💧 Dropout to Padma Shri: Water Hero of Rajasthan

Laxman Singh started reviving a dry pond in Laporiya, Rajasthan, after dropping out of school at 17 during a drought. He rallied villagers to repair an old bund, which filled with rainwater and became Anna Sagar by 1984. This system later expanded, and Singh developed the Chauka system for pastureland restoration. This holistic approach helped farmers grow crops across both kharif and rabi seasons. For his social work, Singh was honored with the Padma Shri in 2023. 💧

🥭 Mango tree saves man in deadly Nepal floods

A mango tree saved Bibek Kumal, a 24-year-old man, during deadly flash floods in Bidur near Nepal's Himalayan border. He was digging a toilet pit when a massive surge of water, mud, and rock hit him. The disaster, which heavily affected Rasuwa and Dhading districts, resulted in at least 165 confirmed deaths and over 1,300 missing people. Scientists confirmed the floods were caused by a glacial collapse, not an earthquake. Rescue efforts are ongoing as the floodwaters slowly recede from the affected areas. 😥

🩺 Knee pain in 30s might not just be aging

Knee pain experienced in one's 30s can indicate issues beyond simple aging, according to Dr Rajesh Verma. This advice comes from Dr Verma, Head of Spine Surgery at Shalby International Hospital, Gurgaon. Previous sports injuries, repetitive stress, and inflammatory conditions are major contributing factors to these problems. Young adults should not assume it is just wear and tear, especially with persistent swelling or stiffness. Doctors recommend physical exams and MRIs to properly diagnose and treat the root cause. 🧐

🩺 SC gives Centre 2 weeks on junk food labels 🚨

The Supreme Court has demanded the Centre finalize front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods within two weeks. This directive comes from Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran regarding rising obesity and ultra-processed food consumption in India. The court stressed that public health cannot be compromised, citing the right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution. Data shows 24% of Indian women and 23% of men were overweight or obese as of NFHS 2019-21. If the government delays, the Supreme Court plans to issue further binding directions.

🏔️ Flash floods leave hundreds missing in Nepal and Tibet

Nearly 300 Indian tourists are among hundreds missing after devastating flash floods swept through parts of Nepal and Tibet. Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that nearly 1,500 people are missing across both regions. The floods struck three districts of Nepal on Wednesday after an avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary. This disaster has resulted in 175 confirmed deaths so far, with rescue operations ongoing. Authorities are actively working to ascertain the full extent of the tragedy and assist affected nationals. 😥

🩺 Diabetes and mental health risk in women

A new study has revealed that women diagnosed with diabetes face an elevated risk concerning their mental health. The research focused on a specific cohort of women across various demographics to assess this correlation. Data collected showed a statistically significant increase in mental health challenges for this group. This finding highlights the need for integrated care approaches addressing both physical and psychological well-being. Researchers suggest that specialized support systems should be implemented soon to mitigate these risks. 🩺

🏏 Cricket concerns over makeshift Asian Games pitch

Concerns have been raised by cricket boards regarding the Korogi Sports Park, a converted baseball field being used for the Asian Games cricket tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board first flagged issues during an Asian Cricket Council meeting earlier this month. The venue, which hosts India captain Shreyas Iyer, opens on September 17, with the games starting on September 19. Issues include the untested surface and lack of proper dressing rooms, prompting BCCI follow-up with the IOA. The Indian teams are scheduled to arrive in Nagoya around September 14 or 15.

🧐 Advisory issued before RSS chief's NYC event

The Hindu American Foundation issued a security advisory ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's 'Universal Oneness Celebration' in New York City. This advisory was directed towards NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani regarding the August 29 event at Madison Square Garden. Activists had attempted to disrupt the celebration before the gathering, prompting the alert. This follows USCIRF's criticism of religious freedom in India and calls for sanctions against RSS members. Mamdani, who opposes the rally, noted the city might lack jurisdiction over cancelling a private event. 🧐

🌕 Blood Moon partial lunar eclipse hits West Country

A partial lunar eclipse, featuring a Blood Moon, is set to occur this Friday in the West Country. Stargazers across the region can witness the Moon entering Earth's darkest shadow in the early hours of Friday. The Moon will be at its most dramatic around 05:12 BST, with about 90% inside the umbra. This low horizon position may also create the 'Moon Illusion', making it look bigger. Seeing the event requires luck, as weather is expected to become unsettled later in the week. 🌕

🌳 Historic garden expands after land reunification

Stoneleigh, a free public garden, is expanding from 42 acres to 52 acres. This growth is happening in Pennsylvania after acquiring most of the adjoining Oakwell property. The 10-acre addition reunites landscapes that were split nearly 100 years ago. Initially, the Lower Merion School District bought the land for athletic fields, but public concern led to a change. The new space will undergo planning and restoration before becoming part of the public experience. 🌿

💧 NASA tested water in space back in 1962

In 1962, NASA conducted Project Highwater by releasing 22,900 gallons of water from a Saturn I rocket. This test happened at an altitude of about 65 miles above Earth for scientific study. The experiment helped researchers understand how water behaves in the upper atmosphere during missions. Furthermore, NASA studied biological systems to support astronauts on long-duration trips. This foundational work is relevant to future missions to Mars and lunar bases.