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.

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.

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)

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)