🌱 NASA astronaut grows and cooks fresh greens in space

NASA astronaut Anil Menon recently harvested and cooked fresh greens like kale and wasabi mustard inside the ISS. He and fellow astronaut Jessica Meir conducted this as part of NASA's research on growing food in space. The vegetables were cultivated for approximately one month inside the Veggie plant-growth chamber. This research is crucial for long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond by boosting nutrition. Next, Menon is scheduled for a spacewalk with Sophie Adenot on August 18. 🚀

💣 Russia reportedly sending arms to Iran via Caspian Sea

Russia is reportedly supplying explosives, drone parts, and ammunition to Iran through the Caspian Sea region. This transfer involves Moscow and Tehran as Tehran replenishes stocks depleted during conflict with the US and Israel. The supplies include TNT and components for ballistic missiles, noted in a European government document. This shifts ties as Iran previously supplied Russia with drones for the Ukraine war. The route avoids Western monitoring, aiding Iran's military reconstruction efforts. 💣

🚢 Russia ships war gear to Iran via Caspian Sea

Reports indicate that Russia is sending explosives, drone parts, and ammunition to Iran through the Caspian Sea. This movement is occurring between Russia and Iran as Tehran tries to replace military stocks depleted from fighting the US and Israel. The shipments include TNT and drone parts, with estimates suggesting components for ballistic missile production are also involved. This transfer shows a shift, as Iran previously supplied Russia with drones for the Ukraine war. The route avoids US monitoring checkpoints, supporting Iran's military rebuilding efforts. 💣

🚫 R&B Dept rallies against drug abuse in Vijayawada

The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department held an anti-drug awareness rally in Vijayawada on Tuesday. R&B Engineer-in-Chief V. Ramachandra led the event, stressing the need for concerted awareness efforts. The rally was organized as part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ initiative. Officials urged all age groups to understand the adverse effects of substance addiction. The event started at IGMC Stadium and concluded at the R&B department office. 🚫

🚗 Skoda Slavia Facelift revealed with fresh updates

The 2026 Skoda Slavia Facelift has officially broken cover, introducing several exciting updates to its design and features. This new model is being unveiled by Skoda in preparation for its market launch. Key updates include significant changes across its exterior and interior, with bookings now open for interested buyers. The facelift aims to keep the Slavia competitive in the fast-paced sedan segment. More details regarding pricing and final delivery timelines are expected soon.

🐘 Two elephants found dead in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Two female elephants were discovered deceased on consecutive days in Masinagudi within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The first elephant, aged 50, was found in Avarallah beat on Monday, with necropsy confirming natural causes. A second elephant, approximately 30 years old, was found near Mavanallah on Tuesday, August 18, having sustained injuries from an elephant fight. Officials rejected theories that drought was causing the fatalities, citing ample water and food supplies. Further investigation will determine the exact circumstances surrounding these two deaths. 🐘

🚨 195 stolen phones seized before heading to Bangladesh

Tirupati police recovered a massive cache of 195 mobile phones and five tablet PCs on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The items were stolen from a retail store just before they were slated for shipment to Bangladesh. Authorities arrested the gang's kingpin, Alam Shaik (49), along with three others in the operation. This inter-state gang, operating across several states, was tracked using intelligence and technology. The police successfully cracked the pattern before the phones reached the Bengal border. 📱

💧 Irrigation Minister pushes for smart water use

The Minister for Irrigation, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, instructed officials to balance drinking water needs with irrigation requirements during the monsoon. This meeting took place in Hyderabad, addressing El Niño and rainfall uncertainties. Major state reservoirs currently hold about 74.57% capacity, while Nagarjunasagar is at 53%. The Minister emphasized basing releases on actual storage, not optimistic predictions for September and October. Furthermore, he prioritized repairs for the Singur dam and reviewed inter-state water disputes.

🔬 SEAIC pushes allergy research and AI in Spain

The Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) is enhancing its role in allergy care through research and education. The society is running Alergológica 2025, a major epidemiological study expected to include about 4,000 patients across Spain. Preparations are also moving forward for the SEAIC International Symposium 2026, bringing global experts together. Furthermore, SEAIC is prioritizing digital transformation by integrating AI and telemedicine into clinical practice. Addressing rising prevalence and complexity of allergic diseases remains a major public health challenge for the group. 🩺

🕌 Security breach near Taj Mahal sparks police action

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) filed a police complaint regarding an unauthorized security breach at Mehtab Bagh. This incident took place in Agra, on the north bank of the Yamuna River, directly opposite the Taj Mahal. Unidentified individuals illegally entered the 17th-century protected complex and performed unauthorized religious rituals on August 18, 2026. The act violates the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, which strictly bans such gatherings. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage to track down the offenders and boost heritage site security. 🧐

🚨 Anand Ranganathan claims internal treachery in Pakistan gangster crackdown

Anand Ranganathan stated that treachery is occurring inside the operation against Pakistan gangsters. He made this comment while discussing the ongoing crackdown on organized crime syndicates. The details mentioned involved recent developments related to these arrests. This suggests internal issues might be complicating the law enforcement efforts in the region. Further developments on the situation are awaited from official sources.