Just two days after India's Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon, Jammu businessman Rupesh Masson purchased lunar land in the 'Lake of Happiness' region certified on August 25. Masson, regional director of UCMAS, acquired the tract from The Lunar Registry in New York City. He stated that occupying space on the Moon reflects humanity's quest to see beyond and find deeper meaning. He added that approximately 675 celebrities and former US presidents own extraterrestrial holdings, seeking fulfilment. Masson's lunar land purchase underscores the growing fascination with the Moon and highlights the aspirations to explore new frontiers and escape Earth's realities.

Renowned oncologist Dr Ravi Kannan from Chennai has been awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2023 for his contribution to cancer care in India's Northeast. Dr Kannan, director of Assam's Cachar Cancer Hospital, has been named the 'Hero For Holistic Healthcare'. He transformed the hospital into a multifaceted cancer care institution since taking over in 2007. The Magsaysay Award recognised Dr Kannan's devotion to public service, compassion and pro-poor health care in expanding affordable cancer treatment in Assam. Under his leadership, the hospital grew from 23 to 451 staff. Dr Kannan, originally from Chennai, set "a shining example" in cancer care for millions in Assam.

An Indian-American, Manoj Yadav, was arrested in New Jersey for his role in a technical support scam that defrauded over 7,000 victims of more than USD 13 million, announced US Attorney Philip R Sellinger. Yadav faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The scam involved deceiving victims into believing they were dealing with a legitimate tech support company linked to a major software firm, then charging excessive fees for unauthorized services. If convicted, Yadav could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a significant fine.

India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, rebutted criticism that India's space program is a waste of money better spent on poverty in an article in The Telegraph. Doraiswami said India's recent Chandrayaan-3 moon mission cost far less than a Hollywood blockbuster. He outlined how the space program provides developmental services to farmers, fishermen, water agencies, and in designing infrastructure. Doraiswami stated India's poverty alleviation efforts have lifted over 450 million people out of poverty since 2006, even as the space program earned revenue and savings. He argued India can have both - a successful space program and poverty reduction, citing data on the sharp falls in deprivation rates across all sectors.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has commenced the countdown for the launch of its Aditya-L1 solar mission. The mission, slated to launch on September 2, will study the Sun from a Lagrangian point about 1.5 million km from Earth. ISRO chief S Somanath confirmed the spacecraft and rocket are ready for the scheduled 11:50 am launch from Sriharikota. Aditya-L1 will be India's first solar observatory, providing remote and in-situ observations of the solar corona and solar wind. The fully indigenous mission involves multiple Indian research institutions. The countdown started on September 1 for the launch of the PSLV-C57 rocket carrying the Aditya-L1 satellite to begin India's first dedicated solar study mission.

The US state of Georgia has officially proclaimed October as 'Hindu Heritage Month' to celebrate the Hindu-American community's contributions. Governor Brian Kemp issued a proclamation stating the month will focus on Hindu culture and traditions rooted in India. Earlier this year, Georgia became the first US state to pass a resolution against anti-Hindu discrimination. The resolution acknowledged Hindu contributions like yoga, ayurveda, meditation, cuisine and arts, which have enriched American society. In August, Governor Kemp signed the proclamation declaring October as Hindu Heritage Month in the state.

Former Narcotics Control Bureau officer Sameer Wankhede shared a cryptic social media post after a dialogue from Shah Rukh Khan's 'Jawan' trailer went viral. The dialogue "Bete ko haath lagane se pehle, baap se baat kar" (Deal with the father before touching the son) led to speculation that it referenced Wankhede's arrest of SRK's son Aryan in a drugs case. After the dialogue went viral, Wankhede posted a quote about having no fear and burning bridges. This has led to speculation that it was a response to SRK and the 'Jawan' dialogue. Aryan was later given a clean chit in the 2021 drugs case. The cryptic post has gone viral, with many believing it is Wankhede's way of responding to SRK's dialogue in the much-anticipated 'Jawan'.

Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film, "Jawan," has created a buzz on the internet due to a notable dialogue in its trailer: "Bete ko haath lagane se pahle, baap se baat kar" (Deal with the father before you touch the son). This meta reference has sparked discussions, drawing parallels to Shah Rukh's real-life situation when his son, Aryan Khan, faced legal issues in 2021 related to drug possession. The film's plot is rumoured to revolve around a father-son relationship, with Shah Rukh playing a double role.

Mohun Bagan staged a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over FC Goa in the Durand Cup semi-final, setting up a high-voltage Kolkata derby against arch-rivals East Bengal in the final on Sunday. Trailing to Noah Sadaoui's goal, Bagan hit back through Jason Cummings' penalty and Armando Sadiku's winner to enter their first final since 2019. The fierce local foes battling in the season's second derby for the trophy have generated massive excitement ahead of the epic footballing spectacle in Kolkata on Sunday. East Bengal won the last derby against Mohun Bagan in August after four years.

Popular Malayalam cine-serial actor Aparna Nair was discovered hanging at her residence in Karamana, Kerala, raising suspicions of suicide. The 33-year-old, known for her roles in movies and television serials, lived with her husband and children. The incident occurred around 7.30 pm on Thursday, and authorities were alerted by the hospital where she was taken after being found. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating. Early indications point to potential family issues as a possible cause. Aparna Nair leaves behind her husband and two children, leaving fans and the entertainment industry in shock.