Articles - The Junior Age

India’s U-17 Women Storm to Victory at SAFF Championship 2025

September 5, 2025 Mitali k

Football fans in India have plenty to celebrate! The Indian U-17 women’s football team, famously called the Young Tigresses, has been crowned champions of the Women’s U-17 SAFF Championship 2025 in Bhutan. With dazzling goals, tough defending, and never-give-up spirit, the girls showed South Asia what teamwork and determination can achieve. The Junior Age has all the details for you.

Know All About The U-17 Women’s Team Picking The Trophy At The SAFF Championship 2025:

The tournament was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 20 to 31 August 2025. The four teams – India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh competed in a double round-robin format, meaning each team played the others twice.

India’s U-17 Women Crushing Wins and Goal Galore at the SAFF Championship

What stood out was India’s ability to score freely. Against Nepal, they stormed to a 7-0 victory. Bhutan, the host nation, felt the full force of India’s attack in two games, losing 8-0 and 5-0. Even when matches became tougher, the girls kept fighting and finding the back of the net.

In total, India scored a stunning 27 goals in six matches, a statistic that highlights their dominance on the pitch. For fans watching, it was pure entertainment. For the players, it was a reward for all the training hours and hard work behind the scenes.

Highlights From The Winning Match

By the time India faced Bangladesh in their final game, they were already champions. But the last match turned into a thriller that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Bangladesh shocked India by scoring in the very first minute.
India’s Anushka Kumari equalised in the 9th minute, showing her sharp striker’s instinct.
Bangladesh regained the lead, but India kept pressing.
In the 89th minute, captain Julan chipped in a clever equaliser to make it 3-3.
Just when it looked like a draw, Bangladesh scored in injury time, winning the match 4-3.

Even though India lost that game, it did not matter. They had already sealed the title, and the celebrations went on in full swing.

Star Players Who Stole the Show at the SAFF Championship 2025

Every player played her part, but two names grabbed the spotlight.

Anushka Kumari, only 14 years old, finished as the top scorer of the tournament with 8 goals in 6 matches. Her speed, finishing, and bravery in front of the goal made her one of the brightest young talents to watch in Indian football.

India’s U-17 Women Storm to Victory at SAFF Championship 2025

Abhista Basnett was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). With 4 goals and 3 assists, she proved that she could score, create chances, and inspire her teammates.

Together with Captain Julan and the rest of the squad, these players have become role models for girls across India who dream of playing football.

Also, read about Khalid Jamil: India’s New Football Coach.

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Rare Jurassic Sea Creature Fossil Found In Rajasthan

September 5, 2025 Mitali k

When you picture Rajasthan, you probably think of sand dunes, camels, and forts shining in the sun. But here’s the twist! Recently, scientists uncovered a 200-million-year-old Jurassic fossil of a reptile called a phytosaur near Jaisalmer. And no, it’s not a dinosaur. Hidden under those golden sands is a secret from the Jurassic world.

All About The Jaw-Dropping Phytosaur Jurassic Fossil Unearthed In Rajasthan’s Desert:

Researchers in India have discovered the fossilised remains of a rare crocodile-like species from the Jurassic era in the western state of Rajasthan.

Meet the Phytosaur

The Jurassic fossil, known as a Phytosaurs, looked a lot like crocodiles, with long snouts and sharp teeth. However, this fossil belonged to their own family of reptiles. This one was about 1.5 to 2 metres long, making it the size of a small car.

They had short legs, wide, heavy bodies with rows of armoured scales, long tails, and long, toothy snouts. According to a study, the only obvious difference between crocodiles and phytosaurs is that crocodiles have their nostrils at the ends of their snouts, and phytosaurs have them on a raised hump in front of their eyes. Despite the strong similarities between phytosaurs and crocodiles, the two groups are not closely related.

According to reports, they lived in freshwater rivers and lakes, feeding on fish and other aquatic creatures that swam by. Moreover, alongside the skeleton, scientists also spotted a fossilised egg which could have belonged to the reptile.

Rare Jurassic Sea Creature Fossil Found In Rajasthan

Where Was This Jurassic Fossil Found?

The fossil was discovered in Megha village, close to Jaisalmer. This area is part of the Lathi Formation, which is renowned for preserving fossils from the Cretaceous period, the age of the dinosaurs. Locals first noticed unusual bones near a lake, and when experts took a closer look, they realised they were holding a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.

This fossil is special because:

It’s the first well-preserved phytosaur fossil ever found in India.
It proves Rajasthan wasn’t always desert; it once had rivers and watery landscapes.
It helps scientists piece together how reptiles lived during the Jurassic period.
In fact, experts say the area could become a fossil tourism hotspot, where people can travel to see real prehistoric treasures.

Also, read about Meet the “Hell Ant”: Oldest Ant Fossil Ever Found from Dinosaur Times

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India’s Para Stars Gear Up for World Para Athletics in New Delhi 2025

September 4, 2025 Mitali k

The countdown is on! India is all set to host the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 for the very first time, and the excitement is soaring. From javelin champions to sprint queens, our para athletes are ready to light up the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

World Para Athletics in New Delhi Event Snapshot at a Glance:

With over 100 countries expected to participate, this is the largest para sporting event to take place in India, making it a proud moment for both athletes and fans. Know more details below:

Dates: 27 September to 5 October 2025
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Mascot: Viraaj, a spirited young elephant with a running blade, symbolising strength and resilience
Events: 186 medal events (101 men, 84 women, 1 mixed)
Countries Participating: Over 100 teams from across the globe

India’s Para Stars Gear Up for World Para Athletics in New Delhi 2025

Also read, Introducing Viraaj Mascot For 2025 World Para Athletics Championships

Know Team India’s Trailblazers

India has named a 73-member squad (19 women & 54 men) to compete across multiple track and field categories.

Flag Bearers:

Dharambir Nain is a Paris Paralympics gold medallist (club throw)
Preethi Pal is a Sprint star and Paralympic bronze medallist

Lead Athlete:

Javelin sensation Sumit Antil (double Paralympic champ) leads the squad

Star Athlete:

Sumit Antil is a Double Paralympic gold medallist in javelin throw, leading India’s charge

Quick Peek At Some Athletes to Watch At The World Para Athletics 2025

Women

Preethi Pal: Sprint star, Paralympics bronze medallist, Arjuna Awardee
Deepthi Jeevanji: Runs 400m T20, world record holder, Arjuna Awardee
Bhagyashri Jadhav: Shot Put F34 specialist from Maharashtra

Men

Solairaj Dharmaraj: Army Subedar, long jump T64 gold at Asian Para Games
Soman Rana: Shot put F56/57, strong national performer with international achievements
Valasamgari Bhavani: Multi-event athlete (100m, 200m, long jump, shot put), World Grand Prix 2025 champion

P.S.: This list is just a glance! India’s squad covers a wide array of athletic heroes. You can find the full roster here if you want to explore more names!)

Also read, Para Swimmer Jiya Rai Conquers The World!

Know Why This Championship Is Historic

The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 is a milestone moment for India. For the very first time, the country will host this prestigious event, placing New Delhi on the global para sports map.

It is also set to witness the biggest-ever participation of athletes for a para sporting event in India, making it larger and more inclusive than anything seen before. What makes it even more special is that Indian athletes will get the rare chance to showcase their skills in front of a roaring home crowd, an energy that can push them to break barriers and set new records.

Beyond the medals and the competition, this championship marks a massive boost to the culture of para sports in India, bringing recognition, respect, and inspiration to athletes and fans alike.

The World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of courage, resilience, and world-class talent. With legends like Sumit Antil, Dharambir Nain, and Preethi Pal leading the way, India is ready to roar.

Mark your calendars: 27 September to 5 October 2025. It’s time to cheer loud and proud for our para champions!

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Vikram 3201: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s First 32-Bit Microprocessor for Space Missions

September 4, 2025 Mitali k

India has officially entered the space-grade semiconductor race with the launch of Vikram 3201, the country’s first fully homegrown 32-bit microprocessor. Developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, this chip represents a significant leap forward in technology, designed to power rockets, satellites, and other applications.

Know All About Vikram 3201, India’s First Indigenous 32-Bit Microprocessor for Space:

Built in India, for India’s Missions

Vikram 3201 has been designed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh. In fact, what makes it historic is that every step, from blueprint to production, was completed in India, without external dependence.

This chip marks a milestone in semiconductor self-reliance. For decades, India relied on imported microprocessors for critical missions. Vikram 3201 signals a shift that India can now design and manufacture its own brains for space technology. It is not just about rockets; it is about building a future where India shapes the global semiconductor story.

Vikram 3201: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s First 32-Bit Microprocessor for Space Missions

Why Is This Chip – Vikram 3201 So Special?

Unlike ordinary processors used in laptops or phones, Vikram 3201 is space-grade. That means it can survive extreme environments, from blazing heat to freezing cold, plus high levels of vibration and radiation during space travel. It operates between –55 °C and +125 °C, meeting military-level standards.

Also read, Aditya L-1: India’s Solar Mission Reaches Sun’s Orbit

From Vikram 1601 to Vikram 3201

This chip is an upgrade over ISRO’s earlier 16-bit Vikram 1601, which has been in use since 2009. With new features, Vikram 3201 brings more power and precision.

64-bit floating-point operations for ultra-accurate rocket navigation
Support for the Ada programming language, known for reliability in critical systems
Built-in 1553B interfaces for smooth communication between spacecraft components

Tested and Trusted in Space

The processor isn’t just a theory on paper. It has already been flight-tested successfully aboard PSLV-C60’s POEM-4 mission, proving its reliability in orbit.

Vikram 32-Bit Microprocessor for Space Missions

Vikram 3201’s Uses Beyond Space

While designed for ISRO’s rockets and satellites, Vikram 3201 could also play a role in defence, automotive, and energy sectors, thanks to its rugged build and efficiency.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Name: Vikram 3201
Type: 32-bit indigenous space microprocessor
Developed by: ISRO’s VSSC and SCL Chandigarh (under Atmanirbhar Bharat mission)
Key Features: 64-bit floating-point math, Ada language support, space-grade durability
Tested on: PSLV-C60 (POEM-4 mission)
Applications: Space missions, defence, automotive, energy

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All About NASA’s 2026 Student Launch Challenge

August 30, 2025 Mitali k

Have you ever dreamed of building a rocket that actually touches the sky? NASA is turning that dream into reality with its Student Launch 2026 Challenge. It’s not just a science project. It’s a full-blown competition where students across the United States get to think, design, test, and fly rockets like real engineers.

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NASA’s 2026 Student Launch Challenge Is Your Ticket To Build Real Rockets:

What Exactly Is NASA’s Student Launch?

Student Launch is a 9-month competition that mirrors how NASA designs space missions. Team of student design, build, and launch high-powered rockets that can soar 5,000 feet into the air. Along with the rocket, each team must also create a payload (basically a mini-experiment) that performs during the flight.

For 2026, college teams have an extra challenge: creating a tiny lunar-style habitat called HAUS. It must house four STEMnauts (model astronauts) and even test soil samples, inspired by NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon. Middle and high school teams can attempt this challenge, too, or come up with their own payload idea.

Also read, Aditya L-1: India’s Solar Mission Reaches Sun’s Orbit

Who Can Participate?

Colleges & Universities in the United States: They compete in a scored competition with awards.

Middle & High Schools (Grades 6–12): They participate in the educational division (not scored), but still undergo NASA’s review process. These schools typically qualify through top rankings in contests such as the American Rocketry Challenge or Rockets for Schools, as well as a workshop with NASA experts.

How It Works: Detailed Procedure Of NASA’s 2026 Student Launch Challenge

Once selected, teams spend 9 months working through the same checkpoints NASA uses in real space missions:

Preliminary Design Review (PDR): Early planning
Critical Design Review (CDR): Deep dive into details
Flight Readiness Review (FRR): Is the rocket ready to fly?
Launch Readiness Review (LRR): Final checks before launch

Timeline & Key Dates at a Glance

Aug 8, 2025: Request for Proposals released
Sep 22, 2025 8:00 a.m. CT: Proposals due
Oct 7, 2025: Awards announced
Apr 22 to 26, 2026: Launch Week in Huntsville

PS: If you are not travelling to Huntsville, your final launch window runs Apr 3 to May 4, 2026, at an approved local club site, followed by your post-launch report.

(You can find all details in the handbook here)

Where Do The Launches Happen?

Option 1: NASA’s Launch Week near Marshall Space Flight Centre, Huntsville, Alabama
Option 2: A NAR or TRA-sanctioned club field, if you’re not travelling to Launch Week, with strict documentation and safety oversight by the local range safety officer.

How to apply for NASA’s 2026 student launch challenge—step by step

Form your team: Identify a student lead, a safety officer, at least one mentor, and up to two adult educators.
Check eligibility: Colleges and universities apply directly. Grades 6–12 teams qualify via ARC or Rockets for Schools and the Advanced Rocketry Workshop. One team per school.
Read the 2026 handbook: It contains the exact rules, payload details, scoring, deliverables, templates, and the official timeline.
Write your proposal: Follow NASA’s Request for Proposal instructions and include team roster, roles, safety approach, preliminary design concept, outreach plans, and how you’ll meet milestones. Submit here by the stated deadline.
Watch for selection: NASA reviews proposals and announces awarded teams in October. Selected teams then register travellers in the NASA Gateway and begin PDR work.
Fly subscale, then full-scale: You must complete a subscale test flight, then a vehicle demonstration flight and payload demo before your final flight.

What teams must handle

All design, build, testing, documentation, and STEM engagement activities
Following high-power rocketry safety codes and your local club’s rules
Uploading all deliverables on time and attending review telecons with working video and audio

Costs and Fees

NASA’s handbook and official pages do not list an application or registration fee for Student Launch. Teams are responsible for project expenses such as materials, motors, electronics, testing, and travel.

Awards and Recognition

NASA recognises top university teams across categories like overall performance, design, safety, 3D printing, and more. Middle and high school teams complete milestones and can earn student design challenge awards at the event.

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