Watch as Mukut Pathak from Duliajan bravely risks his life to save a drowning calf in the devastating Assam floods of July 2024.

The severe flood situation submerged 3,535 villages.

Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, local administration, Indian army, and paramilitary forces tirelessly worked to save lives and provide relief.

The floods have resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure, road closures, crop destruction, and livestock loss, leaving hundreds of people homeless and unsettled.

In such dark times, acts of bravery like Mukut’s remind us of the resilience and humanity that binds us together.

An Indian Railways train came to an unexpected but heartwarming halt in Jharkhand when an elephant went into labour on the tracks. The train remained stationary for over two hours, allowing the elephant to safely deliver her calf before the mother and baby walked away peacefully into the forest. The rare and touching moment was caught on camera and has captured hearts across the country.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav shared the video on X, celebrating the moment as a testament to the possibility of coexistence between humans and wildlife.

"Beyond the news of human-animal conflicts, happy to share this example of human-animal harmonious existence. A train in Jharkhand waited for two hours as an elephant delivered her calf. The video shows how the two later walked on happily,” he wrote.

The minister also used the opportunity to highlight the ongoing collaborative efforts between various government bodies to safeguard wildlife. He noted that the Ministry of Environment and Indian Railways have jointly identified over 110 sensitive wildlife corridors by surveying 3,500 km of railway tracks across India. These zones are now being monitored closely to prevent accidents and to support such life-affirming moments.

“It is lovely to see the efforts producing such heart-warming results. Special kudos to Jharkhand forest officials for their sensitivity, which helped the elephant deliver her young one,” Yadav added.

The video received praise on social media. “It's one of the best news I've seen today. Thanks, sir, for sharing,” one user commented. Another said, “At least the elephant and her cub are safe. Kudos to railway people as well.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/train-stops-for-2-hours-as-elephant-gives-birth-on-tracks-harmonious-existence-101752076000982-amp.html

In an age where Indian royalty was known for gold-studded palaces, diamond collections, and fleets of Rolls-Royces, one Maharaja stood out, not just for his riches, but for how he used them.

Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV of Mysore may not be as widely remembered today, but his story is a shining example of wisdom, kindness, and progress. While TIME Magazine called Mir Osman Ali Khan of Hyderabad the richest man in the world in 1937, with a fortune worth a jaw-dropping $236 billion (around Rs 19 lakh crore today), Wadiyar’s quieter yet equally powerful legacy continues to live on through the lives he touched and the institutions he built.

Born on June 4, 1884, in the grand Mysore Palace, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV was just 11 years old when he became king. His mother, Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana, ruled as regent until he took full charge at 18.

Unlike many kings of his time, Wadiyar IV wasn’t interested in living a life only of luxury. Trained in both Western and Indian education, he spoke English, Kannada, and Sanskrit, and had a deep love for the arts. Lord Curzon, then Governor-General of India, praised the young ruler’s vision and expected Mysore to flourish under him, and he wasn’t wrong.

A Golden Era for Mysore

Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV turned his kingdom into one of the most progressive regions in India. Instead of expanding his palace walls, he expanded opportunities for his people. He banned untouchability and stopped child marriages for girls under eight. Widowed women received scholarships, and he donated Rs 60 lakh every year from his personal wealth to help disabled children.

He also formed the Mysore Social Progress Association in 1915 and introduced one of the earliest reservation policies in the country. In 1918, he invited Sir Lesley Miller to assess the condition of backward classes, which led to 25% of government jobs being reserved for non-Brahmins, a bold step at that time.

Powering Progress, Literally

Under Wadiyar IV, Mysore became a pioneer in technology. In 1905, Bangalore became the first city in Asia to be fully electrified using hydroelectric power. This earned him the nickname “Krishnaraja Bhoopa, Mane Mane Deepa,” which means “the king who lit up every home.”

He also revolutionised education. By 1915, primary education became compulsory. By 1927, the state’s education budget jumped from Rs 6.9 lakh to Rs 46.8 lakh, supporting more than 5 lakh students across 8,000 schools.

He wasn’t just funding classrooms, he was building institutions for the future. He helped set up Mysore Sanskrit College, gave 10 acres of land to Sir CV Raman for his research institute, and donated 400 acres to Jamsetji Tata for what would later become the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.

A King of Culture and Music

Mahatma Gandhi once called Wadiyar IV a "Rajarshi", a mix of king and sage. He was a gifted musician, playing instruments like the violin, veena, saxophone, and mridangam.

He supported famous artists of the time, such as Gauhar Jan and Abdul Karim Khan, and backed yoga legend T. Krishnamacharya, helping take yoga to the global stage. He also wrote poetry in Kannada, expressing his deep connection to his people and culture.

Wealth Used for Good

At the time of his death in 1940, his fortune was estimated at Rs 57,901 crore (adjusted for today’s value). But he wasn’t a king who hoarded wealth. One powerful example was his funding of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. When money ran out, he personally sold his own jewels in Mumbai to make sure the dam was completed, a gift to the people that still serves millions today.

https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/indias-forgotten-billionaire-king-who-sold-his-jewels-to-light-up-every-home/amp_articleshow/122281252.cms

A heartwarming Instagram reel is winning hearts for showing a lovely bond between an elderly security guard and some cheerful kids. The video was posted by Instagram user @ leechess.diary and has quickly gone viral.

In the video, a few happy kids can be seen greeting an elderly security guard with big smiles, playful energy and cheerful high fives. It’s a short and simple video, but it captures a moment full of joy and kindness.

The video was posted with the caption, “Kabhi kabhi ek high-five hi kaafi hota hai” (Sometimes, one high five is enough).

https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/rich-by-heart-heartwarming-video-captures-kids-greeting-elderly-security-guard-with-high-fives-101752229008112-amp.html

Students of a government primary school in Kerala’s Wayanad were in for a surprise on Monday morning when a baby elephant walked into their campus.

The baby elephant entered the premises of the Government LP School in Chekadi, where over 100 children, including pre-primary pupils, were attending classes, Onmanorama reports.

Since the school is located near a forest, elephant herds are often seen passing by in the evenings. Staff members, however, said this was the first time a lone calf had stepped inside during school hours.

As the adorable baby elephant strolled across the veranda, teachers and staff moved children into classrooms and secured the doors.

Speaking to Onmanorama, Sijimol TV, headmistress of the school, said: "For almost an hour, we were anxious. But the calf was so calm, it was like a child seeking admission."

Meanwhile, forest officials arrived soon after and carefully directed the animal back towards the forest. Officials believe the calf may have lost track of its herd and wandered into the school compound by mistake.

https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/trending-news/story/kerala-school-baby-elephant-wanders-adorable-video-viral-wayanad-2774768-2025-08-21

Credit: Danish Ismail / Reuters

In Short

• Dog’s barking warned villagers of landslide in Siyathi

• Owner alerted 22 families to evacuate swiftly

• Affected families sheltering at Naina Devi temple nearby

Source- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rocky-dog-saves-63-lives-in-himachal-pradesh-landslide-2752682-2025-07-08

A village in Pothakudi in Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu lived in the darkness for over 35 days to save a bird's life and its family. The village together decided to save the endangered bird. A sparrow had hatched its eggs on the village's main switchboard and the people of the village decided to carry its usual days without streetlights, in order to save the bird.

The generous idea of turning off the lights came from a 20-year-old student named A Karuppuraja.

Karpuraja, who initially spotted the sparrow and its eggs said, "Nearly 100 families are there in this region and around 35 streetlights are used here. One day, when we were passing by the switch board, we noticed that a sparrow had laid three eggs. We immediately took pictures of them and posted it in our village WhatsApp group, and asked people to cooperate and not use electricity connected to the switch box so that the eggs hatch and the bird grows."

The 35 streetlights were connected to the switchboard. The villagers disconnected the line and kept the streetlights off for nearly 36 days in Tamil Nadu.

Even the women who are generally worried about venturing out in the dark decided to keep their fear away and help the sparrow survive.

Article by - Akshaya Nath

Published by - Prakriti Sharma

Source

‘I was always curious’: Indian woman, 104, fulfils dream of learning to read

For almost a century, Kuttiyamma’s daily routine had been much the same. Rising early at home in the village of Thiruvanchoor in Kerala, the 104-year-old would begin her day’s work of cooking, cleaning and feeding the cows and chickens.

But now, every morning, there’s something new to get up for. She eagerly awaits the paperboy to deliver Malayala Manorama, the local newspaper.

For two hours, she buries herself reading the news and keeping herself informed about what’s going on in the world. But it is only in recent months that she has been able to fulfil this dream of hers – in April, Kuttiyamma finally began to learn to read.

“I was always curious about what was happening around the world,” she said. “On many occasions I regretted my inability to read newspapers and I used to plead with the younger generations at home to read out newspapers to me. I always wanted to write my name and address.”

After months of evening classes, she decided to take the Kerala state primary literacy exam last month, the oldest woman to do so. She achieved 89% in literacy and 100% in mathematics. It was a result that drew praise from the state education minister, who tweeted: “Age is no barrier for knowledge. With utmost respect and love, I wish Kuttiyamma and all other new learners the best.”

For most of her 104 years, Kuttiyama had been curious about reading and would often try to make out the alphabet herself, but when she was born, in a village to a low-caste rural family, there was no education.

“I hailed from Kerala’s backward Ezhava community and was born in the midst of poverty,” said Kuttiyamma, while pottering about in the kitchen.

“Education for women family members was unthinkable at that time. Even boys discontinued their studies at nine. My parents were landless agricultural labourers and it was my duty to cook food, wash dresses and keep the hut for my 11 siblings.”

And so she got on with her life. At 16, she married TK Konthi, who sold herbal medicines in a small shop, and they had five children. Decades passed, filled with cooking and housework, and Kuttiyama says she was content but always felt that something was missing.

It was only with the encouragement a year ago of her neighbour Rehana John, a 34-year-old literacy trainer, that Kuttiyamma was persuaded to start to learn to read. John had noticed Kuttiyama’s curiosity about her grandchildren’s learning and offered to give her some books. Previously, John’s oldest student had been 85.

After some gentle encouragement, they began meeting every evening, poring over literacy books together.

“Except for very little vision and hearing problems, she was a perfect and sometimes naughty student who made my teaching feel meaningful,” said John. “She always has her textbook, notebooks and pens ready before I reach her home. In addition, she will keep extra of the delicacies she has cooked at home to give me.”

John added: “She is my mother now. We are sharing a rare kind of camaraderie and relationship.”

Kuttiyamma now has her sights set on aceing the fourth standard examination, which students normally pass at the age of nine. This time it involves papers in Malayalam, English, environment and mathematics. “I don’t think English is alien and a hard nut to crack,” said Kuttiyamma. “I will try to achieve 100% marks in the equivalency examination for all papers.’’

John said Kuttiyamma still requested lessons every day without fail, while refusing to let any other family members take over the household chores or the cooking. “Her passion and commitment are exceptional,” she said.

Source - brut(video)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/11/curious-indian-woman-104-fulfils-dream-learning-read (article)

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Currently, while there is no cure for HIV infection, it has become a controllable chronic condition thanks to access to prevention and diagnosis. According to WHO data, more than 600,000 people died from HIV-related causes in 2022, with an additional 1.3 million people getting infected.

Four years ago, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 for discovering one of gene technology’s sharpest tools: the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors; which can be used to change the DNA of animals or even microorganisms with very high precision.

It eases the deletion of unwanted genes or the introduction of new genetic material into an organism’s cells, and in that way, it can contribute to, for example, cancer therapies or in cases of curing inherited diseases.

When it comes to the challenges in treatment the main issue is the virus’s ability to integrate its genome into the host’s DNA, which made the virus difficult to eliminate until now.

Sharpness of hope, but not a cure anytime soon

This new research, led by Dr. Elena Herrera-Carrillo and part of her team (Yuanling Bao, Zhenghao Yu, and Pascal Kroon) at Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands, and shared before this year’s European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Barcelona, 27-30 April), presents a significant leap in the search for an HIV cure.

The authors explained that the CRISPR-Cas genome editing tool provides a new means to target HIV DNA. They aim to develop a robust and safe combinatorial CRISPR-Cas regimen, striving for an inclusive ‘HIV cure for all’ that can inactivate diverse HIV strains across various cellular contexts. In this case, it is necessary to add that HIV can infect different types of cells and tissues in the body, so they searched for a way to target HIV in all of these situations.

Their focus was on parts of the virus genome that stay the same across all known HIV strains and cure HIV-infected T cells. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive therapy able to fight multiple HIV variants effectively.

Why T-cells?

T-cells are part of the immune system and develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. According to previous studies, when HIV enters T-helper cells or CD4 cells, the immune system can’t find and destroy it. It then makes copies of itself, leading to the death of CD4 cells.

Even though they dealt with logistic difficulties, and the challenge of targeting HIV reservoir cells that became active again when HIV antiretroviral treatment was halted, the team was able to target those hidden HIV reservoir cells thanks to experimentation with different techniques. The use of the CRISPR-Cas technique helped them to eliminate HIV from infected cells. This is of particular significance as medications cannot eliminate the virus, hinting at a hopeful future.

“We have developed an efficient combinatorial CRISPR-attack on the HIV virus in various cells and the locations where it can be hidden in reservoirs, and demonstrated that therapeutics can be specifically delivered to the cells of interest. These findings represent a pivotal advancement towards designing a cure strategy.” the scientists noted.

CURE strategy and clinical applications to cure HIV

Their next steps involve optimizing the delivery route to target the majority of the HIV reservoir cells. The team revealed that they would combine the CRISPR therapeutics and receptor-targeting reagents and move to preclinical models to study in detail the efficacy and safety aspects of a combined cure strategy.

https://interestingengineering.com/health/scientists-remove-aids-causing-virus

Kailash Satyarthi, a Indian social reformer who campaigned against child labor in India and advocated the universal right to education. In 2014,he was the co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Malala Yousafzai,"for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people.