Early signs and symptoms of Kidney Disease

Early stage kidney disease typically causes no noticeable symptoms. As function declines, subtle signs like foamy urine, puffiness around the eyes, swollen ankles, fatigue, and increased nighttime urination

1. Less Energy or Trouble Concentrating
A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood, cause people to feel tired or weak and can make it hard to concentrate.

2. Trouble sleeping
When the kidneys aren't filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood rather than leaving the body through the urine, can make it difficult to sleep.

3. Dry and itchy skin
Can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease, or when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood.

4. Urinating more frequently
When the kidney's filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate.

5. Blood in urine
In addition to signaling kidney disease, blood in the urine can be indicative of tumors, kidney stones, or an infection.

6. Foamy urine
Excessive bubbles in the urine – especially those that require you to flush several times before they go away—indicate protein in the urine.

7. Persistent puffiness around eyes
This puffiness around your eyes can be due to the fact that your kidneys are leaking a large amount of protein in the urine, rather than keeping it in the body.

8. Swollen ankles and feet
Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of heart disease, liver disease and chronic leg vein problems.

9. Poor appetite
This is a very general symptom, but a buildup of toxins resulting from reduced kidney function can be one of the causes.

10. Muscle cramping
Electrolyte imbalances can result from impaired kidney function. For example, low calcium levels and poorly controlled phosphorus may contribute to muscle cramping.

Countries that spend most on Weddings

Weddings across the globe are more than just two people starting out on a joyful journey. They're vibrant expressions of culture, tradition, and community. In every corner of the world, these ceremonies reflect the values and lifestyles of the societies they take place in. As couples begin their journey together, they’re not only pledging love and commitment, but also crafting an experience that brings joy to family and friends. But although the idea of a wedding is shared universally, the way it's celebrated through rituals, customs, and even price tag can differ from one country to another, making each one uniquely special.

Please find below; explore the average cost of getting married in different countries.

1. India
Weddings are a full-scale production, blending deep tradition with spectacular pageantry. It’s not uncommon for families to spend 20% of their lifetime earnings on a single wedding. Many expenses soar into six or seven figures. Multi-day ceremonies, Gold Jewelry, designer clothing, and enormous guest lists (500+ people is normal) fuel the industry and more.

2. United States
Though some weddings can hardly be called extravagant, most couples end up going over the budget when planning their wedding. In the past few years, wedding costs have increased by nearly 30%. The average expense for a wedding is about $36,000.

3. Spain
Spain offers a host of different options for couples who want to personalize their special day. Customization is available at every step, though it can become increasingly expensive. On average, it costs about $23,500 to get married in Spain.

4. Italy
Italian weddings are steeped in grandeur, tradition, and unrestrained joy. And fashion plays an important part for the couple as well as the guests. It’s the best occasion to dress up and offer a glimpse of one’s personality. Whether it's an extravagant display of love or a modest gathering of family and close friends, it's easy to find a middle ground between celebration and expenses.

5. Canada
Couples today aren’t shy about turning their big day into an unforgettable celebration. Many go all out to create the kind of experience they'll cherish forever. But it does come with a hefty price tag, especially as wedding costs continue to climb. Most of the budget typically goes toward venue costs, catering, and professional photography. Saying "I do" here costs around $21,900.

6. United Kingdom
Traditionally, it was the bride’s family who picked up the wedding tab, while the groom’s side took care of the honeymoon expenses. These days, though, things have evolved. Sometimes, the parents still pitch in, but many couples now choose to pay for the entire celebration themselves. On average, getting hitched here comes with a price tag of around $19,500.

7. France
French weddings are all about elegance, beauty, and soaking in every moment. From the decor to the attire, aesthetics takes center stage. Planning often becomes a shared effort, with family and the wider community playing a big role in bringing the celebration to life. These weddings aren’t just a few hours of festivity; they stretch well into the early morning, filled with laughter, food, and dancing.

8. Portugal
A trademark of Portuguese weddings is the personalized touch in every aspect of the occasion. It is all about creating an unforgettable experience, with celebrations steeped in culture and sophistication. Portuguese couples spend $16,700 on their wedding on average.

9. Russia
There is a lot of emphasis on fun and entertainment at Russian weddings. One can expect a playful atmosphere with a lot of food, drinks, music, and dance. The average expense is about $15,000. Couples in Russia are investing in style and extravagance to mark the most important day in their lives. A wedding is a perfect blend of luxury and tradition, with celebrations lasting several days.

10. Mexico
A Mexican wedding can include several rituals that may stretch one’s budget. Traditionally, it is los padrinos y madrinas, who are either godparents, parents, or other married couples in the family, who sponsor the wedding. Typically, the cost is about $8,600. They are full of music, traditional customs, dance, and flavorful food.

Messi's father dies aged 68 in Argentina

Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi has died at the age of 68 following a long illness at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario. He was 68.

Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup in North America before rejoining his club Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week ago.

Read more: >>>>

Top 10 Crude Oil Consumption Countries in the World

The world still depends heavily on oil as a major source of energy. It plays a crucial role in powering industries such as manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and technology. Beyond energy, oil is a major source for many petrochemical products we use in everyday life.

While many countries are working to reduce their dependence on oil, it remains a dominant force in the global energy landscape. From advanced nations to rapidly growing economies, oil continues to power economic progress around the world.

Please find below details of top crude oil consumers in the world. 

Source: (World Population Review) (Visual Capitalist) (Worldometer) (International Monetary Fund)

1. United States
The United States is the highest consumer of oil in the world. Every day, it uses 19 million barrels of crude oil. 

2. China
China uses 16.4 million barrels of crude oil every day to sustain its huge manufacturing industry. There is a growing demand for energy as it experiences growth in various industries.

3. India
India is experiencing massive growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Energy demands from consumers and industries result in the use of 5.6 million barrels per day.

4. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the world’s third-largest crude oil producer. Although it consumes four million barrels of crude oil per day, it has started to pivot towards renewables in recent years.

5. Russia
Russia has a huge energy demand from consumers and its industrial sectors. On average, it uses about 3.7 million barrels of crude oil per day.

6. Japan
Japan has limited domestic energy resources. It is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and consumes about 3.2 million barrels of crude oil every day.

7. South Korea
South Korea has a strong automobile, electronics, textiles, steel, and shipping industries. It uses 2.9 million barrels of crude oil per day to power these sectors.

8. Brazil
Brazil has a huge consumption-driven economy, ranking 11th in the world in terms of GDP. A huge demand for energy results in the use of 2.6 million barrels of crude oil per day.

9. Canada
Canada's energy demand is high, driven by its transportation, industrial, and commercial sectors. It uses about 2.3 million barrels of crude oil per day.

10. Germany
Germany is one of the most industrialized economies in the world. To power its energy demand, it uses 2.1 million barrels of crude oil per day.

Top 10 Countries that Waste the Most Food

Despite widespread hunger and food insecurity affecting millions across the globe, a staggering amount of food is still wasted every year. This waste happens at every stage, from farm to fork. In many countries, food is lost on farms due to outdated harvesting, poor storage, or lack of transport.

The problem exists even in our homes. Cultural norms in many regions encourage preparing and serving more food than needed, much of which ends up in the trash. While some nations face empty plates, others throw away tons of edible food. Please find below; Countries where food waste is alarmingly high.

1. China
China ranks at the top in terms of food waste. Annually, 108 million tons of food are discarded. A number of factors contribute to the high number.

2. India
India suffers from a significant food waste problem. The waste occurs through every step of the food supply chain, from transportation to food consumption practices. The volume of food waste is the second highest in the world, at 78 million tons per year.

3. Pakistan
A significant amount of food is wasted in Pakistan, nearly 31 million tons a year. From infrastructure issues to cultural norms, food waste is high there for several reasons.

4. Nigeria
Another country that ends up wasting a lot of food is Nigeria. Lack of adequate infrastructure for food storage, inefficient processing facilities, political conflict, and unrest are some of the factors that contribute to 24.8 million tons of food going to waste each year.

5. USA
The United States wastes a lot of food, about 24.7 million tons every year. From high aesthetic standards to over-ordering, many reasons contribute to the high quantities of food wasted in the US.

6. Brazil
Brazil, too, ranks high in terms of food waste. Every year, nearly 20 million tons of food are thrown away.

7. Egypt
Food waste in Egypt can be attributed to several factors, such as culture, habits, and poor infrastructure. The average amount of food wasted every year is 18.1 million tons.

8. Indonesia
Indonesia wastes about 15 million tons of food every year. Reports suggest that Indonesia’s malnourishment issues can be solved if appropriate measures are taken to stop the waste.

9. Bangladesh
About 14 million tons of food were wasted last year in Bangladesh. It is estimated that around 30% of its total food production is lost for a number of reasons.

10. Mexico
Mexico has a huge problem when it comes to combating food waste. Approximately 70% of food never makes it to the market due to pricing issues and demand for specific produce shape or color. Read more:>>>>

Sources: (World Population Review) (Statista) (World Resources Institute)

Sri Lankan Javelin star Won Gold Madel in Commonwealth Games 2026

Sri Lankan Javelin star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has achieved a historic milestone by climbing to the No. 1 position in the latest world rankings for the Men's Javelin Throw, becoming the world's top-ranked Athlete in the event held at Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Age 23, Rumesh has secured the Commonwealth title with a throw of 89.75 meters and now leads the world rankings with 1,354 points.

The achievement also marks the first time a Sri Lankan athlete has reached the No. 1 position in the world rankings for the men's Javelin Throw.

Germany's Julian Weber, who previously held the top spot, has dropped to second place in the latest rankings. 

Read More:>>>>

Top 10 Countries with more Women than Men

There are countries that have more women than men. This is often driven by different factors, such as conflict and life expectancy rates. Immigration also plays a key role in gender imbalance demographics. Interestingly, the majority of nations where there are more women than men are in Eastern Europe.

Regionally, the numbers are quite interesting. In 2021, the European Union registered 5% more women than men across Member States.

1. Moldova
Moldovan woman makes up 53.98% of the nation’s population. Much like other nations on the list, Moldova struggles with issues of gender equality, particularly when it comes to workforce participation and economic dynamics. The Moldova is an Eastern European nation. Moldova ranks number one on the list.

2. Latvia
Which country ranks 2nd in the highest proportion of women to men? If you guessed another former Soviet nation, you’re correct. It’s Latvia.

3. Armenia
Armenian women comprise 53.61% of the country’s total population, ranking third on the list. With similarly difficult economic conditions to its regional neighbor, Georgia, many Armenian men have had to immigrate to find work.

4. Russia
Following World War II, Russia has consistently had more women than men since the mid-20th century. Russian women have a life expectancy of 11 years superior to that of Russian men.

5. Ukraine
The nation ranking fifth joins the list of Eastern European nations in similar predicaments. Ukrainian women tend to live a staggering decade longer than Ukrainian men.

6. Georgia
The birthplace of wine is the sixth nation on the list. Georgian women make up 53.4% of the national population. Similar to the other former Soviet nations on the list, the discrepancy of life expectancy is quite significant.

7. Belarus
Belarusian women make up 53.4% of the nation’s population, ranking seventh on the list. Similar to Lithuania, a contributing factor to this is a decade difference of life expectancy between women and men.

8. Lithuania
Women in Lithuania make up 52.85% of the country’s population, making it the country with the eighth-highest ratio of women to men. Interestingly, this is not due to higher female birthrates.

9. Tonga
The nation with the ninth-highest proportion of women in their population is Tonga. Women in the Polynesian nation make up 52.59% of the population.

10. Serbia
So which nations have the highest ratio of women? The nation with the 10th-highest ratio of women to men in the world is Serbia.

Sources: (NIH) (Visa to Travel) (United Nations Population Fund) (World Atlas) (Tonga Statistics Department) (Biroul National de Statistica al Republicii Moldova) (European Commission) (The Global Economy) (Ukrstat) (Belstat)

Sri Lanka to Introduce Dedicated Motorcycle Lanes on Major Roads

The Government is planning to introduce dedicated motorcycle lanes on major roads across Sri Lanka in a bid to reduce the country's high number of motorcycle-related road accidents, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake announced.

The first phase of the initiative is scheduled to commence in Kaluwanchikudy in the Eastern Province, where a 3.5m wide lane on the main road will be designated exclusively for motorcycles.

He noted that motorcycle accidents account for the majority of road crashes reported annually in Sri Lanka, making the introduction of dedicated lanes a key measure to improve road safety.

Addressing the initiative, Minister Rathnayake said around 2,500 people die in road accidents in Sri Lanka each year, while the death toll reached approximately 2,750 in 2025.

He further stated that in 2019 alone, around 1,400 motorcycle riders and pillion passengers lost their lives, adding that nearly 9,000 people have died in motorcycle-related accidents over the years.

The Minister stressed that addressing motorcycle safety is essential to reducing road fatalities in the country. Read more:>>>>