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Global News

FabBRICK: Recycling Textiles into Eco-Friendly Bricks!

In the dynamic world of construction and manufacturing, sustainability has become a crucial concern. As traditional materials contribute significantly to environmental degradation, the search for eco-friendly alternatives has gained momentum. Among these groundbreaking materials is FabBRICK, a unique brick made from waste fabrics. Founded by young architect Clarisse Merlet, FabBRICK is transforming the way we think about construction by integrating waste-derived, technologically advanced materials into the building process. The Origin of FabBRICK FabBRICK was born from Merlet’s vision during her architecture school days in 2017. As a student, she recognized the construction industry’s heavy environmental footprint and began exploring eco-friendly building methods. However, it was the mismanagement of textile waste that truly caught her attention. With cotton’s excellent acoustic and thermal insulation properties, Merlet saw an opportunity to repurpose textile waste into eco-friendly building materials, leading to the creation of FabBRICK in 2019. Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future FabBRICK collaborates with various businesses to transform their textile waste into innovative products. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and to encourage companies to reduce their waste. By taking textile waste from these businesses and turning it into new design products, FabBRICK provides a tangible representation of the waste generated, fostering a greater understanding and commitment to waste reduction. What is FabBRICK? FabBRICK is an alternative brick used not only for standalone units and partition walls but also as components in products like chairs and tables. The production process is meticulous and detailed. Discarded clothes are sorted by color, and shredded into fibers of different sizes. These fibers are then mixed with 100% ecological glue, compressed into molds, and allowed to dry for 10 to 15 days. The result is a durable, eco-friendly brick ready for various applications. Applications and Benefits of FabBRICK Wall Coverings and Interior Design: FabBRICK offers handmade coating products measuring 20 x 10 x 2.5 cm. These bricks are used in collaborations with stores and brands to create unique interior atmospheres while emphasizing the potential of waste textiles. Collaborative Waste Utilization: FabBRICK not only sells its products but also collaborates with brands to procure textile waste. This partnership highlights the brands' commitment to sustainability and provides economic benefits by reusing fabrics in their projects. Furniture and Decorative Products: FabBRICK’s e-shop offers a range of interior design products made from recycled textiles, including lamps, tables, seats, and decorative objects. These products combine functionality with a commitment to sustainability. The Future of FabBRICK FabBRICK’s journey from a student project to a recognized sustainable material producer highlights the potential for innovative solutions in the face of environmental challenges. The company aims to expand its reach by establishing FabBRICK factories in various regions, utilizing local textile waste to produce eco-friendly bricks. This vision aligns with the global need to address the waste generated by the fast fashion industry. Impact and Recognition FabBRICK’s innovative approach has attracted attention from major players in the fashion and construction industries. Brands like Levis, Decathlon, Galeries Lafayette, Aigle, Vinci, Printemps, and Mini have collaborated with FabBRICK, supplying raw materials and supporting their mission. With Europe producing an average of 4 million tons of textile waste annually, and only 32% being recycled in France, FabBRICK’s solution offers a significant step toward sustainability. Since its inception, FabBRICK has designed over 40,000 bricks, recycling 12 tons of textiles. The company also conducts workshops to educate and engage with a diverse customer base, promoting sustainable practices and expanding its impact. FabBRICK exemplifies how innovative thinking and sustainable practices can address pressing environmental issues. By transforming textile waste into valuable construction materials, FabBRICK is paving the way for a greener future. Their collaborative efforts, commitment to sustainability, and innovative approach demonstrates that waste can indeed be transformed into wonders.

20 May 2024
Global News

A City of Dreams: Unveiling the Iconic Landmark at the Heart of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is about to make history with the launch of the world's largest modern "downtown" project, known as the "Murabba." Led by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the project aims to revolutionize city living with its sustainable design, green spaces, and innovative technologies.  Set to create over 334,000 jobs, provide housing for 104,000 families, and offer more than 80 entertainment and culture venues, the Murabba is sure to become a game-changer for the region's non-oil GDP, with estimates of up to 180 billion Riyals.  With an iconic museum, technology and design university, and immersive theatre among its many attractions, the Murabba is set to redefine the future of urban living. It is set to be situated at the intersection of King Salman and King Khalid roads, providing easy access to hundreds of thousands of residents. Additionally, the project will be only a 20-minute drive from the airport, making it accessible for tourists and international visitors. One of the most exciting features of the Murabba project is the “Mukaab,” an exceptional iconic landmark. The Mukaab will be one of the largest built structures in the world, standing 400m high, 400m wide, and 400m long. Its design includes first-of-its-kind facilities, showcasing the latest innovative technologies, and will be a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike. The Murabba project is expected to be completed in 2030, with the company behind its development focused on delivering a world-class, modern city center that provides a sustainable living for its residents.  This announcement is not just significant for Saudi Arabia, but it is a major milestone for the entire region, as it demonstrates the country's commitment to progress and development. The Murabba project is set to create a new benchmark for modern living, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in city design and innovation.

7 Mar 2023
Global News

Good News

PM Modi Inaugurates the World's Highest Railway Bridge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Chenab Bridge, a significant milestone in India's railway infrastructure.  Taller than the Eiffel Tower: An Engineering Feat Standing taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Chenab Bridge has captured global attention as an engineering marvel.  Connecting Jammu and Kashmir: Boosting Connectivity and Tourism The Chenab Bridge forms a crucial link between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing connectivity in the region. Additionally, it is expected to play a vital role in boosting tourism.  Unveiling the Impressive Specifications The Chenab Bridge reaches a staggering height of 1,178 feet above the riverbed, making it 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. It is a part of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, which aims to improve connectivity in the challenging topography and weather conditions of Jammu and Kashmir. Ensuring Safety and Stability Before its inauguration, the Chenab Bridge underwent rigorous testing to ensure its stability and safety. It passed high-velocity winds tests, extreme temperature tests, earthquake-prone tests, and assessments of hydrological impacts due to water level increase. Longevity and Resilience Engineers dedicated three years to construct the bridge's arch, utilizing mammoth cable cranes on both banks of the Chenab. The bridge is designed to have a shelf life of around 120 years, capable of withstanding winds with speeds up to 260 km/hour. It has also been engineered to be earthquake resistant. Benefits for Defense and Tourism Apart from enhancing civilian connectivity, the Chenab Bridge holds strategic importance for the armed forces deployed in the region. It will facilitate the movement of troops and supplies, strengthening defense capabilities. Additionally, the new railway line is expected to boost tourism, attracting visitors to the scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. Overcoming Delays and Missed Deadlines The completion of the Chenab Bridge comes after a long wait of two decades. The project faced multiple delays and missed several deadlines since it received its initial approval in 2003. However, its successful inauguration has brought relief and excitement to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi's Vision for Infrastructure Development In addition to the Chenab Bridge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several other projects across the country, worth a total of Rs 32,000 crore. These projects aim to strengthen urban and infrastructural development and include the inauguration of AIIMS Jammu, a new terminal building at Jammu Airport, and the foundation stone laying of various educational institutions. As India continues to strive for infrastructure development, the Chenab Bridge serves as a symbol of progress and achievement.

23 Feb 2024
Good News

Good News As Legendary Swimmer Stephanie Rice Plans to Train Indian Swimmers for Olympic Medals

Australian swimmer, Stephanie Rice who won three gold medals- all in world record time-in 2008 Olympics is aiming to set up her swimming academy in India to train young talented swimmers and prepare them to win medals at 2024 and 2028 Olympics. Just as P V Sindhu excelled in badminton and won laurels for her country, Rice said that she hopes to have an Indian swimmer on the podium. “My goal is to produce India’s PV Sindhu in swimming,” says Rice. The Swimming Academy The academy aims to train elite swimmers who are above 13 years of age and who are already training at a club. Rice believes that the only thing coming between Indian swimmers and an Olympic medal is world-class training which she intends to give. After her retirement in 2012, Rice has been thinking of making available the fruits of her own experience, knowledge and training, to others. Rice will set up the Stephanie Rice Swimming Academy (SRSA)  in any city that has a facility that covers the needs of the academy and is equally excited about the possibility of producing an Olympic Medallist. India Connection Rice has visited India many times and calls the country her second home. She visited India in 2016 as an expert analyst during the Rio Olympics, and in 2018 as a presenter during the Pro Kabaddi League. Once the academy is set up, Rice will personally train the athletes for 3-4 months spreading out over the whole year. She said that she would be with the athletes as often as she can as she wants to win their confidence and trust in the process of making them winners. With Rice’s swimming academy, we can hope that the problems of lack of infrastructure and professionally managed coaching programmes will be overcome and the country can produce world-class swimmers at the biggest podiums.

26 Sep 2019
Good News

Teenager school dropout Sahil Arora starting cab app with 25,000 taxis in NCR

Sahil Arora , a seventeen-year-old school dropout from Gurgaon will launch the taxi aggregator with 25,000 operational cabs in the NCR ( National Capital Region). He is set to start his cab aggregator, Cabby, this Thursday in Delhi. He dropped out of Pathways School, Gurgaon about a year ago after Class XI.  Arora contacted driver unions and sold them the idea that the better income and services will be offered if they joined Cabby. On how he hit upon the plan, Arora explained  "I had the idea of launching my own cab aggregator during the recent strike by cab drivers. I'm offering a better business model that is not vulnerable to external forces." The young boy plans to segregate the 25,000 cabs into various fleets. He is going to appoint a union leader as an operating manager for every fleet. On this novel management approach, Arora said, "Making union leaders the operation managers will help us keep a tab on drivers and also hold them responsible in case of accidents and contingencies." Cabby will provide the drivers with an accidental insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh, as a part of incentives. Also, free tabs will be offered after two months of working with Cabby.  Arora explained good incentives are required as, "Drivers feel betrayed by poor commissions doled out by the biggies, and have been complaining of insufficient income of late. We're building a model where they feel valued, because the business depends on them." After settling down with the Cabby operations in  NCR, Sahil Arora plans to move to Bengaluru soon.

23 Mar 2017
Good News

Star Citizens

An Amazing Idea Turned This 13-Year-Old Into a Successful Entrepreneur!

When Tilak Mehta forgot some books at his uncle’s place, he wished there was some sort of service that would deliver the books to him in a matter of a few hours. His forgetful nature actually brought out the businessman in him as he converted this revolutionary idea into a growing business and catapulted him to the position of the country's youngest entrepreneur Tilak Mehta started his one-of-its-kind courier service, ‘Papers N Parcels’ which delivered couriers on the same day at cheaper rates. He had always admired the swiftness and efficiency with which the Mumbai’s dabbawalas conduct the food delivery service. He was able to convince the dabbawalas to render their services to the courier business as well. Prompt Delivery Within The City Tilak Mehta came up with the Papers N Parcels mobile app which can be downloaded from Playstore. Each dabbawala is given an android phone. When customers place an order, a dabbawala comes to collect the courier at the doorstep- a service which no other courier company provides. There is one main hub of the company where the courier is collected and the parcel is then directed to its destination on the same day within 4-8 hours. This soon became a very convenient and prompt courier service which had many takers. Excellent Dabbawala Network Tilak Mehta harnessed the existing dabbawala network which is famous for providing world-class services at cheapest prices. The dabbawalas are also able to earn extra income through the courier service. The customers also stand to gain as the minimum courier cost is as low as Rs 45-50, a fourth of the rates of its competitors. The company also gives the option to place orders till as late as 2.30 pm and get delivery on the same day. The clear-thinking mind of young Tilak Mehta helped him become the youngest founder of an enterprise where the company and its customers are immensely benefited. This child indeed deserves praise and appreciation for his amazing work. Image Source: Quora

14 Nov 2019
Star Citizens

Uddhab Bharali – The Genius With Over 150 Inventions!

Uddhab Bharali is a man with a mind inclined to invent things for the betterment of mankind. This 57-year-old Padma Shri awardee from Assam has 150 inventions in his kitty. Bharali met with obstacles three decades ago when his family was in debt and he couldn’t afford the fees for his engineering studies. However, that didn’t deter his mind from creating new things. Riding on his passion for creativity and innovation, he started making machines for everyday use, mostly from scrap. Inventions He came to be known for his polythene making machine that he developed for tea estates in Assam. Its success propelled him to invent more machines like machines for de-seeding of pomegranates, peeling areca nuts and cassava, cutting tobacco leaves to extracting passion fruit juice. These inventions which were centered around agriculture helped in the speedy agricultural process and provided a livelihood to many. Social Service Bharali, the innovator who works with students from various IITs supports 25 families with poor financial backgrounds and is widely known for his philanthropic works. Whenever the needy approached him for help, he would offer monetary support as well as invent things for their well being. He has made machines to feed the disabled, slippers for knees, cleaners and de-weeders for amputees and many more. He has won numerous recognition and awards (national and international) for his inventions, yet he remains a humble man who shuns publicity. He was awarded the Padma Shri this year. He felt very happy to get national recognition and said that he would continue with his work. Image Source: Magical Assam

27 Aug 2019
Star Citizens

Global Inspirations

This Pathbreaking Factory Achieves Carbon Neutrality by Running Completely on Solar Power

Zurich-headquartered Multinational tech firm ABB has set up a CO2-neutral factory in the town of Luedenscheid, Germany. On a sunny day, it works totally on solar power thus eliminating their carbon footprint and setting an example in sustainable development. ABB claims that its factory which employs around 800 people to manufacture electrical equipment such as power sockets and switchers, generates all its energy needs via solar power. The Solar Photovoltaic System The facility has installed a huge solar photovoltaic system over its car park. It is slated to produce 1100 megawatt-hours of power each year that could easily meet the annual requirements of 340 homes. Speaking to CNBC’s “Sustainable Energy”, the president of ABB’s electrification business Tarak Mehta said that on a sunny day, the location need not be connected to the grid. It generates approximately 14% more energy than it needs, so surplus power is fed back to the grid. A battery system with a capacity of 275-kilowatt hours provides energy storage. Reducing Carbon Footprint Mehta stated that this factory will demonstrate how even though it consumes a lot of energy, it can yet be sustainable and carbon neutral. ABB claims that technology at the site will help to save around 630 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. While greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are threatening our environment with global warming, it is good news that people all over the world are trying hard to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprint.

20 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

This 3rd-Grade Student is Letting Cancer Patients Know that They Can Beat the Disease

Being strong during a tough situation helps us cope with the curveballs and everything seems positive when someone assures you that nothing can break you. Love and care have the immense power to heal a person mentally and third-grade student Abbi Zamani knows the importance of being giving. Suffering from cancer is painful and Abbi is aware of how difficult it can get for the patients to go through the treatments because her mother, Carli is also fighting the disease. Immense Compassion at a Young Age Carli is going through the treatments at Hux Cancer Center in Terre Haute in Indiana and Abbi is adding happiness to the lives of the patients at the same cancer center. Under her grandmother’s guidance, she makes pillows for them to let them know that she loves them and they can beat cancer as reported by WTHI-TV 10. Abbi has sewn over 50 pillows until now and she targets to make more than 100. The patients are so elated with her gesture that they now get Abbi’s pillow along with them to every treatment. A registered nurse at the cancer center, Amanda Mouck spoke to WTHI- TV 10 about how kind Abbi is as she said: “It melts your heart. Especially someone so young who has so much kindness and empathy and compassion in their heart, and wanting to take her time to make these for the patients.” This little girl’s initiative to make cancer patients feel comfortable and loved has left us in awe. Wish each and every individual had a kind heart like Abbi’s. This world would have been a much jovial place then. Image Courtesy: WTHI- TV 10

2 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

French Man Sets New Sailing Record

Francois Gabart set a new world record for the fastest non-stop solo navigation of the globe on Sunday when he completed the odyssey in 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds. The 34-year-old sailor and father of two, Gabart  became just the fourth title-holder for a world record of sailing the globe solo without stopping. He crossed a virtual finish line drawn between the island of Ushant off France's northwest tip and Lizard Point in southwest England at 0145 GMT. He broke the previous record which was made by compatriot Thomas Coville last year by six days and 10 hours. However, before confirming the award, the World Sailing Speed Council will check the boat's black box and its GPS data before final confirmation. The first record for fastest solo navigation around the globe was held by Frenchman Francis Joyon who completed the journey in 72 days and 22 hours. A year later, British female sailor Ellen MacArthur set to sail, racing against time to break that record by just a day and a half (71 days, 14 hours). She held the record till 2016 when Coville set a new record of 49 days and three hours which was almost 30 days less than the previous record. Many predicted that this record would be difficult to topple. Gabart set out to sail in a 30 metre (98 foot) long new generation maxi-trimaran . He was fortunate to experience good weather throughout much of the voyage, particularly during the long and arduous Pacific section. He set a number of new solo race records along the way, including the fastest navigation of the Pacific (7 days, 15 hours, 15 minutes) and the longest distance covered in 24 hours (851 miles or 1,576 kilometres).

18 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

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