The Asher Report – Term 3 Week 4
The Asher Report
By Asher Moratuwa, 9MKA – Rosehill College Student Newsletter
🐘 World’s Oldest Elephant Celebrates 90 Remarkable Years
In a heartwarming event in India, an elephant named Dakshayani celebrated her 90th birthday, making her one of the oldest elephants ever recorded. Living at a peaceful sanctuary in the southern state of Kerala, Dakshayani—lovingly known as “Gaja Muthassi” (Elephant Grandma)—has become a national treasure.
She spent much of her life in temple processions but retired peacefully in her later years. Now, she enjoys a relaxed life surrounded by caretakers who treat her like royalty. On her birthday, she was given a special feast of fruits and sugarcane, and the staff even made a cake-shaped arrangement of her favourite treats.
Veterinarians say her longevity is thanks to a calm lifestyle, a nutritious diet, and lots of care. Elephants in the wild rarely live past 60, so Dakshayani’s age is extraordinary. Her story has captured hearts around the world and reminds us how important it is to protect and respect these gentle giants.
🌍 Massive Earthquake in Russia Triggers Hawaii Tsunami Alert
A powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Monday morning, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including the U.S. state of Hawaii. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.8, caused strong shaking in parts of eastern Russia and sent waves rippling across the ocean.
While the initial tsunami alert for Hawaii caused panic and coastal evacuations, the waves that eventually reached the islands were significantly smaller than feared. Officials have since canceled the alert but are warning residents to stay away from shorelines until conditions fully settle.
There were no immediate reports of deaths, though damage assessments in remote parts of Russia are still ongoing. Scientists say this event is a reminder of how closely connected our planet's seismic systems are—even across oceans.
🛰️ NASA & ESA Team Up to Predict Hurricanes with New Super Forecasting Machine
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have revealed a new state-of-the-art machine that could change the way we track hurricanes forever. The new forecasting system, called CycloScan-X, uses satellite data, ocean temperature readings, and atmospheric patterns to predict the intensity and path of storms more accurately than ever before.
The two agencies say the system can provide up to 5 days of advanced warning, giving communities more time to prepare and evacuate. It combines AI-powered modelling with real-time Earth observation from space.
“This is a game changer,” said Dr. Lina Rodriguez, lead scientist at NASA. “We’re looking at a future where fewer lives will be lost thanks to smarter storm tracking.”
The system is already being tested during the 2025 hurricane season and could be fully operational by next year.
🎬 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Review – Extinction Is Just the Beginning
Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)
I’ve been a fan of the Jurassic series since I was 8, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom definitely kept me hooked. The movie takes a darker turn than the previous films, as the dinosaurs face a new threat—not just from humans, but from nature itself. Isla Nublar’s volcano is erupting, and a rescue mission quickly turns into something much bigger and more dangerous.
The visuals are stunning, especially the eruption scenes and the creepy mansion setting later on. The plot has some twists, and while a few moments feel over-the-top, it still delivers solid action and emotion. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return with strong performances, and the new dinosaurs (like the terrifying Indoraptor) bring fresh excitement.
It’s not the best in the series, but it’s still a great watch for fans like me. A solid 8/10.
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