depositing it into the stands over deep square leg, he ensured the game and trophy was India’s before Rinku Singh, in his first game of the tournament, scored the winning runs with two balls remaining.

Tilak’s innings and that of Dube showed how many miles India were ahead of Pakistan in terms of ball-striking and range of shots. Tilak, though, was a tad lucky when Mohammad Haris goofed up a simple run out chance in the 14th over, before Haris conceded 17 in the next to help India regain momentum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a timely post on his X handle soon after India’s victory. “#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same — India wins! Congrats to our cricketers,” Modi wrote on X.

No Trophy Presentation

The Indian team has refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy during the presentation ceremony that was delayed by more than an hour.

“I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight,” Simon Doull, the presenter for the host broadcaster, said at the ceremony.

India did not want to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi.

They celebrated without the trophy.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Spiti Valley becomes India’s first cold desert biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man, Biosphere Programme.

The Spiti Valley of Lahaul-Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh, perched high in the Trans-Himalayan region, has been recognised as India’s first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s prestigious Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

It is among the 26 new biosphere reserves designated across several countries. With this inclusion, India now has 13 biosphere reserves in the MAB Network.

The recognition was formally conferred during the 37th International Coordinating Council (MAB-ICC) meeting held in Hangzhou, China, from September 26 to 28.

Encompassing windswept plateaus, glacial valleys, alpine lakes and rugged high-altitude deserts, it is one of the coldest and driest ecosystems in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

“UNESCO designates 26 new biosphere reserves across 21 countries – the highest number in 20 years. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves now includes 785 sites in 142 countries, with an additional one million sq km of natural areas brought under protection since 2018 – equivalent to the size of Bolivia,” the world body said in a statement.

The Spiti Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve spans a geographical area of 7,770 square kilometres, covering the entire Spiti Wildlife Division (7,591 sq km) and adjoining parts of the Lahaul Forest Division, including Baralacha Pass, Bharatpur and Sarchu (179 sq km).

Situated at altitudes ranging from 3,300 to 6,600 metres, the Reserve falls within the Trans-Himalaya biogeographic province of the Indian Himalaya. The reserve is structured into three zones: a 2,665 sq km core zone, a 3,977 sq km buffer zone and a 1,128 sq km transition zone.

It integrates Pin Valley National Park, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandratal Wetland and the Sarchu Plains, representing a unique cold desert ecosystem shaped by extreme climate, topography and fragile soils.

The region is ecologically rich, harbouring 655 herbs, 41 shrubs and 17 tree species, including 14 endemic and 47 medicinal plants central to the Sowa Rigpa/Amchi healing tradition.

Its wildlife includes 17 mammal species and 119 bird species, with the Snow Leopard as a flagship species. Other notable species include the Tibetan wolf, red fox, ibex, blue sheep, Himalayan snow cock, golden eagle and bearded vulture. With more than 800 blue sheep, Spiti Valley alone provides a strong prey base for large carnivores.

Himachal Pradesh Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Amitabh Gautam, said, “This recognition firmly places Himachal’s cold deserts on the global conservation map. It will enhance international research collaboration, promote responsible eco-tourism to support local livelihoods, and strengthen India’s efforts to build climate resilience in the fragile Himalayan ecosystems.”

This milestone has been made possible due to the pragmatic efforts of the state government. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “The State Government is committed to protect and conserve Himachal Pradesh’s rich natural and cultural heritage and fragile ecology in the era of climate change, while ensuring harmony between developmental activities and nature.”

Sukhu has consistently highlighted the region’s unique ecology, climate, culture and heritage, as well as the commitment of local communities who have lived in harmony with nature for generations.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The trajectory of the missile, designed for a range of up to 2,000 km, was tracked by multiple ground stations, with the test meeting all mission objectives. Officials said the success paves the way for the induction of the futuristic rail-mobile launch systems.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully test-fired the intermediate range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher on Thursday (September 25, 2025), under full operational conditions.

According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), designed for a range of up to 2,000 km, the next-generation missile incorporates advanced features and marks the first launch from a specially developed rail-based system capable of rapid, low-visibility deployment with cross-country mobility.

India has carried out the successful launch of Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a Rail based Mobile launcher system. This next generation missile is designed to cover a range up to 2000 km and is equipped with various advanced features.

The first-of-its-kind launch… pic.twitter.com/00GpGSNOeE

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 25, 2025

The missile’s trajectory was tracked by multiple ground stations, with the test meeting all mission objectives. Officials said the success paves the way for the induction of the futuristic rail-mobile launch systems. The road-mobile version of Agni-P has already been inducted after a series of trials, the MoD added.

#India on Thursday carried out the successful launch of Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a Rail based Mobile launcher system.
📹PTI pic.twitter.com/MQy2YLocUW

— The Hindu (@the_hindu) September 25, 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, SFC and the Armed Forces, stating that the test places India among select nations with rail-based canisterised launch capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat also lauded the teams for the achievement.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

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)