🚀 Shubhanshu Shukla shares his space journey insights

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's second astronaut, shared reflections on his remarkable journey to space. He discussed his experience as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. Following the launch of his memoir, The Second Orbit, these thoughts were shared on August 15, 2026. Shukla also spoke about India's rising human-spaceflight ambitions. He encourages the next generation to focus, collaborate, and chase their goals. 🚀

♻️ Solar panel waste could be worth trillions if recycled

Discarded solar panels are projected to total between 297 and 402 million tonnes globally by 2060. This waste issue is expected to be mainly sourced from middle-income countries like China after 2040. Recycling these panels could generate nearly $1 trillion in economic benefits. Researchers advise balanced planning to ensure poorer regions also benefit from this process. Governments must start building recycling capacity now to avoid future environmental burdens. ♻️

🧐 Haryana cops in plain clothes spark legal questions

Videos from Hansi show police in civilian clothes using force against protesters ahead of Independence Day. This action has raised concerns regarding compliance with Punjab and Haryana High Court orders. The incident occurred while protesters demanded action in the Jeewan Kundu murder case on August 4. The High Court had previously mandated that all law and order personnel during protests must be clearly identifiable in uniform. Police must clarify how these plainclothes special unit members align with the court's transparency directives. 🧐

🛡️ Modi demanded removal of bulletproof glass at Red Fort

Former defence secretary RK Mathur recalled PM Modi insisting on removing the bulletproof glass barrier before his first Independence Day address. This incident occurred at the Red Fort ahead of August 15, 2014. Security officials initially opposed the removal due to risks in the Chandni Chowk area. PM Modi firmly stated he could not address citizens if the barrier remained in place. Consequently, the glass shield was removed on the intervening night of August 14 and 15.

💣 Israeli strikes kill 11 in south Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 11 people in south Lebanon. The attacks occurred in response to an earlier incident where Hezbollah injured three IDF soldiers. The incident took place on a specific date not mentioned in the provided text. This exchange highlights ongoing military tensions in the region. Future developments are expected to keep the situation volatile. 💣

⛽ Windfall tax cut on fuel exports

The Union Finance Ministry has reduced the windfall tax on the export of petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel starting Saturday. This change affects exports from India, where the tax was first implemented in July 2022. The special additional excise duty on diesel exports dropped to Rs 24 per litre, while petrol export duty is now zero. The aim of this tax is to secure domestic availability and prevent excessive exporter profits. These export levies are revised every fortnight based on crude oil prices. ⛽

😟 Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao seen stressed at Mumbai vet clinic

Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, and their son Azad Rao were spotted outside a pet clinic in Mumbai on Saturday. In the circulating video, Azad appeared emotional while Aamir carried a pet carrier, causing social media concern. Users speculated that one of the family's pets might be unwell or worse. However, neither Aamir nor Kiran has provided any official update regarding their visit or their pet's health. This sighting occurred shortly after the release of Aamir's movie, 'Batwara 1947'.

🚢 Ukraine asks for Black Sea shipping truce

Ukraine has proposed a temporary halt to civilian attacks in the Black Sea amid disrupted grain trade. This proposal was conveyed to Moscow through a third party, and Kyiv is awaiting a Russian response. The disruption affects major agricultural players, with Ukrainian grain exports dropping 76% year-on-year in August. Previously, a UN- and Turkey-brokered deal allowed shipments, but Russia withdrew in 2023. Further escalation threatens the wider global food supply, putting pressure on both nations. 😟

😷 Why doctors wear masks in surgeries

Surgical masks are used in operating theatres for critical reasons beyond just blocking smells. Dr Nived Rao Balmuri, a Senior Consultant at Medicover Hospitals, explained that masks protect vulnerable patients from airborne microorganisms. These tiny droplets from staff breathing can cause infections in open wounds during procedures. Masks also shield medical professionals from splashes of infected bodily fluids. Ultimately, they maintain a sterile environment, reducing contamination risks for everyone involved.

🩺 Ozempic's impact goes way beyond weight loss

Obesity rates in the US haven't significantly changed between 2013 and 2023, despite efforts to address it. Gallup data shows the US adult obesity rate dropped to 36.4 percent in July, while GLP-1 drug users rose from 3 percent in 2024 to 11 percent in 2026. These drugs, originally for diabetes, show benefits for sleep apnea, kidney health, liver inflammation, and knee pain. This highlights how major medical breakthroughs often come from secondary effects of drugs. 🩺

😠 Wolverine Dev Fires Back at Criticism

The developer for Wolverine has responded to the significant criticism surrounding the game. The developers are the studio responsible for the upcoming title, and the issue pertains to the game's development status. Despite the backlash, the team has maintained that the game is progressing according to its timeline. This response comes amidst intense scrutiny from the gaming community regarding the project's direction. Future updates and official statements are expected to clarify the game's roadmap. 😠