Story of the urban forest on a terrace in Delhi attracts attention of documentarians from Los Angeles

The story of the urban forest created on a terrace in Delhi has gained international recognition and led to an invitation to film a documentary in Los Angeles.

After The Better India highlighted the story of 23-year-old Aman Sharma about his home garden space on social media, a filmmaker from Los Angeles discovered this story and contacted him, offering participation in an upcoming documentary.

For Aman, this news was an unexpected reminder of how far a story can spread. His terrace now hosts over 500 native plants and attracts more than 200 species of birds and 25 species of butterflies.

From a Delhi rooftop to a thriving ecosystem

Aman's interest in birds began in childhood when he observed them from the balcony before school; watching a bulbull build a nest nearby intensified his curiosity about nature. This interest gradually transformed into bird photography and wildlife documentation.

Years later, Aman started publishing information about Delhi's little-known fauna online and created the platform Birds of India, which today has nearly 900,000 subscribers. During the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine, when visiting natural areas became impossible, Aman began looking at his unused home terrace differently.

He decided: 'If I cannot go to the birds, I will make the birds come to me.' With his grandmother's support, he started growing native trees, flowering plants, fruiting varieties, and vegetables that could provide food and shelter for local wildlife. The process was accompanied by setbacks: plants died, some experiments failed, but Aman kept adapting.

Over time, the once empty roof turned into an urban forest, where more than 500 native plants grow. According to Aman, this space has since recorded visits from over 200 species of birds and 25 species of butterflies, including sunbirds, kingfishers, and parrots.

When the TBI story reached Los Angeles

When The Better India's English team presented Aman's story, it resonated with thousands of people inspired by one person's achievements in a limited urban space. However, the impact was not limited to online engagement.

Among those who saw the story was a film director based in Los Angeles. Deeply inspired by Aman's efforts to create a thriving ecosystem in the heart of Delhi, the director contacted him, offering the opportunity to include his work in an upcoming documentary.

For Aman, this opportunity could take a project that started on the terrace of his family home to an audience far beyond India. Furthermore, it drew more attention to the core idea of his work: even limited urban spaces can be designed to support native plants, birds, butterflies, and other forms of biodiversity. Aman started with an unused roof and a desire to bring birds closer to home. Years later, this roof transformed into a thriving ecosystem, and the story from one Delhi terrace traveled thousands of kilometers further.

sputniknews.uzAugust 12, 14:25

Youth from Uzbekistan visited historical sites in the Pskov region as part of the Rossotrudnichestvo program

From August 4 to 11, a cultural and educational project called 'Salam, Russia!' took place in the Pskov region, organized by Rossotrudnichestvo. Young people from Uzbekistan participated in the event, including Nigina Shaidullina from Tashkent and Sherzod Abdullaev from Namangan.

This was reported by the press service of the Russian House in Tashkent, which is the representation of Rossotrudnichestvo in Uzbekistan. A total of 37 young participants were united within the framework of the program.

The guests visited the Pskov Kremlin and the Trinity Cathedral, learned about the art of bells, and also took part in creative evenings and quizzes. The program participants also traveled to the Mikhailovsky Estate and Pushkin Hills, following in the footsteps of Pushkin.

According to Pskov sources, the participants toured the Pskov-Pechersk Monastery and the ensemble of the Trinity Cathedral Kremlin. Furthermore, Nigina and Sherzod met with Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, and told him about their countries.

Nigina and Sherzod are regular participants in events at the Russian House in Tashkent. After completing the trip, they shared their impressions and wishes to visit other regions of Russia at the representation.

autopapo.com.brAugust 12, 14:00

BMW Motorrad launches limited edition of R 1300 GS Adventure series to celebrate ten years in Manaus

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of its factory in Manaus, BMW Motorrad will produce a special and limited edition of the R 1300 GS Adventure motorcycle, restricted to only ten units.

Each vehicle in this special series will feature an exclusive visual identity, a numbered commemorative plate, and the standard ASA automated gearbox. The brand's representation in Brazil has not yet disclosed the price or the exact arrival date of these bikes at dealerships.

The selection of this specific model was intentional: it is the R 1300 GS Adventure in the Triple Black configuration, which was the 150,000th motorcycle assembled at the Manaus unit, a milestone announced by the company in early August. This large trail bike is considered the brand's main reference in the Adventure segment in Brazil and represents the most advanced product manufactured in the Amazon region.

The special collection combines a differentiated mix of finishes, paints, and graphic elements. Customization is evident on the fuel tank, side panels, engine sump guard, valve cover protectors, and also on the top luggage box (top case), which features exclusive graphics. Since each bike leaves the factory with a number, this reinforces its collectible value, corresponding to one unit per year of plant operation.

The only technical feature highlighted as a differential is the Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), which automatically manages the clutch and gear changes, while still maintaining the option for manual shifting via the pedal. This system eliminates the need for the clutch lever and is already available in normal versions of the line. Regarding the engine, the bike retains the 1,300cc boxer, delivering 145 hp and 15.2 kgfm, making it the most powerful engine ever produced in series by BMW Motorrad.

As a price comparison point, the R 1300 GS Adventure Triple Black ASA with Low Kit, launched in July, costs R$ 156,990. Although commemorative editions with such a small run are generally sold above the standard version's price, the brand has not confirmed the cost of this special edition.

The factory unit was inaugurated in 2016 and is the only BMW Motorrad factory dedicated exclusively to motorcycle production outside of Germany. It is responsible for approximately 99% of the country's total sales volume. Currently, 13 different models are produced there: G 310 R, G 310 GS, C 400 X, F 800 GS, F 900 R, F 900 GS, F 900 GS Adventure, S 1000 RR, R 1300 GS, R 1300 GS Adventure, R 1300 RT, R 12, and R 12 G/S.

BMW's presence in Manaus with its own operation occurred after the termination of the collaboration with Dafra, which previously assembled motorcycles from the German manufacturer in the Free Zone. Over these ten years, the company has carried out structural expansions, implemented new equipment, and expanded its local supplier network.

iol.co.zaAugust 12, 14:00

Nu Metro opens new cinema in Riverside with affordable ticket prices

Nu Metro announces the opening of its newest cinema in Riverside, scheduled for August 7, 2026. This expansion of the company's network will bring a new entertainment venue to the local community.

The new cinema reflects Nu Metro's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional movie-watching experiences through modern amenities, high-level customer service, and screenings of the latest blockbusters.

The Riverside cinema is designed for film lovers of all ages, offering a comfortable and quality viewing experience at an affordable price. One of the main advantages is the daily ticket price of only R55, allowing families, friends, and film enthusiasts to enjoy the big screen without compromising on quality or value.

This opening marks another stage in Nu Metro's investment in South Africa's entertainment industry. The cinema will be a place where viewers can watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters, local films, beloved family movies, and special screenings in a modern setting.

Guests can visit the new Nu Metro cinema in Riverside starting from August 7, 2026, with tickets available from just R55. For information on showtimes, booking, and other details, it is recommended to visit the Nu Metro website or download the Nu Metro mobile application.

About Nu Metro

Nu Metro is one of the leading cinema providers in South Africa. The company offers a premium cinematic experience using innovative film technology, outstanding customer service, and a diverse selection of local and international films. With cinemas across the country, Nu Metro continues to provide unforgettable entertainment experiences for audiences nationwide.