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18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics Comes to Mumbai

From August 11 to 21, 2025, the city of Mumbai will host the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), a gathering of over 300 high school students from 64 countries, making it the largest IOAA in history. The event will be headquartered at The Westin Powai Lake, with opening and closing ceremonies at the Jio World Convention Centre and Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, respectively. The IOAA is more than an academic contest; it’s a cultural and scientific exchange, an arena where tomorrow’s astrophysicists, engineers, and explorers are shaped.The Origins: From Chiang Mai to MumbaiThe IOAA was born in 2006, with the first competition held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2007. Conceived to nurture high school students’ interest in astronomy, it quickly grew into a major annual global event. Over the years, host countries have included Brazil, China, Colombia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Poland, and Romania. What began with just 21 participating countries now welcomes 64 nations, reflecting a sharp rise in both global engagement and the importance placed on astronomy education.Why IOAA 2025 is HistoricThis year’s Mumbai edition of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics sets remarkable records, with nearly 300 contestants and 140 academic leaders making it the largest IOAA to date. Showcasing diverse representation, it welcomes teams from several Global South nations for the first time, adding a new dimension of inclusivity. Marking a rare return of an international science Olympiad to India’s financial capital after more than a decade, the event is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, with support from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Department of Atomic Energy, positioning India as a prominent leader in global science collaboration.The Competition Format: Minds Under the StarsThe IOAA challenges participants across three core areas: theoretical knowledge, observational skills, and data analysis. The theoretical segment involves written exams that test a deep understanding of astronomy and astrophysics concepts, while the observational component requires night-sky observations and telescope use to identify celestial objects and phenomena. In the data analysis portion, contestants tackle real astronomical datasets, reflecting the methods used by professional astronomers. Adding a collaborative dimension, the team challenge brings together mixed-nation groups to solve complex astronomical problems, fostering both international cooperation and a spirit of “scientific diplomacy.”A Platform for Science and CultureWhile the core is competition, the IOAA also emphasizes human connection. Students share cultural traditions, explore Mumbai’s vibrant history, and participate in collaborative events. Friendships forged here often last well beyond the competition, creating an international network of future scientists. In a field that can sometimes seem distant from everyday life, these interactions remind us that science is a deeply human endeavor built on shared curiosity and cooperation.India’s Role and VisionIndia has a long-standing tradition of nurturing young science talent, but astronomy has often lagged behind mathematics and physics in public visibility. Hosting IOAA 2025 aims to change that, sparking fresh enthusiasm for space sciences across the country. Educational resources developed for the event will feed into the IAU Office of Astronomy Education (India), enriching school curricula and outreach programs. Astronomy is unique in that it deals with universal questions literally. Every participant, regardless of nationality, looks up at the same sky. By bringing together 64 countries under this common pursuit, the IOAA underscores the shared human quest for knowledge. For India, it’s also a chance to showcase its scientific infrastructure, hospitality, and growing role in global space research, from Chandrayaan’s lunar success to Aditya-L1’s solar mission.Dignitaries and CeremoniesOpening Ceremony (Aug 12) – Jio World Convention CentreChief Guest: Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of IndiaGuest of Honour: Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, former Vice President, International Astronomical UnionClosing Ceremony (Aug 21) – Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural CentreChief Guest: Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, ISROGuest of Honour: Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor, Homi Bhabha National Institute

11 Aug 2025
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India-UK Historic Free Trade Deal: A New Era for Global Partnership and Prosperity

In a moment of historic significance, India and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that promises to reshape economic ties between the two nations. The most exciting highlight? 99% of Indian goods will now enter the UK market without any customs duty. This breakthrough not only boosts India’s exports but also marks a major step towards mutual growth, job creation, and a stronger global presence. The deal comes at a time when the world is navigating trade disruptions and economic uncertainties. Yet, India and the UK have chosen to walk a path of cooperation, opportunity, and shared prosperity.A Win-Win for Both NationsIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the agreement as more than just a trade deal. “This is a blueprint for our shared future,” he said, highlighting its potential to strengthen key sectors like textiles, jewellery, agriculture, engineering, and more. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment, calling the deal “signed, sealed, and ready to be delivered,” with benefits that include lower prices for consumers, rising incomes, and a deeper economic bond between the two nations.99% Duty-Free: What It Means for IndiaThe new trade deal between India and the UK is a major step that gives 99% of Indian exports across thousands of product types zero-tariff access to the UK market. This means Indian products can now be sold in the UK without paying any import tax, making them cheaper and more competitive. For important sectors, this change is a big opportunity. For example, marine products like shrimp, tuna, and fishmeal will now go to the UK duty-free, creating a chance to earn $5.4 billion. Textiles and garments, which earlier had to pay up to 12% tax, will now enjoy zero tax on over 1,143 product categories, helping weavers and garment makers. Processed foods, which faced very high taxes up to 70%, will now enter the UK at 0% duty on 99.7% of tariff lines. Other sectors like chemicals, plastics, base metals, and rubber goods will also see big benefits as taxes are removed. This deal is not just about numbers; it brings real growth and better income to farmers, artisans, small businesses, and industries that are the backbone of India’s economy.Farmers and Villages: A Big Step ForwardIndia’s agriculture sector is among the biggest winners. Fruits, vegetables, spices (like turmeric and pepper), pulses, pickles, and mango pulp will now find new markets in the UK. The deal supports India’s target of $100 billion in agri-exports by 2030 and creates fresh demand for jackfruit, millets, and organic herbs. Most importantly, the FTA protects India’s sensitive sectors such as dairy, apples, and edible oils, showing that progress does not come at the cost of farmers’ livelihoods.Textile Workers, Artisans, and HandicraftsFor Indian textile workers, especially women-led units in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, the deal is a huge opportunity. It corrects the disadvantage India faced compared to countries like Bangladesh and Cambodia, which already enjoyed duty-free status. With easier access, Indian carpets, home furnishings, sarees, and handicrafts will now gain visibility in the UK’s $27 billion textile market. Experts expect India’s market share in UK textiles to rise by at least 5% within two years. The FTA slashes up to 18% of tariffs on engineering goods, helping India’s exports potentially double to $7.5 billion by 2030. India’s pharma industry, known globally for affordable generics, gains major ground. Tariffs on generic drugs and medical devices are removed, making Indian products even more competitive in the UK, which imports over $30 billion worth of pharmaceuticals annually.Gems, Jewellery, Toys, and Leather: Shining BrightThe FTA opens wide the gates to the UK’s $3 billion jewellery market, with Indian exports expected to double in 2–3 years. Toys, sports goods, and leather products, including soccer balls, cricket gear, and stylish footwear, will now compete more fairly with Chinese and Vietnamese products. MSME hubs in Agra, Kanpur, Kolhapur, and Chennai are set to benefit from tariff removal and higher demand. The FTA isn’t just about goods; it’s also about people. It exempts 75,000 Indian professionals from UK social security contributions for three years, a big relief for temporary workers. Indian firms can now operate in 36 UK service sectors without economic needs tests, and professionals can work in 35 sectors for up to two years even without a local office. Every year, the UK will welcome over 1,800 Indian chefs, yoga experts, and musicians, making this deal a bridge for cultural and human exchange as well.A Future of Friendship and ProsperityThe India-UK trade agreement reflects more than economics; it reflects trust, respect, and the power of partnership. While the deal eliminates tariffs on almost all exports from both sides, a few sensitive items remain protected, ensuring balanced growth. For India, this is a step towards becoming a global manufacturing and export hub. For the UK, it opens access to the world’s fastest-growing economy and its young, skilled workforce. Mr. Modi also met King Charles III and gifted him a tree sapling as part of his “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. As India’s goods cross oceans duty-free and British innovations enter India more affordably, millions of lives on both sides will benefit. It’s not just about trade. It’s about trust, transformation, and a shared vision of prosperity.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to the Maldives after completing his visit to the United Kingdom. He will be in the Maldives from July 25 to 26, 2025, on the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. During this two-day state visit, PM Modi will take part in the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26, where he will be the Guest of Honour. This special occasion also marks 60 years of formal diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives, highlighting the strong and growing ties between the two nations.

25 Jul 2025
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The Golden Arc: Bengaluru Welcomes the World at the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025

Bengaluru, a city known for its rush-hour buzz and monsoon hush, is pausing for something extraordinary. It’s not cricket that’s commanding the spotlight this July, but a quieter, nobler pursuit: the art of the perfect throw. The Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 isn’t just an event; it’s a moment. A shift in how India celebrates sport—not under stadium floodlights alone, but under a sky heavy with dreams. On July 5, the Sree Kanteerava Stadium will become the beating heart of Indian athletics, hosting the country’s first-ever international javelin competition, co-organized by Neeraj Chopra himself, Olympic champion, world champion, and India’s most decorated track and field athlete, along with JSW Sports. The event is sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and holds the prestigious World Athletics Gold Level status, attracting some of the biggest names in the global javelin circuit.The Silent Build-Up: A City, a Stadium, a SignalDays before the event, Bengaluru has already started to shift gears. Kanteerava doesn’t feel like a typical sports venue anymore—it feels like a shrine in waiting. Posters of Neeraj Chopra line the roads, arms mid-flight, gaze focused, as if inviting an entire generation to aim higher. The stadium was almost meditative. The sounds weren’t loud—no cheering crowds or marching bands—just the quiet rhythm of breath, footsteps, and javelins slicing air. Young athletes, were seen training on the side-ground, honing their throws with intense focus and silent determination in their eyes full of hope. No one told them to come. No one asked them to mimic. This is the Neeraj effect: the inspiration that moves without command.Neeraj Chopra: The Calm at the Center of the StormThere’s something special about watching a legend prepare not for the cameras, but for himself. Neeraj Chopra moved with the calmness of a monk and the precision of a master. No entourage, no theatrics. Just training gear, spikes gripping the track, and the quiet science of perfection. Every time he paused, eyes scanning the horizon, hands resting on hips, you could almost hear the questions in his head: not if he’ll inspire again, but how far this inspiration might travel. The man who put Indian athletics on the global map is now building a stage for others to shine. A Global Line-Up on Indian SoilThe Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 isn’t just a celebration of India’s golden boy; it’s a gathering of the world’s finest javelin throwers, all converging in Bengaluru to compete on Indian turf. Among the stars are Thomas Röhler from Germany, the 2016 Olympic champion with an incredible throw of 93.90 m, and Julius Yego from Kenya, who won the 2015 World Championship with a best of 92.72 m. Curtis Thompson, the top-ranked javelin thrower from the USA and Pan Am Games winner, brings experience from the global circuit. Rising names like Cyprian Mrzygłod from Poland and Luiz Mauricio Da Silva from Brazil, along with Sri Lanka’s record-breaker Rumesh Pathirage, add serious firepower to the international lineup. India, too, has its rising stars. Athletes like Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Sahil Silwal, and Yashvir Singh are throwing past the 80-meter mark and stepping up to carry forward the javelin legacy. With Neeraj at the center, this event isn’t just a competition; it’s proof that a movement has begun, one that’s bringing India shoulder-to-shoulder with the world in track and field.Kanteerava Transformed: A World-Class ArenaTo meet the moment, Sree Kanteerava Stadium has undergone a complete facelift. Renovated stands, new corporate and VVIP zones, re-laid turf, a hospitality suite near the infield, and an entertainment stage—Bengaluru is ready not just to host a meet but to stage a world event. This isn’t just about facilities; it’s about respect. About saying that Indian athletes deserve the same spotlight as anywhere else in the world. Tickets are available on District by Zomato, and for those watching from afar, the event will be broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioCinema and Hotstar, making this sporting moment truly national.

4 Jul 2025
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PM Modi Wraps Up Canada Trip, Emphasizes G7’s Commitment to Global Peace

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of the world's advanced economies, comprising France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada, with the European Union also participating. The G7 Summit is an annual gathering of these nations to discuss global economic and geopolitical issues. This year's summit, hosted by Canada, provided a platform for world leaders to deliberate on pressing challenges facing the globe.India's Participation in the G7 SummitAs the fifth-largest economy in the world, India has regularly been invited to the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in the past few years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the summit underscores India's growing influence on the global stage and its commitment to addressing global challenges. In a social media post, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the Canadian people and government for hosting a successful G7 Summit. He appreciated the fruitful discussions on diverse global issues and reaffirmed India's commitment to furthering global peace, prosperity, and sustainability. PM Modi's appreciation for the summit highlights India's dedication to working with other nations to address global challenges.The Importance of the G7 SummitThe G7 Summit is a crucial platform for world leaders to discuss and address global economic and geopolitical issues. The summit provides an opportunity for nations to share their perspectives, coordinate policies, and work together to address common challenges. This year's summit was particularly significant, given the complex and interconnected nature of global challenges.Global Peace, Prosperity, and SustainabilityThe G7 Summit's focus on global peace, prosperity, and sustainability is reflective of the world's most pressing challenges. As a major economy and a vocal advocate for developing nations, India is well-positioned to contribute to global discussions and shape international policies.PM Modi's Next Stop After concluding his Canada visit and attending the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to Croatia, becoming the first Indian PM to do so. The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties with the European nation through cooperation in trade, technology, and culture. Modi’s stop in Croatia is part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen India’s global partnerships. Next, PM will travel to Brazil for the BRICS Summit on July 6–7, 2025, where he plans to push an anti-terrorism agenda and advocate for the Global South’s interests. The summit offers a key platform for India to shape multilateral dialogue.PM Modi's conclusion of his Canada visit and his appreciation for the G7 Summit's focus on global peace, prosperity, and sustainability highlight India's commitment to addressing global challenges. As India continues to play a more significant role in global affairs, its participation in the G7 Summit and its commitment to global cooperation will be closely watched.

20 Jun 2025
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India's Metro Milestone: Now The 3rd Largest Network Globally - and Still Expanding!

Ever since I stepped into the city of Pune, the metro has become my go to transport. In a city that rarely slows down, stepping into an air-conditioned metro coach feels so calm. No honking, no traffic jams, just clean seats and punctual rides. And it’s not just Pune, across the country, millions are discovering this pocket-friendly and time-saving marvel of modern infrastructure.From Delhi’s First Track to 1,000 Kilometers of ProgressIndia’s metro journey began back in 2002, when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee flagged off the Delhi Metro. What started as a bold experiment has now grown widely, where India’s metro rail network has officially crossed the 1,000-km mark, making it the third-largest operating metro system in the world. Back in 2014, only five cities had metro systems. Today, 23 cities across 11 states are humming with the sound of underground trains. The government has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Since 2014, the network has more than tripled. Daily ridership has soared from 28 lakh to over 1 crore passengers. The total distance traveled by metro trains every year has skyrocketed from 86,000 km to an eye-widening 2.75 lakh km. New Corridors, New Connections: A Look at What’s Next!Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate a 13-km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, a project worth ₹4,600 crore that promises to cut travel time and boost inter-city mobility in NCR. Fast and comfortable pocket-friendly travel is no longer a dream but a soon-to-be reality.On the same day, the Prime Minister will flag off a 2.8-km stretch between Janakpuri and Krishna Park, the very first operational segment of Delhi Metro’s Phase IV. Built at a cost of ₹1,200 crore, this line will offer immense relief to the crowded neighborhoods of West Delhi, especially places like Vikaspuri and Janakpuri. And laying the groundwork for the future, PM Modi will also inaugurate the foundation stone for a new 26.5-km Rithala-Kundli corridor, connecting Delhi’s northwest to Haryana, an investment of ₹6,230 crore aimed at opening up access to areas like Rohini, Narela, and Kundli.A Brighter Urban Future on Steel TracksFor millions, the metro means cleaner air, shorter commutes, and less money spent on fuel and fares. As India’s cities continue to swell, the need for efficient, modern public transport has never been more urgent. With plans underway to expand metro services to 29 cities, the vision is to create an India where mobility is not a luxury but a basic right. So the next time you board a metro and settle into that cool coach, remember, you’re not just saving time. You’re riding a wave of transformation that’s quietly changing the face of urban India.

9 Jun 2025
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Two Indian Navy Women Officers to Return Home After Historic Circumnavigation of the Globe!

After eight months navigating the world’s vastest oceans, Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A. of the Indian Navy are returning to Goa, having completed a pioneering maritime feat—India’s first-ever double-handed circumnavigation by women under sail. Their return on May 29, 2025 marks the culmination of Navika Sagar Parikrama II, an ambitious expedition that underscores India’s maritime ambition, naval capability, and commitment to women-led missions under the theme “Courageous Hearts, Boundless Seas.”A formal flag-in ceremony will be held at Mormugao Port Trust, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to officially welcome the officers and commemorate this significant maritime achievement.Starting from Goa’s Naval Ocean Sailing Node on 2 October 2023, the officers journeyed 25,400 nautical miles (around 50,000 km) across the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Relying solely on wind power aboard INSV Tarini, they crossed all global meridians and rounded the formidable Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope—benchmarks for international circumnavigation.Braving the Elements, Making HistoryThroughout the voyage, the officers faced formidable challenges: sub-zero temperatures, towering five-metre waves, and wind speeds touching 50 knots. INSV Tarini endured at least three cyclonic storms and navigated past Point Nemo—the most remote location in the world’s oceans.The crossing of Cape Horn, just 800 km from Antarctica, in February was a defining moment. Reserved for the most skilled seafarers, this milestone earned them the prestigious title of “Cape Horners,” traditionally granted only to those who round it without engine assistance.Their accomplishment is not just a test of endurance but of preparation. Both officers were mentored by Commodore Abhilash Tomy (Retd), India’s celebrated solo circumnavigator and 2023 Golden Globe Race winner. Tomy’s guidance, rooted in his own high-risk sailing experiences, was instrumental in equipping the duo for the expedition.More Than a Sailing MissionWhile the journey was a test of physical and operational resilience, it also served as a platform for scientific research and diplomacy. The officers collected data on microplastics, ferrous content in seawater, and marine mammal sightings—contributing valuable information for future research.They also made port calls at Fremantle, Lyttleton, Port Stanley, and Cape Town—not for assistance but to engage with Indian missions abroad. These stops included outreach events, student and diaspora interactions, and a special honour at the Western Australian Parliament.This voyage builds on the legacy of the 2017-18 Navika Sagar Parikrama, where an all-women crew completed a global circumnavigation aboard the same vessel. This time, however, the two-member format raised the stakes, intensifying both the navigation and logistics.As they near the shores of Goa, their achievement resonates far beyond the ocean. It stands as a mark of women’s leadership in defence and a reminder of India’s growing presence in global maritime affairs. The Indian Navy has hailed the mission as a landmark in its gender inclusion efforts, with Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi praising the officers’ exceptional teamwork and skill.This journey is not just about sailing around the world—it’s about expanding horizons, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of explorers.

28 May 2025
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BrahMos: India's Pride Takes Center Stage, 17 Nations in Queue for the Supersonic Marvel!

The recent triumph of Operation Sindoor has propelled the BrahMos cruise missile into international focus, highlighting its unmatched precision-strike capabilities. Developed as a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, BrahMos Aerospace has created a supersonic cruise missile that stands out due to its speed, accuracy, and versatility. Capable of being launched from land, sea, and air, the BrahMos missile has demonstrated remarkable battlefield utility, sparking defense interest from around the world. As India showcases its defense excellence, BrahMos has become a symbol of its technological advancement and growing global influence.Supersonic BrahMos: Rising Demand Across ContinentsInterest in the BrahMos missile is growing significantly in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Indonesia is negotiating a $200–$350 million deal for an advanced variant, while Vietnam is planning a substantial $700 million purchase for its Army and Navy. Malaysia is considering integration with its Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets and Kedah-class warships, and other nations like Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei are engaged in early-stage discussions. In Latin America, countries such as Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Venezuela are evaluating naval and coastal variants of BrahMos, driven by the need for robust and modern defense systems. In the Middle East, nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman have expressed interest, seeing BrahMos as a strategic asset for both deterrence and combat readiness.Versatility and Capabilities: The BrahMos EdgeWhat makes the BrahMos missile especially attractive is its blend of speed, precision, and adaptability. As a supersonic cruise missile, it can travel at speeds up to Mach 3, striking targets with minimal response time. Its pinpoint accuracy and ability to evade interception through advanced maneuverability offer a significant tactical advantageWith a range recently extended beyond 400 km (and new variants in development reaching over 800 km), and a powerful payload, the BrahMos serves not just as an offensive weapon but also as a strategic deterrent. Countries around the world are drawn to its reliability, ease of integration, and the trust associated with India-Russia defense collaboration.India’s Rise in the Global Defense ArenaThe growing global interest in BrahMos is a reflection of India as a defense exporter and technology innovator. Nations like South Africa and Bulgaria have also initiated talks with India, further widening the missile’s potential reach. The success of BrahMos underlines India’s transition from defense importer to exporter, gaining credibility for high-tech, cost-effective solutions. As India continues to enhance the BrahMos system, working on next-generation versions with hypersonic speeds and increased range, it’s clear that this is only the beginning. The BrahMos missile is a symbol of India's defense capabilities and its growing geo-political influence. The future of Indian defense exports is promising, and BrahMos stands at the forefront of this global transformation.

18 May 2025
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India's Leap into the Future: "Star Wars"-Like Laser Weapon Successfully Tested

India has successfully tested its first high-powered laser-based directed energy weapon, marking a significant milestone in the nation's defense technology. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the Laser Directed Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A), which can neutralize fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize the battlespace, reducing reliance on expensive ammunition and minimizing collateral damage.How Does it Work?The MK-II(A) laser system engages targets at the speed of light, using an intense beam of powerful light to cut through the target, causing structural failures or more impactful results. This precision and lethality make it one of the most potent counter-drone systems in the world. The system tracks a drone mid-flight, locks on to the target, and deploys a high-energy laser beam to destroy it. With its ability to thwart multiple drone attacks at a time, destroying surveillance sensors and antennae, the DEW is a game-changer in modern warfare.India's Place in the Global EliteWith this successful test, India joins a select group of countries that possess high-powered laser DEW systems. According to DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, only the United States, Russia, and China have demonstrated this capability, with Israel also working on similar technologies. India is now the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this system, marking a significant achievement in its defense capabilities.The development of directed-energy weapons like the MK-II(A) is driven by the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drone swarms in modern combat. These systems offer a long-term and low-cost alternative to defeating targets, reducing the risk of collateral damage and reliance on expensive ammunition. As militaries worldwide look for efficient and cost-effective countermeasures, DEWs are poised to become a cornerstone of next-generation defense strategies.India's Advancements in Laser TechnologyThe DRDO is working on several technologies that will give India a "Star Wars" capability, including high-energy microwaves and electromagnetic pulses. The organization is also developing more powerful systems, such as the 300-kilowatt "Surya" laser weapon, which boasts an operational range of 20 kilometers. This system is designed to target high-speed aerial threats like missiles and UAS, further strengthening India's position in modern warfare. The successful test of the MK-II(A) laser system marks a significant milestone in India's defense history. The system's versatility allows it to be adapted for both ground-based and shipborne applications, enhancing India's defense readiness across multiple domains. With its 360-degree Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor for precise targeting, the system can be rapidly deployed via air, rail, road, or sea.The Visionaries Behind the TechnologyDRDO's Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) developed the system, working in synergy with startups, academic institutions, and industries. Dr. BK Das, Director General (Electronics & Communication System) DRDO, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "For the first time, we are showing a technology in use and its devastation." Dr. Jagannath Nayak, director of CHESS, highlighted the system's capabilities, saying, “With the laser weapon, we can neutralize multiple targets.”As India continues to advance its defense capabilities, the successful test of the MK-II(A) laser system marks a significant leap into the future. With its potential to revolutionize the battlespace, this technology is set to play a crucial role in shaping India's defense strategy. As the world witnesses the dawn of a new era in defense technology, India stands at the forefront, ready to take on the challenges of modern warfare.

16 Apr 2025
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Kerala’s New Wave: Two Mega Projects Set to Transform State into a Global Tourist Magnet

Kerala, known for its serene backwaters, lush green landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, is set to take its tourism industry to new heights. The Union Ministry of Tourism has approved two significant projects aimed at enhancing the state's water tourism sector, with an investment of ₹169.05 crore. These projects, set to develop key tourist destinations in Alappuzha and Malampuzha, will transform Kerala into an even more attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.Alappuzha: A Global Water WonderlandThe ₹93.17 crore project in Alappuzha, titled "Alappuzha- A Global Water Wonderland," aims to integrate and enhance the infrastructure of water tourism in the region. Key components of the project include the development of the beachfront, improvement of canal-side aesthetics, and the introduction of a modern international cruise terminal. These upgraded facilities will not only provide tourists with better access to the area but will also elevate their experience by creating a more immersive environment.Malampuzha Gardens: A Haven for Nature LoversThe second project, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience at Malampuzha Gardens, has been allocated ₹75.87 crore. The gardens, known for their lush landscapes and scenic beauty, will be transformed into a more dynamic space, offering a wide range of activities for tourists of all ages. The project includes the development of theme parks, recreational zones, and water fountains, making Malampuzha an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and eco-tourists.Sustainability has been a key consideration in these projects, with both Alappuzha and Malampuzha benefiting from eco-friendly initiatives such as waste management systems and environmentally conscious infrastructure. This focus on sustainable tourism practices will appeal to global travelers who are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly destinations.The development of these key tourist destinations is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. The improvements in Alappuzha and Malampuzha will lead to a surge in tourism, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses in hospitality, transportation, and retail. The creation of job opportunities in construction, maintenance, tourism services, and hospitality will also contribute to the growth of the local economy.A Global AppealKerala's unique blend of cultural, natural, and sustainable tourism experiences will grow even more as these projects come to fruition. The expansion of water tourism infrastructure in Alappuzha and Malampuzha will appeal to a wide range of travelers, from adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts to those in search of peace and tranquility. As Kerala's tourism sector grows, the state is poised to become a top destination for travelers from around the world.The approval of ₹169.05 crore for the enhancement of water tourism in Alappuzha and Malampuzha Gardens is a significant milestone for Kerala. These projects are set to transform the state's tourism landscape by improving infrastructure, boosting the local economy, and attracting a diverse range of travelers. As Kerala's tourism industry continues to grow, the state is poised to become a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

6 Apr 2025
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Sky’s the Limit? Think Again! 96 Skydivers Soar into History with Record-Breaking Formation!

There are moments that redefine what’s possible, and then there are moments that defy gravity itself. Recently, high above the Arizona desert, 96 fearless skydivers took a leap, not just from a plane, but into history. Suspended in freefall, they formed the world’s largest head-up formation, a gravity-defying spectacle that showcased not just skill but the power of unity across borders.  Skydiving, often seen as an adrenaline-pumping solo adventure, turned into a breathtaking display of teamwork as athletes from 20 nations joined forces in the clouds. From Australia to Brazil, Russia to the U.S., these divers shared one mission: to push the boundaries of aerial artistry.  Heads Up! A Formation Like No OtherUnlike the traditional belly-down skydiving stance, the head-up position requires skydivers to maintain an upright posture, like sitting in an invisible chair, thousands of feet above the earth. The challenge? Staying stable while hurtling towards the ground at over 120 mph, fighting both wind resistance and instinct. Precision was non-negotiable.  The jump was meticulously planned, with each diver assigned a specific place in the formation. Like a jigsaw puzzle in motion, every piece had to fit perfectly. Any slight misalignment could send the entire group spiraling out of sync. But they did it, gracefully, powerfully and in record-breaking fashion.A Leap of Unity This wasn’t just a world record but it was a symbol of the unifying spirit of adventure. The Arizona sky became a canvas for diversity, painted with the determination and courage of people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds.  At a time when the world often feels divided, this formation sent a powerful message: When we rise together, we can achieve the extraordinaryThe Sky’s Just the BeginningRecords are meant to be broken, and this one is already fueling new ambitions. Could the next milestone be a 100-person head-up formation? The logistics, training, and sheer coordination would be a big challenge but as history has shown, skydivers don’t shy away from a little altitude-induced ambition.  For aspiring skydivers watching in awe, this achievement is a reminder that limits exist only until they’re shattered. So, to those dreamers gazing up at the sky, wondering what’s beyond, this record-breaking crew has an answer for you: Jump, and find out.

24 Feb 2025
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India's Kho Kho Heroes: Men and Women Crowned World Champions!

In an unforgettable night of sportsmanship and celebration, India’s men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams wrote their names in history by winning the first ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025 in New Delhi. Both teams emerged victorious in thrilling finals, defeating Nepal in commanding fashion, marking their place as global champions in this newly established tournament.A Dominant Display by Both TeamsThe Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi was filled with electric energy as both Indian teams gave stellar performances, sealing India’s place as the undisputed champion of Kho Kho on the world stage. The men's team defeated Nepal with a score of 54-36, while the women’s team triumphed with a dominant 78-40 victory.Men’s Final: A Swift, Powerful AttackThe men’s final saw Nepal win the toss and choose to defend first. However, India made an explosive start, taking the lead right from the first turn. They raced to a 26-0 advantage, leaving Nepal with little room to breathe.Despite Nepal’s resilience in Turn 2, where they closed the gap to 26-18, India’s defense stood tall. In Turn 3, India shifted into high gear, dominating Nepal and extending their lead to an almost insurmountable 54-18. Nepal mounted a last-ditch effort in the final turn, but it was too little, too late. India’s comprehensive performance throughout the tournament secured them the Kho Kho World Cup title, and the victory capped off an undefeated journey.India’s march to the finals was nothing short of spectacular. They defeated Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals and South Africa in the semi-finals, proving their dominance on the world stage.Source: Google Images Women’s Final: Relentless Attack and Steely DefenseIn the women’s final, Nepal won the toss and asked India to attack first—a decision they would come to regret. India took full advantage of the opportunity, quickly eliminating Nepal’s first batch of defenders in under a minute. Captain Priyanka Ingle led the charge with her remarkable performance, helping India to a commanding 34-0 lead after Turn 1.Nepal tried to regroup in Turn 2, managing to close the gap to 35-24, but India’s unyielding defense and relentless attack ensured that the hosts remained firmly i control. By Turn 3, India eliminated over six batches of defenders and pushing the lead to a commanding 73-24.In the final turn, the Indian defenders shut down any hopes of a comeback, running tight shifts to ensure a comfortable win. The 78-40 scoreline showcased their dominance throughout the tournament. The women’s team, like the men’s, remained unbeaten, making their journey to the finals as flawless as their performance in the final.Both the men’s and women’s teams’ triumphs highlight India’s increasing dominance in Kho Kho, a sport that has long been cherished but is now gaining international recognition.The Kho Kho World Cup, which featured 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams from across the globe, was a major milestone in the sport’s history. The backing of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has ensured the tournament’s success, and the overwhelming response from spectators has set the stage for Kho Kho’s growth on the world stage.Prime Minister’s Congratulations and Future HopesFollowing the historic wins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both teams, praising their incredible performances. He emphasized how these wins not only marked a significant achievement in Indian sports but also set a shining example for future generations of athletes. As the world looks to the future of Kho Kho, India stands tall as the undisputed champion, having made its mark in this exciting, fast-paced game.

20 Jan 2025
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India Becomes the Third-Largest Metro Network in the World with 1,000 km Milestone!

India has recently achieved a huge milestone in urban transportation, with its metro network now stretching over 1,000 kilometers. This makes India the third-largest metro network globally, following only China and the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the extension of the Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line and the new 13-kilometer stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor marked a historic moment in the nation’s urban mobility journey. The achievement reflects the country’s rapid progress in developing efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly urban mass transit systems. The Namo Bharat Corridor: Connecting Delhi and Uttar PradeshThe newly inaugurated section of the Namo Bharat Corridor includes an impressive six kilometers of underground tracks. It connects Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi. Anand Vihar, one of the largest stations on the corridor, will serve as a key interchange hub, linking commuters to Meerut South in just 35 minutes. This enhanced connectivity will not only reduce travel time but also bring immense relief to the thousands who rely on the metro for daily commutes, bridging the gap between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.Transforming Urban Mobility Across IndiaIndia’s metro network has undergone a spectacular transformation over the past decade. The country now has metro systems operating in 23 cities, up from just five in 2014. The number of states with metro services has expanded from five to 11, significantly improving urban mobility across the nation. Additionally, daily metro ridership has skyrocketed from 28 lakh to over 1 crore passengers.Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s metro revolution has brought about profound changes with an average of 6 kilometers of track being added each month. India’s metro systems are increasingly powered by homegrown solutions. In just five years, the country has produced over 1,000 metro coaches, with a significant portion of civil structures built locally. India’s innovation is also reflected in the country’s first “Make in India” driverless metro train set, which is poised to make waves in the global metro market. These advancements showcase India’s growing engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the urban transport sector.Expanding India’s Global FootprintIndia’s metro expertise is not confined to its own borders. Delhi Metro, one of the country’s most advanced transit systems, is currently building a metro rail network in Bangladesh. Indian companies are also providing consultancy services for metro projects in cities like Jakarta and exporting metro coaches to countries such as Canada and Australia. The future of urban mobility looks brighter than ever as India continues to expand its metro network at breakneck speed,. With new metro lines being constructed at an average rate of 6 kilometers per month, India is reshaping its cities and improving the daily commute for millions. The metro revolution is not just about transportation; it’s about creating smarter, more sustainable cities that cater to the needs of an ever-growing urban population.With these advancements, India is setting the stage for a future where metro systems are the backbone of urban transportation, reducing congestion, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

6 Jan 2025
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India's First Private Military Aircraft Facility is Inaugurated in Vadodara With Pride

Gujarat, India, buzzed with excitement as Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India and Pedro Sanchez of Spain arrived to inaugurate the state-of-the-art Tata Aircraft Complex, a groundbreaking venture set to transform India’s aerospace industry. This facility will collaborate with Airbus Spain to produce the Airbus C-295 cargo aircraft for the Indian Air Force, marking a significant leap forward in defense manufacturing. "This project embodies Modi's vision to transform India into an industrial powerhouse and a hub for investment and business-to-business collaboration," Sanchez declared, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the promise of innovation and partnership as the nations embarked on this ambitious journey together. "This collaboration between Airbus and Tata will help the Indian aerospace sector grow and will create opportunities for other European businesses to enter the market," he continued. Modi declared, "This new aircraft factory will boost new skills and new industries in India." He also mentioned that India was now selling parts to the top aviation firms in the world.  (Source: Google Images) Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata Group, referred to it as a historic day and credited the late Ratan Tata with the initiative more than ten years ago. Six of the 16 aircraft that will be shipped from Spain as part of the €2.3 billion agreement with Airbus, which was signed in 2021, have already been handed to the Indian Air Force. India's first C-295 is anticipated in 2026, and Tata plans to produce 40 more in Vadodara. India has made significant progress ~(Source: Google Images) By encouraging private defense production and loosening regulations on foreign investment, Modi has sought to establish India as a global center for manufacturing since assuming office in 2014. His goal to modernize India's defense industry is reflected in this factory. This is Sanchez's first trip to India as a Spanish leader in eighteen years. He and Modi will sign trade, IT, renewable energy, and defense deals while on the trip and talk about bilateral relations. In addition, Sanchez is scheduled to travel to Mumbai to meet with industry executives and discuss potential collaborations in the film industry. With more than 200 Spanish businesses working in India and about 80 Indian businesses operating in Spain, commerce between India and Spain reached almost €9.2 billion in 2023.Modi called the location—the nation's first private military aircraft manufacturing facility—a representation of the new Indian workplace culture. By 2026, the site will construct its first aircraft, according to Sanchez.

5 Nov 2024
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Pune's Cake Artist Makes Global Waves at Oxford and UK Parliament!

The UK recently hosted India Week, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and contributions, with a standout moment that spotlighted Pune-based cake artist Prachi Dhabal Deb. Prachi's exceptional work in Royal Icing Art was honored at two prestigious venues: Oxford University and the UK Parliament. Her recognition marks a historic milestone, as she is the first cake artist to be celebrated at the world-renowned Oxford University. Prachi’s Journey to Global Recognition Prachi Dhabal Deb's journey to global acclaim is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and educated in Kolkata, Prachi's passion for cake artistry took flight after studying Royal Icing Art in London. Over the past decade, she has championed this niche art form, combining traditional techniques with innovative designs. Her artistic prowess has not only earned her accolades but has also led to several world records certified by the World Book of Records, London. These include a stunning 100 kg cake structure inspired by the Milan Cathedral, the maximum number of vegan royal icing structures, and a massive 200 kg edible structure of an Indian-inspired palace created with vegan royal icing. Source: Google Images Celebrating Excellence at Oxford University At Oxford University, Prachi was felicitated by Kevin McCole, Managing Director of the UK India Business Council. This recognition underscores her significant contributions to Royal Icing Art, a craft she has explored and expanded with unparalleled skill. Prachi expressed her gratitude, saying, "It is an honour to be acknowledged for my work in a field that I am so passionate about. The journey has been challenging but immensely rewarding." The celebrations continued at the UK Parliament, where Prachi was further honored by Navin Shah CBE. This double recognition—at both Oxford University and the UK Parliament—highlights Prachi’s dedication and creativity, making India proud on the global stage. A Commitment to Vegan Artistry Prachi’s accomplishments highlight not just her artistry but also her dedication to a vegan lifestyle. She has skillfully merged her love for confectionery with sustainability, redefining the possibilities of vegan royal icing. "I want to demonstrate that vegan alternatives can be as grand and beautiful as traditional ones," Prachi said. Her creations prove that vegan confectionery can be both innovative and visually breathtaking. Currently residing in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, Prachi Dhabal Deb is more than just a cake artist; she is a true ambassador of creativity and innovation in the culinary arts. Her work continues to set new standards and inspire others in the world of cake artistry. In a heartfelt Instagram message, Prachi reflected on her monumental achievement: “I am overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude, pride, and humility. Being honored with this prestigious award at Oxford University by Kevin McCole and at the UK Parliament by Navin Shah CBE for my contributions to Royal Icing Art is not only a recognition of my work but also a validation of the countless hours of dedication, passion, and perseverance.” She dedicated her award to her family, friends, and mentor Sir Eddie Spence MBE, expressing her commitment to keeping the art of piping alive.

22 Jul 2024
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Revolutionizing Safety: How AI is Saving Lives From Landmines

Imagine a future where technology not only transforms lives but also saves them. AI is poised to revolutionize landmine removal efforts, promising to make the process faster, more efficient, and safer. Andro Mathewson of The HALO Trust, an NGO committed to clearing landmines, believes AI could be a game-changer in their mission. This groundbreaking technology offers the potential to save time, reduce costs, and most importantly, save lives. As we harness the power of AI, the dream of a landmine-free world becomes increasingly achievable, paving the way for safer, thriving communities. Landmines are an issue that affects almost 60 countries at the moment, and they are being demolished in other locations more quickly than they are being buried in combat zones like Ukraine. Landmines are inexpensive to make, have a lengthy explosive life, and require a lot of effort and time to locate and deactivate. They become particularly dangerous remnants of war because of this. At least 4710 persons were killed or injured by landmines and other unexploded devices in 2022; 85% of the casualties were civilians. Sadly, children made up half of these civilian casualties. DeskAId is an artificial intelligence tool created by Martin Jebens and his colleagues at the International Committee of the Red Cross. This tool locates potential landmine locations using satellite imagery. It accomplishes this by looking at the locations of highways, buildings, and medical facilities as well as examining landmines that have been discovered in previous conflicts. According to NewScientist research, the AI recognizes trends in the customary placement of landmines around these places and utilizes this information to anticipate where they would be planted in new areas. In a publication, the researchers stated that trials of their method are being considered for various regions and that it is currently being tested in Cambodia. An engineer carries out mine clearance work in Ukraine ~  (Source: Google Images)  AI has the potential to significantly enhance landmine removal efforts, according to Andro Mathewson of The HALO Trust, an NGO dedicated to landmine clearance. Mathewson emphasized that workers on the ground will always be needed for the final phase. "There is enormous potential for efficiency gains: saving time, saving money, and, hopefully, saving lives," Mathewson states. He highlights the hidden danger of landmines, which can be triggered by something as simple as a family crossing an old, gravel mine road. These devices, designed to destroy a 20-ton tank, can cause devastating damage to a personal car. Mathewson explains that obtaining information is the first step in clearing landmines. This data can come from verbal reports from locals, hand-drawn maps from witnesses, or precise military information on mine locations. Records of accidents' locations and times are also crucial. In some cases, like The HALO Trust's ongoing work in Cambodia, they use declassified US spy satellite photos from the 1980s to guide their efforts. With AI's promising advancements and the dedication of ground teams, the future of landmine removal looks brighter, potentially leading to safer communities worldwide.

4 Jun 2024
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Power Dressing for the Planet: CSIR's 'WAH Mondays' Initiative

New Delhi: Until today, several corporates have adopted the 'Thank God It's Friday' or 'Casual Friday' dress code. Employees skip formal clothing on Fridays and instead dress in semiformal, informal attire. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India's biggest civilian network of research institutes, has launched the 'WAH Mondays' campaign, with WAH enlarged to 'Wrinkles Acche Hai' (wrinkles are nice). The concept is to encourage individuals to wear unironed clothes to work every Monday as a symbolic protest against climate change. Dr. N Kalaiselvi, secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the first woman director general of CSIR, describes WAH Mondays as part of a bigger energy literacy effort. CSIR decided to contribute by wearing non-ironed clothes on Mondays. Ironing each set of clothes amounts to the emission of 200 g of carbon dioxide. So, by wearing non-ironed clothes, one can prevent the emission of carbon dioxide to the tune of 200 g," she said. The 'Wrinkles Acche Hain' campaign has been launched as part of the 'Swachhata Pakhwada' from May 1-15. As part of its larger initiative to save energy, CSIR is implementing a few standard operating procedures to reduce electricity consumption in all labs across the country, with an initial target of a 10 percent reduction of electricity charges at the workplace. These SOPs will be implemented during June-August 2024 as a pilot trial. Recently, the country's biggest climate clock was installed in the CSIR headquarters building in Delhi's Rafi Marg.  "This is CSIR's contribution to saving Mother Earth and the planet," Dr. Kalaiselvi said. Signifying Powerful Strike Towards Climate Change ~  Manufacturing Doubt: Is Climate Change Real? (Source: Google Image) One of the most alarming aspects of climate change is the uncertainty surrounding it all. You begin with the grand image of a warming planet, but as you zoom in, you see an increasing number of climatic, geological, and biological systems interacting with one another—a complexity beyond human comprehension. We are discussing a dilemma that affects every organism and every square inch of the globe. Renewable energy sources such as water, geothermal, wind, and sun are available in every country, but their potential has yet to be completely realized. Currently, renewables account for over 30% of global electricity. By 2050, renewable energy can and should account for 90% of global electricity generation. The planet is expected to add as much renewable electricity in the next five years as it has in the previous 20. Renewables are expected to overtake coal as the leading source of worldwide power generation by early 2025. Renewables are the most rapidly expanding energy source in many areas. The decisions we make today will shape the environment we will face in the future. Large and persistent reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions might help to mitigate climate change. If we act now, we can slow down climate change and keep the earth livable. We have the knowledge, tools, and resources to ensure a livable and sustainable future for everyone.

7 May 2024
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India Takes a Leap in Defense Technology As Its First Indigenous Bomber Was Unveiled in Bengaluru

The leading force in Indian aerospace and defense, Flying Wedge Defence, has unveiled the FWD-200B, the country's first-ever domestic bomber UAV. This revelation is a major milestone in supporting the Made in India initiative and reducing India's reliance on costly foreign unmanned bomber aircraft. With a 100-kilogram payload capacity, the FWD-200B is classified as a MALE (medium-altitude, long-endurance) unmanned combat aerial vehicle. It is intended to deliver missile-like weaponry for accurate airstrikes and is outfitted with optical surveillance payloads. It can reach a top speed of 200 knots, or 370 km/h, and has an amazing endurance range of 12 to 20 hours.    "With a visionary aim to position India as a global hub for drone manufacturing and technology, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace endeavors to fortify national security through cutting-edge air defense capabilities, . Suhas Tejaskanda, founder of Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace, expressed, 'For over 15 years, India's ambition for combat unmanned aircraft remained distant.' Now, with the launch of the FWD-200B, India joins the prestigious league of nations possessing cutting-edge combat aircraft." The firm aims to position India as a leading worldwide hub for drone manufacturing and technology. By equipping India with cutting-edge air defense capabilities, this project hopes to strengthen national security in the long run. Tejaskanda emphasized, "While the US Predator costs a staggering Rs 250 crores, our indigenous FWD-200B, incorporating cutting-edge technology and manufactured domestically, slashes the cost to a mere Rs 25 crores. This underscores our dedication to self-reliance and positions India as a frontrunner in cost-effective defense solutions." The advanced manufacturing hub of Flying Wedge Defence, sprawling over 12,000 square feet in Electronic City, meticulously crafted the FWD-200B, marking a significant stride towards India's self-sufficiency in defense technology." It's A Moment Of Pride For the Entire Nation ~  (Source: Google Images)  The company stated that the FWD-200B could carry a maximum takeoff weight of 498 Kgs and also mentioned that it holds a ground control station (GCS) range of 200 km. Tejaskanda further stated that within the next three months, they should be able to take it to the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and complete the certification process. He added that once the certification is obtained, they would be ready to induct it into the forces. He also stated that later this month, the full-scale model of the FWD-200B will undergo flight testing. Next month, the business intends to closely monitor and evaluate the aircraft's behavior and flying dynamics ~ seems like a lot of things to uncover!

7 May 2024
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Chandigarh University Becomes The First in India to Launch Harvard's Collaborative Business Management Initiative

Chandigarh University has solidified its position as a trailblazer in global education by forging a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Harvard University in the United States. This historic collaboration marks the inception of India's first-ever joint business management program with Harvard, aiming to provide aspiring business students with unparalleled exposure and a global perspective. Under this partnership, students from Chandigarh University will have the unique opportunity to intern at renowned international companies and receive evaluations alongside their counterparts at Harvard University. Kristen Maynard, Managing Director of Business Operations and Strategic Alliances at HBS Online, stated  that students at Chandigarh University will receive an educational experience on par with that of their peers on the Harvard campus. The Chancellor of Chandigarh University Signs an MoU ~ In the presence of Chandigarh University Pro-Chancellor Prof. Himani Sood and other dignitaries, Chandigarh University Chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu signed an MOU to promote academic collaboration between the two prestigious universities for an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with Kristen Maynard, Managing Director of Business Operations and Strategic Alliances, Harvard Business School (HBS) Online at Harvard University. Chandigarh University At a Glance ~  (Source: Google Images)  What Will This Will Lead On ~  Chandigarh University signed this MoU with Harvard University in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform the education landscape in India through collaborations with foreign universities under the New Education Policy which aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote academic innovation, and elevate the standard of education across diverse fields. MoU between Harvard University and Chandigarh University will allow the two institutions to provide high-quality business education together, says Patrick Mullane, Executive Director of Harvard Business School (HBS) Online. Provision Of Higher Quality of Business Education ~  To successfully operate a firm, one needs a comprehensive understanding of decision-making, management procedures, and business operations. These subjects serve to educate individuals on effective managerial practices. Specifically, they delve into strategies for expanding market share, optimizing profits, maximizing dividend payments to shareholders, enhancing profitability, breaking into new markets, introducing innovative products, and improving labor productivity. Beyond the realm of business, learning about management equips individuals with internal skills to effectively navigate life, elevate personal standards, and ultimately cultivate better human qualities. These advantages extend beyond mere business knowledge, fostering the development of analytical and evaluative skills applicable across various facets of life, and providing insights into the mechanisms that govern the modern world.

6 May 2024
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Avatara, the First and Only Vegetarian Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Has a Branch in Mumbai

With a history spanning centuries, fine dining is a gastronomic experience that goes beyond the act of eating and becomes an art form. The world of fine dining has come a long way from its modest origins, steeped in traditional and classic cuisine, to the cutting-edge culinary trends of today. Take a trip back in time with us as we examine the evolution of fine dining from its beginnings to the present, and see how it has grown to be a beloved facet of world cuisine. All the vegans in the house, raise your hands! We've got you covered once more with a brand-new city recommendation, so celebrate now. Be ready to be tempted by the cuisine of Avatara, the first and only vegetarian Michelin-starred restaurant in the world, which is now located in Santacruz, Mumbai. Avatara is based in Dubai. Now, foodies, continue reading if you share our passion for indulging in upgraded Indian cuisine! Chef Rahul Rana of Avatara Dubai is determined to dispel the myth that there are just a few options for Indian cuisine, a concept that is enthralling foodies all over the world with his culinary revolution. Avatara, renowned for its creative vegetarian food, was been named the world's first and only vegetarian Indian restaurant to get a 1-star Michelin rating. There is a misconception that Indian cuisine is scarce. Executive Chef Rahul Rana of Avatara Dubai states, "We want to change that by showcasing the endless possibilities that Indian food can offer." In Chef Rana’s kitchen, humble and often overlooked vegetables like turnip, bottle gourd, and ridge gourd are finally taking the spotlight. He shared, “At Avatara, what we create is a reincarnation of soulful Indian food that’s inspired by fresh and simple ingredients.” To underscore his point, he has purposefully excluded common ingredients like paneer and mushrooms from his menu. Garlic and onion, known for their robust flavors, have also been omitted due to their tendency to overpower the subtleties of vegetables. Chef Rahul Rana ~ (Source: Google Images)  A Nitch Dining Experience ~ (Source: Google Images)  More Info on Chef Rana ~ Chef Rana has the task of making a name for himself in a nation where vegetarian dining options abound. We're doing it in a classy dinner setting. Nobody else is doing it here; ours is a unique concept," he declares with assurance. With a background in pastry, he creatively blends textures and temperatures to produce intriguing meals. He continues, citing his invention of a bitter gourd dish with raw mango sambar gelato and a dosa tuille for crunch, saying, "When you are from that background, you know how to pair and what to add to give different textures." Avatara's quest for two Michelin stars drives his ongoing invention, making his kitchen a playground. Chef Rana stresses, "Avatara needs to beat Avatara if we want two stars." When brainstorming with his team, he frequently pushes them to use veggies that they don't particularly enjoy. This method has produced clever combinations that even persuade doubters. "If someone who doesn't like a particular vegetable likes a dish made with it, then the others will love it too," he jokes. Maharashtrian chef Sanket Joshi, who draws elements from the state to the dish, oversees Avatara's activities in Mumbai. Like the Dubai location, this place serves a 14-course set menu with some of the most eclectic food. The restaurant takes its cues from Sattvic cookery, so don't be shocked if you find that there are no mentions of paneer, onions, garlic, or mushrooms on the menu. Turnip kebabs, wafer-thin dosa stuffed with karela, jackfruit momos in a seabuckthorn thukpa, and Kashmiri Kahwa Kombucha are just a few of the unusual-sounding yet delicious foods served here. Shin Chan could even fall in love with Shimla Mirch at Avatara! Under the direction of Chef Rahul Rana, who is from Uttarakhand, Avatara was awarded a Michelin star in 2022, just a year after it opened. Additionally, it is the first contemporary all-vegetarian Indian restaurant to be listed among Dubai's top Michelin-starred establishments. The Santacruz Avatara restaurant's interior design, which is different from that of the Dubai location, pays respect to the chef's native Uttarakhand with cool blue swirls on the walls and sand-colored flooring that evoke the Ganges' energy. The substantial comfort cuisine is worth the price, even though the fine dining is a bit pricey. Takeaway and Conclusion: Modernization Of Dining Experience ~ Over the 20th century, fine dining experienced several changes. The trend after World War II was toward more informal eating settings. The emergence of nouvelle cuisine in the 1960s and 1970s was marked by a shift from the heavy, conventional meals of the past to lighter, more inventive dishes. Fine dining has continued to develop in the twenty-first century. Sustainability, locally sourced products, and creative cooking methods are now the main points of emphasis. These days, chefs are praised for their inventiveness and capacity to push the limits of taste and presentation. The future of good dining seems to hold just as much potential as its history. Fine dining will continue to evolve as a result of the merging of cutting-edge technology, culinary traditions, and foreign cuisines being explored. Fine dining will remain a source of inspiration for cooks, a means of bridging cultural divides, and a source of joy for food connoisseurs in a more linked globe. The world of gourmet dining is guaranteed to have something that will tempt your taste buds, whether you want to indulge in traditional meals or try the newest culinary creations.  

3 May 2024
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Sunita Williams Readies for Epic Third Space Expedition!

She is excited to find adventure, but the cosmos is beckoning her once more with the promise of an amazing space expedition ~ Prepare for Lift-Off: Sunita Lyn Williams, NASA's Stellar Astronaut, Gears Up for Historic Third Space Mission Aboard Boeing's Starliner Spaceship! With training in full swing, she's set to pilot the Crew Flight Test mission, slated for launch at 10:34 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 6, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Williams at a lecture in Kolkata's Science City, April 2013! ( Source: Google Images)  According to a NASA release, "Suni" Williams and astronaut Butch Wilmore will launch aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance and dock at the orbiting laboratory, where they will spend around a week. For the Third Time in Space ~  This is going to be Sunita Lyn Williams' third trip into space. The 58-year-old astronaut flew on Expedition 14/15 from December 9, 2006, to June 22, 2007, on her maiden spaceflight. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore prepare for the upcoming mission at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. | Image by Robert Markowitz  ( Source: Google Images)  Williams achieved a record for the most spacewalks by a woman, with a total of 29 hours and 17 minutes, during that voyage. After completing her tour, she and the STS-117 crew returned to Earth. Her second space flight was with Expedition 32/33, which took off in July 2012 from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome. She once again broke the record for the longest spacewalk ever, clocking in at fifty hours and forty minutes. Before making landfall in November 2012, she, Russian Soyuz commander Yuri Malenchenko, and Japanese flight engineer Akihiko Hoshide conducted four months of study and exploration onboard the orbiting laboratory. Sunita Lyn Williams' Promising Profession And An Inspirational Light To Other Women ~    Williams is a Needham, Massachusetts, resident. Deepak Pandya, her father, was an Indian neuroanatomist of international fame. Ursuline Bonnie (Zalokar) Pandya, her mother, is of Slovenian descent. Sunita, also called Suni, graduated in 1995 with a Master of Science in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology after earning a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy. In May of 1987, she served as a Basic Diving Officer and ensign in the US Navy. She became a Naval Aviator after reporting to the Naval Air Training Command in 1989. Williams started her training at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1993. She was employed by the Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate as a V-22 pursuit pilot in the T-2 and an H-46 project officer upon her graduation. She returned to the Naval Test Pilot School in 1995, this time as a Safety Officer and teacher in the Rotary Wing Department, where she flew the OH-6, OH-58, and UH-60 helicopters. In 1998, she was deployed to the USS Saipan as an Assistant Air Boss and Aircraft Handler. Williams started her training at Johnson Space Center in August 1998 after being chosen by NASA for the astronaut program. Williams has logged over 3,000 flying hours in over 30 different types of aircraft. For her services to US space science and the US Navy, she has won several awards. Among her accolades are the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal (which she received twice), and the Navy Commendation Medal twice. Aspiring astronauts and space lovers might draw inspiration from Ms. Williams' space adventure. Her accomplishments, accolades, and commitment highlight the important role that women play in STEM disciplines and leave a lasting legacy for coming generations!  She is Set and Focused On Her 3rd Mission!  ( Source: The Washington Post )       

26 Apr 2024
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Sweet Triumphs: India's Top 3 Rice Puddings Take the Global Stage!

Many people have a particular place in their hearts for rice pudding, a creamy and soothing dish that is adored by people all around the world. Three Indian desserts have recently gained attention after ranking among the world's top 10 rice puddings. This honor emphasizes the delicious dishes' international appeal in addition to celebrating the diversity of Indian cuisine. These three Indian rice puddings are ranked in the top 10 worldwide because of their delicious flavor, cultural value, and broad appeal. Their position on this prestigious list highlights the popularity of rice-based sweets throughout the world in addition to showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine. 1. Kheer: Kheer, also known as payasam, is a popular rice pudding that holds a prominent position in Indian cuisine. Made with rice, milk, and sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts, Kheer offers a delightful blend of sweetness and aromatic spices. It's often served as a dessert during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions across the country. (Source: Google Images)  2. Phirni: Originating from the northern regions of India, Phirni is a creamy rice pudding with a rich texture and a hint of rose water. It is traditionally served in earthenware pots, adding a rustic charm to its presentation. Garnished with almonds, pistachios, and saffron strands, Phirni captivates the taste buds with its delicate flavors and smooth consistency. It is very similar to rice kheer but has a different texture and taste. Kheer is made from whole grains of rice while Phirni is made from soaked blended rice. In Kashmir, Phirni is made with semolina, but Punjabi Phirni is made only with rice. It is loved by all and is popular throughout South Asia. (Source: Google Images)  3. Rice Payasam: Rice Payasam, popularly known as Chawal ki Kheer, is a classic Indian dessert enjoyed in various forms across different regions. It features cooked rice simmered in sweetened milk until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. In India, a rice pudding is referred to as rice kheer. The English translation of the well-known Tamil Nadu treat Paal Payasam is therefore "milk (paal)" and "kheer (payasam)." It is also known as Arisi Paal Payasam, Rice Payasam, or Paal Payasam. It's also the easiest dessert you've ever imagined, rice payasam. Rice, milk, sugar, and ghee are the only four ingredients that need to be cooked together to create this deliciously rich and creamy mixture. The addition of cashews, raisins, and a dash of cardamom lends a heavenly flavor to this beloved sweet treat. (Source: Google Images)  Here are some nutritional information, health advantages, and wholesome ways to enjoy kheer or rice pudding. 1. Enhances digestive health~ The rice used to make kheer has a significant amount of starch, which lowers inflammation and promotes intestinal health. Rich in carbs, rice kheer aids in replenishing the glycogen that is depleted after strenuous activity. 2. The Effect of Cooling~ Rice kheer has a cooling impact on the entire body in addition to the stomach. This is helpful in the summer since the body uses excessive amounts of energy to regulate the metabolism and handle the body's tendency to overheat. In these circumstances, a small bowl of chilled kheer can be safe. 3. Goodness of Rice~ Milk is the main component of rice kheer. Amino acids are found in milk and are essential for several bodily processes. Kheer's nutritional values: Vitamins C and A are present in good amounts in Kheer. In addition to being low in cholesterol and an excellent source of calcium, one bowl of rice kheer has the following nutritional facts: Kheer of rice (one serving) ~ 235 calories,  122 carbs,  24 proteins,  and 73 fats Life is full of uncertainties, so eat dessert first!  

25 Apr 2024
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India Thinking Greener Than Ever~ Massive $9 Billion Rooftop Solar Plan With Panels for Ten Million Homes!

For a very long time, solar energy has been one of the cleanest and most readily available energy sources available to humanity. Due to the advantages of solar energy, several nations are moving toward achieving success in their use of solar systems for energy generation. Most of India receives 300 sunny days per year and 4–7 kWh of solar radiation per square meter each day. When used effectively, this energy may significantly lessen both the need for fossil fuels and the amount of carbon dioxide released during the energy production process. Additionally, it will close the energy demand gap nationwide, including in rural areas with sparse energy supplies. The goal of a large-scale subsidy scheme passed in February to assist Indian people in installing rooftop solar panels on their houses and flats is to add 30 gigawatt hours of solar electricity to the country's energy supply. Estimates indicate that the PM-Surya Ghar project would supply free power to 10 million families. Additionally, the process of installation and payment will be streamlined through the creation of a national site, which may be compared to Healthcare.gov for solar panels. India was severely lagging behind schedule in its anticipated rooftop solar installations, which is why the initiative was created. Although the sun is extremely harsh and unforgiving in many areas of the subcontinent, rooftop solar power output in India peaked in 2022 at 11 gigawatts, falling 29 gigawatts short of a national target set ten years earlier. One of the challenges lies in the fact that installing a solar array on your home required consent from many departments and authorities, often requiring up to 21 signatures. Aside from this nightmare of red tape, installation costs sometimes exceeded $5,000, which is more than half the typical monthly income of an Indian working citizen. Subsidies under PM-Surya Ghar will pay up to 60% of the installation expenses of a two-kilowatt solar array, with the amount dropping to 40% for arrays three kilowatts or more. Families in need will benefit from loans with interest rates of about 7% to get started. For the project, 750 billion Indian rupees, or $9 billion, have been allocated. Solar Energy Is The Future That We All Want To See ~  ( Source: Google Images)  Solar users report saving hundreds of dollars on their summertime electricity bills, even in New Delhi, where days might be spent shrouded in clouds and fog. One apartment, for example, reported saving $700 on monthly energy expenditures. The Indian solar sector is thought to have the potential to grow significantly because to PM-Surya Ghar. Government subsidies guarantee that businesses' client base may expand beyond the reach of average household income, and they eliminate the need for them to rush through the planning and permission processes. Additional attributes of the plan consist of :  Every district in the nation will see the creation of "model solar villages," which will act as role models for rural communities looking to adopt rooftop solar. Incentives to encourage rooftop solar installations in their regions would also assist Panchayati Raj establishments and urban local authorities. The plan includes a subsidy for creative rooftop solar projects and a payment security component for renewable energy service company (RESCO) models. Households will be able to reduce their electricity costs through this program and earn extra money by selling any excess power they generate to distribution firms. Besides Everything ~ It's Super Effiecient If Maintained With Efforts ~ ( Source: Google Images)  There is a lot of prospects for solar energy. As a result, the use of this renewable energy source will become required rather than merely necessary, particularly in emerging nations with high power demand like India. How the shift is being led by Enphase Energy: Our goal is to advance solar energy to the point where it can fully satisfy the world's energy needs. However, we never lose sight of the three guiding principles that have led us from the start: innovation, quality, and responsibility, as we strive toward our goal of a solar-powered globe.

12 Apr 2024
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India To Synchronize Its Computer Systems With the Indigenously Developed “Rubidium Atomic Clock”

India is poised to synchronize its computer systems with the indiginously developed "Rubidium atomic clock," a feat achieved in the navigation satellite realm just last year. This landmark advancement propels India into an exclusive league shared by only four other nations. This cutting-edge clock, previously utilized in a 2G navigation satellite, heralds a new era of precision timing without any disruptions. India. At the moment, Indian internet systems synchronize with the US-based Network Time Protocol, which unifies time across various computer networks. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) created this clock to be used with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC. During the Kargil War, the US government denied GPS access to India, leading to the construction of this system. As part of NavIC, the first nine satellites to launch between 2013 and 2023 are equipped with imported Rubidium clocks. The homegrown version was launched in May of last year on the tenth and most recent navigation satellite. How do Atomic Clocks Work? The most accurate clocks available are atomic clocks, which are accurate to a billionth of a second. By monitoring the resonance frequency of the atoms that make up the clock, they can measure time. They contain different energy levels in their atoms and electrons. An electron moves into a new orbit when it is stimulated, or gains more energy. This is accomplished in atomic clocks by employing a certain electromagnetic radiation frequency that the electron absorbs, causing the atom to oscillate. An incredibly accurate calculation of the energy oscillation may be achieved by fine-tuning the frequency of the microwave radiation that can shift numerous atoms into different states. Understanding Why Satellites Need Atomic Clocks ~  ( Source: Google Images)  Due to the extreme accuracy needed to compute distances—which may magnify inaccuracies of distance on the ground from a little error of a billionth of a second with a clock in a satellite—atomic clocks are also used by navigational satellites. To triangulate a position on Earth, one uses the time difference between many satellites in various orbits and locations. In addition, these satellites are equipped with quartz crystal clocks, which are less precise than atomic clocks but still accurate enough to determine time for humans. The most extensively used and well-known atomic clocks employ supercooled cesium atoms. In contrast, the rubidium atom is used in ISRO's in-house atomic clocks. In the past, Astrium, a European maker of atomic clocks, supplied atomic clocks for use in ISRO spacecraft. Three imported rubidium clocks were carried by each of the first seven satellites launched as part of NavIC. Nine of the 21 atomic clocks were found to have flaws back in 2018, which prompted ISRO to schedule four backup satellites. NavIC's intended purpose ~  (Source: Google Images)  The government authorized NavIC, an alternative to the GPS owned by the United States, for Rs 1,420 crore more than 15 years ago. It will encompass the mainland of the Indian subcontinent as well as the oceans 1,500 kilometers offshore. It is currently in use and requires updated phone hardware to be compatible. While some new smartphones have access to the receiver, transmitter, and chipset, GPS is still the default system utilized by the Indian population. Delving into the intricacies of atomic clocks helps to unravel the meticulous science behind their unparalleled accuracy, crucial for the navigation satellites navigating our skies. India's synchronization with the indigenous "Rubidium atomic clock" not only propels India into an elite circle of nations but also heralds a new era of precision timing, devoid of disruptions.  

2 Apr 2024
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FPI Flows into India Reach Record ₹3.33 Lakh Crore, Establishing Strong Investor Confidence

India has witnessed a remarkable influx of foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) this fiscal year, with a record-breaking total of ₹3.33 lakh crore. This surge in FPI flows demonstrates the growing investor confidence in the Indian economy and highlights the country's position as a top investment destination in Asia. What factors have contributed to this significant milestone? Let's delve deeper into the key drivers behind this remarkable achievement. Resilient Economy Amidst Global Challenges Despite facing numerous global challenges, including geopolitical conflicts and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, India's economy has remained resilient. The country's ability to navigate through these obstacles has instilled confidence in foreign investors, who recognize the long-term growth potential offered by the Indian market. Production-Linked Incentive Schemes and "China Plus One" Strategy India's implementation of Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and the adoption of the "China plus one" manufacturing strategy have played a crucial role in attracting foreign investments. These initiatives have incentivized foreign companies to establish or expand their manufacturing operations in India, diversifying their supply chains and reducing their dependence on China. The shift in focus towards India as an alternative manufacturing hub has further boosted investor sentiment. Equity Flows Outperforming Asian Markets Equity flows have been a significant driver of the record-breaking FPI inflows into India. With over $25 billion in equity investments, India has outperformed other Asian markets, except for Japan. This exceptional performance has solidified India's position as an attractive investment destination for global investors. In contrast, China experienced significant outflows of over $67 billion during the same period, indicating a redirection of investments towards India. Growing Interest in Indian Market Emerging market investors in the United States have shown an increasing preference for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that exclude exposure to China. There has been a noticeable uptick in interest towards ETFs focused on the MSCI ex-China index, which includes Indian stocks. As India's market capitalization continues to rise and certain weight anomalies are resolved, the country's weight in global indices is expected to increase. This trend makes India an increasingly important market that global investors cannot afford to ignore. Debt Investment and Global Bond Index Inclusion Foreign investors have also shown a growing interest in Indian debt. This fiscal year, FPIs have invested $14.4 billion in Indian debt securities, marking one of the highest levels of investment recorded, second only to FY15 and FY18. The anticipation of India's inclusion in global bond indices, such as the JP Morgan EM Bond Fund and Bloomberg Bond Index, has further fueled this interest. It is estimated that the inclusion of Indian bonds in these indices will attract approximately $25 billion in investments, starting from June this year. Outlook for the Future Experts believe that India's market depth, coupled with its robust economic growth and ongoing reforms, will continue to attract foreign investments. As the country's market free float increases and its weight in global indices rises, India is expected to become a $10 trillion market by 2030, making it impossible for large global investors to overlook.

29 Mar 2024
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Global Expansion: Amul's fresh product range is being launched for the first time outside of India

The well-known dairy company Amul, which is linked to the slogan "Taste of India," is about to launch its line of fresh goods in the US market. "I am pleased to announce that Amul will be introducing its fresh milk products in the United States of America," said Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which manages Amul. This announcement was made on March 20 in Detroit during the annual meeting of the 108-year-old US dairy cooperative, the Michigan Milk Producers Association with which Amul has tied up. "Amul's fresh product range is being launched for the first time outside of India, in a market like the United States, which has a sizable Indian and Asian diaspora," Mehta told ANI. Mehta echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal to make Amul one of the most well-known dairy companies in the world which is possible because of its incredible entrepreneurial adventure. The Prime Minister was speaking at the Amul's golden jubilee celebrations. Prime Minister Modi emphasized how a little seed sown by Gujarati farmers fifty years ago developed into a massive tree, signifying the expansion and prosperity of Amul. Amul uses 18,000 milk cooperative committees to run its business, which involves 36,000 farmers and processes over 3.5 crore liters of milk a day. It sells to more than 50 nations. (Source: Google Images, Amul Will Become India's Most Prominent Global Brand ~Jayen Mehta, Managing Director)  Globalisation: Sharing Knowledge, Culture and Values ~  One of the wonderful outcomes of globalization is that sharing is now commonplace. Globalization has led to the sharing of knowledge, information, technology, and cultural values; business methods are no different. Even if a multicultural paradise of international corporations is still a long way off, sharing and forming international alliances has never been simpler. You may innovate with your products and services by tapping into the worldwide market. Businesses sometimes have to modify their offerings while expanding abroad to satisfy local demand. Even while it might appear like extra labor, there is a lot of room for creativity. You may expand your income sources outside of national or state borders by creating profitable goods and services as well as an established customer base. ( Source: Google Images)  India's development story is inextricably linked to the growth of the dairy industry, especially given the significant role dairy cooperatives have played since the start of Operation Flood. This is especially true given that India is currently the world's largest producer of milk. With its current 21 percent global milk production share, India has achieved a remarkable milestone in light of its previous status as a milk-deficit country that depended on imports in the 1950s and 1960s. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was founded in 1965 to assist the establishment of "Anand pattern" dairy cooperatives nationally under the Operation Flood project, which was carried out in phases, in response to then-prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's visit to Gujarat's Anand district in 1964. The first chairman of NDDB was Verghese Kurien, who is revered in India as the "Father of the White Revolution." The initiative, which Kurien and his team led from the outset, was to set up Anand-pattern cooperatives in milk sheds throughout the nation to make it easier for milk cooperatives to carry liquid milk that they produced and purchased to cities. Not milk, but trust is their currency. This brand is still expanding thanks to the confidence of a billion customers and millions of manufacturers.

27 Mar 2024
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An Educational Institution in Kerala Welcomes “Iris,” the First Generative AI Instructor.

Unveiling Iris: AI instructor ~ Kerala has made a groundbreaking move by appointing Iris as the first artificial intelligence teacher in history, in a world that is embracing technology more and more. The goal of this creative endeavor is to transform education for kids by making it enjoyable and interesting. Iris is a humanoid artificial intelligence (AI) tool created by Makerlabs Edutech Private Limited in partnership with the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) program to help teachers in the classroom. Iris functions as an additional tool, offering engaging learning experiences and accommodating a variety of learning methods, in contrast to a standard robot, which would replace teachers. Envision an AI humanoid instructor named Iris in a classroom. It is at the forefront, prepared to go on an amazing educational adventure with students. KTCT Higher Secondary School, located in Thiruvananthapuram, a seaside city, introduced Iris. In the field of education, it represents a momentous occasion. Iris is an example of how innovative teaching and state-of-the-art technology may work together. Characteristics of Iris ~ Iris is a flexible teaching tool that is intended to improve the learning process; it is not just another robot. With her sophisticated interactive features, Iris can answer complicated questions from pupils and converse with them in three different languages. It is an invaluable tool in the classroom because of its manipulation features, dynamic learning style, and tailored voice aid. Thanks to its wheels, Iris can also walk around and interact with pupils productively. AI Voice Assistant: Iris functions as a smart assistant within the classroom, responding to student queries, providing explanations, and delivering educational content tailored to their needs. Interactive Learning: Iris goes beyond simple lectures. It can create interactive learning modules with quizzes, activities, and personalized content to keep students engaged. Multilingual Capability: Iris can understand and speak in multiple languages, making it adaptable to classrooms with diverse students or those seeking multilingual education. Complex Question Handling: Iris isn’t just for basic facts. It’s equipped to tackle complex questions across different subjects, fostering deeper understanding. Mobility and Manipulation: Iris isn’t stuck in one place. It can move around the classroom and potentially even interact with objects, adding another layer of dynamism to lessons. User-Friendly Interface: Iris is designed for easy interaction. An Android app interface allows teachers and students to control and personalize their learning experience. ( Source: Google Images)  The Technology Underlying Iris ~ Revolutionizing Knowledge Delivery Iris is the epitome of technical innovation, driven by robotics and generative artificial intelligence. Iris can do a wide range of jobs with ease since it has a coprocessor and specialized Intel processor. It is making sure that students have a seamless and effective educational experience. Users may easily interact and use Iris thanks to its user-friendly Android app interface. It involves adjusting the learning process to each learner's unique needs and preferences. Possible Advantages That It May Have ~ The use of Iris has great potential to improve Kerala's educational system. Among the possible advantages are: Enhanced Student Engagement: Iris can pique students' attention and encourage active engagement in the classroom by providing dynamic and engaging learning experiences. Better Learning Outcomes: Iris can adapt to each learner's unique demands through tailored learning strategies, which helps with concept comprehension and retention. Decreased Teacher Workload: Iris may help teachers by automating repetitive chores and offering guidance. This frees up time for teachers to concentrate on giving kids excellent education and support. Iris signals the beginning of a new age of cutting-edge teaching strategies and improved learning opportunities as it enters Kerala's educational ecosystem. Iris supports human instructors, even if technology can't completely replace them. To develop the brains of the future, it is fostering a synergistic atmosphere where teaching and technology come together. ( Source: Google Images) 

20 Mar 2024
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IOC becomes the first Indian company to Fuel Formula 1 Cars

Formula 1 (F1) drivers like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc may someday speed around international racing courses in vehicles driven by Indian petrol if the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) gets its way. The largest refiner and gasoline merchant in India is working on manufacturing the fuel for the most popular motorsport championship in the world and hopes to supply fuel to Formula One racing teams with global giants Petronas, Shell, ExxonMobil, and Castrol. Words from IOC Chairman Shrikant Madhav Vaidya ~  He said the firm could compete with other global companies to provide Formula 1 gasoline to the teams in around three months after it receives certification. The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the worldwide motorsport regulatory organization, strictly regulates F1 fuel requirements on several fronts, including allowable blending agents and additives. F1 fuel is simply high-octane gasoline. Fuel is optimized by suppliers based on the unique engine specs and performance demands of each racing team. A total of ten Formula One teams participate in the annual Grand Prix, a series of events held across the globe. The teams have the same freedom to select their fuel source as they have with their other suppliers. F1 gasoline typically has an octane value of 95 or higher, claims Vaidya. High-octane gasoline can minimize engine knocking and provide more power, depending on the engine type. In essence, fuels with higher octane ratings are more resilient to compression. According to the IOC chairman, the corporation intends to produce F1 gasoline at its newest refinery in Paradip, Odisha, because the fuel will mostly be exported and the refinery's coastline location makes it more export-friendly than the majority of IOC's other land-locked refineries. The fuel used by Formula One racing teams is called "E10 fuel," which is high-performance gasoline blended with 10% bioethanol. F1 intends to switch to 100% sustainable fuel starting in 2026. This implies that every fuel component must come from a sustainable source, such as non-food bioderived fuel, real municipal garbage, or sustainable carbon capture. Fuel mixed with more than 10% ethanol is already being sold by Indian fuel merchants, the largest of which being IOC. In India, the IOC is also leading the way in sustainable fuel research and development. With the release of their high-octane "STORM" gasoline for motorcycle racing, IOC has joined the racing fuels market. The firm declared on Wednesday that it would serve as the Federation Internationale De Motocyclisme (FIM) Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) official gasoline partner from 2024 to 2026. IOC will supply its STORM fuel for all ARRC race events as part of this cooperation.  

7 Mar 2024
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Kolkata's Urban Transformation: PM Modi Inaugurates India's First Underwater Metro

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a historic visit to Kolkata on Wednesday (March 6), unveiling India's inaugural underwater metro route and several other projects worth Rs 15,400 crore ($220 million). This important event is the culmination of changing the traffic landscape of Kolkata to modernity and convenience. The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata Metro's east-west corridor is an engineering marvel located beneath the iconic Hooghly River. The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro set a precedent for such future projects. Howrah Metro Station is the deepest in the country, a testament to Kolkata's engineering. Underlining the significance of this milestone, Metro Railway Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kaushik Mitra emphasized that although the inauguration ceremony took place today, the beginning of passenger services will follow later. The ceremony also involved the inauguration of the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat metro sections, underscoring the government's commitment to uplift urban transport and connectivity. The stretch of Howrah Maidan and Esplanade spanning the Hooghly River connects the vibrant cities of Kolkata and Howrah and catalyzes seamless connectivity. Covering a distance of 4.8 km, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section forms an integral part of the East-West Metro Corridor, connecting Howrah Maidan to the Salt Lake Sector V IT hub. The metro's high-speed journey under the Hooghly River. takes only 45 seconds, which describes efficiency and speed. With a 10.8-kilometer-long underground corridor between Howrah Maidan and Phoolbagan, the East-West Metro has a total length of 16.6 kilometers. The anticipation of this project has been palpable since April 2023, when the Kolkata Metro rakes made their first test under the Hooghly River. This was an unprecedented achievement in the history of the country. Going forward, Kolkata Metro plans to start commercial operations on the entire East-West line between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan in June-July, which means a promising future for urban commuters.  The Prime Minister took the first ride in the underwater subway with several schoolchildren. A video taken from inside the subway train shows Modi interacting with the schoolchildren sitting next to him, while some of them stood close to him.  

6 Mar 2024
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Takeda Partners with Bio E for Global and Local Supply of Dengue Vaccine

Takeda, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, has joined forces with India's Biological E to collaborate on the production and distribution of the Dengue vaccine. The partnership aims to address the growing need for the vaccine in India and other countries affected by the disease. Addressing the Global Dengue Problem Dengue fever has become a significant global health concern, with incidence rates increasing drastically over the past few decades. The partnership between Takeda and Bio E is a crucial step in combating the spread of this mosquito-borne viral disease. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, the two companies aim to accelerate access to the Dengue vaccine, known as QDENGA. Expanding Vaccine Supplies The collaboration between Takeda and Bio E will play a vital role in ramping up the production of the Dengue vaccine. Takeda's President of the Global Vaccine Business Unit, Dr. Gary Dubin, emphasized the importance of this partnership in meeting the demand for the vaccine in India and other endemic countries. The multi-dose vials of the vaccine will be made available for government procurement by 2030, enabling national immunization programs to combat the disease effectively. Accelerating Manufacturing Capacities As part of the partnership, Bio E will increase its manufacturing capacity to produce up to 50 million doses of the Dengue vaccine annually. This expansion will support Takeda's goal of manufacturing 100 million doses per year within the next decade. The manufacturing will take place at Takeda's facility in Singen, Germany, while also benefiting from their existing partnership with IDT Biologika GmbH. Local Trials and Regulatory Approvals While the Dengue vaccine, TAK-003, is not yet approved for use in India, Takeda is actively working with Indian regulatory authorities to obtain the necessary licensure. Dion Warren, Takeda's Head of India and Southeast Asia multi-country organization, confirmed that they have received a "no objection certificate" and are collaborating with Indian regulators for local trials. These trials will supplement the data obtained from global trials and contribute to the vaccine's overall efficacy. Tiered Pricing and Access Philosophy Takeda has a well-defined access philosophy and policy of tiered pricing, allowing the company to adjust the vaccine's cost based on the economic conditions of endemic countries. While the focus is currently on the Dengue vaccine partnership, Takeda remains open to future collaborations to address other public health challenges. By combining their resources and expertise, the two companies aim to accelerate the production and distribution of the Dengue vaccine, ensuring its availability to governments and individuals in endemic regions. With the growing global incidence of Dengue, this collaboration is a significant stride towards mitigating the impact of this widespread disease. 

1 Mar 2024
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Bristol Myers CEO Expects India to Have Largest R&D Presence Outside US by 2025

The CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, Christopher Boerner, expressed his confidence in India's potential to become the largest research and development (R&D) hub outside the United States by 2025. What factors contribute to India's growing prominence in the field of R&D? India's Rising Position in R&D Boerner's statement highlights the increasing significance of India in the global pharmaceutical industry. With its vast talent pool, robust scientific ecosystem, and cost advantages, India has emerged as a preferred destination for R&D activities. The country's strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and supportive regulatory framework are key factors propelling its growth as an R&D hub. Investing in Innovation Bristol Myers Squibb, a leading global pharmaceutical company, has recognized the potential of India's scientific capabilities and is actively investing in the country's R&D landscape. The company aims to leverage India's scientific talent and research infrastructure to drive innovation and develop breakthrough therapies for patients worldwide. Collaboration for Scientific Advancements Boerner emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and the government to foster scientific advancements. By fostering partnerships with Indian research institutions, Bristol Myers Squibb aims to tap into India's diverse knowledge base and accelerate the discovery of new treatments and therapies for various diseases. Driving Economic Growth The growth of India's R&D sector not only contributes to scientific progress but also fuels economic growth. Increased R&D investments by global pharmaceutical companies in India create job opportunities, attract talent, and stimulate the overall economy. This trend positions India as a knowledge-driven economy and a global innovation hub. Factors Driving India's R&D Potential India's competitive advantage in R&D can be attributed to several factors. First, the country boasts a large pool of skilled scientists, researchers, and engineers who contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation. Second, India's cost-effective and efficient clinical trials infrastructure makes it an attractive destination for conducting trials for new drugs and therapies. Additionally, India's vast patient population and genetic diversity provide a unique opportunity for conducting clinical research, enabling a better understanding of diseases and personalized medicine. Moreover, the government's initiatives to promote research, such as tax incentives and funding programs, further enhance India's R&D ecosystem. India's Commitment to Scientific Excellence India has been steadily investing in its scientific capabilities and infrastructure. The government's emphasis on research and development, as evidenced by initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and the National Innovation and Startup Policy, reinforces the country's commitment to scientific excellence and self-reliance in innovation. Global Recognition and Collaboration India's growing prominence in R&D has garnered international recognition. Several global pharmaceutical companies have established research centers and collaborations in India to leverage the country's scientific expertise. This further strengthens India's position as a global hub for pharmaceutical research and innovation. Looking Ahead As India continues to invest in scientific infrastructure, foster collaborations, and support innovation, it is poised to play a pivotal role in driving scientific advancements and shaping the future of healthcare.

28 Feb 2024
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ISRO's CE20 cryogenic engine is now human-rated for Gaganyaan missions.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Wednesday said that the performance of the key cryogenic engine to be used on board the LVM3 launch vehicles for India’s Gaganyaan missions has been qualified and is now certified for missions that will transport humans into space. In a big move towards the development of the Gaganyaan mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested the cryogenic engine that will power Indian astronauts to space. Gaganyaan is India’s proposed first human flight mission that envisions sending a three-membered crew into an orbit of 400km for three days and bringing them back to Earth. The first unmanned Gaganyaan – 1 mission is scheduled sometime in mid-2024. ISRO’s heavy-lift launcher, the LVM has been identified as the launch vehicle to be used during the Gaganyaan missions. Comprising solid, liquid, and a cryogenic stage, these systems can be configured to ferry humans into space. The seventh in the series of vacuum tests performed on the CE20 cryogenic engine (The CE-20 is a cryogenic rocket engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, a subsidiary of the Indian Space Research Organisation), which powers the space vehicle during the cryogenic stage of its lift-off, was performed on February 14 at the space agency’s High Altitude Test Facility in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu. “ISRO has accomplished a major milestone in human-rating of CE20 of the LVM3 vehicle for Gaganyaan missions,” the ISRO shared on its ‘X’ handle on Wednesday. Previously, the CE20 was subjected to 39 hot firing tests under varying operating conditions that lasted for 8,810 seconds (2 hours 26 minutes), whereas the minimum standard time for human rating is 6,350 seconds (1hr 45 minutes). ISRO further said that even the flight engine, identified for the first Gaganyaan mission, has completed the acceptance tests. Powering the upper stages of the LVM3, the flight engine boasts of a thrust capacity of 19-22 tonnes with an impulse of 442.5 seconds. The TV-D1 test flight was a crucial part of the Gaganyaan mission ~ It aimed to demonstrate India's capability for human spaceflight by sending a crew of three individuals into a 400-kilometer orbit for a three-day mission and ensuring their safe return by landing in the waters of the Indian Ocean. The test flight was to assess the mid-flight crew escape system of an early version of the Gaganyaan crew module. The TV-D1 vehicle used a modified VIKAS engine with a Crew Module and Crew Escape System mounted at its front. It stood at 34.9 meters tall and had a lift-off weight of 44 tonnes. Its structure was a single-walled unpressurized aluminum structure with a simulated thermal protection system. The development of a human-rate launch vehicle is part of the several tests and technology development efforts required for the proposed human-space flight mission. Other technological developments such as the development of life support systems to provide an earth-like environment to the crew in space, crew emergency escape provision, and evolving crew management aspects for training, recovery, and rehabilitation of crew are planned. Besides, precursor missions are being planned which will demonstrate the technology preparedness levels before the actual manned Gaganyaan mission.

23 Feb 2024
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Pioneering Progress: Hygenco's Landmark Green Hydrogen Initiative in India

Located in Haryana, Hygenco is a firm that aims to transform India's energy sector by building and running the nation's first green hydrogen plant in Maharashtra. Thanks to this historic project, Hygenco is now leading the way in sustainable energy solutions, which will help create a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future. Green hydrogen, created by electrolyzing renewable energy sources, becomes a key component in the fight against carbon emissions linked to conventional hydrogen production techniques. The first operational green hydrogen plant in India is set to be established in Maharashtra by Hygenco, a 2020-founded green hydrogen firm located in Haryana. The project supports the country's commitment to renewable energy and lays the groundwork for a significant transition to clean, sustainable energy sources. About Hygenco ~ The firm was founded by Amit Bansal, the CEO of Hygenco Green Energies, and is focused on building, owning, and running green hydrogen plants throughout India. Addressing India's energy issues and promoting energy independence, job development, and a sustainable future are at the core of Amit Bansal's mission. The growing energy requirements of India, along with its dependency on fossil fuels and the goal to meet net-zero emissions, highlight the vital role that green hydrogen plays. Amit Bansal highlights how green hydrogen may help decarbonize challenging industries, create jobs, save foreign exchange, and promote energy independence. Hygenco provides full techno-commercial solutions for sustainable transportation and is actively involved in developing green hydrogen facilities in Maharashtra and Haryana. The firm has signed offtake agreements for green hydrogen and green oxygen with Sterlite Technologies Ltd (STL), demonstrating its dedication to providing specialized and trustworthy green hydrogen solutions. Amit finished his postgraduate studies in business administration at the Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, IIT-Bombay, in 2010, having pursued engineering in 2005. He began his professional life as a co-founder of Vivaan Solar, a renowned solar plant installation business that provides turnkey solar power plants all across the nation. Amit aspired to alleviate India's energy challenges while employed in the renewable energy industry. Why India Needs Green Hydrogen ~ According to Amit Bansal, India's rapid economic growth is causing a rise in the country's consumption of fossil fuels. He states that there is a very strong business sense for harnessing the power of green hydrogen since the country is significantly dependent on imports for its energy needs. Reducing the import of fossil fuels will save valuable foreign exchange that may be used for social purposes like education and health. Furthermore, from being a major importer of fossil fuels, the nation can even aim to become a net exporter of ammonia and its derivatives," he continues. Furthermore, according to Amit, "Hard-to-abate sectors can decarbonize with the help of green hydrogen and its derivatives as fuel, particularly since these sectors account for nearly 80% of the carbon footprint." This will be important since replacing all conventional power with 100% green electricity would only lead to 20% decarbonization. To capitalize on the rising demand for green hydrogen, in 2020, Amit founded Hygenco intending to secure a sustainable future for future generations and assist India in becoming energy-independent, particularly in light of the growing number of climate-related issues Impact and Future Plans ~ Hygenco's launch of India's first green hydrogen plant is a critical turning point in the country's pursuit of sustainable energy. Hygenco's goal is to create 10 GW of economically viable production and distribution assets by 2030. The company sees a day when green hydrogen replaces conventional fuels as a common energy source. In conclusion, India's energy landscape is about to enter a new age thanks to Hydrogenco's innovative efforts in building the nation's first green hydrogen plant. The firm is positioned to play a significant role in India's transition to a low-carbon and ecologically conscious energy ecosystem because of its dedication to sustainability and strategic partnerships.

21 Feb 2024
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India's Weightage in MSCI Global Standard Index Reaches Record High

India's importance in the global investment landscape has reached a new milestone as the country's weightage in the MSCI Global Standard Index has surged to a record high. This development highlights India's growing economic prowess and presents new opportunities for investors. Let's delve into the details and implications of this significant achievement. MSCI is an acronym for Morgan Stanley Capital International. It is an investment research firm. India's Rising Weightage: The index provider MSCI recently announced an increase in India's weightage in the MSCI Global Standard Index. This means that Indian equities will now have a larger representation in the global investment benchmark. The weightage has climbed to a record high of 9.7%, a substantial increase from 6.6% just a year ago. This surge reflects the positive sentiment surrounding India's economic growth and potential. Implications for India's Economy: India's higher weightage in the MSCI Global Standard Index has several implications for the country's economy. Firstly, it signifies increased investor confidence in India's growth prospects and policies. This confidence can attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and stimulate economic development. Additionally, a higher weightage can lead to improved market liquidity and depth, making it easier for investors to buy and sell Indian stocks. Opportunities for Investors: The record-high weightage of India in the MSCI Global Standard Index presents compelling investment opportunities for both domestic and international investors. The inclusion of Indian equities in a widely followed global index can attract significant inflows from institutional investors, pension funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This influx of capital can contribute to the growth of Indian companies and potentially boost stock market performance. Sectoral Impact: The increased weightage in the MSCI Global Standard Index will also have sectoral implications. Industries that dominate the Indian equity market, such as information technology (IT), pharmaceuticals, and financial services, are likely to benefit from this development. These sectors have shown resilience and strong growth potential, making them attractive investment options. Furthermore, the weightage increase can foster innovation and encourage companies to focus on improving corporate governance and transparency. Global Recognition: India's higher weightage in the MSCI Global Standard Index is a testament to the country's evolving economic landscape and the efforts taken to improve its investment climate. This recognition on a global platform can enhance India's reputation as an attractive investment destination. It also reinforces the government's initiatives to promote ease of doing business, attract foreign investment, and strengthen economic fundamentals. Challenges and the Way Forward: While India's increased weightage in the MSCI Global Standard Index is a positive development, it also presents challenges. The country must continue its efforts to address structural issues, such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory reforms, and bureaucratic hurdles. Moreover, sustaining economic growth and maintaining investor confidence are crucial for India to retain and further enhance its weightage in global indices. As India continues to implement reforms and address challenges, it has the potential to further strengthen its position as a key player in the global investment arena.

16 Feb 2024
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The Goals Of The Initiative SWATI To Close The Gender Gap In Science

On February 11, the International Day For Girls and Women in Science, a panel representing India's science academies established SWATI or Science for Women marking a significant development. The goal of this creative project is to compile a comprehensive database that includes all Indian women who work in science and technology. Although the future appears bright, efforts to close the gender gap in STEM have historically encountered obstacles. Thoughts on Former Projects: From Reports to Conferences ~ Two decades ago, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) released a ground-breaking study that marked the beginning of the effort to address gender inequality in science. In addition to receiving government funding, this investigation explored other subtle forms of prejudice, such as biases based on caste. Subsequent projects encountered obstacles and in spite of various efforts; in 2008, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) made pledges that were never kept. The women in STEM roadmap suggests making information more accessible for young women who want to pursue careers in science. This is because, in spite of several government initiatives, information about science is not readily available in semi-urban and collegiate settings. It also suggests that more women should hold important positions in government and research organizations, academies, and the corporate sector, as well as establish grievance cells and institutional gender audits, allocate funds for the corporate sector, and provide more scholarships and programs for women to pursue at any stage of their careers. The government has conducted several diagnostic studies to look at the various types of barriers that keep women out of STEM fields. Based on these findings, programs and policies that address structural concerns are developed with support from the scientific community.  In order to support women in STEM and encourage their involvement in the nation's scientific research and development efforts, three significant national science academies—the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc) in Bangalore, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in Delhi, and the National Academy of Sciences India (NASI) in Allahabad—joined forces to form an inter-academy panel.  Cultural Views: Dissecting the Gender Dynamics in STEM What causes women scientists to quit academia was clarified by a 2010 paper supported by the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc). The results showed that men and women had somewhat different impressions of one other, with women attributing their departure to organizational difficulties and a lack of chances. The study correctly pointed out that the scientific community has to move its attention from "fixing" women to dealing with structural problems. Beyond Proposals: The Need for Legislation and Regulations ~ While awareness efforts and mentorship programs are important, the focus should also shift to the need for legislation and regulations that specifically address the difficulties experienced by women from various disenfranchised groups. Gender-neutral parental leave and transgender identities are two examples of initiatives that move toward inclusion. Other examples are the GATI charter and the draft Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020. However, SWATI's success depends on its capacity to convert these characteristics into concrete results, moving beyond symbolic gestures. In order to guarantee that the experiences and difficulties encountered by people of all genders are taken into account during the course of the project, inclusivity must go beyond the first phase of form-filling.  A Novel Approach: Broadcasting, Openness, and Effectiveness An inclusive form that acknowledges all non-male genders and a panel of men and women scientists, imply a dedication to admitting that gender equality is not just a women's problem. The capacity of SWATI to outperform its forerunners in terms of inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency will determine its success. In addition to breaking past patterns, SWATI has the ability to establish a standard for upcoming programs aiming at promoting gender equity in science and technology by fulfilling its obligations. ''When I was young I was very interested in science and technology, and my dad brought home the first computer. I played pac man and I was hooked! By learning to create technology, girls learn to speak up.'' – Regina Agyare, Founder of Software Company Soronko Solutions  

14 Feb 2024
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ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA: Microsoft's Amazing Initiative Which is a Revolution in Skill-Building in India

Concerning Microsoft India ~ Microsoft facilitates digital transformation for the intelligent edge and cloud age. Its goal is to enable every individual and every organization on the earth to reach their full potential. In 1990, Microsoft established its operations in India. Over 23,000 people work for Microsoft companies in India today, providing industry solutions, research and development, customer support, and sales and marketing services in ten Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, and Pune. Microsoft accelerates digital transformation across Indian startups, enterprises, and government agencies by providing its global cloud services from regional datacenters. Multiple Headlines of February 7, 2024, speaks ~ Microsoft today announced a major skill-building program in India with the goal of providing 2 million individuals with AI capabilities by 2025. ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA is a project within Microsoft's Skills for Jobs program, which aims to equip India's labor force with skills relevant to the future. The program is a component of Microsoft's larger effort to quicken India's AI revolution. The company's responsible AI principles are in line with the skilling program, and training will be provided in collaboration with communities, businesses, and nonprofits. Ninety percent of Indian CEOs believe that their new hires would require new skills to prepare them for the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), according to Microsoft's latest Work Trend Index. Moreover, according to 78% of Indian workers, they lack the necessary AI skills to finish their present workload.  Smt. Trishaljit Sethi, Director General (Training), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, stated that , "In the years to come, AI innovation will play a pivotal role in shaping our future. We at the Directorate General of Training, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, stay dedicated to realizing the potential of the AI era for India, in partnership with Microsoft and others." This commitment entails giving the young people instruction in technologies that are redefining the ways in which people interact, work, solve problems in the real world, and live. The youth's skilling mission is being driven by our institutions, such as our skilling platform, ITIs, and NSTIs. We are dedicated to helping India's digital future by enabling a sizable workforce throughout the nation and making sure that important industries in India are prepared for and lead the way in AI. The ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA program demonstrates Microsoft's strong commitment to facilitating inclusive growth with technology and is a major step towards democratizing access to AI capabilities throughout the country.  Building AI fluency at scale is a crucial first step in India's enormous potential to lead the world in this field. By equipping Indian individuals with the necessary skills to prosper in the AI era, this project seeks to catapult the country into a hopeful era of AI fluency.  Building a diverse and inclusive talent pool is imperative for organizations, this is because of the rising need for professionals in AI and security skills and the shortage of skilled talent, especially in AI domain.  In order to foster AI fluency, the ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA program will concentrate on three main areas: preparing India's future labor force, improving the AI proficiency of government employees, and  enhancing the AI capacity of nonprofit institutions. Why Good News For India ?  AI Driven Skilling ~  Educating the next generation of workers to fully utilize AI  : Microsoft and 10 state governments in India will collaborate to deliver ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, which will offer 500,000 students and job seekers in 100 rural vocational education institutions and training facilities basic and advanced AI training. By doing this, Microsoft and the government will strengthen their current partnership to provide youth with cybersecurity and digital literacy training.     Furthermore, Microsoft will use 5,000 trainers at higher education institutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to offer 100,000 young women comprehensive training in AI technical capabilities. This will be accomplished by improving skill-building programs for women in cloud, AI, and cybersecurity with AI credentials and making Microsoft's AI Trainer Toolkit Guide available for trainers.  Additionally, Microsoft will enable industry partnerships for jobs, internships, and mentorship, as well as access to Azure AI capabilities for the development of digital solutions. As part of the program, Microsoft will empower 400,000 students in schools located in remote and tribal areas to become the next generation of AI innovators by increasing their understanding of ethical AI use and AI-enabled employment. Three worldwide Microsoft initiatives—Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS), Farm Beats for Students, and the AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit for teachers—will be piloted in order to do this.   Regulating AI ~  Enhancing government employees' AI skills to provide citizens with next-generation services. Microsoft and the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building in India will expand their collaboration, enabling 250,000 government employees to become more fluent in AI and get a basic understanding of generative AI. Through this relationship, government personnel' productivity will increase and digital governance in rural India would be transformed. Additionally, it will strengthen capacities for funding the next wave of AI-powered citizen services that cater to the needs of residents wherever they may be.     

12 Feb 2024
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India Introduces the Biggest Bus Network in the World, With Tickets Starting at ₹99.

On February 6, Germany's FlixBus, one of the biggest intercity bus service networks in the world, announced its debut into India with the goal of redefining the industry paradigm with premium bus travel amenities and international safety standards. Launch routes, initially priced at INR 99, link Delhi with Ajmer, Lucknow, Haridwar, and sixteen more places. FlixBus hopes to accelerate the uptake of bus transportation by utilizing worldwide experience in high frequency networks through collaborations with local operators. Its ultimate goals of expanding throughout India need it to first prove that its services are distinct in terms of cost, dependability, and comfort. Phase 1 Rollout: 200+ Connections, 59 Stops:  Through 59 thoughtfully planned stops that provide a smooth interchange experience between destinations, the phase one routes concentrate on improving interstate connectivity within northern centers. More than 200 direct bus combinations serve a range of travel requirements related to pilgrimages, business, and leisure activities. Critical concerns about safety, privacy, and comfort during travel are addressed by onboard facilities like separate seating arrangements for female passengers, 2-point seat belts, lounge access, etc. for Indian commuters. Modern BS6 buses provide the lowest emissions as well. 43rd Global Market Indications Worldwide Development India is the 43rd foreign market for FlixBus, demonstrating their consistent diversification outside of their core European market. With bus transportation being Asia's second-biggest market after China, this initiative provides strategic access to a vastly underserved yet developing mobility market. Decisions on city development and the introduction of new service categories, such as charter and shuttle lines, will be influenced by early acceptance and commuter input. However, the first promise seemed solid. "We are thrilled to expand FlixBus into India," stated André Schwämmlein, CEO of Flix, "marking our presence in our 43rd country and one of the largest bus markets globally." Our goal is in complete harmony with India's quest to provide accessible, safe, and economical travel choices for everybody." Which cities does FlixBus plan to serve? Major routes and cities in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and New Delhi will be connected by the firm How about tickets for FlixBus? Tickets from FlixBus India are on sale as of February 1. Starting on February 6, the first routes will be available at a special introductory price of only ₹99. Key locations like Ayodhya, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Manali, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ajmer, Katra, Dehradun, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Jodhpur, Dharamshala, Lucknow, and Amritsar would be connected to Delhi via these routes. According to the firm, there will be approximately 200 links on the network, with 59 stops.  

8 Feb 2024
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India Lights Up The Grammys: Best Global Music Performance Goes To Ustad Zakir Hussain And Rakesh Chaurasia

Hitting the Music Industry Headlines as follows:  Two Remarkable Indians received Grammy prizes at the 66th Annual Grammy prizes event in Los Angeles, California, and Shakti's album "This Moment," which features a group of Indian performers, got the award for "Best Global Music Album." Rakesh Chaurasia, the nephew and student of the renowned Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, carries on his family's musical history. Rakesh has made a name for himself in the music industry and has captured the attention of listeners all around the world with his soul-stirring performances on the bansuri, a bamboo flute. The flautist continues the distinguished tradition of the Maihar gharana and his prolific master Hariprasad. He has also acknowledged in several occasions that Hariprasad's liberal outlook inspired him to experiment with other sounds. The joint album 'As We Speak' by the seasoned flautist received nominations for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Best Instrumental Composition, and Best Global Music Performance. And it took home two Grammys: one for Best Contemporary Instrumental and the other for Best Worldwide Music Performance. Further Briefing  of this Good News!  With Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, and Rakesh Chaurasia on "Pashto," Zakir Hussain received the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance. Hussain earned his third Grammy triumph with this one, while renowned flute musician Rakesh Chaurasia celebrated his second.  He underscored the brilliance of the album "This Moment," featuring the talents of Shankar Mahadevan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and Ustad Zakir Hussain, four esteemed Indian artists. Notably, Shankar Mahadevan of Shakti clinched the Best Global Music Album title for "This Moment." The artists, alongside luminaries such as Susana Baca, Bokante, Burna Boy, and Davido, also garnered nominations. Their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to music have captured hearts worldwide, bringing joy to India! These achievements stand as proof of relentless hard work. Moreover, they serve as inspiration for aspiring musicians, motivating them to chase their dreams and thrive in the music industry. ''Thank you boys'',Shankar Mahadevan remarked in his acceptance speech. ''God, family, friends, and India, I am grateful. India, you have our admiration. Finally, but just as importantly, I want to dedicate this honor to my wife, to whom I owe every note of my music.'' The audience cheered enthusiastically at the musician's remarks.  

6 Feb 2024
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The New 'Bullet Train' System in India will identify an earthquake before it occurs!

Seismometers will be deployed for the first time in India as part of the Bullet Train project to guarantee the security of vital infrastructure and passengers in the event of an earthquake. In Ahmedabad, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor's cornerstone was set in September 2017. The bullet train will travel 508 kilometers at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour in two hours and seven minutes. Details on the mechanics: HOW WILL SEISMOMETERS FUNCTION? According to National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), this Early Earthquake Detection System will use primary waves to identify earthquake-induced vibrations and trigger an automated power outage. It is based on Japanese Shinkansen technology. When a power outage is detected, emergency brakes will engage, causing trains operating in the impacted region to come to a halt. Motivated by Japanese Shinkansen bullet train technology ~   The Japanese-made technology powering these elegant trains has developed over the last fifty years. The maximum speed has increased to 320 km/h (200 mph) from 210 km/h (130 mph), and one million passengers use it every day. To guarantee that the trains depart on time, the system is backed by a wide range of administrative and physical tools, including as automated train schedule management (ARTM), automatic train control (ATC), and specifically constructed high-speed rail lines. When paired with the operators' highly skilled technical abilities, this equipment—which is the result of a meticulous integration of hardware and software—allows for precise and dependable train control down to the second. Because of this method, trains with an average duration of less than one minute may operate at such precise intervals—three minutes—without experiencing schedule delays. In addition, the Shinkansen is renowned for the comfort and capacity it provides for passengers. The train's superior airtight shell and tilting system reduce vibration and offer a quiet, smooth ride, even when it leans quickly into bends. The Railway Layout Quest: Geographical Distribution  Twenty-two of the 28 seismometers will be positioned along the alignment. Mumbai, Thane, Virar, and Boisar are the eight cities in Maharashtra, and Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Mahemdavad, and Ahmedabad are the fourteen cities in Gujarat. Along the route, seismometers will be mounted in switching posts and traction substations. The additional six seismometers, referred to as inland seismometers, would be situated in seismically active regions: Adesar and Old Bhuj in Gujarat; Khed, Ratnagiri, Latur, and Pangri in Maharashtra.   Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.~ Arthur C. Clarke - Science-fiction author

2 Feb 2024
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For Diabetics, innovative medication promises a life without needles.

Globally, 425 million individuals suffer from diabetes, and 75 million of them inject insulin on a regular basis. There may be a new alternative to insulin pumps or needles in the near future. Researchers have found an intelligent insulin that is ingested as a capsule or, for added convenience, as part of a 'chocolate bar'. Within the capsule or chocolate are small nano-carriers containing this novel insulin. These particles are too small to be seen under a standard microscope; they are around 1/10,000th the width of a human hair. Professor Peter McCourt of the Arctic University of Norway at UiT "This way of taking insulin is more precise because it delivers the insulin rapidly to the areas of the body that need it most," says one of the study's researchers. When insulin is administered by a syringe, it is dispersed throughout the body and may have unintended side effects.  Futher Insights :   While many medications are often taken orally, the body needs to receive an injection of insulin. The problem with utilizing an insulin nano-carrier was that it degraded in the stomach, keeping the insulin from getting to the appropriate areas of the body. The researchers have now, however, effectively surmounted this obstacle. How it Works: The researchers have developed a coating that prevents stomach acid and digestive enzymes from dissolving insulin as it travels through the digestive system, ensuring that it remains safe until it reaches the liver.Certain enzymes in the liver cause the coating on insulin to degrade when blood sugar levels are elevated. This causes the liver, muscles, and fat to generate insulin, which then acts to eliminate sugar from the blood. For the management of diabetes, this approach is more useful and accommodating to patients. It reduces the chance of hypoglycemia and other low blood sugar episodes. Depending on the patient's requirements, it permits regulated insulin release. In contrast, not all of the insulin is delivered at once during an injection. This approach performs similarly to insulin in healthy subjects. The liver absorbs the insulin that the pancreas makes in healthy humans, keeping blood sugar levels steady. Similar to this, the novel approach releases insulin in the liver through the nano-carrier, where it may either be absorbed or circulated throughout the body via the circulation. The Procedure Up Ahead:  Endo Axiom Pty Ltd is leading human trials with oral insulin, which are scheduled to start in 2025. There are three stages in the clinical trials. The primary goals of the first phase are to evaluate the occurrence of hypoglycemia in both type 1 diabetes patients and healthy individuals, as well as to look into the safety of oral insulin. The lack of hypoglycemia in people is one of the beneficial outcomes that the team is anxious to duplicate in baboons. Strict quality controls are followed, and physician collaboration is facilitated to guarantee participant safety. According to the researcher, phase 2 studies will investigate how it might replace injections for diabetes patients once phase 1 trials have shown its safety for people. In two to three years, the researchers hope to get the novel medication accessible to the general public.  Within the next two to three years, the new medication should be widely accessible, according to the experts, who are optimistic about this prospect. This work represents a major advancement in providing diabetes patients with a needle-free option, possibly revolutionizing the field of diabetes treatment. .  . “Find the options that are right for you - for your condition, your personality, your lifestyle!” ― Gina Meagher, The Nitty-Gritty of Managing Diabetes: Personalizing Your Approach through Determination, Perserverance & Balance

31 Jan 2024
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Preesha Chakraborty : Sets A Massive Record!

Nine-year-old Indian-American Preesha Chakraborty was listed among the "world's brightest" pupils by the renowned Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Warm Spring Elementary School in Fremont, California is where Preesha goes to school. This is based on the results of examinations beyond the grade level that over 16,000 students from 90 countries took. While in Grade 3, she took the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (JH-CTY) exam in the summer of 2023. Preesha was added to the list after more than 16,000 children's above-grade-level exam results from more than 90 nations were assessed. Her exceptional performance on the CTY Talent Search, the school and college Ability Test, the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), the American college Testing (ACT), or equivalent tests earned her praise. Less than thirty percent of students are qualified for High Honors or Grand Honors/SET each year based on their test scores. She achieved perfect scores in both the verbal and quantitative sections of the exam, matching the 99th percentile of advanced Grade 5 performance, and was awarded the Grand Honors. Because of her achievement, Preesha is eligible to take part in more than 250 advanced online and on-campus Johns Hopkins CTY programs for kids in grades 2 through 12 in computer programming, mathematics, chemistry, physics, reading, and writing. Preesha : An Expectional Star~ Preesha has been a lifelong member of the oldest high-IQ society in the world, Mensa Foundation, which is well known. To participate, one must score in the 98th percentile on a standardized, monitored IQ test or similar approved intellectual evaluation. She achieved this at the age of six by scoring in the 99th percentile on the national NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test), which assesses students in grades K–12 for gifted and talented programs. Outside of school, Preesha enjoys hiking, traveling, and mixed martial arts. Preesha's parents claim that their daughter has always had a great desire to learn and shown exceptional academic skills. “Every man has a specific skill, whether it is discovered or not, that more readily and naturally comes to him than it would to another, and his own should be sought and polished. He excels best in his niche - originality loses its authenticity in one's efforts to obtain originality.” ― Criss Jami, Salomé: In Every Inch In Every Mile  

19 Jan 2024
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India Surpasses Saudi Arabia and UK, Becomes Ninth-Largest Holder of Gold Reserves

India has achieved a remarkable feat in the world of gold reserves, surpassing both Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom to become the ninth-largest holder of gold reserves globally. According to the latest estimates released by the World Gold Council (WGC), India's gold reserves now stand at an impressive 2,191.53 tonnes, with a total value of $131,795 million. This significant milestone highlights India's growing economic strength and its status as a major player in the global gold market. India's Rise in Gold Reserves: The rise of India's gold reserves reflects the country's long-standing cultural affinity for the precious metal. Gold holds deep cultural and religious significance in India and is traditionally seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Over the years, Indians have consistently invested in gold as a safe-haven asset and a means of preserving wealth. This strong demand for gold, coupled with government policies encouraging gold investment, has contributed to India's impressive gold reserve growth. Surpassing Wealthy Arab and Western Nations: India's ascendancy in gold reserves is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses wealthy Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia, known for their oil wealth, and the United Kingdom, a major financial hub. This achievement underscores India's economic resilience and the growing strength of its financial markets. It also demonstrates India's ability to diversify its foreign exchange reserves and mitigate risks associated with traditional reserve currencies. Implications for India's Economy: India's rising gold reserves have several implications for its economy. Firstly, it bolsters the country's financial stability by providing a valuable asset that can be utilized during times of economic volatility. The gold reserves act as a buffer against external shocks and fluctuations in global currency markets. Additionally, the significant gold reserves enhance India's credibility and attractiveness as an investment destination, instilling confidence in foreign investors. Boosting the Gold Market: India's substantial gold reserves contribute to the stability and growth of the global gold market. The increased demand from India creates a positive impact on the international gold prices, benefiting gold producers and traders worldwide. Furthermore, India's growing gold reserves position the country as an influential player in shaping global gold market trends and policies. Government Policies and Future Prospects: The Indian government has implemented various policies to encourage gold investment and monetization. Initiatives such as the Gold Monetization Scheme and Sovereign Gold Bonds aim to channel the nation's gold holdings into productive avenues while reducing reliance on imported gold. These measures not only strengthen India's gold reserves but also promote financial inclusion and financial literacy among the population. Looking ahead, India's gold reserves are expected to continue growing as the country's economy expands and its middle class expands. With increasing disposable incomes and a cultural affinity for gold, Indians are likely to continue investing in this precious metal. Moreover, the government's ongoing efforts to formalize the gold sector and promote transparency will further boost gold reserves and contribute to India's economic growth. India's achievement of surpassing Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom to become the ninth-largest holder of gold reserves demonstrates its economic strength and cultural affinity for gold. The substantial gold reserves not only enhance India's financial stability but also elevate its position in the global gold market. As India continues to prioritize gold investment and implement supportive policies, its gold reserves are set to play a crucial role in driving economic growth and attracting international investors.

19 Jan 2024
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Sumit Nagal Triumphs: Historic Victory Over Bublik in Australian Open Opener

Sumit Nagal of India celebrates after defeating Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. Who is Sumit Nagal : Highlighting his Spirit of willing heart?  Leaving out the tennis aficionados, not many know who took over the mantle to represent India in the men’s tennis after Somdev Devvarman. It is none other than Sumit Nagal. Sumit Nagal is an Indian tennis player. He is ranked 160th in the world and is the second-highest ranked Indian in men's singles tennis behind Prajnesh Gunneswaran. His career high ranking is 122 which he reached on 24th August 2020. He plays right handed. He is known for his two-handed backhand. Sumit Nagal is a product of Mahesh Bhupathi's training academy which he had joined as a 10-year-old.  Nagal first shot into the limelight when he won the 2015 Wimbledon boys' doubles title with Lý Hoàng Nam of Vietnam. The win made him only the sixth Indian to win a Junior Grand Slam title. A year later, Nagal made his Davis Cup debut as he represented India in the 2016 World Group Playoff tie against Spain in New Delhi. In 2017, Nagal won his first challenger title by winning the Bengaluru Open. Nagal's biggest claim to fame came two years later at Flushing Meadows against Roger Federer. After qualifying for the main draw of the US Open, he was drawn in the first round with Roger Federer. The Indian stunned the world as he won the first set against the Swiss legend 6-4. Unfortunately, Sumit Nagal could not keep up with the brilliance of Roger Federer.  Turning Heads At Present:  India's ace Tennis player Sumit Nagal defeated Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik in the first round of the Australian Open 2024 with 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). He dominated the proceedings all through and became the first Indian man after Ramesh Krishnan to beat a seeded player in the Grand Slam in 35 years. The first set was a roller-coaster, with each player breaking the other for the first three games. Sumit showed his sheer determination and brilliance to provide India with a historic win after so many years. Currently World No. 139 in singles, this is Nagal's second main draw appearance in the season's first Grand Slam after his entry in 2021.  A sports-loving nation ought to be the epitome of sportsmanship. In a country where the sports business is growing at an astonishing rate, we will inevitably fail at times. However, we must have faith in the process in order to find the answer to our faded spark! - “Confidence is very important – even pretending to be Confident. If you make a Mistake but do not let your Opponent see what you are thinking then he may overlook the Mistake.” -  Viswanathan Anand

17 Jan 2024
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India Continues to Uphold its Growth Story Despite Challenging Decade, States World Bank

Growth Trajectory: Optimism Despite Slowdown In a recent report published by the World Bank, India's growth story remains intact despite facing the worst half-decade of growth in the past 30 years. The country is projected to be the fastest-growing major economy, with a growth rate of 6.3% for the current fiscal year. The World Bank forecasts India's growth to reach 6.4% in FY25 and further accelerate to 6.5% in FY26, indicating a positive trajectory for the nation's economy despite the prevailing slowdown. The report emphasizes that investment, although expected to decelerate slightly, will remain robust, supported by increased public investment and improved corporate balance sheets, including those of the banking sector. Earlier, India had forecasted an annual growth rate of 7.3% for the fiscal year ending in March, surpassing all other major global economies. This positive outlook is considered a significant boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled to take place before May. Cautionary Notes: NSO's Advisory on Preliminary Projections However, the National Statistical Office (NSO) has cautioned that these projections for 2023/24 are preliminary and subject to revision based on improved data coverage, actual tax receipts, and state subsidy spending. The World Bank's estimation of India's growth for the current fiscal year stands at 6.3%. The World Bank's Global Economic Prospects report also sheds light on the global economic scenario, projecting a further slowdown in global growth to 2.4% in 2024 compared to the estimated 2.6% growth for 2023. This performance is considered the weakest in the past half-decade. Global Economic Context: World Bank's Insights The report warns that without significant corrective measures, the 2020s may be remembered as a decade of wasted opportunities. It highlights the concern of interest payments and their impact on India's economy, particularly in countries with high debt levels such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The World Bank also identifies risks posed by extreme weather events and elections. The uncertainty surrounding the elections could potentially dampen private sector activity, including foreign investment. However, the implementation of policies aimed at reducing uncertainty and strengthening growth potential after the elections could lead to an improvement in growth prospects. In the coming fiscal year, the World Bank expects private consumption to taper off as pent-up post-pandemic demand diminishes and high food price inflation limits spending, especially among low-income households. Despite the challenges faced in the past half-decade, India's growth story remains intact, and the nation continues to strive for economic progress. The World Bank's positive outlook provides hope for sustained development and reinforces India's position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.

12 Jan 2024
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Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports rank among the world's top three most punctual airports

In the latest assessment of on-time performance by Cirium, a leading aviation analytics firm, Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports have emerged as flag bearers of punctuality on a global scale. Capturing the second and third positions respectively, these airports have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to efficiency and reliability in air travel, boasting over 84 per cent on-time departures. The success of Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports owes itself to a blend of infrastructure advancements and the substantial presence of IndiGo, a prominent Indian airline. IndiGo, ranking fourth among Asia Pacific airlines with more than 82 per cent on-time arrivals, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the punctuality of flights at these airports. Nearly half of all flights in Bengaluru and 65 per cent in Hyderabad are operated by IndiGo, underlining its significant influence. IndiGo's prominence underscores the airline's dedication to punctuality, shaping the operational landscape of these airports positively. This symbiotic relationship between the airline and airports emerges as a crucial factor contributing to their exceptional on-time performance. Not to be overshadowed, Kolkata airport secured a noteworthy ninth position in the medium airports category with an impressive 83.9 percent on-time flights. Cirium's measure of on-time performance considers flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled gate arrival. These rankings not only showcase India's aviation prowess but also underscore the crucial collaborative role played by airlines and airports in upholding punctuality standards.

3 Jan 2024
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India Achieves Milestone: Launches First Mission to Explore Black Holes with XPosat Satellite Now in Orbit

The Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C58 successfully launched an X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat). The satellite was launched at 9.10 a.m. on 1st January 2024 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This is India's first dedicated scientific mission to investigate the polarization of cosmic X-rays from astronomical sources. With the launch of XPoSat, India has become the world's second country, behind the United States, to send a specialized astronomy observatory to research black holes and neutron stars in our galaxy. The primary payload XPoSat has a mission life of around five years.  Things to  Know about (XPoSat):  XPoSAT will aid in the study of radiation from black holes and neutron stars. Using X-ray photons and their polarization, XPoSAT will aid in the study of radiation from nearby black holes and neutron stars.  Long-term spectral and temporal investigations of cosmic X-ray sources will be conducted.  The XPoSat satellite cost around Rs 250 crore (approximately $30 million) whereas the NASA IXPE, which was launched in 2021, cost around $188 million.  The rocket's PS4 stage had remaining fuel after successfully deploying XPoSat. A deliberate process was undertaken to safely dispose of this surplus fuel. This procedure served two purposes: it removed any residual fuel and prepared the PS4 stage for future tests involving re-entry into Earth's atmosphere when it will return.  Dr. Vikram Sarabhai emphasized the importance of any space program in his quote: "There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society."

2 Jan 2024
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UNESCO Honor: Bangalore Airport Terminal T2 Attains Global Recognition

The Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2 (KIA T2) in Bengaluru has been awarded the 'World Special Prize for an Interior 2023' by UNESCO's Prix Versailles. According to Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), this award ranks KIA T2 as the only Indian airport to receive such international praise. T2 stands on the foundation of four key elements: technical leadership, a terminal integrated within a garden setting, commitment to environmental sustainability, and a celebration of Karnataka's vibrant tradition and culture. An official announcement highlights that T2's sustainable design earned the prestigious recognition of being the world's largest terminal pre-certified with a Platinum LEED certification by the US Green Building Council, even before its operational launch. This distinction underscores the airport's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and responsibility. The Prix Versailles 2023 world judges panel, chaired by famous fashion designer Elie Saab, announced Bengaluru airport as the lone Indian recipient of this prestigious award, underscoring the airport's commitment to excellent global design and architecture. This distinction pushes Bengaluru Airport to the top tier of airports worldwide. Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), expressed joy at the achievement, saying, "The nomination of Terminal 2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride. We are thrilled to see T2 receive well-deserved praise for its unique blend of art and technology that serves as a distinguishing gateway. It leaves a lasting effect on worldwide travelers, providing a peek of our state's and country's vast assets."

22 Dec 2023
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India Emerges as Star Performer, Expected to Contribute Over 16% of Global Growth, Says IMF

India has emerged as a star performer in the global economy, contributing more than 16% of the overall global growth, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF's annual Article IV consultation with India highlights the country's potential to be one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world this year. With key sectors like digitization and infrastructure undergoing economic reforms, India has witnessed robust growth, outshining its peer countries. Nada Choueiri, the Mission of India at IMF, stated that India's real growth rate has been impressive and that the nation is one of the fastest-growing large emerging markets. The IMF's current projections indicate that India will contribute over 16% to global growth this year. The report emphasizes the importance of India's focus on infrastructure development and logistics to sustain and strengthen its growth trajectory. The country's large and young population presents immense potential for stronger growth if harnessed through structural reforms. India has already implemented significant structural reforms, with digitalization playing a key role in enhancing productivity and future growth prospects. The IMF report recommends that India's policy priorities should include replenishing fiscal buffers, ensuring price stability, maintaining financial stability, and accelerating inclusive growth through comprehensive structural reforms while keeping debt sustainability in mind. India's rebound from the pandemic has positioned it as a crucial driver of global growth. The report highlights the resilience of India's financial sector and the need to rebuild fiscal buffers despite easing budget deficits. Additionally, the report acknowledges India's important role in advancing multilateral policy priorities as it assumed the G20 presidency in 2023. As India continues its growth trajectory, political stability, transparent policies, and further reforms will be crucial factors in attracting investments and realizing the nation's immense potential.

21 Dec 2023
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A New Era in Medicine: FDA Grants Approval for CRISPR in Sickle Cell Treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the first-ever treatment using the gene-editing tool CRISPR to cure sickle cell disease, bringing renewed hope to thousands of patients. The treatment, known as Casgevy and manufactured by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, marks a significant milestone in the field of medical breakthroughs. Sickle cell disease affects over 100,000 Americans, causing severe pain and a shortened lifespan. Until now, the only available treatment option was a risky bone marrow transplant, which often faced challenges due to finding a suitable donor. However, the CRISPR technology offers a promising alternative by editing the genetic code of the patient's own stem cells. "This approval is a remarkable achievement, considering the rapid progress from the discovery of CRISPR to its recognition with a Nobel Prize and now as an approved product," said Dr. Alexis Thompson, chief of the division of hematology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. While the process involves multiple appointments and can be painful, patients like LaRae Morning, a 29-year-old recipient of the treatment, are experiencing life-changing benefits. Morning expresses gratitude for the newfound ability to engage in physical activities that were previously impossible. However, the treatment does come with a high price tag, costing $2.2 million. Despite the cost, insurance coverage may alleviate some financial burdens, considering the potential long-term savings in medical care. The FDA's approval of this groundbreaking CRISPR treatment for sickle cell disease ignites hope for patients and paves the way for further advancements in gene-editing technology. It opens up possibilities for addressing other genetic conditions and brings us one step closer to a future where genetic diseases can be treated effectively.

20 Dec 2023
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Shukrayaan-1: ISRO;s Ambitious Mission to Explore the Mysteries of Venus

Shukrayaan, a significant venture under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), represents a pioneering mission aiming to explore the planet Venus. Designed as part of the Venus Orbiter Mission, Shukrayaan's primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive study of Venus's various facets, including its surface, atmosphere, geological composition, and interactions with space elements like solar wind. What day does Shukrayaan-1 launch? Prior to the pandemic, the launch of ISRO Venus Orbiter Mission, Shukrayaan I, was planned for mid-2023. S. Somanath, the chairman of ISRO, did, however, reveal in May 2022 that the mission is scheduled to launch in December 2024, with an additional launch window in 2031.  NASA has voiced concerns over Venusian life's feasibility right now. The potential of bacteria thriving in Venus' upper atmosphere, where the pressure is closer to that of Earth's surface, hasn't been completely ruled out by scientists, though. What are the goals of the Shukrayaan-1 mission? The primary objective of the mission is to perform an extensive study of Venus. In addition to exploring Venus's structure, dynamics, and geological makeup, it looks at the planet's surface and atmosphere.  Regardless of the day, night, or weather, the Shukrayaan 1 approach will be able to produce high-resolution photographs.  The Venus Orbiter Mission will examine shallow underlying stratigraphy and surface processes.  The interaction of the solar wind with Venus's ionosphere, emissions, cloud cover, volcanic activity, and other planetary features will all be investigated by this mission.  Recognizing the importance: The study of exoplanet habitats and the evolution of planets similar to Earth will benefit from Shukrayaan 1.  It will serve as a warning about how rapidly a planet's climate may alter and be helpful for recreating Earth's climate. “Not only is the Universe stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine.” – Sir Arthur Eddington, The Nature of the Physical World (1927)  

14 Dec 2023
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World's Largest Green Energy Park Coming Up in India Will be Visible From Space!

The globe's largest renewable energy initiative, the Khavda renewable energy park is coming up in India. A colossal endeavor set to redefine sustainability, this project, upon completion in three years, will hold the distinction of being visible from space! The energy park is coming up in the vast salt desert, in the Rann of Kutch, bridging India and Pakistan. The site, named after the nearby village of Khavda, teems with activity as multitudes of workers labor tirelessly. The landscape transforms as concrete pillars sprout, ready to host solar panels stretching endlessly.  Simultaneously, the groundwork for towering wind turbines unfolds, accompanied by the assembly of substations and the labyrinthine layout of wiring, all across a sprawling 726 square kilometers—an expanse that is the size of Singapore. This ambitious venture, at an estimated cost of $2.26 billion, assumes pivotal significance amidst global discussions at COP28. The world leaders are discussing the need to triple worldwide renewable energy targets. They also aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels to mitigate climate change. Remarkably, this industrial feat unfolds amidst the harsh terrain of the Rann of Kutch, a remote and unforgiving salt desert. Enduring adverse weather  conditions, approximately 4,000 laborers and 500 engineers persevere in makeshift camps, driven by a collective vision.  Upon fruition, this mammoth project will generate 30 gigawatts of renewable energy annually, a monumental stride towards India's aim of installing 500 gigawatts of clean energy by the decade's end, aligning with their goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

12 Dec 2023
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Discover the One and Only Unrivaled Environment Film Festival!

Prepare for an extraordinary experience this December as ALT EFF, the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival, returns for its fourth edition. It promises an immersive journey into the heart of environmental narratives. Scheduled from December 1st to 10th, this festival stands to champion the cause of sustainability, environmental consciousness, and global collaboration through the power of film. ALT EFF isn’t just another film festival; it’s a movement, a call to action. It’s a platform dedicated to weaving the art of storytelling with the urgent need for environmental advocacy. This year, ALT EFF is set to astound audiences with a carefully curated selection of 62 films. From compelling documentaries to poignant short films and thought-provoking fictional pieces, each production echoes the pulse of environmental awareness. This year’s lineup boasts remarkable Indian films, shining a spotlight on local environmental challenges. Films like "Changing Landscape," "Herd Walk," and "Against the Tide" delve deep into issues affecting Indian ecosystems, showcasing struggles and resilience within communities. A groundbreaking moment awaits with the Indian premiere of "We Are Guardians," a gripping documentary supported by Leonardo DiCaprio. Directed by a talented team, this film journeys through the Amazon rainforest, narrating the courageous battle of Indigenous forest guardians against deforestation and illegal logging. Notable Indian short films like "Mulostan - The Rooted" and "Fight with Care" add depth, spotlighting the trials and triumphs of marginalized communities in their fight for rights and sustainability. The festival also features renowned filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves on the jury panel, further emphasizing its dedication to highlighting films that echo environmental concerns. ALT EFF isn't just confined to screens; it's a decentralized movement, reaching audiences across India through over 40 on-ground screenings. This inclusive approach merges virtual and in-person events, fostering connections and conversations. Founder Kunal Khanna's impassioned commitment underscores the festival's purpose: inspiring collective engagement and learning in the face of our climate crisis. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage firsthand with thought-provoking films. Join the virtual screenings or local showings and be part of a movement driving environmental consciousness through cinema. Visit https://www.alteff.in/ for screening schedules and be a part of the change!

27 Nov 2023
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Solar-Powered Device Transforms Contaminated Water into Clean Fuel and Drinking Water!

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have pioneered a groundbreaking, floating, solar-powered device that transforms contaminated water or seawater into both clean hydrogen fuel and drinking water without the need for external power.! This innovation presents a game-changing solution for remote or resource-limited regions. Traditional photocatalytic water-splitting methods for hydrogen production require clear water sources and substantial land for installations. To counter these limitations, the research team sought inspiration from nature's photosynthesis process to devise a solar-powered device that can simultaneously generate clean hydrogen fuel and potable water from polluted water sources. Lead author Chanon Pornrungroj stated that it was challenging for any solar-driven device to split water with untreated water due to potential catalyst contamination or adverse chemical reactions. Annuar, a study co-author, expressed that a device capable of functioning with contaminated water could address two issues simultaneously. He mentioned that such a device could split water to produce clean fuel and generate clean drinking water. The device's design integrates a UV-light-absorbing photocatalyst on an infrared-light-absorbing nanostructured carbon mesh. This innovative setup not only facilitates hydrogen production by splitting water vapor but also replicates the natural process of transpiration, optimizing solar energy utilization. Testing conducted on real-world water sources, including the River Cam and industrial waste, demonstrated the device's robustness, retaining 80% efficiency even in artificial seawater after prolonged use. Researchers credit the device's isolation of the photocatalyst from water contaminants and its floating design for maintaining operational stability. Professor Erwin Reisner, the study's corresponding author, envisions their device as a stepping stone towards a circular economy and sustainable future, emphasizing its potential to tackle environmental issues while addressing global challenges like climate crisis and pollution.

23 Nov 2023
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For the first time in history, India has won ten One-Day Internationals in a row!

India advanced to the World Cup 2023 final after defeating New Zealand by 70 runs at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The semi-final victory over Kane Williamson's side was India's 10th in a row in the ongoing competition, and it also helped India set a new record for the longest winning streak in ODI cricket. India faced New Zealand in the semi-finals in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. It was a high-stakes game, with India hoping to end their knockout streak against the Kiwis. The Men in Blue rose to the occasion, performing admirably with both bat and ball. India achieved a daunting total of 397/4, due to a strong top-order effort and explosive finish from the lower middle order. The bowlers, inspired by Mohammed Shami's scorching spell, which resulted in a career-high 7 wickets, enabled India to secure a 70-run victory. Virat Kohli's batting prowess was critical to India's victory during the World Cup. Kohli was the tournament's leading run-scorer, with 711 runs in 10 matches, including five fifties and three hundreds. His top ODI score of 117 runs was a batting masterclass, and his steady performances created the foundation for India's fearsome totals. India has now reached the ODI World Cup final four times, having previously won the trophy in 1983 and 2011. India finished second in 2003 and will find out who their championship contender is on Thursday when Australia plays South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India enters the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with the momentum of an unbeaten season and the support of a billion hopes. Their achievements in the World Cup 2023 have not only entertained but also inspired, demonstrating the true spirit of cricket. The nation waits with bated breath as India prepares to add another wonderful chapter to their illustrious cricketing history. ''The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player. I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage - in the World Cup Semi-final - and at my home ground is the icing on the cake.'' - Sachin Tendulkar on the epic entrance of India Into world cup Finals

18 Nov 2023
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Nine years after the triumph of MOM, ISRO is planning on the second trip to Mars, called Mangalyaan-2.

Mars has firmly guarded its secrets, despite appearing to be a promising neighboring location to look for life beyond Earth. Despite decades of research and even two promising outcomes, definitive evidence of life has not yet arrived. With Chandrayaan-3's accomplishment, the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) is feeling enthusiastic and has many more missions planned in the future. It is currently endeavoring to dispatch another spacecraft to the red planet to extend the legacy of the Mars mission — one of India's most celebrated accomplishments in space exploration, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), which elevated the nation's space program to a potent driving force. Nine years after making history, India is getting set to launch another mission to Mars. ISRO is planning to launch Mangalyaan-2 also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2, a second spacecraft, to the planet Mars. It would send four payloads to the planet's surface. The mission will carry a Mars Orbit Dust Experiment (MODEX)  Understanding the origin, quantity, distribution, and flow at high altitudes on Mars will be aided by MODEX. To date, ISRO is planning to launch the mission by the year 2024. 'Till now this mission has been planned as an orbital mission not a landing mission. But with time and smart brains put together who knows things take a turn into somethiing newer to the previous plan of ISRO.' ISRO's remarkable achievement in advancing Chandrayaan-3 has evoked immense pride among all Indians, emphasizing our unwavering support for the dedicated and diligent scientists at ISRO. We eagerly anticipate that their future endeavors will continue to fill us with the same sense of pride and accomplishment.  

11 Oct 2023
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Chandrayaan-3 Followed by PSLV-C56: India's Space Odyssey Continues!

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved yet another milestone with the successful launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on its 56th mission to space, carrying seven foreign satellites alongside its primary payload. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota during the early hours of a Sunday, marking the second significant launch by the Indian space agency in just two weeks, following the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon launched on July 14. The star of the show was the DS-SAR satellite, developed in collaboration with Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency and ST Engineering. After about 23 minutes post-lift-off, the PSLV rocket separated from its satellites and placed them into their intended orbits approximately 535 km above the Earth's surface.  The DS-SAR satellite is equipped with Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) technology, enabling it to create high-resolution two-dimensional images and three-dimensional reconstructions of objects on the Earth's surface. It will play a pivotal role in fulfilling the satellite imagery requirements of various Singaporean government agencies and ST Engineering's commercial customers. The DS-SAR wasn't alone on this interstellar journey. Accompanying it were six co-passenger customer satellites, each with its unique purpose.  The successful deployment of all seven satellites into their designated orbits marks the 431st foreign satellite launch from India by ISRO and the fourth dedicated PSLV launch for the Singaporean government. As ISRO continues to explore new frontiers and expand its international collaborations, India's space odyssey is reaching greater heights. With each successful mission, the nation solidifies its position as a key player in the global space race. The future holds even more exciting prospects as India sets its sights on new celestial horizons.

31 Jul 2023
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Cricket's Stellar Journey: ICC Men's World Cup Trophy Touches the Skies

The ICC Men's ODI World Cup Trophy Tour 2023 has kicked off in an extravagant manner, offering fans a chance to get up close and personal with the prestigious trophy throughout the three-month-long tour. The much-anticipated 2023 World Cup is set to take place in India during the months of October and November, and the trophy tour aims to build excitement and anticipation among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. To mark the beginning of the tour, the trophy embarked on a thrilling journey, soaring 12,000 feet above the earth with the help of a balloon. After its exhilarating ascent, it gracefully descended to the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, ready to captivate fans with its gleaming presence. Beginning on June 27, the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Trophy will embark on a grand voyage, visiting 18 countries across the globe. From Kuwait to Uganda, Bahrain to Italy, and Malaysia to the United States, cricket lovers from various corners of the world will have the opportunity to witness the iconic trophy firsthand. Of course, the tour will also make a significant stop in the host country, India, further igniting the cricket fever among its passionate fans. Geoff Allardice, the Chief Executive of ICC, emphasized the importance of the Trophy Tour, stating that it serves as a pivotal milestone in the countdown to what is set to be the largest ICC Men's Cricket World Cup ever. The tour holds more than just a display of silverware; it will also involve meetings with heads of states, the launch of community initiatives, and support for cricket development programs. Furthermore, it will take the trophy to renowned landmarks, symbolizing the global significance of the sport. As the tour embarks on its global journey, anticipation and enthusiasm are reaching new heights. Cricket fans around the world eagerly await the grandeur and thrill of the 2023 World Cup, which will kick off with the opening match between England and New Zealand at the Ahmedabad stadium on October 5, and culminate with the final on November 19. With nine more venues confirmed, this edition of the World Cup promises to be the grandest one yet, leaving fans eagerly counting down the days until the much-awaited tournament unfolds.

27 Jun 2023
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Nature's Secret Weapon That Offers Hope in the Fight Against Global Warming

Fungi could hold the key to mitigating global warming, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal Nature, reveals that fungi can store up to a third of all carbon emissions in the soil. This could be a game-changer for the fight against climate change. The study found that fungi play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by breaking down organic matter in the soil and storing carbon in the form of organic compounds. The researchers estimate that fungi store around 3.2 trillion kilograms of carbon, which is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by all human activity in a year. The findings suggest that protecting and restoring fungal communities could be an effective way to reduce carbon emissions and slow down the pace of global warming. The researchers also argue that fungi could be used to help restore degraded soils, which would have the added benefit of improving agricultural productivity. The study has been welcomed by environmental campaigners and scientists, who say that it provides further evidence of the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting natural ecosystems. They also stress the need for urgent action to tackle climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy.

14 Jun 2023
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Breaking Barriers to Universal Health: World Health Day 2023

 World Health Day, celebrated on the 7th of April every year, is an occasion for us to reflect on the challenges facing global health and take collective action towards improving it. The day also marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO), which has played a pivotal role in advancing public health across the globe. The theme for World Health Day 2023 is “Health For All,” which emphasizes the importance of providing equal access to quality health services for everyone, irrespective of their financial status. The WHO has been instrumental in promoting the right to health as a fundamental human right. In the past, the organization has highlighted various health concerns, including mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change. This year, WHO is focusing on the urgent need for universal health coverage, which can provide financial security and access to high-quality services, lift people out of poverty, and promote family and community well-being. However, despite the progress made in recent years, many people around the world still lack access to basic health treatments, and catastrophic health-care costs continue to drive people into poverty. This is why WHO is calling for action to ensure that individuals and communities have access to high-quality health services, skilled health workers, and policymakers committed to investing in universal health coverage. The formation of the WHO in 1948 marked a significant milestone in global health. The organization was founded on the principle of providing global health leadership and promoting health for all. Since then, WHO has played a critical role in responding to pandemics, supporting health systems, and improving public health outcomes worldwide. World Health Day is not just another celebration, but a reminder that good health is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to all. The theme for this year's World Health Day, "Health For All," reminds us that universal health coverage is essential to creating a healthier, more equitable world. Let’s all come together to ensure that every individual has access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their socioeconomic status, location, or any other factor.  

7 Apr 2023
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Greenhouse Gas Game Changer: Methane Found to Have Surprising Cooling Effect on the Planet

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has long been a cause for concern among climate scientists. However, a recent study has found that methane may actually have a cooling effect on the planet, offsetting up to 30% of the warming caused by other greenhouse gases. Scientists at the University of California-Riverside have now found that methane also absorbs short-wave energy, which, through the creation of cooling clouds, actually cancels 30% of its own heat (the heat that gas has created in the greenhouse effect). While methane is still a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the study suggests that it may be less harmful to the environment than previously thought. The findings could have important implications for climate policy, as they suggest that efforts to reduce methane emissions may be less urgent than efforts to reduce other greenhouse gases. The study also highlights the complex and interconnected nature of climate change and the need for a holistic approach to addressing the issue. While efforts to reduce carbon emissions remain crucial, the study suggests that we must also consider the impact of other greenhouse gases on the planet. By continuing to explore, we can work towards more effective and sustainable solutions to the global climate crisis.

29 Mar 2023
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ISRO’s Sixth Consecutive Successful Mission Puts India at the Forefront of Space Tech

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has once again achieved a momentous feat by successfully launching its heaviest payload rocket, LVM3, carrying 36 OneWeb satellites onboard. The rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota, on March 26th, 2023, and is the sixth consecutive successful flight of the LVM3. This is the second mission for OneWeb Group Company, under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), to launch 72 satellites into Low-Earth Orbits. The first set of 36 satellites was launched on October 23, 2022. The satellites were successfully deployed in nine phases over a period of 1 hour and 14 minutes, with the signal acquisition on all 36 satellites confirmed. OneWeb is a space-based global communication network that offers connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities. With the support of major investor Bharti Enterprises, OneWeb has launched its 18th mission, the third this year, bringing its total constellation to 618 Low Earth Orbit (LEO)satellites. This achievement is significant as it makes OneWeb the first LEO operator to have enough satellites in orbit to offer global service.  The successful launch of LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 Mission has been hailed as a significant step towards closing the digital divide, bringing fast and reliable connectivity to those who lack it. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath congratulated NSIL, ISRO, and OneWeb for the successful launch, with Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauding ISRO for yet another feather in their much-decorated hat. ISRO's successful mission reinforces India's position as a global leader in space technology, demonstrating its capabilities in advancing scientific research and enhancing communication infrastructure. With this historic launch, ISRO has set the bar high for future space missions, paving the way for more exciting developments in the field.

27 Mar 2023
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Revolutionizing E-commerce: Indian Women Entrepreneurs Take on the World!

  India is keeping up with the rapid technological change in the world. Through a strategic alliance with the international incubator Womennovator, Amazon India is at the forefront of supporting female entrepreneurs. Under this partnership, 200 women entrepreneurs will be able to introduce their items on Amazon's websites and global markets. This is a crucial step toward enhancing the usability of e-commerce for organizations of all sizes and empowering Indian women business owners. Amazon Global Selling is an initiative that aims to make it easier for Indian Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Businesses (MSMEs) to enter the market. The initiative has already generated more than $5 billion in total sales, and the company expects to reach $20 billion by 2025. This is a remarkable accomplishment that has been made possible by India's growing e-commerce popularity. The partnership with Womennovator is expected to help many Indian women entrepreneurs scale their businesses and take their products to a global audience. Brands like Kidsy Winsy, Vishaala Naturals, Gems & Jewels, and Bunko Jungo will be among those taking part in this program. These brands will operate across different sectors including apparel, beauty, jewelry, spices, sanitation, and others. They will be provided with skill development, information, and guidance to help them grow their businesses. This initiative presents a great opportunity for Indian women business owners to showcase their skills and entrepreneurial zeal on a global stage. Also, it is a step in the direction of e-commerce being more inclusive and open to all. With Amazon leading the way, the future of e-commerce in India seems to be bright, and there are countless prospects for Indian women entrepreneurs.

9 Mar 2023
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Yoga Enthusiasts Make History by Entering Guinness Book of World Record Records

The Akshar Yoga Research and Development Centre has made history by entering the Guinness Book of World Records on February 11, 2023, as its members along with many other participants from all over the world performed three yoga poses. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the yoga practitioners who participated in the Mandala Yoga Festival in Bengaluru. Over 500 people participated in the event, including police personnel from Karnataka State Police, underprivileged children, and differently-abled children. The event which was held at Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence saw participants from different parts of the world, including the USA, Japan, Korea, Dubai, London, France, and Sri Lanka, all coming together to create history. The renowned yoga and spiritual teacher Himalayan Siddha Akshar expressed his joy and delight at this extraordinary accomplishment. He claimed that in order to accomplish this noteworthy feat, every participant undertook demanding preparation for roughly two months before to the event. The three yoga positions,  Vashishtasana (Side Plank Pose), Ushtrasana (Camel Pose), and Halasana (Plough Pose) which ranged in length from 45 to 90 seconds, demonstrated the participants' strength both physically and mentally. The Akshar Yoga Centre has previously entered the Guinness World Record book for performing the Dhanurasana or Bow Pose for two minutes with 285 yoga practitioners. This accomplishment shows the centre's dedication to promoting yoga and the physical and mental well-being it provides. This achievement serves as an inspiration to all yoga enthusiasts and demonstrates the potential of yoga in improving physical and mental health.

15 Feb 2023
Good News

Soil – The Basis of All Life!

Today, the world celebrates World Soil Day. This year’s theme is "Soils: Where Food Begins.” The campaign seeks to address expanding soil management concerns, raise awareness, and motivate societies to enhance soil health. According to soil scientists, 52% of agricultural soils are already degraded. In other words, the soil that enriches and nourishes us is dying. That is a cause for concern as soil fulfills 95% of our food needs. Soil supplies 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants. The world population continues to soar and in order to meet the global food demand in 2050, agricultural production will have to increase by 60 percent. Sustainable soil management could produce up to 58 percent more food. How do we save soil from extinction? The need of the hour is to raise our voice for the soil so that the governments of the world take notice and frame necessary policies for the regeneration of soil. Soil can be regenerated by increasing the organic content as much as possible. Soil is a living entity and comprises millions of microbes and tiny creatures which are largely not visible to our naked eye. This living soil feeds on organic content like dead leaves or animal waste that helps it to thrive and get enriched.  The green revolution and the need to produce crops on a large scale to feed the Earth’s growing population have led to the rampant use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides. This has gradually transformed the soil into sand and ripped the soil off its organic content and richness. All we need to do to increase the organic content of the soil is to keep the soil covered with dead leaves and animal /plant waste. By addressing the growing challenges in soil management, raising soil awareness, and enticing societies to improve soil health, World Soil Day 2022(#WorldSoilDay) and its campaign "Soils: Where food begins" seek to increase awareness of the significance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being. We need to save our soil now to prevent an impending catastrophe. Join savesoil.org and play a part in this phenomenal global movement to save soil for future generations.  

5 Dec 2022
Good News

This Visually Impaired Climate Activist Has a Clear Vision To Save the Planet

C S Veerraghavan is not alone in his battle to tackle the climate crisis. The visually impaired 50-year-old has the support of 400 members of his NGO, Green Voice Global (GVG), who are now his eyes. Veerraghavan recalls the time when he was in 11th standard and he had seen his neighbors walk for 4 km to fetch water. He wanted to help them out and that was the first time he took up the cudgels for a cause. Working for social causes, he gradually realized that humans were staring at a very serious threat -  global warming. Veerraghavan decided not to leave a stone unturned to counter climate change.  To accomplish his goal, Veerraghavan distributed cloth bags and planted over 1.5 lakh seedlings throughout the state. With the assistance of the community, he even revitalized water bodies in Velachery. He founded the non-profit organization Green Voice Global (GVG) in 2001, and today, he and its members hold awareness sessions and rallies for high school and college students. Realizing that heat-trapping gasses, such as carbon dioxide produced while burning fossil fuels, are warming the Earth. Veerraghavan led many campaigns that highlight the need to reduce emissions from the energy and transportation sectors. Veerraghavan lost his eyesight to the rare eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa when he was an adolescent. At that time he required assistance to take even a single step. It is inspiring that apart from striving to protect the planet from global warming, he also worked to improve the lives of disabled persons and young girls. 

1 Dec 2022
Good News

Global Sanskrit Conference to Be Held in Delhi in November

Sanskrit, an ancient language of India is considered to be the base of all Indian languages. With the intent to popularize the language, the Global Sanskrit Conference also called Vishwa Sanskrit Sammelan will be held in Delhi on November 9. The Global Sanskrit Conference will be a three day congregation held in Delhi and will be attended by Sanskrit scholars from 17 countries. The Venue The Global Sanskrit Conference will be held on November 9 at the Chhatrapur temple complex in Delhi. It is a three day congregation which will be attended by Sanskrit scholars from over 17 countries. It will also be attended by some top functionaries of the government. Confirmation is awaited by the PMO if Prime Minister Narendra Modi could inaugurate this mega event which will be attended by over 4000 delegates. Vice President  Venkaiah Naidu has been invited for the closing ceremony. The Conference The global conference is a mega event with participants from all over the world. It will be coordinated by a team of 42 members headed by union minister Harshavardhan. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur will be honoured for his decision to make Sanskrit the state’s second language. The event will also be attended by 283 Sanskrit speaking families. With such events being held every year, one can hope that the Sanskrit language gains popularity and more people are convinced to take up this primary language which is the predominant language of most texts of Hindu philosophy as well as Buddhism and Jainism.

30 Oct 2019
Good News

The Globe Takes Notice of Swacch Bharat Campaign As PM Modi Bags the ‘Global Goalkeeper Award’

With the overwhelming success of the Swacch Bharat Campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the recipient of the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019. The award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was presented to PM Modi by Bill Gates in New York on September 25. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or the Clean India Mission, was launched by PM Modi in his first term at the Centre in 2014. PM Dedicates Award To Nation PM Modi had launched the Swacch Bharat Campaign on October 2 that is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti. He said that he was touched and honored to be receiving the award in the year of Gandhiji’s 150th anniversary. He said that he dedicated the award to all those Indians who transformed the Swachh Bharat campaign into a "people's movement". He further said that although the government initiated the campaign, it is in fact, the people of the country who took charge of it to make it successful. Benefits Of The Campaign PM Modi said that the majority of people have benefitted from the campaign, especially women. Many girls would earlier drop out of school due to a lack of toilet facilities. The cleanliness campaign stressed on the importance of toilets and this awareness led to the construction of adequate toilets in many villages across India, much to the relief of girls and women. Improved rural sanitation has also improved the health of the people. Let us hope that the plastic ban to be introduced on this Gandhi Jayanti also meets with huge success for the betterment of the environment. Image Source: Sakshi Post

26 Sep 2019
Good News

Know about the world’s largest plane that launches rocket

Stratolaunch, the world’s largest airplane is rolled out for testing in Mojave desert. This aircraft has the capability of launching satellite-carrying rockets. The aircraft is now rolled out for testing its fuel systems and engines on its huge 28 wheels. The Stratolaunch aircraft weighs about 5 lakh pounds with six Pratt & Whitney engines fitted to it. It has the maximum takeoff weight of 1.3 million pounds and an operational range of about 2 thousand nautical miles. It is 238 feet long from nose to end and has the wingspan of about 385 feet. The aircraft will carry rockets beneath the central part of the wings and release it at a height of about 35 thousand feet. The aircraft will have a three-person flight crew- a pilot, a co-pilot and a flight engineer. This project has been undertaken by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The work on this has been in progress for six years. The aircraft is nicknamed as Roc. Roc is a mythical Middle Eastern Bird which is so big that it can carry an elephant in its claw. This project will revolutionize the orbital travel and will encourage reusability.  

2 Jun 2017
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Positive Reads

Young Minds, Big Impact: Meet the 5 Indian Students Shortlisted for Global Student Prize 2025

The Global Student Prize 2025 has announced its top 50 finalists, and five inspiring changemakers from India have made it to the coveted list. Their work ranges from criminal justice reform and elder care to climate action and rural development. With their powerful stories of purpose and innovation, these students are redefining leadership and rewriting what it means to be young in a changing world.1. Adarsh Kumar: Bihar’s Barrier-BreakerFrom scarcity to solution-building. Raised in Champaran, Bihar, Adarsh Kumar’s childhood was marked by power cuts, poverty, and perseverance. With just ₹1,000 and an old laptop, he left home at 14 to chase his dream of education in Kota. He couldn’t afford coaching classes, so he studied using public Wi-Fi and libraries. That self-learning spirit birthed Skillzo, a platform that has trained over 19,500 underprivileged youth. His earlier initiative, Mission Badlao, brought vaccines and education to rural Bihar. Adarsh later co-built Sparkle and Education-21 with IITians, impacting thousands more. He also became the first student to earn a ₹30-lakh full scholarship to JPIS, a story he’s helping others replicate. Today, as a Google Youth Advisor, he champions tech access for all. His next venture, SkillzoX, aims to deliver low-bandwidth AI mentorship tools for rural India.2. Mannat Samra: Giving Second ChancesTransforming prisons into possibilities. At just 17, Mannat Samra is shaking up India’s criminal justice system. Her reform work has supported over 50,000 prisoners, offering communication skills and helping launch India’s first job portal for ex-convicts. Through Bridge, she supports businesses run by former prisoners, giving them a fresh start. Her compassion also extends to refugee education, mentoring displaced youth and helping them gain admission to top universities like Stanford. Mannat’s social enterprise SustainaBite converts food waste into nutritious flour, while SecureSense, an AI system she co-developed, offers protection to borderland communities. With every initiative, Mannat proves that justice doesn’t end with punishment; it begins with dignity.3. Shivansh Gupta: The Voice of the InvisibleBringing gender economics to the grassroots. Hailing from Haryana, Shivansh Gupta is not just an academic mind; he’s a frontline activist for gender and youth rights. His published work on unpaid labor and patriarchy’s economic toll has garnered praise in scholarly circles. But theory is only half the story. Partnering with government bodies, he’s trained over 40,000 rural women in financial literacy. His nonprofit, The Teen Debater, has taught debate and critical thinking to 10,000+ students in underserved regions of India. Inspired by his great-grandfather, Shivansh invented ParkinStep, a $5 wearable device that aids Parkinson’s patients in walking safely. A national economics medallist, he has represented India at Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. His mission? To scale ParkinStep and expand education access for marginalized youth across borders.4. Dhiraj Gatmane: Restoring Dignity to EldersBlending sustainability with senior care. Growing up in the tribal belts of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Dhiraj Gatmane witnessed firsthand how elderly people often suffer in silence. That empathy evolved into Second Sunrise, a youth-led movement that has now reached over 3.5 million seniors across 20+ countries. His team has built 350 green homes, conducted 120,000 health screenings, and trained 150,000 elderly people in digital skills, all through sustainable Tech Pods powered by e-waste and solar energy. Despite battling chronic illness and financial instability, Dhiraj has published AI research at Oxford and Imperial College London. His upcoming plans include drone-deployed labs, AR heritage trails, and a global NFT campaign led by intergenerational artists. His journey reminds us: age may slow the body, but not the spirit.5. Jahaan Arora: Meals, Mentorship, and a MovementFrom a single meal to a million moments of care. What began as an effort to feed 40 HIV+ children has grown into 1 Million Meals, a massive initiative that has now served 950,000 meals to vulnerable children, including those with cerebral palsy and HIV/AIDS. Jahaan Arora’s innovation doesn’t stop there. He created $ocialCred$, a time-banking platform where volunteering hours earn mentorship and skill-building. Over 11,900 students across five countries have contributed 168,000+ community hours through this platform.His Trash Mafia Kids project has diverted 20 tonnes of waste from landfills, blending environmental action with youth education. A speaker at the World Time Banking Conference, Jahaan aims to reach 1 million meals and 1 million civic hours by 2030. Through service, Jahaan is building a generation of responsible, compassionate leaders.What Is the Global Student Prize and Who Gives It?The Global Student Prize is a prestigious international award that celebrates exceptional students making a positive impact in their communities and beyond. It is awarded by the Varkey Foundation, in partnership with Chegg.org. The prize recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and social responsibility. Open to students around the world aged 16 and above, the award highlights those who are not only achieving personal success but are also using their education to improve the lives of others. Each year, the top 50 finalists are selected from thousands of applications. The Global Student Prize serves as a powerful reminder that young people have the potential to lead global change.The Future Is Already HereFrom tribal villages to global think tanks, from AI-powered healthcare to refugee classrooms, these five young Indians are not just dreaming of change. They’re leading it. Their lives echo a simple truth: when education meets empathy and vision meets action, age becomes irrelevant. These finalists remind us that young voices are not future leaders; they are present changemakers. And their stories are not just about awards; they are blueprints for a more just, inclusive, and inspired world.

8 Aug 2025
Positive Reads

When the World is Your Classroom, and Business is Your Curriculum!

Tetr College of Business is doing things differently—and we’re all for it!  Instead of following the traditional path of theoretical business education, Tetr gives its students a real-world experience by sending them around the world to build actual businesses. This is the future of education—and it’s happening now!A Global AdventureTetr College offers a four-year undergraduate program that takes students across seven countries, including the US, Italy, Singapore, Brazil, and more. Students don’t just sit in classrooms; they live business by immersing themselves in diverse markets, working on real-world business challenges. It’s the ultimate way to understand business—by doing it!Instead of just taking notes, students are out there building their own businesses. They create brands, develop products, manage investments, and make data-driven decisions in real-time. By the end of the program, students will not just know the theory—they will have built something that works.Real-World Learning: Exposure to Top Global MarketsOne of the standout features of Tetr’s program is its focus on exposure. Students study in countries like the US, Singapore, and Italy, gaining hands-on experience in some of the world’s most vibrant business hubs.  They’ll learn the local cultural context and adapt their strategies to each market, understanding global business dynamics like never before. From working with local startups to connecting with industry veterans, this exposure will give them an edge in the competitive business world.The curriculum is centered around four key principles—values, exposure, experiences, and skills. Students get a holistic education, learning everything from brand-building to investment management. And instead of just classroom learning, Tetr ensures that each lesson is grounded in practical, hands-on activities that help students build relevant business skills for the future.Pratham Mittal, the founder of Tetr College, believes that the next decade will belong to those who can use emerging technologies and innovative solutions to solve global challenges.  He’s giving students the opportunity to be those trailblazers.A Visionary Founder: Pratham MittalTetr College was founded by Pratham Mittal, an entrepreneur with a passion for rethinking business education. With experience from prestigious institutions like Wharton and a deep commitment to innovation, Mittal created Tetr to bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world entrepreneurship. His vision is clear: to create a new breed of business leaders who are adaptable, innovative, and ready to take on the challenges of the future. 

29 Jan 2025
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Apple's Indian Endeavor: New Partnerships Set to Revolutionize iPhone Manufacturing

In a strategic move to diversify its global supply chain and strengthen its manufacturing presence in India, Apple is on the brink of forging groundbreaking partnerships with prominent Indian conglomerates.  Apple is nearing the end of talks to perhaps assemble with Chennai's Murugappa Group and Tata Group's Titan Company. The production of additional subcomponents for the iPhone's camera modules is now under discussion. According to a report by The Economic Times, Apple has been attempting to leave China as part of its China Plus One Policy, rebuilding its supply networks and manufacturing components outside of the nation. Apple does not currently get its iPhone camera components from any Indian companies. As a result, Apple's India tale will soon include a significant chapter on the forthcoming partnerships. Apple is yet to announce its chosen partner, which may be either Titan or Murugappa Group. However, a decision on this matter is anticipated within the next five to six months. It's interesting to note that by then Apple will have released the iPhone 16 series. An essential part of the iPhone is the camera module, which comes in two varieties: non-Pro and Pro. Pro versions include triple camera configurations that are state-of-the-art. But what distinguishes Apple from its rivals is not so much the hardware as it is the science, algorithms, and tweaking of Apple's picture processing. Globally as well as in India, Titan and Murugappa Group have established themselves as leaders in high-precision manufacturing. Apple may have chosen to collaborate with one or both of the two, for this reason. Making India Inclusive To Apple Products is Imminent ~  (Source: Google Images)  In 2022, the Murugappa Group made a significant investment in Moshine Electronics and has since demonstrated its worldwide skills in this industry. Similar to this, the Titan Company has a proven track record of providing precision manufacturing services to international clients in sectors including defense and aerospace through its subsidiary Titan Engineering and Automation. Titan and Murugappa Group are eligible to get incentives from the Indian government to establish semiconductor chip production operations within the country. In Dholera, Gujarat, the Tata Group is currently building a $11 billion chip production facility. Being one of the biggest of its kind in India, the factory is anticipated to highlight the country's potential as a center for high-tech production. ~ Further Discussion ~  Apple may be able to save a lot of money by shifting manufacture to India and reducing its need for Chinese suppliers. This action is also in line with Apple's ambitious plans, which are backed by programs like the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, to increase the company's manufacturing presence in India. At the moment, over 70% of iPhones made in India are exported; Apple intends to increase this percentage to 80% shortly. Apple's support of India's technical and manufacturing ambitions, exemplified by the 'Make in India' campaign, suggests a strategic alliance that extends beyond business. It's about progress, cooperation, and common ideals. By investing in factories similar to the one Foxconn has suggested and boosting iPhone manufacture in India, Apple not only guarantees a more economical production line but also promotes local employment and technical growth. This illustrates a strategy that considers long-term involvement with the Indian market rather than just short-term profits.  

19 Apr 2024
Positive Reads

India Sets Sail as the Ultimate Talent Hotspot for the Global Shipping Giants!

India's significant contribution to the global shipping industry has gained recognition as the country emerges as a talent pool for seafarers. With a growing number of Indian sailors working on both national and foreign ships, India ranks third among sailor-supplying nations. The country's maritime expertise, proficiency in English, and expanding training institutes are driving the future potential for Indian seafarers. This article delves into the factors that have propelled India's rise in the global shipping industry. India's Contribution to Global Shipping: India's seafarers play a crucial role in ensuring maritime safety and efficiency. With a growth of 42.3% in shipboard jobs between 2013 and 2017, India provides almost 10% of the world's seafarers. While China and the Philippines hold the top two positions, India's seafarers work on a global scale, contributing to the diverse talent pool required for international shipping operations. Increasing Numbers and Quality: The number of Indian seafarers on ships has witnessed a significant rise, reaching 1,54,339 in 2017. This includes marine officers and rating ship hands. India's inclusion in the International Maritime Organisation's White List highlights its compliance with international standards and regulations. It reflects the quality and attractiveness of Indian sailors for international shipping companies. Future Potential and Driving Factors: Experts predict that Indian seafarers' proportion in the global shipping industry will increase to 20% over the next decade. This growth is fueled by several factors, including the presence of well-established training institutes in India, rising literacy rates, an aging seafarer population in Europe, and the proficiency of Indian sailors in the English language. India's 166 maritime training institutes indicate the potential for expanding the talent pool even further. Addressing Challenges: While India's seafaring industry thrives, it faces certain challenges. Firstly, it competes with other lucrative careers like IT in attracting young professionals. Secondly, there is a shortage of training berths on board ships, limiting practical experience opportunities. Lastly, the low representation of women in the maritime sector hinders the overall supply of seafarers. Addressing these challenges will be crucial in sustaining and expanding India's presence in the global shipping industry. Impact of Covid and Ukraine War: The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role Indian seafarers play in global shipping. Initially, shipping companies hesitated to hire Indian seafarers due to rising cases and deaths in the country. However, the International Maritime Organisation's designation of seafarers as key workers, followed by the Indian government's quick response, ensured the continuation of Indian merchant navy personnel's services. Additionally, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine disrupted the supply of seafarers from these countries, leading shipping companies to rely more on Indian seafarers. Recently President Joe Biden commended the exceptional alertness and professionalism demonstrated by Indian seafarers during the Baltimore shipwreck incident. The 22 Indian crew aboard  the ship 'Dali' swung into action when they realized that the disaster cannot be averted. Their quick mayday call helped prevent addtional casualties. As the demand for skilled seafarers continues to rise, India stands ready to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the global shipping industry.

29 Mar 2024
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India Expected to Become Center of World Aviation in 15 Years, Says Airbus

According to Airbus, India is poised to become the center of the world aviation industry within the next 15 years. The country's strategic location, growing economy, and increasing air travel demand create a favorable environment for India to emerge as a global aviation hub. With advancements in infrastructure, technology, and government support, India has the potential to capture a significant share of the global aviation market.   India's Favorable Position:   Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has identified India's geographical location as a key advantage in its prediction. Situated at the crossroads of major air routes, India serves as a convenient transit point for flights connecting various parts of the world. This strategic position positions India well to cater to the increasing demand for air travel, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.   Growing Economy and Air Travel Demand:   India's robust economic growth has resulted in an expanding middle class with higher disposable incomes. As a result, there has been a significant surge in domestic and international air travel. The rise in passenger traffic has led to increased demand for new routes, more frequent flights, and enhanced connectivity. India's aviation industry has witnessed steady growth over the years, and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.   Investments in Infrastructure and Technology:   To support the projected growth in the aviation sector, India has been investing in the development of world-class infrastructure and cutting-edge technology. The government has undertaken initiatives such as the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to enhance air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions of the country. Additionally, the modernization of airports and the implementation of advanced air traffic management systems contribute to the overall efficiency and safety of India's aviation sector.   Government Support and Policy Reforms:   The Indian government has been actively supporting the aviation industry through favorable policies and reforms. Initiatives such as the National Civil Aviation Policy, Open Skies Agreements, and the privatization of airports have created a conducive environment for domestic and international airlines to operate in India. These measures not only attract foreign investments but also foster healthy competition and innovation within the sector.   Enhancing Skill Development:   To meet the demands of a rapidly growing aviation industry, India has been focusing on skill development and training programs. Collaborations between industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and training centers aim to produce a skilled workforce capable of meeting global standards. By nurturing talent and promoting specialized aviation education, India can ensure a steady supply of qualified professionals to support its ambitions of becoming a global aviation hub.   Challenges and Opportunities:   While the potential for India to become a center of world aviation is immense, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Infrastructure bottlenecks, regulatory complexities, and high operational costs are some of the hurdles that the industry faces. However, with proper planning, investment, and policy reforms, these challenges can be overcome. The Indian aviation industry can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the growing market, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer preferences.   Attracting Foreign Investments:   To realize its vision of becoming a global aviation hub, India needs to attract foreign investments in the sector. Collaborations with international airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and service providers can bring in the necessary expertise, capital, and technology. Creating a favorable investment climate through transparent policies and regulatory frameworks will encourage global players to establish a strong presence in India.   Future Prospects:   If India successfully leverages its strategic advantages, invests in infrastructure, fosters innovation, and implements supportive policies, it has the potential to become a dominant player in the global aviation market. The country can serve as a major transit hub, connecting various regions and facilitating seamless air travel. The predicted growth in air passenger traffic and cargo volumes further reinforce India's prospects as a center of world aviation.   By addressing challenges, attracting investments, and nurturing talent, India can transform its aviation sector and play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry.  

6 Mar 2024
Positive Reads

Cancer Vaccines To be Rolling Out Soon

On Wednesday, February 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that his nation's experts were on the verge of developing cancer vaccinations that patients might soon be able to obtain. Speaking at a seminar on future technologies in Moscow, Putin made a very astounding claim that might completely transform the medical industry. In the broadcast speech, Putin stated, "We have come very close to the creation of so-called cancer vaccines and immunomodulatory drugs of a new generation." Putin said, "I hope that soon they will be effectively used as methods of individual therapy," but he did not say which kind of cancer the new vaccinations will specifically target. Although several nations have been attempting to create cancer vaccinations, this is the first time a head of state has made a claim this audacious. A deal was struck between the UK's Tory government and Germany's BioNTech last year to begin clinical trials offering "personalized cancer treatments" and  to enroll 10,000 patients by 2030. During mid-stage research of a cancer vaccine, US pharmaceutical giants Moderna and Merck & Co. reported that the likelihood of melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, reoccurring or dying was reduced by half after three years of therapy. The development of a cancer vaccine in Russia is hardly shocking. Moscow created Sputnik V during the coronavirus epidemic, and when the whole population received the vaccination, the findings were encouraging. Putin acknowledged that he had taken Sputnik to reassure the public about its reliability and security. As a result, the vaccine was supplied to several nations worldwide. A background on vaccinations and cancer ~ The idea of developing cancer vaccines is not wholly novel. Scientists have discovered links between some viruses and a higher chance of developing several forms of cancer over time. For instance, HPV is known to cause cervical cancer. In the 1980s, HPV and cervical cancer were initially connected. This virus is quite widespread. Approximately 80% of individuals will have HPV infection at some point in their life. Cervical cancer is not always the result of HPV infection, but it can raise the risk. The HPV vaccination is distributed as part of a national initiative. Initially, teenage females were immunized against HPV strains 16 and 18. Approximately seven out of ten instances of cervical cancer are linked to these strains. The vaccination is now available to all youngsters between the ages of 11 and 13 and protects against nine types of HPV. Up to the age of 25, there is a catch-up program available for individuals who did not receive it. A significant research conducted in 2021 revealed that vaccination significantly decreased the risk of cervical cancer. Women in their 20s who were provided the vaccination at the age of 12 or 13 had their chances of developing cervical cancer reduced by about 90%. In a similar vein, there is a 15–25% increased risk of liver cancer associated with Hepatitis B. These, however, are examples of prevention; vaccinations are used to stop a virus, which lowers the chance of cancer. Creating vaccinations to prevent cancer is a distinct process. The concept underlying these vaccinations is that cancer will be treated with them as opposed to prevented. Where are we now, then? Researchers encounter several obstacles in their quest to develop cancer vaccines. A few have already been conquered. We already know how to target tumors because of the identification of antigens unique to distinct tumor types. However, certain obstacles are inescapable, such as the length of time required for vaccination trials and the requirement to create customized vaccines to target various tumor types. On the other hand, recent advancements in cancer vaccinations have been noteworthy. The standard vaccination timeframe has been accelerated and enhanced by the use of mRNA. And with more vaccinations, studies, and volunteers, this new alliance will hasten the progress even more. Cancer vaccinations were science fiction only a few decades ago. Now they’re becoming a reality! 

16 Feb 2024
Positive Reads

This Hindi Musician Accidentally Invented Acid House Genre, Influencing Global Music with RD Burman

Chiranjit Singh, a lesser-known musician in Hindi cinema, holds a remarkable legacy. He not only worked with legendary composers like RD Burman but also unintentionally pioneered a genre of music that would have a significant impact on contemporary music worldwide. Inventing Acid House Genre: A Musical Revolution Did you know that Chiranjit Singh inadvertently invented the popular music genre known as acid house? This genre has played a vital role in shaping various forms of modern dance music such as trance, jungle, techno, and trip hop. The Influence on Hindi Film Music Chiranjit Singh's musical contributions were not limited to the acid house genre. He left an indelible mark on Hindi film music. From playing the transicord in iconic songs like 'Dum Maro Dum' to introducing RD Burman to the potential of the bass guitar, his musical genius added depth and innovation to Bollywood's soundtracks. Rediscovering 'Synthesizing: Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat' In a twist of fate, Chiranjit Singh's once-obscure 1982 album, 'Synthesizing: Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat,' gained recognition as the starting point of the acid house genre. While historians previously attributed acid house to Chicago, it was Mumbai that held this distinction. The Musical Journey and Global Recognition Chiranjit Singh's musical journey spanned decades. From performing in Bollywood orchestras to touring with renowned artists like Kishore Kumar, he remained dedicated to his craft. However, it was the rediscovery of his music in 2010 that brought him global recognition. Singh performed at international music festivals, captivating younger audiences with his innovative sound. A Talented Multi-instrumentalist Born in Mumbai in 1940, Chiranjit Singh came from a family of instrument makers. He mastered various instruments, including the mandolin, Hawaiian steel guitar, bass guitar, clavioline, transicord, and synthesizer. His classical training and collaborations with esteemed artists like Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar shaped his musical prowess. The Impact on Bollywood Chiranjit Singh's expertise in sourcing and manufacturing musical instruments made him an invaluable asset to Bollywood composers. His ability to acquire cutting-edge instruments from abroad enriched the sound of Hindi film music. He pushed boundaries, embracing the latest music technology and global trends, setting himself apart from his peers. 'Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat': A Unique Fusion In 1982, Chiranjit Singh recorded his groundbreaking album, 'Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat.' Combining disco beats with traditional Indian ragas, he created a fusion unlike anything heard before. Despite its commercial failure at the time, the album would later be recognized for its musical innovation. A Rediscovery and Unexpected Recognition Years later, Dutch DJ and record collector Edo Bouman stumbled upon 'Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat' in a Delhi store. Recognizing its resemblance to acid house and its release date preceding Western acid house records, Bouman sought out Chiranjit Singh. The musician, unaware of the significance of his work, was pleasantly surprised by the album's modern appeal. A Lasting Musical Legacy Tragically, Chiranjit Singh passed away in 2015, leaving behind a musical imprint that few can match. His contributions to the acid house genre and his influence on Hindi film music continue to resonate today. The impact of his pioneering work will forever be cherished in the world of music.

9 Feb 2024
Positive Reads

India's Markets Forge Ahead as a Powerful and Unstoppable Force!

India's financial markets are witnessing a remarkable transformation, as they surge forward with an unstoppable force. Goldman Sachs predicts that as India approaches its inclusion in JPMorgan's emerging-market debt benchmark, the nation is positioned to draw in inflows of potentially $40 billion. Surpassing growth estimates, India's GDP expanded by 7.6% and continues to outperform economic powerhouses like China, Japan, and Germany. This article delves into the factors driving India's market success, its projected global growth leadership, and the implications of its inclusion in the JPMorgan index. India's Entry into JPMorgan's Benchmark: The anticipation surrounding India's entry into JPMorgan's emerging-market debt benchmark is palpable. After Russia's exclusion due to geopolitical events and China's sovereign debt losing its appeal, India is set to benefit from a potential influx of as much as $40 billion in foreign investments over the next 18 months. This momentous development signifies India's growing importance on the global stage and further cements its position as Asia's third-largest economy. Foreign Investors Embrace Indian Debt: Foreign investors, increasingly confident in corporate India, are paying a premium for Indian shares compared to Chinese stocks. Indian companies have seen remarkable appreciation, with returns exceeding their Chinese counterparts. Against this backdrop, rupee-denominated government bonds have outperformed world benchmarks, providing attractive risk-adjusted returns. The inclusion of India in the JPMorgan index is a testament to its rising prominence and investor confidence in its financial markets. India's Economic Growth Story: India's economic growth has been nothing short of impressive. With a GDP growth rate of 7.6% in the third quarter of the year, India outperformed economist estimates and maintained its position as the fastest-growing major economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has been instrumental in driving this growth, with increased investment in infrastructure and subsidies to encourage new plant development across the country. India's GDP is predicted to surpass that of Japan by 2027, solidifying its place among the world's leading economies. India Outperforms Major Competitors: In recent years, India has surpassed not only its regional counterparts but also global economic giants like Japan and Germany. The S&P BSE 500 Index, representing Indian equities, outperformed the MSCI Emerging Market Index last year, offering investors substantial returns. Indian companies have consistently appreciated at a faster rate than their Chinese counterparts, further bolstering India's status as an attractive investment destination. Challenges on the Path to Long-Term Prosperity: Despite its impressive growth trajectory, India faces significant challenges to sustain long-term prosperity. A large population, climate change-related issues, and government price controls impacting global food supplies are among the hurdles. However, the declining volatility of Indian bonds and the strong demand for Indian debt signal investor confidence and highlight India's potential to lead the global growth club. As India's financial markets evolve into an unstoppable force, the country's inclusion in JPMorgan's emerging-market debt benchmark is a crucial milestone. India's growing GDP, outperforming major economies, and increasing investor confidence position it as a global growth leader. With the potential for massive inflows and a rising prominence on the world stage, India's markets are set to shape the future of the global economy.

17 Jan 2024
Positive Reads

Discovering the Complexity of Time Zones: Who Rings in the New Year First and Last?

The arrival of the New Year is a momentous occasion celebrated across the globe. But have you ever wondered which countries have the honor of being the first and last to welcome the New Year? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think, as it is influenced by time zones, the international date line, and individual country preferences. The international date line, established in 1884, serves as the official starting and ending point of each day. It roughly follows the 180th meridian, running through the Pacific Ocean. However, countries have the freedom to choose which side of the date line they want to be on, resulting in a zigzagging line between the North and South Poles. The first country to celebrate the New Year is Kiritimati Island, part of the Republic of Kiribati. Located in the central Pacific Ocean, it is followed by a string of mostly uninhabited atolls. These land masses greet the New Year a full day earlier than much of the world. On the other hand, the last inhabited places to celebrate the New Year are the islands of Niue and American Samoa in the South Pacific. Although technically the day ends an hour later in the uninhabited U.S. territories of Baker Island and Howland Island, no one is present to witness the time change. Interestingly, China operates on a single time zone despite its vast geographic expanse. This has led to peculiar situations where cities like Urumqi experience a significant delay in sunrise compared to Beijing time. Other countries, such as Afghanistan, India, and Burma, also deviate from standard time with half-hour or quarter-hour offsets. As we delve into the complexities of time zones and international date lines, it becomes clear that the question of who celebrates the New Year first and last is far from simple. It is a fascinating interplay of geography, culture, and individual choices.

31 Dec 2023
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Unique New Year Traditions from Around the Globe!

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the world becomes a canvas of diverse celebrations, each culture painting its own unique strokes to welcome the new year. From ancient customs to modern spectacles, New Year festivities are a vibrant showcase of global diversity and rich traditions. In Japan, the ringing of temple bells (Joya no Kane) reverberates through the air as 108 bell tolls symbolize the purification of sins and desires, preparing for a fresh start. Meanwhile, in Spain, revelers consume 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, signifying luck for each month of the upcoming year during the famous 'Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte' ritual. In Scotland, the joyous "Hogmanay" festivities involve 'First-Footing,' where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings symbolic gifts like coal for warmth or food for abundance. China's Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, witnesses breathtaking dragon and lion dances, red decorations symbolizing luck, and the traditional 'Reunion Dinner' with family. The hashtag #GlobalNewYearMelange encapsulates this rich variety of celebrations worldwide, from fireworks lighting up the sky in Sydney to the enthralling lantern festivals in Taiwan. Each tradition, rooted in culture and history, paints a unique picture of hope, renewal, and unity as the world welcomes a new chapter.

28 Dec 2023
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Daffodil Diet for Livestock: A Solution to Reduce Methane Emissions

Researchers in Wales are exploring a unique approach to tackle greenhouse gas emissions by using daffodils to mitigate methane production in livestock. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is primarily released by cows and sheep through burping. Scientists have discovered that a chemical extracted from daffodils can potentially reduce methane emissions by a third when added to the animals' feed. Cows alone contribute to half of the methane emissions in the UK and account for 14% of global greenhouse gases, according to BBC's Countryfile. Scientists from Scotland's Rural College successfully extracted a chemical called haemanthamine from daffodils. Laboratory tests using an artificial cow's stomach demonstrated a 30% reduction in emissions when the chemical was incorporated into the feed.  The daffodil-based solution is now being trialed at several farms across Wales, including one owned by Andrew Evans in Welshpool, Powys. Evans expressed enthusiasm for the trial, citing the significance of Wales' national flower in the endeavor. Farmers, like Abi Reader, deputy president of farming union NFU Cymru, are eager to explore alternative methods for reducing methane emissions. However, they emphasize the importance of thorough assessment to ensure the safety, economic viability, and efficacy of the approach. Reducing methane emissions from livestock is crucial in combating climate change. If successful, this innovative daffodil diet could have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector. As the trial progresses, scientists and farmers will closely monitor the results to determine the feasibility of implementing this sustainable farming practice on a larger scale.

16 Dec 2023
Positive Reads

International AI Agreement Signed at UK Summit to Address Technology's Risks

Representatives and companies from 28 countries, including the US, China, and the EU, gathered at the UK's AI Safety Summit to sign a groundbreaking agreement aimed at addressing the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The agreement, known as the Bletchley Declaration on AI safety, focuses on frontier AI models, such as OpenAI's large language models. With the acknowledgment that AI poses "serious, even catastrophic, harm," the signatories aim to identify shared AI safety risks and develop risk-based policies across countries. The UK government hailed the agreement as a "world-first" milestone in international cooperation on AI safety. Notably, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, co-founder of OpenAI, expressed concerns about AI's potential dangers, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight. However, some members of the tech community called for a spectrum of approaches and collaboration between scientists, tech leaders, and governments. The summit also witnessed the announcement of future AI safety summits in South Korea and France. Furthermore, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of scientific checks and balances, while US Vice President Kamala Harris stressed the need to address a wide range of AI risks. However, the tech community received backlash, with concerns raised about potential moral panic and the influence of private companies in shaping AI regulations. Mozilla published an open letter advocating for open, responsible, and transparent approaches to AI safety. In parallel, the UK government announced a £225 million investment in a new AI supercomputer, Isambard-AI, to further advance research in fusion energy, healthcare, and climate modeling. As the UK aims to establish itself as a leader in AI, international cooperation and responsible regulation will be crucial in navigating the challenges and maximizing the benefits of this transformative technology.

15 Dec 2023
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Scattered Treasure Uncovered: 3-Mile Trail Reveals Riches from Famous Shipwreck

A vast scatter trail of treasure has been uncovered along a 3-mile stretch, revealing the hidden riches of the famous shipwreck, Maravillas. The Spanish galleon sank over three centuries ago in the Bahamas, and experts believed it had been salvaged to oblivion. However, after four years of underwater archaeology, Allen Exploration has mapped an extensive trail of scattered artifacts. The Maravillas, laden with silver bars, coins, and precious gems, sank on January 4, 1656, while en route back to Spain. Over the years, it was salvaged numerous times, first by Spanish salvors and later by English and American crews. Modern salvage teams rediscovered the wreck between 1972 and 1991, extracting substantial amounts of gold, silver, jewelry, and other valuable items. Contrary to previous beliefs, the recent archaeological efforts have revealed that the wreck still holds untold treasures. Licensed by the Bahamian government, Allen Exploration has painstakingly mapped the scatter trail, uncovering artifacts such as lead musket balls, silver coins, emeralds, amethysts, and even gold chains and jewels inlaid with precious gems. These valuable items were likely scattered before the Spanish salvage operations began in 1656. The findings challenge the theory that the wreckage was dispersed by centuries of hurricanes and storms. Instead, the artifacts are concentrated in one trail running southeast, defying expectations. The research conducted by Allen Exploration sheds new light on the history of the Maravillas and provides valuable insights into the survival and dispersal of its treasures. The discovery of this scattered treasure highlights the ongoing importance of underwater archaeology and the potential for uncovering hidden historical riches.

6 Dec 2023
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Ocean Lover Saves 1,000 Seals off Britain and Even Builds Them a Hospital

In an extraordinary act of compassion and dedication, an ocean lover in Cornwall, England has single-handedly rescued and rehabilitated over 1,000 seals, and has even built a specialized hospital for them. Lizzi Larbalestier, a volunteer for British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), transformed her own Airbnb into a makeshift animal hospital to care for injured seals. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive facility, Larbalestier, along with her husband and other volunteers, built a fully functioning seal hospital from scratch. The hospital, now in its third birthing season, houses ten pens and expects to rehabilitate around 100 seals annually. The seals that arrive at the hospital come from various situations, including injuries caused by boats or fishing equipment, separation from their parents, and malnourishment due to unsuccessful hunting. Larbalestier and her team provide critical care, including check-ups, first-aid, disentanglement from fishing nets, and comprehensive foster and rehabilitation programs. After receiving treatment at the hospital, the seals are transferred to larger rehabilitation centers before being released back into the wild. Larbalestier's exceptional dedication to marine wildlife conservation has earned her the prestigious Animal Action Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Despite focusing primarily on seals, the BDMLR volunteers respond to various marine wildlife emergencies, including stranded dolphins and turtles in need of specialized care. Larbalestier's selfless efforts and the establishment of the Seal Hospital demonstrates the power of individual action in protecting and preserving our oceans and their inhabitants.

5 Nov 2023
Positive Reads

The Non-Alignment Movement: India's Stance on Global Affairs During Cold War

India, a significant player on the global stage, has long been associated with the Non-Alignment Movement. But what exactly was the Non-Alignment Movement, and what prompted India to adopt this unique stance during the tumultuous era of the Cold War? The Non-Alignment Movement emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the escalating tensions between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a gathering of nations that aimed to maintain their independence and sovereignty while refraining from aligning with either of the Cold War blocs. Led by prominent figures such as India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Yugoslavia's President, Josip Broz Tito, the movement sought to create a third path for countries navigating the bipolar world order. For India, the decision to embrace non-alignment was rooted in its historical experiences and principles. As a nation that had endured centuries of colonial rule, India was committed to preserving its sovereignty and promoting the principles of self-determination and non-interference in the affairs of other nations. Nehru, a key architect of India's foreign policy, envisioned a world where countries could pursue their own paths without succumbing to the pressures of the Cold War rivalry. India's non-alignment policy provided the country with several advantages. By staying neutral, India could maintain friendly relations with both the East and the West, facilitating economic and diplomatic cooperation with nations from different ideological backgrounds. This approach helped India secure aid and technical assistance from both sides, supporting its developmental goals and nation-building efforts. Furthermore, non-alignment allowed India to play a significant role in global affairs. It provided a platform for India to advocate for decolonization, disarmament, and the rights of developing nations. India's leadership in the Non-Alignment Movement gave it a voice on the international stage and helped shape the discourse on issues such as nuclear disarmament, apartheid, and human rights. The Non-Alignment Movement also aligned with India's domestic priorities. Nehru's vision of a socialist, secular, and democratic India resonated with the principles of non-alignment. India's commitment to social justice, economic equality, and inclusive development found synergy with the movement's emphasis on ending colonialism, promoting self-reliance, and addressing global inequalities. Over the years, India's engagement with the Non-Alignment Movement evolved. As the Cold War dynamics shifted and new global challenges emerged, India adjusted its foreign policy approach while maintaining its commitment to the principles of non-alignment. It actively participated in global forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement Summits, and various regional organizations, advocating for multilateralism, peace, and cooperation. In the post-Cold War era, India's non-alignment policy has evolved into a more nuanced and strategic approach. While continuing to prioritize its independence and sovereignty, India has forged partnerships and alliances based on shared interests and values. It has developed strong ties with countries across the globe, engaging in economic collaborations, defense cooperation, and mutual diplomacy. As the world continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, India's non-alignment legacy remains an important aspect of its foreign policy. It reflects the country's commitment to maintaining its strategic autonomy, promoting peace and stability, and advancing the interests of the developing world. The Non-Alignment Movement continues to influence India's role in global affairs. It has shaped India's approach to international relations, emphasizing diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. India's commitment to non-alignment highlights its aspiration to be a bridge-builder, a responsible global actor, and a proponent of a multipolar world order.

26 Oct 2023
Positive Reads

Unveiling the Great Depression: Exploring the Causes and Magnitude of an Economic Crisis

The Great Depression, one of the most catastrophic economic downturns in history, was a period of severe worldwide economic decline that spanned from 1929 to the late 1930s. It originated in the United States but had far-reaching consequences across the globe. Let us delve into the causes and magnitude of this unprecedented crisis that left an indelible mark on the world. The Great Depression was primarily triggered by the stock market crash of 1929, also known as "Black Tuesday." On October 29, 1929, stock prices plummeted, leading to a sudden collapse of the stock market. This event shattered investor confidence and sent shockwaves throughout the financial system. However, the crash alone did not cause the Great Depression; it was merely the spark that ignited a series of underlying economic vulnerabilities. One significant factor contributing to the severity of the Great Depression was the unequal distribution of wealth. The 1920s saw a period of rapid economic growth, but the benefits were concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals, while the majority struggled with stagnant wages and increasing debt. This wealth disparity created an unsustainable economic situation, as consumer purchasing power weakened, leading to decreased demand for goods and services. Another crucial element was the collapse of the banking system. As stock prices tumbled, panic-stricken investors rushed to withdraw their savings from banks. However, many banks had invested heavily in the stock market and were unable to meet the massive demand for withdrawals. Consequently, numerous banks failed, wiping out people's savings and further exacerbating the economic crisis. The impact of the Great Depression was not limited to the United States. It had a global ripple effect, as economies around the world were interconnected. The collapse of the U.S. stock market led to a sharp decline in international trade, as countries implemented protectionist measures to shield their own industries. This reduction in trade further deepened the economic slump, creating a domino effect that spread across continents. The magnitude of the Great Depression was staggering. Unemployment rates soared, reaching unprecedented levels. In the United States alone, unemployment peaked at around 25%, leaving millions of people jobless and unable to support their families. The consequences were dire, with widespread poverty, homelessness, and hunger becoming grim realities for many. The Great Depression also had a profound impact on industry and agriculture. As businesses struggled to survive, they were forced to lay off workers or shut down entirely. Industrial production plummeted, leading to factory closures and a decline in manufacturing output. Similarly, the agricultural sector suffered immensely, as falling demand and plummeting prices left farmers in dire straits. Many were unable to sell their produce or repay loans, leading to widespread farm foreclosures. Governments around the world responded to the crisis by implementing various measures to stimulate their economies. In the United States, President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform. The New Deal included public works projects, financial regulations, and social welfare programs to alleviate the suffering of the population and jumpstart economic recovery. The Great Depression eventually came to an end with the onset of World War II. The war stimulated industrial production and created new employment opportunities as countries mobilized their economies for the conflict. However, the scars left by the Great Depression were deep and long-lasting, shaping economic policies and perspectives for years to come. The lessons learned from the Great Depression have had a lasting impact on economic theory and policy. Governments and central banks have since adopted measures to prevent a similar crisis, such as implementing regulations to safeguard the financial system and employing fiscal and monetary policies to stabilize the economy during downturns. As we reflect on the Great Depression, we are reminded of the devastating consequences that economic crises can have on societies. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing economic inequalities, maintaining financial stability, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

16 Oct 2023
Positive Reads

Awakening Minds: World Mental Health Day's Global Impact

Buckle up for a mental health revolution! World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10, 1992, thanks to the visionary minds at the World Federation for Mental Health, has transformed into a buzzing, worldwide hub for championing vital mental health matters.  This extraordinary annual event is a beacon of change, igniting minds and hearts across the globe. The mission is simple yet profound - to shout out loud and clear, to awaken minds, and drive transformative shifts in attitudes and actions. Today we are celebrating 75 years of mental health advocacy aligning with the theme of World Mental Health Day 2023 – 'Mental Health is a Universal Human Right. The campaign asserts that mental well-being should be accessible to all, emphasizing that it's not a privilege but a basic human right, akin to physical health. It advocates for a society free from the chains of stigma, discrimination, and neglect surrounding mental health. This global movement invites everyone to jump in, from your next-door neighbor to international organizations, united for a cause that touches every soul. Through theme-based global events and diverse digital expressions, the campaign aims to raise awareness and underscore the significance of mental health. As we unite to spotlight the importance of mental health as an essential universal human right, let's envision a world that values and nurtures the well-being of every individual.

10 Oct 2023
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Electric Beats and Thriving Vibes: Exploring the Rise of EDM and Its Trendy Global Appeal

EDM, short for Electronic Dance Music, has been making waves in the music industry and captivating audiences around the globe. With its energetic beats, pulsating rhythms, and infectious melodies, EDM has become a genre synonymous with festivals, nightclubs, and an overall electrifying experience. But what exactly is EDM, and why has it become so trendy? EDM is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of electronic music genres, including house, techno, trance, dubstep, and many more. It originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the advent of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments. As technology advanced, so did the possibilities within the genre, leading to its exponential growth and popularity. One of the main reasons behind EDM's trendy appeal is its ability to create an immersive experience for listeners. The genre's high-energy beats and euphoric drops have a way of transporting people to another world, where they can let loose, dance, and forget their worries. EDM events, such as music festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival, have become cultural phenomena, drawing massive crowds and creating a sense of unity among attendees. The innovative and ever-evolving nature of EDM is another factor that keeps it trendy. Producers constantly push boundaries, experimenting with new sounds, techniques, and production methods, resulting in fresh and exciting tracks that captivate listeners. The genre's ability to incorporate elements from various musical styles and cultural influences also adds to its diverse and dynamic appeal. EDM's popularity has also been fueled by the rise of social media and the power of online communities. Fans can easily connect with artists, share their favorite tracks, and discover new music through platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and Spotify. This interconnectedness has created a sense of belonging and camaraderie among EDM enthusiasts, fostering a dedicated and passionate fan base that actively supports and promotes the genre.  

13 Sep 2023
Positive Reads

Breaking Barriers: Countries with Free Healthcare and Education Prioritize Equality and Well-being

In a world where access to quality healthcare and education remains a privilege for many, there are countries that have made significant strides towards prioritizing the well-being and development of their citizens by providing free healthcare and education. These nations have recognized the importance of removing financial barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Let's delve into the global landscape of countries that have embraced this transformative approach. One notable example is Finland, often lauded for its world-class education system. Finnish students enjoy free education from pre-primary to higher education, including university. This commitment to education has resulted in consistently high rankings in international assessments and has become a cornerstone of Finland's success. Another country renowned for its comprehensive healthcare system is Canada. The Canadian government provides universal healthcare coverage, ensuring that all citizens have access to essential medical services without financial burden. This approach has earned Canada a reputation for having one of the most efficient and equitable healthcare systems globally. Moving to Europe, Norway stands as a beacon of social equality, offering free education at all levels, including higher education. The Norwegian government believes that education is a fundamental right and invests heavily in its citizens' intellectual and personal growth, fostering a highly educated and skilled population. In neighboring Germany, free education is enshrined in law, ensuring that all students have access to quality education from primary to tertiary levels. This commitment to education has contributed to Germany's reputation as a hub of innovation and academic excellence. Uruguay, a small South American nation, has made remarkable strides in providing free healthcare and education to its citizens. The country's commitment to social inclusion is evident in its universal healthcare system, which guarantees access to medical care for all citizens. Additionally, free education is available from preschool to university, enabling Uruguayans to pursue their aspirations without financial barriers. These countries' collective pursuit of free healthcare and education is underpinned by the belief that these services are essential human rights. By removing financial obstacles, they have leveled the playing field, empowering individuals to reach their full potential, regardless of their socio-economic background. The impact of free healthcare and education extends beyond individual well-being. It has a profound effect on societies as a whole, fostering social mobility, reducing inequality, and driving economic growth. By investing in their citizens' health and education, these countries have created a virtuous cycle of empowerment and development. However, it is important to note that the provision of free healthcare and education comes with its own set of challenges. Funding such comprehensive systems requires a robust and sustainable financial model, often relying on progressive taxation and strategic budget allocation. Striking a balance between quality and accessibility is also a constant endeavor, as these countries strive to deliver excellent services to their citizens while managing increasing demands. While not every country may be able to replicate the exact models of these nations, the stories of these countries serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the transformative power of prioritizing the well-being and education of citizens.

13 Sep 2023
Positive Reads

Uniting Lace from Around the World: A Bride's Homage to Tradition and Unity

In a heartwarming tribute to tradition, engineer and skilled bobbin lacemaker, Carol D’Silva, has woven an enchanting narrative of artistry, unity, and love into her own spectacular wedding dress. Originating from the picturesque Indian city of Goa and now residing in Brisbane, Australia, D’Silva's created her extraordinary wedding dress with a dream to honor the time-honored craft of bobbin lace-making. D’Silva's devotion to preserving the artistry of bobbin lace, a delicate handcraft, led her to conceive a magnificent dress that encapsulated her passion. Inspired by a design by Middle Eastern maestro Zuhair Murad, D’Silva embarked on a journey that would unite lace from 15 different countries. Determined to include friends and artisans who were separated by distance and circumstance due to the pandemic, D’Silva's ingenious idea transformed into a heartwarming collaboration. Teaming up with her mother, Nelinda Da Silva, D’Silva's vision took shape, resulting in a masterpiece that seamlessly melded cultures and creativity. With 16 meticulously handcrafted lace ovals, each representing a unique national flower or nature, the dress became a tapestry of global unity. The dress, made from white satin and adorned with the intricate lace, weighed an impressive 8.5 kilograms, with a lavish handmade lace train stretching over 11.5 feet. The dedication poured into the dress was a labor of love, taking over a year to conceptualize and construct. It was no wonder then, that guests at the wedding were awestruck by her magnificent wedding dress that mirrored the profound interconnectedness of cultures worldwide.  In a report in The Epoch Times, D’Silva reflected on her achievement and humbly remarked, "The dress represents the unity and collaboration within the lace community and the bond between friends around the world. This is unity on a global scale. Even though the pandemic tried to separate us, we found a way to come together." As the radiant bride exchanged vows with her groom, Mark Wiemers, the dress stood as a symbol of love, perseverance, and shared artistry, encapsulating the essence of tradition and the power of unity that knows no boundaries. Carol D’Silva's unwavering commitment to her craft and her remarkable wedding dress remind us all of the enduring beauty found in the celebration of heritage and the strength of human connection.

11 Aug 2023
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Surat: The Radiant Gem in India's Diamond Crown

India, the land of diamonds, holds within its borders a treasure that captivates hearts and sparkles with unmatched brilliance. Diamonds, nature's breathtaking gift, have a profound significance as a symbol of love and rarity. Their journey from the depths of the Earth to the dazzling showcases of New York and the adorning fingers of celebrities often leads back to their roots in India. Particularly to a city renowned as the diamond capital—Surat, a city that radiates the splendor of these precious stones. Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Tapti river, Surat emerges as the birthplace of the diamond cutting industry, tracing its origins back to 1938. What started as a modest factory with a mere 65 workers swiftly burgeoned into a thriving enterprise. The year 1960 marked a turning point, as Gujarat's enterprising Patel community began importing raw diamonds and exporting polished ones, propelling Surat's diamond trade into rapid expansion. From its humble beginnings, Surat's diamond industry now provides employment to around 500,000 workers, a testament to its remarkable growth. Renowned global corporations have recognized the city's prowess and chosen it as the epicenter for diamond processing, cementing Surat's reputation as a premier destination in the world of diamonds. The diamond journey begins with uncut gems arriving from African countries or mining giants like De Beers and Alrosa. These raw diamonds undergo a meticulous scanning process using the sophisticated Galaxy machine, creating 3D images through specialized software. Subsequently, the diamonds proceed to the laser swing, where cutting and shaping take place. Finally, the polished diamonds find their way to the skilled craftsmen of Surat's factories for their finishing touches. Surat's reign in the diamond industry is underpinned by its unrivaled combination of manpower, adaptability, cutting-edge techniques, affordability, and unparalleled skills. The city's diamond market, valued at a staggering 1.8 trillion, solidifies India's enduring position as a global leader in the diamond trade.

12 Jul 2023
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The Spectacular Rath Yatra of Puri: A Global Celebration of Divine Siblings

The annual Rath Yatra of Puri, renowned worldwide, marks a significant event in the calendar, captivating not only the people of Odisha but also Hindus and devotees of Lord Jagannath from across the globe. Each year, on the auspicious Dwitiya tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha (June-July), followers eagerly anticipate the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. Legend has it that Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, along with His divine siblings, pays a visit to their birthplace, Janma Vedi, during this extraordinary festival. The Rath Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots or Gundicha Yatra, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, considered the Lord of the Universe in Hindu traditions. As per the Odia calendar, in 2023, this momentous celebration fell on June 20. Devotees from all corners of the state and the country converged upon the city of Puri, eagerly awaiting the procession. The enchanting sight of the three deities carried in splendid chariots, known as Raths and crafted from neem wood, enthralled the onlookers. Commencing with the Snana Yatra, where the deities are ritually bathed in water from the holy Ganges, the festival proceeds to the Anasara period, during which the deities temporarily 'rest.' Subsequently, the deities are escorted to the Gundicha Temple, their abode for approximately eight to nine days, before returning to their temple in a grand procession known as Bahuda Yatra. The three chariots used in the procession hold distinct names. Lord Jagannath's chariot is called Nandighosh, while Lord Balabhadra's and Devi Subhadra's chariots are known as Taladhwaja and Darpadalana, respectively.  According to a report in Zee News, a considerable number of foreign devotees attended this year's Rath Yatra. The global appeal of this divine spectacle continues to grow, attracting individuals from various cultural backgrounds. The Rath Yatra of Puri serves as a unique Hindu festival where deities are temporarily relocated, symbolizing the profound significance of the divine siblings' journey. It remains an awe-inspiring event, uniting people in their devotion and drawing attention to the rich heritage and spiritual traditions of Odisha and Hinduism as a whole.

23 Jun 2023
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Earth Day 2023: What Can We Do to Save Our Planet?

After a few days of scorching heat in Bengaluru, which is quite unusual for the city popular for its cool and pleasant weather, I suddenly was distracted from my work by a whiff of cool scented breeze- it was the fragrance of wet soil. My joy knew no bounds as I rushed out and took in the fresh cool scented breeze. It was going to rain! As I waited in excitement I thought about my loved ones in different states who had been complaining about the unbearable heat this year. It is pretty obvious why we need to reconsider our interactions and our relationship with Mother Earth. Last month, the IPCC released a report saying that humans are causing the Earth's climate to worsen which will lead to more extreme weather like heat waves, floods, droughts, and storms.  Well, most of us have already been affected by these catastrophic effects of climate change.The clock is ticking, and if we don't act fast, we'll be facing a climate catastrophe that's beyond repair.  In 1970, Earth Day was created to educate people about environmental issues. Now, it has become a global celebration that in some places, lasts an entire week.This year, Earth Day falls on Saturday, April 22 and the theme is “Invest in Our Planet”. More than a billion people celebrate Earth Day every year to raise awareness about environmental issues and protect the planet from problems like pollution and deforestation. The Earth is heating up at an alarming rate.  At 1.1°C of global warming, we still have time to turn things around. By halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and prioritizing sustainable development we can make a real difference. The next ten years are critical, and it's up to us to take action. Let's rally together to protect and restore our forests, rivers and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. It's inspiring to see so many people and organizations already taking steps towards this goal, but we can't stop there. Together, we can make a difference and secure a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

21 Apr 2023
Positive Reads

‘No Screen Time' Rule - Could This Be the Next Global Trend?

One fascinating story has created a buzz on social media after Anand Mahindra, the well-known businessman and prominent social media personality, recently tweeted about it. A village in Maharashtra has imposed a daily 'no screen time' period starting at 7 pm. The story has caught the attention of his Twitter followers, many of whom are considering trying out the concept of a "digital detox" for themselves. The village, Mohite Vadgaon, located in Maharashtra has a population of around 3,000 people, and has implemented this rule to tackle online addiction. In addition to this, the village even has a patrolling team that checks every house to ensure that the rule is being followed. The initiative has also inculcated a culture of spending quality time with family members, which the villagers really appreciate. Mahindra's tweet has sparked a discussion on social media, with many people liking the idea and some saying that they are already following the practice and have benefitted from it. In addition, some people also shared other possible versions of similar practices that could be followed, such as having a 'car-free day' once a week. It is surprising to see that a small village in India has taken such an initiative and set an example for the rest of the world. In the age of digital overload, this practice can be beneficial in maintaining mental and physical health, as well as promoting family time and productivity. The fact that Anand Mahindra himself is experimenting with the idea shows how important it is to have a balance between our screen time and other aspects of our lives.

3 Apr 2023
Positive Reads

Study Shows Four Working Days a Week Boosts Wellbeing and Productivity

There has been much discussion in recent years about the benefits of a four-day work week, with some companies even implementing it as a permanent policy. A recent study by the non-profit 4 Day Week Global has further supported these claims, showing that working less can boost both wellbeing and productivity. The study, which involved 33 companies and nearly 1,000 employees in countries including the US, Ireland, and Australia, found that employees who worked a four-day week reported higher levels of job satisfaction, better work-life balance, and improved mental health. They also reported being more productive on the days they did work, with no decrease in output compared to those working a full five days. One of the main reasons for this increase in productivity is the fact that employees are able to fully recharge and relax on their day off. This leads to a decrease in burnout and stress, allowing employees to be more focused and motivated when they are at work. In addition to the benefits for employees, the study also found that companies implementing a four-day week saw an improvement in their bottom line. There was a decrease in absenteeism and turnover rates, as well as cost savings in terms of utilities and office space. While the four-day workweek may not be feasible for every company or industry, the study suggests that it could be a viable option for many businesses. It is important for companies to consider the well-being of their employees, as happy and healthy employees lead to a more productive and successful business.

7 Jan 2023
Positive Reads

Why Agroforestry Has Become the Need of the Hour

Agroforestry is a very wise way of using and managing land as it involves growing trees around or among the crops. The combination of agriculture and forestry results in varied benefits such as increased biodiversity and reduced soil erosion. The practice of planting trees in farmlands is not only lucrative to the farmer but also helps in re-establishing the ecological balance. Boon To Farmers For farmers, growing trees in their farms is like an investment. In present times, there is growing demand for timber in India and abroad. Timber is used everywhere including paper, furniture, firewood, flooring, sports equipment, musical instruments etc. There is a large market for wood and farmers can exploit this opportunity to increase their income. Farmers can grow trees on their farms and whenever, the need for money arises, they can fell trees and sell them. In the initial years, when the trees are growing, income can be earned by intercropping with year-round crops like banana, papaya etc or with seasonal crops like black gram and groundnuts. Creepers like pepper vines or betel leaves can also be cultivated on them where income keeps increasing as the vine matures. Farmers can plant long term trees like teak, mahogany and red sandalwood which act as an insurance policy (without premium) or as a retirement plan. Short term trees like Malabar Kino, Melia Dubia can be harvested in five years and are quite lucrative. Benefits To The Environment In recent years we have seen instances where in summer, the river bed is so dry that people can walk on it while in the rainy season, the same river is breaking its banks causing floods leading to the destruction of property and life. Why is it so? Well, the reason is the loss of vegetation near the rivers. Trees hold water in the soil and allow it to slowly trickle into the river. Trees thus, slow down the river runoff preventing it from causing floods. Soil is able to absorb the rainwater which recharges the groundwater helping to prevent water scarcity in summer. Another benefit of trees is that the fallen leaves, flowers, stems, barks etc. nourishes the soil and enriches it with organic matter. If this was not enough, trees also help to purify the air and reverse the adverse effects of global warming. Therefore, agroforestry is the need of the hour- for our rivers to flow, for the well being of farmers and to restore and replenish our ecosystem.  

10 Sep 2019
Positive Reads

Soaring temperatures and unusual weather

Extreme weather and climatic conditions are here to stay as the world is witnessing exceptionally high temperatures, low sea ice and unabated ocean heat. Last year, the world experienced record high temperatures which seems to have continued to this year too. It is said that 2016 was the hottest year of the century and it seems that this year is also going to break records. According to the World Meteorological Organisation's (WMO) statement on the state of the Global Climate in 2016, global temperatures hit a remarkable 1.1 Degree Celsius above the pre-industrial period while global sea-level touch record highs and the planet's sea-ice coverage dropped more than four million square kilometers below average. Even though there is widespread awareness about global warming, levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere consistently breaking new records which is proof that we humans are responsible for this unusual climate change. In India alone more than 1,600 people died due to extreme weather conditions across the country last year, with 40 per cent people succumbing to severe heat wave. The highest death rate due to severe heat was in the states of Telengana and Andhra Pradesh. The UN agency has been maintaining records and monitoring the climate change and results have shown that since 2001, there has been at least a 0.4 degree Celsius rise in temperature every year. According to IMD, 2016 was the warmest year ever recorded, globally while in India, Phalodi in Rajasthan recorded 51 degrees Celsius, highest ever recorded in the country. World Climate Research Programme Director David Carlson said that there are such remarkable changes across the planet that's challenging the limits of our understanding of the climate system. The world is taking note of these climate changes and accepts that prompt and effective steps have to be taken to reverse this alarming situation. The Paris agreement saw 196 countries including India agreeing to make efforts to a low carbon economy, through continued innovation in technology, energy and conservation sectors. The countries agreed to strive to reduce their carbon imprint. They also agreed to work towards making sure the earth's temperature does not rise above 2 degree Celsius. However, it has been proved by recent science that a change of even one degree Celsius could cause major threats. The agreement also affirms the important role that ecosystems, biodiversity and land use can play in reducing greenhouse emissions. As climate change continues to take the top place in the list of global issues, we must remember that nature has its own way of retaliation and unless we stop exploiting it for our selfish needs, we may have to face the heat. So let’s pledge that we take every action keeping our environment in mind.  

29 Mar 2017
Positive Reads

Global News

World’s First Deep-Sea Rare Earth Quest: Japan Turns to the Deep for Critical Minerals

In January 2026, Japan’s scientific drilling vessel Chikyu will embark on a mission unlike any before: retrieving sediment from 5,500 meters below sea level near the distant island of Minami Torishima. This is the first-ever venture into such extreme ocean depths for rare-earth mineral collection, a bold leap into uncharted territory. The primary aim isn’t volume, but feasibility. Over three weeks, Chikyu will collect around 35 tonnes of deep-sea mud, each tonne expected to yield approximately 2 kg of rare-earth elements (REEs), metals vital to modern life. Why These Metals Matter to Japan and WorldRare earth elements and metallic minerals—including dysprosium, neodymium, and yttrium—are essential to electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and advanced defense systems. Yet, for decades, production has been dominated by China, which controls around two-thirds of mining and over 90% of refining. Japan’s deep-sea move is equally strategic and economic. Within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), surveys have uncovered 230 million tons of manganese nodules rich in cobalt and nickel, enough to meet decades of domestic demand.Testing the Waters: Technology, Trials, and TransparencyThe heart of this endeavor is technological preparedness. The Chikyu mission isn’t commercial mining—it’s an advanced engineering trial, validating undersea drilling and sediment retrieval systems at unprecedented depths. Japan’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Programme (SIP) includes rigorous environmental monitoring to minimize harm—using enclosed chambers and live data feeds to track impacts, with safety shutoffs built in. This pilot will set the stage for potentially larger-scale extractions planned for 2027, aiming to pump 350 tons per day from the ocean floor.Secure Supply Chains in a Tense Geopolitical EraJapan’s move aligns with its commitments under the Quad-Plus partnership alongside the U.S., India, and Australia to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. It’s also a lesson from history: after China restricted rare-earth exports during a 2010 diplomatic spat, Japan scrambled to diversify its sources. This January marks more than a scientific test—it’s a turning point. Japan is embracing the ocean’s mysteries and reimagining how critical materials can be obtained in a sustainable, sovereign way. It’s a story of innovation, stewardship, and resilience in a world hungry for secure, responsible resource solutions. As the Chikyu descends into unfathomed depths, it carries more than pipes and sensors—it carries Japan’s vision for a future where technology, ecology, and national strength converge beneath the waves.

7 Jul 2025
Global News

Ronaldo's Masterstroke: Portugal Clinches Second UEFA Nations League Title in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

The UEFA Nations League is a biennial international football competition featuring the men's national teams of UEFA member associations. The tournament was inaugurated in 2018-19, with Portugal winning the first title by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final. This year's edition saw 55 teams competing in four leagues (A, B, C, and D), with the top four teams in League A qualifying for the Nations League Finals. The Final: Portugal vs SpainThe 2025 UEFA Nations League Final was played on June 8, 2025, in Munich, Germany, between Portugal and Spain. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with Portugal winning 5-3 in the penalty shootout. The match began with Spain taking the lead through Martin Zubimendi's goal in the 21st minute, followed by a hit back  by Portuguese Nunu Mendes in the 26th minute. Spain pressed on, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a second goal in the 45th minute, leaving the Portuguese side under pressure. But after halftime, Portugal came back strong—legendary Cristiano Ronaldo netted an equalizer in the 61st minute, making it 2-2.The second half was full of drama, with both teams getting chances to score but failing to find the net. Strong defence and excellent goalkeeping kept the score locked. After 120 minutes of play, the match went to a penalty shootout. Ronaldo, who had scored in the 61st minute, was substituted shortly after due to an injury.Penalty Shootout DramaThe penalty shootout was intense, with both teams scoring their first three penalties. However, Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata's penalty, allowing Rúben Neves to seal the victory with a composed finish. Portugal's shootout heroics were matched by their opponents' misses, ultimately leading to a 5-3 win in the shootout. After the match, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his joy and gratitude, saying, "I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal." The 40-year-old legend became emotional, adding, "These are tears. It's mission accomplished and so much joy."Portugal's Winning FormulaUnder coach Roberto Martínez, Portugal has shown remarkable tactical versatility, often opting for a 4-3-3 formation. The team's attacking firepower, led by Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, has been instrumental in their success. Fernandes' ability to control the tempo and provide drive in transitions has been crucial, while Vitinha's midfield mastery has allowed Portugal to dictate the game's pace. Followed by the mentorship and in-game presence of the legend and G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) himself, Cristiano Ronaldo . Key Players- Bruno Fernandes: The Manchester United skipper has been instrumental in Portugal's success, providing drive and control in midfield.- Vitinha: The midfield maestro has set the tone for Portugal, dictating the game's pace with his precise passing.- Cristiano Ronaldo: The 40-year-old legend has played a pivotal role in Portugal's success, scoring crucial goals and inspiring his teammates.-Diogo Costa: The Portuguese goalkeeper was the hero in the penalty shootout, saving Álvaro Morata's penalty to seal the win. His exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping ability have been crucial in Portugal's campaign.

9 Jun 2025
Global News

Assam’s 9-Year-Old Binita Shines Globally, Bags 3rd Place on Britain’s Got Talent 2025!

At just 9 years old, Binita Chetry from Assam has etched her name in global talent by securing the 3rd place at the prestigious Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) 2025 finale. This achievement marks Binita as the first Indian ever to reach the finals of this competition, a moment of pride for the nation on the global stage.. Hailing from the district of Karbi Anglong, Binita’s journey from a small village to the global spotlight embodies the dreams of millions. Her triumph has brought immense pride to Assam and earned the heartfelt congratulations of Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who lauded her performances that mesmerized viewers “from the Brahmaputra to the Thames.”From Humble Beginnings to a Global StageBorn in Talbalijan village, the young dancer’s life was marked by modest means. Her father, Amar Chetry, runs a small broiler chicken farm, yet he prioritized nurturing Binita’s passion for dance above all. Under the mentorship of her aunt Amrita Devi and choreographer Hardik Rawat, Binita trained rigorously, mastering complex dance moves.The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council recognized her potential and extended financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to support her preparation for the BGT finale. This combination of grassroots encouragement and personal dedication showcases the true spirit of India’s youth - ready to shine on the world stage.The Nation’s Glory: Binita’s Triumph Inspires Millions!Her achievement has sparked a wave of inspiration across India and neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, highlighting the immense cultural and artistic potential rooted in India’s remote regions. The Assam Chief Minister’s heartfelt social media tribute, praising her mesmerizing performances, echoed the pride felt by millions. In her own words, Binita expressed deep gratitude to her supporters worldwide, emphasizing how their love and encouragement fueled her journey. Her humility and grace only amplify the admiration she commands, making her a role model for children everywhere who dream big against all odds.A Bright Future Awaits!With a future as bright as her spirit, she aspires to meet the leaders who supported her and continue inspiring countless others through her art. The support from leaders like Himanta Biswa Sarma, Tuliram Ronghang, and Numal Momin underscores the growing recognition of young talents from India’s northeastern region on the world stage. Binita’s story is about breaking barriers, celebrating cultural diversity, and showing the world the power of Indian artistry. For a nine-year-old to achieve such global recognition is truly extraordinary, a proud moment for India and a promise of many more such stars to come.

2 Jun 2025
Global News

Shorter Weeks, Bigger Gains: 200 UK Companies Set to Switch to a 4-Day Week!

The winds of change are blowing across the UK as more than 200 businesses and charities sign up to adopt the 4-day workweek—a game-changing initiative aimed at boosting employee happiness without sacrificing pay. With this move, the companies, which employ over 5,000 individuals, are setting a precedent for a future where work-life balance takes center stage.This isn't just a passing trend; it's a growing movement fueled by the 4 Day Week Foundation, pushing forward a concept that could reshape how we think about work. The businesses involved come from a wide range of industries, including marketing, tech, software, and charity organizations, with a shared belief that a more balanced work schedule is essential to driving productivity.The Key to Happier, More Productive EmployeesThe core idea behind the 4-day workweek is simple: more free time equals a happier, more fulfilled life, which in turn leads to motivated, engaged, and productive employees. Joe Royle, Campaign Director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, shared his thoughts on the impact of this model, stating, “A four-day week gives people the freedom to live happier, more fulfilling lives. It’s a win-win for both workers and employers.”According to Royle, this shift isn’t just about reducing work hours; it’s about a cultural change that allows employees to recharge, spend time with family, pursue hobbies, or focus on personal development—ultimately resulting in better employee retention, a boost in morale, and higher productivity.Will 4 Days Be Enough to Outperform the 5-Day Week?While the 4-day workweek might sound radical to some, there’s growing evidence suggesting that firms that adopt flexible work schedules can outperform traditional 5-day workweek businesses. With employee retention on the rise and motivation increasing, companies that offer better work-life balance might find themselves more competitive in attracting top talent, especially in major cities like London, where 59% of the businesses adopting this model are located.As companies compete for skilled workers, they’re realizing that offering attractive work conditions—like a 4-day week—could become a decisive factor. It’s not just about attracting talent; it’s about keeping employees happy and engaged long-term, which ultimately drives productivity and business growth.Globally, Tokyo will introduce a four-day workweek starting April 2025, further driving the shift toward flexible work models.As 200 UK companies lead the charge toward a 4-day workweek, we may be witnessing the beginning of a new era in how we work. By prioritizing employee happiness, organizations are paving the way for greater productivity, employee loyalty, and market success. If the trend continues to spread globally, the way we approach work might never be the same again.

31 Jan 2025
Global News

Fish Raised in Labs: The Newest Alternative Protein to Make Waves!

It takes some time getting accustomed to seeing workers in lab coats manipulating gleaming steel vats. Compared to commercial poultry barns and slaughterhouses, it's a long cry. This is cellular agriculture, which involves farming using cells rather than animals on a small scale. And perhaps even the way the globe obtains protein in the future. Interest in lab-grown proteins is surging as worries about the ethics, pollution, health, and land usage of animal raising rise. With cattle contributing more than one-third of the world's greenhouse gas emissions from food production, lab-cultured meat looks to be reaching a tipping point and might be a key ally in sustaining the net zero goal. Chan's choice to prioritize fish was influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong, where the seafood is a dietary staple. (Source: Google Images) “Traditional ways of producing meat are continuously and increasingly under threat due to climate change and the risk of pandemics,” she says. “Food security is a big concern for many governments, and we’re offering an additional solution.”Mainstream adoption of ‘alt-proteins’ such as dairy-free milk in coffee and entirely lab-grown cheeseburgers has been touted as an important marker for one of three ‘super leverage’ tipping points with the potential to turbo-charge the planet’s transition to net zero.  Meat and dairy consumption account for around 14% of total carbon emissions. The impact of eating fish meanwhile is more deeply connected to the damaging effect it has on the ocean’s ecosystem. Chan’s journey from meat-eater to activist began in 2014. She started thinking about lessons she’d learned years earlier in school about some of the factors behind hunger and famine: poorly managed land, and crops that might feed humans being used instead to rear beef cattle and poultry. Her Prespective & Work ~ Lab culturing offers a faster, parasite-free, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fish farming ( Source: Google Images) "I'll just eat veggies," Chan remembers making the decision. "I assumed it must be benefiting my body because I felt so light after eating and slept well. The more research I did, the more I realized that stopping to eat animal products was a one-way trip. She gave up her job as an architect in 2018 to accept a part-time position with the Lever Foundation, a US-based nonprofit that promotes alternative proteins mostly throughout Asia. Lever's venture capital division, Lever VC, was heavily investing in the then-emerging farmed meat sector, which was mostly based in the West. Seeing a chance to bring it home, Chan launched Avant Meats with Lever's assistance and financial support. Her background in Hong Kong, where meals are frequently heavy in seafood, influenced her decision to concentrate on fish. 200 million tons of fish and seafood are produced annually worldwide, with a market valued at $676.2 billion (£534 billion). More than 88% of that output is produced in Asia, which also consumes almost two-thirds of it. Although some wild fish have a low carbon footprint overall, the global fishing fleet releases around 144 million tonnes of CO2 per year, and a third of our fish populations are currently overfished. Aquaculture, or the farming of fish, is booming in response to the rising demand for fish protein worldwide. Owing to the sector's explosive expansion, wild capture has currently surpassed annually by 30 million tons. While technology has made aquaculture more sustainable and efficient, some farmed species—like tilapia, which is raised widely in China—may have a higher carbon footprint than chicken. Avant Meats begins by harvesting a cell sample from a living fish and growing it over four to six months to build a starter cell culture, which can be duplicated time and time again. The starter is stored in a dormant, frozen state for future use, and a couple of million cells at a time are grown by feeding them nutrients inside a bioreactor. After six weeks, there’s sufficient cell mass to create an edible product, and, as what emerges from Avant Meat’s tanks resembles an unappealing, fishy protein slurry, it is blended with plant-based ingredients to give it form and texture.  Lab culturing is around four times quicker than farming fish, and its sterile environment means there are no parasites to worry about, no animal welfare issues, nor any of the heavy metals, microplastics, or transport-related emissions associated with a wild catch. There’s no need to turn land over to growing fish feed, and by licensing Avant Meats’ technology, Chan hopes the supply of seafood can be decentralized to meet local needs. Some analysts forecast that cultivated meats could make up 35% of global meat consumption by 2040. In recent weeks, news of the emergence of lab-grown eel raised excitement about the potential for millions of people to eat the popular sushi staple without damaging the underwater ecosystem. However, research demonstrates that many consumers are still chewing over the idea of adding lab-grown meat to their menus, with perceptions that it is unnatural or unhealthy fuelling reluctance.  Chan concludes by advising anyone uncomfortable with the concept of lab grown meat to look at what's in their refrigerator or what their neighborhood bar is serving. She notes that a bioreactor is essentially a more elegant and sophisticated fermenter. "Microbiology is nothing new; we have been employing microbes to produce food for years, much like when we create yogurt or beer. There's nothing overly sci-fi about it in the end. However, it could take until the end of the decade for the typical supermarket customer to be able to taste a fish finger that was created in a lab. Even while Avant Meats is expanding quickly—it just increased production and opened a pilot plant in Singapore—it and similar businesses must traverse a sea of bureaucratic red tape. Only the US and Singapore have authorized a small number of grown meat products for widespread distribution thus far. Investors may be wary because of the existing high start-up expenses and an end product that is around three to five times more expensive than an organically produced counterpart grown traditionally.  

7 May 2024
Global News

Historic Sighting: Blue Whales Spotted After 58-Year Absence in Seychelles!

In the vast expanse of the ocean, the term "whale" encompasses many different kinds of huge marine creatures. Yet, one colossal figure stands supreme: the blue whale. Characterized by its awe-inspiring size, the blue whale commands attention as the pinnacle of oceanic grandeur. Recent research has spotlighted these majestic creatures, particularly in the waters surrounding the Seychelles, an island paradise in the Indian Ocean. This discovery marks a significant moment in marine conservation, as it signals the return of blue whales to these warm, tropical seas after more than half a century. More than a dozen blue whales were found during a study of whales near this Seychelles' territorial seas, which marine researchers have called a "phenomenal finding." It is a fantastic turning point in the lengthy and more successful recovery story for the largest mammal in the world. It is their first time spotted in these warm waters since 1966. Historically, the Seychelles, which are in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, served as a stopover point for Soviet whalers heading to Antarctica. The years 1963 to 1966 were particularly hard for the whales here, and many were taken before the International Convention on the Regulation of Whaling ended the practice of hunting baleen whales in 1973. Since 1966, there hasn't been a dedicated study of whales in the Seychelles until 2020, when a collaboration between four universities conducted an acoustic survey over two years, resulting in five separate sightings of groups of up to ten animals. 'Success Recovery for the World' ~ Largest Animal On Earth:  One of the whales the researchers spotted. Credit Jeremy J. Kiszka. Florida International University. (Source: Google Images) Jeremy Kiszka, a co-author of the Florida International University study, stated in The Conversation that "this was a phenomenal finding." "Given the intense hunting that has been going on lately and the complete lack of information available since the last blue whale was killed in the area in 1964, we were ready to see no blue whales." These animals may easily weigh 200 tons and are as long as a basketball court. They are just the biggest animal that has ever been discovered. It's hard to determine for sure, although certain early whales and ichthyosaurs are thought to have been as enormous or greater based on extrapolations from fossilized remnants. Not a single whale on the reel matched any other whale that had ever been photographed, according to the survey team, who had uploaded pictures of the whales' dorsal sides to a database to see whether any of them had ever been documented before. The research surmises that this indicates they have likely never been sighted previously, which may seem odd for a species of that size. Still, in addition to their limited number of 5,000 to 15,000 on Earth, they roam great distances while submerging deeply, making it extremely difficult to document their movements. Using hydroponic microphones, the survey detected 23 different kinds of whales over two years, with December and April seeing the most activity. This is an intriguing discovery that implies something about the seas surrounding the Seychelles is ideal for whale habitat. The return of blue whales in the Seychelles paints a picture of resilience and hope. Their return to these warm waters signifies not only a triumph for conservation but also a reminder of the intricate balance of marine ecosystems. As we marvel at the magnificence of these gentle giants, let us be inspired by their story and hope that their majestic presence continue to grace our seas.

3 May 2024
Global News

Researchers in California Have Developed a Revolutionary New “Living Plastic”

We often think of the scientific revolution as having displaced a belief in magic, the supernatural, and the occult. But paying a closer look at premodern writings on magic, we find that they explicitly reject the supernatural. What is more, the key figures of any scientific revolution are technological advancement and years of experimenting. Researchers think they have discovered a technique to add bacterial spores that have undergone extreme evolutionary pressure to polymers, making them more robust and biodegradable. Without additional bacteria, this type of "living plastic" can decompose in around five months. This living plastic was developed by scientists under the direction of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a durable commercial plastic used mainly in foam, floor mats, shoes, and cushions. They clarified that the material is full of bacterial spores that germinate after their life cycle when exposed to the nutrients found in compost. Bacterial spores from a type of Bacillus subtilis that can degrade polymeric polymer components were used to create the biodegradable TPU. According to UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering co-senior author Professor Jon Pokorski, "It's an inherent property of these bacteria." "We selected the strain that developed the best after testing a few strains' capacity to use TPUs as the only carbon source.” Because bacterial spores are resistant to extreme environmental conditions, the study team employed them, as a latent form of bacteria. Still in the Process ~ Thermoplastic polyurethane pellets (left) and Bacillus subtilis spores (right) – Photos by David Baillot/UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. (Source: Google Images)  The researchers think that any bacterial spores that remain after the substance breaks down are probably safe, even though they still need to investigate what remains after that. According to Pokorski, the strain of Bacillus subtilis that is used in probiotics is thought to be safe for both humans and animals, and it may even be good for the health of plants. The bacterial spores used in the study—which was published in the journal Nature Communications—were evolutionarily prodded to adapt to the high temperatures required for producing TPU. The strains that make it through this procedure are then separated and subjected to another cycle. There Will Be Numerous Benefits From This ~ Where there was previously a trade-off between tensile strength and stretchability, the inclusion of spores increases the mechanical qualities beyond known bounds, which is why this is wonderful, according to Pokorski. Currently, the research team is trying to optimize the method for industrial applications. Dr. Feist stated, "TPU is just one of the many different kinds of commercial plastics that end up in the environment." Extending the range of biodegradable materials we can create with this technique is one of our next goals. The question of how costly it is to develop this and other such technologies will always exist as more markets want to use them. Because plastics are mass-manufactured, anything that degrades will need to be made in large quantities and marketed at a reasonable markup for this and other biodegradable polymers to become popular. #BeatPlastic Pollution ~ A change in perspective regarding plastic products is necessary to make the transition from a linear to a circular economy. The research that has been emphasized demonstrates the need to question the idea that there is an "end" at all and to take into account the effects throughout the entirety of the life cycle. Although the effects on the environment and our health are dire, we may greatly mitigate them. An open-access research may help by guaranteeing that research is available to all people, everywhere. Plastic is everywhere, therefore let's make sure the reaction is as well. It's imperative to combat plastic pollution and the time is now or never!  It's Now Or Never! ( Source: Google Images)   

3 May 2024
Global News

Dive into the Unknown: Earth's Deepest Blue Hole Discovered by Scientists!

In a big scientific breakthrough, researchers have revealed the existence of Earth's deepest blue hole, an underwater marvel that holds the promise of uncharted territories and breathtaking discoveries. What is a Blue Hole? Blue holes, often referred to as "Karst formations," are geological wonders shaped by the erosive forces of water over countless years. These captivating underwater chasms, with a striking sapphire color, evoke a sense of wonder and fascination, drawing us into their depths with their profound mysteries. The Taam Ja' Blue Hole: Named the Taam Ja' Blue Hole (TBJH), this newly discovered abyss located in Mexico's Chetumal Bay has shattered previous records with its staggering depth of 1,380 feet. Surpassing the renowned Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in China by an impressive 480 feet, TBJH emerges as the undisputed champion of the deep. Challenges and Opportunities Despite their allure, venturing into the depths of blue holes poses significant challenges. With oxygen levels dwindling and the presence of hazardous gases, exploration requires specialized equipment and expertise. Yet, it is precisely these inhospitable conditions that make blue holes ripe for scientific exploration, holding the promise of new species and invaluable insights into our planet's history. Journey into the Unknown As scientists embark on expeditions to uncover the mysteries hidden within TBJH, the anticipation of what lies beneath the surface is palpable. Could the abyss harbor a hidden ecosystem, teeming with life forms adapted to thrive in the extreme conditions of the deep? The quest for discovery is fueled by the possibility of unlocking secrets that could reshape our understanding of the world beneath the waves. In 2012, scientists investigating blue holes in the Bahamas unearthed distinctive bacteria thriving in utter darkness, hinting at the possibility of life forms adapting to extreme environments beyond our imagination. This groundbreaking revelation opens doors to understanding how organisms endure harsh conditions and could provide insights into the existence of life on distant planets. As we stand on the brink of a new era of discovery, the Taam Ja' Blue Hole beckons adventurers and explorers to venture into its depths, driven by the promise of unlocking the mysteries that lie within.

2 May 2024
Global News

Sony Presents the Reon Pocket 5: An Advanced Wearable Climate Control System

Sony as a brand for many years is always coming up with new bangers in the market! This time it's the wierdest & the most innovative ~ REON POCKET a wearable thermal device that can directly cool or warm the part of the body that the device is in contact with. This device can be used in any season, as it both cools and warms. The REON POCKET 5 boasts up to 1.5 times more heat absorption and significantly improved cooling performance compared to the previous model in the series. It runs for approximately 4 hours at COOL Level 5 (the maximum cooling level) and for approximately 7.5 hours at COOL Level 4, around 1.8 times longer than the previous model. The internal structure of the thermal module in the REON POCKET 5 has been redesigned and made larger, achieving up to 1.8 times the cooling efficiency. This greatly increased efficiency results in more powerful cooling and longer running time. The cooling fan blade shape is optimized for the internal structure of the main unit, and the DC three-phase motor fluid dynamic bearing structure reduces operating noise from the device by up to approximately 80%. This significantly lower noise makes the device even more suitable for use in a business environment. Things Are About to Get Super Tech Savy (Source: Google Images)  Stronger, faster, longer: With the new SMART COOL ⇔ WARM MODE, the REON POCKET TAG’s sensing technology maximizes the performance of the REON POCKET 5 to provide optimal cooling more powerfully, more quickly, and for longer. How It Will Suit Your Clothing ~  Fits the shape of your neck while securely holding the device~ The included dedicated neckband can be adjusted to suit neck size and angle. The REON POCKET's cooling/warming section stays in close contact with your body and provides stability that prevents the device from shifting when you move around. Suitable for a wide range of neck sizes from 34 cm to 46 cm. A dedicated smaller-sized Neckband 4 (SMALL) (RNPB-N4S) is also available, sold separately. For casual clothing, wear a short size. This shape avoids standing out when worn with a short collar and fully expels heat behind you. For business clothing, wear the long size. This shape extends above the collar while matching the curve of your neck and back, expelling heat efficiently without standing out when worn with business clothing. This concept is aimed at vacationers, commuters, and regular travelers, is to give up those cheap portable fans—which, let's be honest, only force heated air into your face—and go hands-free. The sole telltale sign is a little vent protruding from the collar of your shirt. Sony’s Weirdest Wearable Yet GIving Us Shivers ~  ( Source: Google Images)  Can Also Be Used In Winters ~  The REON POCKET 5 can be used for both cooling and warming, with four adjustable WARM MODE levels to suit your preference. In addition, when using SMART COOL⇔WARM MODE, which automatically switches between COOL and WARM modes, the device automatically adjusts itself to suit changes in the environment, even during volatile seasons with extreme temperature changes or days that have a mixture of hot and cold temperatures. This is not the first version of Sony's "wearable thermo device," as the name would imply. On the company's home ground, the original was so successful with crowdsourcing that it created a completely new subsidiary to generate new generations. It aims to expand into Europe, beginning with the UK, after initially expanding to Hong Kong. On May 15, the Sony Reon Pocket will go straight on sale via Sony's online shop. Preorders are currently available. Otherwise sweating commuters would pay £139 for it, and additional neckbands are available for £25. India is still not making the list since this concept is very noob and fragile for larger masses to accept. All we can do is wait for further updates.

30 Apr 2024
Global News

Saudi Arabia Grants Umrah Access to All Visa Holders, Paving the Path to Inclusive Pilgrimage

In a significant move, Saudi Arabia has opened the doors of Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, to individuals holding any type of visa. This announcement, made by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah, marks a pivotal moment in facilitating religious travel and promoting inclusivity at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah emphasized the accessibility of Umrah for visitors, stating that individuals with any entry visa can now perform the pilgrimage effortlessly from any location. This decision aims to streamline the process and ensure peace of mind for pilgrims embarking on this sacred journey. Furthermore, the ministry clarified that all visa holders, spanning personal, family, transit, labor, and e-visas, are granted permission to participate in the rituals of Umrah. This inclusive approach reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds to partake in spiritual experiences. To facilitate a seamless journey for Umrah pilgrims, the Saudi ministry encourages the use of the Nusuk application to obtain Umrah permits.  In addition to permitting Umrah for visa holders, the ministry emphasizes the importance of adhering to designated timings for rituals at the Grand Mosque. This guidance ensures the smooth conduct of rituals and enhances the spiritual experience for all pilgrims. With the deadline for Umrah pilgrims to depart set for June 6, corresponding to the 29th of Dhu al-Qa’dah in the current year of 1445 AH, pilgrims are urged to plan their journeys accordingly. This deadline underscores the importance of timely completion of Umrah rituals within the designated timeframe. Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing amenities for international Muslims undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage is evident. The country has implemented various measures to facilitate the pilgrimage experience, catering to the needs of pilgrims from around the world. Umrah, a sacred journey to Islam's holiest cities of Mecca and Medina, holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. Unlike the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, allowing individuals to embark on this spiritual journey according to their convenience and devotion. By welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and simplifying administrative processes, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to promoting spiritual tourism and facilitating meaningful experiences for pilgrims worldwide.

30 Apr 2024
Global News

The Return of Ramses: A Journey Through Time and Continents

In a story that spans centuries and continents, a fragment of a statue depicting the illustrious pharaoh Ramses II has finally found its way back home to Egypt. Carved over 3,400 years ago, this piece of ancient history was stolen from the Temple of Ramses in the southern Egyptian site of Abydos more than three decades ago, only to resurface in the most unexpected of places. Shaaban Abdel Gawad, the head of Egypt's antiquities repatriation agency, revealed that the statue fragment, believed to have been pilfered in the late 1980s or early 1990s, has been successfully recovered through a joint effort. Now in the possession of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Cairo, the fragment is undergoing meticulous restoration, preparing to reclaim its rightful place in Egypt's cultural tapestry. The journey of this artifact's recovery is as intriguing as it is remarkable. It involves a vigilant watch over antiquities and art markets across Europe. The fragment surfaced on an auction block in London a decade ago before finding its way to Switzerland. Working tirelessly alongside Swiss officials, Gawad and his team navigated through legal intricacies to establish rightful ownership. Their efforts ultimately lead to the seizure of the artifact for its triumphant return to Cairo. "This head is part of a group of statues depicting King Ramses II seated alongside a number of Egyptian deities," Gawad shared with Reuters, emphasizing the significance of the recovered fragment within the broader context of Ramses II's legacy. The pharaoh, also known as the 'Ozymandius' immortalized in Percy Shelley's poem, ruled Egypt for an astonishing 40 years, when the lifespan of people was barely 40 years. He went on to live till 91.  During his reign, Ramses II oversaw the construction of magnificent temples, cities, and statues, honoring both himself and the deities of Egypt. His empire stretched from the southern lands of Nubia to the northern territories of Canaan and Phoenicia, cementing his legacy as one of Egypt's most powerful and enduring pharaohs. Over the centuries, Ramses II's artifacts have faced the threat of plunder and illegal trade. Egypt, however, has proven resilient in its pursuit of reclaiming its stolen heritage. The country has always shown a steadfast commitment to preserving its rich cultural legacy for generations to come. As the statue fragment of Ramses II undergoes restoration in Cairo, it serves as a poignant reminder of Egypt's enduring spirit and unwavering dedication to safeguarding its past. In a world where history is often at risk of being lost or forgotten, the return of Ramses brings renewed hope for the preservation of ancient treasures and the stories they tell.

29 Apr 2024
Global News

South Korean Scientists Lead the Charge with Hybrid Sodium-Ion Battery That Can be Charged Within Seconds!

In a game-changing development, researchers from South Korea have developed a high-power hybrid sodium-ion battery with the potential to revolutionize energy storage technology. Co-authored by doctoral candidates Jong Hui Choi and Dong Won Kim from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the study has been published in the prestigious journal Energy Storage Materials. The Sodium Solution Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which rely on relatively scarce lithium, this innovative battery harnesses the power of sodium, a mineral nearly 1000 times more abundant. This abundance makes sodium-ion electrochemical energy storage not only cheaper but also more feasible for widespread adoption. Bridging the Gap Led by Professor Jeung Ku Kang from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the research team embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between high energy storage and rapid charge-discharge rates. By integrating anode materials typically found in batteries with cathodes suitable for supercapacitors, they unlocked the potential for unprecedented storage capacities and lightning-fast charging. Next-Generation Energy Storage What does this mean for the future? The implications are profound. This hybrid sodium-ion battery presents itself as a viable next-generation alternative to lithium-ion batteries, offering a promising solution to the increasing demand for low-cost electrochemical energy storage devices with high energy density and fast-chargeable power density. Toward a Sustainable Future: From powering mobile electronic devices to propelling electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting large-scale grid systems, the potential applications of this technology are vast. By addressing the limitations of current sodium-ion energy storage systems, particularly in terms of rechargeability and power density, researchers are paving the way for the development of sodium-ion hybrid energy storage (SIHES) cells, poised to transform the energy landscape as we know it. As the world continues its transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sources, innovations like the high-power hybrid sodium-ion battery offer hope for a future powered by cleaner, more efficient technologies.

29 Apr 2024
Global News

From Rooftops to Railings: German Households Transform Their Balconies into Solar Power Stations!

In a world where renewable energy is becoming increasingly vital,  Europeans are finding inventive ways to harness the power of the sun. Solar panels, once confined to rooftops, are now making their way onto balconies, revolutionizing the way we think about energy generation. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of solar cells' mainstream adoption, recent data from Euronews highlights a remarkable trend: over 400,000 German households have embraced balcony solar panels. This surge in installations includes an impressive 50,000 PV devices added in the first quarter of 2024 alone, signaling a growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. The appeal of balcony solar panels lies in their accessibility and ease of installation. Unlike traditional rooftop systems, balcony panels are simple to set up, often DIY-friendly, and require minimal structural modifications. Additionally, their positioning on balconies allows for optimal sun exposure, particularly during the winter months when sunlight angles are shallow, potentially surpassing the energy output of rooftop installations.   Jan Osenberg, a policy advisor at SolarPower Europe, emphasizes the significant contribution of solar balconies to Germany's renewable energy landscape. While rooftop solar remains dominant, generating 22 gigawatts of electricity, solar balconies contribute an estimated 200 megawatts—an evidence of the technology's growing popularity. The adoption of solar balconies reflects Germany's strong solar culture and commitment to renewable energy transition. Subsidies offered by some German states incentivize the installation of balcony solar kits, which typically pay for themselves through electricity savings within 3-5 years of their 20-year lifespan. However, given the weight of these panels, installation must be approached with caution to mitigate safety risks. Beyond Germany, Europe as a whole is embracing innovative solar solutions, from cemetery installations in France to railway track panels in Switzerland. These initiatives underscore the continent's dedication to sustainable energy practices and pave the way for a greener future. As Europeans continue to innovate with solar technology, the widespread adoption of balcony solar panels signifies a significant step towards achieving renewable energy goals. With each installation, individuals become active participants in the energy transition, empowered to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

26 Apr 2024
Global News

'Welcome Voyager!' Celebrated Spacecraft Is Back, Transmitting From 15 Billion Miles Away After NASA Repairs it.

After falling black last year, a NASA spacecraft that was launched almost 50 years ago is now returning data to scientists, the space agency announced this week. NASA said in a news statement on April 22 that a group of specialists has remotely fixed Voyager 1, a spacecraft that was launched in 1977 to explore planets and moons beyond our solar system and is currently located more than 15 billion miles from Earth, to solve a computer issue. The only two artificially constructed spacecraft that travel into interstellar space are Voyager 1 and 2. Up until five months ago, both spacecraft, which were initially intended to survive for five years, have been sending information back to Earth for almost 46 years. Voyager 1 stopped sending usable data in November 2023, at which point NASA lost communication with the probe. The agency reported that the probe was still receiving orders from mission control and was functioning correctly despite the distorted incoming information. The flight data subsystem of the probe, one of the spacecraft's three onboard computers, had a defective chip, which the technical team of Voyager 1 identified as the source of the issue. Voyager 1's flight data subsystem code was impacted by the chip problem, which the agency claimed "rendered the science and engineering data unusable." Since the chip could not be fixed remotely, engineers devised a strategy to disperse the compromised code among the flight data subsystem's unaffected areas.   Happy Faces In the Frame After A Heated Process ~  (Source: Google Images)  Further Details On The Entire Plan ~  The JPL team found that a single chip that held some of the flight data subsystem (FDS) memory—including some software code for the FDS computer—wasn't functioning and still isn't. That code was lost, making the data from science and engineering useless. The team chose to relocate the impacted code to another location in the FDS memory after failing to fix the chip. However, no one site can accommodate the complete code section. They thus came up with a strategy to split the impacted code into portions and put each section in a distinct location within the FDS. They also had to modify certain code parts so that, they still worked as a unit for this strategy to succeed. It was also necessary to update any references in other areas of the FDS memory that pointed to the location of that code. On April 18, once they had resolved all the issues, they transmitted the updated code to its new place in the FDS memory. At a distance of about 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers), a radio signal takes roughly 22 and a half hours to reach Voyager 1, and it takes an additional 22 and a half hours for a signal to return to Earth. The mission flight crew discovered that the adjustment was successful when they received a response from the spacecraft on April 20: They could now monitor the spacecraft's condition and health for the first time in the last five months. NASA said that on April 20, Voyager 1 started sending data on the condition and state of its systems once more. The flight data subsystem will undergo "relocation and adjustment of the other affected portions" in the upcoming weeks, according to the agency, including "the portions that will start returning science data." Even Voyager's surviving scientific equipment, which allows it to research the nature of magnetic fields and cosmic rays in interstellar space, may need to be turned off in a year or maybe even less. The probe will leave the Deep Space Network and be out of reach of any communications by 2036

26 Apr 2024
Global News

China releases the First Detailed Atlas of the Moon

In the Headlines ~ China has formally released the world's first comprehensive update of such fundamental lunar data since NASA's Apollo-era work in the 1960s and 1970s, making it the sole high-definition “geologic atlas” of the whole moon. The high-definition maps, which are available in both Chinese and English, will offer current scientific references for further lunar study and exploration, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The lunar geologic atlas, created during the Apollo period, continues to serve as the foundation for lunar geology study today. This top national scientific agency stated in a statement on Sunday that "as moon research advances, the existing map can no longer meet the needs of future lunar scientific research and exploration." The sole natural satellite of Earth is now represented on a new map with a size of 1:2.5 million, rather than the old 1:5 million scale that gave less detail. The map shows 12,341 craters and 81 impact basins, and details on the moon's 14 different structural types, 17 different rock types, and geological history. Co-lead researcher Ouyang Ziyuan, considered the “founding father” of China’s lunar program, said the maps will also help researchers select a site for a planned lunar station. “The geological atlas of the moon is of great significance for studying the evolution of the moon, selecting the site for a future lunar research station, and utilizing lunar resources,” Ouyang was quoted by state news agency Xinhua as saying on Sunday. “It can also help us better understand the Earth and other planets in the solar system, such as Mars,” he added. Ouyang started the lunar mapping project in 2012 with fellow geologist Liu Jianzhong from the CAS Institute of Geochemistry in Guiyang. China releases world's most detailed map of the moon ~ (Source: Google Images)  About the Map ~ The 1:2,500,000 scale of the map, which shows every known rock, crater, basin, and feature on the Moon's surface, is extremely accurate. The researchers who created it claim that this is the most comprehensive lunar map to date, even though it is far from the first. They achieved this by going through lunar geology data spanning more than a century, which allowed them to create the breathtaking size of the map, which has 90 distinct sorts of formations highlighted on a color-coded key. China has sent multiple Chang’e mission orbiters, landers, and rovers to the moon, collecting data that has contributed to building the map since the country launched its lunar exploration program in 2004. While the map is compiled mainly using data from Chinese lunar missions, the scientists also referenced previous data and research from outside China.  The researchers are from several CAS institutes, Jilin University, Shandong University, China University of Geosciences in Beijing, and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Liu told the official Science and Technology Daily that the map is an “exemplary” achievement in the field of lunar science.  “It provides information and scientific references for the formulation of scientific goals and implementation of the lunar exploration project.” “It also represents China’s contribution to the study of the origin and evolution of the moon and the solar system,” he added.

25 Apr 2024
Global News

Stone Age: Why Are South Koreans Purchasing Pebbles as a Loneliness Prevention Measure?

One of the most overworked nations in the world, South Korea has young people who are said to be lonely and burned out. How are they managing their day-to-day stress, then? The response can really "rock" you.  Adults in South Korea are adopting pet pebbles as a strange new fad to help them cope with loneliness and stress at work. Originally intended as a novelty joke gift in America in the 1970s, this item has found a new use on the other side of the globe thanks to advertising executive Gary Dahl. Pet rocks are becoming more and more popular in Asia, which is a change from their absurd beginnings. Rather, they are seen as a way to lessen the prevailing feelings of weariness and loneliness in South Korean culture. This resurgence of interest in stones is consistent with cultural allusions, such as the stone slab that serves as a symbol of wealth and luck in filmmaker Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed film "Parasite." Following the COVID-19 epidemic, stone collecting has become more appealing, albeit in a more contemporary way. Smaller stones, sometimes known as "pet stones," have become the preferred choice for people looking for company. In a world where people are becoming more and more alone, these nicknamed rocks and personalized trinkets provide some sense of solace and camaraderie. Suseok's meaning and importance ~ The idea of "suseok," or scholar's rock, which was revered for its lucky properties during the Joseon Dynasty, is essential to understanding this phenomenon. Suseok, which was once associated with wealth and sophistication, acquired appeal in the late 20th-century economic boom in South Korea. But its current comeback is linked to a change in attitude, going from being seen as a sign of riches to a comfort in the face of contemporary difficulties. Pet stones are often personified by their owners, who treat them much like traditional pets. Owners frequently share photos of their pet stones on social networking platforms, sometimes giving them nicknames, creating beds for them, dressing them up, and treating them as if they were living beings. This phenomenon has gained traction, as evidenced by the increasing number of artistic posts on platforms like TikTok showcasing decorated and cared-for pet pebbles. The burgeoning popularity of pet rocks on social media has expanded the market for these unique companions, making them accessible to a wider audience. Takeaway on social issues ~ Burnout and loneliness are not new problems in South Korea, where stresses from the job and financial hardships are major contributors to the problem. The number of single-person families is increasing, and there is a culture of overwork, which highlights the need for creative solutions to address social issues. Pet pebbles have many health advantages rather than just symbolic meaning. When engaging in artistic expression, communication, or tactile interaction with their pet rocks, many South Koreans report experiencing a sense of peace and calmness. When combined with the rhythmic act of painting or decorating, the tactile experience of using a smooth stone can be incredibly calming and contemplative, offering much-needed relief from the strains of everyday life.  The use of pet stones deviates from customary stone-collecting methods and reflects a contemporary strategy for promoting mental health and overcoming loneliness. Pet pebbles provide a concrete source of solace and company in an increasingly digital environment as South Koreans manage the intricacies of modern living.  

24 Apr 2024
Global News

Nigerian Shatters World Record in Epic Chess Marathon! Discover His Inspiring Mission

Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya displayed a remarkable quality of endurance and determination as he shattered the world record for the longest chess marathon, playing unbeaten for over 60 hours in New York City's bustling Times Square. His mission? To raise $1 million for underprivileged children's education across Africa, a cause close to his heart. Onakoya, 29, embarked on his grueling session on Wednesday, initially aiming for 58 hours but pushing beyond to achieve an extraordinary milestone of 60 hours. Surpassing the previous record, he played relentlessly, with each move contributing to a larger cause—providing educational opportunities to millions of underprivileged children. “I can't process a lot of the emotions I feel right now. I don't have the right words for them. But I know we did something truly remarkable," Onakoya expressed to AFP news agency in a moment of heartfelt reflection. As the clock ticked past 3 am on a critical night, exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. Yet, buoyed by the presence and support of fellow Nigerians who had traveled from around the world to stand by his side, Onakoya found renewed strength. Playing against American chess champion Shawn Martinez, in strict accordance with Guinness World Records guidelines, the duo engaged in continuous play with minimal breaks. For every hour of intense concentration over the board, they were allowed a mere five minutes of respite—a test of physical and mental endurance. Onakoya's dedication to empowering youth through chess is not new. In 2018, he launched the Chess in Slums project in Ikorodu, Nigeria, providing marginalized young people with an avenue to learn and excel in the game. Many of these youths, not in school and working to support their families, found solace and opportunity within this initiative. Nigeria, like many African nations, faces significant educational challenges, with over 10 million school-age children out of classrooms—an issue Onakoya is determined to address through his advocacy and fundraising efforts. Within the first 20 hours of his marathon, Onakoya had already raised an impressive $22,000. He received overwhelming support he received from Nigerians in the US, global leaders, celebrities, and compassionate passersby who were moved by his cause. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised Onakoya's accomplishment, highlighting how Onakoya exemplified the determination of Nigeria's youth to effect positive change, even in challenging circumstances.

23 Apr 2024
Global News

Smoke-Free Revolution: How Quit Like Sweden Movement is Changing the Global Game

In the global battle against smoking, Sweden stands poised to achieve a historic milestone as the first nation to reach the World Health Organization's "smoke-free" threshold. With nearly half of its male population once regular smokers, Sweden's remarkable transformation is now inspiring a worldwide movement through initiatives like Quit Like Sweden (QLS).  Through the use of conventional preventative and cessation techniques along with the provision of easily accessible, socially acceptable, and reasonably priced alternatives to smoking, Quit Like Sweden seeks to inspire other nations to emulate the Swedish Experience. The Current Headline ~ I Quit Like Sweden (QLS), which was introduced at a conference in Brasilia with politicians, medical experts, and policymakers, aims to inspire and assist nations across the world to follow Sweden's lead. Sweden is expected to become the first country in the world to achieve official "smoke-free" status later this year." Sweden has achieved this remarkable feat by ensuring that safer alternatives to smoking are accessible, acceptable, and affordable," said Suely Castro, creator of QLS and a harm reduction campaigner originally from Brazil. By enabling its smokers to convert to goods that provide only a fraction of the hazards, such as snus [traditional smokeless tobacco] and other smoke-free options like vapes and nicotine pouches, a nation where 49% of males used to smoke regularly has nearly eradicated this scourge. Compared to their European counterparts, Swedes have far lower rates of cancer incidence and mortality, therefore they are benefiting from improved health. Now Quit Like Sweden will spread this word around the world, utilizing knowledge and encouraging cooperation amongst interested parties to assist nations in duplicating the Swedish Experience. Methodology: Combination of Tobacco Control With Harm Minimization ~ A Very Powerful Initiative Towards Tobacco-Free Surrounding ~  (Source: Google Images)  The Swedish model combines recommendations in the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC), including reducing the supply and demand of tobacco and banning smoking in certain places, but it adds an important element: accepting that smoke-free products – such as vapes and oral pouches – are less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes. “For adult smokers, switching to non-combustible alternatives is highly recommended,” said AHRA president Dr. Kgosi Letlape. “Where governments have allowed these alternatives into their environment, the use of combustibles has come down and health benefits have been derived. “What should not be allowed is for people to continue lying that non-combustibles have no health benefits for adult smokers.” Certain Statistics Signifies Public Health Benefits for Individuals and Society ~ “Some people do need the kick that nicotine gives. Harm reduction products are giving that without the danger to their health.” The benefits of Sweden’s strategy are remarkable. The country’s smoking rates just 15 years ago were more than 150% higher than they are today. It now has the lowest percentage of tobacco-related diseases in the EU and a 41% lower incidence of cancer than other European countries.  A Few of the Statistical Report’s Findings and Recommendations for Use in Additional Nations ~ Acknowledge that using smoke-free goods is far less dangerous than smoking. Urge smokers to replace their smokes with less dangerous options. Give information based on facts. Tobacco goods don't come without any risks. For instance, e-cigarettes are 95% less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. A smoker should convert from traditional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, notwithstanding the risks involved. Create regulations that will facilitate the availability of smokeless substitutes for cigarettes. For instance, differentiating tariffs incentivize smokers to convert from cigarettes to less dangerous options. Conclusion Regarding India's Future Prospects ~ Approximately one-third of the 267 million tobacco consumers in India are smokers. The other two-thirds use products made of smokeless tobacco, which is significantly more harmful than snus. The WHO has been recommending new, significantly less harmful tobacco and nicotine alternatives that don't burn tobacco in the same way that they did for snus twenty years ago. The WHO recommends that governments prohibit, regulate, and tax all tobacco products equally, based on the same health hazards, in the materials prepared for the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This is true even though scientists agree that burning tobacco causes most of the negative effects of smoking—not the tobacco or nicotine itself. In essence, they're telling smokers who refuse to give up that it would be better for them to keep smoking. Thanks to smokers having an alternative to cigarettes, smoking rates have dropped outside Sweden, setting new records in this regard. Unprecedented drops in smoking rates have been observed in Norway, the UK, New Zealand, and Japan as safer substitutes for dangerous cigarettes have replaced them. The WHO only has to follow research when it comes to smoking; there's no need to reinvent the wheel. Users of tobacco products have a right to enhance their health by having access to nicotine-supplying choices with far lower health risks.     

22 Apr 2024
Global News

A Novel Drug Discovery Offers Promise for a New Treatment for Blood Cancer, Which Researchers Say Is “Largely Incurable”

A Brief About The Study Behind this Recent Outbreak ~ Described by researchers as a “largely incurable disease”, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce a large number of abnormal blood cells. A study has discovered that blocking an enzyme in the body’s cells which senses changes in oxygen levels could stop the disease from progressing. In the presence of oxygen, these enzymes – known as hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) – become active to target and destroy proteins called hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). When oxygen levels are low, PHD enzymes are less active, leading to higher HIF levels. The study, co-led by the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the University of Oxford, explored if boosting HIF levels could prevent the progression of AML. They genetically modified mice and de-activated PHD enzymes, which increased HIF levels and stopped disease progression without impacting the production of normal blood cells. A similar enzyme-blocking process is used in drugs that treat anaemia, according to researchers, and showed the same effect on leukaemia in mouse cells and patient samples. The research team has also created a new compound called IOX5, which inhibits PHDs without impacting other enzymes. Kamil Kranc, a professor of haemato-oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “Therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia has barely changed in several decades." Slowly Science is Making Its Way Foward with Advancements In Curability ~ ( Source: Google Images) Added Important Remarks ~  “There is a huge need to discover better treatments for this aggressive disease. “We’ve shown for the first time that targeting the pathways that cells use to respond to oxygen levels could provide a new way to treat leukaemia, without impacting the normal production of blood cells within the bone marrow.” AML is most common in patients over the age of 75. According to the NHS, there are about 3,100 people diagnosed with the disease each year in the UK. Prof Kranc added: “Our next challenge is to progress the existing drugs and our new, more selective compound, to clinical trials.“We’re hopeful this research will pave the way towards a new era of AML treatments, and we’d like to explore whether these therapies could also be beneficial for solid tumors.” Professor Kristian Helin, chief executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “Cancer exists in a complex ecosystem within the body. “This work provides important insights into that ecosystem and how cancer uses signals within the environment – such as those relating to oxygen levels – to grow and develop. “This study is also an excellent example of cancer researchers and chemists working closely together to develop and test new cancer therapeutics. “It’s exciting to see how a concept develops through a fundamental discovery project and the development of a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor, to potentially benefit patients with this devastating type of cancer, and I look forward to seeing this research progress into clinical trials.” Concluding Remark:  Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), said: “We are committed to getting the best care to patients fast while ensuring good value for the taxpayer. “Advanced B-cell lymphoma is an aggressive form of blood cancer and can progress quickly. The sooner people can access the best treatment for them, the better chance they have of living for longer and improving their quality of life.“This is why it is such good news that our independent committee has found that glofitamab is clinically proved and cost-effective for treating people with this advanced form of cancer, and we welcome the news that NHS England will make this available to patients quickly.”  

19 Apr 2024
Global News

Aptera's Solar-Powered Three-Wheeled Wonder Vehicle Set to Revolutionize Sustainable Transportation

In the realm of automotive innovation, few concepts have generated as much excitement and anticipation as the Aptera solar-powered car. Recently, this revolutionary three-wheeler took a giant leap towards reality as the first-ever production-grade body arrived at the company's headquarters in sunny San Diego. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Aptera's quest to redefine the possibilities of sustainable transportation.  A Vision Takes Shape Aptera's vision is as bold as it is ambitious. Advertised as featuring 34 square feet of solar paneling that actively powers the car while in motion or parked, this concept car represents a paradigm shift in automotive design and functionality. However, the road to mass production is not without its challenges. The Aptera team is diligently working on fine-tuning various aspects of the vehicle to ensure it meets rigorous standards before hitting the road. Milestones and Preparations The company mentioned that they celebrated a significant milestone—the arrival of Aptera's first production body in San Diego. This was conveyed in a post on X. Now, Team Aptera is back at the drawing board, meticulously finalizing cable routing, connectors, and component placement to prepare for the initial production builds. Behind the scenes, Aptera has been busy sourcing all the necessary parts for its production-intent battery packs, while non-structural components undergo rigorous validation in Italy by the company's supply partner. Although elements like suspension, safety equipment, and drivetrain are still being fine-tuned for production models, Aptera has already made significant strides towards its goal of mass production. Design for Efficiency What sets the Aptera apart from conventional vehicles is its meticulous attention to aerodynamics and energy efficiency. From its tapered backside to its dolphin-like undercarriage, every design element is carefully crafted to minimize drag and optimize energy use. This obsessive focus on ultra-efficiency is what makes solar power—a traditionally limited form of electricity generation—a practical and viable feature for powering a vehicle. The Future of Sustainable Transportation The implications of Aptera's innovation extend far beyond solar panels and aerodynamic curves. With solar panels capable of delivering 40 miles of range per sunny day and an overall range of 1,000 miles due to its perfect aerodynamic design, low-weight construction, and efficient drivetrain, Aptera is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle landscape. The fusion of cutting-edge technology, bold design, and unwavering commitment to efficiency positions Aptera at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, paving the way towards a greener and more sustainable future on the open road.

19 Apr 2024
Global News

Doha’s Hamad International Airport Overtakes Changi To Secure the Title of Best Airport in the World

The excitement was palpable at the recent 2024 World Airport Awards as Hamad International Airport in Doha claimed the top spot, dethroning Singapore's Changi Airport from its longstanding position. This prestigious award, bestowed by the London-based research institute Skytrax, marks a significant milestone for Hamad International Airport and highlights its commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences. The Skytrax World Airport Awards Ceremony The highly anticipated awards ceremony took place at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 17, 2024. Amidst industry professionals and aviation enthusiasts, Hamad International Airport celebrated its third victory, having previously secured the second position in 2021 and 2022. Changi Airport's Storied Legacy While Changi Airport gracefully transitioned to the second position globally, it remains a powerhouse in Asia, continuing to excel in various categories such as immigration services and airport hotels. The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, for instance, received accolades as the best airport hotel for the ninth consecutive time reflecting Changi's unwavering commitment to passenger satisfaction. Passenger-Driven Excellence Skytrax's comprehensive survey, conducted from August 2023 to February 2024, captured the sentiments of travelers across a spectrum of touchpoints within airports, from check-in to shopping, security, immigration, and departures. This feedback mechanism reflects the voices of passengers who contribute significantly to shaping airport experiences worldwide. Celebrating a Decade of Success at Hamad International Airport CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer expressed delight at Hamad International Airport's triumph, coinciding with its milestone 10th year of operations. He credited the airport's success to the dedication and innovation of its employees, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a leading position in the industry. India's Standout Performers Delhi International Airport retained its position at 36th globally and was honored as the 'best airport in India and South Asia.' Meanwhile, Bangalore International Airport surged ahead, clinching the title of 'best regional airport in India and South Asia' and making significant strides in global rankings. Skytrax World Airport Awards: Top 3 Airports of 2024 Here's a snapshot of the top airports of 2024 according to Skytrax, showcasing excellence in airport services and passenger satisfaction: 1. Doha Hamad Airport, Qatar 2. Singapore Changi Airport  3. Seoul Incheon Airport, South Korea The Skytrax World Airport Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for excellence in airport operations and passenger experiences, driving continuous improvement and innovation in the global aviation industry.

18 Apr 2024
Global News

Italy Launches New Remote Visa Program That Enables One To Work and Explore!

In recent years, the concept of working remotely or living as a digital nomad has gained immense popularity, especially among those seeking to combine work with travel and adventure. If you're a digital nomad eyeing Europe for your next work-and-play destination, Italy and Spain have now emerged as prime spots, thanks to their new visa programs tailored specifically for remote workers. Understanding the Digital Nomad Visa Italy and Spain have both introduced visa programs designed to attract digital nomads and remote workers from non-EU countries. These visas allow professionals to live and work in these beautiful Mediterranean countries while experiencing their rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Italy's Digital Nomad Visa: A Gateway to La Dolce Vita Italy's digital nomad visa program, launched on April 4, 2023, offers non-EU citizens the opportunity to reside in Italy for up to one year while working remotely. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate their status as digital nomads or remote workers, engaged in "highly qualified work activities." This can include self-employment or working for companies outside Italy. Applying for Italy's digital nomad visa involves visiting the Italian consulate in your country of residence. Once approved, applicants must obtain a residence permit within eight days of arriving in Italy. Financially, applicants need to prove an annual income of at least three times the minimum required to be exempt from healthcare fees, which is approximately €28,000 ($29,826). Spain's Updated Visa Guidelines: Embracing Remote Work Spain, known for its vibrant lifestyle and sunny beaches, updated its visa guidelines for digital nomads on April 13, 2023. Similar to Italy, Spain's digital nomad visa is open to non-EU citizens engaged in remote work or digital entrepreneurship. The application process involves starting at the local Spanish consulate. Financially, applicants for Spain's digital nomad visa must demonstrate means of at least double the monthly Spanish minimum wage (around £2140 or $2,666 per month, or £25,700 or $32,028 annually).  Renewal and Inclusion of Family Members Both Italy's and Spain's digital nomad visas are renewable, provided the applicants continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Family members can also be included under certain conditions, making it an attractive option for those seeking to relocate with loved ones. Benefits of Schengen Area Membership One significant advantage of obtaining a digital nomad visa in Italy or Spain is access to the Schengen Area. This area comprises 29 European countries, allowing visa holders to travel freely across these nations without additional border checks. Seize the Opportunity If you're a digital nomad looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Europe while continuing your professional journey, Italy and Spain's new visa programs offer an exciting opportunity. Whether you're drawn to Italy's art, history, and culinary delights or Spain's lively cities and picturesque coastlines, these visas provide a gateway to unforgettable experiences. Explore, work, and embrace the freedom of remote living in two of Europe's most captivating countries!

17 Apr 2024
Global News

Gen Z Influencers Are Being Replaced by AI Bots~ That May Be a Good Thing.

According to a recent Morning Consult research, over 50% of Gen Zers aspire to be full-time influencers, and it makes sense. They grew up watching their friends describe their "Fortnite" games, show off cosmetic techniques, and explain money on YouTube. It serves as their home and their place of education about the outside world. In addition, the career path sounds like a dream job: all you have to do is be excellent on camera, you can become your boss, and you can earn more than you would in typical work. Stories of influencers becoming millionaires have only served to inspire the current generation. "Gen Z explicitly wants to become influencers, are trained to become influencers, do camps to become influencers, strategize in a variety of ways to become an influencer," Angèle Christin, a professor at Stanford studying the influencer industry, stated. Many great influencers rose to prominence by accident ten years ago. They were simply average individuals sharing personal stories or displaying specialized skills until they found themselves in front of a large audience and companies eager to collaborate with them. Any moment might be a fortuitous one for someone. But the influencer economy has changed in the last few years. The days of a casual assignment suddenly becoming a successful profession are long gone. Aside from the labor that comes with being an influencer, the rivalry becomes more intense every day as more individuals strive for recognition. To exacerbate the situation, aspiring influencers will soon face competition from artificial intelligence in addition to people. An industry of AI influencers has emerged as a result of advancements in AI technology, and big businesses are starting to express interest in their far more affordable marketing strategy. And with that, who could compete? Let the Ringlight Emerge for Generation Z! (Source: Google Images)  Throwing a Light On The Influencer Market ~  According to Nikita Baklanov, an analyst at HypeAuditor, an influencer marketing business, the market for influencers is fully saturated. "Only 800,000 accounts have over 100,000 followers," he stated, citing data from his firm, out of Instagram's around 2 billion monthly active users. Though it represents fewer than 1% of accounts, it is still a sizable number. Additionally, the quantity is rising. It takes effort to stand out in a crowded field. Long-time influencers are already feeling the effects, according to Julia Broome, social media manager for celebrities and influencers. "Creators that were able to get a big buzz or get a huge following back in the day, they're experiencing some drop-off," she stated. To be financially sustainable, the majority of influencers nowadays require a diverse range of money streams, according to Baklanov. They must sell courses, make their merchandise, or provide subscriptions. They need to be more than just social media these days. "Platforms are always evolving. Algorithms are dynamic. The forms are always evolving. Eventually, the influencers realize that they need to cultivate a devoted following and expand that following outside social media platforms, as Stanford professor Christin stated. This includes launching a podcast, organizing gatherings, or writing a newsletter. Instead of producing content for their audiences, some people are turning to user-generated content creation for businesses as the professional path becomes increasingly unattainable. "Big surge in UGC creators," as Broome put it, has become more affordable for brands than traditional influencers. It's a terrific method for creators to get some cash, but it's not a good indicator if you aim to be in charge of your fan club. Furthermore, AI is about to pose a new danger to employment prospects. Will AI Enjoy The Social Media Stardom?  (Source: Google Images)  Businesses have seized the opportunity with great haste. It was in the latter part of last year when Meta revealed "a universe of characters," powered by AI, that you could chat on Facebook and Instagram. "We've been creating AIs that have more personality, opinions, and interests, and are a bit more fun to interact with," the press release stated. The Clueless, an AI modeling agency, debuted with two models last year. "We did it so that we could make a better living and not be dependent on other people who have egos," the entrepreneur said to Euronews. With $4 million in funding, the AI-influencer startup 1337 came out of startup stealth status also in 2017. It has created dozens of AI beings, many of whom have elaborate backstories, specialized hobbies, and Spotify playlists of their own. This influencing strategy is especially good for those who are interested in influencing but do not want to share their personal life with the public because it demands much less time from actual people. "For influencers, the long game is enabling more and more creators and brands to come in, create their entity, manage that entity, advocate for that entity, and evolve and grow them over time. Does it matter if an influencer is an AI character led by a human or a human employing AI tools? They are attempting to sell us something in either case. Being able to maintain a constant and interesting social media presence for companies at a reasonable price is a compelling sell, and several have already shown interest. Does Humantouch Have a Superior Side To this Case?  Authentic Content Vs AI-Driven ~ (Source: Google Images)  Are AI influencers going to have any success earning an audience's trust? Authenticity is what social media users truly desire, according to the majority of marketing professionals. It's debatable how to define it, but an influencer created by AI will certainly cause some controversy. You probably wouldn't believe a computer cartoon advocating a new skincare product as much as you would a real influencer who said the product changed his or her life. The Journal of Advertising published research in 2020 that concluded AI influencers "can produce positive brand benefits similar to those produced by human celebrity endorsers." However, it also discovered that the same reputational brand harm occurred when an AI influencer went awry. Additionally, there's a chance for financial loss: An AI chatbot for Air Canada misinformed a client earlier this year about a deal. A tribunal decided that the business had to give a refund since it was obligated by that. According to research published in the European Journal of Marketing, consumers were equally inclined to follow AI influencers as they were human influencers, but they had lower levels of trust in the former. But, they were more inclined to discuss the AI influencer with others, which may be advantageous for marketers. Some analysts view things far more negatively: Last year, social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt, together with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, warned on the possibility of "skillful manipulation of people by AI super-influencers." They proposed that the ability of generative AI to be highly customized to each person's requirements, preferences, and interests would make this achievable. Artificial intelligence has also been used to produce deepfakes of influencers and celebrities that might harm their reputations. Marketers are already very interested in AI's potential to take advantage of cognitive biases in consumers. giving advertisers access to a highly specialized, enhanced version of the most successful human influencers!

10 Apr 2024
Global News

The Biggest Digital Camera Ever Developed for Astronomy Is Completed at SLAC.

The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) Camera has been completed, marking the culmination of twenty years of work for scientists, engineers, and partners at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The 3,200-megapixel camera, at the center of the DOE- and National Science Foundation-funded Vera C. Rubin Observatory, will enable astronomers to view our cosmos with never-before-seen clarity. It will provide a vast amount of data on the southern night sky over 10 years, which scientists will sift through to get fresh perspectives on the cosmos. The search for dark matter, the enigmatic material that makes up around 85% of the stuff in the cosmos, and an understanding of dark energy, which is responsible for the universe's accelerated expansion, would both benefit from those data. Additionally, scientists want to utilize the Rubin data to learn more about how our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and the night sky. “With the completion of the unique LSST Camera at SLAC and its imminent integration with the rest of Rubin Observatory systems in Chile, we will soon start producing the greatest movie of all time and the most informative map of the night sky ever assembled,” said Director of Rubin Observatory Construction and University of Washington professor Željko Ivezić.  With a front lens that is more than five feet across—the biggest lens ever created for this use—and a weight of over three thousand kilograms (3 metric tons), the camera is about the size of a compact vehicle. It was necessary to create a custom three-foot-wide lens to preserve form and optical clarity and to seal the vacuum chamber that holds the camera's massive focal plane. The 201 distinct custom-designed CCD sensors that make up the focus plane are so flat that any variation in it is limited to a tenth of the breadth of a human hair. The actual pixels have a width of only 10 microns. As the heart of the DOE- and National Science Foundation-funded Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the camera will generate an enormous trove of data on the southern night sky that researchers will mine for new insights about dark energy and dark matter, as well as the changing night sky, the Milky Way galaxy, and our solar system. (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory) ( Source: Google Images)  However, according to SLAC professor, Rubin Observatory Deputy Director, and Camera Program Lead Aaron Roodman, the camera's most significant feature is its resolution, which is so great that it would require hundreds of ultra-high-definition TVs to view just one of its photos at full size. "Its images cover a swath of the sky seven times wider than the full moon, and with such detail, it could resolve a golf ball from about fifteen miles away." The mysteries of the cosmos will be revealed by these pictures, which contain billions of stars and galaxies. "More than ever before, expanding our understanding of fundamental physics requires looking farther out into the universe.” ~ Kathy Turner, Program Manager for the DOE’s Cosmic Frontier Program Looking for Dark Energy and Matter ~  Various Mysteries Awaits To Be Get Unlocked!  (Source: Google Images)  After undergoing extensive testing at SLAC, the LSST Camera will be packaged, loaded, and driven up the 8,900-foot-high Cerro Pachón in the Andes to be installed atop the Simonyi Survey Telescope later this year. A typical day in the life of Margaux Lopez, an engineer working on a team to build a mountaintop telescope, involves getting ready for the arrival of the biggest digital camera ever made for astrophysics and cosmology at the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile. Margaux Lopez in front of a structure housing telescopes ~ The primary function of the camera, if operational, is to map the locations and brightness values of a large number of objects in the night sky. Researchers can deduce a great deal of information from that catalog. The LSST Camera will likely be most notable for its search for evidence of weak gravitational lensing, a phenomenon in which huge galaxies gently distort the pathways that background galaxy light takes to reach us. Cosmologists will be able to better grasp how dark energy is propelling the universe's expansion by using the information that weak lensing provides about the distribution of mass in the cosmos and how it has evolved. The project prompted scientists and engineers to create a variety of new technologies, such as novel CCD sensor types and some of the biggest lenses ever manufactured, and ensure that all of those parts functioned well together. The observatory is the first constructed for investigating weak lensing on this scale, stated Martin Nordby, the LSST camera project manager and a senior staff engineer at SLAC. To better understand dark matter and dark energy, scientists also wish to look at trends in the distribution of galaxies and how they have evolved. They also hope to locate supernovae and find dark matter clusters. Researchers will be able to examine something closer to home—our own Milky Way galaxy—with the use of the same photos that provide data about faraway galaxies. The LSST Camera's sensitivity is expected to enable astronomers to create a significantly more precise image of our galaxy, providing insights into its structure and development as well as the makeup of stars and other objects inside it, even though many of its stars are tiny and dim. Building the camera has also been a rewarding challenge for the SLAC team that built it and led the project, said Travis Lange, the camera’s deputy project manager and camera integration manager. “I’m very proud of what we’ve built,” he said. “This has been such a unique project that has exposed me to incredible experiences – who could have imagined that the Secretary of State and Speaker of the House would hold a press conference in front of the camera clean room? That will be a tough act to follow! "

10 Apr 2024
Global News

An Experiment by a US Scientist Uses Solar Radiation to Cool the Earth From Space

In an experiment, US scientists attempted to temporarily chill Earth by reflecting part of the Sun's radiation back into space. This experiment is being conducted at a critical juncture, as humankind has been unable to keep global warming at a reasonably safe level. The hottest year ever recorded was 2023. Since many countries are failing to keep global temperatures at 1.5 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels, scientists are looking for novel solutions that may have an impact rapidly. In a similar spirit, US scientists have attempted to briefly chill Earth by reflecting part of the sun's rays into space. Addressing Global Warming  ~  A Polar Bear Struggles to Cross Melting Lake ~ Are We Too Late!  ( Source: Google Images)  The rate of change in the climate is quickening, according to research released last year by former NASA chief climate scientist James Hansen and colleagues. The ocean's heat content, which stores a large portion of Earth's trapped energy, is growing more quickly than previously, according to a second research. Heat waves are becoming more frequent, which is one of the most obvious effects of global warming. According to a recent study, climate change is causing massive heat waves to spread more slowly throughout the world and to bake more people longer by raising temperatures over more regions. This study entirely examines how variations in weather patterns contribute to the spread of heat waves. Heat waves are spreading less swiftly over most but not all of the continents as a result of weakened atmospheric waves like the jet stream that carry weather systems around. About The Experiment ~  Seasons are Changing at a Rapid Pace Tho? ( Source: Google Images)  In an experiment, US scientists attempted to temporarily chill Earth by reflecting part of the Sun's radiation back into space. This experiment is being conducted at a critical juncture, as humankind has been unable to keep global warming at a reasonably safe level. Atop a defunct aircraft carrier in San Francisco Bay, researchers from the University of Washington used a snow-machine-like contraption on April 2 to quickly release a mist of salt aerosols into the open. Under a covert program known as Coastal Atmospheric Aerosol Research and Engagement, or CAARE, the study was conducted. It was proposed to establish a fleet of 1,000 ships that would traverse the whole world while launching saltwater droplets into the sky in an attempt to deflect solar heat and chill Earth. The process of returning solar energy to space is known as cloud brightening, sometimes known as solar radiation manipulation or solar geoengineering. It causes clouds to get brighter, which lowers local temperatures by having them reflect a small amount of incoming sunlight. To do this test, scientists must spray quadrillion of these particles each second, with each particle being 1/700th the thickness of a human hair. If the technology works, it will place many devices above oceans with their faces directed toward the sky in an attempt to reduce the rising sea temperatures.   A Concept: Cloud Brightening Already Exists ~  According to Sarah Doherty, manager of the University of Washington's marine cloud brightening program and atmospheric scientist, everyday occurrences of marine cloud brightening already take place. According to The New York Times, ship tracks are the brightening clouds that are left behind by ship exhaust particles as they traverse the oceans. She claims that up until recently, around 5% of the heat produced by greenhouse gases was offset by the brightness of the clouds brought on by ship tracks. Strangely, as environmental regulations and advances in technology have reduced the amount of pollution that ships discharge, the inadvertent cloud brightening and concomitant cooling are lessening. Dr. Doherty recommended the use of sea salts as part of a deliberate effort to brighten marine clouds. She informed the outlet that further research was necessary to rule out any possible negative consequences. Reduced precipitation in some locations and increased precipitation in others might be another way that cloud brightening alters precipitation patterns. Nonetheless, she maintained that if society does need these technologies, it is crucial to ascertain their feasibility and workings. It's The Responsibility Of Humans To safeguard Our Planet ~ There Is Planet B For Now! Technology-nature cooperation provides countless opportunities to revitalize the environment. Now, the task at hand is to expand this effort beyond a few test locations to every location where we are engaged in environmental protection. More than technology, what we need is a fundamental shift in perspective and an appreciation of the importance that biodiversity and the environment play in our daily lives and companies. The way we now create, consume, and power our lives will eventually overload and collapse weather systems, forests, and seas. Climate change, overexploitation, pollution, and catastrophic biodiversity loss are being caused by unsustainable agriculture, fisheries, mining, infrastructural development, and energy. Although the effects on the natural world are becoming more noticeable, there are also actual repercussions for humans. The evidence is more visible than ever, ranging from the lack of food and water to the state of the air we breathe. However, we are frequently missing the connection. We require an equally historic cultural revolution in the way we relate to the earth in addition to the technology revolution.          

8 Apr 2024
Global News

Researchers Find An Ocean 700 Kilometers Below Earth's Surface That Is Three Times Larger Than All Other Oceans.

As everyone knows, a significant portion of Earth is made up of seas. What if, however, we informed you that the volume of all the water in the planet's surface seas was contained in a reservoir 700 kilometers underneath the planet? That is accurate since scientists have just made the same discovery, and we are here to provide you with all the information. It is anticipated that the reservoir found by scientists from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, can retain three times the amount of water that is now on Earth. Indeed, it was reported in a Hindustan Times story that this water reservoir is located around 700 kilometers below the Earth's surface. In an attempt to comprehend the genesis of the water on Earth, this finding was made. It's important to note that ringwoodite, a blue rock, hides this massive ocean under the Earth's mantle. As it occurs, the theory on the origin of the earth's water is called into question by this most recent finding, as most people think that comet impacts are the source. Consequently, the most recent finding suggests that the seas may have leaked from the Earth's core! Just in case they were curious, the researchers used data from over 2000 seismographs located all around the United States. They then examine the seismic waves from more than 500 earthquakes. Because waves slow down when they pass over moist rock in the earth's deepest layers, scientists have concluded that there is a significant amount of water present. ( Source: Google Images)  Scientists are now more interested than ever in examining global seismic data!  ~ Nonetheless, scientists have created an internal map of Earth by examining how earthquakes propagate through various materials. Years ago, the 'blobs' were detected in this manner. The term "ultra-low velocity zones" describes them. Recently, a group of experts from throughout the world decided to find new ultra-low velocity zones using an algorithm—a computer software used to investigate stars. The name of the algorithm is Sequencer. It is intended to search for trends by sifting through big astronomical datasets. After making minor modifications, it worked well when they used it to scan through thirty years worth of seismic (earthquake) data. It exposed an ultra-low velocity zone beneath the South Pacific's Marquesas Islands that had not been discovered before.  It also demonstrated the considerably wider known ultra-low velocity zone beneath Hawaii than previously thought. These all imply that the interior of the Earth is more "blobby" than previously believed. There have been speculations in the past suggesting that comet impacts may have brought water to Earth. This new information, however, points to a different theory: the planet's seas could have formed long ago in its interior and slowly seeped out over millennia. The primary researcher, Steven Jacobsen, emphasized the discovery's transformational potential by pointing out that without this underground reserve, Earth's water would be limited to its surface, making only the summits of mountains visible. Furthermore, the idea that water may penetrate the mantle of Earth and move through the grains of rock has the power to completely reinterpret how we now perceive the planet's water cycle. Seismic data is being collected from various parts of the world to provide light on how frequently mantle-melting episodes occur. ( Source: Google Images)    The recent discovery of the massive reservoir has unveiled a fascinating new chapter in our understanding of the planet's composition and history. Contrary to previous theories attributing the origin of Earth's water to comet impacts, this groundbreaking finding suggests that vast oceans may have gradually leaked from the planet's core over millennia. Led by scientists from Northwestern University, this discovery challenges conventional notions of Earth's water cycle and highlights the dynamic interplay between its interior and surface. As seismic data continues to illuminate the Earth's hidden depths, we stand on the brink of transformative insights that could reshape our understanding of the planet's geological processes and its fundamental relationship with water. 

5 Apr 2024
Global News

From Nature to AI: Heliconius Butterflies Inspire Next-Gen AI

For Heliconius butterflies, the appearance and scent of a prospective mate are crucial factors in mating behavior. They must concurrently process both sensory signals while having tiny brains. They outperform existing AI algorithms in multisensory decision-making, which necessitate high energy consumption for comparable outcomes. A group of Penn State academics has created a more sophisticated and energy-efficient multi-sensory AI platform to bridge this gap. This discovery might revolutionize the way robotics and intelligent sensors identify possible threats like chemical spills or defective constructions. "If you think about the AI we have today, we have excellent language processors that use audio or very good image processors based on visuals," stated Saptarshi Das, corresponding author of the paper and associate professor of engineering science and mechanics. However, the majority of animals, including humans, rely on many senses when making decisions. Although AI is fairly good at processing information from a single sense, it is not yet capable of making decisions based on many senses. Heliconius butterflies specially select their mates. To identify if the prospective mate is a Heliconius butterfly, they employ a mix of chemical and visual signals from pheromones emitted by the other butterfly. Even more amazing is the fact that they accomplish this with a little brain that consumes very little energy. Compared to current computers, which use a lot of energy, this is very different. These microscopic animals can carry out intricate computational operations while utilizing several sensory inputs at once. ( Source: Google Images)  By employing 2D materials, scientists have discovered a means to electrically replicate the behavior of butterflies. The two materials that comprise the hardware platform that the researchers have created are graphene and molybdenum sulfide (MoS2). MoS2, a memtransitor that can handle information and memory functions, was selected because of its capacity to sense light in a way that is similar to the butterfly's vision. Conversely, graphene functions as a chemitransistor, mimicking the brain's pheromone sensing system to identify chemical compounds. To simulate the pheromones emitted by butterflies, the researchers conducted an experiment in which they exposed their dual-material sensor to a variety of colored lights and fluids with diverse chemical compositions. In the same way that a butterfly's ability to successfully mate depends on the wing color and pheromone strength corresponding to each other, they aimed to evaluate how effectively their sensor could integrate data from both the light detector and chemosensors. The output response allowed the researchers to determine that their gadgets could seamlessly combine chemical and optical information. This offers the sensor a tremendous opportunity to analyze and understand many sorts of data at the same time. “We also introduced adaptability in our sensor’s circuits, such that one cue could play a more significant role than the other,” said Yikai Zheng, a fourth-year doctoral student in engineering science and mechanics and co-author of the study. “This adaptability is akin to how a female butterfly adjusts her mating behavior in response to varying scenarios in the wild.” ( Source: Google Images)  Researchers claim that dual sensing in a single gadget uses less energy than the way AI systems function now. The novel approach enables the integration of two senses into a single device, as opposed to data being collected from various sensor modules and then sent to a processing module. This lessens wasteful energy use while also cutting down on delays. The next step for the researchers is to enhance their gadget to incorporate three senses, similar to how crayfish detect threats by utilizing chemical, tactile, and visual clues. The ultimate objective is to create hardware AI systems that can manage challenging scenarios involving decision-making in a variety of settings. Their Vision ~ “We could have sensor systems in places such as a power plant that would detect potential issues such as leaks or failing systems based on multiple sensory cues,” Ghosh said. “Such as a chemical odor, a change in vibration, or detecting weaknesses visually. This would then better help the system and staff determine what they need to do to fix it quickly because it was not just relying on one sense, but multiple ones.”  

4 Apr 2024
Global News

Alaska Introduces Aurora: The New Runway Guardian Robot to Prevent Wildlife Encroachments!

The Alaskan wilderness is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. However, this natural beauty poses unique challenges for aviation safety, particularly at Fairbanks International Airport. In an innovative approach to mitigate the risks of wildlife encounters on the runway, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has introduced a new "employee" – a robot named Aurora, developed by Boston Dynamics. Unconventional Solutions for Aviation Safety: Traditionally, airports have employed various methods to deter wildlife from encroaching onto runways, from employing real dogs to using repellents sprayed from drones. However, faced with the limitations and risks of these methods, the Alaskan government turned to technology for a more effective solution. Enter Aurora, the dog-like robot designed to mimic a predator and keep migratory birds and other animals at bay. Aurora's Role in Enhancing Airport Safety: During his address to the Alaska House and Senate transportation committees, Ryan Marlow, the robot handler, highlighted Aurora's role in enhancing airport safety. The robot will undergo trials to patrol the runways during migratory bird season, effectively reducing the risk of hazardous encounters between planes and wildlife. Additionally, Aurora will be tested to gauge its effectiveness in deterring larger animals like bears and moose. Innovative Approach to Wildlife Mitigation: One of the distinctive features of Aurora is its adaptability. The robot's panels can be replaced to resemble different animals, such as foxes or coyotes, allowing it to invoke predator responses in wildlife. This innovative approach eliminates the need for lethal or chemical-based deterrents, aligning with the principles of non-lethal wildlife mitigation. Advantages Over Traditional Methods: Compared to traditional wildlife deterrents like real dogs, Aurora offers several advantages. As Marlow explained, the robot eliminates the need for food, training, and warmth associated with real animals. Moreover, Aurora's ability to collect data provides valuable insights for airport authorities, facilitating informed decision-making regarding wildlife management. Addressing Concerns and Future Implications: While Aurora's trial presents a promising solution to wildlife management at airports, concerns have been raised regarding surveillance and privacy implications. Given the history of Boston Dynamics' robots being deployed for military and policing applications, some individuals express reservations about the broader implications of Aurora's deployment. In an era of technological innovation, Aurora represents a paradigm shift in wildlife management at airports. With the help of robotics and artificial intelligence, airports like Fairbanks International are pioneering new approaches to ensure aviation safety amidst the challenges posed by wildlife encounters. As Aurora undergoes trials and evaluation, its role in safeguarding Alaska's skies will continue to evolve, shaping the future of airport wildlife management worldwide.

3 Apr 2024
Global News

White House Directs NASA to Set Up a Lunar Time Standard for the Moon

According to a document obtained by Reuters, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) gave the space agency instructions to collaborate with other branches of the federal government to come up with a plan by the end of 2026 for establishing what the agency referred to as a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). Time moves differently on the moon and other celestial bodies than on Earth due to differences in gravitational pull and maybe other variables. The LTC would, among other things, offer a timekeeping standard for satellites and lunar probes whose missions demand exact timing. "The same clock that we have on Earth would move at a different rate on the moon," Kevin Coggins, NASA's space communications and navigation chief. (Source: Google Images)  NASA plans to send astronauts to the moon as part of the Artemis program shortly, to establish a research lunar facility that might serve as a springboard for future Mars missions. Numerous businesses, spacecraft, and nations are participating in the endeavor. According to an OSTP official, it would be difficult to guarantee safe data transfers between spacecraft and synchronized communications between Earth, lunar satellites, bases, and humans without a single lunar time standard. (Source: Google Images)  ( Source: Google Images)  The Disputive Nature Of Time With Ultra-Pro Human Advancements ~  The official said that handling the logistics of the lunar business, guaranteeing transaction dependability, and coordinating operations will all depend on a single time standard as economic activity spreads to the moon. NASA said in January that it had planned the first manned lunar landing since the Apollo program's termination in the 1970s for September 2026. The mission, which would include four men traveling around the moon and returning, will take place in September 2025. Although the US is the only nation to have sent humans to the moon, other nations have aspirations to get there as well. Potential mineral riches on the moon have drawn the attention of several nations, and lunar colonies may be necessary to support crewed trips to Mars and other planets in the future. China declared last year that by 2030, it wanted to send its first humans to the moon. Japan became the sixth nation to land a spacecraft on the moon in January. India made history last year when it was the first nation to land a spacecraft close to the uncharted south pole of the moon. By 2040, it hopes to have an astronaut on the moon. "U.S. leadership in defining a suitable standard - one that achieves the accuracy and resilience required for operating in the challenging lunar environment - will benefit all spacefaring nations," the document from the OSTP said. The email stated that international agreements through "existing standards bodies" and among the 36 countries that have signed the Artemis Accords will be necessary to define how Coordinated Lunar Time will be implemented. The two primary adversaries of the United States in space, China and Russia, have not ratified the Artemis Accords. This is pertaining to national policies on the moon and in space.  According to the OSTP official, Coordinated Universal Time may have an impact on how Coordinated Lunar Time is applied. Coordinated Universal Time is defined as an international standard by the International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations.  

3 Apr 2024
Global News

India's FY24 engineering exports to Russia more than quadrupled by February.

Amidst the ebb and flow of global trade dynamics, India's engineering exports have emerged as a symbol of resilience and growth, with a remarkable surge witnessed in the 2023–24 fiscal year. According to recent data released by the Indian Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), India's exports to Russia soared to unprecedented levels, crossing the $1.2 billion mark by February, marking a quadruple increase from the previous fiscal year. This surge in exports to Russia contrasts with the slight dip in shipments to traditional markets like the United States and China. Against the backdrop of evolving trade dynamics, India's engineering sector is forging new partnerships and avenues for growth, as highlighted by Mr. Garodia, Chairman of EEPC India. As India navigates through the complexities of global commerce, the surge in engineering exports not only underscores the sector's resilience but also underscores India's growing prominence as a key player in the global market landscape. Up until February, shipments to the United Arab Emirates increased by 16 percent yearly to $5.22 billion, while sales to Australia increased by 5 percent to $1.30 billion. Additionally, it said that the total engineering exports from April to February of 2023–24 were $98.03 billion, compared to $96.84 billion during the same time the previous year. India's engineering exports have been steadily increasing over the past few months. The sector's outstanding performance over the previous three months allowed for a substantial export gain. Overall, cumulative engineering exports started narrowing down and witnessed growth, recorded at US$ 98.03 billion during April-February 2023-24 as against US$ 96.84 billion during April-February 2022-23, securing 1.23% growth ~ (Source: Google Images)  "In the last few months, engineering exports from India have been on a steady growth path. In February 2024, India’s engineering exports reached US$ 9.94 billion recording the highest y-o-y growth (15.9%) in the fiscal 2023-24. The remarkable performance of the sector in the last three months made it possible for the cumulative exports also to record growth," said Mr Garodia. "The percentage of West Asia and North Africa in India's engineering export basket climbed from 12% to 15% this year, indicating the effectiveness of the FTA with the UAE and the GCC talks, he continued. This accomplishment is attainable despite the challenging state of global commerce." (Source: Google Images)  Studies show that, excluding years of global recession, trade growth was at its weakest in the past 50 years in 2023. The post-pandemic recovery attempts were hindered by persistent geopolitical tensions and a global shortage of demand. "As India's present economic performance stabilizes, we are hoping that with the good turn of the tide in global commerce, EEPC India Chairman Arun Kumar Garodia remarked. The exporting community in India will be able to increase exports to all-time highs.  As India navigates through the complexities of global commerce, the surge in engineering exports not only underscores the sector's resilience but also underscores India's growing prominence as a key player in the global market landscape.

27 Mar 2024
Global News

A Polish Beech Known As “Heart of the Garden” Is the Winner of This Year’s European Tree of the Year Award

In The Headlines ~ The winner of England's Tree of the Year award, which honors unusual, exquisite trees with intriguing histories, is always keenly anticipated. Standing tall in the botanical garden of the University of Wroclaw is a magnificent common beech tree known as 'The Heart of the Garden'. With approximately 40,000 votes, more than 15,000 more than the runner-up, the specimen was commended for its widely-spread branches, purple-colored leaves that shimmer in the light, and its "unusually shaped and thick trunk". Additionally, it was honored for serving as a hub for community gatherings for generations. An honor that brings together trees with fascinating histories from all around Europe and highlights the significance of our relationship with the natural world. It is therapeutic to have something uncontroversial that we can all sit back and enjoy in a world full of conflict, rage, and sadness. With its yearly selection of the most distinctive and exquisite trees from all over the continent, the European Tree of the Year award provides us with just that. The 200-year-old Polish beech known as "Heart of the Garden" is the winner for 2024. This magnificent tree, which has an exceptionally thick trunk, is situated in the center of the University of Wroclaw's botanical garden in the Niemcza area of Poland. Tree's Description ~ (Source: Google Images)  Large trees like Fagus sylvatica can grow to heights of up to 50 meters (160 feet) and 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter around their trunks, but they usually reach 25 to 35 meters (82 to 115 feet) and up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in diameter. A 10-year-old sapling will be around 13 feet (4 meters) tall. The European beech has a 300-year lifetime if left undisturbed; the oldest known tree in the northern hemisphere, a tree at the Valle Cervara site, was almost 500 years old. Trees in farmed forest stands are typically harvested between the ages of 80 and 120. To reach full maturity, it takes 30 years (compared to 40 years for American beech). Its morphology is location-specific, like most trees: in forests with branches located high up on the trunk, F. sylvatica can reach heights exceeding 30 m (100 ft). It will grow considerably shorter (usually 15–24 m or 50–80 ft) and more enormous in open areas. In temperate parts of the world, European beech is a highly prized decorative tree for parks and expansive gardens. For this reason, they are favoured in North America over the native F. grandifolia, which grows more slowly and takes an average of ten years longer to reach maturity even if it can withstand higher temperatures. Trees Bring A Sense Of Belongingness To Humans ~   Communities that are healthier, safer, and more cohesive are greatly enhanced by trees. They not only filter our water and clean our air, but they also reduce floods and storm surges in our cities. In addition to offering shade, trees can lower city temperatures by up to 10 degrees, reducing the risk of heat-related fatalities in metropolitan areas. Trees still unite towns, cultures, and generations, despite social and economic concerns fracturing our society. It has been demonstrated that neighborhood trees may lower stress, enhance children's general health and development, and promote physical exercise. Furthermore, a robust tree canopy around the neighborhood promotes both economic benefits and a rise in inhabitants' sense of civic pride. (Source: Google Images)  Among all the advantages some of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems depend on healthy trees, whether they are found in urban or natural settings. As they provide habitat and maintain the health of rivers, trees benefit wildlife and aquatic life. This guarantees the maintenance of environmental balance and the proliferation of biodiversity. The human population benefits from forests that are rich in biodiversity. In harmony, trees and other forest creatures provide a safe drinking water supply, act as a weather buffer, produce medicines, facilitate outdoor leisure, and enhance human culture. Our higher selves and trees ~ Spiritually speaking, trees assist us in realizing our interconnectedness with something greater than ourselves. Trees are sometimes depicted in mythology as the homes of nature spirits. The practice of worshiping trees is even given its title, dendrolatry. Trees invites us to practice "mindfulness," which improves our awareness of and compassion for our environment. The tree of life is a popular motif in art, appearing in many shapes and signifying interconnectedness, harmony, and the relationship between heaven and Earth, the past and present, and death and rebirth. The sign can assume many different forms, but its fundamental components are the leaves, roots, trunk, and branches. Trees stay rooted in one spot their whole lives unless they are relocated by people, which allows them to retain their natural characteristics. Set firmly on the ground, they are towering, robust, and stable. They develop into an essential component of their environment and a valuable member of the biotic community. Maybe there isn't a more ideal model for us to follow as humans. We can discover information from the trees about both a specific physical location and our role in the greater community of life.

27 Mar 2024
Global News

Fueling Sustainability: Dubai is Turning Waste Cooking Oil into Biofuel!

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy, Lootah Biofuels, based in Dubai, is spearheading the production of biodiesel from used cooking oil. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also provides a renewable and cleaner fuel option for transportation needs. Revolutionizing Transportation: Lootah Biofuels' initiative marks a significant shift in the transportation sector of the United Arab Emirates. By producing biodiesel from used cooking oil, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable future in a country known for its oil production. Creating a Circular Economy: Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, the visionary behind Lootah Biofuels, envisions a future where biofuels blends become a standard feature in all public fuel stations across the UAE. By incentivizing the collection of used cooking oil from restaurants, bakeries, and food chains, the company is not only reducing waste but also creating a circular economy where resources are repurposed for a greener tomorrow. Environmental Impact: The environmental benefits of Lootah Biofuels' biodiesel production are profound. With 500,000 liters of waste oil collected monthly, the company converts this waste into 770 tons of biofuel annually. This transformation has led to a remarkable reduction of 500 million tons of CO2 emissions, underscoring the positive impact of sustainable initiatives on the environment. Driving Towards a Greener Future: As Lootah Biofuels expands its operations and establishes fuel outlets across Dubai, the company is driving towards a greener future for the UAE. By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, they are setting a precedent for other nations in the region to embrace renewable energy solutions and reduce their carbon footprint. Lootah Biofuels' pioneering efforts in producing biodiesel from used cooking oil are revolutionizing the transportation sector in the UAE. With a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, the company is not only reducing waste but also paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. As the world seeks alternative energy sources, initiatives like these serve as an inspiration for a brighter tomorrow.

26 Mar 2024
Global News

Every Sip Counts : World Water Day 2024

Every year on March 22, we commemorate World Water Day. It's a day to emphasize the value of water and the reasons protecting it is so important. Water is essential to everything we do daily. Consider how important water is for cleaning dishes, watering plants, and drinking! Since the majority of the water we consume originates from subterranean sources like wells, we must observe World Water Day. These resources are finite, and they may run out if we utilize them excessively.  To many individuals, water may mean different things. Water may symbolize productivity, dignity, health, and hygiene in homes, businesses, and educational institutions. A link to creation, community, and oneself can be symbolized by water in various cultural, religious, and spiritual contexts. Water may symbolize harmony, calm, and preservation in natural settings. The needs of business and agriculture are rising, the population is expanding, and the effects of climate change are getting harsher, putting water in grave danger. Water Crisis That Needs Our Focus The Most ~  The effects of climate change on water resources are becoming more severe, while the world's population is expanding and putting more pressure on these limited supplies. People's access to clean drinking water is unjustly and disproportionately allocated throughout many nations. The quantity and quality of water supplies are at risk due to the pervasive absence of transboundary cooperation among nations over shared water resources, endangering social and international stability. Inadequate water service delivery can undermine a state's legitimacy. HISTORY Following a suggestion made during the 1992 Rio de Janeiro United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the United Nations (UN) declared March 22 to be World Water Day in 1993. Since then, the purpose of this yearly commemoration has been to raise awareness of the importance of freshwater to human life and the need to preserve and responsibly manage it. This year's theme is " Water For Peace". Further About the Theme ~  Working together on water issues has a beneficial knock-on impact that promotes unity, prosperity, and resistance to common problems. We need to take action after realizing that water is a human right that is essential to all facets of existence, not just a resource to be exploited and fought over. In honor of World Water Day, let's come together around water and utilize it to promote peace to build the groundwork for a more secure and prosperous future. India's interstate water conflicts are intricate issues. Interstate river water disputes necessitates a multi-stakeholder discussion at all levels. Additionally, the water footprint or water consumption linked to emerging technologies like Big Data, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) is growing daily. Conflicts over water arise on many fronts—international, domestic, sectoral, etc. The realization of "Water for Peace" requires increased stakeholder cooperation, an integrated strategy at the river basin scale, and an interdisciplinary strategy through the development of a transdisciplinary framework. Countless activities will take place worldwide on World Water Day in 2024. These include lectures and debates regarding the significance of water for peace and the climate. Additionally, a study titled "Water for Prosperity and Peace" will be shared by the UN. This paper offers guidance on the prudent use of water for prosperity and peace. According to experts, during major floods, people typically band together to support one another. However, if there is a prolonged shortage of water, such as during a drought, conflicts may arise. Good water-sharing practices can help prevent these issues and maintain harmony. Thus, World Water Day 2024 seeks to raise awareness of the fact that cooperating on water-related issues is a major step toward achieving peace. How You Can Contribute To It ~  5 SIMPLE STEPS TO CONSERVE WATER IN YOUR DAILY LIFE Even small changes in our daily habits can make a big difference. Here are 5 easy steps to conserve water: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving. Shorten your shower time. Fix leaky toilets promptly. Water your plants only when needed, and early in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes. By incorporating these practices and staying informed about water issues, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future where water is a source of peace and prosperity for all. Beyond these steps, you can learn more about World Water Day and discover additional ways to conserve water by visiting the official UN-Water website.             

22 Mar 2024
Global News

All Aboard for the Moon: Know About Northrop Grumman's Vision for Lunar Infrastructure

 Northrop Grumman, a defense and aerospace technology company, has been selected by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to provide a training idea for the Moon. This, along with 14 other firms, is a part of the wider 10-year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability study presented by the research agency last December. The US intends to return men to the Moon more than 50 years after its last Apollo mission. But the goal of the future Artemis mission goes beyond simply making a moon landing. It plans to establish the Moon as an outpost and travel farther to Mars. While NASA concentrates on preparing the groundwork for a manned lunar landing, DARPA considers what would happen afterward. ( Source: Google Images )  The Project LunA-10 ~ In August of last year, a statement announcing the start of the LunA-10 project was made public. In the next ten years, DARPA anticipates a revolution in the lunar economy. The goal of the project is to find technologies that will enable lunar systems with several missions. For example, a lunar power station may send electricity wirelessly and serve as a communications and navigation center, in addition to a single purpose like an Earth power station. The goal of the study design is to generate new technological concepts that, via collaboration, may be shared and expanded. DARPA has selected 14 businesses to be a part of the initiative by December of last year. A New Era Of Moon Exploration Is Upon Us ~  There are several justifications for going back to the moon. Because the moon possesses a surface that is both old and pure, unlike the Earth, it can help planetary scientists understand more about the early solar system's past. Some firms wish to establish private mining operations. Travelers are eager to go snapping selfies. These things don't always make sense together, and any or all of them may come to pass. NASA plans to launch a crew of astronauts to Gateway in 2028. The company hopes to send a new team to investigate the moon's surface the following year using the first of two cutting-edge "lunar-terrain vehicles." Within ten years, humans will reside and work from a permanent, fission-powered base on the moon if all of the Artemis missions proceed as planned. Robots run by private companies will use a crowbar to sculpt the lunar surface, collecting and repurposing any material that finds utility. The Moon Railroad ~  ( Source: Google Images )  Similar to how the introduction of railroads in the 19th century boosted economic activity in the US West, the technology is anticipated to initiate and maintain economic growth on the lunar surface. Northrop Grumman's announcement makes clear the purpose of the Moon railroad system. As to a news release, "the proposed lunar railroad network could facilitate the transportation of people, goods, and resources for commercial endeavors throughout the lunar surface, thereby bolstering the space economy for both international and US partners." Northrop Grumman will only be working on a small portion of the concept at this time, such as establishing the resources and interfaces needed to construct a train network on the moon. This will assist in determining the technological and logistical risks associated with the project and provide a cost estimate, both of which are necessary before moving further. Northrop Grumman will only be working on a small portion of the concept at this time, such as establishing the resources and interfaces needed to construct a train network on the moon. If the project has to be fully operational at some point, the military contractor will also work on identifying the prototypes and analyzing the requirements for design and architecture. The project also includes researching concepts for the building, track placement, alignment, and operation of such a system while maintaining and repairing it, because one will be operating in a very different environment from Earth. The company will also investigate the application of robots in various fields. "Our technology is kept at the forefront of next-generation solutions through this investment in critical developmental research," said Chris Adams, Vice President of Strategic Space Systems at Northrop Grumman. "We will keep bringing about long-lasting change for a sustainable space ecosystem with our demonstrated expertise in the integration of complex systems and commercialized autonomous services." It is anticipated that the LunA-10 firms will deliver their final write-ups by June of this year and will provide further information about their work at the Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium Spring Meeting next month. ( Source: Google Images )   

22 Mar 2024
Global News

Explorer Makes History at Point Nemo, the most remote place on Earth!

In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean lies a point so remote, so isolated, that it has earned the title of the "oceanic pole of inaccessibility" - Point Nemo. On Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, British explorer Chris Brown led an expedition to this enigmatic location, a journey that would redefine the boundaries of human exploration. Named after Jules Verne's famed submarine captain, Point Nemo lies in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, nestled in the eerie quietude of its remoteness. Brown's historic achievement was commemorated with a symbolic gesture - a swim at the elusive spot, accompanied by the unfurling of a flag, marking his conquest of this unparalleled destination. Sharing the triumphant moment on his Instagram account, Brown exclaimed, "Point Nemo - the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility - bagged on Wednesday 20th March 2024." Point Nemo is incredibly isolated, with the closest landmass being the Pitcairn Islands, a staggering 2,688 kilometers away. The nearest humans are the astronauts aboard the International Space Station, orbiting just 408 kilometers above the Earth's surface in low Earth orbit. As news of Brown's daring venture spread, anticipation mounted among followers and admirers worldwide. With each passing milestone, from the planning stages to the final preparations, the excitement reached a crescendo.  Setting sail from Puerto Montt in Chile, Brown and his team braved the vast expanse of the Pacific, heading westward toward their elusive destination. Amidst the endless horizon of ocean waves, their vessel cut through the waters with purpose and determination, guided by a singular goal - to reach the remotest point on Earth. Despite its allure, Point Nemo remains largely uncharted territory. Discovered in 1992 by Canadian-Russian engineer Hrvoje Lukatela, it has remained a distant dream for many adventurers due to its extreme remoteness and logistical challenges. Brown's expedition, however, shattered these barriers, paving the way for further exploration and discovery. Brown reflected on the challenges that lay ahead as he spoke to the Daily Express before embarking on his journey. He remarked that he didn't consider it to be as dangerous as his expeditions to Africa or Antarctica. He pointed out the obvious danger of being miles from anywhere on the sea and mentioned that if there was a problem with the boat, help would be a long time coming. With each nautical mile conquered, Brown and his team drew closer to their elusive destination, fueled by a spirit of adventure and a thirst for exploration. Finally, as they reached the exact map grid coordinates of Point Nemo, a sense of triumph enveloped them, marking the culmination of months of dedication and perseverance.  Brown unfurled a flag, its bunting spelling out the letters N.E.M.O. in maritime flags - a tribute to the fictional captain whose legacy had inspired his journey. As he surfaced, the magnitude of his achievement sank in, echoed by congratulatory messages from admirers around the globe. As congratulatory messages poured in from admirers around the globe, Brown reflected on the significance of his achievement. "Challenge everything," urged one user, encapsulating the spirit of exploration that propelled Brown to venture into this unknown place.  For Brown, Point Nemo represented more than just a destination - it was a symbol of human potential, reflecting the unyielding spirit of exploration that resides within us all. As he looked back on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to challenge the unknown and push the boundaries of human endeavor.

21 Mar 2024
Global News

Finland Crowned as the Happiest Country in the World Once Again.

The results of the World Happiness Report are in, and the Nordic nations are once again top-scoring. Finland, the top-ranked nation, has maintained its position for the past seven years. The first-ever age-group-specific rankings are included in this year's study, and the results are discouraging for young people in several regions of the world. Of course, it is a great day! Contentment is a basic human want. In support of "a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples," the UN General Assembly acknowledges this objective. Governments and international organizations ought to invest in the circumstances that promote happiness by respecting human rights and adding environmental and well-being aspects to frameworks for policy, such as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. There is a substantial positive correlation between average life happiness and the ability of governments to maintain social order, peace, and taxes, as well as to provide public services. ( Source: Google Images)  Context ~ In its resolution 66/281 of July 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 20, 2012, the International Day of Happiness. This declaration acknowledged the significance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of people worldwide, as well as the necessity of their inclusion in public policy goals. It also acknowledged the need for a more equal, balanced, and inclusive approach to economic growth that supports happiness, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and the welfare of all people. Finland consistently ranks highest on the global happiness index. This tendency may be the result of Finns taking full use of basic joys like fresh air, clear water, and strolling through the forests. Finnish happiness is the quiet, serene kind, characterized by a respect for the way things are and a willingness to stop and take in the small pleasures in life. These are the six reasons behind Finland's happiness, and when you come, you may discover why ~ 1. Unwind in safety In short, everything is fine in Finland: the public trusts the government, there is little crime or corruption, and public services are provided with ease. Together, these elements build a culture of concern for others and a functional society. This also applies to guests, as everyone is invited. Finland is a secure place to visit. ( Source: Google Images)  2. Take in the enchantment of the Northern Lights Although being so far north might be chilly and gloomy at times, there are advantages to being there as well. In Lapland, the Northern Lights can be seen around 200 nights a year, or every other clear night. Seeing the Aurora Borealis for the first time is an amazing experience that never gets old. The exhilarating moment when green and blue electrical charge snakes run over the pure sky remains inspiring even after many viewings. ( Source: Google Images)  3. Maintain your energy in the Midnight Sun. It is never dark outside during the hottest part of the summer. The sun briefly disappears beneath the horizon in the southern part of Finland before rising once more. In Lapland, the sun rises and sets for up to two months during the Arctic Circle; the further north you travel, the longer it shines. Everyone is bursting with enthusiasm at this moment. ( Source: Google Images)  4. In a sauna, sweat out the negativity. For a population of slightly more than 5 million, there are 3 million saunas in Finland. The Finnish sauna culture is to blame for this sauna overabundance; this phenomenon is so valuable to Finnish customs and well-being that it has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Take a sauna first if you want to learn about Finnish culture and happiness. Sauna time is very closely associated with lakeside living for many Finns. With 3 million saunas and 188,000 lakes spread out over the nation, there is more than enough room for everyone to work off their bad energy. ( Source: Google Images)  5. Speak with the locals There's a joke about Finns: when they chat to you, an outgoing Finn stares at your shoes, while an introverted Finn looks at theirs. A Finn likely informed you of it if you have previously heard about it. Despite the common misconception that Finns are reserved, this is not always the case. The true essence of the Finnish personality is talkativeness, hospitality, and warmth of heart; these traits make for contented inhabitants. Many people in Finland are really happy to tell you about their experiences and introduce you to everything that makes the country so wonderful. ( Source: Google Images)  6. Re-establish a connection with the natural world Forests are constantly close by and easily accessible in Finland. It takes less than thirty minutes to reach a national park from Helsinki's center, and just fifteen minutes to get to a neighboring island. Finland boasts more than 40 National Parks with plenty of hiking paths, scenic drives, and places to set up a campfire and enjoy a starry night. Variability and diversity flourish in all of Finland's forests, which range in size and shape from the icy marvels of the North to the luscious Southern woodlands. ( Source: Google Images) 

20 Mar 2024
Global News

New Vine Snake Species Found in Odisha After a Gap 113 Years!

In the Headlines~ A new species of vine snake from the eastern state of Odisha has been found by zoologists. After a lapse of more than a century, a new taxon of vine snake is discovered. A species of vine snake was last described in 1906. The vine snake has a thin head, pointed nose, and slender rear fangs. Its three major genera are "Oxybelis" found on the American continent, "Thelotornis" found in Africa, and "Ahaetull" found in India and Southeast Asia. It is a member of the "Colubridae" family. India is home to seven species of vine snakes. The Ahaetullavine snake's taxonomy is incomplete, and opinions about the species' characterization are divided. The study of the species is being aided by new developments in molecular technology. (Source: Google Images ~ Species New to Science:  Ahaetulla laudankia )  Asian vine snakes are found all across the continent and are members of the Proahaetulla and Ahaetulla genera, which were newly described. The team was shocked to learn that the common green vine snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) in India was a complex of numerous species once they got to work on their investigation. In the Western Ghats rainforests alone, they discovered four unique species of small-bodied, short-nosed vine snakes: the Northern Western Ghats vine snake (Ahaetulla borealis), the Farnsworth's vine snake (Ahaetulla farnsworthi), the Malabar vine snake (Ahaetulla malabarica), and Wall's vine snake (Ahaetulla isabellina). Despite having physical characteristics that appeared to be similar, these species were divided by geographical or ecological barriers. The long-nosed vine snake (Ahaetulla oxyrhyncha), a different, bigger species with different morphology, was found in the lowlands and drier regions of peninsular India. ( Source: Google Images)  About the Images To the casual onlooker, this snake might appear indistinguishable from any vine. That is how the snake has evolved. Its camouflage is so perfect that during the day, it’s impossible to find it among the foliage. One could easily walk past it without noticing its presence. To characterize the new species, around ten years of field and lab investigation were required. Because it was discovered in Odisha, scientists have dubbed it Ahaetulla laudankia, or Laudankia vine snake. In the eastern State, vine snakes are known by the native names Laudankia or Laudaka because they resemble dried bottle gourd stems, or "danka. Every find has a fascinating backstory. When a brown snake was discovered in 2009 in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, scientists first believed it may be a subspecies of the common vine snake seen in India, Haetullanasutaisabellinus. But after examining a different specimen of a brown vine snake (Ahaetullapulverulenta) from Baripada, in Odisha, they discovered minor color differences between the two. The specimen the researchers had taken from Similipal seemed to them to be a possible new kind. They were interested even more, though, when they discovered three additional specimens from the Odisha region of Balasore. Future Prospects ~ "We are currently trying to find the snake's distribution range," stated Pratyush P. Mohapatra, a member of the research team at the Central Zone Regional Centre of the Zoological Survey of India, about upcoming programming. The first goal is to locate the first distribution range. We are charting its distribution across India. Information concerning its occurrence is coming to us from throughout the nation. Researchers V. Deepak (Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru); Surya Narayanan (Wayanad Wild); Vivek Sarkar (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun); and Susil K. Dutta (Nature, Environment & Wildlife Society, Angul) were among the scientists on the research team.  

19 Mar 2024
Global News

World Wide Web Inventor Makes Three Predictions for the Future of the Internet and AI.

While employed at the Swiss particle physics research site CERN in 1989, Berners-Lee is recognized for having invented the technology that changed the world. We now have personal artificial intelligence aides that know our health status and legal background inside out. We experience the freedom to move data without encountering any difficulties from one location to another. On the eve of the World Wide Web's 35th anniversary, here are just a few of the forecasts Tim Berners-Lee made regarding its future. Berners-Lee recognizes various drawbacks that have occurred in the decades after the invention of the web. He claims that among other things, social media feeds, customized by AI algorithms have left users "feeling angry and upset, or hateful." He continues, saying that people and companies have been "disempowered" by the ease with which material can be created on social media platforms and new websites and blogs, as well as by the loss of ownership over our data. However, Berners-Lee remains somewhat optimistic about the future. These are a few of his more optimistic forecasts over the next 35 years on the state of the web. First prediction: Everybody will own a personal AI Assistance ~ ( Source: Google Images ) One of Berners-Lee's major hypotheses is that artificial intelligence will change how humans use the internet. Tech companies are wagering that when generative AI technologies like Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT become more widely available, users will interact with digital chatbots much more to obtain information, create written content, and even write code. Several companies are already attempting to rethink how we will connect with the internet using AI-powered gadgets. Examples include Samsung, which has the Galaxy S24 smartphone, and Humane AI, a U.S. business, which has the wearable Pin device. According to Berners-Lee, ''We will eventually have AI assistants who work for us, just like our bankers, physicians, and attorneys.'' The worldwide chief technology officer of Akamai, Robert Blumofe, expressed his belief that artificial intelligence (AI) agents will eventually take over and utilize the internet instead of humans. You may see a future in which artificial intelligence (AI) bots rule the web and humans are unable to use it efficiently. You wouldn't be able to access your bank account, health provider, or any e-commerce websites directly online; instead, everything would be handled by AI agents. In early 1995, Berners-Lee challenged the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop a new method of getting online material to the end consumers more quickly, and that challenge inspired the founding of Akamai. Blumofe still thinks we’ll go online for entertainment TV shows, movies, and video games. However, he thinks a lot of the daily functions of our online lives will in the future be managed by AI.  Second prediction: We'll genuinely own our data on all platforms, including virtual reality ~ ( Source: Google Images ) Berners-Lee also sees a web where everyone has complete control over their data. We will therefore be able to own our data through a data repository, or "pod," as opposed to giving our data away to Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and other tech behemoths. According to Berners-Lee, "You'll think of your data pod as your digital space, you'll think of it as one thing you're very comfortable with." With his firm, "Inrupt," Berners-Lee is developing a technology called pods. The Solid protocol, which "aims to radically change the way Web applications work today, resulting in true data ownership as well as improved privacy," is the brainchild of Inrupt. The company secured $30 million in 2022 from venture capital firms, such as Glasswing Ventures, Akamai, and Forte Ventures.   ''You can go do things with a VR headset, and then when you take the VR headset off, you could do it with a huge screen. And whenever you move, you can grab your phone and the experience will be as one. It should very smoothly go between different devices.'' ~ Tim Berners-Lee According to Berners-Lee's vision of the future web, you would be able to access all of your critical apps, such as email, from your digital pod on your phone, laptop, desktop computer, and larger screens, such as TVs. According to Berners-Lee, his concept is for us to have a collection of "trust apps" that we may enable to interact with one another to share information and do critical activities considerably more quickly. Consider purchasing airfares as an example. According to Berners-Lee, the future of the web will allow you to buy flights using your wallet from a flight aggregator and then provide it with the data you want it to use to schedule your activities when you get there. "Your entire to-do list, calendar events, and so forth, along with all the various components of your data, will come together, making it much easier for you to live your life." The chief technology officer of software company Cisco in the United Kingdom, Chintan Patel, stated that he believes the web will eventually shift to a more open space where information may be exchanged more readily. Third Prediction: A large tech business may split up ~ ( Source: Google Images ) Berners-Lee also mentions the possibility of a major tech business being compelled to dissolve in the future. The Commission has the authority to order the dissolution of corporations in very severe circumstances, but most antitrust attorneys believe this is unlikely given the potential legal challenges Brussels may face. According to Berners-Lee, he always favors it when computer businesses "make the right decision on their own" without government intervention. "The internet has always been like that." He cites the Data Transfer movement as an example, which is a private movement to promote the portability of images, movies, and other data between platforms. It was started in 2018 and is now supported by companies like Google, Apple, and Meta. According to Berners-Lee, "perhaps the companies were somewhat prompted by the possibility of regulation." "However, this was a standalone item." "We don't know which company that will be, but maybe agencies will have to work to break up big companies at some point in the future," Berners-Lee remarked.   ''Things are changing so quickly. AI is changing very, very quickly. There are monopolies in AI. Monopolies changed pretty quickly back in the web.'' ~ Tim Berners-Lee  

19 Mar 2024
Global News

Star-Shaped Mystery Sea Creature Discovered In New Zealand | Pics Released

Embarking on a daring three-week expedition, a team of researchers set sail aboard the Tangaroa, driven by the singular purpose of investigating the Bounty deep-sea region. Nestled in the waters off the South Island of New Zealand's Bounty Drew, this area has long eluded human scrutiny, harboring secrets waiting to be unveiled. Recently, The New York Times reported the discovery of over 100 previously unknown species by a group of twenty-one intrepid scientists who ventured forth in February. Led by marine researcher and expedition leader, Alex Rogers, the team's findings hint at a wealth of biodiversity, with unusual shrimp, fish, and snails among their remarkable discoveries. As their three-week odyssey aboard the Tangaroa draws to a close, the researchers emerge having completed a comprehensive exploration of the Bounty Trove's deep-sea domain, laying the groundwork for further discovery and understanding in this captivating underwater world. The National Institute of Hydrological and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand and the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand have also joined the expedition. "We've got a lot of specimens. I expect the number to go up. It's not just a hundred. I think it's in the hundreds," says Alex Rogers. Among the more than a hundred new species is a never-before-seen star-shaped animal. The team collected approximately 1,800 samples from a depth of about five kilometers. (Source: Google Images)  "Details of this deep-sea region off the east coast of New Zealand are sparse," says Dr Daniel Moore. "It's still a mystery. It's indescribable. We don't know where it is yet. It would be interesting to know," said Dr. Moore of the newly discovered star-shaped creature. Dr Michaela Mitchell, a taxonomist at the Queensland Museum Network, thinks the star-shaped creature could be a deep-sea coral known as an octocoral. Dr. Thom Linley, Te Papa's Curator of Fishes, is still giddy from the trip ~ "Even though we were a group of experts, every team discovered something surprising and thrilling that they were eager to share." The specimens gathered will be kept in the fish and mollusca collections of the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the NIWA Invertebrate Collection (NIC). Future iterations of the New Zealand Marine Biota NIWA Biodiversity Memoir, which was released by NIWA recently and summarizes our current understanding of biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand, will incorporate the insights acquired during the trip. These sea stars are in danger due to rising ocean conditions, much like the rest of Antarctica's fauna. Warm-water organisms move southward with rising water temperatures, disrupting marine ecosystems and changing environmental factors like currents. It is challenging to predict how these sea stars will respond to the heat due to the challenges associated with doing fieldwork in the isolated seafloors bordering Antarctica. This increases the value of researching sea star specimens in museum collections. The data extracted from individual specimen that have been kept may provide important hints on the fate of their fellow living creatures in the wild. It is believed that there are more than two million species in the waters. However, scientists have only found 10% of the aquatic life. The finding of these organisms will aid researchers in understanding marine life.  

15 Mar 2024
Global News

Introducing ‘Devin’, the World’s First AI Software Engineer! | Technology

Meet Devin, the world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer. Devin is a tireless, skilled teammate, equally ready to build alongside you or independently complete tasks for you to review. With Devin, engineers can focus on more interesting problems, and engineering teams can strive for more ambitious goals. The Reason Behind Devin AI~   Devin's extraordinary capacity for forward thinking and task planning sets it apart. It is capable of making thousands of judgments, growing over time by learning from its errors. It also has at its disposal, digitally, any tool a human engineer might require, including a code editor and browser. Devin is thought to be the most sophisticated or state-of-the-art method for assessing software engineering assignments using the SWE-bench coding test. In essence, when evaluated against a conventional set of software engineering challenges, it outperformed other solutions by much. Top artificial intelligence businesses conducted actual engineering interviews and found that the AI tool worked effectively. (Source: Google Images) Devin's Capabilities ~ Devin can plan and execute complex technical projects with hundreds of options. It takes in knowledge from its history, retains relevant information, and even fixes mistakes made by itself. In a company-provided presentation, Devin demonstrates how the system may rapidly fix issues by adding a print statement when they occur. The print statement is a line of code that sends messages to the console that programmers may use to pinpoint the precise position of an issue in their code. Additionally, Devin and the user can collaborate actively. It solicits user input, gives them access to real-time progress updates, and works with them on design choices as needed. (Source: Google Images) Devin can learn how to use unfamiliar technologies. Devin can build and deploy apps end to end. Devin can autonomously find and fix bugs in codebases. Devin can train and fine-tune its own AI models. Devin can address bugs and feature requests in open-source repositories.  Devin can contribute to mature production repositories. ‍ Who Are The Investors In The Startup That Built Devin? The AI startup Cognition, founded by Walden Yan, Steven Hao, and Scott Wu, has raised $21 million in a series of funding round led by Founders Fund, Peter Thiel's venture capital firm. Among the other investors are Sarah Guo, the founder of Conviction Ventures, and Elad Gil, a former Twitter executive. With gold medals from the International Olympiad for Informatics, all ten members of the founding team have experience working at the forefront of applied AI, having held positions at companies such as Cursor, Scale AI, Lunchclub, Modal, Google DeepMind, Waymo, and Nuro. 

14 Mar 2024
Global News

Shells from Captain Cook’s Epic Voyage Rediscovered After 40 Years in the Trash!

After being believed lost for almost 40 years, an 18th-century shell collection from Captain James Cook's third expedition has been restored to English Heritage after being retrieved from a skip in "nothing short of a miracle." For the first time in almost a century, the collection of more than 200 specimens—among which is an extinct species and many thought to have been returned from Cook's tragic expedition—will be put on public display. A retired scientist found the things in the trash that a university had thrown out. Where Were These 'Shells' Until Now? Bridget Atkinson (1732–1814) was passionate about the collection, and documented about  Britain's importance in international trade and its colonial expansion in the late 18th century. She collected more than 1,200 shells from all around the world, although she never left Cumbria and rarely left Britain. John Clayton (1792–1890), her grandson, inherited the collection until these shells were auctioned in 1930 together with the Clayton estate. About 200 of the artifacts were loaned to Armstrong College's (now Newcastle University) zoology department after being on exhibit at Chesters Roman Fort and Museum in Northumberland. However, the shells were discarded during a university office purge in the 1980s. It has recently been made public that they were saved from a skip by a passing professor named Doctor John Buchanan, despite initial fears that they had been lost forever. The Buchanan family has since given them to English Heritage, and they have been brought back to the museum to be reunited with the enormous clam that used to be the only surviving item in the collection. The family of Dr. Buchanan stated: "Our father worked at the Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats as a marine biologist and senior professor from 1958 until his retirement. The shells were saved by him since he was a conservationist, and they were kept in our family's house for thirty-five years. ''We learned that the shells were a part of the Clayton Collection after our mother passed away. It gave us great pleasure to give the collection back to English Heritage so that future generations might appreciate it.'' ~  Doctor John Buchanan  

12 Mar 2024
Global News

Lights, Camera, Oscars! Highlights from 96th Academy Awards, Oscars 2024

~ Context: On March 10, 2024, the Ovation Hollywood-hosted 96th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars 2024, It was  broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. ~ About the 2024 Oscars, or the 96th Academy Awards:  The largest and most esteemed prizes in the world are the 96th Academy prizes, also referred to as the Oscar Awards 2024. Its goal is to pay tribute to the global movie industry's talents and art. "Oppenheimer" dominated the night, winning seven awards, including best picture, best director, best actor and best-supporting actor. "Poor Things" followed with four awards, including Emma Stone's win for Best Actress. In a powerful acceptance speech, Mstyslav Chernov, the director behind "20 Days in Mariupol," a film about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, told the audience that he wished there had never been a reason to make the film in the first place. A Kenergetic performance: Ryan Gosling, in a pink sparkly suit and sunglasses, received a standing ovation after performing “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie." Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell's “What Was I Made For?” from the film took home the Best Original Song Oscar, giving "Barbie" just one win. "Killers of the Flower Moon" is the third Martin Scorsese film to receive 10 nominations but win nothing at the ceremony. Billie Eilish is now the youngest two-time Oscar winner in history at 22 years old. Accepting the award, she giggled saying that she had a nightmare the night before the ceremony and that she never expected to win — before thanking the academy. "I feel so incredibly lucky and honored," Eilish said before thanking "Barbie" director Greta Gerwig. In their Oscars speech, Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn wished everyone a happy Mother's day. The pair also thanked the academy for "recognizing the art of sound and film such an extraordinary year for sound and film." “The Zone of Interest” wins the Best Sound Oscar. “20 Days in Mariupol” wins the Best Documentary Feature Film Oscar. “The Last Repair Shop” wins the Best Documentary Short Film Oscar. Jon Batiste performed a moving rendition of his nominated song "It Never Went Away" from the documentary about him and his wife, Suleika Jaouad, "American Symphony." “Godzilla Minus One” wins the Best Visual Effects Oscar. Robert Downey Jr. wins the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for “Oppenheimer.” The United Kingdom’s “The Zone of Interest” won the Best International Feature Film Oscar. The second Oscar-nominated original song to be performed live on Oscar night was "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)," from Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon." The group of Osage performers onstage drew a standing ovation from the audience in the theater. The second-most-nominated movie of the year has the most wins so far in the ceremony. Eleven-time nominee "Poor Things" has won for makeup and hairstyling, production design, and costumes. With her ethereal, breathy vocals and the stage cast in pink, Billie Eilish performed a haunting version of "What Was I Made For?" from "Barbie," which was nominated for best original song. The song began as a stripped-down ballad with Finneas O’Connell on the piano before revealing an orchestra accompanying the brother-sister duo. Justine Triet and Arthur Harari won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for “Anatomy of a Fall.” “The Boy and the Heron” wins the Best Animated Feature Oscar. “War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko” wins the Best Animated Short Film Oscar. In her acceptance speech for best supporting actress, Randolph thanked her mother for encouraging her to try acting."I started as a singer, and my mother told me, go across that street to the theater department," Randolph said. "There's something for you there." Da’Vine Joy Randolph wins the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “The Holdovers.” India's Rising Influence:  India has a growing presence at the Oscars, with several nominations and wins over the years. Notably, “Slumdog Millionaire” won multiple awards in 2009, and more recently, “RRR” and “The Elephant Whisperers” won in 2023.  

11 Mar 2024
Global News

Internet Buzz About 'Dark Parle-G' Biscuits: Are They Real Or AI-Generated?

Since 1939, Parle-G biscuits have been a loyal companion to our cutting chai. Even after the first “glucose biscuit” was created 84 years ago, those who grew up in Indian households still associate this sweet and crisp delight with nostalgia. Recently, a member on X posted pictures of what look to be new Parle-G cookie flavors, sparking discussion and excitement among online users. The alleged new kind, known as "Dark Parle-G," has chocolate flavoring and new packaging. It's also apparent that cocoa solids are now listed as an ingredient in the biscuits under the ingredients list. Although the corporation has not provided formal confirmation, the appearance of this possible new flavor has sparked. During the Facebook and Instagram outages, a picture of "Parle G Dark" biscuit packages went viral and swept the internet. Despite the lack of an official statement from the brand on this "new flavor," internet users continued to use their humor to create memes. The viral picture, which went viral on "X," featured a package of Parle-G labeled "Dark," with a mystery dark backdrop in place of the original yellow color. There were biscuits within the packet, all decorated in the same chocolaty hue. Parle Products has not responded to the first tweet announcing the purported product, which garnered one million views. The company has not confirmed nor denied the release of "Dark Parle-G." Due to the lack of information, people have been left to speculate and voice reservations about the image's legitimacy, speculating that it may have been artificial intelligence (AI) or digitally altered. Many Parle-G fans faced a dilemma in response to this development. In response to this announcement, some individuals on X (previously known as Twitter) reacted sarcastically and humorously, while others asked the firm to make more of these cookies. This is a compilation of user responses from all across X ~  Funny enough, one user (@ronmusings) on X said, "Someone burnt a batch, and we have this." X User Devyani (@DIVINE_YANI) made a witty remark on X that Parle-G is now available in ‘dark mode,’ similar to popular platforms such as Safari, Reddit, YouTube, Gmail, Instagram, and Snapchat, where dark mode has become common. User Sunil Pandey (@skpandeybasti) tweeted to @ParleFamily, expressing curiosity about the authenticity of the new product. He also suggested that if real, Parle should consider producing it in chocolate flavor, as the product appears to be enticingly delicious. User Prajwal (@Prajwalrajjj) tweeted, humorously suggesting that Parle-G has finally found a way to market their roasted biscuits, referring to the ‘Dark Parle-G’ trend.  

11 Mar 2024
Global News

Scientists Discover a Novel Method To Recover Gold From Smartphones, Computers and Other Electronic Waste!

In an age where e-waste is growing as fast as our dependence on technology, a timely discovery emerges from the laboratories of ETH Zurich in Switzerland. Scientists have found a way to extract gold from the discarded circuits of our digital lives using only a by-product of cheese production - a favorite additive of bodybuilders: whey. This remarkable method not only promises a more sustainable future for e-waste recycling but also redefines the ancient alchemy of turning waste into precious metal. Understanding the impact of e-waste ~ E-waste contains hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and many other toxic substances. If these substances are not properly treated, they can pollute soil, water, and air and pose a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. Sustainable electronic waste management ensures proper handling, recycling, and disposal of electronic components. Failure to do so poses a serious threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Modern Alchemy and the Golden Sponge ~ At the heart of this process is a simple but very effective material: a protein fibril sponge made of 'whey'. Professor Raffaele Mezzenga and his team from ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology say that converting this e-waste into a valuable metal is very efficient, cost-effective, and last but not least ~ environmentally friendly. This is in contrast to traditional e-waste recycling, which consumes a lot of energy and often uses highly toxic chemicals to extract precious metals. Protein fibril sponges are made by denaturing whey proteins under certain conditions to form a gel of protein nanofibrils. After drying, this gel becomes a sponge capable of selectively adsorbing gold ions from a solution of dissolved electronic components. The beauty of this method is its selectivity; While other metals can adhere to the sponge, gold does so more efficiently, making the recovery process both precise and efficient. By absorbing the gold ions, the researchers apply heat to the sponge and start a reduction process that turns those ions into gold. metal flakes. Those flakes are then melted into a gold nugget. Remarkably, the team successfully created a 450-milligram 22-carat gold nugget from components of 20 old computer motherboards, proving the efficiency and scalability of the method. Current treatment methods: 3 pillars of Sustainable E-Waste Management ~ 1. Reduce The most effective way to deal with e-waste is to minimize its generation. Encouraging consumers to buy less, use a longer-term mindset, and promote durable and repairable electronics can significantly reduce electronic waste. In addition, manufacturers should focus on ecological design and develop products that are easier to disassemble, repair, and upgrade, thereby extending their service life. 2. Reuse Extending the life of electronic devices through reuse is a sustainable approach. Companies can create programs to recycle and recycle electronics, making them available to individuals or organizations in need. Donating or selling used equipment, ensuring proper operation and erasing data, promotes waste reduction, and facilitates access to technology for those who might not be able to afford it. 3. Recycling Recycling is an important part of sustainable e-waste management. Creating efficient recycling systems helps collect valuable materials from end-of-life equipment and minimizes the environmental impact of raw materials. Cooperation with certified e-waste recyclers ensures the safe and responsible use of electronics following strict environmental and information security standards. Toward a Greener Future ~ According to the World Health Organization, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream on the planet. In 2019 alone, a whopping 53.6 million tons of e-waste were produced worldwide, of which only a paltry 17.4% was collected and recycled. E-waste contains a cocktail of hazardous substances, including lead, mercury, and flame retardants. When these toxins are dumped in landfills or burned, they can leach into soil and water, polluting the environment and endangering human health. The impact of this new technology extends far beyond the confines of the laboratory. By offering a method that uses recycled materials and requires significantly less energy and financial investment, this new type of recycling paves the way for more sustainable practices in the gold recovery industry. In addition, it not only deals with e-waste but also gives new life to the by-products of the food industry. "What I like the most is that we use a by-product of the food industry to get gold from e-waste," Mezzenga said in a press release.  Sustainable e-waste management is important to save the environment and ensure a healthier future. By reducing, reusing, and recycling electronic devices and components, we can minimize the harmful effects of electronic waste. Through cooperation, education, technological development, and global cooperation, companies can reduce emissions and conserve natural resources. The group's future objective is to develop and get the technology ready for market use. While there are other possible sources, the most promising starting product from which they want to extract gold is electronic trash. These are made of industrial waste from processes like producing microchips or gold plating. In addition, researchers plan to investigate the potential for creating protein fibril sponges from other food industry waste materials or byproducts that are rich in protein. This innovation has the potential to drastically alter the way computer garbage—at least waste with significant gold content—is handled. E-waste is rapidly emerging as one of the world's largest unexplored revenue-generating sectors. E-waste entrepreneurs are already generating $85,000 a day by recycling copper and gold from electronic garbage. Over the next two decades, this business will grow significantly, and recyclers will need more effective methods for handling electronic trash. Mezzanga gives them exactly that with their sponge technology.      

7 Mar 2024
Global News

FDA finds Out That Yogurt Helps to Reduce Type 2 Diabetes

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with a bacterial yogurt culture. It provides protein and calcium and can enhance healthy probiotic gut bacteria. However, some yogurt products are less healthy than others. There are different types of yogurt ~ Low-fat or fat-free Low-fat or low-fat yogurt is made with 2% milk. Fat-free yogurt is made from zero percent, or fat-free, milk. Kefir Kefir is a liquid drinkable yogurt. It contains probiotics and is easy to make at home by adding kefir grains to milk and letting it sit for 12-24 hours. Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is thick and creamy. It withstands heat better than regular yogurt and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine and dips. It is made by straining regular yogurt to remove the liquid whey further. The result is a higher protein content due to its thicker content. , but the added strain results in a lower calcium content. Greek yogurt is full-fat, low-fat, and fat-free, or zero percent. Skyr Skyr, like Greek yogurt, skyr, pronounced "skeer," is an Icelandic-style yogurt. that is thick, creamy, and high in protein. Compared to regular yogurt, skyr requires 4 times more milk and contains 2-3 times more protein. Frozen yogurt Frozen yogurt is often considered a healthy alternative to ice cream. However, many frozen yogurts contain the same amount of sugar or more than regular ice cream. Also, according to the National Yogurt Association, not all so-called frozen yogurts contain live and active cultures. Some use processed yogurts that kill live, active cultures. Dairy-free yogurts Dairy-free yogurts include soy yogurt and coconut milk yogurt. In The Headlines ~  Yogurt sold in the U.S. can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, the U.S. (FDA) Food and Drug Administration said. The agency acknowledged there is some evidence, but not strong scientific evidence. According to the research, at least 2 cups of yogurt per week can reduce the chance of developing the disease, which affects about 36 million Americans. For yogurt, Danone North America, the U.S. arm of the French company whose brands include yogurts Dannon, Activia, and Horizon Organics, applied for approved health claims in 2018. It provided data on studies that followed participants over time and found an association between eating yogurt and lower signs of diabetes. The FDA acknowledged that there is "credible evidence" that eating yogurt as a whole food is beneficial, but not because of a specific nutrient it contains. Various critics say that no single food can reduce the overall risk of diet-related disease, the Center for Science in the Public Interest reported. It also said the label change could increase the risk of diabetes by encouraging the use of yogurt, including varieties with added sugar, and mixes such as crackers and pretzels. Let's look forward to more updates in this debatable news to unravel certain facts if backed by evidence shortly. These are some of my favorite ways to mix things up and add more weight-loss yogurt to your diet. You'll still get all the calcium and protein you get from regular yogurt, but you'll also enjoy the fun ingredients and fruity flavor (not to mention the added vitamins and antioxidants!) Try one of these healthy yogurt recipes for breakfast or afternoon snack and enjoy your weight loss journey one sweet, creamy bite at a time! 1. Yogurt and Blueberry Jam Vapes Juices are a fun way to eat more yogurt! These frozen yogurt dishes feature Greek yogurt, blueberry jam, and crunchy granola. They come in so many colors, flavors, and textures that it's hard to believe they're good for you! They're sweet, creamy, and fruity - not to mention the added antioxidants from the blueberries! 2. Greek Yogurt Orange Pound Cake This delicious Greek Yogurt Orange Pound Cake is so light and delicious! It's perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even an after-dinner dessert! And the clean ingredients make it both healthy and delicious! 3. Breakfast Yogurt Parfait To Go The list of the best yogurt recipes would not be complete without a classic yogurt parfait! It's a classic that combines creamy yogurt, crunchy cereal, and fresh fruit. It is a sweet start to your day, full of proteins, vitamins, and all kinds of nutrients. This recipe includes fruits like strawberries, yogurt, bananas, coconut and granola. It is served in a mason jar for display and to go. It's a great way to start your day with yogurt! 4. Greek Yogurt Pancakes with Blueberries and Honey I am used to using yogurt in pancakes! Homemade pancakes from scratch are a million times better than box mixes. IIf you've never tried whipping them up at home, the Greek Yogurt Pancakes is an absolute must-try! They're delightfully light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor!                      

4 Mar 2024
Global News

Plant Based Diets Linked to Reduced Sleep Apnoea Risk; Finds Study

In the Headlines~  A plant-based, nutritious diet has been linked to a roughly five percent reduction in the incidence of sleep apnea, according to research. According to research that was published in ERJ Open Research, those who ate the most fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts had a 19% lower risk of developing sleep apnea than people who ate the fewest plant-based, healthful foods. The hazards for men and women were also shown to differ, with a plant-based diet having a greater impact on lowering the risk of apnea in males. When your airways narrow too much while you sleep, it can lead to sleep apnea and make it difficult for you to breathe normally. Obesity, long necks, drinking alcohol and smoking, and sleeping on your back have all been related to it. What is Sleep Apnea & Its Type?  Breathing repeatedly stops and begins as you sleep, a frequent symptom of sleep apnea. This may make it so that your body doesn't obtain enough oxygen. If someone tells you that you gasp or snore while you sleep, or if you suffer other symptoms of poor quality sleep, such as increased daytime drowsiness, you might want to discuss sleep apnea with your healthcare physician. Here are the primary forms of sleep apnea: The most prevalent kind, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is brought on by relaxed throat muscles that obstruct airflow into the lungs. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a condition in which the brain fails to communicate with the breathing muscles correctly. Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, or complicated sleep apnea, is when an individual with OSA, as determined by a sleep study, develops CSA while undergoing OSA therapy. Consult your healthcare physician if you believe you may have sleep apnea. In addition to relieving your symptoms, treatment may help avoid cardiac issues and other consequences. Further Leads On The News ~  The study's principal investigator, Dr. Yohannes Melaku of Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, stated: "These results underscore the significance of diet quality in reducing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea." These gender variations are significant because they highlight the necessity for individualized dietary therapy for obstructive sleep apnea patients. Although the study's purpose is unclear, it is possible that eating a plant-based, healthful diet lowers inflammation and obesity. These are the main risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Diets high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients and low in toxic dietary components can affect muscle tone, fat mass, and inflammation—all related to risk. Researchers looked at information provided by 14,210 participants in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, who provided 24-hour food diary data. Foods were divided into three groups: animal foods (meat, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, and vegetables), less healthy plant foods (refined grains, potatoes, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets and desserts, and nuts), and healthy plant foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, tea, and coffee). In addition, participants responded to a questionnaire intended to determine the likelihood that they had sleep apnea. Heading the European Respiratory Society assembly on sleep-disturbed breathing, Prof. Sophia Schiza stated: “Being aware that incorporating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains into our diet while minimizing the consumption of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks can greatly improve our overall health." This resultant statement provides a focus on the encouragement of a plant-based diet among target audiences at large! “Food is really and truly the most effective medicine.” ― Joel Fuhrman .                    

4 Mar 2024
Global News

US' Odysseus Becomes 2nd American Craft to Land on Lunar Surface Since 1972

In a significant achievement for space exploration, the Houston-based company, Intuitive Machines, has successfully landed the spacecraft Odysseus near the Moon's South Pole. This marks the second time an American craft has touched down on the lunar surface since 1972. Let's delve into the details of this historic event. Odysseus' Landing Odysseus, the latest lunar lander developed by Intuitive Machines, reached the Moon after a six-day journey from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. With a hexagon-shaped design, the spacecraft decelerated from a speed of 4,000 miles per hour and touched down near the lunar south pole at 2323 GMT. The precise whereabouts and condition of the lander are yet to be determined, as the team analyzes the faint signal received from Odysseus. Enhancing Signal and Operations Mission director Tim Crain expressed confidence in the confirmation that the equipment has reached the lunar surface. However, the team is working to enhance the single signal received and assess the full functionality of Odysseus. Intuitive Machines aims to ensure that all the experiments and instruments transported by the lander for NASA are operational and ready for scientific exploration. Importance of Private Industry in Space Exploration Odysseus' successful landing holds significant importance in showcasing the capabilities of private industry in space exploration. This achievement comes shortly after a failed moonshot by another American company. Demonstrating the ability of private enterprises to contribute to space missions is crucial for advancing scientific research and exploration beyond what government agencies like NASA have achieved in the past. Odysseus' Launch and Instruments Odysseus was launched on February 15, propelled into space by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The lander boasts a new type of supercooled liquid oxygen and liquid methane propulsion system, enabling it to race through space efficiently. Equipped with various instruments, Odysseus carries cameras to study lunar surface changes, a device to analyze charged dust particle clouds, and a precise landing system utilizing laser pulses. India's Chandrayaan-3 and Moon's South Pole India had previously achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023. Odysseus has now landed in the same vicinity, in a crater called Malapert A, situated just 300 kilometers away from the Moon's South Pole. This region holds immense scientific value, and both India and the US have contributed to advancing our understanding of the lunar surface. With private companies like Intuitive Machines leading the way, the future of space exploration holds the promise of further scientific discoveries and advancements. As Odysseus continues its mission, scientists and researchers eagerly await the valuable data and insights it will provide about the lunar surface and beyond.

26 Feb 2024
Global News

New Research Converts Waste Carbon Dioxide Into Carbon-Free Fuel!

In a new study, researchers at the University of Auckland have developed a method to convert waste carbon dioxide into a precursor for carbon-free fuel for use in various applications. This groundbreaking research paves the way for carbon-neutral technologies and a sustainable future. The team led by Dr. Ziyun Wang from the School of Chemical Sciences, along with their Chinese colleagues, used a combination of computational chemistry and electrochemical experiments to demonstrate a method for turning CO2 into formic acid. One of the 21st century’s major challenges is mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). One possible way to achieve this is to convert CO2 into useful chemicals that can be used as fuels, feedstocks, or materials. The Methodology ~  Electrolysis (defined as a process of decomposing ionic compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric current through the compound in a fluid form) has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful chemicals, which could contribute to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future. However, this process is quite challenging to develop into a robust and efficient system, as it typically requires alkaline conditions that limit carbon utilization. While some strategies, such as physical washing and pulsed operation, can help mitigate these problems, they have yet to fully resolve them. They used a catalyst made from waste lead-acid batteries, which enabled a transformation that was not previously possible with existing catalysts. Formic acid is a colorless and pungent liquid with the potential as a transportation fuel for storing electrical energy and for reducing CO2 emissions in the petrochemical industry. With carbon dioxide emissions being a major contributor to global warming, scientists are exploring various options for capturing and storing CO2, repurposing it, and transitioning to a carbon-free economy. “This innovation opens up exciting possibilities for carbon-neutral technologies,” he says. “In the future, cars and gas stations could be using repurposed carbon dioxide.” The innovative method employs a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, a device that effectively converts CO2 for over 5,000 hours. In a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, carbon dioxide is fed into an electrochemical cell and transformed into formic acid, similar to charging a battery. Scientists have calculated that the process can be scaled up for industrial use in a cost-effective manner. With possible applications in cars, gas stations, and the petrochemical industry, this technology could potentially help in the transition toward a carbon-free economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.''The biggest challenge now is finding the financial support to further explore our technology’s possibilities,” says Wang. CO2 Is A Precious Resource ~ The hard work of the team, which includes research fellow Dr. Yu Mao and two PhD students, Chengyi Zhang and Ruihu Lu, is what made this experiment successful. Their combined efforts have advanced the idea of turning waste CO2 into a useful resource. These kinds of scientific discoveries give promise for a sustainable future as the need to address climate change on a global scale becomes more pressing. The University of Auckland's efforts in this area using fuel that is carbon neutral are a big step in the right direction toward being carbon neutral and lessening the effects of greenhouse gas emissions!

23 Feb 2024
Global News

Chameleon-Inspired Tech 3D Prints Multiple Colors From a Single Ink

Researchers at the Beckman Institute have created a method for 3D printing and modifying structural hues in the visible spectrum, ranging from deep blue to orange. During the printing process, the UV-assisted direct-ink-write 3D printing method may change the structural color to produce vivid and possibly more sustainable hues. A sustainable method for 3D printing different dynamic colors from a single ink was discovered by researchers, who were inspired by the color-changing properties of chameleons. According to Ying Diao, an associate professor of chemistry and chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a researcher at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, "We can modulate structural color on the fly to produce color gradients not possible before." Therefore, this discovery is a revolutionary one for sure. The Inspiration Behind the Discovery~ Nature's design principles come into play when a chameleon changes color from turquoise to pink to orange to green. The lizard's skin is being seamlessly and silently camouflaged to fit its surroundings by sophisticated nano-mechanics. A Northwestern University team has created a unique nanolaser that uses the same principle as chameleons to change hues, drawing inspiration from nature. The research may pave the way for developments in ultra-sensitive strain sensors, wearable photonic devices, and flexible optical displays for smartphones and televisions. This Work Is a Great Illustration of the Power of Collaboration ~ Here, Diao and his colleagues describe a UV-assisted direct-ink-write 3D printing method that can modify structural color while printing by adjusting the light to regulate the evaporative assembly of specifically engineered crosslinking polymers. The structural colors that are prevalent in many biological systems originate from nano-textured surfaces that obstruct visible light, in contrast to conventional colors, which are derived from chemical pigments or dyes that absorb light. Lead author and Diao Lab graduate student Sanghyun Jeon stated, "This makes them more vibrant and potentially more sustainable." In the visible wavelength region, from deep blue to orange, the researchers can synthesize structural colors. The study team utilizes a single ink and changes the printing process to obtain the color gradient, whereas an artist may use several different paints. "The research demonstrates the value of our collective experiences in learning from one another's triumphs and setbacks," stated coauthor Simon Rogers, an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. “The biggest challenge of the polymer synthesis is combining the precision required for the nanoscale assembly with the production of the large amounts of material necessary for the 3D-printing process,” said co-author Damien Guironnet, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. The color spectrum that can be obtained with this technology, according to the researchers, is not very wide, but they are trying to increase it by finding out more about the dynamics of how the layers grow in this process. The team is also attempting to increase the process's industrial relevance because the existing approach is not ideal for printing in huge quantities. The color spectrum that can be obtained with this technology, according to the researchers, is not very wide, but the team is trying to increase it by finding out more about the dynamics of how the layers grow in the entire process. The team is also attempting to increase the process's industrial relevance because the existing approach is not ideal for printing in huge quantities. "You can't have an industrial revolution, you can't have democracies, you can't have populations who can govern themselves until you have literacy. The printing press simply unlocked literacy." ~ Howard Rheingold (Howard Rheingold is an American critic, writer, and teacher, known for his specialties on the cultural, social, and political implications of modern communication media such as the Internet, mobile telephony, and virtual communities.)  

22 Feb 2024
Global News

The TerraCycle Global Foundation: Removing 2 Million Pounds of Trash From Waterways

In the Headlines ~ The TerraCycle Global Foundation reached an impressive milestone last month, announcing that they’ve removed over 2 million pounds of waste from rivers, canals, and waterways. Since its founding, the nonprofit organization has targeted ocean pollution right at its source—waterways. When polluted, they send waste directly to oceans, harming sea life and the environment. Over 1000 tons have been diverted and recycled. And, since the Foundation is founded by New Jersey-based TerraCycle—a two-decades-old company known for turning plastic waste into useful items for sale—none of the litter collected ever goes to waste.  Operating in canals throughout Bangkok, Thailand, TerraCycle’s “world-class river waste prevention systems” are implemented with the local community and governments to address the complex challenge of collecting waste before it enters and pollutes global aquatic systems. The Foundation is currently operating wildlife-safe river traps in Thai canals to recover waste directly from the water. The waste is then sorted, and plastics are separated and recycled. “We take a holistic approach to reducing plastic waste in waterways,” said James Scott, Executive Director of the TerraCycle Global Foundation. “Our operations provide safe, stable employment for members of the local Lat Phrao community in Bangkok while creating cleaner and healthier environments for communities along the canal.” “Reaching this waste removal milestone is only the beginning of the Foundation’s work to clean our oceans and preserve the planet.” Indeed, last year the Foundation made a Clinton Global Initiative ‘Commitment to Action’, with a project that prevents ocean waste. They pledged to replicate and scale its successful canal cleanup model in a new region in Southeast Asia and establish a material recovery center as a central hub for waste management and educational programs. About TerraCycle ~ Is Working to Eliminate the Idea of Waste There is a global trash epidemic as a result of overconsumption and a disposable lifestyle. Although most materials are not viable to recycle, even sophisticated waste is theoretically recyclable. Because of this, garbage accumulates in landfills and contaminates the environment while virgin resources are taken out of the ground to make new items. Their goal at TerraCycle is to "Eliminate the Idea of Waste" wherein they collaborate with organizations, governments, and individuals all across the world to prevent waste from ending up in landfills or being burned. Together, with creativity and teamwork, they have created the first solutions in the world for everything from reuse to recycling. They have won over 200 awards for social entrepreneurship and sustainable business. The 'Loop' platform, which enables any business to produce reusable versions of their product packaging and any shop to make those available to customers, was unveiled by TerraCycle to round out the decade. The goal of the TerraCycle Global Foundation, established in 2020, is to get plastic out of canals and rivers before it reaches the ocean. They introduced SalonCycle, an easy solution to recycle all salon trash, in the US in 2021. Additionally, they recycled garbage gathered by Japanese customers to make every podium used in the Tokyo Olympics. As a result of the demand from their collector community, they launched TerraCycle Made, a brand of items created from the waste they jointly recycle. TerraCycle announced that with the addition of Australia and New Zealand in 2013, the company had expanded its operations to over 20 nations. They mentioned that the following year, they had introduced the Zero Garbage Box division, which provided recycling options for a significantly broader range of garbage. TerraCycle stated that with the opening of TerraCycle Japan, they had continued their global expansion efforts. In the same year, it was noted that Pivot and TerraCycle had entered into a TV partnership for TerraCycle's Human Resources television program, which had debuted in August 2014. It was mentioned that in 2016, the company had initiated the first industrial recycling operation in the US with Henkel, focusing on recycling adhesive packaging. Additionally, TerraCycle stated that they had completed their first purchase in 2018 to enhance their business-to-business capabilities by diversifying into regulated waste recycling services. They also mentioned the establishment of their materials sector, which produced goods and packaging from trash collected from rock and roll events, the ocean, and other sources. Learn About Aquatic Trash ~  Mismanaged trash that escapes into waterways can create a wide range of problems. Aquatic trash affects water quality, endangers plants and animals, and pollutes the outdoor spaces that we depend on for tourism and recreation. Though all types of aquatic trash can have potentially harmful impacts, plastic waste is particularly concerning because it tends to persist in the environment and its widespread production, use, and disposal. Its Environmental Impacts:  When exposed to trash pollution, wildlife in aquatic and terrestrial environments face physical hazards from ingestion and entanglement. The impact that trash has on wildlife depends on a diverse range of factors, including the debris size, type, shape, and quantity, the type of organism that is exposed, and the type and frequency of exposure. Animals that become entangled in debris risk suffocating or drowning. Many species mistake plastic debris for food or inadvertently ingest plastic debris while feeding or swimming. Once ingested, this debris can damage the digestive tract and interfere with an animal’s ability to feed, leading to starvation or other negative health effects. Scientists have found that at least 558 species, including turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals are reported to have ingested or become entangled in plastic waste.  Let's See How You Can Contribute By Your Actions ~   The most effective way to prevent trash from polluting our waterways is to reduce the amount of waste you create.    Replace single-use plastic packaging, bottles, and containers with reusable products or eliminate packaging when possible. Discover 10 ways to Unpackage Your Life page. Repair, rather than replace, broken items. There are many ways that you can take action in your community to reduce the amount of trash in streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Learn more about how trash enters our waterways and impacts our communities, economies, and natural ecosystems. Share what you learn with your family, friends, and peers. The land, the water, the air, and the earth are all borrowed from our children rather than given to us by our ancestors. Therefore, we must give it to them in the same manner that it was given to us. — Mahatma Gandhi The founder of contemporary India and a maestro of nonviolent resistance served a reminder to us of our duty to future generations. We must protect the environment we live in, especially its water systems, for the sake of our future generations!

20 Feb 2024
Global News

Minesto Reaches Historic Milestone – First Electricity to Grid With Tidal Powerplant Dragon 12

SWEDEN—On February 9, the utility-scale tidal power plant Dragon 12 (rated at 1.2 MW) owned and operated by Ocean energy company Minesto successfully went into service, supplying the Faroe Islands' national grid with its first electricity. Understanding the Methodology: Tidal streams and ocean currents are 100% predictable ~  Minesto's method aims to efficiently harvest the energy present in tidal streams and ocean currents. Ocean currents and tidal streams can provide locally generated, dependable, and safe renewable energy.  In contrast to other renewable energy sources, there are some notable advantages: Trustworthy and dependable. Different from wind, solar, and other ocean energy sources like wave power, tidal and ocean currents are almost always predictable. The endless flows guarantee dependable power availability in the future. Globally: Every continent has tidal streams and ocean currents. Full of vitality: As flowing water has a density that is around 830 times higher than moving air, energy conversion occurs more efficiently.  Minimal land use and little visual impact: In many regions of the world, there is not enough land available for renewable energy installations. Onshore energy sources like solar and wind therefore face competition from other land uses. Underwater energy production technologies, such as Minesto's tidal technology, are covert and do not compete with land-based applications. Using the immense resources of tidal streams and ocean currents with little to no environmental involvement is one of the least restricted ways to produce huge amounts of power. The fully functional Dragon 12 from Minesto resembles a future military drone, yet when submerged, it acts a lot like a kite. It harvests renewable energy by flying patterns faster than the currents thanks to the lift produced by tidal flows. The foundation of most renewable energy grid ideas is solar energy, but moon energy is even more dependable, and some businesses are attempting to market energy produced by the tides' regular inflows and outflows. 'Let's make use of the tidal streams and ocean currents. The ocean continues to be one of the largest and least used renewable energy sources in the world. Ocean energy has the potential to provide dependable and sustainable electricity to communities worldwide!' - Technologies Minesto The Dragon 12 is competitive because it is robust, cost-effective, and dependable in providing power to the grid ~ It works similarly to land-based wind energy kites, which fly in figure-8 patterns to accelerate themselves faster than the wind. According to Minesto, this allows the Dragon to extract more energy from a given tidal stream than previous designs. It also modifies the economic calculations for locations that are relevant, making slower tidal flows more profitable to exploit. These are by no means little kites; to fit inside a shipping container, the Dragon 12 must be disassembled. Its massive 12-meter (39-foot) wingspan belies its weight of at least 28 tons. The most important number in this situation, as it is in any renewable energy project, is LCoE (levelized cost of energy). How much will it cost? According to Minesto's 2017 projection, if the first 100 megawatts of capacity were constructed, prices would drop to as low as $54/MWh. The Faroe Islands are a group of narrow gaps that tidal currents funnel through.  This increases the water's speed significantly, which boosts the amount of energy that devices like the Dragon 12 can absorb.  ''There is an urgent need to stop subsidizing the fossil fuel industry, dramatically reduce wasted energy, and significantly shift our power supplies from oil, coal, and natural gas to wind, solar, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources.  A spiritual voice is urgently needed to underline the fact that global warming is already causing human anguish and mortality in our nation and abroad, and much more will occur in the future without rapid action.'' ~ Bill McKibben

15 Feb 2024
Global News

Know What is Special about this Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi?

The consecration of the Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi constructed by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, or BAPS organization, took place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration on February 14. The first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi is an exceptional example of how the cultures and histories of the two countries have been combined. On March 1, the public may obtain access for entry.  Twelve Striking Facts and Characteristics of the Temple ~ The temple, which is located near Abu Mureikhah, was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore. After being cut in India, the white Italian marble and the pink Rajasthan sandstone were assembled in the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, donated 13.5 acres on which the temple is situated. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the nation in 2015, he gave the land as a donation. Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam, or BAPS A Hindu sect known as Swaminarayan Sanstha. Recognized for its veneration of Swaminarayan as a manifestation of Lord Krishna, the group led the building effort. Vedic art and architecture served as inspiration for the design. Every one of the temple's seven spires represents a UAE emirate. In 2017, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone. In January 2019, the UAE government allotted an additional 13.5 acres. The temple's interior features include prayer halls, a tourist center, and themed gardens. The base is equipped with about 100 sensors. More sensors are also present at other locations to monitor earthquake activity and other natural disasters. This temple was not constructed with iron or steel, unlike the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. It has assimilated ideas from the Arabian region, the Chinese, the Aztecs, and the Mesopotamians. The temple has seven shrines dedicated to different deities from different parts of India, such as Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and his family, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Shri Ashkar-Purushottam Maharaj, Lord Tirupati Balaji, and Lord Ayyappa. Each shrine is adorned with intricately carved carvings that reflect the life and lessons of each deity. To make the inauguration event go more smoothly, a registration site has been established. Transportation is planned out of every emirate.  The temple will also have kid-friendly play facilities, exhibition spaces, and classrooms. The temple contains seven shrines. They are all dedicated to various north, east, south, and west Indian Gods and Goddesses. The rose pink sandstone and the white Italian marble stone have been carved in India and have been assembled in the UAE over the past 3 years. The 402 white marble pillars have been carved by over 2,000 craftsmen from Rajasthan & Gujarat. The design is based on Vedic architecture and sculpture. Participation of volunteers ~ More than 690,000 hours were volunteered by more than 200 volunteers from the United Arab Emirates to build the mandir.  Their involvement is multifaceted and includes planning, building, logistics, civil work, and mandir upkeep. As such, it has a significant impact on the project's development. The temple's construction has involved people from a variety of backgrounds, including businesswomen, youngsters, designers, and retired expats from the US, UK, India, Africa, and the Gulf. These volunteers see their work as an extension of their spirituality and devotion. It is noteworthy that youngsters participated in this group endeavor as volunteers and helped create stone objects as a harmony emblem. Harmony between cultures and religions ~ The government formally granted legal status to the Mandir and 17 other places of worship in September 2019 as part of the UAE's effort to encourage cultural diversity, tolerance, and peace. "Laying the foundation stone of the temple is reflective of the landscape of tolerance and pluralism in the UAE," stated Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, during the event in April 2019. The late Sheikh Zayed, one of the founding fathers, was always of the opinion that the best path to world peace is for people of different ethnicities and religions to coexist. In addition, fourteen illustrations of parables from Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Arabian, and other civilizations are included. The UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, said of the carvings, "The craftsmanship is intricate and amazing, and the place will help spread global harmony."Upon the visit of thirty-one ambassadors in May of 2023, Japanese ambassador Akio Isomata remarked, "I see a philosophy of tolerance in the carvings." Diplomats from 42 nations paid a visit to the shrine in January 2024. According to Jonathan Knight, the UK's deputy ambassador, "so many different faiths coming together to build something that will last for generations" "The mandir has come not from great negotiations or great presentations, or great appeals. It has come from natural love and natural friendship. One fact that I would like to tell all Indians staying here, is that our forefathers who have created such a great impression of integrity, that things like this are going to happen more and more. it is love beyond belief. All the people and rulers I have met have only good things to say about India and its culture..." said BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir saint Brahmviharidas Swami  

14 Feb 2024
Global News

Apple is developing foldable iPhone Prototypes

Apple has not yet formally disclosed its intentions to enter the foldable smartphone market, which is presently dominated by Samsung. With a price tag of $3,500, the highly anticipated Vision Pro headset from Apple is one of the business's priciest offerings. As a result, most experts project that the company will sell less than 1 million of these gadgets in their first year of release. It seems that CEO Tim Cook's business is still working to create a real foldable. According to a recent rumor, Apple appears to be attempting to keep up with the rapidly expanding foldable industry by developing two prototypes of foldable iPhones. It might not be released for another two years at the most, and it most likely won't happen until after the iPad folds. Yes, indeed you read it correct ! Additionally, the source verified that Apple is still developing an iPad that folds and has an 8-inch screen, similar to the iPad Mini that is available now. The current goal of the Apple engineers working on this project is to create a hinge that will lessen the crease seen in the center of the screen and enable the display to rest flat when unfurled. How Realistic is this News ~  It appears that the Apple team is quite worried about who is to blame for these phones' brittleness. If not, the design team is hoping to create a foldable iPhone that looks like the most recent Motorola Razr+ or Galaxy Z Flip and has external screens. However, it would also have to be quite tiny in order to fit inside pockets without taking up much room when folded. It's a challenging dilemma, given how difficult it is to reduce the size of the battery and display components. The project to create a foldable iPhone was put on hold by the corporation in 2020, but it has since resumed. If Apple is unable to come up with a really "Apple" solution for a foldable phone, there's also always a risk it would abandon development of the prototypes. The business is still looking for more "compelling features" that would make an Apple foldable a household name. In the next years, foldable iPads are more likely to become popular than iPhones. Apple appears to be highly keen on getting rid of the crease in the screen, since early models of the foldable iPad reportedly sported an 8-inch screen. It appears that Apple also wants the table to be able to rest perfectly flat.  A Little Pricy Trend to Develop ~  The Cupertino, California-based startup is producing at least two width-folding prototypes. With Samsung's 2019 release of the Galaxy Fold, foldable smartphones have grown in popularity. Since then, OnePlus, Google, Xiaomi, Motorola, and more firms have released foldable smartphones. Foldable smartphones are still a small market, nevertheless, due to their higher price points, display fragility, and more maintenance expenses when compared to regular smartphones. While we still have to wait and see how well that gadget sells, if sales are higher than anticipated, the business may have cause to believe that, for once, Apple fans would truly want something—you know—new.

12 Feb 2024
Global News

A New Tiktok-Inspired Feature for Quick Looks at Music Videos Is Available on Youtube Music: "Samples"

With the introduction of a new feature that was heavily influenced by TikTok, the king of short videos, YouTube Music is continuing to compete for the title of greatest music streaming service. With its "Samples" feature, users can quickly browse through music videos and artists in a similar swipe-and-explore manner, revolutionizing the way people discover music. YouTube Music is making an effort to satisfy the growing demand for captivating and aesthetically pleasing music experiences by taking this measure. With playlist saving options and links to related Shorts or the entire song for playback, the tap-and-play Samples selection closely resembles the YouTube Shorts experience. After very small tests, the rollout appears to be worldwide. How to Obtain Top Features and Samples: Users only need to scroll down the YouTube Music site to access the Samples feed. A horizontal carousel featuring portrait-cropped 15-second video excerpts from music artists and labels across languages and genres will then emerge. Pressing the screen reveals the very smooth, full-screen Samples experience, akin to Shorts, where every video plays instantaneously and offers options to Like, Add to Playlist, Share, and Download in addition to deep-dive-focused discovery suggestions. The application provides users with a customized selection of songs from well-liked playlists that match their particular interests. Highlights include teaser snippets from YouTube's extensive media repository that span moods, eras, and languages. According to Google, the launch of Samples builds on YouTube Music's rapid development, which has reached over 100 million listeners and subscribers worldwide. It has increased interaction while withstanding recent platform-wide price and policy disputes. Over time, a closer integration with YouTube proper aids in the migration of readership towards direct music broadcasts. What Does Music Streaming Hold for the Future? Samples' debut is indicative of a more significant change in the streaming music industry. Platforms are starting to realize that short-form content is growing in popularity and that, in an increasingly fast-paced environment, it can retain people's attention. The introduction of "Clips" by Spotify earlier this year serves as another example of this tendency. As competition heats up, we could expect additional developments in music discovery that incorporate visual elements and are tailored for shorter attention spans. In conclusion, YouTube song's "Samples" function is a move toward a more engrossing and aesthetically pleasing song discovery experience. It will be interesting to see if this proves to be the last solution or merely another option in the arms race of music streaming. However, its seamless platform transitions and integration with the vast YouTube library offer definite advantages. Ultimately, user adoption and additional development based on feedback will determine if Samples realizes its full potential as a significant force shaping the course of music discovery. Now put on your headphones, open YouTube Music, and begin your own exploration of "Samples"!   

9 Feb 2024
Global News

"This will pass as well" The effectiveness of mental health rehabilitation narratives

According to new study, anecdotal evidence of people overcoming mental health challenges might be a useful and affordable way to support others going through a similar situation. Online, there are many first-hand accounts of anything from drug addiction to pain management, but can they actually help with recovery? This week  a new study headed by scientists at the University of Nottingham provides unambiguous evidence that they do, at least in mental health settings. The group laboriously assembled a digital collection of hundreds of audio, video, text, and image files that tell tales of mental health rehabilitation in the forms of poetry, prose, and even the occasional graphic narrative. Over the course of a year, study participants—all of whom suffered from non-psychotic mental health issues including worry, stress, and poor mood—were allowed to use it as often or as little as they pleased. Their quality of life has improved, according to the data. Become the Powerful Peaceful Type~ The importance of mental and physical wellness is equal. Normalizing the discussion of mental health encourages people to speak up and receive the support they require. We contribute to the stigma associated with mental health by keeping it silent. Among the negative consequences of stigma are the following: Discrimination Lack of comprehension from friends, family, coworkers, or other people fewer options for employment, education, or social activities; difficulties locating housing Harassment, physical assault, or bullying Their mental ailment is not sufficiently covered by their health insurance therapy The conviction that they can't get better or that they'll never be able to overcome certain obstacles Reluctance to ask for assistance or therapy is another effect of stigma. In their lifetime, about 20% of Americans will suffer from a mental disease. Less than half of people who suffer from mental illness, meanwhile, will go for therapy.  According to research coordinator Dr. Stefan Rennick-Egglestone, "I think that on a large scale, seeing that other people have had similar experiences and that things get a bit better in the future can give people hope. And people can try new things to find better routes to a brighter future if they have that hope inside them." Therefore the benefits of hearing someone else’s narrative far exceeded the harms. They can be a potent way to build common ground and connection, as well as to foster empathy and unity with others. It could be very effective way to lessen the stigma associated with mental health issues. The realization that, in the context of health care, other people's personal experiences might be beneficial in a variety of ways. Let's Understand how can the topic about mental health be normalized? Discuss Mental Health in public If you have a broken limb or the flu, it's common to discuss getting help from friends, family, and coworkers. Similar to this, discussing visiting a therapist because you're depressed normalizes the talk around mental health. When conversing with a friend or family member, be straightforward. The idea that mental health is a taboo subject is only strengthened by our reluctance to discuss it.  Educate Both Yourself and Others: Learn as much as you can about mental illness and then pass that knowledge along to others. Most of us are aware of the distinctions between common bodily illnesses like the common cold, sprains, cancer, etc. They are not categorized under a single "physical illness". In a similar vein, mental diseases come in a wide variety, each with distinct signs and symptoms. Dispelling myths that fuel stigma is accomplished through knowledge sharing.  "I think it’s really important to take the stigma away from mental health. My brain and my heart are really important to me. I don’t know why I wouldn’t seek help to have those things be as healthy as my teeth." — Kerry Washington

2 Feb 2024
Global News

Perseverance Rover: Anticipation Peaks with Confirmation of Ancient Lake on Mars!

Sign of Life On Mars?   There is hope that soil samples obtained from the planet could contain signs of life as new study shows that a crater found on the surface of Mars was the location of an ancient lake. Previous research suggested that the Jezero crater may have once been a lake, and a new study published on Friday in Science Advances supports that theory. Researchers from UCLA and the University of Oslo came to the conclusion that the crater eventually filled with water, depositing sediment layers on the floor. The lake drained, and a delta was formed by the river's transported sediments. The existence of these lake sediments had long been suspected from satellite images, but ground-penetrating radar is the first to confirm it. The discovery gives scientists optimism that they may discover proof that extinct life once flourished on the now-desiccated Red Planet once Perseverance's geological samples from the crater are returned to Earth. The journal Science Advances published the researchers' results on January 26.  “Since, in the long run, every planetary civilization will be endangered by impacts from space, every surviving civilization is obliged to become spacefaring--not because of exploratory or romantic zeal, but for the most practical reason imaginable: staying alive... If our long-term survival is at stake, we have a basic responsibility to our species to venture to other worlds.” ― Carl Sagan, Cosmos (Space Exploration) Insights From ‘Perseverance’:  The formation process of the sediments was found by researchers using the ground-penetrating radar of the Perseverance rover. According to David Paige, a professor at UCLA, stated, "From orbit we can see a bunch of different deposits, but we can't tell for sure if what we're seeing is their original state, or if we're seeing the conclusion of a long geological story." "We must look below the surface to determine how these things formed." Between May and December 2022, Perseverance plowed into the 'Jezero' crater, sending down radar signals and recording pulses that were bounced back up from a depth of around 20 meters. The generated pictures display interpretable rock strata that provide insight into the formation process of the sediments. In one instance, scientists discovered that the sediments on the crater floor resembled those that were deposited in Earthly lakes."The basal delta sediments' horizontality and regularity in the radar cross sections suggest that they were deposited in a low-energy lake environment." Researchers composed a meaningful piece of writing which says that : 'If there was life on Mars, sediment samples would show evidence of it; otherwise, it's plausible that microbiological life existed in the crater during its time filled with water.'  Since its 2021 landing, Perseverance has been gathering samples from Mars in preparation for its eventual return to Earth. “Earth is a small town with many neighborhoods in a very big universe.” ― Ron Garan, from The Orbital Perspective: Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles  

29 Jan 2024
Global News

Well Deserved Victory: Jannik Sinner Clinches Maiden Grand Slam Title in Epic Australian Open Final

Well Deserved: In a demanding five-set Australian Open final on Sunday, Jannik Sinner overcame Daniil Medvedev after trailing two sets to one, capturing his maiden Grand Slam victory. After being badly outplayed in the opening two sets, the fourth-seeded Italian player rallied to win 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, and 6-3 in three hours and forty-four minutes. The outcome is a severe blow for the third-seeded Russian, who has now lost two Australian Open finals after leading two sets, the first being against Rafael Nadal in 2022. Background Check:  Born on August 16, 2001, Jannik Sinner is an Italian professional tennis player. As of October 2, 2023, he has etched his name in history, securing the fourth-highest ranking among male Italian tennis players, a milestone he shares with Adriano Panatta, as confirmed by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Sinner was raised in South Tyrol, a German-speaking area of northern Italy. As a kid, he played football, tennis, and skiing. Sinner turned to tennis at the age of thirteen, moving to Bordighera on the Italian Riviera to study with seasoned coach Riccardo Piatti, having won a national championship in skiing at the age of eight. Sinner started competing in professional tennis competitions at the age of 16, despite having little success as a junior. At the age of 17, he became one of the rare players to win numerous ATP Challenger Tour championships. Following his ascent to the top 100 and his victory at the Next Generation ATP Finals in Milan, he was named the 2019 ATP Newcomer of the Year. Sinner made the decision to switch from football and skiing to tennis at the age of 13. Because he wanted to play against an opponent directly and have greater leeway for a whole match, he preferred it over skiing. In addition, he desired to play an individual sport where he would have complete control over his play—a chance he would not have in a team sport like football. His parents backed him when he made the independent decision to go to Bordighera on the Italian Riviera in order to train with Riccardo Piatti and Massimo Sartori at the Piatti Tennis Centre. Sinner resided at the center with the family of one of his trainers, Luka Cvjetković.  Bottom Line:  Jannik Sinner, who ended the Big Three's supremacy at the Australian Open, said, "Tennis needs the next generation." "Obviously, winning the tournament is an incredible achievement," he remarked. "I'm really pleased with my performance here. Let's see what else we have in store." “On athleticism, God knows no favor. It seems rather he is in the business of teaching winners how to lose and losers how to win.” ― Criss Jami

29 Jan 2024
Global News

China develops nuclear battery that can last for 50years without charging!

China has made a groundbreaking technological breakthrough with the development of a nuclear battery that has the potential to power electronic devices for an astonishing 50 years without ever requiring charging. This revolutionary invention, created by Chinese startup Betavolt, utilizes miniaturized atomic energy and compactly arranged nuclear isotopes to generate electricity. With the capability to transform the way we use and perceive electronic devices, this nuclear battery promises a future of perpetual power and enhanced sustainability. The Future of Power: Betavolt's nuclear battery represents a significant leap forward in power storage technology. By converting energy released from decaying isotopes into electrical energy, this miniaturized atomic energy system has the potential to power smartphones, drones, AI equipment, medical devices, and more. With its compact design and multiple-unit connectivity, the battery can deliver an impressive 100 microwatts of power at 3V, while measuring just 15x15x5 cubic millimeters. The company aims to produce a 1-watt power battery by 2025, further increasing the potential applications of this groundbreaking technology. Safety and Environmental Impact: One of the key concerns surrounding nuclear energy is radiation. However, Betavolt reassures users that their nuclear battery is safe, emitting no external radiation. This makes it suitable for use in medical devices such as pacemakers and cochlear implants. Moreover, after the decay period, the 63 isotopes within the battery transform into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, posing no environmental threat or pollution. Additionally, the battery's layered structure prevents fires or explosions when subjected to sudden force, ensuring its safety even in extreme conditions. A Competitive Advantage: Betavolt's atomic energy batteries have positioned China as a frontrunner in the emerging era of AI technology. With the potential to power a wide range of devices without degradation in capacity or lifespan, these nuclear batteries offer a competitive advantage in terms of sustainability and long-lasting power. As other countries and research institutions also explore miniaturized nuclear batteries, China's early entry into this field gives it a head start in shaping the future of electronic devices. Transforming Electronics: The implications of Betavolt's nuclear battery extend beyond smartphones and drones. If this technology becomes widely adopted, it could revolutionize the entire electronics industry. Imagine a world where mobile phones never need to be charged, drones can fly indefinitely, and electric cars don't require frequent recharging. By eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks, these nuclear batteries have the potential to transform the way we use and perceive electronic devices, making them more convenient, sustainable, and reliable. China's development of a nuclear battery that can power electronic devices for 50 years without charging marks a significant milestone in energy storage technology. Betavolt's miniaturized atomic energy system offers a glimpse into a future of perpetual power, where devices can operate continuously without the need for external charging. With its compact design, safety features, and environmental benefits, this nuclear battery has the potential to revolutionize the electronics industry and shape the way we interact with technology. As China takes the lead in this groundbreaking innovation, the world eagerly awaits further advancements in sustainable energy solutions.

19 Jan 2024
Global News

Cat Lovers Rejoice: 30-Year Ban on Cats in Government Housing Lifted!

Singapore has recently made a groundbreaking decision to lift the 30-year ban on owning cats in government housing, providing millions of felines with the opportunity to become citizens. This move comes as a significant relief to cat owners who have long desired to legally keep their beloved companions in their homes. Previously, Singapore's strict regulations prohibited the ownership of cats in government housing, which accounted for about 80% of the population's residences. While dogs were allowed, cat lovers faced challenges such as the inability to register for pet insurance or access certain veterinary procedures. The change in legislation is believed to have been prompted by a recent survey among government housing occupants, where an overwhelming majority of 90% expressed that cats make good and non-disruptive pets. This positive sentiment undoubtedly played a crucial role in the authorities' decision to lift the ban. The lifting of the ban not only brings joy to cat owners but also raises questions about how many previously hidden cats will now come out of the shadows. It will be interesting to see how strictly the law will be enforced when it comes to cat ownership in government housing. This progressive move signifies a step forward for Singapore's pet-owning community after three decades of restrictions. With cats now granted citizenship in government housing, countless feline companions will have the chance to live happily alongside their human families.

15 Jan 2024
Global News

Microsoft Surpasses Apple to Become the World's Most Valuable Company

In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has dethroned Apple to become the world's most valuable company. How did Microsoft achieve this milestone, and what does it mean for the technology industry? Let's delve into the details. Microsoft's Remarkable Rise With a market capitalization of over $2.5 trillion, Microsoft has surpassed Apple to claim the title of the world's most valuable company. This remarkable achievement reflects the company's consistent growth and strategic vision in the technology sector. Microsoft's ability to adapt and innovate across various domains has propelled its success and reshaped the global business landscape. One of the key factors behind Microsoft's ascent is its diverse portfolio of products and services. From software solutions and cloud computing to gaming and business productivity tools, Microsoft has successfully established a strong foothold in multiple sectors. This diversification has not only increased the company's revenue streams but also fostered resilience in the face of market fluctuations. The Cloud Computing Boom Microsoft's cloud computing division, Azure, has played a pivotal role in the company's surge to the top. As businesses increasingly embrace digital transformation, the demand for cloud services has skyrocketed. Microsoft's Azure platform has emerged as a leading choice for enterprises seeking reliable and scalable cloud solutions. This growth in the cloud computing market has significantly contributed to Microsoft's increased market value. Leadership Under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft has undergone a remarkable transformation. Nadella's strategic vision, focused on empowering individuals and organizations through technology, has revitalized the company. With a customer-centric approach and emphasis on innovation, Nadella has guided Microsoft towards new frontiers, cementing its position as a technology giant. Implications for the Industry Microsoft's newfound status as the world's most valuable company has broader implications for the technology industry. It highlights the increasing importance of cloud computing, software solutions, and digital transformation in today's business landscape. Moreover, it emphasizes the significance of diversification and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving market dynamics. As Microsoft takes the lead, the competition in the technology sector intensifies. Apple, Google, and other industry leaders will undoubtedly strive to regain the top position. This healthy rivalry is expected to drive further innovation and benefit consumers through improved products and services. Additionally, the potential for collaboration between these tech giants presents opportunities for industry-wide advancements and breakthroughs. Investor Confidence and Market Trends Microsoft's ascent also reflects investor confidence in the company's ability to deliver consistent growth and generate value. This development may influence investment strategies and market trends, impacting the valuation of other technology companies and the overall stock market. Investors will closely monitor Microsoft's performance and its potential impact on the broader investment landscape. While Microsoft's achievement is significant, maintaining the top position will require continued innovation and adaptation to evolving market demands. The technology industry remains highly competitive, and unforeseen challenges are inevitable. However, Microsoft's strong foundation and proven track record position the company well for future success. As Microsoft surpasses Apple to become the world's most valuable company, it signifies a shift in the power dynamics within the technology sector. The company's diverse offerings, cloud computing dominance, and transformative leadership have propelled its rise to the top. The implications of this development extend beyond Microsoft, impacting the industry as a whole and setting the stage for a new era of technological innovation and competition.

15 Jan 2024
Global News

Conservation Success: Mother Tiger and Cubs Spotted After Almost a Decade in Western Thailand

Since conservation science started in earnest, this decade has seen some of the best news about tiger conservation. The first sighting of a mother tiger and her two cubs in almost a decade occurred in Western Thailand, and this sighting has to be considered a highlight. - For all those who love wildlife this is a good sign! Over the past century, threats to tigers, including habitat degradation and unauthorized poaching, have significantly decreased. Asia, which once hosted 100,000 wild tigers, has seen a decline in these perilous challenges. One of the Indochinese tiger's (Panthera tigris corbetti) final strongholds in Southeast Asia is now Thailand.  The Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM) of the nation is crucial to worldwide conservation efforts and is home to the biggest lone population of tigers left for this subspecies. While tigers have gotten a lot of interest in this area overall, WEFCOM's Khao Laem National Park (KLNP) has got less attention. According to preliminary data, Khao Laem National Park is crucial for serving as a wildlife corridor and for providing habitat for a resident tiger population.  A sigh of Hope : The fact that the mother and her cubs were spotted in the Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a part of the 2,400 square mile Western Forest Complex of Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, is evidence that Thailand's conservation efforts are having a positive impact. Not only are tigers breeding outside of core areas, but this also implies that there must be enough large game, such as sambar deer, to feed them. "Tiger is a symbol of beauty, bravery, strength, and Nationality so save the Tiger. save the Nation Pride." - Uzma

15 Jan 2024
Global News

Olympics 2036: Preparations at Full Power

In a bold move towards sporting excellence, the Gujarat government has revealed ambitious plans for potentially hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics in India. Biggest Areas with spectacular Capacities:  The Gujarat government has formed a new company that will oversee a budget of INR 6,000 crore to build six sports complexes to host the 2036 Summer Olympics if India wins the bid for the event. The new company named, 'Gujarat Olympic Planning and Infrastructure Corporation Limited', was formed three months back and will be preparing Gujarat for the multi-discipline sporting extravaganza.The firm will primarily look after the development of an area measuring nearly 350 acres around the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Ahmedabad's Motera area. Notably, the under-construction sports enclave houses the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's biggest cricket arena in terms of spectator capacity. More Details Regarding the Budget:  A 350-acre master plan has been created for the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Motera and its environs in order to fulfill the nation's aspiration of hosting the Olympics. The 350 acres of land to be used for the construction of six sports complexes is what the design company that was previously chosen through an open bid presented. The project will cost an estimated Rs 6000 crore in total and that the corporation has just released tenders to choose companies capable of designing these sports complexes. The Gujarat Urban Development Department's principal secretary chairs the board of top officials, which also includes the city of Ahmedabad's commissioner, the CEO of the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority, and the director general of the state's sports authority, according to an official. India officially announced in October of last year that it will submit a bid for both the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Summer Olympics. By hosting the games, Ahmedabad would have the chance to promote its culture and legacy globally and establish itself as a major global sporting and tourism destination. India is thrilled to have bid to host the Olympics. India is committed to organizing the 2036 Olympics to the fullest extent possible. A dream shared by 140 crore Indians. This is something we would want to realize with the IOC's help. Sports are not just the finest means to win medals; they are also the best way to win hearts. It fosters harmony in addition to producing champions.  

12 Jan 2024
Global News

Explore China's transportation revolution with the Rail Bus—a train without tracks!

Have you ever imagined trains gliding through city streets instead of on traditional tracks? In Zhuzhou, China, this futuristic vision has become a reality with the groundbreaking Rail Bus, a unique mode of transportation designed by Chinese company CRRC. From Design to Realization in Just Five Months Introduced to the public in June 2023, the Rail Bus swiftly moved from concept to reality. In an astonishing timeline of fewer than five months, CRRC initiated testing on a four-kilometer road in Zhuzhou, marking a significant leap in urban transportation innovation. Road-Mapped Revolution:  Navigating city streets beyond traditional tracks, the Rail Bus follows painted road markings, utilizing sensors beneath the vehicle. These sophisticated sensors, incorporating advanced technology, meticulously capture minute road details, ensuring an exceptionally precise journey with millimeter-level accuracy. Cost-Effective and Sustainable Urban Transit Aiming to replace the costly underground railway system, the Rail Bus offers an economical solution, costing only a quarter of the expenses associated with traditional subway systems in China. With a quick ten-minute recharge for a 25-kilometer journey, this electric marvel combines cost-effectiveness with sustainability, reaching speeds of up to 43 km per hour. The Road Ahead: Automation and Global Inspiration CRRC envisions a future of full automation for the Rail Bus network, minimizing human intervention (no drivers) and reducing traffic congestion. The success of this transformative transport system in China serves as an inspiration for urban planners worldwide, promoting a shift towards efficient and sustainable urban transit.

12 Jan 2024
Global News

US archaeologists find a mammoth tusk that had been buried for thousands of years.

A portion of Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America were previously home to mammoths. There are specimens located all throughout Canada and the United States. Mammoths dug up the earth with their curving tusks. They used them to battle and to wipe the bark off the trees. A Woolly mammoth's ears were shorter than those of a contemporary elephant. Their shorter ears, like their thick fur coat, helped keep them warm in the bitter cold. A Woolly mammoth has an undercoat of shorter hairs and an outer coat composed of exceptionally long hairs. They would stay warmer with this layering. About North Dakota: The terrain of the state is ideal for finding bones and fossils, especially those of dinosaurs. The low elevation, lush, biologically productive ecosystems of the terrain in the past have contributed significantly to the state's rich fossil record. Because of its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, North Dakota is subject to rivers and eroding sediments that have buried animal remains for at least 80 million years. Latest Discovery: As he scooped up a massive mound of dirt and dumped it into a dump truck, a shovel operator on the nighttime shift noticed a flash of white.  It wasn't until then that the miners realized they had discovered something unique: a 2.1-meter-long (7-foot-long) mammoth tusk that had been buried for countless years. The tusk was discovered by the miners at the Freedom Mine near Beulah, North Dakota, in an ancient streambed that was approximately 40 feet (12.1 meters) deep. The surface mine, spanning 45,000 acres (18,210 hectares), may provide up to 16 million lignite coal (14.5 million metric tons) annually. The workers halted their excavation after discovering the tusk and consulted specialists, who determined its age to be between 10,000 and 100,000 years. Jeff Person, a paleontologist with the North Dakota Geologic Survey was surprised, given the enormous machinery employed at the location, that the mammoth tusk hadn't sustained more damage. At almost fifty pounds (22.6 kg), this ivory tusk is regarded as brittle. In an attempt to regulate how quickly it dehydrates, the paleontologists have covered it in plastic. If you move too fast, the bone can fracture and become irreparable. Other bones have been tucked into drawers after being covered in plastic. For a few months at least, the bones will be covered in plastic until the scientists find out a safe way to remove the water. Later on, the mammoth species would be identified by the paleontologists.                   

12 Jan 2024
Global News

2023 Has Proved To Be A Positive Year for New Dinosaur Findings

Paleontologists keep raising questions about how well we comprehend dinosaurs. These are a handful of the newly found dinosaurs this year, along with one mosasaur. There are clearly a lot of dinosaur fossils out there, even though it's debatable whether they are all new species or, in some cases, previously found species being given new names. Scientists are identifying and unearthing them at a breakneck speed. Here are just a handful of the fascinating discoveries made thus far in this year of the golden age.  Iani Smithi: The Last Of Its Kind  Iani Smithi was a big-jawed, plant-eating dinosaur that flourished in the mid-Cretaceous period around 99 million years ago. It was a difficult period to live in. Rising sea levels and increasing temperatures were being brought on by increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. At the poles, rainforests might be found due to the extreme warmth. Encroaching seaways and other physical changes were reducing habitat and food sources in what is now Utah, the home of Iani. Eventually, the Iani lineage vanished from North America. Vectipelta Barretti: Global Nomad? Vectipelta barretti is a relatively new species that was detailed in an article that was published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology in June. Ankylosaurs, a kind of plant-eating dinosaur, had a broad body covered in bony, spiky plates and small legs. Vectipelta Barretti was one such species. Around 125 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period (The Cretaceous is a geological period that began 145 million years ago and ended 66 million years ago) , Vectipelta Barretti was alive. The fact that Vectipelta barretti is more closely linked to Chinese ankylosaurs than to armored dinosaurs from the United Kingdom is one of the many exciting aspects of this study. Although the researchers warn that much more research is required to be certain, this might indicate that creatures traveled between what is now Europe and what is now Asia during the early Cretaceous.  Stelladens mysteriosus: Be Sure to Examine Those Wings! This mosasaur had some intriguing tooth work. It was a predator that probably scared the ancient marine population. The blade-like ridges that ran down S. mysteriosus's teeth were star-shaped, more akin to a Phillips-head screwdriver than the serrated blades that other mosasaurs had.The name of the species, derived from the Latin word "mysterium," refers to the teeth's enigmatic form.  "The stories that fossils can tell us about the lub-dub of dinosaur life are richer and more detailed than we have been willing to hear." - Bakker, Robert T.  

6 Jan 2024
Global News

Microsoft breaks a three-decade tradition by introducing an AI-powered Copilot button on its keyboards

Microsoft has unveiled its first significant keyboard redesign in thirty years, featuring a prominent addition: the "Copilot key," a gateway to the software giant's AI chatbot as well as generative AI applications.. This innovative button, integrated into select Windows 11-based PCs, represents Microsoft's strategy to leverage its partnership with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.  While this marks a symbolic start to a competitive year in tech, it isn't without controversy. The tech industry faces unresolved ethical and legal implications, highlighted by a recent lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft by The New York Times, alleging copyright infringement due to tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. This recent keyboard change by Microsoft marks its most significant shift since the introduction of the Windows key in the 1990s. Situated near the space bar with the Copilot logo, this AI-enabled button replaces either the right "CTRL'' or a menu key. This move marks a substantial shift in how humans interact with computers. Microsoft's foray into customized keyboard functionality aligns it with other tech giants, evoking memories of Apple's iconic "Command" key and Google's earlier trials with AI-dedicated buttons on Chromebooks. This development highlights the constantly evolving tech scene, sparking a revolutionary phase in computer interfaces.

5 Jan 2024
Global News

Scandinavia's Oldest Ship Burial Rewrites History

Archeologists have made a remarkable discovery in Scandinavia, confirming the existence of the oldest Viking ship burial in the region. This finding has the potential to reshape our understanding of the Viking Age and shed new light on the maritime prowess of these ancient seafarers. Located on the island of Leka, the burial mound known as Herlaugshaugen has been dated to around 700 CE, predating the generally accepted start of the Viking Age. This raises questions about the definition of Viking ship burials, as the term "Viking" specifically refers to Scandinavian mariners who engaged in trade and raiding during a later period. The excavation of Herlaugshaugen revealed the remains of a large ship, indicating the existence of advanced boat-building techniques and a thriving maritime culture prior to the Viking Age. The presence of iron nails and other artifacts further supports the theory that the burial site was indeed a ship burial. The significance of this discovery extends beyond the burial itself. It suggests that Viking raids may have occurred earlier than previously recorded, while also highlighting the established trading networks and maritime connections between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe during the Merovingian Period. The concentration of burial mounds in the Namdalen region, where Herlaugshaugen is located, raises the possibility of an elite merchant society that thrived in the area. The discovery challenges existing historical narratives and invites further exploration into the early development of Viking culture. As archeologists continue to study and analyze the findings, this groundbreaking discovery holds the promise of rewriting the Viking Age and deepening our understanding of the ancient Scandinavian civilizations.

5 Jan 2024
Global News

Successful Evacuation: Japan Jet Crash Crew Praised for Flawless Rescue

In a remarkable display of courage and professionalism, the crew of a Japan Airlines flight executed a flawless evacuation, ensuring the safety of all passengers amidst a fiery inferno. The incident occurred when the jet collided with a coastguard plane during landing at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. While five individuals on the smaller aircraft tragically lost their lives, every passenger on Flight 516 managed to escape unharmed. Experts have attributed the success of the evacuation to the crew's rigorous training and the passengers' adherence to safety protocols. One crucial factor was the decision made by passengers to leave their hand luggage behind, in compliance with the crew's instructions. By prioritizing personal safety over belongings, the evacuation process was expedited, allowing everyone to exit the aircraft just moments before it was engulfed in flames. The crew's extensive training played a pivotal role in ensuring the passengers' swift escape. According to a former Japan Airlines flight attendant, all crew members undergo rigorous evacuation and rescue training for up to three weeks. This training, which includes simulations of various emergency scenarios, is repeated annually. Despite the challenging circumstances, including the aircraft's position and condition, the crew's quick thinking and adherence to protocols facilitated the evacuation. The airport's fire crews also played a crucial role in ensuring a clear path for passengers to escape. This successful evacuation serves as a testament to the importance of comprehensive training, effective communication, and coordinated efforts in ensuring passenger safety during emergencies. The incident highlights the continuous efforts made by the aviation industry to learn from past accidents and enhance safety regulations. As investigations continue into the cause of the collision, the world praises the crew for their bravery and professionalism, while passengers express gratitude for their safe escape from what could have been a far more tragic incident.  

5 Jan 2024
Global News

A Viral Photo of a Young Elephant Dozing In Its Mother's Arms After Their Reunion In Tamil Nadu

Elephants are very communicative animals. They exhibit love, compassion, rage, sadness, and joy. The strongest feeling of all is a mother's love for her calf. The state environment and forest secretary, Supriya Sahu IAS, shared a photo of the rescued elephant calf napping with its mother within Anamalai Tiger Reserve near Valparai in Tamil Nadu, a few days after the animal was reunited with its mother. The image was captured by field workers keeping an eye on the freshly reunited calf. When an image speaks a thousand words, this one of a rescued young elephant cuddling up in her mother's arms for a midday sleep before rejoining the larger herd is very touching. The image has received a lot of positive feedback on social media and gone viral. Some Internet users thought the video was adorable, while others praised the foresters for trying to reunite a youngster with its mother. The mother shields her calf from harm by carrying it over barriers, saving it from accidents, and using her own body to defend it from the sun. She gives it a wash with her trunk, scrubbing it clean and misting it with water. The mother is the calf's tutor as well as its protector and nurturer. She will teach it how to avoid its lone predator, humans, and where to obtain water. For a tiny elephant, who will only taste solid food in its mother's mouth for the first six years of its existence and survive on her milk alone, there is a lot to learn. Additionally, an elephant mother's milk undergoes four alterations to guarantee her infant receives the precise nutrients it needs. It's well known that elephant mothers are among the greatest mothers on the planet! With what we currently know about elephants, it is obvious that even their most basic requirements cannot be supplied in captivity! Zoos cannot and do not keep elephants in their natural social groupings. One of their most valuable instincts is family instinct. Because of the many unpredictable factors in their environment, they are frequently apart.   “I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful one-hundred percent!” – Dr. Seuss

4 Jan 2024
Global News

Sydney Harbor Welcomes 100 Tiny Endangered Seahorses in a Remarkable Conservation Effort

In a remarkable conservation effort, Sydney Harbor has become the new home for 100 tiny endangered seahorses, offering hope for their declining population. The seahorses, known as White's seahorses or New Holland seahorses, were bred at the Sea Life Aquarium in Sydney before being released into the harbor. This initiative is part of a larger plan to rehabilitate and reintroduce these iconic Australian creatures. Laura Simmons, the Aquarium's curator, revealed that this release is one of many that have already taken place, with several more planned for 2024. The White's seahorses possess fascinating characteristics, including ovoviviparous reproduction, where the female deposits fertilized eggs into the male's brood pouch for gestation. They also exhibit strong fidelity and seasonal monogamous mating. Unfortunately, their population has been in decline for years, making this conservation effort even more crucial. Simmons expressed the importance of reversing the decline and reestablishing the seahorse population. She emphasized that these seahorses are a national icon, and it is crucial to protect and preserve them. The release site at Clontarf, a tide pool north of Sydney Harbor, marks the sixth release this year alone. Previous successful releases have taken place at Chowder Bay, Botany Bay, and Little Manly Beach, resulting in over 400 individual seahorses finding their way into their natural habitats. Swimmers in Clontarf may have the chance to observe these seahorses clinging to the habitat net in the tidal pool. However, it is essential to respect their habitat and avoid disturbing the animals.

1 Jan 2024
Global News

Iceland's 'Bike Whisperer': Battling Bike Theft the Unique Way

In Reykjavik, Iceland, a fascinating character known as the "Bike Whisperer" has emerged as a beacon of hope in the fight against bike theft. Instead of resorting to anger or involving the police, Bjartmar Leósson, the bike whisperer, employs a unique approach to recover stolen bicycles and help thieves turn their lives around. Having experienced the frustration of having his own bike stolen in the past, Leósson noticed a pattern of thefts revolving around a homeless shelter in Reykjavik. Rather than simply lamenting the situation, he decided to engage with the thieves and understand their motivations. This marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Through his Facebook group, "Bicycle stuff etc lost, found or stolen," Leósson forged an alliance with the very individuals who had once been stealing bikes. Together, they embarked on a city-wide effort to reclaim stolen bicycles and return them to their rightful owners. With over 14,000 members, the group has become a powerful tool for recovering stolen bikes. The impact of Leósson's work has been tangible. Over the course of two years, bike theft in Reykjavik has seen a significant decrease, dropping from 569 to 404 reported cases. Simultaneously, the government has initiated a program to create cycling routes away from main roads, encouraging more residents to embrace biking as a mode of transportation. Leósson's approach goes beyond mere recovery. Recognizing that addiction often drives bike theft, he has also provided support and guidance to help these individuals find a path towards recovery. By addressing the root causes of crime, he has demonstrated the power of rehabilitation over punitive measures. The story of Iceland's "Bike Whisperer" serves as an inspiring example of community empowerment, compassion, and the potential for positive change even in the face of criminal activities.

31 Dec 2023
Global News

Majestic 2,300-Year-Old Sea Mosaic Uncovered in Rome!

Archaeologists in Rome have made a remarkable discovery, unearthing a 2,300-year-old mosaic that depicts a sea-themed banquet hall belonging to a wealthy aristocrat. The intricate mosaic, measuring an impressive 16 feet in length, is composed of seashells, coral, mother of pearl, blue glazed tiles from Egypt, fragments of marble, and Roman glass. It showcases detailed scenes of sailors, ships, mythical sea creatures, trumpets, and tridents. The significant find sheds light on the opulent lifestyle and social status of ancient noble families who resided in the Palatine Hill area of Rome. The mosaic's narrative scene is believed to celebrate a naval victory achieved by the owner of the banquet hall, with one fleet triumphing while another is depicted being devoured by sea monsters. According to archaeologist Alfonsina Russo, head of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, the banquet hall was not the only water-themed feature in the aristocrat's abode. Overlooking a garden, the hall was surrounded by lead pipes that directed water to statues and fountains, creating elaborate "water games" for the enjoyment of the wealthy residents. The preservation of the mosaic is extraordinary, as it spans the entire front wall and has remained remarkably intact. Professor Marco Rossi, an expert in Roman antiquities, attributes this to the mosaic's location on the Palatine, which protected it from exposure to damaging factors such as debris and oxygen. While the identity of the affluent individual who commissioned the striking artwork remains a mystery, the mosaic will soon be accessible to the public. Opening in late January, this remarkable display of Roman luxury promises to captivate visitors with its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance.

28 Dec 2023
Global News

Ancient Rigid Saddle Unearthed in Mongolia Provides A Glimpse into Horseback Riding Innovations

A remarkable archaeological discovery has shed light on the ancient art of horseback riding in Mongolia. The world's oldest rigid saddle, dating back to the 4th century BC, has been unearthed and confiscated from looters at a sacred site in the Altai Mountains. The saddle, made of intricately carved birch, represents a significant milestone in the history of equestrianism. It showcases the innovative techniques employed by Mongolian riders, who once dominated the Eurasian region on horseback. Unlike previous riding equipment, the rigid saddle provided riders with enhanced maneuverability and stability, enabling them to engage in high-speed combat and prolonged rides. The saddle was found alongside the mummified remains of a horse, indicating the reverence and bond between rider and steed. Local craftsmanship is believed to be responsible for its creation, as birch wood is abundant in the Altai region. Radiocarbon analysis confirmed its age, attributing it to the 4th century Mongolians. Archaeologists suggest that the influence of Mongolian technology on horse culture extends far beyond ancient times. The innovations in saddlery and stirrups that emerged from Mongolia have shaped the equestrian traditions observed today, including those in America. The discovery also provides insights into the physical toll horseback riding took on both horse and rider. The rigid saddle, constructed from wood, effectively distributed the rider's weight and minimized the skeletal impacts caused by prolonged riding. While the stirrups associated with the saddle were not found, evidence suggests they were likely present. It is speculated that Mongolia played a pivotal role in inventing and disseminating the combined use of frame saddles and stirrups, which revolutionized mounted warfare.

27 Dec 2023
Global News

Skyward Generosity: 70 Years of Parachuting Holiday Cheer to Remote Isles

For over seven decades, Operation Christmas Drop has been spreading holiday cheer and providing much-needed supplies to remote islands via parachute delivery. This long-standing tradition, initiated in 1952 by the U.S. Army, has become the longest-running U.S. Department of Defense mission in continuous operation. Operating over the Pacific islands, this annual mission not only brings joy to the islanders but also serves as a valuable training opportunity for new troops in delivering humanitarian aid during emergencies. Each parachuted crate carries an assortment of items, including toys, school supplies, clothing, shoes, powdered milk, canned goods, and fishing nets and gear, totaling an impressive 400 pounds (180 kg). To ensure the safety of the locals, the crates are dropped in the water just off shallow beaches, allowing the islanders to retrieve them easily. The operation is funded through various sponsored activities such as golf tournaments, sponsored runs, and donations from local businesses. Dedicated volunteers assemble the packages at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, with the support of crew and aircraft from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base in Japan. The heartwarming tradition of Operation Christmas Drop began when an aircrew spotted islanders waving at them during a mission over the Micronesian atoll of Kapingamarangi in 1951. The crew quickly gathered items they had on the plane, attached them to a parachute, and dropped them from the aircraft. Since then, the operation has grown significantly, involving multiple countries and increasing the number of islands and communities served. This remarkable initiative not only brings holiday joy but also exemplifies the spirit of generosity and compassion. Operation Christmas Drop continues to make a positive impact on the lives of remote islanders, demonstrating the power of collective goodwill and the joy of giving during the holiday season.

27 Dec 2023
Global News

Revolutionary eSoil: Electrically Conductive Soil Leads to Accelerated Crop Growth!

At Linkoping University in Sweden, scientists unveiled an incredible breakthrough: eSoil! This revolutionary soil, powered by electricity, turbocharges crop growth, as seen in barley, promising faster and more abundant harvests. It's a game-changer in farming methods, potentially transforming how we grow our food! The innovative hydroponic approach introduced by scientists, led by associate professor Eleni Stavrinidou, promises a staggering 50% surge in barley seedling growth within a concise 15-day period, setting the stage for a transformative shift in global agriculture. "Existing agricultural methods are inadequate to sustain our planet amidst burgeoning populations and the looming specter of climate change," emphasizes Stavrinidou, underscoring the significance of this breakthrough. This innovative approach allows for water-efficient, controlled farming, relying on a nutrient-rich solution and a supportive medium for root attachment. Hydroponics not only minimizes water usage but also optimizes nutrient delivery, setting it apart from conventional farming practices. While hydroponics has traditionally favored vegetables and herbs, the cultivation of barley seedlings represents a pioneering leap. The eSoil, crafted from cellulose and a conductive polymer, PEDOT, signals a sustainable alternative to mineral wool, reducing environmental impact while maximizing crop yield. Moreover, the reduced energy consumption of eSoil eliminates high-voltage hazards previously associated with root stimulation, paving the way for safer and more efficient farming practices. Stavrinidou remains optimistic about the future of hydroponics, especially in regions facing arable land scarcity and harsh environmental conditions. As research delves deeper into optimizing this technology, the horizon appears promising for a sustainable, high-yield future in agriculture.

27 Dec 2023
Global News

China's 'Condensed' Battery Breakthrough Paves the Way for Long-Range 1000KM Electric Cars and Planes

China-based battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has announced a groundbreaking development in battery technology that could potentially power long-range electric cars and planes. With its new 'condensed' battery, CATL claims to store almost double the power of Tesla's top-of-the-range 4680 cell, which was considered a game-changer just a few months ago. Will this innovation bring electric motoring dreams to reality? The new battery's remarkable energy density has the potential to enable electric vehicles (EVs) to travel up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) on a single charge, eliminating the need for frequent recharging. This breakthrough could also have a significant impact on the aviation industry by removing technological barriers that have hindered the development of electric-powered passenger flights. CATL achieved this milestone by utilizing semisolid-state battery technology, which employs partially solid electrolytes instead of the traditional liquid or gel electrolytes found in current lithium-ion batteries. This advancement not only increases energy density but also holds the promise of smaller, more affordable EV batteries. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, the range of EVs has quadrupled over the past decade. This battery breakthrough by CATL could further accelerate the transition to sustainable transport and make electric vehicles more accessible to the masses. In a noteworthy competition, Gotion High Tech, a Volkswagen-backed company based in China, has also announced plans to bring a 1,000-kilometer range battery, called 'Astroinno,' to the mass market by 2024.  The race to develop high-performance batteries marks a significant stride towards achieving universal electrification in transportation, encompassing sea, land, and air travel.

26 Dec 2023
Global News

A Festive Delight in Space - NASA Unveils Celestial Christmas Tree

The holiday season just got a cosmic upgrade as NASA recently shared a breathtaking image from the depths of space, revealing a stellar masterpiece resembling a Christmas tree. NGC 2264, famously dubbed the “Christmas Tree Cluster,” showcases a radiant display of youthful stars adorned with blue and white ornaments against a backdrop of vibrant green nebula, located an astonishing 2,500 light-years away from Earth. This stunning celestial tree, captured through a blend of data from diverse telescopes, unveils a sight that's truly out of this world. From the Chandra X-ray Observatory detecting X-rays emitted by the cluster's blue and white stars to the WIYN 0.9-meter telescope revealing the surrounding green nebula and the Two Micron All Sky Survey mapping the stars in infrared light, the image offers an awe-inspiring view of the cosmos. The remarkable image, uniquely rotated to present the tree's crown at the image's top, invites viewers into a universe where young stars, aged between 1 to 5 million years, shine with varied sizes and colors, promising an enduring journey through space unlike their older counterparts nearing their lifecycle's end.

25 Dec 2023
Global News

Finnish Approach to Psychosis Revolutionizes Mental Health Treatment Worldwide

In a groundbreaking development, the alternative Finnish approach to psychosis treatment is gaining global recognition for its remarkable outcomes. Could this transformative method revolutionize mental health care worldwide? The Finnish psychiatrists' approach, known as 'open dialogue,' originated in the 1980s and has shown significant improvements in treating mental illness during times of crisis. As a five-year study of open dialogue approaches completion in the UK, mental health professionals believe that its results could reshape the treatment of mental illness in Britain and beyond. Traditionally, psychiatric systems have centered around medication as the primary method of addressing mental health issues. However, the Finnish model emphasizes rapid response, family involvement, and consistent support networks. Reports indicate that patients who undergo open dialogue experience fewer prescriptions, shorter hospital stays, and increased reintegration into education and employment. The success of the Finnish model has caught the attention of mental health practitioners worldwide. In 2024, the first randomized-controlled trial of open dialogue outside Finland will take place in the UK, comparing its outcomes to traditional psychiatric approaches. If positive results are confirmed, the entire paradigm of mental health care, particularly during times of crisis, could undergo a radical shift. By providing a safe space for open discussion among family, friends, and mental health professionals, open dialogue aims to understand the patient's experiences and find collaborative solutions. This contrasts with the conventional diagnostic approach, where decisions are made behind closed doors. As mental health issues continue to rise globally, the potential impact of the Finnish approach to psychosis treatment cannot be underestimated. Its implementation could improve the lives of millions, offering hope for a brighter future in mental health care. 

23 Dec 2023
Global News

Best Next Move in Artificial Intelligence: Cryptos In 2024

What Exactly Are Cryptocurrencies? A cryptocurrency is a digital asset that can circulate without the centralized authority of a bank or government. There are currently 24,630 cryptocurrency projects in the cryptocurrency market, which is expected to reach $4.94 billion by 2030. From Bitcoin and Ethereum to Dogecoin and Tether, there are thousands of different cryptocurrencies, making it overwhelming when you’re first getting started in the world of crypto. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology is spawning a new wave of innovative initiatives in the volatile realm of cryptocurrency. As we look forward to 2024, several AI-focused cryptocurrencies are gaining traction due to their potential to disrupt various industries. The rapid pace of development in the cryptocurrency industry makes forecasting future crypto trends challenging. New features are being offered to the public as developers delve further into the technology. SingularityNET (AGI): Built on the Ethereum blockchain, SingularityNET intends to create a decentralized marketplace for AI services. The platform allows developers and organizations to collaborate and commercialize their ideas by facilitating the interchange of AI algorithms and services. SingularityNET, with an emphasis on democratizing AI, has the potential to disrupt the existing AI business and empower a larger community of innovators. Numerai (NMR): Numerai uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize trading tactics in financial markets. The platform invites data scientists to contribute predictive models while keeping the underlying data private, creating a collaborative and competitive atmosphere. The NMR token may see growing demand as a utility within the Numerai ecosystem as Numerai continues to enhance its AI-driven approach to financial predictions. Fetch.ai (FET): Fetch.ai is a pioneer in decentralized machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) systems that enable autonomous economic agents. These AI-powered entities may execute tasks like data exchange and supply chain optimization without centralized oversight. The FET token is the Fetch.ai ecosystem's native utility token, giving access to services and facilitating transactions amongst autonomous agents. Ocean Protocol (OCEAN): The Ocean Protocol aims to unleash data for AI and machine learning applications by establishing a decentralized data exchange. Users may monetize their data while maintaining control over who can access it. The OCEAN token is critical to the ecosystem because it facilitates data interchange and incentivizes people to contribute and consume data responsibly.  Cortex (CTXC): Cortex is a decentralized AI autonomous system (DAS) that mixes blockchain and AI. Developers can utilize the platform to put AI models on the blockchain, and users can use the CTXC token to access these models. Cortex intends to democratize AI development by providing a platform for decentralized AI model creation, sharing, and monetization. “[Virtual currencies] may hold long-term promise, particularly if the innovations promote a faster, more secure and more efficient payment system.”—Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve

23 Dec 2023
Global News

Renewable Energy Gains Momentum Despite Challenges at Cop28 Climate Summit

The recent Cop28 climate summit held in Dubai faced significant challenges as vested interests and fossil fuel lobbyists made their presence known. However, amidst the obstacles, the final agreement marked a significant step forward. For the first time, it calls on all countries to transition away from fossil fuels and work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. While falling short of explicit commitments, this landmark decision reflects the growing urgency to address the climate crisis. Despite opposition from major oil-producing nations, the agreement demonstrates a remarkable shift in global priorities. More than 190 nations participated, emphasizing the increased global attention on climate change. However, critics argue that the agreement contains loopholes and lacks enforcement mechanisms. Nevertheless, the renewables sector continues to gain momentum, undeterred by the challenges at Cop28. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that renewables will provide 50% of the world's electricity by 2030, driven by falling costs, technological advancements, and supportive regulations. The IEA report also highlights other positive trends, such as a significant increase in electric vehicles, the dominance of solar PV in electricity generation, and a surge in offshore wind investments. While these developments inspire optimism, the IEA warns that global emissions remain alarmingly high. To achieve the crucial target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the transition to clean energy must accelerate rapidly. The transition towards renewable energy is an unstoppable force. The Cop28 agreement, along with the growing momentum in renewables, offers hope for a sustainable future. However, sustained commitment and action from governments, businesses, and individuals are essential to achieve a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.

22 Dec 2023
Global News

Solar Storms: Here, There, Anywhere! A long-standing Sun riddle has been answered

Nestled about 93 million miles away, the Sun reigns as Earth's nearest star in the vast cosmos.The enigmatic star has always loomed large, offering warmth, light, and life. The Sun is exploding with energy, erupting violently with solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other types of eruptions hundreds of times every year. These violent space weather events, known as solar storms, squeeze Earth's magnetic shield, unleashing enough power to blind satellites, damage radio transmissions, and knock out entire cities' power grids. However, one of the Sun's mysteries is how solar storms form. Furthermore, it is impossible to forecast when these events will take place. Scientists from the University of Sydney and the United States have solved a long-standing enigma regarding the Sun, which could aid astronomers in forecasting space weather. Furthermore, it may aid in our preparation for potentially disastrous geomagnetic storms if they strike Earth. A new study provided a solid theoretical basis for a better understanding of the Sun's internal magnetic dynamo, commonly known as a solar dynamo. The solar magnetic field is produced by a dynamo process that operates in the Sun's interior. Understanding the workings of the solar dynamo, which drives the solar cycle, is critical.  Understanding the Solar Dynamo: The solar dynamo is a physical mechanism that produces the magnetic field of the Sun. A variation of the dynamo hypothesis is used to explain it. Electric currents and a magnetic field are produced by a naturally occurring electric generator in the Sun's interior. The finding of non-terrestrial magnetic fields raised the question of why magnetic fields should exist on the Sun's surface (a similar question had previously been raised in terms of the Earth's magnetic field). "Why" inquiries are difficult because they admit multiple viable responses that can only be eliminated one at a time. The most basic proposed solution was that the magnetic field reflects a general relationship between rotating bodies and their magnetic fields. Scientists intend to put their model to the test by listening inside the star's beating heart using a technique known as helioseismology. They hope that their discoveries will spur more observation and investigation into the Sun's driving forces!

21 Dec 2023
Global News

NASA's Perseverance Rover Completes Mars Mission, Discovers Promising Signs of Ancient Life

NASA's Perseverance rover has successfully concluded its mission on Mars after over 1,000 days of exploration, revealing intriguing evidence of potential ancient life on the Red Planet. During its time on Mars, Perseverance collected 23 samples of regolith, which contained silicates, fine-grained silica, phosphates, and carbonates—ingredients that could support life as we know it. The rover's findings suggest that Jezero Crater, an ancient crater lake, was once a habitable environment. The mission team presented their discoveries at the American Geophysical Union fall meeting in San Francisco. They revealed that Jezero Crater formed nearly 4 billion years ago from an asteroid impact. Over time, the crater transformed into a lake, with the presence of sandstone, mudstone, and salt-rich mudstones indicating the existence of water and potential evaporation. Perseverance's project scientist, Ken Farley of Caltech, explained that the choice to land in Jezero Crater was based on orbital imagery indicating the presence of a delta, a clear sign of a large lake. Delta rocks are ideal for preserving signs of ancient life as fossils. The samples collected by Perseverance have been carefully stored in tubes designed to maintain their cleanliness and prevent contamination. The rover utilized the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) to examine mineral signatures in the ground, guiding the selection of drilling sites for samples. While no direct evidence of past life has been found yet, Perseverance's exploration of Jezero Crater has provided valuable insights into Mars' geological history. The rover will continue its mission, investigating the canyon area where the river once flowed into the lake. Carbonate deposits in that region hold further scientific interest. NASA's Perseverance rover represents a significant step forward in our understanding of Mars and its potential for harboring ancient life. The findings from this mission will shape future exploration endeavors and further our quest for extraterrestrial discovery.

19 Dec 2023
Global News

Reviving Hope: Global Declaration Signed to Protect River Dolphins and Their Habitat

In a significant breakthrough, 11 countries from Asia and South America have come together to sign a global declaration aimed at safeguarding the future of the world's remaining river dolphin species. The "Global Declaration for River Dolphins" seeks to reverse the alarming decline in these majestic creatures and protect their habitats. One of the key species highlighted in the declaration is the endangered Indus River dolphin, found exclusively in Pakistan. With the population of Indus River dolphins nearly doubling over the past two decades, thanks to the joint efforts of the government, local communities, and NGOs like WWF-Pakistan, there is renewed hope for their survival. However, with only around 2,000 Indus River dolphins remaining, urgent action is required to combat the challenges they face. WWF-Pakistan, in collaboration with local communities, aims to intensify conservation initiatives to ensure the protection of these rare dolphins. Efforts include reducing pollution, enhancing their habitats, freeing dolphins entangled in fishing gear, and rescuing those trapped in irrigation canals. Endorsed by range states across Asia and South America, the Global Declaration for River Dolphins emphasizes the need to eliminate gillnets, reduce pollution, expand research, and establish additional protected areas to support vulnerable river dolphin populations. River dolphin populations globally have declined by a staggering 73% since the 1980s. The signing of this global declaration marks a crucial step forward in international efforts to save these remarkable creatures from further decline. By joining forces and implementing comprehensive strategies, it is hoped that this collaborative initiative will provide a lifeline for river dolphins, ensuring their survival for generations to come.

15 Dec 2023
Global News

Ireland Breaks Renewable Record with 70% Energy Generated from Wind

In a remarkable feat, Ireland has set a new renewable energy record by generating a staggering 70% of its electricity from wind power. This milestone showcases Ireland's commitment to sustainable energy and highlights the potential of wind as a renewable resource. Despite Ireland's unpredictable weather patterns, wind energy has proven to be a reliable and consistent source of power. On a recent Wednesday, wind turbines contributed an all-time high of 4.62 gigawatts to the Irish power grid. By midnight, wind power had met 71% of the day's electricity needs. According to HeatMap, Ireland ranked third globally in wind energy generation in 2022. The Green Collective, which monitors the Irish energy grid, reported that the previous record of 4.56 gigawatts was achieved last year. Impressively, approximately 10% of the wind power generated was exported to the United Kingdom. The success of Ireland's wind energy industry is a testament to the country's commitment to sustainability. It joins the ranks of other wind power leaders in Northern Europe, such as Denmark, Norway, and Lithuania. Uruguay, the second-highest producer of wind energy globally, also stands as a testament to the potential of wind power. This record-breaking achievement reinforces Ireland's position as a leader in renewable energy and sets a positive example for other nations striving to reduce their carbon footprint. The shift towards cleaner and greener energy sources like wind power is crucial for combating climate change and building a sustainable future.

15 Dec 2023
Global News

Amazon Conservation Triumph: Amazon's Forest Loss Drops, Climate Cheers!

In a remarkable turn of events, deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest has experienced a sharp decline, reaching its lowest levels since 2019. The reduction in forest loss by 55% this year is seen as a significant victory for Brazil and Colombia, both of which have recently-elected leftist governments. The data, provided by the Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project (MAAP), reveals the positive trend. MAAP tracks forest cover and loss across the Amazon region using the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellite. The findings indicate a 59% decrease in primary forest loss in Brazil, closely aligning with the figures reported by Brazil's government. Other countries in the region have also made notable progress in combating deforestation. Peru witnessed a one-third reduction in forest loss, while Colombia experienced a two-thirds decline. The decrease in deforestation rates in Colombia is attributed partially to former guerrillas transitioning to environmental sectors. Bolivia, despite facing severe wildfires, managed to achieve a 60% drop in forest loss. While Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana saw increased rates of forest loss, these were primarily due to natural causes such as floods, mudslides, and strong winds. The Amazon Rainforest plays a vital role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. The significant decline in deforestation rates provides Amazonian countries with a stronger negotiating position for international conservation funding. This positive trend in deforestation reduction brings hope for the preservation of one of the world's most critical ecosystems and underscores the importance of global efforts to protect the Amazon Rainforest.

14 Dec 2023
Global News

Detroit's Newest Road Revolutionizes Electric Vehicle Charging as Cars Charge While Driving

Detroit, Michigan has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the realm of sustainable transportation with the completion of the nation's first wireless-charging public roadway. The newly installed technology on 14th Street, developed by the Israeli company Electreon, allows electric vehicles (EVs) to charge while driving on the road. This revolutionary road, a testing ground for Electreon's wireless-charging technology, aims to address the range limitations of EVs and pave the way for a future of efficient electric transportation. By utilizing inductive-charging coils installed beneath the road surface, equipped EVs with receivers can receive continuous charging as they travel. Dr. Stefan Tongur, Electreon's Vice President of Business Development, expressed excitement over spearheading America's first wireless charging road and acknowledged the collaborative efforts with the State of Michigan and the Department of Transportation (MDOT). The road segment, spanning between Marantette and Dalzelle streets, marks a significant step towards the development of an electric road system (ERS). The wireless charging technology is based on inductive coupling, which enables the transfer of electricity through a magnetic field between the road's coils and receivers installed on the underside of EVs. The system ensures controlled and precise energy transfer, activating only when an approved receiver-equipped vehicle passes over the charging segment. Michigan's Department of Transportation and Electreon plan to install a mile of inductive-charging roadway along US-12 (Michigan Avenue) in 2024. Additionally, Electreon has already set up two static inductive charging stations in front of Michigan Central Station, enabling parked EVs to receive a charge. This innovative project aligns with the state's commitment to advancing sustainable transportation and provides a glimpse into the future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With successful testing and further advancements, wireless charging roads may soon become a common sight, revolutionizing the way we power our vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.

14 Dec 2023
Global News

Virgin Atlantic Makes History with First Transatlantic Jet Powered by 100% Sustainable Fuel

Virgin Atlantic has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the first transatlantic flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).  The historic flight took place when a Boeing 787 departed from London's Heathrow Airport and landed at JFK Airport in New York. The aircraft was fueled with SAF derived from sources such as cooking oil, waste crops, and food waste. This type of fuel is estimated to emit 50% to 70% fewer emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. With 50 tonnes of SAF on board, the flight showcased the viability of sustainable aviation fuel as a climate-friendly alternative. UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper, who was a passenger on the flight, hailed the achievement as a groundbreaking moment. The flight was not open to the general public, but it marked a significant step forward in the industry. Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, recognized the importance of starting somewhere to drive change in the aviation sector. He emphasized that demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable aviation fuel was crucial for its widespread adoption. While heavy machinery and long-haul aircraft face unique challenges in transitioning to sustainable energy sources, the success of this transatlantic flight highlights the potential of sustainable aviation fuel. Currently, SAF accounts for only 0.1% of passenger flight fuel in the UK, but the government has set a target of achieving 10% SAF usage by 2030. This groundbreaking achievement by Virgin Atlantic paves the way for a greener future in aviation, showing that sustainable fuel can propel long-haul flights while significantly reducing carbon emissions. It offers hope for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious air travel industry.

13 Dec 2023
Global News

Against all odds, a group of amateurs discovers the hidden secrets of a 15th-century royal palace, but what did they find?

In a remarkable feat of determination, a team of amateur history enthusiasts has unearthed the hidden remains of a 15th-century royal palace. Against all odds, these individuals successfully located and identified the Collyweston Palace, once owned by Margaret Beaufort, the grandmother of Henry VIII. Despite lacking significant financial resources and official plans, the Collyweston Historical and Preservation Society (CHAPS) in Northampton, England, embarked on a five-year search for the palace. Utilizing ground-penetrating radar, they stumbled upon buried walls and foundations that hinted at the palace's existence. Previously listed as a historical site by Historic England, the palace had been largely forgotten, with only fish ponds and a barn serving as visible remnants. The radar scans provided the first evidence of the palace's hidden structures, which had fallen into disrepair by 1650 and were later replaced by another house built by the Tryon family. With the support of local grant money totaling £14,000 ($17,500), CHAPS initiated excavations and attracted the attention of better-funded professionals who joined their efforts. The ongoing second stage of excavations aims to uncover more details about the palace's architecture and usage, while preserving any artifacts discovered for a future museum exhibit. The discovery of the Collyweston Palace sheds light on a significant chapter of England's history, with records indicating that Queen Elizabeth I once held court there in 1566. This inspiring find showcases the power of passion and determination in unearthing hidden treasures from the past.

13 Dec 2023
Global News

A novel kind of RNA has been found to aid with human learning and memory.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a nucleic acid found in all living cells that is structurally identical to DNA. RNA, unlike DNA, is typically single-stranded. Instead of the deoxyribose present in DNA, the backbone of an RNA molecule is formed of alternating phosphate groups and the sugar ribose. Addressing some Research questions Regarding RNAs : Surprisingly, whereas lncRNAs may be found throughout the body, an estimated 40% are expressed solely in the brain, implying brain-specific activities. Neuroscientists have just begun to use lncRNAs for a basic brain process: memory creation and storage.  What functions do these transcripts play in memory and learning?  How did the human brain develop to use them for these purposes?  Which lncRNAs are involved in memory disorders? The Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland has made an intriguing discovery about RNA and its role in how we learn and remember unpleasant situations. Everything boils down to how RNA controls cellular processes in the brain. Fear extinction is hampered in those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).This discovery has the ability to change the mechanisms underlying the formation of fear extinction memory. ‘This new information may inform the development of future RNA therapies to address PTSD’ a lot of researchers are bringing up this fact!.  Understanding PTSD in brief : People suffering from PTSD have powerful, unsettling thoughts and sensations about their traumatic experience that remain long after the incident has finished. They may relive the incident in flashbacks or dreams, experience grief, dread, or fury, and feel disconnected or estranged from others. PTSD can occur in all people, of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and at any age. PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in adolescents ages 13 -18 is 8%. An estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime.It is also possible to have higher degrees of PTSD symptoms at other times, such as during war, a pandemic, or a natural disaster.Many people will fulfill the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis at some point in their lives, and whether or not a person develops PTSD after suffering trauma is determined by a number of variables. Understanding where, when, and how an RNA molecule is triggered, as well as having a precise identifier, would aid in the identification of therapeutic targets!

11 Dec 2023
Global News

Cities United: Declining Crime Rates Bring Hope for Safety

Major cities across the United States are experiencing a welcome decline in violent crime and homicide rates, offering hope for a safer future. Notably, Detroit is on track to achieve its lowest crime rate in 60 years, thanks to the implementation of a special task force aimed at addressing a criminal case backlog. Following the government-enforced lockdowns of the criminal justice system in Wayne County, which includes Detroit, the task force successfully reduced the number of felons awaiting trial from 4,000 to 1,400. This concerted effort, which involved budget increases and allowing judges to work remotely, has yielded positive results. Violent crime rates in the first 11 months of 2023 have seen significant declines compared to 2022, with the homicide rate down by 18% and carjackings down by 36%. Mayor Mike Duggan attributes the surge in violent crime across America to the closure of criminal courts, making it impossible to convene juries. The program implemented in Detroit has shown promising results in curbing crime. Similar positive trends are observed in other major cities. Chicago, infamous for its high crime rates, is also experiencing double-digit percentage declines in homicides and shootings. Los Angeles has seen a decrease in violent crimes, including aggravated assault, homicide, shootings, and rape, with reductions ranging from double digits to a quarter. The declining trend in violent crime and homicides brings renewed hope for community safety. As cities implement effective strategies and allocate resources to combat crime, there is a glimmer of optimism for a future with reduced violence. The progress made in Detroit and other cities serves as a testament to the collective efforts of law enforcement and community members working towards safer neighborhoods.

10 Dec 2023
Global News

Igniting the Future: Japan's Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion

Japan has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the field of renewable energy as the world's largest experimental nuclear fusion reactor, the JT-60SA, successfully generated its first plasma. The tokamak-style reactor, measuring 13.7 meters in diameter and 15.4 meters in height, utilized superconducting magnets to heat and contain a gas to an astounding temperature of 200 million degrees Celsius, transforming it into plasma. Nuclear fusion, often touted as the ultimate solution to Earth's energy needs, replicates the process that powers the Sun, offering emission-free and radiation-free energy generation. The JT-60SA's assembly involved the collaboration of over 70 contracted companies and the combined efforts of 500 scientists and engineers from Europe and Japan. The project, initiated in 2007 through an agreement between the European Union and Japan, aims to construct the JT-60SA as a smaller-scale version of the ITER fusion reactor currently under assembly in France. With the JT-60SA now operational, the data gathered will contribute valuable insights to inform the construction and operation of ITER, projected to be operational by 2025. EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson hailed the JT-60SA as the most advanced tokamak in the world, declaring the reactor's activation as a significant milestone in the history of fusion. Simson emphasized the potential of fusion as a key component of the global energy mix in the future. While challenges remain in achieving sustained energy generation from nuclear fusion, the successful operation of the JT-60SA marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of a sustainable and clean energy future. The global community eagerly awaits further progress in this revolutionary field.

9 Dec 2023
Global News

Milan Company Transforms Food Waste into Environmentally Friendly and Visually Stunning Furniture!

Milan, known for its cutting-edge design, is making waves in the world of eco-chic furniture with a groundbreaking initiative that transforms food waste into 3D printing materials. A local company, Krill, has taken the risk of investing in this innovative approach, resulting in the creation of tabletop furniture that is both environmentally friendly and visually stunning. Using discarded lemons, oranges from the islands of Naples, and coffee grounds from Milan's bars, Krill has produced an array of products including table lamps, incense holders, magazine racks, key bowls, clocks, and bookends. While these items may come with a higher price tag, they have gained popularity within their price range. Moreover, for every kilogram of printing material used, one kilogram of carbon emissions is saved from being generated in landfills. Krill holds a patent for their printing material, called ReKrill, which has already attracted the attention of notable corporations like San Pellegrino and Four Seasons. The company's director of operations, Marco Di Maio, emphasizes the eco-friendly nature of their products, stating that if any material ends up in the ocean, it is biodegradable and does not produce microplastics. In addition to reducing landfill waste, Krill has partnered with non-profit organizations to channel city food waste, such as coffee grounds, into sustainable recycling projects. The furniture produced by Krill can even be composted, and its biodegradability ensures the safety of curious pets. With this innovative approach, Milan is demonstrating its commitment to the circular economy and sustainable living. The fusion of technology, design, and environmental consciousness has resulted in remarkable creations that not only beautify living spaces but also contribute to a greener future.

8 Dec 2023
Global News

Nature's Miracle: How Ancient Redwoods Defy Destruction and Renew Life!

In a remarkable display of natural resilience, ancient redwood trees in California have defied scientists' expectations by sprouting new shoots from their blackened trunks following a devastating fire. The discovery unveils a hidden survival mechanism that allows these majestic giants to regenerate and thrive. During the early years of a recent drought, lightning sparked a fire in California's Big Basin Redwoods State Park. As the fire blazed through the forest, scorching the redwoods' crowns and consuming their thick bark, scientists feared that these ancient trees, some over 2,000 years old, would never recover. However, a study conducted by tree ecophysiologist Drew Peltier from Northern Arizona University has revealed a surprising adaptation in these resilient giants. The researchers found that the redwoods had dormant buds lying beneath their bark that were activated by deep energy reserves stored in their roots. Sugars produced by photosynthesis decades ago powered the growth of new buds, enabling them to emerge and reach sunlight. Melissa Enright, a researcher from the US Forest Service, conducted an experiment by blocking sunlight from reaching the emerging shoots. Despite the lack of sunlight, the shoots continued to grow, eventually developing into small pine boughs. Radiocarbon dating of the sugars in these boughs revealed that the average age of the sugar molecules was 21 years, indicating the use of energy generated over two decades ago. This groundbreaking discovery challenges our understanding of tree metabolism and provides hope for the survival of older trees in the face of changing climates and natural hazards. The resilience and regenerative abilities of ancient redwoods offer valuable insights into the remarkable adaptive strategies of nature.

8 Dec 2023
Global News

Google's New AI Model Gemini Surpasses ChatGPT in Most Tests

Google has introduced Gemini, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence model that claims superiority over ChatGPT in numerous tests, showcasing advanced reasoning skills. This revolutionary model was unveiled recently post the global AI safety summit. Consisting of three versions, Gemini's prowess lies in its "multimodal" capabilities, enabling seamless comprehension across text, audio, images, video, and computer code simultaneously. Google’s Gemini surpasses existing AI models, notably outperforming GPT-4 in 30 out of 32 benchmark tests, including reasoning and image understanding, and GPT-3.5 in six out of eight trials. The Bard upgrade will be integrated into Google’s products, such as the Bard Chatbot. However, it faces  regulatory hurdles in the UK and Europe, necessitating clearance before its release. . DeepMind's CEO, Demis Hassabis, describes Gemini as their most intricate and ambitious project. Gemini's smaller versions, Pro and Nano, are set for release alongside Ultra, the most powerful iteration, which will undergo extensive external testing and red team assessments for safety and security, aligning with Joe Biden’s executive order. However, challenges persist, notably in combating "hallucinations," or false answers. This has prompted ongoing research efforts signaling Google's commitment to ensuring the model's reliability and safety, setting a precedent for responsible AI advancement.

7 Dec 2023
Global News

FedEx Spreads Christmas Cheer: 300,000 Free Trees Delivered to Military Families

In a heartwarming display of generosity, FedEx has brought holiday joy to military families across America through its annual Trees for Troops program. This year, the freight company delivered an astounding 300,000 Christmas trees to families stationed at over 90 military bases nationwide. Teaming up with the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, FedEx reached a significant milestone during a special celebration at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, marking the delivery of the 300,000th tree. The Trees for Troops program, which began in 2005, aims to provide farm-grown Christmas trees to both domestic and international U.S. military bases. Lance Moll, President and CEO of FedEx Freight, expressed the company's unwavering commitment to supporting Trees for Troops, emphasizing the deep connection between their mission and the values held dear by military families. Throughout their 18-year partnership, FedEx drivers have covered an impressive 600,000 miles to ensure the delivery of these festive trees. Wendy Richardson, Chair of the Christmas Spirit Foundation Board of Trustees, reflected on the program's humble beginnings and its growth over the years. She expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of all those involved and the joy they bring to military personnel and their families. While the deadline for tree donations has passed, interested individuals can still contribute online or consider participating next year. The Trees for Troops website provides information on how to donate and a list of participating locations. FedEx's commitment to spreading holiday cheer to military families serves as a reminder of the generosity and gratitude that define the holiday season.

5 Dec 2023
Global News

Aurora Borealis May Grace U.S. Northern Tier Tonight, NOAA Announces

The U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has just revealed an exciting possibility for sky gazers across the U.S. Northern Tier. According to their latest prediction, the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, may make a rare appearance tonight.   The NOAA has been closely monitoring several solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which have occurred in recent days. These flares are responsible for the awe-inspiring geomagnetic storms that manifest as vibrant green lights dancing across the night sky.   While the current NOAA Aurora Forecast cannot guarantee sightings south of Northern Canada, there is a chance that the Northern Lights might grace the northernmost states east of the Rockies. The appearance of this natural phenomenon depends on the redirection of charged particles in the solar wind by the Earth's magnetic field. Nitrogen produces a stunning red hue, while the iconic green glow is a result of oxygen particles.   If the Aurora Borealis does manifest tonight, it promises to be a breathtaking spectacle that should not be missed. Residents in the Northern Tier of the U.S. are urged to keep a close eye on the sky and prepare to witness this celestial phenomenon.   Nature enthusiasts and stargazers alike are encouraged to share this exciting news with friends and family in the Northern States immediately. Stay tuned for updates as the NOAA continues to monitor the situation and provides any further information regarding the potential appearance of the Aurora Borealis in the U.S. tonight.  

4 Dec 2023
Global News

Beyond Centuries: The Oldest Living Land Animal Continues to Defy Time!

Meet Jonathan, the venerable giant tortoise, who recently turned 190 years old! He is hailed as the world's oldest land-dwelling creature. This remarkable reptile's exact birthdate remains shrouded in mystery, yet historical estimates suggest Jonathan was already a ripe 50 years old when he journeyed from the Seychelles to St Helena in 1882. According to Guinness World Records, Jonathan's birth year is tentatively placed at 1832, although this timeless tortoise might boast an even more extensive lineage. Surpassing the average life expectancy of his species by a hefty margin, Jonathan claimed the title of the oldest recorded turtle in 2021, surpassing Tu’I Malila, a radiated tortoise who lived for 188 years. Despite his age, Jonathan defies the odds, exhibiting an unyielding vitality. Though his senses have weathered the years—his sense of smell gone and vision dimmed by cataracts—his appetite remains robust. Carefully tended by a devoted team, Jonathan partakes in a weekly feast of fruits and vegetables, supplementing his calories and vital nutrients. Veterinarian Joe Hollins, Jonathan's faithful caretaker, marvels at the tortoise's resilience. " It is extraordinary to think that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on land, including of course the whole human race. Jonathan is in good health and all the indications at present make us hopeful that he will reach his third century – if indeed he hasn’t done so already!” Hollins expressed, amazed at the legacy held within Jonathan's ancient shell. As admirers contemplate the tales Jonathan might share if he could speak, one thing remains clear: in his majestic, unhurried pace, this gentle giant carries the secrets of centuries within his ageless form.

4 Dec 2023
Global News

The Hidden Hero: The Unseen Hand Changing Lives in China for 25 Years!

An anonymous donor has been quietly making a significant impact in China for the past 25 years, contributing an astounding $2.3 million to fund education and support for impoverished families. The mystery philanthropist, known only as "let nature take its course," has been sending generous donations to the Ningbo Charity Federation in Eastern China since 1999. The remarkable act of kindness began with a letter accompanied by 50,000 Chinese RMB (approximately $7,000) in remittances. The following year, and for the subsequent years, the donor continued to send letters filled with money, totaling 1.08 million RMB ($150,000) in the most recent installment. Respecting the donor's wish for anonymity, the charity has refrained from seeking out the identity of the benefactor. Instead, they have diligently utilized the funds for educational purposes, as per the donor's request. By using remittances to circumvent banking regulations, the donor has managed to maintain secrecy while contributing to a noble cause. The donations have been instrumental in building several schools for underprivileged children in Zhejiang Province. Anonymous acts of generosity are not uncommon in Chinese culture, and they often capture public attention and admiration. This particular donor's commitment to giving back has spanned decades, transforming the lives of countless children and families. While the identity of the donor remains a mystery, their impact is undeniable. Their selfless contributions have provided hope and support to those in need, exemplifying the power of compassion and the profound difference one individual can make in the world.

3 Dec 2023
Global News

Remarkable Discovery: Complete Stegosaurus Fossil with Preserved Skin Unearthed in Northern China!

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers in Northern China have unearthed a complete Stegosaurus fossil with remarkably preserved skin imprints. The fossil, found in the Fengning Manchu Autonomous County in Hebei Province, was accompanied by the remains of a primitive Triceratops ancestor, providing valuable insights into the evolution of these ancient creatures. The Stegosaurus skeleton, measuring 5 meters in length, offers an unprecedented opportunity for scientists to study the soft tissues of dinosaurs. Zhang Fucheng, a professor at the Institute of Geology and Paleontology of Linyi University and leader of the research team, explained that while bones and teeth are typically well-preserved, the soft parts such as skin and muscle are extremely rare to find. The mineralization of the Stegosaurus' skin alongside its bones is a remarkable occurrence. According to Gou Ying, an associate professor at the institute, the skin of the Stegosaurus was scaley, which aided in moisture retention, allowing the creature to adapt and survive in dry climates similar to modern-day lizards and snakes. The fossil sheds light on the environmental conditions prevalent during the mid-Cretaceous period, with abundant forests and riverine ecosystems. The circumstances surrounding the preservation of the Stegosaurus are also intriguing. It is believed that the dinosaur perished while drinking near a body of water, which was subsequently covered in layers of ash due to a volcanic eruption, ensuring the remarkable preservation of the fossil. This incredible find not only adds to our understanding of Stegosauruses but also fills gaps in the fossil record of China's ceratopsids. The well-preserved bones of this specimen will provide essential evidence for further research into the evolution of primitive ceratopsid dinosaurs. The discovery is a testament to the invaluable work of paleontologists and their ongoing efforts to unravel the mysteries of our planet's prehistoric past.

1 Dec 2023
Global News

Sulapac - We're one step closer to ridding the planet of plastic trash.

Sulapac, a Finland-based company that creates packaging for beauty products using recycled and side-stream' content (byproducts and processed waste from production), was founded in 2016. It also produces straws, cutlery, and kitchenware. After "a lot of trial and error," it now has a portfolio of 13 products manufactured from a combination of plant-based biopolymers and natural resources such as wood chips. The material may be recycled or industrially composted, and if it ends up in nature, it will biodegrade at the same pace as a tree leaf or piece of wood. Today, the team collaborates with beauty brands like Chanel, Schwan Cosmetics, and Shiseido to reduce society's reliance on oil-based plastics one tub of face cream at a time. Sulapac's ideas have earned it several awards. Perhaps most notably, the Green Alley Award's highest honor in 2017, barely a year after founding the company. Addressing Microplastics in Water Bodies:  However, plastic packaging is a massive issue that no one pioneering firm can solve on its own. In 2019, around 460 million tons of plastic were manufactured worldwide, with packaging being the single greatest source. Its production and disposal account for more than 3% of global emissions, with the quantity in our seas expected to increase to 29 million tonnes per year by 2040. When it gets into the water, it dissolves into dangerous microplastics that are "almost impossible to remove from nature." Establishments by Sulapac:  However, for Sulapac, the goal is to create goods that truly work. When their biodegradable straws were introduced in 2019, Suvi Haimi, co-founder and CEO, stated, "Sustainability is important, but you can't change the world just by focusing on that." You must also provide an excellent consumer experience." For the straws in issue, this meant passing what Haimi refers to as the "mojito test" : drinking many cocktails with the same straw without it becoming soggy. In fact, the manufacturer says that one straw may be used for up to 24 hours.And it also implies elegant packaging in the cosmetics business.  For them, aesthetics hold paramount importance. Even if they've developed an exceptionally sustainable material, if it fails to meet their brand's stringent standards, it might not gain wide acceptance. They refuse to compromise, whether in terms of visual appeal or functionality. As sustainability emerges as a prominent future trend, pioneering entities initially took bold leaps, but now, numerous companies are actively joining this expanding field, collaborating and engaging with one another.

1 Dec 2023
Global News

The World's First Electric Flying Ship is All Set to Revolutionize Water Travel!

The world's first electric flying passenger ship, the Candela P-12, has recently completed all tests and is set to enter mass production in preparation for its launch in 2024. This groundbreaking vessel, developed by Candela Technology, has achieved remarkable results during its test flights, showcasing its potential to revolutionize water transportation. With a top speed of 30 knots (35 mph), the Candela P-12 has set a new record for electric passenger vessels. It boasts a range of up to 50 nautical miles, making it the first electric ship capable of covering most coastal transport needs. Furthermore, the ship's minimal wake ensures minimal damage to coastlines, docks, and moored ships, even when operating at full speed. Using computer-guided hydrofoils, the Candela P-12 elevates its hull above water friction, resulting in 80% less energy consumption compared to traditional high-speed vessels. This innovation overcomes the primary challenges faced by electric ships, such as limited range and slow speeds due to excessive energy consumption. The 30-seat Shuttle variant of the Candela P-12 is priced at €1.7 million, matching the cost of similar-sized conventional vessels and offering a more affordable option compared to other electric alternatives. Once in service, the ship is expected to significantly reduce 'fuel' costs by up to 90% compared to diesel vessels. The successful completion of tests and the impending production of the Candela P-12 marks a major milestone in sustainable transportation. With its potential to transform waterways into green highways, this electric flying passenger ship promises to revolutionize how we travel on water, catering to public transport fleets, VIP services, and private customers alike.  

30 Nov 2023
Global News

Unforgettable Joy: Walmart & Salvation Army Surprise Maui's Kids with 35,000 Gifts After Wildfires

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that struck Maui in August, Walmart and the Salvation Army have joined forces to bring joy and holiday cheer to the community, surprising thousands of children with free toys and gifts. Recognizing the hardships faced by the affected children, Walmart generously donated 35,000 toys to brighten their holiday spirits. Two special events were organized to distribute these gifts and create a memorable celebration. The first event was a Christmas party held at Princess Nahi’ena’ena's campus, where students and staff from the fire-damaged King Kamehameha III school were relocated. The Salvation Army adorned the large gymnasium with festive scenes, and the 800 children present were thrilled to receive thousands of toys. Walmart also showed their appreciation by providing gift cards to the staff, allowing them to enjoy the holiday season. The second event, a Winter Wonderland Toy Shopping Spree, took place at a local Walmart store. Over 1,800 children and their families had the opportunity to shop for multiple toys, free of charge, creating smiles and excitement throughout the store. The outpouring of love and care from the Lahaina community, Walmart, and the Salvation Army was evident in the joy on the children's faces. The surprise toy giveaways and shopping spree not only brought holiday cheer but also served as a reminder of the generosity and kindness that can flourish in challenging times. This heartwarming collaboration between Walmart and the Salvation Army showcases the power of community support in bringing happiness and hope to those in need. The initiative has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the children of Maui, spreading joy and creating unforgettable memories during the holiday season.

30 Nov 2023
Global News

NASA's Quiet Supersonic Jet Can Enable New York to London Travel in 1.5 Hours!

NASA's ambitious project to develop a quiet supersonic jet, dubbed the "son of Concorde," is one step closer to becoming a reality, potentially revolutionizing transatlantic travel. The aircraft, known as the X-59, aims to fly at speeds faster than the speed of sound, nearly doubling the Concorde's velocity. With the goal of reducing the disruptive sonic boom to a mere "sonic thump," NASA has identified approximately fifty established inter-city routes that could benefit from this technological advancement. The most notable among them is the route connecting New York City and London, where travel times could be slashed to just 1.5 hours, a fourfold improvement over current options. Although the X-59 is currently undergoing final preparations at the Lockheed Martin facility in Palmdale, California, its potential impact is already generating excitement. Cathy Bahm, the project manager for the low boom flight demonstrator, expressed her anticipation for the aircraft's emergence from the paint barn, symbolizing the realization of their vision. As part of NASA's Quesst mission, the X-59 will be flown over selected U.S. communities to gather data on public perception of its noise levels. This data will be crucial in persuading regulators to reconsider existing rules that prohibit supersonic flight over land. The development of supersonic passenger air travel has been a subject of interest for NASA, envisioning aircraft capable of reaching speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 4. The Concorde, which previously held the title for the fastest commercial airliner, cruised at a maximum speed of Mach 2.04. The imminent progress of the X-59 brings hope for a future where transatlantic travel becomes faster, more accessible, and less disruptive, potentially revolutionizing the way we explore the world.

29 Nov 2023
Global News

Discover One-of-a-Kind Underwater Sculptures That Also Serve As Habitats for Marine Life!

Renowned British artist Jason deCaires Taylor has breathed new life into an underwater sculpture park off the coast of Grenada, infusing the vibrant culture and history of the island into his art.  Collaborating with local artists, Taylor created life-size sculptures that were cast from members of the Grenadian community. This installation, named the Coral Carnival, pays homage to the country's annual carnival, Spicemas, and showcases symbolic carnival characters. The Coral Carnival is an expansion of the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, which Taylor originally established in 2006 as the world's first underwater sculpture park. Situated at a depth of about 10 feet (3 meters), the sculptures are easily visible to snorkelers. These unique sculptures, adorned with jewels, sequins, and feathers, mark the first time paint has been used on underwater art. Importantly, environmentally friendly materials such as high-grade stainless steel and PH-neutral marine cement were employed to prevent any damage to the local reef. Not only do the sculptures captivate the eye, but they also serve as habitats for marine life. The bases of the sculptures feature specially designed holes and shelters for creatures like octopuses and lobsters. Funded by the Grenadian Ministry of Implementation and Tourism and the World Bank, this expansion enriches the visitor experience while deepening the connection to Grenada's cultural tapestry.

28 Nov 2023
Global News

Hong Kong Engineers Win James Dyson Award for Climate-Combatting Coating

In a remarkable achievement, two young engineers from Hong Kong have been awarded the prestigious 2023 James Dyson Award for their groundbreaking solution to combat the scorching heat in the city. Hoi Fung Ronaldo Chan and Can Jovial Xiao have developed a revolutionary heat-reducing coating called E-COATING, which utilizes 470,000 recycled glass bottles. Hong Kong's sweltering sub-tropical climate heavily relies on air-conditioning, accounting for nearly one-third of the city's electricity consumption. E-COATING not only addresses the issue of waste glass but also significantly reduces the energy required for cooling systems by reflecting the sun's rays. According to Ronaldo, energy usage on air conditioning systems can be reduced by approximately 30% with the application of E-COATING on exterior roofs and walls. This eco-friendly solution demonstrates their commitment to tackling environmental problems and promoting sustainability. Sir James Dyson, the renowned inventor and founder of Dyson, praised the ingenuity behind E-COATING, stating that it transforms waste into something valuable. The coating acts as a dual solution, benefiting the environment and offering cost savings. The James Dyson Award will provide support to further enhance the adhesion and application process of E-COATING. Additionally, the inventors plan to explore new formulas for indoor use, expanding the potential applications of their innovative coating. Ronaldo and Jovial expressed their gratitude for the recognition and the prize money, which will enable them to continue their research and development efforts. Their ultimate goal is to establish a company that can take their invention to the next level, making a lasting impact on the fight against climate change.

27 Nov 2023
Global News

Over 100,000 Ancient Coins Unearthed at Japanese Excavation Site!

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists conducting an excavation in Japan have unearthed an astonishing collection of over 100,000 ancient coins. The excavation site, located in the Sojamachi district of the Kanto region, has provided valuable insights into Japan's rich history. The trove of coins, some dating back 2,000 years, offers a fascinating glimpse into the monetary systems and trade exchanges of ancient civilizations. With 44 different types identified so far, the coins span a wide range of eras, from the Western Han Dynasty to the Kamakura Period. Believed to be predominantly made of copper or bronze, the coins were minted with a central hole, a design innovation pioneered by the Chinese. This feature allowed for easy transport, storage, and counting, as the coins could be strung together and carried like a keychain. The discovery of the coins, stacked and buried in bundles, hints at their hasty burial, possibly by wealthy members of medieval Japanese society. This finding adds to the intrigue surrounding their purpose and the circumstances of their concealment. The excavation site has also yielded other artifacts, leading researchers to speculate that it was once the center of power for a long-lost province called Kozuke during the Kofun Period. This remarkable find opens up new avenues for studying Japan's cultural heritage and sheds light on the economic and cultural exchanges of ancient times. The ancient coins serve as a treasure trove of historical knowledge, awaiting further exploration by researchers and historians.

26 Nov 2023
Global News

From Coal to Clean Energy: Inside Indonesia's Monumental Solar Plant

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowiu, recently unveiled a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy journey by inaugurating a massive floating solar power plant in West Java province. This marks a pivotal move in Indonesia's commitment to diversifying its energy sources away from coal and embracing sustainability. The project, valued at 1.7 trillion rupiah (approximately $108.70 million), is a collaboration between Indonesia's state utility company, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) Nusantara Power, and the United Arab Emirates' renewable energy firm, Masdar, a unit of Mubadala Investment Company. This 192 MWp floating solar power plant is positioned on the Cirata reservoir. President Jokowi expressed optimism about escalating this initiative to 500 MWp, highlighting the potential for further renewable energy development in the nation. Built atop the reservoir, the solar infrastructure, comprising 340,000 solar panels spread across 250 hectares, aims to generate 245 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. This substantial output is anticipated to power approximately 50,000 households, contributing significantly to the Jawa-Bali distribution line. President Widodo hailed this achievement as a crucial step towards Indonesia's aspirations for large-scale renewable energy utilization. He emphasized the successful partnership between PLN and Masdar as a model for similar collaborations in the future. Despite facing delays, the inauguration of the Cirata plant aligns strategically with Indonesia's commitment to enhancing its renewable energy capacity. As the nation gears up to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) climate meetings, this groundbreaking project underscores Indonesia's dedication to reducing carbon emissions and achieving its ambitious sustainability goals.

25 Nov 2023
Global News

House of Hackney Becomes Second UK Company to Appoint Nature to its Board

In a groundbreaking move, House of Hackney, an interiors company, has become the second UK firm to officially include nature in its boardroom discussions. By appointing a human 'nature guardian,' the company aims to bring a transformative energy to its decision-making processes, with a focus on long-term sustainability. House of Hackney, founded by Frieda Gormley, offers a range of environmentally conscious products such as wallpaper, fabric, paint, and furnishings. Gormley's vision has always been to create a brand that fosters a deep connection with nature, incorporating sustainable materials and exploring regenerative farming practices. The inclusion of a nature guardian is seen as a natural progression in this commitment. The selected nature guardian will have access to a network of experts who will provide guidance on specialized topics. Importantly, if the company chooses not to follow the guardian's advice, they are bound to publicly explain their reasons, fostering a culture of accountability. Inspired by eco beauty firm Faith In Nature, which pioneered this concept in 2022, House of Hackney aims to elevate its sustainability efforts. The presence of a nature guardian in board meetings has already sparked a mindset shift, with nature's perspective trickling into decision-making processes at an earlier stage. This move aligns with the growing trend among companies to define corporate purposes that extend beyond financial profit. House of Hackney's decision reflects a broader movement advocating for businesses to align their interests with those of society and the environment. How will the company's sustainability efforts be strengthened, and what positive changes will this transformative decision bring? As House of Hackney pioneers this forward-thinking approach, the impact of nature's inclusion in its decision-making processes is eagerly anticipated.

24 Nov 2023
Global News

Slim & Sleek: Unveiling the World's Skinniest Hotel Marvel in Indonesia

A unique architectural wonder is captivating social media's attention: the peculiar structure dubbed the "world's skinniest hotel." Nestled amidst an alleyway and residential houses in Salatiga, Central Java, Indonesia, this slender building has captured the world's attention with its innovative design and functionality. Originally a dumping ground, the site now hosts the extraordinary creation envisioned by architect Ary Indra for the PituRooms Project. The hotel, spanning five floors within a mere nine-foot width, ingeniously accommodates seven rooms. It also boasts of a rooftop lounge. Overcoming challenges posed by limited space, Indra strategically employed a deep foundation to ensure the hotel's stability. However, the real challenge lay in defying conventional hospitality norms favoring superlatives like "biggest" or "most luxurious." "We turned this limitation into our strongest asset, offering guests an exploration of micro-space, experiencing 'just enough' living and movement," expressed Indra, emphasizing the innovative nature of the project. With functionality at its core, the architecture features machinery and service rooms cleverly positioned atop the structure with cantilevered steel grating. Notably, the building incorporates gill-like features to facilitate natural ventilation. The hotel's ingenious design has stirred waves on social media. Users can’t help admiring the compact rooms equipped with amenities and captivating artwork. Beyond its novelty, it stands as a groundbreaking response to land-related challenges in small Indonesian towns.

23 Nov 2023
Global News

New Ancient Language Discovered

Archaeological study in the Middle East is revealing how a long-forgotten ancient culture promoted multiculturalism and political stability through hitherto unknown linguistics. The groundbreaking finds are also offering new light on the functioning of early empires. Excavations in Turkey, in the ruins of the Hittite empire's ancient capital, are uncovering extraordinary evidence that the imperial civil service contained entire departments dedicated to researching the faiths of subject peoples. According to the evidence, Hittite leaders instructed their civil servants in the second millennium BC to record subject peoples' religious liturgies and other traditions by writing them down in their respective local languages (but in Hittite script) - so that those traditions could be preserved and incorporated into the empire's highly inclusive multicultural religious system. So far, ancient language specialists have uncovered that Hittite civil workers saved and recorded religious materials from at least five ethnic groups. The most recent example was discovered only two months ago. It was discovered to be written in an obscure Middle Eastern language that had been forgotten for up to 3,000 years. Over the years, 30,000 full and fragmented clay tablet writings have been discovered at the ruins of Hattussa (now known as Bogazkoy), about 100 miles east of modern Turkey's capital, Ankara.The vast majority were written in Hittite, the empire's primary language. However, the Hittite government's scribes penned about 5% of them in the languages of the empire's minority ethnic groups, such as the Luwians (from south-eastern Anatolia), Palaians (from north-west Anatolia), and others.  The discovery demonstrates that even the most obscure languages in the empire were being written down, researched, and preserved. This increases the prospect of more tiny, previously unknown Middle Eastern languages being unearthed and recorded on Hittite imperial clay tablets in the line of ancient scriptoria that researchers are now excavating at Bogazkoy. All documents in the empire's civil service were written in a Hittite version of cuneiform, a pre-existing Mesopotamian-originating script (the world's oldest writing system), consisting of wedge-shaped lines grouped in groups signifying syllables. In ancient times, the area of the Middle East that is now Turkey was exceptionally rich in languages. The excavations of the ancient scriptoria in Bogazkoy will help linguists better comprehend the evolution of ancient Bronze Age Indo-European languages, which are distantly linked to English. The current digs are being conducted by Professor Andreas Schachner of the German Archaeological Institute in Istanbul, with paleo-linguists from Wurzburg and Istanbul universities studying the texts on the clay tablets."Bronze Age Middle Eastern history is only partly understood - and discovering additional clay tablet documents is helping scholars to substantially increase our knowledge," said Wurzburg University professor Daniel Schwemer, who is leading the investigation into the newly discovered texts. Because technological innovations (particularly the use of iron, the development of sophisticated ultra-lightweight war chariots, and the establishment of a substantial civil service) enabled the expansion of warfare and government, as well as the formation of ever-larger empires, the civilization fundamentally altered human history. The ongoing archeological investigation at Bogazkoy is revealing surprising new information on how Hittite civilization functioned - and consequently how it aided in the transformation of human history.  

23 Nov 2023
Global News

Groundbreaking Whole-Eye Transplant Provides Hope for Arkansas Man

In a medical milestone, a military veteran from Arkansas has become the first person to undergo a whole-eye transplant, offering new hope for vision restoration. Can this groundbreaking procedure transform the field of transplantation? Aaron James, who suffered a near-fatal electrocution while working on a powerline in Mississippi, underwent the 21-hour surgery at NYU Langone Health. The procedure involved replacing a significant portion of his face and connecting a donor eyeball to his optic nerves. Although it remains uncertain whether James will regain sight in his transplanted eye, the successful surgery marks a significant advancement in transplantation science and provides immense relief to his family. Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, the director of the Face Transplant Program at NYU Langone Health, instructed the surgical team to preserve as much of James' optic nerve as possible, even if the eye transplant did not result in restored vision. James, understanding the importance of being a pioneer in this groundbreaking procedure, expressed his willingness to contribute to medical knowledge. Stem cells were injected into the optic nerve and surrounding areas to facilitate the gradual restoration of communication between James' brain and the transplanted eye. Over time, the donor tissue integrated successfully, resulting in a more human-like appearance and the growth of beard stubble through the skin. This remarkable achievement opens up new possibilities for future eye transplants and offers a glimmer of hope to individuals with severe vision impairments. As medical science continues to push boundaries, the world eagerly awaits further breakthroughs in the field of transplantation and the potential restoration of sight for those in need.

23 Nov 2023
Global News

Portugal Successfully Runs on 100% Renewables, Resulting in 6 Days of Zero Energy Bills!

Portugal has accomplished an incredible feat by relying entirely on renewable energy sources to power the nation for an impressive six consecutive days, resulting in nearly zero consumer electric bills.  According to reports, Portugal's largest energy company, Redes Energéticas Nacionais, confirmed that wind and wave conditions were responsible for generating the nation's entire energy supply. Initially predicted to last only a day, these favorable conditions persisted for a remarkable six days, with Portugal even exporting renewable electricity to Spain during certain periods. The achievement encompassed a total of 149 hours of continuous renewable energy generation, with 95 hours dedicated to exporting excess power to neighboring Spain. This remarkable run broke the previous record for consecutive days of 100% renewable energy use. Interestingly, the record-breaking achievement was made possible primarily by rainy and windy weather rather than solar power. The presence of wind turbines, many of which were installed in the 1990s when solar panels were less cost-effective, played a significant role. Additionally, Portugal has invested in numerous hydroelectric dams since the 1970s, further bolstering its renewable energy capacity. Looking ahead, experts in the energy sector anticipate the development of deepwater offshore wind farms as the country continues to expand its renewable energy infrastructure. Portugal's remarkable accomplishment in running on 100% renewables for an extended period highlights its commitment to sustainability and serves as an inspiration for other nations striving for energy independence and a greener future.

22 Nov 2023
Global News

Lost Worlds Found: Satellite Uncover Serbia's Ancient Past

Serbia's rich historical heritage has been further unveiled as satellite images have exposed hidden Bronze Age settlements, bringing to light 100 previously unknown sites. The discovery sheds new light on the region's past and connects it to ancient civilizations like the Myceneans, ancient Egyptians, and Babylon. An international research team, comprising members from Serbia, Ireland, England, and Slovenia, initiated the project in 2015. By analyzing aerial surveying and satellite imagery, they identified over 100 habitations on the Pannonian Plane in Northeast Serbia. These settlements were characterized by large enclosures, protected by ditches and earthen ramparts, some spanning over 2,400 acres with extensive defensive works. The enclosures, strategically positioned near major rivers such as the Tisza, Bega, and Timis, formed a north-south corridor believed to be part of the Lower Pannonian Network, a crucial trade route for bronze connecting the region to the Mediterranean. Excavations conducted on foot within these sites uncovered invaluable artifacts such as household refuse, pottery shards, animal bones, and other remnants, allowing for radiocarbon dating that established a timeline from approximately 1,600 BCE to 1,200 BCE. While definitive details about the ancient inhabitants and their way of life remain elusive, the proximity of the enclosures suggests a potential collective effort by a clan or a small group of families involved in the bronze trade. This groundbreaking discovery not only redefines our understanding of the late Bronze Age but also opens up new avenues for further exploration and research. The interconnectedness of these sites reveals a complex network of trade and cultural exchange that spanned vast distances and transcended linguistic and geographic barriers. The revelation of these hidden settlements underscores Serbia's significant role in the ancient world and invites us to reimagine the past through a newfound lens of historical richness and connectivity.

21 Nov 2023
Global News

Israel-Hamas War- Recognizing the Helping Hands : Which countries have sent aid To Gaza so far?

Over the weekend, Gaza received two aid shipments, the first since Israel began bombing the Palestinian enclave following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7. The 2.3 million residents of the besieged enclave are in desperate need of humanitarian aid since Israel cut off supplies of food, fuel, and electricity before beginning a bombing campaign. Due to the constant bombardment, over 4,600 Palestinians—more than one-third of whom were children—have died. Israel claims to be pursuing Hamas fighters responsible for the October 7 attack in southern Israel that claimed the lives of over 1,400 people. What is known about the supplies of humanitarian aid going to Gaza is as follows: Which nations have given Gaza aid? El Arish International Airport in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt has received at least eight planes carrying relief supplies from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, and Tunisia. On Sunday, India dispatched medical supplies and disaster relief to El Arish. 16 tons of supplies for Gaza have been sent by Rwanda. In addition to establishing an air bridge, the European Union has increased its aid to the region threefold. On the other hand, in reaction to the Hamas attacks, a number of EU nations, including Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, have temporarily stopped providing aid to Gaza. To date, how many trucks have entered Gaza? Twenty trucks made up the first convoy that entered Gaza on Saturday from Egypt; the second convoy arrived the following day. Approximately 3,000 tonnes of aid are loaded onto more than 200 trucks that are stationed close to the Egyptian border, awaiting permission from Israel to enter Gaza. UNICEF representative in Egypt, Jeremy Hopkins, stated that "at least 100, 200 trucks going in per day" are needed to meet the needs of the people in Gaza. In addition to the thousands of people in need of food and other basics, over a million people have been displaced and tens of thousands have sustained injuries that require immediate medical attention. Gaza : What else are they preaching to Get help with ? They definitely Require more assistance : According to the UN humanitarian office, the amount of aid that has been delivered thus far only makes up 4% of the daily average required prior to the hostilities and a small portion of what is currently required as supplies of food, water, medicine, and fuel run low.Relief organizations claim that fuel, which is essential, is missing from the supplies shipped to Gaza.The sole cancer hospital in Gaza has issued a warning to its medical staff that they are running dangerously low on fuel and may have to close. What if, as is inevitable, this war ends with a comprehensive resolution to the long-running conflict between the Israeli and Palestinian people, rather than with a cease-fire or truce, as has happened in previous wars with Hamas?It is difficult to see anything positive emerging from a conflict this destructive, particularly for those of us watching its brutal prosecution from Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Despite how horrible things are, I feel obliged to hold back from giving up. Even though I might be clinging to hope, I feel obligated to look for any reason to be hopeful.  

20 Nov 2023
Global News

"We’re Not Doomed Yet,’ Says a Climatologist, Citing Several Reasons for Optimism

Professor Michael Mann is the climatologist whose keen interpretations ultimately put some climate change-related facts to rest. He's published a new book, 'Our Fragile Moment', about surviving the climate disaster. Here he explains why he is optimistic about our future. The Earth's climate is resilient in some ways: Climate models predict that Earth should have been a frozen planet four billion years ago when our sun was just 70% as brilliant as it is now. But that wasn't the case. There were oceans of liquid water teeming with primitive life (microbes). The solution to the 'faint young sun paradox,' first proposed by Carl Sagan, was that the greenhouse effect must have been greater back then. Over billions of years, as the sun steadily became brighter, the greenhouse effect gradually lessened, keeping the planetary temperature within parameters suitable for life. Life, by exerting control over the global carbon cycle, played an important part in carbon drawdown. Our doomsday predictions are greatly overstated; Climate doomers argue that it is too late to intervene. They argue we've caused runaway warming as a result of an uncontrollable leak of methane into the atmosphere when Arctic permafrost melts. They draw parallels with previous significant extinction events, such as the so-called 'end Permian extinction' or simply 'the great dying' 250 million years ago, which resulted in the elimination of 90% of Earth's species. They argue that the incident was caused by a comparable runaway warming event to what is happening now. Today, however, there is little evidence of a huge release of permafrost methane, let alone catastrophic warming. Furthermore, paleoclimate evidence contradicts this view of "the great dying." Instead, we now know that the extinction catastrophe was caused by massive volcanic eruptions that released massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, producing warming and ocean acidification. We are making strides; Another form of climate doomsaying is the belief that we are making no progress at all in decarbonizing our societal infrastructure. That is simply not true. Prior to the Paris Agreement in 2016, the world faced more than 4 degrees Celsius of future warming based on business-as-usual emissions. Because of the effort being made to shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, global temperatures are expected to stabilize below 3 degrees Celsius. Indeed, if the world's states follow through on their commitments made at the most recent global climate talks, warming will most likely be limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius. Established interests, particularly the fossil fuel sector, have launched a huge disinformation campaign to deceive the public and legislators. As a result, we must win the battle for hearts and minds by using our voices and votes to ensure that politicians act on behalf of the people rather than the polluters. We can still keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The barriers are not physical or technical in nature. They are purely political in nature. And if we all commit to acting, we can overcome political impediments. We still have time to save our delicate moment!

19 Nov 2023
Global News

Reviving Paradise: Indonesia's Bold Mission to Save Biodiversity

Indonesia is embarking on a significant environmental endeavor as it announces plans to convert half a million acres of palm plantations back into lush forests. The government has set up a task force to identify and remove oil palm plantations that were established on protected land. This initiative aims to restore the tropical rainforests that should rightfully exist. The joint efforts of the internal security and environmental ministries have been mobilized to ensure the success of this ambitious project. Chief security minister Mahfud MD has warned that legal action will be taken against palm oil companies that continue to operate on protected land after the deadline. Recognizing the challenges posed by the vast, mountainous, and forested terrain of rural Indonesia, the government acknowledges the slow and inefficient nature of its actions. However, progress has already begun, with 40% of plantation owners in forested areas identified. The task force has set a deadline for plantation owners to submit documentation detailing their land usage. Those found to be operating on land intended for forests will face eviction and potential criminal charges. The fines imposed on plantation owners in protected and conservation forests will contribute to the government's climate change mitigation efforts. By the end of the program, it is estimated that approximately 200,000 hectares of land will be reclaimed for nature. This initiative is crucial for Indonesia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries, to protect its unique flora and fauna from the threats posed by palm oil plantations. The reversal of deforestation trends and the increasing survival rates of forests are positive signs of progress. Indonesia's commitment to restoring its natural landscapes sets a commendable example for other nations facing similar environmental challenges. 

17 Nov 2023
Global News

Young Inventor Receives 2023 Dyson Award for the Life-Saving 'The Life Chariot' in Ukraine

In a surprising turn of events, James Dyson, the renowned inventor and founder of Dyson, has awarded a young inventor from Ukraine, Piotr Tłuszcz, with the prestigious 2023 Dyson Award for his groundbreaking invention, 'The Life Chariot.'  Designed to address the challenges faced during medical evacuations in rough terrains, 'The Life Chariot' is an off-road MEDEVAC ambulance that can be attached to any vehicle with a towing hook or eye. Inspired by the conflict in Ukraine, Piotr Tłuszcz recognized the need for a safer and more efficient method of transporting casualties in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The lightweight design and advanced suspension system of 'The Life Chariot' provide a secure and comfortable environment for patients, surpassing the conventional method of transporting them in the trunk of a car. The innovative trailer also accommodates one injured person on a stretcher and two additional seats for medics or lightly wounded individuals, enhancing the capabilities of rescue teams. The prototype of 'The Life Chariot' debuted at this year's Łódź Design Festival and has already undergone successful testing in challenging terrains such as mountain trails, forests, caves, and mines. Feedback from the Ukrainian Medical Military Unit and the Polish Voluntary Medic Unit of the Damian Duda "W Międzyczasie" Foundation has further contributed to the trailer's weatherproofing upgrades. Sir James Dyson commended Piotr's ingenuity and the humanitarian impact of his invention. He highlighted the versatility of 'The Life Chariot,' which can be towed by any vehicle, enabling medics to perform life-saving work with the available resources. Piotr plans to continue refining his invention based on feedback from frontline medics and is exploring adaptations for mountain rescue operations. 'The Life Chariot' represents a significant advancement in medical evacuation technology, potentially saving countless lives in Ukraine and beyond. Piotr's recognition with the Dyson Award underscores the importance of innovation in addressing critical challenges and improving healthcare outcomes.

17 Nov 2023
Global News

Unearthing of Spectacular 2,300-Year-Old Statues is Reshaping History's Narrative

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the hills outside Siena, Italy, unearthing 24 astonishing bronze statues that have been perfectly preserved for an astounding 2,300 years. This remarkable find is set to challenge and reshape our understanding of history. During excavations at Roman-era baths near the modern town of San Casiano dei Bagni, the archaeologists stumbled upon the statues. Emerging from the mud, the statues were found alongside a collection of over 5,000 Roman coins made of bronze, silver, and even gold. Dating back to the Republican period of the 200s BCE, these statues provide a glimpse into a time of significant transformation in Tuscany when the Romans were assimilating the Etruscan civilization that preceded them. Led by Jacopo Tabolli, a historian at the University for Foreigners in Siena, the excavation team described the find as "without equal," emphasizing its status as the largest deposit of bronze statues from the Etruscan and Roman eras ever discovered in Italy. Most statues from this period are typically made of terracotta, making this collection even more extraordinary. The statues depict various deities, including Apollo and Hygieia, a Greek goddess associated with health. In addition to their artistic value, the statues also bear inscriptions in both the Etruscan language and Latin, shedding light on the gods and important Etruscan families. This remarkable discovery not only offers a cultural and touristic opportunity but also a chance for the town of San Casiano dei Bagni to flourish. Plans for a new museum and archaeo-park are underway, which will attract visitors from around the world.

16 Nov 2023
Global News

Bhutan-India Vision for Progress: Transforming Connectivity and Economic Prosperity

After a significant meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, India and Bhutan are set to embark on discussions concerning fresh regional connectivity routes. Moreover, plans are underway to enhance border and immigration posts, aligning with Bhutan's 5th King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's vision for establishing a smart city at Gelephu, situated on the border shared between Bhutan and Assam. Addressing Aid for Development:  Along with thanking the government for its development assistance, the King of Bhutan also reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting the new 13th Five-Year Plan. Bhutan's 12th Five-Year Plan (2018–2023) came to an end on October 31 of this year. Further Insights:  Given that Buddhism predominates in both Bhutan and India, the two countries have close cultural ties. India has helped Bhutan preserve its cultural heritage, and a large number of Bhutanese students study there for higher education.For a long time, bilateral relations between India and Bhutan have been exceptional and modelled by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding. It's also crucial to remember that some Indian laborers travel to and from Bhutan on a daily basis through the border towns, indicating the close economic ties that exist between the two nations. In addition to approving the two short-distance cross-border rail link projects, India and Bhutan also decided to designate the Darranga-Samdrup Jongkhar border crossing as an immigration check post, allowing third-country nationals to enter and exit as well as "for enhancing connectivity, and promoting tourism," according to a joint statement. This border crossing connects Assam with Bhutan's less developed South Eastern district.The two parties specifically agreed to "develop facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu," signifying India's support for the Bhutanese SEZ project, and to upgrade an existing land customs station at Dadgiri (Assam) to a modernized "Integrated Check Post" (ICP) to strengthen trade infrastructure. It is anticipated that facilitating travel between the two nations and permitting additional exchanges with Bangladesh will increase trade and travel opportunities for Bhutanese citizens and generate much-needed tourism income for their neighbor.This entire propaganda to join hands and strategize things for the upliftment of nations seems promising for the future!      

15 Nov 2023
Global News

Barcelona's Unfinished Marvel Hits a Towering Milestone After 141 Years

Barcelona's famous Sagrada Familia Church, an architectural marvel that has been under construction for a staggering 141 years, has finally reached a significant milestone. The church's four towers, named after the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, have been fully erected, bringing the completion of this monumental project closer than ever before.  Designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral was originally intended to have 16 towers dedicated to biblical figures. However, due to various interruptions and setbacks, including Gaudi's death in 1926 and the destruction of his original models, progress on the church was impeded for decades.  On November 12th, local Christians will have the opportunity to witness the illuminated towers of the evangelists during the basilica's inaugural mass, which will continue until after Christmas. The symbolism of nature, faith, and art represented in the Sagrada Familia's architecture and sculpture will be celebrated through a special performance by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. With only the tower of Jesus remaining unfinished, the Sagrada Familia is poised to become the tallest cathedral in Europe once completed. Standing at an impressive height of 566 feet (172.5 meters), plus a 56-foot (17-meter) cross, it will be a monumental testament to perseverance and architectural brilliance. The completion of the Sagrada Familia's towers marks a significant achievement for Barcelona and the world of architecture. It serves as a testament to the dedication and vision of countless individuals who have contributed to this project over the years. The long-awaited finish line is in sight, and soon the Sagrada Familia will stand as a timeless symbol of faith and beauty for generations to come.

9 Nov 2023
Global News

Wings Amidst Wheels: Why Auckland Airport is an Unlikely Haven for These Endangered Dotterels

In an unexpected turn of events, the endangered tūturiwhatu, also known as the New Zealand dotterel, has chosen a bustling airport as its nesting sanctuary. Auckland Airport, known for its constant noise and activity, has become a safe haven for these precious birds, thanks to tall fences that keep out their predators. The Auckland Airport, which usually serves as a hub for planes and passengers, has become a peaceful refuge for the tūturiwhatu. Four pairs of dotterels have been recorded nesting in the green areas alongside the airport's outer runways this year. The airport's wildlife manager, Lucy Hawley, explained that the high fences surrounding the airport prevent the bird's invasive predators from entering, making it an attractive nesting spot for the dotterels. Despite the noise and movement of giant planes, the dotterels pay no heed and have no qualms about raising their young beside the taxiways. Over the past decade, approximately 80 dotterels have hatched on the airport's taxiways, with the parents typically arriving between November and December. To ensure the safety and well-being of these endangered birds, the airport has collaborated with professional wildlife biologists who have banded some of the birds to track their movements and nesting behavior. This heartwarming story showcases how what may seem like a hindrance to one species can become a sanctuary for another. The Auckland Airport's tall fences and green areas have provided a unique nesting habitat for the tūturiwhatu, allowing them to thrive amidst the airport's bustling environment.

8 Nov 2023
Global News

Epic 'Floating' Science Fiction Museum Amazes Fans at 81st World Sci-Fi Convention

In a remarkable feat of architectural prowess, a breathtaking 'floating' science fiction museum emerged in just one year, leaving fans in awe at the 81st World Sci-Fi Convention. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the museum's futuristic appearance resembled a seven-pointed spaceship gently touching down on the surface of a lake in Chengdu in China. Spanning an impressive 60,000 square meters, the museum surpassed the size of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Its design seamlessly integrated the exterior and interior, blending galleries and outdoor pathways harmoniously. The museum's location in Chengdu, known for its rich science fiction history and home to a prominent science-fiction magazine, made it an ideal venue for the convention. Paulo Flores, one of the project directors at Zaha Hadid Architects, described the museum as always appearing different and unexpected from every angle. The structure, meeting China's Green Building Program standards, incorporated digital rendering and computing power to achieve its striking curves and waves. It was optimized for shading, heat dispersion, and solar power utilization. Despite the ambitious timeline, the museum was completed just in time to host the Worldcon, surpassing previous convention facilities. Dave MacCarty, a senior organizer of the event, hailed it as the best facility ever hosted by Worldcon, emphasizing its uniqueness compared to conventional convention centers. The remarkable achievement of the 'floating' science fiction museum stands as a testament to the power of innovation, architecture, and the enduring fascination with science fiction. Its opening at the 81st World Sci-Fi Convention left fans inspired and eager to explore the world of imagination and possibilities.

7 Nov 2023
Global News

Elon Musk Revives the First Drive-in Movie Theater in LA at Tesla's Supercharging Station

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla Motors, is set to bring back the nostalgia of drive-in movie theaters to Los Angeles with the construction of a 1950s-style cinema at a Tesla Supercharging station. Musk's company recently received the green light to develop a drive-in theater and diner, complete with Tesla fast-charging stations, at the location on 7001 W Santa Monica Blvd in LA. The project will feature around 30 charging stalls, two outdoor movie screens, and a restaurant with rooftop seating. Tesla enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated this venture, as Musk first mentioned the idea on Twitter back in 2018. In 2021, he further hinted at the project, expressing his hope to include a 50's diner and showcase 100 best movie clips at the Santa Monica Supercharger station. Recognizing the need to address charging time concerns, Musk envisions incorporating leisure and hospitality features into the charging stations, allowing Tesla owners to enjoy movies while their vehicles power up. The revival of drive-in movie theaters, once a popular American pastime, is a welcome addition to LA's entertainment landscape. Despite California being home to many film productions, the city currently lacks a drive-in theater. This project will fill that void and provide an enjoyable experience for Tesla owners and movie enthusiasts alike. As Tesla continues to expand its supercharging network across the country, Musk's innovative approach to combine convenience and entertainment is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle charging experience.

7 Nov 2023
Global News

India Ranks Second for Worker Wellbeing

According to a recent McKinsey Health Institute survey from 2023, Turkey is the nation that promotes mental well-being at work the most, followed by India. India was awarded this crucial position in the global scene after assessments of its mental, physical, spiritual, and social health were conducted. Japan was deemed to be the least healthy country.  About the Survey: The survey, conducted among more than 30,000 workers in 30 nations, has revealed significant disparities in the general well-being of the workforce worldwide. Japan received only 25% of the possible points, which put it at the bottom of the list despite its reputation for providing lifetime work and job stability. On the other hand, Turkey scored a high 78% to take first place, closely followed by China at 75% and India at 76%. The average worldwide was 57%.A significant correlation between fulfilling job experiences and overall health was found in the McKinsey survey. Positive work experiences were associated with enhanced job performance, greater levels of creativity, and better general well-being among employees. Relevance of the Survey:  The impact of the workplace on workers' well-being, considering that a significant amount of a person's day is spent at work. It's crucial to strike a healthy work-life balance, and companies have a major influence on the conditions that promote well-being. More & More Quantum of  Companies Are Trying to be Empathic towards their Workforce:  Furthermore, as demonstrated by the statistics we previously discussed, managers who develop their empathy as a leader become more effective and have a higher probability of succeeding in their roles. Because they can effectively establish and develop relationships and retain talent, which is essential for leading firms anywhere in the world, empathic leaders are assets to their enterprises. Better workspaces allow upliftment of team building, goals, collaboration success and better feedback analysis altogether!      

7 Nov 2023
Global News

Portland's New Airport Sets a Sustainable Standard with Local Tribal Timber Construction

Portland's newly constructed airport terminal is making waves in the construction industry with its innovative use of local tribal timber. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), also known as "mass-timber," sets a new standard for sustainable building materials. The terminal's remarkable features include inherent fire resistance, reduced carbon footprint, and an aesthetically pleasing design. The construction industry is increasingly turning to CLT due to its durability and flexibility. Unlike plywood, CLT is made by pressing long boards together cross-ways with glue and high temperatures, resulting in a strong and versatile material. The new terminal's massive roof, covering an area of 9 acres, is made entirely of CLT sourced from within a 300-mile radius of Portland. The Douglas fir, hemlock, and southern yellow pine used in the construction were obtained from Oregon landowners and Tribal nations. Each board used in the skylights and beams has a unique story, with the Yakama Nation and Coquille Indian Tribe contributing to the project. Portland's airport terminal not only showcases the potential of the American mass timber market but also highlights the environmental benefits of using sustainable materials. Mass timber is a low-carbon building solution, unlike concrete, which is a major emitter of greenhouse gases. Additionally, the carbon absorbed by the trees used in mass timber construction remains sequestered, contributing to the reduction of the global carbon cycle. This landmark project is expected to inspire other cities across the country to explore the possibilities of using local and sustainable materials for their construction projects. By embracing tribal timber and sustainable practices, Portland's new airport is leading the way towards a greener and more eco-friendly future for the aviation industry.

6 Nov 2023
Global News

France's Hidden Treasure: The Groundbreaking Find that Could Transform Energy

A groundbreaking discovery in Northern France has the potential to ignite a renewable revolution in an unexpected place. A French shale gas company has unearthed a massive reserve of clean hydrogen gas, offering a glimmer of hope for regions heavily reliant on coal. The discovery was made by Jacques Pironon and Phillipe De Donato, directors of research at France's National Centre of Scientific Research, during an assessment of methane stores in the Lorraine Basin. Surprisingly, they stumbled upon a previously unknown hydrogen gas deposit located 3,300 feet underground. The readings showed a hydrogen concentration of 20%, surpassing all expectations. Hydrogen, when extracted and burned, produces only water as a direct emission, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. While green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis and powered by renewable energy, remains a small-scale and expensive solution, the newfound deposit offers a different proposition. Termed "white" or "gold" hydrogen, this geologic hydrogen could revolutionize heavy machinery and long-distance transportation. The hydrogen deposit in Mali, which powers an entire village, boasts a purity of 98%, setting a remarkable precedent. Experts estimate that there are tens of billions of tons of extractable white hydrogen worldwide, potentially offering a sustainable energy source for hundreds of years. In France's Lorraine Basin, plans are underway to assess the extent of the deposit's potential. Energy company La Française de l'Énergie (FDE) is collaborating with researchers to evaluate the viability of extracting white hydrogen from existing shale gas wells.

5 Nov 2023
Global News

Farmers Saving Endangered Wildfowl in Australia through Egg Collection Initiative

Farmers in Australia have taken on the role of guardians for endangered wildfowl species by organizing an innovative egg collection initiative. The farmers, based in the Rankins Springs area near West Wyalong, have joined forces with wildlife champion Mal Carnegie and the Lake Cowal Foundation to protect the dwindling population of Malleefowl. The Malleefowl, a ground-nesting bird, has faced challenges to its survival due to the presence of feral cats and invasive foxes. The species' low survival rate, with Malleefowl chicks having less than a 2% chance of making it in the wild, prompted the farmers to step in and make a difference. Over the past three years, the farmers have been collecting eggs from the birds' nesting mounds and transporting them to a specialized incubation facility. The eggs are then released into a feral-free enclosed environment, increasing the chances of survival for the chicks. Through this catch, incubate, and release program, the farmers have successfully increased the likelihood of Malleefowl reaching maturity by tenfold. This collaborative effort has yielded promising results, with 10 juveniles spotted within the 140-acre enclosure just 12 months after their release. The farmers' involvement and their unique approach to incubation and releasing have proven instrumental in the success of the initiative. By taking proactive measures to protect the Malleefowl, these farmers have demonstrated the power of community-driven conservation efforts. Their dedication and ingenuity serve as an inspiration to others seeking to make a positive impact on endangered species and the natural environment.

4 Nov 2023
Global News

Scotland: First in the World to Offer Free Menstrual Products

In Scotland, period products, such as sanitary pads and tampons, are now provided free of charge to those in need. Menstrual products will be accessible in pharmacies and community centers as of this week, as a result of legislation that the Scottish Parliament approved in 2020. In a statement, Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said, "Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity, and removes the financial barriers to accessing them." She called the move "more important than ever" in an era where living expenses are on the rise. Successfully Combating ‘Period Poverty’ : Period poverty is the inability of people with low incomes to obtain or purchase appropriate period products. Evidence from evaluating certain bites : "We hear of a lot of mothers going without their period protection just so they can feed their children and using things such as newspaper stuffed into socks because they're cheaper than period products."The impact that access to period products can have on people who need them in terms of education and financial stability has come to light more recently. Proponents in Scotland  argued that since public restrooms offer free soap and toilet paper, why not period products as well? Adding up to all these studies have indicated that a lack of period products can keep women and girls from going to work or school hence retarding the participation rates compared to male counterparts in educational institutions. This is yet another significant victory for grassroots movements and proponents of period dignity, demonstrating the impact that progressive and audacious political decisions can have. Several other nations—including Kenya, Canada, Australia, India, Colombia, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Nigeria, Uganda, Lebanon, and Trinidad and Tobago—have reduced or eliminated their taxes on period products.

3 Nov 2023
Global News

Spy Satellite Photos Unearth Hundreds of Long-Lost Roman Forts, Rewriting History

In a groundbreaking archaeological revelation, declassified spy satellite photos from the Cold War era have unveiled a remarkable collection of long-lost Roman forts. This unexpected find is now challenging decades-old theories surrounding the eastern border of the Roman Empire. The photos, captured by surveillance programs called Corona and Hexagon, were initially intended to support US dominance in the Middle and Near East. However, they are now being utilized by archaeologists to map the presence and nature of the Roman Empire's eastern frontier. Researchers from Dartmouth College's Department of Anthropology meticulously examined these declassified images and compared them to an existing map created by Father Antoine Poidebard, a Jesuit missionary and archaeologist, in 1934. Poidebard's map was the first of its kind to identify 116 Roman forts along the eastern border, suggesting they formed a protective wall. Contrary to the previous belief in a defensive wall, the satellite photos reveal a different narrative. The newly discovered Roman forts depict a dynamic and fluid border that facilitated trade routes and cultural exchanges crucial to the Roman Empire's import and export activities. The forts, which were constructed with remarkable precision by Roman soldiers, form a fortified corridor stretching from the Mediterranean to the Tigris River in Iraq. This corridor likely served as a vital link for valuable trade routes, including the famous Silk Road. With the opportunity to explore these newfound sites on the horizon, archaeologists anticipate uncovering important artifacts and details that could reshape our understanding of the Roman Empire's eastern border.  

1 Nov 2023
Global News

Honoring Heroes: A Touching Tribute to Canadian Soldiers in England

Stunning red maple trees along the A3 highway in Hampshire, England, serve as a poignant tribute to 418 Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom during the two World Wars. These autumnal beauties silently commemorate the lives lost by lining the road, creating a sacred war memorial that often goes unnoticed by passing motorists. Imported from Canada, the red maples replaced sycamore trees that were previously planted there but had to be removed due to safety concerns. Each of the 418 maples is twinned with a soldier's grave, symbolizing the deep connection between the fallen soldiers and the trees that now stand in their honor. Those who died in World War I rest in Bramshott Churchyard and St Joseph's Catholic Church in Grayshott, while the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II were laid to rest at Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey. The commemorative trees hold significant historical and emotional value, representing the strong ties between Canada and the United Kingdom. The scarlet maple leaf, an iconic symbol on the Canadian flag, not only adds a seasonal crimson tribute but also serves as a reminder of Canada's role in the World Wars. Since their planting in 1995, the red maple trees have become a place for remembrance and reflection. A pedestrian underpass was constructed in 2008, allowing people to safely pay their respects and marvel at the solemn beauty of the memorial. The red maple trees' powerful presence along the English road stands as a lasting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the 418 Canadian soldiers who fought for freedom and will forever be remembered.

31 Oct 2023
Global News

India Aspires to Host Olympic Games

Is India Ready to Host the Olympics? According to recent remarks made by the prime minister, India hopes to host the Olympic Games in 2036. For authorities in sports and succeeding governments, this has been a dream. India wants to demonstrate its global standing by 2036: Prestige and Global Acknowledgment - Hosting the Olympics is expected to bestow prestige upon India and offer an expansive platform for the nation to gain recognition and global visibility. Cultural Diplomacy at Its Finest - India can utilize this 16-day festival to exhibit its abundant history, amicability, and values to a worldwide audience, embracing cultural diplomacy as a core element of the event. Unleashing Soft Power - India perceives the Olympics as a unique opportunity to harness its soft power, influencing the world's perception of the nation's strengths and capabilities. Certain Challenges:  Governance Fragmentation: Internal conflicts within the National Olympic Committee (NOC) can impede efficient governance, as was shown in Delhi during the 2010 Commonwealth Games. A coherent NOC is essential to ensuring seamless event organization, as evidenced by disputes over athlete selection and funding distribution. Infrastructure Balancing Act: Beijing's 2008 Olympics, which featured outstanding urban development and sporting facilities, are a prime example of the dual nature of hosting. But worries about the effects on the environment and human rights emphasize how crucial it is to handle infrastructure development in a balanced way. Media Scrutiny: Because of the size of the Olympics, there is a greater need for strategic preparation to ensure effective administration. Concerns about the Zika virus and infrastructure problems plagued the 2016 Rio Olympics, underscoring the importance of proactive crisis management and communication tactics in fostering good public attitudes. A vision for the upliftment for Sports In India :  India has the chance to demonstrate its progress, demonstrate its geopolitical might, and change the sports scene by hosting the Olympics. Developing important sports, fostering talent, and addressing governance challenges are all necessary steps on the path to the 2036 Olympics. A pragmatic strategy with a 20-year timeframe in mind could be more useful for long-lasting and significant transformation.  

31 Oct 2023
Global News

Keeping Up the Pace : Apple introduces new Laptops and trio of more Powerful Chips

The statement was made as part of a product launch under the "Scary Fast" brand, which began at an odd hour—5 p.m. California time. Apple Inc. revealed three new M3 chips—the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max—in a press release on Monday, announcing that the company's new MacBook laptops will have faster M3 chips. The three M3 chips provide better graphics, including hardware-accelerated ray tracing processing. What’s Ahead- Is Super Speedy:  According to Apple, the upcoming hardware will also have a unified memory architecture that "delivers high bandwidth, low latency, and unmatched power efficiency," as well as Dynamic Caching, which assigns the use of local memory in hardware in real-time. To better handle video, the trio of hardware devices also has an improved media engine that "supports AV1 decoding, enabling power-efficient playback of streaming services to further extend battery life." The company also revealed the availability of the M3 CPUs in the upcoming 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro notebooks. Over the last three years, Apple's move from Intel chips to its own M chips has revived its computers. With Apple laptops becoming increasingly quieter, faster, cooler, and longer-lasting, Windows PC manufacturers have been attempting to catch up. Setting Goals with futuristic Approach:  According to figures published by Bloomberg, Mac sales are expected to increase by roughly 5% in the Christmas quarter and by 5.5% in the fiscal year that started this month. Other indications that the computer processor market is intensifying coincide with Apple's announcement. Surely this ensures a bright and competitive first mover advantage for them to play with the market forces of demand and supply with ease!  

31 Oct 2023
Global News

Abandoned Coal Mine Transforms into Green Energy Source, Heating Town with Warm Water

An old coal mine in Gateshead, UK, has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a sustainable source of green energy that has been successfully heating the town for the past six months. The innovative project, initiated by Gateshead Council in March 2023, utilizes the abundance of warm mine water present in the abandoned coal mining tunnels. Flooded with water that gets naturally heated by the Earth's core, the mine now serves as a semi-naturally occurring geothermal energy source. With a large central heat pump in place, the mine water is pumped into home heat pumps, further raising its temperature. This super-hot water is then used to provide low-carbon heating to 350 high-rise buildings, an art gallery, a college, an industrial park, and several office buildings. The system also offers the advantage of using the heated water to cool homes, making it a versatile solution. Unlike traditional heating methods, the mine water remains unaffected by seasonal variations, ensuring a reliable supply of warmth throughout the year. Moreover, after the heat is utilized, the water is naturally reheated as it returns to the mine, creating a sustainable cycle. Gareth Farr, head of heat and by-product innovation at the Coal Authority, expressed excitement about this environmentally friendly approach, stating that "recovering heat from mine water below the ground within abandoned coal mines provides an exciting opportunity to generate a low carbon, secure supply of heat." This project in Gateshead is the largest of its kind in Europe, joining similar initiatives in The Netherlands, Spain, and Canada. It demonstrates the potential for abandoned coal mines to be transformed into sustainable energy sources, offering a positive step towards a greener and more sustainable future.

28 Oct 2023
Global News

Saving a Species: The Miracle of the Rare Philippine Spotted Deer

In a remarkable conservation feat, Chester Zoo in England celebrates the birth of a rare Philippine spotted deer, providing hope for the critically endangered species.  Weighing 4.4 pounds (2kg) and standing at 12 inches tall (30cm), this adorable fawn took its first steps in an outdoor enclosure alongside its devoted parents, Nova and Cosmos. Named Hercules, after the constellation of stars, the fawn's arrival is a result of a vital breeding program initiated by zoos across Europe, in collaboration with the Philippine government. The Philippine spotted deer is classified as "highly endangered" in the wild, with only a few hundred remaining. Their numbers have drastically declined due to factors such as hunting and deforestation, leaving them confined to the islands of Panay and Negros. Chester Zoo's successful breeding program aims to ensure the species' survival by bolstering the safety-net population in conservation zoos throughout Europe. The birth of Hercules marks a significant milestone in this effort. Stuart Young, the regional field program manager for South East Asian Islands at the zoo, highlights the importance of the conservation program. He notes that the population of Philippine spotted deer has almost doubled in the wild due to reintroductions and successful births. As Hercules continues to grow, caretakers hope he will play a crucial role in carrying the species forward. This heartwarming achievement showcases the dedication of conservationists and the positive impact of collaborative efforts in safeguarding endangered animals.  

28 Oct 2023
Global News

Google Launches Tool to Predict Floods, Aiding Early Evacuations in Chile

Google has unveiled a groundbreaking tool that predicts floods, already proving its effectiveness by aiding in early evacuations during recent floods in Chile. The tool, known as Flood Hub, utilizes satellite data and machine learning to provide advanced warnings and crucial information to vulnerable areas. Riverine floods, caused by heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, have historically been difficult to predict due to various factors such as soil composition and topography. However, Flood Hub's deep-learning program analyzes thousands of satellite images to build a comprehensive understanding of waterways and assess factors such as flooding rates, erosion history, and soil composition. By incorporating weather forecasts and rainfall data, the tool generates accurate flooding models. Since its launch in India in 2018, Flood Hub has been utilized in numerous countries, including the recent introduction in the United States and Canada. During the monsoon season in India and Bangladesh, the tool successfully sent out 45 million alerts, even in regions with limited historical data. When an impending flood is detected, Flood Hub employs various alert mechanisms, including direct phone notifications similar to the Amber Alert system in the US. Additionally, alerts are sent to government departments, enabling them to take swift action, such as door-to-door notifications or WhatsApp messages. In collaboration with the disaster recovery NGO Give Directly, Google has also facilitated financial support for those receiving evacuation alerts. This innovative approach ensures that individuals have the necessary funds to relocate and mitigate the impact of the floods. Google's Flood Hub represents a significant advancement in flood prediction technology, offering invaluable support for disaster preparedness and response efforts worldwide. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and satellite imagery, this tool has the potential to save countless lives and minimize the devastating consequences of flooding.

28 Oct 2023
Global News

Texas Explorer Leads Historic Rowing Expedition Through Arctic's Northwest Passage

In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, a team of explorers led by a Texas adventurer has become the first ever to row the treacherous Northwest Passage in the Arctic.  West Hansen, along with Eileen Visser, Mark Agnew, and Jeff Wueste, embarked on this historic journey as the self-proclaimed "Arctic Cowboys." They set off in July and successfully completed the 1,600-mile crossing in just 83 grueling days. Not only did they achieve this monumental feat, but they also used kayaks, making it the first-ever crossing of the Northwest Passage in a single season using this mode of transportation. Hansen, a legendary endurance kayaker and adventurer, meticulously organized the expedition after years of planning. Despite facing challenges such as severe weather and moving sea ice, the team persevered. They encountered 15-foot waves, freezing mud, and even had a close encounter with a polar bear. Throughout their journey, they witnessed the beauty of the Arctic, spotting beluga whales, narwhals, polar bears, musk oxen, and caribou. This historic achievement adds to Hansen's impressive record of exploration, including previously paddling the entire Amazon River and the Volga River. The Arctic Cowboys' successful rowing expedition through the Northwest Passage showcases the indomitable spirit of human exploration and serves as a testament to the power of teamwork and determination.

27 Oct 2023
Global News

Ancient Library Scrolls Preserved by Vesuvius Eruption Finally Deciphered with AI's Help

In a remarkable breakthrough, artificial intelligence (AI) has successfully deciphered ancient library scrolls that were once thought to be lost forever due to the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius. These scrolls, carbonized by the intense heat and gases, have remained hidden in museum storerooms for centuries, but thanks to the ingenuity of AI technology, their secrets are now being unveiled. The Vesuvius Challenge, initiated by Silicon Valley figures Daniel Gross and Nat Friedman, set out to harness the power of AI to read the carbonized papyrus. Contestants worked tirelessly, and one bright mind, Luke Farritor, a college student and SpaceX intern, became the first person in over two millennia to witness an entire word from an unopened scroll. The word he uncovered was "πορφύραc," meaning purple. Although the exact meaning and context of the word are yet to be determined, experts speculate that it could refer to purple dye, clothes, or royalty. These scrolls are believed to have belonged to Julius Caesar's father-in-law and contain valuable works from Greek philosophers such as Epicurus and Philodemus. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. With the potential to unlock a wealth of knowledge from the Roman era, the ongoing Vesuvius Challenge still offers a substantial grand prize for deciphering more passages across multiple scrolls. By utilizing AI, researchers and scholars are shedding light on a crucial period in human history. This breakthrough not only demonstrates the power of technology but also paves the way for further discoveries and a deeper understanding of our past.

26 Oct 2023
Global News

Green Revolution in Battery Recycling: Breakthrough Method Recovers 100% Aluminum and 98% Lithium!

Swedish researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have made a remarkable breakthrough in the recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Their innovative method enables the recovery of 100% of aluminum and 98% of lithium, potentially revolutionizing the battery recycling industry. Using an environmentally friendly approach, the scientists have developed a unique process that utilizes oxalic acid, an organic acid derived from plants. Unlike traditional methods that involve the use of expensive or harmful chemicals, this breakthrough technique minimizes the loss of valuable raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Led by PhD student Léa Rouquette and research leader Martina Petranikova, the team demonstrated the effectiveness of their method in the Chalmers battery recycling lab. By finely grinding the battery components into a black powder and dissolving it in a transparent liquid containing oxalic acid, they successfully separated the aluminum and lithium from other metals present in the batteries. The researchers believe that the distinct properties of aluminum and lithium make their separation feasible. This new route for battery recycling holds great promise and warrants further exploration, according to Rouquette. Their findings have been published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology. With the potential to significantly reduce the waste of valuable metals required for the production of new batteries, this breakthrough could contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. The research team's work has been supported by the Swedish Energy Agency, BASE Batteries Sweden, and Vinnova.

25 Oct 2023
Global News

Reshaping India's Workforce: A Vision for Skill Development

The global demand for skilled young Indians is on the rise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited a study indicating that 16 countries have planned to enlist approximately 4 million competent youth in light of the increasing aging populations in many nations. Polishing Soft Skills: The Prime minister stated that as a result, training, cutting-edge equipment, and financial support are being offered. "Government is spending Rs 13,000 crore on this, and in Maharashtra, 500 plus skill centers will take this forward in the state," he said. The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity for soft skill training, such as instruction in fundamental foreign languages and the use of AI tools for language interpretation to make candidates more appealing to employers.   The PM also discussed the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, an initiative that was launched to assist people who work as barbers, carpenters, washermen, goldsmiths, or ironsmiths.   The lack of focus on skill development resulted in limited employment opportunities for numerous young individuals, primarily due to their insufficient skill sets. The administration has recognized the importance of skill development and established a separate ministry with its own budgetary allocation and a number of programs that benefited more than 1.30 crore youth across a variety of fields. In addition, hundreds of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras were opened across the nation. The Road Ahead is full of Ignition to pursuit:  The PM underscored the importance of identifying areas for improvement to further enhance the nation's capabilities amid ongoing skill development initiatives. Specifically, in India's manufacturing sector, he highlighted the critical need for high-quality, fault-free products, while also addressing the demands of "Industry 4.0" for new and advanced capabilities.

25 Oct 2023
Global News

Super Sewer: Transforming London's River Thames with New Drainage System

London's iconic River Thames is set to undergo a major transformation with the construction of a new drainage system known as the Super Sewer. The £4.5 billion project aims to upgrade the city's outdated Victorian drainage network and tackle the issue of raw sewage that spills into the river.  Spanning 15.5 miles (25 km) and reaching depths of up to 65 meters, the Super Sewer will connect to the existing network and have the capacity to store approximately 1.6 million tonnes of effluent. By capturing overflow during rainy days, it will prevent tens of millions of tonnes of raw sewage from polluting the river each year. The project, scheduled for completion by 2025, involves the use of giant boring machines working 65 meters below the city. Once finished, the central tunnel, lined with concrete, will be wide enough to accommodate three double-decker buses. It will transport waste from Acton in the west to the Beckton treatment works in the east. The population of London has soared to nearly nine million people, with projections indicating it could reach 16 million by the mid-2100s. To safeguard the river for future generations, the Super Sewer represents a vital step in ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the Thames. Joel Harland, a civil engineer involved in the project, emphasizes the importance of upgrading the city's infrastructure to protect the river. He highlights that people often overlook what happens to their wastewater and that building projects like the Super Sewer shed light on the mechanics behind a functioning society. With the Super Sewer, London is taking a significant stride towards a cleaner and healthier River Thames, ensuring a sustainable future for the city and its residents.

23 Oct 2023
Global News

From Doctor to Hero: Ali Alsamarah's Touching Tale of Giving and Healing

In the heart of Florida, Dr. Ali Alsamarah, a pediatrician, was going about his routine at a non-profit hospital in Ocala when he received a life-altering call. It was a call that would define his selflessness and compassion. On the other end of the line, he learned that he was a potential match for a child in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. Without hesitation, Dr. Alsamarah made the decision that would change both his life and the life of an innocent child. As the days passed, Dr. Alsamarah went through the process, feeling a little hesitant initially, but never wavering in his resolve. He was determined to give the gift of life to a young soul in need. His inspiration came from a dear friend who had battled cancer and been saved by the selflessness of a donor. Dr. Alsamarah knew the profound impact such an act of kindness could have, not just on the recipient but on the world. News of Dr. Alsamarah's kindness spread like wildfire, gaining traction on the popular Instagram account, Good News Movement. The story touched the hearts of thousands, garnering over 49,000 likes and an outpouring of admiration from netizens worldwide. In the eyes of the child whose life he saved, in the hearts of a grateful family, and across the global community, Dr. Ali Alsamarah had become a true hero—a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the boundless potential for compassion and goodness that resides within us.

9 Oct 2023
Global News

Google's New Pixel Watch 2

Google's first smartwatch design, featuring Google's latest Wear OS and a 1.2" OLED display. With Google Assistant, Maps, Wallet, Calendar, and Gmail, you can complete tasks while on the go. Additionally, Fitbit's tracking of exercise, heart rate, and sleep promote healthier living. The Google Pixel Watch has a Fast-Charging 300mAh battery. The battery supports up to 18 hours of battery life. The Google Pixel Watch comes in three colors: Polished Silver, Matte Black, and Champagne Gold. The Pixel Watch is 41mm in width and 12.3mm in depth. The Google Pixel Watch uses a USB-C cable Wireless Charger (which comes in the box). It also uses a USB-C charging cable. Wireless Charging/Fast Charging is also supported. Fitbit powers health and fitness Utilize Fitbit fitness tracking to keep track of your activities, calories burnt, and more. Additionally, monitor your heart rate and learn more about your sleep. Even your heart rhythm can be monitored with the built-in ECG. It was made by Google. developed by you. It's simple to obtain assistance at a look, thanks to the device's lovely, round, domed shape, scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass, and the new Wear OS by Google interface. Google's finest results are always available. Time can be saved by using apps like Google Wallet for contactless purchases, Maps turn-by-turn directions, and Calendar event reminders. Your gadgets are all flawlessly synchronized. For even more assistance, the Google Pixel Watch, phones, and earbuds collaborate. Additionally, Fast Pair makes it simple to link devices together. You may listen to music while on the go with Pixel Buds. Even your Nest gadgets can be managed via your watch. I believe that in future ups and downs will likewise be experienced by smartwatches. Visual components will develop quickly and possibly become as widespread as clothing and footwear. The world of wearable technology may change as a result of energy harvesting, such as the ability to run equipment on solar power or transform body heat and movement into raw electricity.

9 Oct 2023
Global News

Liquid Trees: A Cutting-Edge Solution That Seems Straight out of Science Fiction!

In the battle against urban pollution and the dwindling quality of life in crowded cities, Serbia has unveiled a cutting-edge solution that seems straight out of science fiction – liquid trees. These trees do not have roots or leaves. They are futuristic devices that hold the key to revolutionizing air quality control. Officially known as bioreactors, these tanks contain a powerful mix of water and microalgae. The magic happens within these tanks as microalgae, fueled by sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, engage in photosynthesis to capture CO2 and release oxygen. In essence, they function just like trees – purifying the air. Microalgae, incredibly tiny organisms, breathe life into these tanks. As they inhale, pollutants are absorbed, while pure, revitalized air is exhaled. The more they work, the greener they become, akin to the growth of a real tree. This innovation, aptly named Liquid 3, addresses the pollution woes of urban areas where space for traditional parks and trees is scarce. One Liquid 3 unit can clean as much air as a 20-year-old tree. What's more, these solar-powered marvels are remarkably efficient, quick to build and instantly effective. But the ingenuity doesn't stop there. These bioreactors in Serbia double as benches, offering urban dwellers a comfortable spot to relax. They even provide power outlets for charging mobile phones. While Liquid 3 currently graces the streets of Belgrade, the future holds exciting prospects, with plans to introduce these urban air saviors in cities like Paris, New York, and New Delhi. In a world where planting new trees in sprawling metropolises is a challenge, Liquid 3 emerges as an inspiring and practical solution to combat pollution and enhance the urban environment.

6 Oct 2023
Global News

October 05: National 'Be Nice Day' at United States

On National Do Something Nice Day, October 5, people in the United States make their loved ones smile. This day urges us to show generosity to others, whether they be strangers, family members, or both! It's simple to get mired down in our worries and troubles to the point where we neglect to be compassionate to others. This serves as a wonderful reminder that doing nice deeds improves the world and may even help you better handle your personal problems. Join your potent intentions to make others smile in the celebration! AGENDA FOR NATIONAL DO NICE THINGS DAY: Volunteer: People in the US become a member of a local association. If they are having trouble deciding how or where to volunteer, they consider the strongest skills and how to use them to assist others. If they are skilled in construction, they assist Habitat For Humanity. If they work as a web developer, they think about redesigning a nonprofit organization's website or teaching the basics of programming to young people in their community. Most communities have local soup kitchens or homeless shelters that are constantly in need of the help of kind, compassionate people. Help a stranger:  Give a stranger a token of your consideration to show that you care. For Example: When you're in line at the coffee shop, pay the person in front of you. If you notice someone crying by themselves in public, give them a tissue or, if necessary, further support. When someone appreciates you for a kind deed, urge them to reciprocate by assisting another person in need when the moment is appropriate. No matter what, keep being kind to people! Just calling Someone to Let Them Know You Care: Make an unexpected call to someone you care about to express your gratitude. It might even brighten their day! Try to understand from the lens of empathy- If you are aware of someone who is struggling, kindly check in with them and let them know you are thinking of them. Your thoughtful consideration can really matter! In the end, my favorite part is that It serves as a reminder of the good we are capable of. A tiny act of kindness is a wonderful way to remind ourselves that we can affect change. Even though it's simple to feel powerless in the face of the world's numerous problems, each and every one of us has the ability to at least slightly alter the life of another person. That is a fantastic feeling altogether. I really hope people start celebrating this type of festive day in our country too!

4 Oct 2023
Global News

NASA Makes Groundbreaking Progress in Solid-State Battery Development Which May Revolutionize Energy Storage

NASA researchers at the SABERS (Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety) project have achieved a major breakthrough in battery technology, potentially revolutionizing energy storage. Their experimental solid-state battery packs have shown promising results, outperforming traditional lithium-ion batteries and offering the possibility of doubling or even tripling energy output. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric vehicles, are prone to overheating, fire hazards, and gradual loss of charge over time due to the presence of liquids. In contrast, the SABERS project focuses on developing solid-state batteries that eliminate these drawbacks. By stacking sulfur and selenium cells directly on top of each other without casings, the SABERS team has achieved significant weight savings. Not only does this design reduce the battery's weight by 30 to 40 percent, but it also enables the storage of double or triple the energy capacity compared to state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond electric vehicles. Sustainable aviation, in particular, stands to benefit from the development of these high-performance batteries. As air travel contributes around 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, battery-powered flight could help mitigate carbon emissions from jet fuel. NASA's collaboration with Georgia Tech has provided valuable insights into the mechanics and practical aspects of these solid-state batteries. The project has met its energy and safety targets while demonstrating the ability to operate under realistic conditions. With the potential to revolutionize energy storage and power a wide range of applications, NASA's solid-state battery breakthrough represents a significant step forward in sustainable technology. As further research and development continue, the possibilities for a greener and more energy-efficient future are within reach.

3 Oct 2023
Global News

New Striking Discovery in the Orion Nebula

The Universe indeed is full of unanswered questions. Messier 42, the Orion Nebula, which is situated south of Orion's belt, is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky. —the nebula is a treasure trove for astronomers studying the formation and early evolution of stars. A new astronomical category may have been introduced with the discovery of dozens of planet-sized objects in the Orion Nebula. The Jupiter-mass binary objects, termed as Jumbos, are free-floating objects that can be seen in stunning photos acquired by the James Webb satellite telescope. The objects violate the traditional definition of a planet because they are not in an orbit around a parent star, despite the fact that they are too small to be stars. The Jumbos have infernal surface temperatures of around 1,000C and are just about 1 million years old, or babies in cosmic terms. However, in the absence of a host star, they will swiftly cool and will briefly experience temperatures that are suitable for life before turning exceedingly cold. They are not anticipated to be a major hope for harboring extraterrestrial life, though, because even during their brief period of temperate climate, the surfaces of gas giants would not support liquid water. The University of Exeter's head of astrophysics, Prof. Matthew Bate, who was not involved in the study, said: " I don't know how to explain the numerous things they've observed. It appears that all of our current theories are incomplete. It appears that these [things] are being formed by a process that we haven't yet considered." This kind of discovery is made "pretty infrequently," Bates continued. "Many of us believed we understood star formation rather well ten years ago. We'll learn a lot from this conclusion, which is really very, very surprising."

3 Oct 2023
Global News

California Scientists Introduce Groundbreaking Fire-Safe Liquid Fuel

In a remarkable breakthrough, chemical engineers in California have developed a revolutionary liquid fuel that defies conventional flammability. This cutting-edge fuel, unveiled by scientists at the University of California Riverside, eliminates the risk of accidental fires during storage and transportation, presenting a potential game-changer in the fuel industry. The newly engineered fuel, which ignites solely through the application of electric current, does not react to flames. Traditional fuels, known for their volatility, often evaporate and ignite with ease, making them difficult to manage and control. However, this innovative solution allows for easy manipulation of flammability by simply removing the voltage. The key lies in understanding that when fuel combusts, it is not the liquid itself that burns, but rather the volatile fuel molecules above the liquid surface that come into contact with oxygen and flame. By controlling the vapor, the researchers have effectively gained control over whether the fuel burns or not. The base of this groundbreaking fuel is an organic ionic liquid, similar to table salt but with a lower melting point and low vapor pressure. By modifying the formula and replacing chlorine with perchlorate, the scientists achieved a liquid that resisted ignition from a cigarette lighter. The fuel only ignited when an application of voltage was followed by a lighter flame, which could be repeatedly turned on and off. While further testing and research are required before commercialization, the potential applications are extensive. This fire-safe fuel could revolutionize various industries, including transportation, by enhancing safety measures and preventing accidental fires. The team has already filed for a U.S. patent, paving the way for a future where safety and innovation go hand in hand.

30 Sep 2023
Global News

From the Sky to the Soil: Skydiver’s Daring Quest to Combat Deforestation

In a heart-pounding leap of faith, skydiving pioneer Luigi Cani took to the skies above the Amazon rainforest on a mission that could change the course of deforestation. Cani's audacious plan involved dispersing 100 million seeds from 27 native trees from a dizzying height in a bid to counter the devastating effects of deforestation. The impact of deforestation on biodiversity is well-documented, with the loss of forests spelling doom for countless plant and animal species. It's a stark reminder of how interconnected our ecosystem is, and the repercussions of disturbing this delicate balance can be catastrophic. This remarkable endeavor was no easy feat. Cani had to navigate a maze of bureaucratic challenges to secure permits for his daring adventure. He meticulously crafted a biodegradable distribution box to safely carry the precious cargo of seeds. Then, he executed his jump with remarkable precision, releasing seeds at a dizzying altitude of 6,000 feet. What's truly remarkable is the project's astonishing 95% germination rate. The resulting trees are projected to reach towering heights of up to 50 meters, reforesting areas that were once barren wastelands. Cani's endeavor has left a profound impact, igniting hope and setting a precedent for creative solutions to environmental issues. But Cani's mission is far from over. Inspired by his success, he's now planning to tackle the scourge of ocean plastic pollution using the same unconventional approach—skydiving to save our oceans. This story demonstrates the power of innovation and the willingness of individuals to go to extraordinary lengths to protect our planet. It reminds us that even seemingly small actions can contribute to monumental environmental goals and that addressing urgent issues like deforestation knows no geographical boundaries. In the face of adversity, creativity and determination can be the seeds of change that bloom into a greener, more sustainable future.

17 Sep 2023
Global News

The Evolution of iPhone 15 Pro Max: Redefining Smartphone Innovation!

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Apple has once again raised the bar with its latest offering, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have certainly caught up in terms of design with their Pro counterparts, it's the Pro Max variant that truly stands out with some remarkable improvements. In this exploration, we'll delve into the key features that make the iPhone 15 Pro Max a unique and exceptional device. New Design:  Thanks to a redesigned titanium body and a smaller display border, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the lightest and most streamlined Pro iPhones yet. Apple has replaced the stainless steel with Grade 5 titanium, which is stronger and lighter and is fused to an interior framework made of aluminum. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is about 20g lighter than the model it replaces. Despite maintaining a 6.7-inch display size, the phone is smaller and easier to use due to the exceptionally tiny bezels. Upgradation in Camera :  The new periscope lens has a 5x zoom support, which is the largest enhancement. You can still take beautiful macro and ultra-wide landscape photos with it. In addition to supporting "ProRes video recording" (Apple ProRes provides multi-stream, real-time editing capability while offering professional image quality) straight to an external disk, the main camera sports a 48MP sensor and can switch between three focal lengths. Smart depth detection is also included in the iPhone 15 Pro.  About Action Button : The old mute switch you've been using since the invention of the iPhone is now history. The new Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro allows you to do more than just mute your phone. You may customize it to run shortcuts, take photos, record sounds, or start your favorite apps. You can still use it to mute your phone, of course, but it's no longer as simple as turning a switch. Press and hold the button once more until you hear a buzz. Other actions like opening the camera, initiating a voice recording, activating an accessibility feature like the magnifier or flashlight, or launching a shortcut can also be programmed for the button. USB Type-C:  On all iPhone 15 models, Apple has finally replaced the Lightning port with USB-C. However, you get a lightning-fast USB 3 connection with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max that can transport data at up to 10 Gbps. You no longer need to bring a spare Lightning cord around thanks to USB Type-C. Again, Apple succeeded before setting fire to the rain. When we all assumed the iPhone had peaked, the iPhone 15 series was unexpectedly released. Of course, the internet's leaking stream gave us a pretty clear indication of what to anticipate. Now definately Iphone 15 Pro Max has setted bars to unmatched tendencies for it's supereme performance.

15 Sep 2023
Global News

Desert Oasis: Jordanian Farm Leads the Way in Sustainable Agriculture Amidst Arid Challenges

In a remarkable demonstration of ingenuity and resilience, a Jordanian farm is defying the odds by successfully growing vegetables in the heart of the desert. The Sahara Forest Project, located in Aqaba on Jordan's Red Sea coast, is revolutionizing farming techniques to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. Despite being one of the world's most water-poor countries, where 98 percent of food is imported, this innovative project has managed to cultivate thriving crops such as cucumbers, peppers, and passion fruit. The key to their success lies in combining low-tech solutions that are readily available. The farm operates entirely on solar power and seawater. Solar panels generate the energy needed to evaporate seawater, providing cool and humid conditions in the greenhouses while removing salt. Salt-tolerant plants are strategically grown around the greenhouses to further enhance cooling. Additionally, wastage from the farm and nearby businesses is transformed into fertilizer, enriching the soil and promoting sustainability. The Sahara Forest Project's achievements have attracted global attention and support. With backing from entities such as the Norwegian government, the European Union, and the Bellona Foundation, the project is expanding its operations. Plans are underway to replace water delivery trucks with a pipeline system, enabling the farm to absorb more carbon than it emits. Additionally, the project aims to employ 200 individuals in Aqaba and replicate its success in other desert locations. By harnessing the power of solar energy, seawater desalination, and innovative agricultural practices, the Sahara Forest Project serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainable food production is not only possible but also commercially viable. It stands as a testament to the transformative potential of leveraging existing technologies to address the pressing challenges of our time.

7 Sep 2023
Global News

Namibia's Circular Water System Inspires Global Interest in Tackling Water Scarcity

In the face of escalating water crises around the world, Namibia's innovative circular water supply system has caught the attention of politicians and experts alike. The country, known as the driest in Sub-Saharan Africa, has successfully implemented a groundbreaking water reclamation process that turns sewage into safe drinking water within 24 hours. Namibia's capital city, Windhoek, faced severe water shortages in the 1950s due to a rapidly growing population and limited natural resources. In response, the city pioneered the Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant in 1968, becoming the world's first facility to produce drinking water directly from sewage through a process known as direct potable reuse (DPR). Through continuous multi-barrier treatment and bacterial digestion, pollutants and pathogens are effectively eliminated, ensuring the quality and safety of the reclaimed water. The success of this system has led to 99 percent of Windhoek's population having access to drinking water, even though the city is located far from perennial rivers and the coast. Namibia's achievements have not gone unnoticed. Delegations from countries such as the United States, France, Germany, and Australia have visited Windhoek to explore solutions to their own water scarcity issues. Megadrought conditions in the US, for example, have prompted states like Texas, California, Arizona, and Colorado to consider embracing DPR. While the circular water system is not a panacea for global water scarcity, it represents a significant step toward building climate resilience and reducing reliance on natural water sources. As more nations follow Namibia's lead, the world is recognizing the importance of innovative approaches to ensure sustainable access to clean water for all.

6 Sep 2023
Global News

UConn Scientists Develop New Material Five Times Lighter and Four Times Stronger Than Steel

  Scientists from the University of Connecticut, in collaboration with researchers from Columbia University and Brookhaven National Lab, have successfully created a new material that is five times lighter and four times stronger than steel. This remarkable breakthrough holds immense potential for revolutionizing various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical equipment. The research team utilized an unconventional combination of DNA and glass as the building blocks for their material. By constructing a structure using self-assembling DNA and coating it with a thin layer of glass, they achieved a material with exceptional strength and low density. Although glass is typically fragile, the flawlessness of the nano-sized glass used in this study allowed it to withstand immense pressure, making it a suitable component for a strong and lightweight material. The DNA skeleton acted as a reinforcement for the glass coating, creating a framework similar to scaffolding, while the majority of the material volume consisted of empty space. This unique design resulted in a nanolattice structure that possesses an unprecedented combination of strength and lightness. While the researchers acknowledge that further research is needed, they are already exploring the use of even stronger ceramics in place of glass. The potential applications of this material are vast, ranging from durable body armor and advanced medical devices to safer and more efficient vehicles and aircraft.

4 Sep 2023
Global News

Promising New Blood Test Offers Early Diagnosis for Parkinson's Disease

Scientists in the United States have made a breakthrough in Parkinson's disease research with the development of a new blood test that could potentially diagnose the condition before it starts damaging the nervous system. Currently, Parkinson's disease is primarily diagnosed based on clinical symptoms that appear after significant neurological damage has occurred. However, this innovative test focuses on damage to mitochondrial DNA in the blood, which has been linked to the development of Parkinson's. Led by neuroscientists at Duke University School of Medicine, the research team investigated DNA damage in mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses. Previous studies have established a connection between mitochondrial DNA damage and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The team discovered an accumulation of such DNA damage in the brain tissue of deceased Parkinson's patients, indicating its potential as a diagnostic marker. By detecting high levels of damaged DNA in blood samples, the test successfully identified patients with Parkinson's disease, both with and without specific genetic mutations associated with the condition. In addition to enabling earlier diagnoses and timely initiation of therapies, this blood test could also aid in identifying suitable candidates for drug studies, potentially leading to the development of more effective treatments and even potential cures. This promising advancement brings hope for improved diagnostics and future treatments for Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide.

4 Sep 2023
Global News

Nature's Canvas: Saype's Colossal Artworks Inspire Global Connection

Renowned worldwide for his colossal art installations, French artist Saype has unveiled his latest masterpiece. Nestled in the picturesque northwestern Italian region of Aosta, this awe-inspiring creation features a heartwarming portrayal of a child and an elderly individual, set against the backdrop of the Mont-Blanc's verdant slopes. Saype, a self-taught artist, has etched his distinctive mark on diverse landscapes, from the iconic lawn of the United Nations headquarters to remote enclaves like a floating village in Benin. Yet, for his latest endeavor, he sought the tranquil embrace of Mont-Blanc, delivering a profound message of unity and harmony. In his own words, Saype describes his artwork as a means to construct intergenerational bridges, bridging the chasm between the elderly, symbolizing wisdom and experience, and the youth, epitomizing the future and innocence. For him, this masterpiece serves as a poignant reminder to reconnect with nature. Saype's artistic journey began in 2012 when he recognized that conventional graffiti could easily fade amid the modern society's pollution. Consequently, he transitioned his art into the realm of nature, transforming it into grand-scale creations, some spanning up to 10,000 square meters. Employing 100% biodegradable paint, he uses his art as a medium to convey messages of solidarity, addressing issues like the European migrant crisis and the global Covid-19 pandemic. Saype’s next ambition is to embark on a worldwide mission in 2019, aiming to symbolically create the world's largest human chain by replicating his masterpiece in over 30 cities. Saype's art demonstrates the enduring power of creativity, uniting generations and fostering global connections through the universal language of art.

2 Sep 2023
Global News

The UK - India relationship is alive with opportunities : India Hosting G-20

  Yes, it is well known that the United Kingdom and India have a prosperous trade partnership worth billions of dollars. With a strong basis in terms of culture, history, and language, there is a rare opportunity to further develop the relationship between India and the UK while utilizing each other's advantages for development. The creation of a "2030 roadmap for India-UK future relations" (4 May 2021) is one of the important things to keep in mind about the UK's relationship and future cooperation with India. As part of a "common vision of a new and transformational comprehensive strategic partnership between the UK and India," the roadmap was approved by the governments of both the UK and India. India Takes Global Stage as Host of the G-20: It is truly amazing to see India, the largest democracy in the world, take the initiative to host the G-20, a crucial forum for advancing parallel global cooperation.The G20 Summit will take place in New Delhi from September 9 to 10 at the Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan. Along with other delegates, several heads of state and government are anticipated to travel to the capital for the summit. US Vice President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK PM Rishi Sunak, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud are among the leaders who are anticipated to visit. Representatives will have conversations about various economic reforms during the meeting. G20 Summit Timetable: 4th Sherpa Meeting, September 3–6, Meeting of Finance Deputies, September 5-6, Joint Sherpas and Finance Deputies Meeting on September 6, Meeting of Ministers at the G20 Summit, September 9–10, Varanasi, India, September 13–14, 4th Sustainable Finance Working Group Meeting, Mumbai will host the fourth meeting of the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion from September 14 to 16, 4th Framework Working Group Meeting in Raipur, September 18–19 Protection of the elite on a global scale: The G20 Summit is expected to be a high-profile event of historic scope with the attendance of dignitaries and leaders from around the world, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, France, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Italy. As a result, the Indian defense forces will send out Special Forces to secure important sites, demonstrating the country's dedication to offering top-notch security. The (Indian Air Force) IAF is working with numerous security agencies to coordinate a comprehensive defense strategy, including the deployment of counter-drone systems and air defense missiles to combat any potential airborne threats, according to sources within the defense establishment.  

31 Aug 2023
Global News

Ospreys Successfully Breed in Ireland After Over Two Centuries, Marking a Conservation Milestone

In a momentous achievement for conservationists in Ireland, ospreys have bred in the country for the first time in over 200 years. The successful nesting of these magnificent raptors marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore their population in the Emerald Isle. Irish conservationists, led by the Golden Eagle Trust, have reported the historic event, highlighting the return of the ospreys to the Irish skies. Once abundant, these birds had been hunted to extinction, with the last recorded nesting occurring in 1779. The nesting pair, observed by experienced birdwatcher Giles Knight, was discovered on the island, signaling a safe and suitable environment for raising young. Knight, who has been monitoring the site since 2021, expressed his excitement upon witnessing three chicks and two adult ospreys this year. He described the moment as a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience and a highlight of his three-decade-long wildlife career. The successful breeding of the ospreys demonstrates the conservation efforts aimed at preserving their habitat and ensuring an abundance of fish, their primary food source. It signifies the resilience of the wetland ecosystem and underscores the importance of maintaining suitable habitats. Conservationists emphasize the need to protect the ospreys and provide them with undisturbed nesting areas to support their population growth. The return of these birds to Ireland not only represents a remarkable conservation success story but also offers hope for the establishment of a thriving raptor dynasty.

30 Aug 2023
Global News

4,200-Year-Old Ceramic Storm Drains Unearthed in Ancient Chinese Town Rewrite History

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the northeastern plains of China, unearthing a sophisticated drainage system that dates back 4,200 years. The town of Pingliangtai, located on the vast Huanghuaihai Plain, is now home to the world's oldest known ceramic storm drains.   The remarkable find sheds new light on early human civilization and challenges long-held theories about the development of centralized authority. The ceramic pipes, expertly crafted by the local community, were used to channel water from the elevated town into drainage ditches and eventually a moat, effectively combating the region's frequent flooding.   This discovery is a significant milestone, not only because it represents the oldest ceramic pipe system ever found globally, but also because it suggests a different trajectory for human civilization. Unlike the traditional belief that water control was dominated by centralized authorities, the drainage system at Pingliangtai reveals a model of communal organization and mutual governance.   The excavations at Pingliangtai demonstrate how environmental factors, technological advancements, and social institutions converged to form a cooperative approach to water management. The region's monsoon climate, characterized by heavy rainfall, necessitated innovative solutions to address acute and chronic water-related challenges.   The ancient inhabitants of Pingliangtai were skilled in pottery-making and utilized wheel technology, allowing them to create a vast array of daily pottery, including the ceramic drainpipes. The pipes, measuring between 30 and 40 centimeters in length and 20 to 30 centimeters in diameter, were interconnected along the roadways, forming an extensive network that drained water away from the settlement.  

25 Aug 2023
Global News

Austrian Innovator Saves Ibis Species from Extinction: Ultralight Aircraft Paves the Way for Unique Migration Route

In a remarkable feat of wildlife conservation, an Austrian ornithologist has devised a groundbreaking method to save the northern bald ibis from extinction. By fostering chicks of this endangered species and guiding them along a new migration route using an ultralight aircraft, he has successfully reconnected these birds with their natural migratory patterns.   The northern bald ibis, once extinct in Europe for over 400 years due to excessive hunting, has found hope for survival through the efforts of a small team of scientists and conservationists. In 2002, they initiated a project to reintroduce the species in Europe, which gained momentum with funding from the European LIFE-program in 2014.   Johannes Fritz, the visionary biologist and pilot behind this initiative, raised the ibis chicks with the help of human foster parents. The juvenile birds were then trained to follow an ultralight aircraft, with human co-pilots, as they embarked on their journey from northern Europe to their wintering grounds in southern climes.   The reintroduction project was not without its challenges. Initially, the birds' natural instincts led them to migrate to Russia instead of their intended destination. To overcome this, Fritz personally flew them over the Alps in his ultralight aircraft, ensuring their safe passage.   Despite facing setbacks, such as unstable migration routes due to climate change, Fritz's dedication and perseverance paid off. The ibises have successfully adopted the newly established migration tradition, marking a significant milestone in their conservation journey.  

25 Aug 2023
Global News

Seeds of Renewal: How reviving sea grass meadows help to combat climate change

In an effort to preserve Sardinia's coastal ecosystems and combat climate change, the Med Sea Foundation, a non-profit organization based on the Italian island, has embarked on a remarkable project to restore seagrass meadows. With their plan to plant 1 million seagrass seedlings by 2050 across 19 square miles of Sardinia's Sinis Peninsula, they hope to protect the island's beaches while storing an impressive 35-times more carbon than trees. Seagrass, particularly the Posidonia oceanica species, plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by providing habitat for numerous species, stabilizing sediment on the seafloor, mitigating wave energy, and regulating ocean acidity. These fragile ecosystems are, however, highly susceptible to damage from human activities. To ensure the success of their restoration efforts and protect the seagrass meadows from further harm, Med Sea is implementing anti-trawl barriers along the coastline. These barriers, made of concrete or stone, prevent illegal coastal fishing methods and safeguard the seagrass beds from destruction. The initiative has garnered support from various organizations, including the University of Exeter in the UK, electric-vehicle racing organization Extreme-E, and Sotheby's Auctioneers. Similar restoration projects focusing on seagrass conservation have also been undertaken in Wales and the state of Virginia, highlighting the growing recognition of seagrass ecosystems' value worldwide. The revival of Sardinia's seagrass meadows not only protects the coastline from erosion and preserves marine biodiversity but also contributes significantly to carbon sequestration. As seagrass accounts for a substantial portion of carbon storage in the ocean, this project represents a vital step towards mitigating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for the planet. 

23 Aug 2023
Global News

Scotland's Golden Symphony: Farmer Paints the Landscape with 250,000 Spectacular Sunflowers in Breathtaking Trail of Blooms

In a stunning display of nature's beauty, a Scottish farmer has captivated visitors by growing a quarter million sunflowers and transforming his fields into a massive trail. Crawford Niven, a 26-year-old farmer from Gloagburn Farm near Perth, Scotland, embarked on this ambitious project after discovering that sunflowers could thrive in his northern climate.   Initially skeptical about their growth prospects, Niven's sunflowers defied expectations and flourished across an impressive 13-acre expanse. The towering 7-foot stalks have attracted thousands of visitors from around the world, who delight in strolling through the vibrant yellow blooms and capturing picturesque moments.   Niven, known for sharing farming videos on his YouTube channel, initially created a trail in the shape of Scotland last year. However, this time, he opted for a more natural and random pattern, adding an element of surprise to the scenic spectacle.   Lasting for about four weeks, the sunflower bloom offers a unique photo opportunity and a chance to immerse oneself in nature's splendor. Visitors can explore the full trail in 30-60 minutes or opt for a shorter, child-friendly version with games. Admission is free for children aged 12 and under.   While the sunflowers generate awe-inspiring visuals, Niven regrets that the Scottish climate doesn't provide enough sunlight to harvest the seeds. Nonetheless, his sunflower trail stands as a testament to the beauty of nature and the ingenuity of farmers like Niven, who bring joy to people's lives through their dedication and passion.  

23 Aug 2023
Global News

Resilient Giants: Oak that Defied Bombs and Elm that Triumphed Over Plague Vie for Honors in Tree of the Year Contest

The annual Tree of the Year contest in the United Kingdom has unveiled two extraordinary contenders that have demonstrated remarkable resilience and stood the test of time. Organized by the Woodland Trust, this year's contest celebrates ancient trees residing in towns and cities. One of the noteworthy contenders is the Oak of Belton Lane, also known as the Grantham Oak, estimated to be around 500 years old. This majestic oak has previously been nominated for the award and has captured attention for its unique shape, a result of centuries of pollarding. Despite enduring the challenges of urbanization, this tree has thrived and become an integral part of its surrounding neighborhood. Another impressive contender is the Chelsea Road Elm in Sheffield. This resilient elm tree not only defied the development company's plans to remove it but also survived the devastating Dutch elm disease epidemic, which claimed the lives of millions of elm trees across Britain. Its preservation played a crucial role in protecting the habitat of the rare white-letter hairstreak butterfly. These ancient trees serve as vital ecosystems, supporting urban wildlife and contribute to the well-being of communities. The Tree of the Year contest showcases the importance of preserving and appreciating these living monuments. The winner of the UK competition will have the opportunity to participate in the European Tree of the Year contest, further emphasizing the significance of these remarkable specimens. The Tree of the Year contest recognizes the enduring spirit of these trees and highlights the need for their protection, inspiring individuals and communities to cherish and safeguard these living treasures for generations to come.

21 Aug 2023
Global News

Unifying Yemen: Weaving Community and Hope Against All Odds

In a country ravaged by war, famine, and a collapsing health system, one man's initiative has sparked a movement of resilience and hope. An elderly retiree in Yemen, Abdullah Ali, came up with a solution to improve mental wellbeing in the midst of chaos – a free, daily Swedish Gymnastics club known as the "Best Team." Since its inception, this sports club has rapidly spread across the war-torn nation, offering a source of rejuvenation and camaraderie to its participants. Every morning, as the sun rises over Sanaa's al-Thawra Park, members of the Best Team gather to engage in a set of 33 exercises designed to work the entire body. Regardless of the stressors accumulated from the devastating civil war that has claimed countless lives, these individuals find solace, temporarily setting aside their burdens as they stretch, balance, and reach for the sky. The initiative is particularly vital for the elderly, who often suffer from illnesses and anxiety that go untreated due to unaffordability. By providing free exercise classes in a healthy and social setting, the Best Team uplifts their morale and enhances their overall wellbeing. In a country where mental health disorders have soared, with limited access to psychiatric care, the club's impact cannot be understated. With over 1,500 members across 17 branches, the Best Team has become a beacon of hope in Yemen. Through their dedication to exercise and companionship, they are quietly improving the mental wellbeing of countless individuals in the capital and beyond. However, it is important to note that despite its success, women remain excluded from accessing the benefits of the Best Team due to societal restrictions.

21 Aug 2023
Global News

Archaeological Sensation: 4,000-Year-Old Pyramid Unearthed in Kazakhstan, a First on the Eurasian Steppes

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a 4,000-year-old pyramid has emerged from the grassy steppes of Kazakhstan, marking the first of its kind ever found in the region. The pyramid, covering an area of 500 square meters, stands as a testament to the sophisticated architectural prowess of the ancient nomadic horse tribes inhabiting the area during the Bronze Age. Dubbed the "steppe pyramid" due to its unique location, the structure was uncovered near Toktamys village in the Abai region of Kazakhstan's far east. Its existence came to light in 2014 when burial mounds containing various artifacts, including ceramic vessels, food offerings, bronze beads, and jewelry, were discovered in the vicinity. Archaeologists from the Eurasian National University's Archaeology and Ethnology Department have been diligently excavating the pyramid, unveiling its hexagonal design and intricate construction. The structure boasts thirteen-meter sides and eight rows of stones between each face, with large black stones placed at the corners. The pyramid's exterior walls feature elaborate depictions of animals, particularly horses, leading researchers to speculate that it may have served as a center for horse-related worship. The domestication of horses revolutionized the lives of the steppe peoples, and this newfound pyramid sheds light on their ancient rituals and beliefs. This groundbreaking discovery opens up a new chapter in the understanding of the enigmatic steppe cultures and their architectural achievements. It reinforces the notion that the Eurasian steppes were not only a cradle of nomadic societies but also home to sophisticated civilizations with a rich cultural heritage waiting to be unearthed and explored further.

18 Aug 2023
Global News

Ending Century-Long Absence: Western Quolls Roar Back to Life in Western Australia!

In an exciting development for wildlife conservation, the western quolls have made a triumphant return to Western Australia after an absence of over 100 years. These threatened marsupials, known for their long snouts and distinctive fur, have been reintroduced to the wild, marking a significant milestone in preserving Australia's unique biodiversity. The Mount Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning a vast 1,305 square kilometers, served as the stage for the largest single reintroduction effort in Australian history. A total of 30 western quolls were released earlier this year, and conservationists are already observing their successful adaptation to the area. The quolls, which raise their young in chest pouches and are nocturnal hunters, have been seen exploring new territories and exhibiting signs of reproduction. The Australian Wildlife Conservancy spearheaded this ambitious project, overseeing the reintroduction of not only western quolls but also 10 other species to the reserve. To study and monitor the quolls' behavior, 16 of them were fitted with radio tracking collars, a pioneering approach for studying this particular species. This method enables researchers to track the quolls' movements, habitat preferences, and hunting patterns within the sanctuary. The return of the western quolls to Western Australia is evidence of the success of conservation efforts and highlights the resilience of these remarkable creatures. It also serves as a beacon of hope for the recovery of other endangered species in the region. As Australia continues to prioritize biodiversity conservation, such initiatives pave the way for a brighter future for its unique wildlife.

17 Aug 2023
Global News

From Trash to Treasure: Scientists Transform Plastic Waste into Soap!

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at Virginia Tech have found a way to convert plastic waste into soap, offering a glimmer of hope in the battle against plastic pollution. Guoliang Liu, a researcher at the university, stumbled upon the innovative idea during a winter evening by a fireplace. Inspired by the combustion process of wood, Liu wondered if a similar approach could be used to break down polyethylene, one of the most common plastics, into shorter fatty acid chains suitable for soap production. With the assistance of two Ph.D. chemistry students, Liu built a laboratory oven and conducted temperature-gradient thermolysis experiments. The results were astounding. The researchers successfully obtained "short-chain polyethylene" from the process, which served as the vital ingredient for creating soap. By incorporating additional steps, including saponification, the team successfully produced the world's first soap made from plastic waste. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for upcycling low-value plastic waste into high-value commodities like soap and detergents. The researchers emphasized that their method does not require complex procedures or novel catalysts, making it a cost-effective and efficient approach to plastic recycling. The implications of this discovery extend beyond soap production. It opens the door to more creative designs and procedures for plastic upcycling, potentially revolutionizing the recycling industry. With plastic pollution posing a significant environmental threat, this breakthrough from Virginia Tech brings a ray of hope and inspires further efforts to tackle the global plastic waste crisis.

17 Aug 2023
Global News

Homecoming Triumph: NASA's STEREO-A Spacecraft Returns After 17 Years, Clearing Path for Solar Exploration

In a historic moment for space exploration, NASA's STEREO-A spacecraft has successfully made its first visit back to Earth after a remarkable 17-year journey. Launched on October 25th, 2006, the spacecraft, along with its twin STEREO-B, provided humanity with its first stereoscopic, or multiple-perspective, view of the Sun. The STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory) mission aimed to overcome the limitations of observing the Sun from only one side at a time. By charting Earth-like orbits around the Sun, STEREO-A and STEREO-B revolutionized our understanding of our closest star by providing a three-dimensional view of the Sun's activities. On Saturday, August 12th, STEREO-A passed between the Sun and Earth, marking its long-anticipated return home. This milestone allows scientists to gather important data on solar phenomena, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which can impact our technology and power grids. During its flyby, STEREO-A will provide valuable multipoint measurements from inside a CME, enabling researchers to refine their understanding of how the magnetic field of these solar eruptions evolves during the journey from the Sun to Earth. The spacecraft's return comes at an opportune time, as the Sun enters a period of increased activity leading up to the predicted solar maximum in 2025. Scientists are eager to study this active phase and gain further insights into the Sun's behavior.

17 Aug 2023
Global News

Reality Check: Plastic Pollution in Oceans Overestimated by 30 Times, New Analysis Unveils Surprising Insights into Environmental Impact

Scientists in the Netherlands have unveiled groundbreaking research indicating that previous estimates of plastic pollution in the world's oceans have been grossly exaggerated, overestimating the actual amount by a staggering 30 times. The study brings a glimmer of hope in the fight against plastic waste, highlighting the potential for more effective solutions to combat ocean pollution. The extensive research, led by oceanologist Mikeal Kaandorp and his team, incorporated 20,000 reliable measurements to reassess the quantity of plastic in the oceans. The findings suggest that the actual amount of plastic accumulated over the past two decades is around 3.2 million tons, in stark contrast to previous estimates ranging from 50 million to 300 million tons. The study also challenges assumptions about the sources and distribution of plastic waste. Contrary to popular belief, rivers contribute less plastic to the oceans than previously thought, while microplastics constitute a smaller percentage of the overall plastic waste. These findings have crucial implications for environmental organizations and initiatives dedicated to ocean cleanup. The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization from the Netherlands, has been at the forefront of tackling plastic pollution, but even their estimates of "millions of tons" entering the oceans annually appear to be significantly overestimated. The research not only provides a more accurate understanding of the problem but also offers a glimmer of hope, encouraging individuals and nations to continue their efforts in combating plastic pollution

12 Aug 2023
Global News

Forgotten Valor Resurfaces: Unmasking the Enigmatic Iron Age Heroine Buried as an Unknown Warrior

Archaeologists have successfully solved a long-standing puzzle from the Iron Age as they finally identified the enigmatic grave of an unknown warrior on one of the British Isles of Scilly. Through innovative techniques and analysis, the buried individual has been confirmed to be a British warrior woman, shedding new light on gender roles and warfare in ancient societies. The burial site, discovered on the islet of Bryher in 1999, had confounded experts for years due to the deterioration of the skeletal remains. The presence of a sword and shield initially suggested a male identity, but the inclusion of a bronze mirror and brooch adorned with a sun motif pointed to a female connection. Utilizing traces of tooth enamel found in the soil, scientists from Historic England conducted tests that revealed the presence of the XX chromosome, indicating a 96% probability that the individual was female. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about gender roles in Iron Age Britain and suggests that women may have played a more prominent and active role in warfare and raiding than previously believed. The grave, dated between 100 and 50 BCE, predates the famous warrior queen Boudicca by several generations. The newfound knowledge about the warrior woman contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex history of ancient Britain and the significant roles played by women in that era. The revelation of the British warrior woman's identity represents a milestone in archaeological research, highlighting the importance of reevaluating historical assumptions and embracing new perspectives on ancient civilizations.

10 Aug 2023
Global News

Silver Lining: Heroes Unite to Save Silvery Gibbons and Revive Java's Forested Heartland

In a race against time to save the critically endangered silvery gibbons (Hylobates moloch) from extinction, a dedicated group of conservationists is making significant strides in their rehabilitation and release efforts. With the population of these small primates dwindling to an alarming estimate of only 2,500, every individual counts. The Javan Primate Rehabilitation Centre (JPRC), situated within the Mount Tilu Nature Reserve on the island of Java, has become a beacon of hope for these remarkable creatures. Since its establishment in 2011, the JPRC has provided sanctuary to 71 gibbons, successfully reintroducing 55 of them back into the wild. The silvery gibbons have faced multiple threats, including poaching for the illegal wildlife trade and deforestation. Animals rescued by the JPRC have been repatriated from zoos abroad, saved from poachers, or discovered by humans after straying into civilization. Once in the care of the JPRC, the gibbons undergo medical assessments to ensure their health before being placed in spacious enclosures, where they can practice essential survival skills. The released gibbons are closely monitored by a dedicated team, responsible for observing their behavior, movements, social interactions, and dietary habits. The team's efforts have yielded heartening results, with rehabilitated gibbons successfully adapting to their natural habitat and even giving birth to new offspring. While the JPRC's work offers hope for silvery gibbons in specific areas, broader efforts are needed to secure their long-term survival. Organizations like the Wanicare Foundation have been instrumental in supporting these charismatic primates, and collaborations between various conservation groups and funding agencies are crucial in securing a future for these endangered species.

10 Aug 2023
Global News

Canadian Eco-Warrior Plants Over 370,000 Trees in Just 3 Summers, Inspiring a Green Revolution Nationwide

Leslie Dart, a young woman from Canada's Saskatchewan Province, has planted an astounding 372,290 trees over the past three summers, inspiring many others to follow in her footsteps. Despite not having a career in forestry, Leslie took on tree-planting as a summer job for university students. This kind of tree-planting is mandated by certain provincial laws to be done in conjunction with logging. Paid volunteers like Leslie are responsible for replanting every tree that's logged for Canada's timber industry. Leslie's work involves using a spade to dig into the ground, levering out the dirt, dropping in a seedling, tamping it down with her boot, and moving on to the next one. She sometimes works for up to 15 hours a day, in diverse locations like desolate areas scarred by wildfires, humid logged forests filled with overgrowth, and swarming with mosquitoes. Despite the challenging conditions, Leslie finds the work deeply rewarding and has come back year after year to volunteer. Leslie's dedication to reforestation has garnered her well-deserved attention on social media, where she has posted videos of herself planting trees. One such video on TikTok went viral, garnering over 8.7 million views. Leslie's inspiring work has also been praised by veteran planters like Kenny Chaplin, who believes that every Canadian parent should send their child out tree-planting to learn responsibility, work ethic, and earn some money. Leslie's amazing contribution to reforestation in Canada is a testament to the power of individual action in addressing environmental challenges. It's a reminder that each one of us can make a positive impact on the environment, no matter how small.

5 Aug 2023
Global News

A Celestial Spectacle: Double Supermoons and Meteor Shower Extravaganza Set to Dazzle Stargazers in August 2023

Skywatchers will be treated to an astronomical feast this August, with the appearance of two supermoons and the most popular meteor shower of the year. The first supermoon, known as the "Sturgeon Moon," will rise on August 1st, with 99% illumination during the night. The Sturgeon Moon will be followed by the biggest full moon of the year, the Blue Moon, on August 30th. In addition to the double supermoons, the Perseid Meteor Shower will light up the sky on August 13th, with nearly 150 meteors visible per night. The shower is caused by the Earth passing through a stream of debris left by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, making it the most popular meteor shower in the world. Skywatchers will also have three chances to see Saturn in August, with the planet coming within 2°15′ of the moon on August 3rd and again on August 30th. On August 27th, Saturn will be in opposition to the sun from the perspective of Earth, providing an exceptional view of the planet's rings. The warm summer weather and position of observation in the Northern Hemisphere make August the perfect month for stargazing. With so many celestial events to look forward to, astronomy enthusiasts and casual skywatchers alike will have plenty to admire in the night sky.

2 Aug 2023
Global News

From Waste to Wonder: Latin America's Largest Landfill Transforms into Thriving Mangrove Forest

The Jardim Gramacho landfill in Rio de Janeiro, which was once one of the largest and most notorious dumps in Latin America, has been transformed into a flourishing mangrove forest spanning over 120 acres. The landfill, which received 80 million metric tonnes of trash from the surrounding area between 1970 and 2012, was decommissioned 11 years ago. Now, a public-private partnership led by the Rio Municipal Cleaning Company has converted the area into a valuable ecosystem. The project involved planting 24 acres of mangroves at a time and has created the largest mangrove area in the bay. The restoration project was funded by non-profit organizations such as Ocean Pact, which was responsible for restoring 12.5 hectares of mangroves through the Green Guanabara Bay Project. Mangroves are an essential part of the ecosystem, and their impressive lattice work of roots helps to protect coastal areas from storm surges, preventing soil erosion. They also store carbon in their roots and soil, making them a crucial part of climate mitigation strategies worldwide. The restoration of the Jardim Gramacho landfill is not only a positive step for the environment but also for the local community, as mangroves provide habitat for fish and crustaceans that support small-scale fishing communities. By turning a once-polluted area into a valuable ecosystem, this project serves as an inspiring example of the power of human ingenuity in creating a sustainable future for our planet.

2 Aug 2023
Global News

Welcome to the 'Republic of Good Neighbors' - A Beacon of Hope Tackling Loneliness and Embracing Conviviality

In the midst of a bustling city, a Parisian district has declared itself the “Republic of Good Neighbors” in an effort to combat social isolation and revive conviviality. The 14th arrondissement has been conducting a neighborhood-wide experiment on deliberate living by consciously choosing to be good neighbors. Since 2018, the Republic has been the site of hundreds of small events celebrating conviviality, including brunches, aperitifs, cultural outings, bake-a-thons, children’s activities, and group exercise meets. The airwaves are filled with communications from dozens of WhatsApp groups, for people trading and selling handmade goods, people repairing electronics or mechanical equipment, or sharing referrals to various professional services. Many residents say the deliberate shift to good neighborliness has changed their lives, including immigrants to the area who feel they’re living the Paris they always imagined. The Republic has also lobbied city hall to levy a tax on businesses deemed undesirable by those in the neighborhood, such as banks that no one uses, or delivery hubs. It’s also hired local green entrepreneurs to design a variety of collection points for organic waste which is then turned into compost for the neighborhood trees and flower boxes. The Republic’s most recent civic engagement project was when it turned its attention to the Place des Droits L’Enfant, a plaza that had become a largely lifeless road junction. By working together, the neighbors pedestrianized it, cleaned up litter and broken pavement, planted a variety of garden beds along the roads and plaza, and inaugurated the new space with a big party of music and board games.

1 Aug 2023
Global News

Next-Gen Geothermal Breakthrough Paves the Way for Clean Energy Revolution in Nevada

Fervo Energy announced a record production of geothermal energy in northern Nevada after successfully completing a commercial pilot project. The project, called 'Project Red', utilized Fervo's drilling technology to produce commercial geothermal energy, a major breakthrough in the renewable energy industry. The 30-day well test, which achieved a flow rate of 63 liters per second at high temperature, enabled 3.5 MW of electric production, setting new records for both flow and power output from an enhanced geothermal system. This achievement confirms the commercial viability of Fervo’s drilling technology and establishes Project Red as the most productive enhanced geothermal system in history. Fervo’s drilling technology, adapted from the oil and gas industry, has reduced drilling risks and enabled the production of 24/7 carbon-free energy resources in new geographies across the world. In 2021, Fervo partnered with Google to develop the next-gen plant with the goal of powering Google’s Cloud servers in Las Vegas with an “always-on,” carbon-free resource that will reduce the company’s hourly reliance on fossil fuels. Geothermal technology produces electricity by pumping cold water underground, where it is heated up by the Earth’s temperature and brought back to the surface without emitting carbon or other harmful pollutants. Currently used in 26 countries, geothermal technology has the potential to supply over 20% of U.S. power needs and compliment wind and solar to achieve a fully decarbonized grid. Fervo's breakthrough in geothermal technology removes technological barriers to geothermal deployment and ushers in a new era of sustainable, carbon-free energy production.

1 Aug 2023
Global News

Resurrected Beauty: Extinct Texas Oak Tree Rediscovered in Big Bend National Park, Sparking Hope for Biodiversity

A species of oak tree unique to Texas' western mountain ranges, which was thought to be extinct, has been rediscovered in the Big Bend National Park. The Quercus tardifolia, also known as the late-leaf oak, is a living relic of a bygone climatic period in Texas' history when the state was wetter and cooler. The tardifolia keeps its leaves all winter and regrows them very late into spring. Michael Eason, a scientist with the San Antonio Botanical Garden's Rare Plants and Conservation program, conducted a search for the tree with a team of botanists in Big Bend National Park's Chisos Mountains. The tardifolia can only thrive in north-facing canyons with plenty of shade and moisture, making the search challenging. Eason and his team were able to locate two of these supposedly extinct oaks, take off some branches, and graft them onto oak rootstock back at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Eason now has quite a few oaks in his greenhouse and is shipping seedlings to botanic gardens across the country to preserve the species. The discovery of the tardifolia oak in the Big Bend National Park is a testament to the importance of national parks and protected areas for conserving biodiversity. The discovery has highlighted the need for continued conservation efforts and research to preserve endangered species.

28 Jul 2023
Global News

Seas Saved by Bubbles: How Innovative Barriers in the Netherlands are Halting Trash from Polluting Our Oceans

A Dutch startup called The Great Bubble Barrier has developed a low-fi way of preventing plastic pollution from entering rivers and oceans. The startup deploys a perforated tube on riverbeds to create a curtain of bubbles. The bubbles nudge waste towards the bank for collection, intercepting as much as 86% of flotsam in inland waters before it reaches the sea. The technology has proven surprisingly effective, snagging plastic particles as small as 1mm.  Every year, more than 8 million tonnes of plastic ends up in our oceans, with 60-80% of it originating in rivers. The Great Bubble Barrier's design catches plastic over a river's full width and depth, directing it to a catchment system that collects and compresses the waste. The first bubble barrier was installed on a waterway in Amsterdam in 2019 and has prevented around 8,000 pieces of plastic from reaching the North Sea each month.  Following successful trials in the Netherlands, two more bubble barriers are now being planned for Portugal and Germany. The barriers operate 24/7, work regardless of water levels, and allow aquatic life and river traffic to pass unhindered. “Rivers are the highway to our oceans, transporting pollution all the way there,” said Francis Zoet, co-founder of the startup. The Great Bubble Barrier's solution is a simple yet effective way to tackle plastic pollution, with the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against plastic waste in our oceans and rivers.

28 Jul 2023
Global News

Lost World Found: Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Reef Teeming with Life

A never-before-seen deep-sea reef has been discovered in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, providing much-needed hope for the marine environment. The discovery was made by an underwater explorer more than 1,300 feet below the surface, at the summit of an underwater volcano, in the center of a large archipelago. The 1.2-mile expanse is teeming with marine life, including octopus, sea urchins, squat lobsters, sharks, and rays. The discovery also included a collection of coral that is thought to be thousands of years old. The newly discovered reefs are pristine and contain 50-60% live coral in many areas, which is very rare. The discovery is potentially of global significance as it can act as a canary in the mine for other reefs globally. These sites can be monitored over time to understand how pristine habitats evolve with our current climate crisis. The discovery was made possible by the Human Occupied Vehicle (HOV) Alvin submersible, which has had many upgrades since its inception in 1964 and now features high-definition imaging, better lighting, and sensors. The Galapágos Marine Reserve covers 76,448 square miles and is home to over 3,000 known species, making it one of the world's most significant areas of biodiversity. Remarkably, little of it has been subject to recent exploration, suggesting there may be more reef structures across different depths waiting to be explored. The discovery also highlights the importance of following through with the historic ocean treaty, in which nations have pledged to protect 30% of open waters by 2030. This discovery gives hope for the future of our marine environment and emphasizes the need for further exploration and protection of our oceans.

24 Apr 2023
Global News

A Journey to the Moon to Save the Earth: Scientists Propose a Groundbreaking Idea!

Global warming has been a pressing issue for several decades now, and finding a solution to this crisis has been a top priority for scientists and researchers around the world. In a recent study, scientists from the University of Utah have come up with a surprisingly unconventional solution - firing moon dust into space. According to the researchers, launching moon dust into the atmosphere could mitigate global warming. The "high-porosity, fluffy" moon dust would be easier to launch into space due to its lighter mass and would act as a "shade" for the earth. The idea behind this solution was inspired by the rings around Saturn, which are made of astronomical dust that reflect light and are visible to us. However, the solution does come with its own set of challenges. To significantly affect global warming, the dust would need to block off 1% to 2% of the sun's rays, which would necessitate the annual launch of roughly ten billion kilograms of dust. The solution seems difficult logistically because this is almost 700 times more mass than mankind has ever launched into space. Although the solution of firing moon dust into space sounds like something straight out of a science fiction novel, it's important to remember that we don't need to rely on unconventional methods to fight climate change. Reducing our carbon footprint by limiting our use of fossil fuels, planting more trees, and promoting renewable energy sources is crucial to saving our planet.

13 Feb 2023
Global News

Star Citizens

Sudarsan Pattnaik Becomes First Indian to Win Prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award

Some people are just born with something special. They don’t wait for the perfect tools or the perfect time, they create magic with what they have. Sudarsan Pattnaik is one of those rare souls. Born in Puri, Odisha, with no money and no art supplies, he found his canvas in the sand beneath his feet. While others saw just a beach, he saw possibilities. His journey started with nothing more than his fingers and a dream, and today, his sand art has reached shores far beyond India. He made history as the first Indian to be honoured with the prestigious Fred Darrington Sand Master Award for his exceptional work in sand art.The International Cheer: Sudarsan’s Art Wins Heart Globally! The prestigious Sand World Festival was held in in Weymouth, UK. Pattnaik created a 10-foot-high sculpture of Lord Ganesha carrying the message of “World Peace”. The award holds special significance this year as it commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of legendary British sculptor Fred Darrington. Sudarshan Pattnaik, a Padma Shri awardee from Odisha, has participated in over 65 international sand art festivals and championships. His work, often blending spiritual themes with social messages, has earned him widespread recognition – but the Weymouth award marks a new high. The Sandworld exhibition at Lodmoor Park, known for its massive, detailed sand sculptures created using just sand and water, features works from artists across the world. But this year, it’s a message from India – carved in sand and rooted in peace – that’s leaving the deepest impression.In a space long dominated by global artists, his victory marked a powerful shift, placing Indian sand art on the international map. But for Sudarsan, it’s never just about the trophy, it’s about storytelling. About shaping messages that make people pause, feel, and remember. Every award reaffirms that talent paired with purpose can transcend borders, mediums, and even time,  and that’s where real magic begins. An Art That Fights to Be SeenIn a country like India, where art is deeply rooted in culture, sand art was never seen as “serious.” It wasn’t taught in schools. It wasn’t celebrated in galleries. It wasn’t even understood by many. But Sudarsan didn’t let that stop him. He trusted in the magic of his craft and kept sculpting one masterpiece after another.Over the years, he gave sand art a voice, a meaning, and a place in the world of Indian art. He turned something so temporary into something unforgettable. Through every wave that washed away his work, he came back stronger, because he knew his art was worth it.Etching his Name in Sand and Stone: A Global FirstSudarsan’s life is more than an artist’s journey, it’s a reminder to all of us. A reminder that you don’t need everything to start something. That even with the simplest of things, like sand, you can build a future, a name, and a legacy. His story teaches us that talent can never be limited by background, money, or location. It teaches us to trust our gifts, even when the world doesn’t understand them yet. And most importantly, it inspires us to keep going, to keep building, dreaming, and believing. Because as Sudarsan has shown, even a grain of sand can hold the weight of a dream.

8 Apr 2025
Star Citizens

Aaryan Shukla: The 14-Year-Old Human Calculator Who Shattered Six Guinness World Records in a Single Day!

In a world where calculators and computers have become an integral part of our daily lives, it's hard to imagine someone performing complex mathematical calculations with lightning speed and accuracy, all in their head! But, meet Aaryan Shukla, the 15-year-old Indian math genius  who's taking the world by storm with his extraordinary abilities.Aaryan's incredible journey began when he was just a child. Growing up in a family that encouraged his love for mathematics, he spent hours practicing mental calculations and developing his unique skills. Today, he's known as the "Human Calculator Kid," and his abilities are nothing short of extraordinary.Recently, Aaryan left audiences in awe on Italy's popular TV show, Lo Show Dei Record, by smashing not one, not two, but SIX Guinness World Records in a single day! His record-breaking achievements have left everyone wondering: how does he do it?A Record-Breaking JourneyAaryan's mind-blowing achievments  have left everyone wondering: how does he do it? His record-breaking achievements include the fastest time to mentally add 100 four-digit numbers, which he accomplished in a staggering 30.9 seconds. He also holds the record for the fastest time to mentally add 200 four-digit numbers, which took him just 1 minute 9.68 seconds.Additionally, he has set records for the fastest time to mentally add 50 five-digit numbers, mentally divide a 20-digit number by a ten-digit number, mentally multiply two five-digit numbers, and mentally multiply two eight-digit numbers. These achievements are a example  to Aaryan's incredible mental math abilities.Aaryan's dedication, talent, and passion for mathematics are truly inspiring. But, Aaryan's success is not just about him; it's also a reflection of India's strong emphasis on mathematics and science education. Globally, Indians have excelled in various fields, from technology and engineering to finance and entrepreneurship, thanks to their solid foundation in mathematics and science. Aaryan's success is a shining example of what can be achieved when talent, dedication, and opportunity come together.In a video highlighting his extraordinary skills, Shukla effortlessly solves intricate mathematical equations in real time as numbers rapidly appear on the screen. His quick calculations align perfectly with the device’s results.As noted by the Guinness World Records, Shukla credits his remarkable speed and accuracy to rigorous daily practice, spending five to six hours each day honing his mathematical abilities.Inspiring a GenerationHe mentioned that Sahaja Yoga meditation helps him stay calm and focused.Speaking to the online site, he explained that many aspects of mental calculations occur in a fraction of a second, making it difficult to describe the process. He noted that his mind works instinctively, emphasizing that the speed is so rapid that there is no time to think—only to compute.Beyond mathematics, Shukla has a diverse range of interests, including traveling, reading, playing video games, and watching cricket.When Shukla was eight years old, he participated in an international competition where he earned medals and trophies, which were considered major achievements. Over the years, he progressed to become a world champion and also played a key role in establishing the Global Mental Calculators Association (GMCA) as one of its founding board members.As Aaryan continues to break records and defy limits, he's inspiring millions of young minds around the world to pursue their passions and develop their unique skills. He is already working on new projects and is excited to see where his talents will take him. Aaryan Shukla is a name to watch, and his incredible journey is only just beginning.

17 Feb 2025
Star Citizens

Pedaling for the Planet: An Extraordinary Journey of Grit and Green Goals

Vadodara's own Everester, Nisha Kumari, has just completed an awe-inspiring journey, cycling over 15,000 km across 16 countries to champion climate change awareness. After seven arduous months on the road, she triumphantly arrived in London, marking an extraordinary achievement in both endurance and environmental activism. deter her. Her unshakable spirit kept her going through difficult terrains, including glass ice roads in Russia and icy paths in Poland, where cycling laws added to the obstacles.Nisha’s resilience is nothing short of inspiring. Having lost nine fingers to frostbite during her 2023 Everest expedition, she refused to let physical challenges deter her.Witnessing Climate Change FirsthandThroughout her journey, Nisha encountered stark evidence of climate change. She witnessed landslides in Nepal, the drying Aral Sea in Uzbekistan, and diminishing snow levels in Russia. These experiences reinforced her mission, urging global communities to act before it’s too late.Accompanied by her coach Nilesh Barot, who piloted the expedition vehicle, Nisha did more than just cycle—she took action. The duo planted over 1,100 trees across various locations, including Paris, and engaged with climate experts in different countries. Their campaign, “Change Before Climate Change,” resonated with people worldwide, sparking conversations about sustainability.Covering 100-130 km daily, Nisha relied on discipline and endurance. She maintained a strict routine of meditation and morning workouts to keep both her body and mind strong. She and her coach are pure vegetarians and they often cooked their own meals. They also relied on dry snacks from India. Her training as an Everester helped her tackle the toughest conditions, ensuring she stayed on course despite delays and logistical hurdles.Source: Google ImagesNavigating Global ChallengesInitially slated to conclude by November, the expedition was delayed by 45 days due to border permissions while crossing from Nepal to China. However, with support from the Ministry of External Affairs and local Indian embassies, they overcame the bureaucratic challenges. Within India, Gujarat Police and other state forces ensured their security, making the initial leg of the journey smooth.Nisha Kumari’s journey was about more than personal triumph—it was a call to action. She and her team committed to planting trees in 200 cities and educating people about environmental conservation. She shared her experiences and gratitude on social media, stating, “This is just the beginning – let’s continue pushing for a greener, sustainable future.”Nisha Kumari's journey is a powerful reminder that individual actions can ignite global change. As she pedaled through diverse landscapes, she connected with countless individuals, inspiring them to reflect on their environmental impact. Nisha's story encourages us all to take that first step, however small, towards a more sustainable future. 

10 Feb 2025
Star Citizens

Teacher and Mother Diana Pundole Makes History as India's First Woman Car Racing Champion

The 28-year-old racer Diana Pundole put her aspirations on wheels! Life frequently takes unexpected turns, therefore it's important to accelerate in the right direction. It's precisely what Diana Pundole accomplished. Pundole made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a national car racing championship. Her drive came from her passion. This Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 champion in the MRF Saloons class is not only a committed athlete but also a mother of two. This triumph breaks long-standing gender prejudices and creates a new standard for women in competitive racing, making it a momentous occasion in Indian sports.Everything Regarding 28-Year-Old Racer Diana Pundole ~Pundole, who is from Pune, is a mother of two children. Her racing career has a stellar resume, having taken her to some of the world's most famous racetracks. Diana has participated in races at several internationally recognized Formula 1 circuits in Europe and the United Arab Emirates, including the Dubai Autodrome, Hockenheimring, and the F1 Circuit de Spa in Belgium. (Source: Google Images)  The winner added, "I didn't touch my phone because I wanted to focus on this weekend's races," in an interview with The Bridge. “ I'm obviously really happy right now, but I can't quite put it into words.” Her words convey the laser-like intensity and unwavering commitment that propelled her to this significant accomplishment in her racing career.Pundole's accomplishment is undoubtedly personal. When a woman breaks through the glass barrier and takes on a male-dominated field, it opens doors for many other women and girls to "dare" to dream and take bold, confident steps along uncharted territory.

23 Aug 2024
Star Citizens

Kaushik Rajashekara Receives Prestigious International Fellowship from the Engineering Academy of Japan

In the heart of Karnataka, a young boy from a small village embarked on a journey that would lead him to global recognition in the field of engineering. Professor Kaushik Rajashekara's story reflects passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. His recent election as an International Fellow of the prestigious Engineering Academy of Japan celebrates a lifetime of remarkable achievements and groundbreaking contributions. Humble Beginnings Hailing from humble beginnings, Professor Rajashekara's journey is defined by a series of remarkable milestones. His election as an International Fellow acknowledges his exceptional scientific research and technical developments in energy, emphasizing efficiency and environmental sustainability.  An Elite Honor Joining an elite group of fewer than 10 fellows from the United States within the Engineering Academy of Japan, Professor Rajashekara stands among the top engineering minds worldwide. This prestigious recognition highlights the profound impact of his work on advancing energy technologies and electrification across the globe. Collaborations with Japan Reflecting on this honor, Professor Rajashekara shares, “I am deeply honored to have been chosen as an International Fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan." His words highlight the longstanding relationships he has nurtured with various Japanese universities and industries throughout his illustrious career. For over three decades, he has engaged closely with Japanese scholars, engineers, and students, fostering collaborations and knowledge exchange that transcend borders. Electric Vehicle Technology Professor Rajashekara's trailblazing work in electric vehicle technology has garnered widespread acclaim. With a distinguished background as the former lead propulsion system engineer for General Motors' IMPACT electric vehicle and as the chief technologist at Rolls-Royce Corporation, he has been a frequent visitor to Japan, delivering seminars and sharing expertise. His visionary approach to transportation underscores a commitment to shaping the future of sustainable mobility. Global Recognition  In 2022, Professor Rajashekara received the Global Energy Prize, an outstanding achievement in international energy innovation. Selected from a competitive pool of nominees spanning 43 countries, this award reaffirmed his status as a pioneering figure in the energy sector. As a self-described "futurist," Rajashekara envisions flying cars as the next frontier. This shows his forward-thinking approach and dedication to pushing technological boundaries. As Professor Kaushik Rajashekara continues to pave the way for transformative advancements in energy and transportation, his journey from a small village in India to global engineering acclaim serves as an inspiration. With a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, he embodies the spirit of progress that drives the future of engineering.

23 Apr 2024
Star Citizens

Indian Singer Sets Guinness World Record by Singing in 140 Languages at Climate Concert!

In an extraordinary event, Suchetha Satish, from Kerala, made history by performing in 140 languages during the Concert for Climate in Dubai. The significance of the number 140 was not incidental; it symbolized the 140 nations actively engaged in the COP 28 summit held in Dubai. Her concert emerged as a symbol of solidarity, echoing the myriad voices of nations uniting to confront the global challenge of climate change. With her enchanting melodies that transitioned across diverse languages, Sucheta’s performance set a Guinness World Record. The amalgamation of 101 foreign languages and 39 Indian languages showcased the rich tapestry of cultural diversity present at the COP 28 summit that underscored the urgent need for collective action against climate change. Earlier this week, the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed this impressive achievement. It occurred at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai, UAE. Her accomplishment doesn't just showcase musical excellence; it highlights how art can amplify crucial messages. In the face of environmental crises, Suchetha Satish's Concert for Climate embodies the seamless fusion of music, diversity, and a collective worldwide dedication to preserving our planet's future.

8 Jan 2024
Star Citizens

From India to the World Stage: Licypriya Kangujam's Quest for Climate Change

A pivotal moment unfolded at the United Nations Climate Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai when Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old climate activist from India, seized the spotlight. She dashed onto the stage, holding a sign with a powerful plea boldly stating, 'Put an end to fossil fuels,' Save our planet and our future.’ She fervently urged the global assembly of delegates, representing 190 nations, to take immediate action against climate change. Often likened to India's Greta Thunberg, Licypriya's impassioned call for action echoed through the venue. With a swift and powerful protest against the use of fossil fuels, she voiced the slogan 'Our Leaders Lie, People Die', resonating deeply with the audience before being escorted away. Despite the interruption, her fervor earned accolades from COP28's director-general Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, who commended her zeal, prompting a round of applause. Licypriya detailed her detention for over 30 minutes following the protest by taking to social media, denouncing the unjust confiscation of her credentials and advocating for the rights of children to voice concerns within the UN. This remarkable activist's journey began in Manipur at the age of seven, where her advocacy for climate action and disaster risk reduction commenced. Her commitment led her to global platforms, including the UN and the World Economic Forum, where she amplified her calls to end fossil fuel subsidies and demand urgent climate action. Licypriya's unwavering determination serves as a beacon for young activists globally, showcasing the potent force of youthful voices in steering the world toward a sustainable future.

13 Dec 2023
Star Citizens

India Love Project Recognized for Promoting Pluralism: Shortlisted for Prestigious Global Award

In a remarkable achievement, the India Love Project has been shortlisted as one of the finalists for the prestigious Global Pluralism Award. This recognition highlights the project's commendable efforts in countering prejudice and promoting inclusivity by sharing positive stories of love and marriage that transcend traditional boundaries. Founded by renowned journalists Priya Ramani, Samar Halarnkar, and writer Niloufer Venkatraman, the India Love Project aims to break societal barriers and stereotypes by showcasing narratives that defy the limitations of faith, caste, ethnicity, and gender. Their initiative has resonated with people across the nation and garnered international acclaim. The Global Pluralism Award, organized by the Global Centre for Pluralism, selected the India Love Project from a pool of 200 submissions representing 60 countries. The finalists represent a diverse range of disciplines, including peacebuilding, translation, social enterprise, sports therapy, storytelling, and technology. Their collective mission is to strengthen pluralism and foster more inclusive and peaceful societies. Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, emphasized the significance of these finalists in a time of increasing polarization worldwide. She commended their creativity, courage, and commitment, underscoring the urgent need for more leaders who champion diversity and inclusivity. The winners of the Global Pluralism Award, along with the honorable mention recipients, will be announced in October and honored at a ceremony in November in Ottawa, Canada. Each winner will receive a prize of $50,000 (CAD) to further their work in support of pluralism. The India Love Project's recognition as a finalist for this esteemed award not only acknowledges their impactful work but also inspires others to follow their example and take action in creating a more inclusive and accepting society. 

22 Sep 2023
Star Citizens

Telangana Yoga Teacher Inspires Global Mindfulness Movement

In a remarkable display of dedication and passion, Satish Thota, a physical education teacher at Marpadaga Government High School in Telangana's Siddipet district, has made a profound impact on the world through his teachings of yoga. His efforts have earned him international recognition and praise, leading to the establishment of a global mindfulness movement. Satish's journey began with his relentless commitment to teaching yoga to his students on a daily basis. However, his influence extended far beyond the boundaries of his classroom. He organized yoga training camps in Siddipet and provided training to teachers from various schools and the general public as part of the Arogya Siddipet initiative. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Satish went above and beyond by conducting online yoga classes for around five hundred NRIs located overseas. His dedication didn't stop there. Satish played a pivotal role in establishing the NRI Vasavi Association, which now boasts a membership of 250 people. Satish's remarkable achievements have earned him the prestigious National Best Technical Official Award by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This recognition will be conferred upon him during the 37th National Games in Goa. His commitment to promoting yoga as an integral part of daily life led him to establish the Vyasa Maharshi Yoga Society in Siddipet, with the support of Minister Harish Rao. Approximately 50 students trained by Satish have actively participated in state and national-level yoga competitions and other sports events, showcasing the transformative power of yoga. Satish, along with his wife Sandhya, continues to advocate for yoga's inclusion in daily routines, emphasizing its manifold benefits.

13 Sep 2023
Star Citizens

From Waste to Fashion: The Sneaker Revolution Taking on Plastic Pollution!

In 2017, the spark of an idea ignited in the mind of Ashay Bhave, a 24-year-old student then immersed in his business administration studies. An endeavor began to brew - one that would see plastic bottles and bags transformed into trendy, ethical sneakers, making a bold stand against the rampant plastic pollution plaguing the planet. With a resolute gaze on the daunting issue of 100 billion plastic bags inflicting fatal harm upon 100,000 marine creatures annually, Ashay's mission evolved. For two relentless years, he did research and his experiments finally led to the creation of a fabric from plastic waste that mimicked the texture of leather. Ashay’s amazing idea was reflected on his website - a shoe that not only looked like its leather counterpart but functioned just as well. And thus, in 2021, the curtain rose on Thaely - aptly named after the Hindi term for "plastic bag."  The journey involved purchasing plastic waste from recycling facilities, carefully cleansing and sanitizing the material, then shaping it into sheets that were fused together under heat and pressure. Thaely's shoes comprises recycled plastic bottles and 10 repurposed bags, a symbol of transformation from waste to fashion. A tally of 48,000 discarded bottles and 50,000 carry bags has been given new life through this initiative. In a remarkable twist, Thaely extends a discount to customers who trade in their well-worn sneakers for fresh pairs - a virtuous cycle, indeed. With a horizon that stretches beyond India's borders, Ashay's gaze is set on Dubai, Europe, America, and Australia. The mission is global - to lace the world in conscientious, eco-conscious footwear that whispers tales of change and evolution with every step taken.

21 Aug 2023
Star Citizens

From Setbacks to Triumph: The Inspiring Journey of a Para-Badminton Champion

Do you know who is the first Indian athlete to grace the cover of TIME magazine? Manasi Joshi, a gold medalist at the Para badminton World Championship in 2019, has conquered numerous challenges throughout her life. In 2011, a life-altering road accident changed everything for her, leading to multiple surgeries, including two amputations. However, Joshi saw this setback as an opportunity to rise above and became a professional para-badminton player within three years. Besides excelling in her sport, she has also been an advocate for disability rights, gaining global recognition as the first Indian athlete to grace the cover of TIME magazine. During an exclusive interview with timesnownews.com as part of the 'Indian Superwomen: The Path to Glory' initiative, Joshi reflected on her journey and how her life took a dramatic turn after the 2011 accident. She shared that her love for badminton, which she developed during her childhood played a significant role in her recovery and progress. She started participating in corporate-level tournaments, eventually finding her passion for para-badminton and competing at international events. Joshi expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her family, medical professionals, and friends during her hospitalization and rehabilitation. The accident may have brought sadness, but the unwavering support she received fueled her determination to move forward. Joshi's remarkable resilience and dedication to overcoming challenges have served as an inspiration to many. Her achievements and influence in the world of sports and disability advocacy have earned her remarkable recognition. Being featured on the cover of TIME magazine and having a unique Barbie doll dedicated to her on International Day for Girl Child were moments of immense pride and joy for Joshi, her family, and her loved ones. These accomplishments have solidified her position as a trailblazer in the world of sports, proving that dreams can be realized even in the face of adversity. Manasi Joshi's story inspires us to dream big, to push beyond limitations and reach for greatness.

14 Jul 2023
Star Citizens

How a Simple Lockdown Initiative Transformed into a Global Yoga Community

Igniting a global wellness revolution, Habuild, an accidental startup born amidst India's nationwide lockdown, has become one of the country's fastest-growing platforms for holistic well-being.   Founded by Saurabh Bothra and Pramod Yadav,  Habuild connected individuals worldwide through yoga. The platform initially offered free Zoom and YouTube lessons, providing solace and exercise during uncertain times. Surpassing expectations, the viewer counts quickly rose to 1,500, prompting the introduction of a nominal fee for continued participation. Beyond the lockdown, Habuild thrived, attracting over 10 lakh individuals globally and boasting an active membership of 42,000. With earnings nearing $2 million, the platform's success lies in its core value of building healthy habits. Led by Saurabh Bothra, Sheetal Pungliya, Trishala Bothra, and Anshul Agarwal, Habuild emphasizes the significance of committing to exercise in any form, whether a simple walk or a comprehensive yoga routine. Through gradual progression, participants are introduced to breathing exercises, meditation, and various physical activities, reaping holistic benefits. At the heart of Habuild is a strong sense of community. In addition to daily yoga sessions, the platform offers events centered around journaling, face yoga, and fasting. While inconvenient for some, the commitment to live sessions and the absence of recordings have yielded positive outcomes. As Habuild continues to flourish from Pune and Nagpur, its founders lead by example. Saurabh Bothra embodies the yoga lifestyle, prioritizing daily exercise, eating before sunset, and observing moments of silence. From its humble beginnings to a global yoga movement, Habuild inspires individuals seeking wellness, community, and the transformative power of movement.

21 Jun 2023
Star Citizens

Young Indian Prodigy Anupriya Yadav Dominates World Chess Ranking

Anupriya Yadav, a 6-year-old chess prodigy has emerged as a remarkable symbol of pride for India on the global stage. Surpassing all expectations, Anupriya has secured the top position in the World Chess Ranking for children under seven years of age, as announced by the International Chess Federation. This remarkable accomplishment is an extraordinary triumph for someone so young, especially when most children her age are engrossed in playing with dolls and toys. Anupriya's chess prowess has astounded seasoned veterans in the field. Her strategic moves on the chessboard have left even the most experienced opponents bewildered and surprised. Standing alongside Anupriya in the rankings are Buni from France, securing the second position, Warisa from Bangladesh in third place, and Nuvi from England in fourth place. Anupriya draws inspiration from India's legendary chess grandmaster, Vishwanathan Anand, and aspires to follow in his footsteps to become a Grandmaster herself. Besides her passion for chess, Anupriya, who is currently studying in the first grade, also has an avid interest in dancing to Bollywood songs. Anupriya hails from the Naini area of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Both her parents work as teachers. Her elder sister, Priya, also excelled in chess from an early age, earning numerous accolades. Witnessing her sister's achievements, Anupriya developed a deep interest for the game, leading her to embark on her own remarkable journey in the world of chess. Anupriya Yadav's extraordinary journey at such a tender age exemplifies the remarkable potential and talent that resides within the youth of India. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring chess players and a reminder that age is no barrier to pursuing and achieving greatness.

15 Jun 2023
Star Citizens

Meet Divya Nettimi — First Woman to Start a Billion-Dollar Hedge Fund

"A woman, be it mother, wife, or daughter, brings wealth to the family" — we have heard this many times in our Indian households. Well, Divya Nettimi's life story is really a testament to the above phrase.  Divya Nettimi, the founder of Avala Global, has made history as the first woman to start a billion-dollar hedge fund. Nettimi, who is originally from India, founded Avala Global in 2014 as a technology and healthcare-focused hedge fund based in New York. Since its inception, Avala Global has grown rapidly, attracting investments from some of the biggest names in the industry. The fund has also achieved impressive returns, outperforming the market in several key areas. In addition to her impressive business acumen, Nettimi is also known for her dedication to mentoring and empowering other women in the finance industry. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, where she shares her experiences and provides advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs. Nettimi's success is a major milestone for women in finance and serves as an inspiration for others looking to break into the industry. She is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Nettimi began her career in finance as an associate at Goldman Sachs, where she quickly rose through the ranks. She then decided to strike out on her own and start Avala Global. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

15 Dec 2022
Star Citizens

Wanderlust

Singapore's Own 'Northern Lights' Set to Dazzle at Gardens by the Bay!

Singapore is about to witness a celestial marvel like never before as Gardens by the Bay transforms into a spectacular canvas for the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, right in the heart of the city-state.  Introducing Borealis: In a groundbreaking initiative, Singaporeans and visitors alike will soon have the rare opportunity to behold the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights, a phenomenon typically taking place in regions like Norway, Iceland, and Finland. However, on May 5, a new light installation dubbed Borealis will debut at Gardens by the Bay, promising to captivate audiences with its enchanting display. A Stellar Collaboration: During an exclusive preview on April 22, The Straits Times offered a sneak peek into the meticulous craftsmanship behind this captivating spectacle. Renowned Swiss artist Dan Acher has meticulously crafted Borealis, employing 30 lasers and cloud machines strategically mounted on the towering trunks of the Supertrees. These elements work in harmony to recreate the captivating dance of the Northern Lights, enveloping the Supertree Grove in a celestial aura. Source: Google Images Audio Delight To complement the visual extravaganza, French composer Guillaume Desbois has composed a dreamy soundtrack, enhancing the overall sensory experience. As visitors are transported into the magical world of the Northern Lights, they will be able to enjoy a symphony of enchanting melodies, further increasing the charm of Borealis. Free for All: Scheduled to run every Saturday and Sunday from 9 PM to 9:30 PM, with additional shows on Mondays from 8 PM to 8:30 PM, Borealis invites visitors to witness this awe-inspiring installation free of charge. As part of the vibrant nightlife offerings at Supertree Grove, Borealis promises to join the staple line-up of night activities, including the beloved Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. Gardens by the Bay: A Green Oasis: Gardens by the Bay stands as a symbol of Singapore’s commitment to green living and sustainability. Spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land, this urban oasis features lush gardens, iconic Supertrees, and two iconic conservatories: the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. With its innovative design and stunning flora, Gardens by the Bay offers visitors a serene escape amidst the bustling city. As Singapore prepares to welcome its very own 'Northern Lights,' Gardens by the Bay emerges as a symbol of innovation and natural beauty. With Borealis set to illuminate the night sky, visitors are invited to embark on a journey into the enchanting realm of the Arctic, right in the heart of the Lion City.

26 Apr 2024
Wanderlust

Iceland: Your Passport to the Safest Country on the Planet!

Iceland, the stuff of wanderlust dreams, reigns supreme on the global adventure map! The quest for safe, thrilling journeys fuels every traveler's fire and Iceland continues to top the lists of must-visit places for adventurers around the globe.  In the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI), Iceland has proudly clinched the title of 'The Safest Country in the World.' Conducted annually by the Institute of Economics and Peace, the GPI meticulously evaluates countries based on several crucial criteria. These include the prevalence of crime, levels of violence, terrorism, and involvement in global conflicts. Iceland's consistent reign as the world's safest and most peaceful country since 2008 is a testament to its remarkable low crime rates and stable environment. While Iceland maintains its top position, some countries have taken the world by surprise. The United States, for example, secured the 133rd spot on the chart, raising eyebrows and prompting questions about safety within its borders. Surprisingly, India, ranked 126th, outpaces the United States, as do countries like China, Saudi Arabia, El Salvador, and Honduras, underlining the changing dynamics of safety on a global scale. For travelers planning their Icelandic adventure, here are some prime destinations to consider: 1. The Blue Lagoon: Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters of this geothermal spa nestled in a lava field, known for its skincare benefits and relaxation. 2. Reykjavik: Explore Iceland's vibrant capital city, replete with scenic beauty, a lively music scene, and an array of outstanding restaurants. 3. Thingvellir National Park: Discover the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can literally walk between tectonic plates. 4. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Indulge your passion for photography in this picturesque glacial lagoon, brimming with majestic icebergs. 5. Vatnajokull National Park: Explore the diverse landscapes of southeastern Iceland, from glaciers and volcanoes to lush valleys and canyons. 6. Akureyri: Iceland's second-largest city serves as an ideal base for countryside exploration. 7. The Westfjords: Experience the unspoiled beauty of Iceland's remote and less-visited Westfjords, renowned for their raw landscapes and abundant birdwatching opportunities. With its remarkable blend of safety and stunning landscapes, Iceland truly stands as a dream destination for those in search of a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

6 Nov 2023
Wanderlust

The Whys and Hows

How do Animals React to Solar Eclipses?

As the recent solar eclipse cast its fleeting shadow over North America, millions of humans eagerly observed this celestial phenomenon. However, the real question lies in how our animal counterparts experienced and reacted to this dramatic shift in light and temperature. From domesticated pets to wildlife in farms, zoos, and the wild, their behaviors during these moments of darkness provided fascinating insights into their responses. During the eclipse, commonly nocturnal creatures like warthogs and sluggish domestic cats might have been confused, starting their day prematurely only to find it abruptly darkening. Meanwhile, the more diurnal animals such as cows and flamingos displayed intriguing reactions, with cows retreating to their barns and flamingos gathering anxiously. Dr. M. Leanne Lilly, a veterinary behaviorist from Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests that animals, bewildered by the sudden darkness, likely reverted to their evening habits. However, the behavior of domesticated animals like dogs and cats could have been influenced by their owners' reactions to the eclipse—whether with excitement, curiosity, or unusual behavior. ''Everybody Wants To Know How I Will React?" ~ Kangaroo thinks Aloud.  Dr. M. Leanne Lilly, a veterinary behaviorist at Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine, says that most animals will probably be bewildered by the darkness and will begin their evening habits. However, domesticated animals like dogs and cats may behave abnormally when their owners behave strangely, so how people respond to the eclipse—gazing up at the sky, exhibiting enthusiasm, or congregating in a group—may have an impact on them. A study of the 1932 eclipse, which included public observations and was regarded as the first thorough investigation of the topic, revealed that it got “a good deal of conflicting testimony” from observers of animals. It was determined that a few species had the highest reactions: sheep and cattle rushed for their barns, while squirrels fled into the woods. According to the study, zoo animals exhibited little to no reaction. A visitor to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, observes the flamingos. ( Source: Google Images)  A Case Study Analysis, Reaction to the Light Manipulation: Out Of The Blue Animalistic Tendencies?   Even tho Animals Don't Look At The Sun ~ We Curious Human Beings want them to Witness!, what times?  (Source: Google Images)  Methodology Incorporated:  Researchers have captured the reactions of untamed animals to eclipses using a variety of technological tools. Using radar data from weather stations throughout the nation, scientists examined how flying animals behaved during the solar eclipse to learn more about how they changed from day to night. A smaller collection of creatures, comprising gorillas, baboons, flamingos, lorikeets (a kind of parrot), and one Komodo dragon, displayed unusual and possibly anxious behavior. The report claims that when totality drew near, the baboons rushed about their enclosure and that one of them paced and walk in circles for around twenty-five minutes. A single, gorilla charged the glass. The flamingos gathered close to one another, encircling their young, making loud noises, and staring up into the sky—the kind of thing they might do if they think there’s an aerial predator around. Just before totality, the lorikeets became more vocal and active, and at totality, they all flew to one side of their display. When the door to one Komodo dragon's cave was closed, he "ran erratically" around until daylight returned. It was stated that there was an "entire possibility" that the zoo's loud noises, including distant fireworks, and the sizable crowds were what set off the behavior rather than the eclipse. However, the actions of the giraffes on that particular day in South Carolina were comparable to those of the animals in other locations during eclipses, such as in the Nashville Zoo in 2017 and the wild during an eclipse in Zambia in 2001. The giraffes at the Riverbanks Zoo often graze on lettuce, chew their cud, lounge around, or engage in playtime. However, the study found that they stopped eating and congregated in the rear of their enclosure, with one of them pacing and shaking, as the sky became black. A few burst into a very unusual gallop that lasted for many minutes as daylight slowly returned. Just before totality, the Galápagos turtles in a different area of the Riverbanks Zoo performed an even more bizarre behavior that the research referred to as a "novel response." Rather than ambling around their territory as is customary, they coalesced into a group, and two of them began to mate. All four of the tortoises moved more quickly than normal during totality. Since bonobos and chimpanzees are similar, Dr. Hartstone-Rose is interested in seeing if the animals at the Fort Worth Zoo would exhibit comparable reactions. He said that it would be interesting to watch how they react to the sudden darkness and that bonobos frequently engage in sexual behavior as a coping mechanism for fear. Still, the brief bout of darkness did not seem significant enough to completely convince animals that night had descended. “It’s kind of a muted response,” said Andrew Farnsworth, a visiting scientist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology who was an author of the study. Plants, which depend on the sun for survival, are similarly impacted by eclipses, even though their effects have received less attention from researchers. "Photosynthesis decreases with the absence of the sun. The results demonstrate the significance of circadian rhythms—which are the changes in an organism's physiology, psyche, and behavior that occur over 24 hours—beyond the realm of animals. While not all creatures react visibly, those that do, offer a fascinating range of responses shaped by their biology and surroundings.​​​​ ~   

10 Apr 2024
The Whys and Hows

How Digital Marketing is Being Shaped by Voice Technology

A program or gadget that uses voice technology can comprehend human speech. Other names for it are speech recognition technology and voice recognition technology. Natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI) are used by voice technology to understand spoken instructions and inputs and provide appropriate responses. Voice technology enables voice instructions to be used for online communication. It has altered how people use gadgets and increased accessibility to the internet for those with disabilities. It not only frees up hands for multitasking but also provides additional online shopping and communication options. Think With, Google's most recent research indicates that 20% of mobile Google App searches are voice-driven. Additionally, according to a 2022 UpCity study report, 50% of US smartphone and smart speaker users regularly utilize voice-activated technologies. It's difficult to think about speech technology without considering Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple's Siri, Samsung's Bixby, and Microsoft's Cortana. These so-called "intelligent assistants" set the standard by scheduling appointments, creating grocery lists and music playlists, maintaining private diaries, and turning on the lights in their bedrooms. Mark Zuckerberg's enthusiasm for speech technology is excessive. There are plans to create a Facebook Assistant with no name yet. Additionally, he is testing "Jarvis AI" in his house himself. Interesting fact: Morgan Freeman voices Zuckerberg's Jarvis. In a few years, can you picture yourself as cool as Tony Stark? Today, that dream has a good chance of coming true. We can tell that we have entered the post-mobile era by looking at this! But how is the voice faring in the world of marketing? Let’s take a look: Some brands have gotten an early start within the voice space to build relationships with consumers through interactive experiences. [Source: Business2Community Journal] 27% of US consumers prefer using a personal voice assistant to visiting a website to interact with a company or shop online. [Source: Search Engine Journal] In 2017, 3.1% of marketers integrated voice search into their content marketing strategy. [Source: BrightEdge] 43% of companies have already invested in technology to enable voice marketing. [Source: Digiday] People Are Indeed Using Digital Assistants for Shopping ~  ( Source: Google Images)  The Adobe Analytics Report shed light on digital shopping strategies, stating that although owners of smart speakers are not devoted to placing orders on their devices, they make extensive use of them to compare prices of products (32%), make well-informed buying decisions (47%), and add items to the shopping cart (43%). By 2023, voice shopping had grown from $4.6 billion to $19.4 billion in value. To improve client engagement, multinational corporations such as Nestlé, Johnnie Walker, and Domino's have already begun incorporating speech technology into their marketing plans. Consider Johnnie Walker as an example. It has found it intriguing to use Alexa to give its consumers a more tailored buying experience. After inquiring about the customers' preferences, Amazon's virtual assistant suggests the Johnnie Walker product that best fits their needs. Voice-based online shopping is becoming more popular. Businesses Are Making Use of Digital Assistants ~ (Source: Google Images)  In-house innovative business-to-business companies such as Salesforce have already contributed to the discourse surrounding digital assistants. A new addition to its Einstein AI platform, Einstein Voice was introduced by the cloud software provider. Sales managers may use the digital assistant to dictate messages and access cloud services without ever touching a screen or typing a word. To effectively communicate team pipeline updates, calendar appointments, and other important priorities to the team, Einstein Voice may also be coupled with related technologies. Einstein Voice Bots, another innovative offering from Salesforce, lets users create their voice-activated assistant, customize its branding, and interact with users on any smart speaker. It Can Be Difficult to Include Voice Technology in Your Marketing ~ (Source: Google Images)  Your editorial and content marketing initiatives have to demonstrate how the company intends to use technology and how much you value it from a content standpoint. Before you begin, think about these queries. Are fans of smart homes, FOMO-driven early adopters, or users from other categories more inclined to interact via voice than other channels your target audience? Can you use voice to give your target audience a worthwhile content experience? How probable is it that your voice marketing initiatives will be successful? It is better to wait to rely on this technology and not squander money when you are not well-prepared if you are unsure about either of your responses. Examine the voice strategies used by rival companies and other businesses to improve the customer experience. The Voice Revolution Is Going to Start With a “Search.” ~ (Source: Google Images)  Every month, over one billion voice searches are made; 40% of adults and 55% of teenagers use voice searches daily. Content marketers should prioritize producing short-form content products that provide customers with succinct solutions to engage people. Marketers should be aware of SEO rules about spoken word search habits and informative requirements. Make your content show up on Google as a featured snippet. That's how Cortana, Siri, and other systems will retrieve it. It is important to keep in mind that the virtual assistant can only provide one search result per request while concentrating on voice-search optimization. Rand Fishkin, the founder of MOZ, also notes that as search results rise, so will consumer demand for written and conventional SERP results. Depending on how speech technology is applied to marketing, our perception of SEO will shift. Concluding ~ Recall that speech will soon cohabit with other media including the internet, print, TV, and radio as an extra interface for marketing reasons. It will provide a fresh approach to consumer interaction and enhance their quality of life.

3 Apr 2024
The Whys and Hows

Mind over Mouse: First Neuralink Patient Fully Healed and Controlling Computer Mouse with Thoughts!

February 20, 2024, ~ Elon Musk, the creator of Neuralink, announced late on Monday that the first patient to get a brain chip from the business looks to be fully healed and capable of using their thoughts to move a computer mouse. "The patient appears to have fully recovered, and progress is good. We are aware of any neurological repercussions. "A patient can simply think to move a mouse around the screen," Musk stated during a Spaces event on the social media platform X. According to Musk, Neuralink is now attempting to elicit from the patient as many mouse button presses as feasible. About Neuralink ~  To interpret and stimulate brain activity, a surgically implanted neural chip implant known as "the Link" is being developed by Neuralink, a firm that Elon Musk launched in 2016. The private company, which was founded in 2016, asserts that its brain implant would enable paraplegics to regain mobility and restore sight to blind individuals. Musk claims that on January 28, 2024, Neuralink placed its first implant in a patient's brain. "The Link" is the name of the implant itself. This brain chip, the size of a penny, is surgically inserted beneath the skull to collect input from neural threads that branch out into various brain regions to regulate a subject's motor abilities. According to Neuralink's website, each wire has sensors that can record and produce electrical currents that are "so fine and flexible that they can't be inserted by the human hand." Neuralink has created a neurosurgical robot that can operate entirely on its account. The business is also working on an app that would let users use just their thoughts to control a keyboard and mouse. The primary goal of Neuralink is to facilitate communication between those who are unable to write or talk by giving them the ability to utilize a virtual keyboard and mouse or convey messages with their thoughts. For instance, a person with paraplegia might use text synthesis or speech recognition to control a computer or mobile device, browse the internet, and produce digital art. How Does It Work? A "sewing machine-like" robot implants small flexible threads, connected to a computer chip, into the brain as part of Neuralink's technology. The robot makes a small incision in the skull, removes a little piece of it, attaches thread-like electrodes to certain parts of the brain, sutures up the hole, and leaves just the scar from the incision. According to Musk, patients may go home the same day after the treatment, which will just take 30 minutes and not require general anesthesia. Neurons are unique cells found in the brain that send information to other body parts like our muscles and nerves. These impulses may be read by the Neuralink chip's electrodes, and they are then converted into motor commands. This might regulate internal processes like muscular contraction or external devices like computers or cell phones. More Insights on the Study & Its Future Ahead ~ According to Neuralink, the project uses a robot to surgically implant a brain-computer interface device in a part of the brain that regulates movement intention. The ultimate objective, according to Neuralink, is to allow users to manipulate a computer cursor or keyboard with their thoughts. Musk has high hopes for Neuralink, claiming that it would enable quick surgical placements of its chip devices to cure diseases including schizophrenia, obesity, depression, and autism.Neuralink, which was estimated to be worth $5 billion in the previous year, has frequently been the target of criticism for its safety procedures.  Neuralink dominates trending topics and is top of mind when it comes to the general public's understanding of brain implants. That being said, Musk's most recent endeavor is still in its infancy when compared to competitors, with Blackrock Neurotech having implanted its first brain-computer interface in 2004. Even with Neuralink's marketing, more verified outcomes have come from existing devices. Implants were utilized in two different US scientific investigations to track brain activity while a paralyzed individual attempted to talk. At that point, the technology could interpret intended words up to 75% of the time and many times faster than earlier systems.   They are set to create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential for tomorrow!                                

23 Feb 2024
The Whys and Hows

Adidas Unites its Icons to help Disarm Negative Pressure in Sports

In their most recent campaign, Adidas has brought together global athletic superstars to produce a positive rallying cry that encourages regular players to think they can overcome obstacles and realize their potential in sports. The new worldwide marketing campaign is motivated by consumer feedback and insights from all across the world, which show that a lot of people's enjoyment of sports may be negatively impacted by negative pressure. Adidas said in a news statement that as part of the campaign, it would provide a variety of athlete tales, expert insights, and advice materials aimed at assisting athletes of all skill levels in defusing pressure in sports. Spilling some light On Peer Pressure ~  While everyone strives to be top-tier athletes, young athletes are frequently at an age when they are also attempting to develop as people, attain social prestige, and fit in with their peers. As a result, athletes may be enticed to engage in unsuitable leisure activities with friends, such as those mentioned above, to 'fit in'. This is referred to as peer pressure. Athletes may also experience pressure from peers about performance, especially if friends have high expectations for the athlete to win or perform well during training or competition. Too much pressure to win can make an athlete uneasy, worried, or agitated, which affects motivation.  However, a good amount of peer pressure may not necessarily be a negative thing. Fellow team members may occasionally urge a performer to accomplish something they lack the confidence to undertake on their own. When they are inspired by their teammates, they may realize they can do what they previously considered impossible. Furthermore, a performer may feel down after a terrible performance and may not want to socialize after an event. Encouragement to do so can sometimes make performers feel better and take their minds off whatever dissatisfaction they may be feeling. Positive Adaptation of Peer Referencing ~ Peers play an important role in sports by providing information about athletes' performance and preferred attitudes and behaviors. Peers frequently act as a source of reference for one another. A mental process in which people compare themselves to others in terms of talents, attitudes, and values. This is a frequent mental process that allows us to assess our talents and fit into a social environment. In sports, peer reference is mainly based on peer comparisons, especially in later youth. Athletes get interested in how they compare to others, which may encourage or depress them depending on their results. Comparisons stimulate or discourage young athletes based on what is awarded and regarded as "success" in athletics. This is known as the peer-created motivated atmosphere. How a peer group determines and reinforces what constitutes success. Some groups prioritize performance outcomes, whereas others prioritize effort and progress. Peers may foster a sports environment that stresses outperforming teammates and determining who is the "best." Alternatively, peers may foster a sporting environment that encourages hard work, skill development, and striving for progress. Less talented athletes may struggle to stay motivated if their peers resemble the first group. In contrast, a less competent athlete in an environment that encourages effort and progress might remain highly motivated. Creating a Positive Push For Ignited Souls ~ The initiative, which is geared toward the next generation of athletes, unites elite players to encourage others to overcome the detrimental effects of peer pressure in sports. Consumer information from all around the world that negative pressure may take away from the fun of sports has been the driving force behind the ad. The film, which celebrates athletes who handle pressure, stars Pat Mahomes, Trinity Rodman, Lionel Messi, Linda Caicedo, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Edwards, Rohit Sharma, and the New Zealand Rugby All Blacks. The movie debuted on Adidas YouTube and will have a multiplatform media push behind it. The new worldwide marketing campaign is motivated by consumer feedback and insights from all across the world, which show that a lot of people's enjoyment of sports may be negatively impacted by negative pressure. Adidas will provide a variety of athlete tales, expert insights, and advice materials throughout the campaign to assist address this and empower athletes of all levels to resist pressure in sports. The brand will launch the campaign this weekend in conjunction with one of the biggest sporting events of the year. The video is set to the classic and famous hymn "Under Pressure" by Queen featuring David Bowie, shows common sportsmen carrying the burden of expectation and what they can do when they overcome it with the upbeat mantra "You Got This." The 90-second video ends with an homage to Adidas' all-star team playing at the very best of their abilities in some of their most important athletic events. From Emily Malewski's perfect beam dismount at the 2022 German Championships to Jude Bellingham's goal in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League debut season, each athlete demonstrates how they manage pressure to encourage other athletes to do the same. The campaign will be accompanied by an ongoing content series featuring athletes from a variety of sports, as well as events in which customers may participate. A targeted worldwide multiplatform media expenditure will enable the campaign to reach consumers all around the world, featuring outstanding out-of-home executions in major cities and highly relevant localisations. Partnership with Neuro11, a group of leading sports neuroscientists ~  Adidas has teamed with neuro11, a group of prominent sports neuroscientists, to bring elite athletes' pressure management to life and give practical instruction to all athletes. This section of the campaign will demonstrate how the world's finest withstand in-game pressure by taking brain readings from grassroots athletes and top Adidas players - Emiliano Martinez, Ludvig Adberg, Nneka Ogwumike, Rose Zhang, and Stina Blackstenius. Speaking on the new brand campaign, Florian Alt, VP of Global Brand Comms at Adidas said: “In a year of unmissable sport, where our Adidas family will undoubtedly inspire a new wave of athletes across the globe, we have created a campaign to help young players confront a universal barrier – pressure. Our new campaign is designed to help bring the joy back to sport and equip all athletes with a simple message; You got this!”

22 Feb 2024
The Whys and Hows

Creating Video from Text: 'Sora' is Driven With Futuristic Features !

OpenAI has presented 'Sora', an AI model that transforms text suggestions into realistic films. It can create complicated scenes, interpret language, and turn still photos into movies. Researchers, artists, and filmmakers have been provided access to evaluate and provide criticism. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, revealed 'Sora' on Thursday, a new artificial intelligence model capable of converting text instructions into realistic movies. 'Sora' can create videos after receiving directions from users on the style and content of the clip. In addition to producing films from text prompts, OpenAI stated in a blog post that it can animate still images. First and Foremost: Addressing the striking Futurism in AI ( ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ) ~ AI now serves individuals all across the world as a teacher, mentor, friend, and much more. With the capacity to "think" and the answers to practically any query, it has remarkably passed several tests designed to gauge a person's mentality and way of thinking. The revolution in AI is here! AI has great potential for the future, bringing with it improvements in information access, education, healthcare, and transportation. It will also produce people who are solution-oriented and call for greater technological knowledge. However, it is impossible to dismiss ethical worries about how AI will affect society, including challenges with privacy and data protection as well as discriminatory and biased viewpoints. Concerns are also raised by the responsibility of incorrect or error-based outputs and subsequent human behaviors. AI will be used increasingly often in businesses to support various departments and client interactions. Growth in the healthcare sector is also anticipated. The use of AI is projected to accelerate, raising the possibility of authorities and rules for accountability as well as ethical problems. Techniques will eliminate prejudice and provide openness in how it is used to handle data, What can Sora do? According to OpenAI, Sora is capable of creating complicated scenarios with several actors, certain sorts of motion, and exact topic and backdrop elements. The model knows not just what the user requested in the prompt, but also how those items exist in the real world. "We're teaching AI to understand and simulate the physical world in motion, with the goal of training models that help people solve problems that require real-world interaction," a spokesperson for OpenAI stated. The model understands English well, allowing it to effectively grasp instructions and create interesting characters who exhibit colorful emotions, according to the report. Sora may also use an existing still image to create a movie. In addition, the model may expand or fill in missing frames from an existing video. The model has a thorough comprehension of language, allowing it to correctly read cues and create fascinating characters who communicate strong emotions. Sora may also make several shots inside a single-created video that perfectly represent the characters and visual style. Who has access to Sora thus far? Sora is still under development, and OpenAI has allowed access to academics, visual artists, designers, and filmmakers to analyze important areas for damages or hazards. Sora is now accessible to red teamers to examine crucial regions for potential injury or risk. Access has been provided to several visual artists, designers, and filmmakers to gather feedback on how to improve the model so that it is most useful for creative professions. The team of OpenAI is publishing their research accomplishments early so that we may begin collaborating with and receiving comments from people outside of OpenAI, as well as giving the public an idea of what AI capabilities are on the horizon. Is there any flaw in the new AI model? OpenAI has said that the present Sora model contains flaws. It may struggle to effectively simulate the physics of a complicated scene and may not comprehend precise examples of cause and effect. The model may also misinterpret spatial aspects of a cue, such as left and right, and struggle with detailed descriptions of actions that occur over time, such as following a specified camera trajectory. OpenAI's Safety Initiatives ~ It was stated that Sora is currently unavailable to the public because OpenAI is taking precautions to ensure its safety before incorporating it into its products. For instance, once integrated into an OpenAI product, the text classifier will be responsible for verifying and rejecting text input prompts that violate the use terms, such as those soliciting excessive violence, sexual content, hostile imagery, resemblance to celebrities, or the use of other people's IP addresses. Additionally, powerful image classifiers have been developed to scrutinize the frames of every video produced to ensure compliance with usage standards before user display. Efforts will be made to engage legislators, educators, and artists globally to better understand their concerns and identify beneficial applications for this new technology. Despite extensive research and testing, it was acknowledged that they cannot foresee all the positive applications of their technology, nor can they anticipate all potential forms of misuse. It was emphasized that learning from real-world applications is deemed crucial in the development and delivery of increasingly secure AI systems over time. Other Text-to-Video Models to look out for ~ Sora was not the first video-generating model. Last year, Meta introduced additional AI-powered functionality to its image-generating model Emu, which can edit and make films from text prompts. Meanwhile, earlier this year, Google unveiled Lumiere, a new AI-powered application that employs generative AI to create films from basic text inputs. Sora serves as a foundation for models that can understand and simulate the real world, a capability OpenAI believes would be an important milestone for achieving success! 

16 Feb 2024
The Whys and Hows

Study Unravels key behind Bat’s Superpowers!

On a calm summer's night outside, you could notice some black shadows fluttering around or hear some high-pitched chirps if you pay close attention. Yes, you most likely guessed correctly. The bats in question are beginning their 'day' and preparing for a satisfying meal. Bats represent around 20% of all extant animal species, with more than 1,400 species now recognized. Bats are omnipresent throughout the world and successfully inhabit a broad variety of ecological niches. Due to their astonishing array of adaptations, which include vocal learning, powered flight, echolocation, and an immune system unique to them, bats are probably able to tolerate infections like the coronavirus and Ebola virus that are lethal to other animals on a worldwide scale. Bats are therefore useful model systems for studies on extended lifespans, enhanced immunity to disease, vocal communication, and sensory perception. Superpower 1: The only mammal with flight! BATS are mammals, much like humans, dogs, and cats. They have fur, and warm blood, and nurse their young with milk. Bats are the only mammals that can fly, not humans like you and me! And their flying ability surpasses that of birds! Due to their flexible wings, bats may travel in a wide variety of directions. They use less energy and offer more lift. Superpower 2: They can be upside down!  It is possible for bats to sleep or even hibernate while hanging upside down without risk of falling. During the day, bats rest or roost. They may be found roosting in trees, caves, barns, or beneath bridges in groups of hundreds or thousands, all hanging upside down. Then why not the other way around? Bats wouldn't be able to take flight if they were hanging by their thumbs. However, by hanging upside down, they have a clear perspective for seeing and hearing before takeoff and may extend their wings in preparation for takeoff. Superpower No. 3: Echolocation Bats often don't consume blood. They consume insects. plenty and plenty of insects. Between 600 and 1,000 may be consumed by one bat in an hour! Bats hunt during the night and when in midair. How then can they locate these little insects in the dark without running into anything? Bats use echoes to locate food and liquids. A bat produces loud, high-pitched screams when it flies that are inaudible to most people. The information they learn about what lies ahead, such as the size, shape, and direction of an insect, comes from the echoes they hear from their yells. We refer to this as echolocation.  The Bat1K consortium ~ Bat1K is an initiative to sequence the genomes of all living bat species to chromosome-level assembly. Bats represent approximately 1,400 species in total the largest order of mammals The main goal of the consortium is to uncover the molecular basis behind the unusual and fascinating adaptations of bats e.g. extreme longevity, echolocation, unique immunity, contracted genomes, and vocal learning. Researchers from University College Dublin, the Max Planck Institutes of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Dresden), and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics (Nijmegen) led the Bat1K consortium, which produced and analyzed six highly accurate bat genomes that are ten times more complete than any bat genome that has been published to date to identify the distinctive traits of bats. Coining the term Genome ~ The genome is the entire set of DNA instructions found in a cell. Uncovering the Methodology ~  The study's co-author, Professor Aris Katzourakis, claims that their research validates long-standing relationships between bats and complex retroviruses—a class of viruses that includes those that cause leukemias and immunodeficiencies. It is uncommon for these viruses to have internal origins of genesis, yet research shows that bats have carried them throughout their evolutionary history. Furthermore, the scientists employed the most recent technological advancements in Dresden to sequence the bat's DNA, create new techniques for putting the pieces together in the right order, and determine which genes were present to create these magnificent bat genomes. The team conducted a systematic search for gene differences between bats and other mammals to uncover genomic changes that may have contributed to the unique adaptations found in bats. This search identified regions of the genome that have evolved differently in bats as well as the loss and gain of genes that may be responsible for bats' unique traits. Findings and Outcomes of the Study ~  By using echolocation to hunt and navigate in total darkness, bats can detect changes in their environment. Genome scans have identified these variations in hearing genes.  They observed the loss of genes linked to inflammation in bats, increase of antiviral genes, and distinct selection of immune genes. The remarkable immunity of bats and their apparent tolerance to coronaviruses may be attributed to these alterations. Bats are also established carriers of various strains of coronavirus – but they don’t seem to get sick. Why? ~ we have some certainty of answers here in this domain. Additionally, the researchers discovered evidence that the genomes of bats exhibit viral tolerance. The beautiful genomes demonstrated that bat genomes were more diverse than other species, indicating a genetic history of resistance to viral infection. They also detected "fossilized viruses," which are signs of having survived previous viral infections. One of the most contentious evolutionary issues of all time has been where bats fit into the mammalian tree of life. They have evaluated an extensive dataset from 48 high-quality mammalian genomes using cutting-edge phylogenetic techniques. This long-standing debate was settled when they discovered compelling evidence indicating bats are most closely related to the group of mammals known as "Fereuungulata," which includes carnivores (such as dogs, cats, and seals), whales, pangolins, and hoofed mammals. Takeaway From the Study ~  To address the evolutionary history and genetic basis of bat adaptations and biology, this study offers a wealth of resources.  For instance, many scientists now think that, as a result of this study's findings, bat genomes serve as valuable resources for further research on the adaptation of bats to coronavirus infections. All in all, this offers ways to improve human survival. This is only the start. The surviving about 1400 extant bat species display remarkable variety in terms of ecology, lifespan, sensory perception, and immunology. However, there are still many unanswered issues about the chromosomal foundation of these remarkable traits. As more and more exquisite bat genomes are sequenced, Bat1K will provide answers to these issues and help reveal the genetic underpinnings of the amazing and unusual talents of bats. The Max Planck Society, the Irish Research Council, the European Research Council, and the Human Frontier Science Program all provided funding for this work.

16 Feb 2024
The Whys and Hows

How 2024 Will Handle Cyber Extortion ?

Cyber extortion is an internet attack when large sums of ransom are demanded. Usually, to achieve this, a DDoS assault is used to threaten server outages, or your data is encrypted and access is blocked. Allow me to briefly discuss a few of the most well-known instances of cyber-extortion and how to prevent it. Even for an experienced criminal, robbing a bank is exceedingly dangerous. It puts the offender in danger while it's happening and carries severe penalties if discovered. However, if you plan a future ransomware assault, you stay mostly unharmed. In comparison to traditional thefts or robberies, cyber extortion is far less dangerous and more lucrative. Furthermore, hackers have benefited even more from the less severe punishments. When you take into account the untraceable cryptocurrency, we ought to be fortifying our defenses already.  What are the Statistics Reflecting Until the Present Year ~  The Unforgiving Truth of Interconnectivity:  The global cost of cyberattacks was projected to reach $8 trillion in 2023, rising to 9.5 trillion in 2024 and $10.5 trillion in 2025. According to IBM's most recent Cost of Data Breach study, the average amount of money lost during a cyberattack is USD 4.45 million, marking an all-time high for data breaches. With an average yearly loss of 10.93 million USD due to data breaches, the healthcare sector reported the biggest average loss. The United States loses 9.48 million USD on average annually due to data breaches worldwide; the Middle East loses 8.07 million USD on average. People are not exempt from online dangers, however, and they are particularly vulnerable to social engineering and phishing scams. Cyber extortion can have two forms of blackmail: Hostage Data ~ A malicious party prevents you from using your computer network and demands a ransom to give you access again. Usually, this occurs when you unintentionally click on a dangerous link that encrypts your files, downloads malware and locks you out. Or maybe someone takes over your system, copies confidential information, and threatens you to pay or else expose it to the world. Sometimes, social engineering is used in this, when people only use psychological tactics to deceive you into thinking there is a hack when there isn't. DDoS ~ Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) is the process of flooding your network with bogus service requests, preventing legitimate users from accessing it. It is occasionally used to cover up data theft. This is accomplished by utilizing a botnet—a network of compromised servers—to inflict failures or slowdowns on servers. Losses may be significant depending on the size of your internet business. A DDoS assault may be readily funded for as low as $4 per hour, resulting in the victim suffering losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition to the immediate loss, downtime drives clients away from you and toward your rivals, resulting in longer-term losses. 1. Steer clear of malicious link clicking ~ Attackers frequently profit from curiosity, which is a primitive aspect of human nature. Roughly 54% of ransomware outbreaks started with phishing email attempts. Thus, plan training in addition to alerting yourself and your staff against spam emails. This might involve running weekly campaigns with fictitious phishing emails to offer live training. It will function more like to immunizations, in which a negligible quantity of dead viral loads guard against infectious agents. Employees can also be trained to open dubious URLs and apps by using sandboxing-like technology. 2. Security solutions and software updates ~ Outdated software is vulnerable to cyber extortion assaults regardless of your operating system. Had people updated their Windows PCs on time, WannaCay might have been easily averted. Another widespread misunderstanding is that using a Mac keeps you safe. That is just incorrect. Additionally, Malwarebytes' malware report smashes through Mac users' illusions of protection. Due to Mac's lack of popularity, Windows OS has suffered significant threats. Since Microsoft's operating system still holds a nearly 74% market share, it is hardly worth the effort to target Mac customers. Furthermore, they observed that each Mac had 11 attacks, compared to 5.8 threats for a Windows computer. In conclusion, spending money on an all-inclusive internet security program like Avast One can pay off. For an even stronger safety net, you may also use intrusion detection systems like Snort or Suricata. 3. Employ Robust Passwords A weak password was used twice by an employee, which led to the Colonial Pipeline hack. Approximately 83% of Americans, according to an Avast poll, use weak passwords, and up to 53% use the same password for several accounts. Indeed, encouraging people to create secure passwords on their own hasn't always been easy. In the workplace, it appears almost difficult to ask people to do that. What then is the remedy? Platforms for user authentication. These systems may be used to enforce strict password policies inside your company. These are third-party experts with plans that are adaptable based on the size of the business. Additionally, you may begin with Ory, Supabase, Frontegg, and other always-free levels.  Personally, make use of password managers. Additionally, it is a wise move to sometimes change the passwords. This will protect you even if your login information is compromised. And with premium password managers like LastPass, which can automatically update your passwords with a single click, that's a lot easier. Don't limit yourself to a complex password, though; consider using a unique username as well. 4. Offline backups Even well-known cybersecurity professionals may be fooled by the complexity of these assaults, let alone a small business owner. Thus, maintain up-to-date backups. On a tragic day, this will assist bring your system up. Additionally, offline backups are a benefit. They are safe havens that cyber extortionists cannot access. Additionally, pay attention to the recovery options offered, since extended outages can occasionally make the requested ransom appear attractive. And for that same reason, some business owners bargain with the bad actors and wind up having to pay astronomical sums. As an alternative, third-party data recovery and backup programs like Acronis might be useful. They provide hassle-free data recovery methods together with security against ransomware.  5. A CDN, or content delivery network Many have been able to identify and prevent large-scale DDoS assaults because of capable content delivery networks. As was previously said, Cloudflare, an outstanding CDN, was ultimately responsible for keeping the WannaCry killswitch operational for two years. It also made it more resilient to many DDoS attacks during that period. A CDN keeps a cached version of your website up to date on many servers all around the world. They prevent server overloads and outages by transferring surplus loads to their network. This tactic not only shields websites from DDoS attacks but also produces incredibly speedy web pages for users throughout the globe. Ultimately, no list can adequately safeguard you from cyber extortion. As things change, it's advisable to always have a cybersecurity specialist on board. Reaction to Cyber Extortion:  Aside from the normal anxiety that follows a ransomware assault, the first thought that usually occurs to victims is to pay the ransom and move on. It might not always work, though. According to a poll by UK-based IT security company SOPHOS, paying the ransom is not the wisest course of action. According to the assault survey study, just 8% of businesses were able to recover all of their data after paying the ransom. Furthermore, 29% were only able to recover half or less of the encrypted or pilfered data. Therefore, complying with ransom demands might come back to haunt you. It delays further rescue attempts by making you reliant on the bad actor and his tools to decode your data.  Furthermore, there is no assurance that the hacker's provided tool will ever function. It might malfunction or infect your system more. Furthermore, by giving the criminals money, you are presenting your company as one of their clients. Thus, there is a very good likelihood that a comparable attack will occur later. In conclusion, paying ought to be your very last option. It's better to use other techniques, including backing up data, than to use cryptocurrency to pay an unidentified criminal. Furthermore, a few companies alerted law enforcement and got in touch with top cybersecurity specialists. And that's what rescued them, just as it did in the FBI's extortion recovery of Colonial Pipeline. Bottom Line ~  It's important to remember that this is more prevalent than one may imagine. Naturally, strengthening your defenses and maintaining backups is the best course of action. In any case, remain composed, initiate local rescue efforts, and get in touch with professionals. Even if you pay your millions, the ransom demands can still stand, so try not to give in to them.

16 Feb 2024
The Whys and Hows

This Valentine's week, learn about the Guinness World Record for the most expensive chocolate in the world.

On this Chocolate Day, expand your chocolate specialization!  The smell of chocolate and cocoa wafts through the door as Valentine's Week's third day bursts through. On Chocolate Day, one offers their favorite chocolates to their loved ones. But have you ever considered the possibility that there is more to chocolate's richness than just flavor? Even though the ancient Minoans used dried cacao leaves to conduct financial transactions centuries ago, there are still chocolates on the market today that cost a million dollars or more. The positive effect of having Healthy Relationship with Chocolates:   It's critical for both your body and mind to have a positive connection with all meals. However, developing a healthy connection with dark chocolate in particular might have a big influence on your general well-being. Strong antioxidants may be found in dark chocolate. Epicatechin is one kind of flavonol that is very advantageous. Plants contain substances called flavonols that reduce inflammation and guard against the harm that free radicals may do to cells.  Here is the list ~ 'Frrrozen' Haute Chocolate ~ This sundae, which is the most costly dessert in the Guinness Book of World Records, was developed in 2007 to advertise Serendipity 3, a New York-based restaurant. It came in a gold cup with a white diamond lining that held five ounces of edible 23-karat gold mixed with a combination of 28 chocolates. It had incurred up to $25,000 in expenses. Golden Speckled Chocolate Egg ~ The Golden Speckled Egg, deemed the “most expensive non-jeweled chocolate egg” by the Guinness Book of World Records, is three feet tall and two inches wide, weighing little over 100 pounds. In 2012, the egg brought in $11,107 at auction, with all earnings going to charity. Seven chocolatiers from Japan and the United Kingdom made it. Gourmet chocolate filling, edible gold leaf, and amedei chocolate were added. Twelve chocolate mini-eggs, twenty chocolate bars, and five white chocolate flowers were also used to decorate it. Cadbury Wispa Gold Chocolate Bar ~ The well-known chocolate manufacturer Cadbury made the decision to reintroduce Wispa Gold Bar in 1995. The chocolate, which cost $1600 and was wrapped in edible gold leaf, was prepared using quality Madagascan cocoa beans. The bar was offered for sale, but the chocolate was kept by Cadbury once the successful bidder was revealed. Presently, it is shown at their museum dedicated to chocolate, Cadbury World, and less expensive copies of the bar are available in stores worldwide. Swarovski Studded Chocolates ~ With 2010, the department store giant Harrods and the Lebanese chocolatier Patchi collaborated to produce 49 pieces of dark chocolate covered with Swarovski crystals and embellished with gold and silk roses. They had carefully wrapped them in Indian silk and placed them inside a box made of leather. The opulent chocolate box, which originally cost $10,000, is no longer on sale. Life is like a chocolate box, Each chocolate is like a portion of life, Some are crunchy, some are nutty, Some are soft, but all are DELICIOUS. Happy Chocolate Day to everyone reading this ! ~  

8 Feb 2024
The Whys and Hows

Prehistoric Animals That Still Roam the Earth

Some creatures appear out of place on first inspection. Sometimes this might be attributed to the limitations of imagination, but other times it's because the animal in issue is from such a remote past that it could have happened on another planet. The history of life on Earth predates the history of humans, and the number of animals that lived hundreds of millions of years ago and continue to cohabit with us now may surprise you. From the traditional crab suspects to charming and cuddly critters with a surprisingly profound history, these animals are far more hardy than you may imagine. Frilled Shark The ancient and scary frilled shark is at least 150 million years old, which means it lived in the waters while some of the Jurassic period's most renowned dinosaurs, such as the stegosaurus, were still roaming the Earth. Frilled sharks now live at the ocean's lowest depths, far from human activities. Komodo dragon The Komodo dragon of Indonesia is one of the most well-known remains of an old reptile Earth. They are now the biggest lizards on Earth and have existed for approximately four million years. Shoebill stork The shoebill stork is a massive bird with a distinctive appearance. The huge beaks of these birds allow them to pursue greater prey than most of their stork and waterbird cousins. Shoebill descendants are related to tyrannosaurus rex, although they diverged roughly 65 million years ago.  Bactrian Camel While there are only around 1,000 Bactrian camels remaining on Earth, they have proven to be one of the most hardy species during the last two million years. Bactrian camels can flourish in the toughest deserts and throughout the coldest winters. Shark wobbegong Around 145 million years ago, during the Upper Jurassic era, the wobbegong shark first appeared. This indicates that they survived the major extinction catastrophe that took out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, along with a large number of other aquatic forms of life. The wobbegong's skillful use of camouflage and elusive nature have allowed it to survive long into the current day without fear of extinction.  Ghost shark Chimeras, sometimes known as ghost sharks, are among the oldest fish species on the planet; they split off from real sharks around 400 million years ago. They are therefore at least as ancient as trees and forests. Chimaeras now stay in the deepest, murkiest waters of the sea. Oxen Musk Musk oxen are native to the higher parts of North America and date back about 200,000 years, making them almost as old as contemporary humans.  Babirusa The characteristic that sets Babirusa apart from other pigs and animals in general is that their tusks, which are designed for defense and battle, will eventually grow backwards to the point where they pierce their own skulls and cause death. Some of the earliest cave paintings in Southeast Asia include pictures of Babirusas, which is amazing that an animal with such a bad design could survive for so long. Okapi Although definitive and uncontested fossil data of the okapi's past are scarce, it is widely acknowledged that they are among the candidates for the distinction of being the planet's oldest big mammals. The okapi, often called a "zebra giraffe," is a native of Central Africa that has been on the planet for at least 18 million years. Jellyfish Today, the ocean's depths are home to the earliest known multi-organ organisms. The oldest fossilized jellyfishes found date back more than 505 million years as of 2007. According to some experts, they could have lived as long as 700 million years ago. “Prehistory of mankind is way too horrible to be remembered. But if we choose to ignore it, then we'll be doomed to repeat it.” ― Toba Beta, My Ancestor Was an Ancient Astronaut  

6 Feb 2024
The Whys and Hows

Retro Feelings: Using Nostalgia Advertising to Engage Generation Z

Most of us have undoubtedly had some form of nostalgia at some point in our lives. A nostalgic walk down memory lane to happier, more carefree days, a sentiment that is triggered in us when we watch a movie, look at a picture, or listen to a song from our childhood.  People are seeking solace and escape in simpler times after the past few difficult years. Whether it was before or after COVID, individuals are experiencing nostalgia like never before.  The 80s fighter pilot and endearing outlaw Maverick has made a reappearance on television.  Y2K(Retro look~ that speaks the britney Era) fashion is expected to continue until 2023, and Kate Bush's 1985 hit song "Running Up That Hill" reached the top of the UK charts in 2022 because of Stranger Things.  What then is the current source of nostalgia? And how can companies use its strength into their marketing plans? The Fashion Industry is also experiencing the wave of sudden changes wherein with 41% asking stores to provide more inclusive sizes and 38% wanting to see a wide range of body types in advertising, Gen Z is calling on corporations to abandon these outdated beliefs as well ~ everyone is looking out for the roots of influence which dated back in 19th century!  In addition, compared to prior generations, this generation is more prone to worry, with social media playing a further role. Leaning into the better and healthier parts of the 90s is vital for companies who are bringing the era back, even if not everything from that era was nice or comforting.  Revival Of Retro Era : Stands Against the test of Time Purchasing used furniture or antique apparel lets you witness the high caliber and skillful craftsmanship that go into making something that will last for many years. Developing your sense for great deals may take some time, but it's crucial to make sure you spend your money on high-quality used items. Generation Z is astute. In reality, they are aware of the characteristics of classic design and are able to distinguish poor quality replicas from fakes. They want to know if the luxury handbags or famous chair design they have their eye on will last throughout time. Nostalgia on Screens:  Not only do past events and relationships evoke sentimentality in us, but media plays a major role in evoking nostalgia across all age groups. According to 46% of consumers, media such as music, TV shows, and movies may all make us feel a certain way. Neither gender nor geography nor generation are relevant to this. Across all of these demographic breakdowns, the top three media genres that evoke nostalgia are movies, TV shows, and music. Over the past several years, nostalgia has taken on various forms in the media. Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp, and other Disney movies from decades past have all been recreated in realistic animation or live action, and many more are in development. It offers viewers a chance to reminisce on memories from their youth with a more open and modern perspective.  Years after the first film was released in cinemas, sequels have also been made available. 36 years after the original 1980s film's premiere, Top Gun: Maverick was a box office blockbuster, taking in $1.488 billion. Avatar 2, directed by James Cameron, debuted in 2022, more than a decade after the first film. Additional sequels are planned, and the film has already surpassed Titanic to become the third most earning film of all time.Some television programs and motion pictures are just set in the last ten years. Stranger Things, for instance, is set in the 1980s and garnered 7.2 billion minutes of streaming in the US between May 30 and June 5 of last year.  The publication of the final two episodes of season four even caused a temporary outage on Netflix. The reason the series has been so popular with Gen Z despite taking place in the 1980s is probably because it depicts an era before the internet, which is somewhat of a novelty to this younger age.  Foward Looking Drive For Simplicity:  While the future can feel very bleak for the under 25s, the desire for nostalgia and simpler times is still felt by Gen Z. This generation is no longer craving fast, new experiences, but instead are slowing down to enjoy the world. Second-hand and used items help to feed the feeling of a simpler time; making young people feel more at ease with the rampant pace of modern times. . . The vintage and secondhand sectors have been growing over the past few years. Given that most consumers are concerned about the human and environmental costs of global manufacturing lines, it seems sense that Gen Z is pining for a return to vintage and used goods. Having said that, it's crucial to remember that, even while nostalgia may be a useful tool, it must be applied correctly to be successful!      

1 Feb 2024
The Whys and Hows

The Rise of China as the World's Factory: Unraveling the Factors Behind its Manufacturing Dominance

China's ascent as the manufacturing powerhouse of the world has been a subject of great interest and study. Understanding the factors that contributed to China's transformation into the global factory is key to comprehending its manufacturing dominance. In this article, we will delve into the insights provided by Blacksmith International's analysis of how China became the world's factory. Tax Exemptions and Industrial Zones: Catalysts for Growth China's journey as a manufacturing giant began in the 1990s when the government implemented a series of attractive incentives to lure foreign companies to its burgeoning manufacturing sector. Two key factors played a significant role in this process: 1. Tax Exemptions: One major incentive was the provision of tax exemptions for foreign enterprises. While Chinese-owned companies faced a 30% income tax, foreign companies enjoyed complete exemption. Additionally, a rebate system was established, allowing foreign companies to partially or completely avoid the high Chinese VAT rate of 17%. This system made it financially favorable for foreign companies to import equipment and raw materials, resulting in a boost for the export of finished goods. 2. Pre-Built Industrial Zones: China's government offered foreign companies pre-built factories at reduced or no cost within industrial zones. These zones provided benefits such as reduced utility rates, assistance with labor force recruitment, and help with government documentation. Moreover, foreign companies operating within these zones faced minimal regulation, allowing them to disregard rules on worker wages and working hours. This flexibility attracted companies seeking low-value-added, low-tech, and high-employment manufacturing opportunities. China's Rise and Shifting Priorities Due to the successful implementation of these incentives, China experienced a surge in manufacturing activities, surpassing the United States in factory output by the early 2000s. However, subsequent changes in China's policies and priorities have altered the landscape: 1. Shifting Focus: China gradually transitioned to prioritize high-value-added and high-tech manufacturing, aiming to move away from low-value-added industries. This shift was driven by the desire to enhance competitiveness and establish China as a leader in innovation and advanced manufacturing. 2. Increased Regulation and Costs: Over time, China became a high-tax environment with increased regulations. These changes, coupled with rising costs, made China less attractive for manufacturing operations, even before the trade conflict with the United States in 2017. The changes in tax structures, regulations, and priorities have prompted many companies to explore alternative manufacturing destinations. Exploring Alternatives and Global Supply Chain Management With several countries in Southeast Asia offering manufacturing incentives similar to those once provided by China, companies have begun relocating their production in pursuit of cost-effective manufacturing solutions. As businesses consider moving their manufacturing operations, it is crucial to evaluate the incentives available in other countries. Here's where global supply chain management comes into play: 1. Vetting New Factories: Blacksmith International ensures the trustworthiness of new factories through a comprehensive assessment process. Their team visits each factory in person, evaluating various factors and meeting with management to establish trust. This commitment ensures that only the highest caliber factories are chosen for collaboration. 2. Finding the Best Deal: As a global supply chain manager, Blacksmith International assists companies in finding the most favorable manufacturing deals, whether within China or in alternative manufacturing destinations. By leveraging their expertise and network, they help businesses identify cost-effective solutions and navigate the complexities of supply chain management. As companies explore alternative manufacturing destinations, global supply chain management becomes vital in vetting factories and finding the best deals. The manufacturing industry continues to evolve, and businesses must adapt to changing dynamics to stay competitive.   

16 Jan 2024
The Whys and Hows

Why is Gulmarg in Kashmir experiencing a snowless winter this year?

The picturesque Gulmarg is dry since there hasn't been much snow in Kashmir, a popular tourist destination. Gulmarg, well-known as Kashmir's winter paradise, is devoid of the typical layer of snow that covers its slopes at this time of year.The town, which is situated at an elevation of 8,694 feet, attracts visitors and ski enthusiasts from India and other countries, but the lack of snow has upset them. Himalayan peaks covered with snow are often barren. Jammu and Kashmir's winter capital, Srinagar, has not yet seen any snowfall this year. The impact extends to popular tourist destinations like Sonamarg in central Kashmir and Pahalgam in south Kashmir. What is happening? Kashmir is suffering from a drought, as the valley reported a 79% decrease in precipitation and little snowfall in December 2023. Ecologists and individuals who depend on tourism for a living are concerned about this. Skiers who attend training sessions in January go to the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg. But this year, its meadows are empty. Why is there a dry spell? According to experts, El Nino is most likely to blame for Kashmir's current dry period. It has been dry for the whole month of December and the first week of January. For the past three to four years, there has been an early snowfall trend that is absent this year. There's not a powerful spell.  El Nino has been around since November and can remain around till the following month. El Nino, which translates to "Little Boy" in Spanish, is an occurrence of extremely warm seas in the eastern Pacific that drives natural climate patterns. Temperature increases are expected in 2024 as a result of the weather phenomenon, which influences worldwide weather patterns. It's well knowledge that there is a precipitation shortfall during El Nino years. We have gone through dry spells before.  As experts point out, the current dry spell is not unprecedented, with similar occurrences recorded in recent years, including December 2022, December-January 2018, January 2015, and December 2014. Despite the challenges posed by this weather phenomenon, it serves as a reminder of the resilience exhibited by the region in the face of periodic climatic variations. The collective hope remains that Gulmarg and its surrounding areas will soon get back the enchanting allure of snow-covered landscapes for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors alike.

12 Jan 2024
The Whys and Hows

Port of Virginia To Completely Power Its Operations With Sustainable Energy.

The shipping and leisure cruising sectors are ushering in a new era of sustainable marine transportation by investing in environmentally friendly ships. However, the quest to reduce emissions extends beyond vessel efficiency. Infrastructure plays a pivotal role, and a promising trend on the horizon suggests that by 2024, numerous ports worldwide will integrate green elements to facilitate cleaner marine operations.  The Port of Virginia: A Trailblazer in Sustainable Energy Adoption Amidst this global shift, the Port of Virginia is poised to etch its name in history as the first major port on the East Coast to completely power its operations with sustainable energy. What's truly remarkable is that this incredible feat is set to be achieved a staggering eight years ahead of the initial schedule. Their target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 might also receive a significant acceleration owing to this transformative initiative. Electrifying Progress and Reduced Carbon Footprint The Port of Virginia's fleet of electric machinery signifies a significant leap toward sustainability. Presently, the port operates 27 electric ship-to-shore cranes, four electric rail cranes, and 116 electric stacking cranes, with plans for further expansion. Future projections indicate an increase to 31 electric ship-to-shore cranes, seven electric rail cranes, and 152 electric stacking cranes, bolstering their commitment to cleaner operations. By reducing carbon emissions by a staggering 45% per container, the Port aims to minimize its carbon impact significantly by leveraging clean energy sources. Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions are the two target areas for this decrease.Emissions from equipment exhaust fall under scope 1, while emissions from energy used to power and charge electronic devices and illuminate port buildings go under scope 2. Dedication to Sustainability and Exceeding Targets The Port of Virginia's achievement signifies their unwavering dedication to promoting sustainability within Virginia's maritime landscape. Surpassing their initial goal of utilizing renewable energy for operations by 2032, this remarkable accomplishment propels them significantly closer to their overarching ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. This pioneering effort not just showcases the Port's dedication to environmental responsibility but also serves as an admirable model for ports and industries worldwide. “If you really think that the environment is less important than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money.” ~ Guy McPherson, scientist & professor

10 Jan 2024
The Whys and Hows

Unique Time Zone History Makes Kiribati the First Country to Greet New Year

Kiribati, a gorgeous island nation comprised of 33 atolls, has taken the lead as the first to welcome 2024 in the rich tapestry of worldwide celebrations welcoming in the new year. Kiribati's Line Islands are at the forefront of this chronological milestone, demonstrating the country's unique geographical position straddling the equatorial Pacific. This distinction was not always theirs. Kiribati's relationship with the International Date Line was changed in 1994 by a dramatic shift in time zones. This change, which moved the line more than 1,000 kilometers eastward within Kiribati's territory, was made as part of a deliberate plan to unify the country under a single time zone, removing the uncertainty caused by a divided date line. Kiribati was once divided into two days due to its location, and it struggled with the challenges of being located over the Date Line while sections of the Line Islands were geographically farther east than Hawaii. The decision to combine the country's time zones moved all of Kiribati into the Asian side of the Date Line, uniting the island nation under three time zones and removing the citizens' permanent duality of dates. As the Line Islands approached the first sunrise of the New Year, traditional Kiribati celebrations took place. Locals celebrated this time transition with traditional cuisine, including exquisite roast pig and crayfish, as well as the perennial favorite of coconut sap beverages. While no significant activities were planned on Kiritimati's main island, the joy among Line Islanders reflected the spirit of community and eagerness to welcome the new year.  

2 Jan 2024
The Whys and Hows

Beyond Earth's Surface: New Magnetic Wave Discovered at Earth's Outer Core!

While volcanic eruptions and earthquakes serve as immediate reminders that the Earth's interior is far from tranquil, there are other, more elusive, dynamic processes at work deep beneath our feet. These sorts of mysteries are slowly been addressed by human curiosity and passionate minds!  Scientists identified an entirely new sort of magnetic wave that sweeps across the outermost region of Earth's outer core every seven years using data from ESA's Swarm satellite project. This interesting discovery, announced at the ESA's Living Planet Symposium, provides a new window into a world we will never visit. Understanding the origin of the magnetic field, why it changes continually, how it interacts with the solar wind, and why it is currently weakening are all issues of interest to scientists. The majority of the magnetic field is generated by Earth's outer core's ocean of superheated, whirling liquid iron. The outer core of the Earth works like a spinning conductor in a bicycle dynamo. It produces electrical currents as well as a constantly changing electromagnetic field. These magnetic impulses from Earth's core are measured by ESA's Swarm project, which consists of three identical satellites. Other signals from the crust, seas, ionosphere, and magnetosphere are also measured. Scientists have discovered a hidden secret using data from the Swarm mission. They discovered a new form of magnetic wave sweeping across the surface of the Earth's outer core. What's more, this wave oscillates every seven years and travels westward at up to 1500 kilometers each year. Because of the rotation of the Earth, these waves align in columns along the axis of rotation. These waves' velocity and magnetic field fluctuations are most noticeable in the core's equatorial region. Nicolas Gillet, from the University Université Grenoble Alpes and lead author of the paper, said, “Geophysicists have long theorized over the existence of such waves, but they were thought to take place over much longer time scales than our research has shown.” Other comparable waves, with longer periods, are likely to exist, according to these findings, but their detection will require additional research.

21 Dec 2023
The Whys and Hows

Nature's Armor: How Lichen Soil Crusts Protect the Great Wall from Erosion!

The Great Wall of China, an iconic symbol of ancient history, is being safeguarded against erosion and weather damage by an unexpected hero: lichen soil crust. This natural protective layer, composed of lichen, moss, and cyanobacteria, has proven to be crucial in preserving sections of the wall from the harsh elements. Scientists, in a study featured in the journal Science Advances, focused on a 300-mile-long segment of the Great Wall to investigate the impact of soil crusts. They discovered that the rammed earth sections, constructed using a mixture of mud, gravel, and natural materials, provided an ideal environment for the growth of lichen soil crusts. Astonishingly, the study found that these protective crusts covered 67% of the surveyed areas. Compared to exposed rammed earth, the biocrust-covered sections exhibited remarkable improvements. They displayed reduced porosity, erodibility, salinity, and increased compressive strength, penetration resistance, shear strength, and aggregate stability. This natural defense mechanism shields the wall from wind and water erosion, effectively preserving the structure for future generations. Biological soil crusts also play a vital role in arid ecosystems. They are commonly found in desert environments, preventing the blowing away of sandy dirt and maintaining soil fertility. These crusts have been estimated to cover 25% of the world's drylands and halt the loss of approximately 700 million metric tons of dust annually. This fascinating discovery highlights the significance of natural solutions in the preservation of historical monuments. By harnessing the power of lichen soil crusts, the Great Wall of China stands stronger against the forces of erosion and weathering, ensuring its cultural and historical legacy endures for centuries to come.

19 Dec 2023
The Whys and Hows

Global Inspirations

This Grandfather Teaches Us That Life Is Too Short to Be Small

Joao Stanganelli didn’t let vitiligo come in the way of living an interesting and fulfilling life. Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses its pigment and becomes white. The most difficult part of being affected by this skin condition is to cope with other people’s prejudice against those who suffer from this skin disorder. Stanganelli noticed the initial signs of vitiligo when he was 38. He worked in the gastronomy industry but had to quit his job due to a heart problem. This would have been really hard on anyone, but Stanganelli decided to overcome this tough time by cultivating a hobby. He soon took a liking to crochet and with the help of his wife, he mastered the art. Within just five days of learning crochet, Stanganelli created his first doll. He decided to make dolls for his granddaughter, but he wanted to do something special so that she remembered him. He came up with the idea of knitting a doll with vitiligo and so, Vitilinda, a pretty doll with spots and uneven skin, was born.  Vitilinda’s success motivated him to make more such dolls to restore the self-esteem of children affected by this skin condition. Gradually, his crochet works became more inclusive and he created a beautiful doll in a wheelchair that was admired and loved by many. This made his work very rewarding and Stanganelli found the goal of his life- to make crocheted dolls that would bring joy and cheer in people’s lives.

14 Dec 2019
Global Inspirations

An Employee Was Overwhelmed When His Boss Paid Off His Loan so That He Could Retire Early

Albert Bringas worked as a mechanic at Renown Auto Restoration in Texas. He was planning to retire in 2020 after working for six more months so that he could pay off his mortgage. Bringas’ boss Rudy Quinones knew that he wanted to retire. Bringas had been with him for 13 years and he has always proved to be a very good worker. However, the job demanded a certain level of physicality which Quinones knew Bringas is finding hard to keep up owing to his age. The kind boss asked Bringas whether he would retire if his mortgage was taken care of. Bringas couldn’t believe his ears. Bringas told the Washington Post that his boss was really serious and he did want to pay off the rest of the mortgage that Bringas owed. A week later Quinones paid off the remaining amount of the loan which was taken 24 years ago. Bringas retired from his work but not before showering praise on his employer. Bringas said that Quinones has a big heart and if anyone is down on their luck and needs a loan, Quinones always helps them out. It was indeed the kind gesture from Quinones that helped Bringas to retire from his long and dedicated service of 13 years. Image Source: iHeartRadio

20 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

A Library Asked for a Few Helping Hands and Was Amazed by the Response

A library in Oklahoma asked for a few helping hands on social media to move children’s books to a new location down the street and was overwhelmed by the huge turnout. More than 650 volunteers including kids, adults and seniors arrived at the place and formed a human chain between the two buildings. One by one, they enthusiastically passed the books down the line and the work was accomplished within 45 minutes. The Norman Public Library The Norman Public Library in Oklahoma serves three surrounding counties. It had decided to shift children’s books from the old brick building to a new location situated quarter of a mile from it. They planned to make this a community event that could bring book lovers together and therefore, posted about the moving event on Facebook asking for a few volunteers. They were delighted to see more than 650 people arrive for the event. Human Chain The volunteers formed a human chain between the two libraries and joyfully passed the books down the line. All the books were shifted in a matter of 45 minutes. Kids just loved the experience and many said that they can’t wait for the new library to open. In the end, kids were overjoyed when they got to arrange a book each on the new library shelf which would forever be its home. Books are a source of great joy. The love for books brought people of a community together and they derived immense happiness from being a part of this community event involving books.

19 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

In a World’s First, Italy to Make Climate Classes Mandatory

Climate change will be on test for students in Italy as the country’s education minister Lorenzo Fioramonti has planned to introduce climate change classes in schools of Italy which will be a first in the world. According to Fioramonti, the lessons will initially be taught as part of a student’s civic education and gradually it will be integrated throughout a variety of subjects. Many environmental advocates have supported and welcomed this decision while some said that the responsibility should not be passed on to children. A Welcome Step According to Fioramonti, students will be taught lessons in climate change and environmental sustainability. Not only will the students be studying place names and locations in geography class, but they will also learn the impact of human actions on different parts of the planet. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Harvard Institute for International Development, and Kate Raworth of Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute along with a group of experts will act as “peer reviewers” for ministry staff preparing the curriculum which is expected to be ready by September 2020. The Curriculum The experts plan to use a fairy tale model for children from ages 6 to 11. There will be stories from different cultures that would emphasize a connection to the environment. Middle schoolers would be expected to learn more technical information, and high school students would explore the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in depth. The introduction of climate classes will make children sensitive towards their environment and help them to become responsible citizens who will consciously take steps to conserve and protect the planet.

18 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

This Man Spends the Coldest Nights Searching for the Homeless and Guides Them to Shelter

B.B. McGowan never takes anything for granted now. He was homeless and used to sleep on the streets of Dallas, Texas until people from Oak Lawn United Methodist Church helped him to get sober and rehabilitated him. McGowan is full of appreciation for the kind-heartedness and generosity of the church folk and he has decided to pass on the good work. Instead of spending chilly evenings in the warmth and comfort of his house, he jumps into a church van and plies through the streets searching for homeless people. He knows how it is to sleep on the streets and therefore, he is compelled to help the homeless. As soon as he spots a homeless person, he guides him/her gently into his van and drops the helpless person at the nearest homeless shelter. McGowen’s mission is to give back to the people who are struggling to get back on their feet. At times, it becomes freezing cold as temperature dips to single digits. After he became sober, McGowen has a whole new appreciation for life and people and he wants others who are like his former self to feel the change and experience the richness of life.

15 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

A Group of Kids Turned Junior Detectives Do a Great Service for the Society

Age is just a number. A group of young children proved this adage to be true as they went on to achieve a great feat. When they came to know about the disappearance of a senior person of their community, they got together to track the elder. 97-year-old Glenneta Belford, a non-verbal woman with dementia went missing from her home in Roseville, California. The Roseville Police Department put a post about the disappearance of the senior on social media so that community residents may be able to find her. A group of five young friends got together on hearing the news and they spent the entire evening searching for the missing senior on their bicycles. It appeared as if the incident was straight from a children’s detective novel as the tenacious youngsters ultimately were able to track down the woman. The ‘junior detectives’ promptly informed the police department about the lady’s location. The surprised police officers of the department were able to connect with the missing lady with the help of the spirited children. Informing about this incident, the police department later wrote on its Facebook page that it was an example of an exceptional community coming together to lend a helping hand. This also goes on to prove that age is just a number and anyone can help out in the time of need. The upbeat children with their excellent coordination skills were able to find a helpless missing woman and reunite her with her family. There is no doubt that such ebullient kids are great assets to society.

14 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

Growing Crops on Land Covered With Solar Panels Yield Exciting Results

Many countries are taking steps to adopt renewable sources of energy in response to the adverse effects of climate change that the world is currently facing. Solar energy is gaining popularity especially in countries that receive abundant sunlight. Production of solar energy entails the installation of solar panels over a large area of land for maximum production. That will mean the utilization of land that could otherwise be used for agriculture. To tackle this problem, an initiative to grow plants along and under the solar panels was started which gave desirable and positive results. Agrivoltaics Research Greg Barron-Gafford, an associate professor in the School of Geography and Development and his students used solar photovoltaic, or PV, panels and regional vegetables to create the first agrivoltaics research site at Biosphere 2. The team closely monitored the plants such as tomatoes, peppers, kale and herbs from the stage of their germination throughout the three-month growing season. They regularly monitored incoming light levels, air temperature and relative humidity using sensors. Exciting Results After the study, the team found that the agrovoltaics system was very beneficial for both- plants and the panels. The shade from the PV panels cooled down the temperatures during the day and led to warmer nighttime temperatures. The team found that food crops did better in the shade as they were protected from direct sunlight. The yield was also greater than those plants that were growing in the open under the sky. Another advantage is that the water in the soil under the panels transpired at a slower place, so the plants consumed less water than usual. When panels get heated, their efficiency comes down. Plants growing under panels helped in cooling the temperatures and increasing the efficiency of energy production. The positive results of the above studies will encourage maximum utilization of natural resources such as land for food and energy production.

12 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

Boy Chided in School for Making Doodles Becomes a Restaurant Artist!

Joe Whale, a nine-year-old boy from Shrewsbury in the UK has an inclination towards art and was frustrated at very little art that he got to do in school, so he would doodle on the classroom table’s whiteboard. A number of times, Joe Whale got into trouble with his teachers for doodling in class. However, his thoughtful and sensitive parents instead of scolding him put him in a drawing class. After School Art Class Seeing Joe’s drawing talent, his parents enrolled him in an art class, Bloom. It’s been six weeks and Joe enjoys every moment of it. The art class enabled to bring out the artist in him. The teachers at the art class were mighty impressed by his talent and began posting his work on Instagram. A local restaurant, Number 4 came across Joe’s work and reached out to him. Doodling Job At A Restaurant When the management of the restaurant Number 4 contacted Joe, he thought he might have to simply doodle on a framed picture. It was only when he arrived at the restaurant did he come to know that he had to cover the entire white wall of the restaurant with doodles. His joy knew no bounds as he decorated the wall with doodles. Every child has a hidden talent and many children are fortunate to harness their skills with the help of parents or teachers. Joe’s parents instead of rebuking him for making doodles, arranged for him to go to an art class and allowed his talent to blossom. Image Source: Boing Boing

11 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

A Door Handle That Sanitizes Itself!

Often we are afraid of holding the door handles of public washrooms thinking that it might be ridden with bacteria. Researchers have said that we can catch infections like cold and flu from the door handles that have been touched by infected persons. Now, our fears are allayed as two students of the University of Hong Kong, Sum Ming Wong and Kin Pong Li have invented door handles that can clean and sanitize itself Durable And Effective The chemical cleaning materials used currently for cleaning public areas are easy to wipe off and are harmful to the human body. The students claim that their design has high durability and is very effective. They combined titanium dioxide powder and ultraviolet LED lights to develop a door handle that is self-powered by a small gearbox and generator that is hooked up to the door itself. The action of opening and shutting the door generates enough kinetic energy to provide electricity to keep the handle lit and functional. Successful Test The titanium dioxide film on the outside of the handle reacts with UV lights to activate the coating which then creates hydroxyl radicals that decompose bacteria. Lab tests were conducted that showed it killed 99.8% of bacteria. The students went on to win many tech awards and prizes for their remarkable invention. They are the finalists for the Dyson International prize which recognizes the best talent in engineering and design.

10 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

Scientists Are Excited About This New Technique of Growing Crops in Drought Areas

Researchers of a UK based company have come up with an ingenious way of growing healthy produce in dry desert climates. Just by using saltwater and cardboard the company, Seawater Greenhouse has discovered a drought-proof way to grow farm fruits and vegetables. We have heard of glass greenhouses that maintain the temperature and humidity of gardens. In the novel technique, cardboard structures use ‘evaporate cooling’ to keep the plantations moist and cool even in a desert. How ‘Cool Houses’ Work The cool houses comprise of corrugated cardboard panels. A small solar-powered pump dispenses seawater at the top of the panels so that it can trickle down through the walls of the cardboard for evaporation. This helps to cool down the wind coming from outside and the plants get the required temperature and humidity to thrive and render healthy produce.  New Projects Founder of Seawater Greenhouse, Charlie Paton said that the “evaporative cooling” technique creates the perfect conditions for farming produce in drought-stricken regions. It successfully implemented this project in Somaliland that now produces about 300 to 750 tonnes of tomatoes per year. The company intends to launch more such projects in drought-prone regions of the world. Such innovative techniques of farming will be of great use for our country as places like Marathwada and parts of Rajasthan are struck by severe droughts year after year. Image Source: Good News Network

8 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

A Major Breakthrough As New Enzymes Can Break Down the Toughest Unrecyclable Plastic

We all know of the plastic menace and how major companies throughout the world are trying to limit plastic use with recycled products. However, it has been difficult to secure recycled food-grade plastic. A French startup Carbios is all set to resolve such recycling issues as it has found a way of recycling even the problematic PET plastics into a pure form that can be used to make clear water bottles. Enzymatic Process The company Carbios has come up with this groundbreaking method of using enzymes to break-down, purify, and reuse a wide array of PET plastic waste which currently is very difficult to recycle. The company plans to license the technology to recycling companies as it envisions a circular plastic economy where nothing is wasted. Another advantage is that the company uses the biorecycle method, which is the use of enzymes that entail the consumption of lower temperatures thus reducing energy consumption. The Recycling Plant Encouraged by the backing from major corporations like Nestle Waters, PepsiCo and many more which are under pressure to reduce their plastic footprint, Carbios intends to set up the construction of a new recycling plant that will use the biological process to recycle all at once and in a few hours, all plastics such as multicolored plastic, like food trays or polyester shirts which otherwise is almost non recyclable. This major milestone is a world-first that will lead to a circular plastic economy in which there is no waste thus proving extremely beneficial to the environment.

7 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

The Study of Amazon Rainforests Became Very Interesting With the Help of Drones

The study of the dense Amazon forests with its thick vegetation and biodiversity has always been a challenge for researchers due to its inaccessible terrain. Now, the drones that were used for filming movies like Skyfall have been adapted and repurposed to withstand the heat and humidity of the rainforests to study the ecosystems. Powerful ‘Hexacopters’ Life in Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest is a world in itself with several life forms thriving in the rich ecosystem. However, it has been very arduous to study the various habitats of the forest as well as to assess how the forest responds to climate change, deforestation and fire. Scientists would rely on limited data collected form towers, aircraft, and satellites to help them understand the habitat. There is good news now as powerful hexacopters (drones having six blades) that were used for filming thrilling Hollywood scenes have now been specially adapted to study the dense and impenetrable Amazon forest. How Drones Work Instead of filming or taking pictures, scientists fix a one-kilogram chemical-sensing package that acts like an electronic nose sensing the forest. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are set forth from old observation towers near the Amazon. The sensors are able to ascertain from vapours released by plants in drought or flood situations how plants adapt to stressors such as climate change and extreme weather. Scientists are certain that they will be able to learn a lot from research on the Amazon forests with the help of these powerful drones.

6 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

This Remarkable Eco-Friendly Diaper Can Replace the Environmentally Harmful Ones

Ever imagined the impact of millions of diapers disposed each day into landfills if one diaper takes 500 years to decompose. The cellulose fibers, super-absorbing polymers, and synthetic fabrics used to make diapers take years to break down. They also contain potentially harmful chemicals and toxins that have been linked to causing serious skin conditions, diaper rash and recently even cases of cancer. Therefore, the creation of reusable and eco-friendly diapers that is also beneficial for the skin spells good news. Reusable Diapers Sumo diapers are eco-friendly and reusable diapers that are made of a recyclable material called SeaCell: an antibacterial, absorbent, and biodegradable textile that is made out of seaweed and eucalyptus. The good thing about these diapers is that they can be sustainably harvested and recycled. An environmentally-friendly kind of waterproofing technology called EcoRepel makes these diapers sustainably waterproof. Good For The Skin The diapers developed from sea cell is rich in antioxidants that are good for the skin. According to the SeaCell website, what sets this product apart is the unique properties of seaweed that help to protect our skin against harmful environmental influences. It states that the seaweed is pure and rich in essential substances such as vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and minerals that trigger cell regeneration and consequently helps to cure skin diseases, reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness. These revolutionary diapers were developed by Swiss designer Luisa Kahlfeldt when it struck her how detrimental the traditional diapers were for the planet. Image Source: Good News Network

5 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

Vending Machines in America to Provide Healthy Options to Counter Obesity Problems

Obesity is a growing problem all over the world which leads to other ailments like diabetes, heart disease and more. Taking note of the increasing cases of obesity in the US due to unhealthy eating habits, its vending machines will offer healthy snack options from January 1. The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) recently announced that they are committed to public health and will substantially increase the percentage of “better for you”  options across all of the nation’s vending machines. The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) NAMA represents nearly 1000 member companies including many of the world’s leading brands that make popular snacks. It serves snacks and beverages every day 24/7 through nearly four million vending machines across the country. NAMA has now collaborated with Partnership for a Healthier America and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation—two nonprofits dedicated to curbing obesity rates in the US in order to meet the growing demands of people for healthier snack options. ‘Better for you’ Options NAMA has decided to increase the percentage of “better for you”  options to its customers from January 1st across all of the nation’s vending machines. Under the commitment which is to be implemented over the next three years, one-third of all snacks will meet at least two recognized public health standards. Greg Sidwell, NAMA Chair, said that they will continue to collaborate with public health partners and encourage food manufacturers to support this important initiative through new products that meet the commitment. This initiative to offer healthy snacks in vending machines will go a long way in curbing obesity among the people. Image Source: CBS News

4 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

A New Technology Will Help Solve Electric Car Problems

Due to environmental concerns, people all over the world are gradually making the switch over to electric bikes and cars. The biggest concern of an electric car is that it takes a long time to charge. Scientists at Pennsylvania State University have now come up with a groundbreaking technology that will enable a car battery to charge at a faster rate. Current Problem With Charging Current generation electric cars like Tesla takes at least 30 minutes for a partial charge. The long hours required for charging is a deterrent. Scientists are of the opinion that a speedy charge would entail the battery to take in 400 kilowatts of energy rapidly. However, the current generation of vehicles is incapable of this as there is the danger of lithium plating. There is the risk of the formation of metallic lithium around the anode, which would severely deteriorate battery life. The Solution To overcome this problem with speedy charging, the researchers raised the temperature of their experimental battery to 60 degrees Celsius during the charge cycle, then lowered it back down as it was used. According to senior author Chao-Yang Wang, a mechanical engineer at Pennsylvania State University, this process would limit the battery's exposure to the elevated charge temperature, thus generating a very long cycle life. However, It will take some time for this technology to become operational as numerous tests will have to be conducted to make sure that rapidly raising the temperature is safe and stable, and doesn't lead to explosions given the phenomenal amount of energy that is being transferred.  

1 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

Now, a Device That Can Generate Electricity From Sound!

Many people are annoyed by loud sounds, but what if the sound can be put to a good purpose, like generating electricity. A team of eleventh-grade students of the Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas Campus (PSHS-WVC) has made a device that can do just that! The bright, innovative students have named their invention ‘S-Light’ and the good news is that it costs very less-$4 which basically is the cost of the capacitors. The Technology In S-Light The generator that produces electricity is like the opposite of a standard musical speaker. Instead of using electricity to generate sound, this device comprises a speaker which is equipped with magnets and coils that generate electricity whenever they are hit by sound waves.  Benefits The gadget which uses sound as input to generate electricity produces enough power to illuminate a small light. It would definitely prove to be an invaluable source of energy and lighting for rural communities. The technology of the device can also be scaled up to produce larger amounts of energy by placing them in noisy areas such as airport runways. For their groundbreaking invention, the five brilliant students were awarded the Silver Award for the 2019 Young Inventors Challenge. Image Source: Good News Network

1 Nov 2019
Global Inspirations

A first ever community for homeless veterans to open in Canada

Veterans who serve in the forces and retire often return with physical and psychological scars that make it difficult for them to find jobs and housing facilities. There are more than 3,500 homeless veterans in Canada. The veterans usually find it difficult to adapt to civilian life, especially if they return from an overseas mission. Some become victims of post-traumatic stress while some may fall prey to addiction. Soon, their problems will be solved as they will get homes in a community for veterans.  Smart Homes The homes are tiny, each under 300 square feet which includes a kitchen, bathroom and a place to sleep. The small homes are designed in such a way that it looks spacious and has modern amenities. The house has Murphy beds that can be folded up into the wall and relatively large front desks. The occupants of the homes are also provided with cooking utensils, cleaning products and linen so that they can start their stay right away without any trouble. Other Services The houses are constructed in Calgary village where 15 houses are arranged in U shape in a green open space. The village also has a resource centre, counseling centre and a suite for visiting family members. Living in a community will help the veterans to deal with post-traumatic stress, addiction and make them more social and happy. A Canadian Organization- Homes For Heroes is helping to build these homes and tenants are chosen by The Mustard Seed, a social agency that will assess the needs of veterans experiencing homelessness. The tenants will move into the new homes on November 1. Image Source: Narcity

29 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

An Indignant Six-Year-Old Girl’s Letter Brings a Big Change in the Toy Industry

Toy soldiers were introduced in the 1930s and they have remained more or less the same till now. All toy soldiers are male and this didn’t go down well with a six-year-old girl who questioned her mother about it. Vivian Lord is a six-year-old girl from Arkansas whose complaint about the absence of female toy soldiers in combat roles spurred widespread media coverage. She had been to an arcade and as she was redeeming her tickets for toy soldiers, she noticed that all were male. When she questioned her mother Brittany Lord about it, she suggested that Vivian can write a letter directly to the toy company. Vivian wrote, “Why do you not make girl army men, my friend’s mom is in the army too!”. Her mother posted the letter to three toy companies. The letter reached Jeff Imel, owner of BMC toys who said that this is not the first time he has received such a letter. A retired US Navy fleet master chief had also written to Imel that his three granddaughters are young and he wanted them to expose them to toy soldiers and there were no female toy soldiers. Jeff Imel confessed that he had made a mistake by ignoring such complaints citing that making a new toy altogether will incur huge costs. Following the wide media coverage, Imel commissioned sketches and made a preliminary model. He assured that full packs will be available by next October. So now we know whom to thank when female toy soldiers in combat roles will be introduced next year.

29 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

How Trash on Mt Everest Is Turned Into Treasure by Sensible and Sustainable Means

Mount Everest the scene of pristine natural beauty, unfortunately, came to be known as the ‘highest dumpster in the world’ due to years of the accumulated waste left by mountaineers who throng the mountain to scale the world’s highest peak. After facing criticism for the unclean state of this majestic mountain, Nepal’s government and mountaineering groups organized a six week clean up this year. Dedicated Efforts The workers who are on a mission to clean up the world’s tallest mountain are manually collecting tones of trash which include empty cans and gas canisters, bottles, plastic and discarded climbing gears. These are then sent to recycling centres. A 14 member strong team scaled almost 26,300 feet from base camp to the closest camp to the summit and retrieved more than 10 tons of trash that were flown or driven to recycling centres in Kathmandu. Turning Trash To Treasure The workers manually sort the trash – iron, shredded aluminium, cans etc which are sent appropriate places like rod manufacturing firms or utensil makers for their rebirth. Gradually, upcycled items like pots, lamps, light fixtures, household items like glasses are finding its way into homes, upmarket restaurants and even five-star hotels. While authorities and businesses are finding sustainable and environment-friendly ways to tackle waste left at the Mount Everest, it is also the duty of every mountaineer to pick up and carry their trash back to the place where they could be disposed off in a responsible manner.

25 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

This New Eye Drop May Soon Replace Reading Glasses!

A new eyedrop can help treat farsightedness which means that people can be saved from the inconvenience of wearing spectacles. Reversing farsightedness An Isreali based company Orasis Pharmaceuticals has announced that it has developed a corrective eye drop, CSF -1 that has successfully completed Phase 2b clinical study and has been found to be able to temporarily reverse presbyopia, a very common condition that gradually causes far-sightedness in older adults. Safe and Effective The eye drop CSF -1has not only demonstrated remarkable improvement in distance correction but also has displayed an exceptional safety and tolerability profile. This is certainly a significant milestone for people at Orasis who are encouraged with the results and are making relevant preparations for phase 3. According to  Orasis CEO Elad Kedar, phase 2b study comprised of 166 participants who participated in a multi-center, double-masked clinical trial that tested the efficacy and safety of the drops. Kedar said that he and his team are very excited about the consistently positive results and hope to offer a meaningful solution for billions of people living with age-related farsightedness.    

24 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

This Pathbreaking Invention by Scientists Creates Clean Gas That Could Replace Petrol

Currently, fossil fuels are the major source of energy used throughout the world, but considering their debilitating effect on the environment, scientists and researchers are trying to create alternative sources of energy that are sustainable. Recently, scientists in the UK made a breakthrough when they developed an artificial leaf that could be used to make clean gas and in the future, it may even replace petrol. The Artificial Leaf The artificial ‘leaf’ requires only sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to create clean gas also called syngas. Syngas, or synthesis gas, is a fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Syngas has many beneficial uses. It is primarily used in the production of fuel, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and fertilizers.  However, the current industrial processes to create syngas releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, this leaf does not do so. The Technology Scientists were inspired by the natural process of photosynthesis which leaves adopt to prepare their food. The artificial leaf has two light absorbers that are combined with a catalyst made from cobalt. When the leaf is in contact with water, one of the light absorbers uses the catalyst to create oxygen, and the other reduces the carbon dioxide and water into carbon monoxide and hydrogen to form clean gas. This groundbreaking technology can be used to create a sustainable liquid fuel alternative to petrol.  Image Source: Mirror

23 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

The World’s Fastest Ant Moves at Incredible Speed

Researchers in Germany have declared that the Saharan silver ant ( scientific name: Cataglyphis bombycina) is the fastest of all known ant species. It can run at incredible speeds clocking nearly a metre per second. In other words, it can be said that the tiny creature covers 108 times its own body length per second! There exist only two other creatures on the planet that can accomplish this feat- the Australian tiger beetle and the California coastal mite. It would be interesting to know that if the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt had to cover 100 times his body length as quickly, it would mean he would have to sprint the 200-metre dash in less than a second. One more interesting fact as reported by the researchers is that the Saharan silver ant gains top speed when it runs during midday across desert sands that reach 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it was noticed that when the temperature dropped to a chilly 10 degree C the ant slowed down by more than a third. In spite of shorter legs, the Saharan silver ant easily outpaces its close competitor Cataglyphis fortis. It was found that the Saharan ant switches from running to a gallop, with all six feet off the ground at regular intervals when it is at its fastest.  

21 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

World’s First All-Female Spacewalking Team Makes History As They Successfully Complete Their Spacewalking Mission

The world took notice of two female astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir as they comprised the first female spacewalking team that successfully completed their mission of replacing a broken part of the International Space Station’s power grid. The Mission Koch and Meir were trained to install new batteries in a spacewalk, but they ventured out a few days earlier to deal with an equipment failure. It was the second time in a year that a battery charger failed, putting on hold future battery installations for the solar power system.  The team successfully completed the job with wrenches, screwdrivers and power-grip tools.  NASA was planning to conduct an all-female spacewalk last spring but had to wait until summer due to the unavailability of medium size space suits. Mission Accomplished The seven-hour spacewalk mission was a success as Koch and Meir successfully replaced a faulty 19-year-old old charge-regulating device — the size of a big, bulky box — for one of the three new batteries. The Mission Control declared it a success as it informed the astronauts that after installing the new charger, the space station was back to full power. The women then dragged the broken unit inside to send it back to earth for analysis. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine commended the work of the astronauts and said that they had the right people doing the right job at the right time. He added that women are an inspiration to people all over the world. Image Source: Firstpost  

21 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed’s Peace Efforts Have Earned Him the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019

Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia has been hailed as a visionary and reformer. His successful efforts for peace with neighboring foe Eritrea has spread hope across Africa to nations that have been affected by civil unrest. Abiy Ahmed’s Peace Efforts The Nobel committee said that Abiy was honored for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea. When Abiy took office in April last year he initiated policies to transform societies in the Horn of Africa that have been adversely affected by border conflicts and civil unrest. He formally ended a  20-year-old stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the historic meeting with the Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. He immediately freed dissident from jail, apologized for state brutality and welcomed home exiled groups. The Nobel Committee The Nobel committee chose from more than 300 nominations this year which included activist Greta Thunberg who was s strong contender. The committee believed that this award will encourage Abiy Ahmed to push on the peace initiatives in the right direction spreading winds of hope in Africa that have been marred by violence, border issues and civil unrest. Abiy Ahmed said that he was thrilled and humbled to hear the news. "It is a prize given to Africa, given to Ethiopia", he said. Image Source: Common Dreams

13 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

Know How This Californian Teen Spreads Joy and Cheer Among Homeless Children

There is always that one day in a year when you feel special and loved – your birthday. Parents host parties for you and friends always make your birthday memorable. However, there are many children in the world who don’t celebrate their birthdays. Tanvi Barman knows this very well as she used to often accompany her parents while they volunteered at shelters. She came across kids who never have had a party like the ones she has every year. Tanvi then decided to host birthday celebrations for these homeless children to make their day special. On weekends she hosts birthday parties for the little children and tries to be their source of happiness. She says that although she doesn’t know the kids, it all changes within minutes and soon the kids are tugging at her sleeve, holding her hands and displaying complete trust in her.  Her initiative is termed ‘No Birthday Left Behind’ and she recently hosted her 45th celebration for the kids. As news of her good work spread, she has received help from many quarters in hosting the parties. A face painter and puppeteer volunteers for her parties and people donate pizzas and custom cakes. Tanvi is only 17, yet she is capable of giving limitless love and boundless joy to the less fortunate children by making their birthdays special and memorable. Image Source: Tank’s Good News

11 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

Boy Who Lost All His Toys in a Fire Was Overjoyed by His Classmates’ Wonderful Deed

8-year-old Daniel Hunt who lives in Tennessee was devastated when he saw his family home engulfed in flames. Along with his belongings, he knew he had lost his favorite toys as well. To make the child happy again, teachers of  Daniel’s school - Philadelphia Elementary School in central Tennessee decided to organize a toy drive wherein each student will bring a toy of his choice for Daniel. The toy drive was slated to last for a week and every day Daniel’s third-grade classmates whispered among themselves about the toy that they were going to gift Daniel. The teacher had told them that the toy drive should be kept a secret from Daniel, therefore, the children secretly worked to resupply his collection. After a week, Daniel’s teacher sent him out of the class on an errand. In the meantime, his classmates arranged the pile of toys for Daniel. When he returned, they  yelled in unison,’ surprise!’ Daniel was overjoyed, but instead of rushing towards the pile of toys, he outstretched both his arms to hug his classmates. Daniel’s mother Kristen Wilburn said that Daniel has been smiling ever since. They had lost almost everything but were awed by the kind acts of people who were willing to help them without even being asked.

10 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

This 79-Year-Old Ballerina Is Still on Her Toes to Share Her Joy of Dancing

At an age when people like to retire, relax and go slow, Suzelle Poole is a bundle of energy even at 79! Like most professional ballerinas who believe that they are done by 30, Suzelle also thought at 26  that she has only a few more years of dancing left. However, even after seven decades of dancing, she is still on her toes. Suzelle residing in Dallas, Texas is an inspiration for many young girls who want to become like her. Most ballerinas, including Suzelle herself, didn’t even imagine that she would continue to dance so long. Even at 79, Suzelle doesn’t find dancing difficult and said that some people feel she dances even better. Suzelle who was born in London began dancing at the age of 7 and gradually traveled all around the world to perform. She does guest appearances even at this age with local dance companies. She doesn’t seem to have any plans to bid farewell to dance. Suzelle says that her favorite ‘move’ is the ‘Dying Swan’ which is a solo ballet that puts the dancer on pointe (on the tip of toes) for almost three minutes. Suzelle does it effortlessly as she loves dancing. In order to share her joy of dancing, she started teaching at the Royal Ballet Dance Academy thus becoming an inspiration to local kids. Image Courtesy: CBS News  

6 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

This Engineer’s Amazing Use of Plastic Bottles Will Blow Your Mind!

The world is becoming increasingly aware of the need to eliminate the use of single-use plastic and one of the significant ways of doing it is by halting its production. The already existing plastic can be recycled. However, hailing from a place that did not have modern plastic recycling machines, an engineer in Algeria Tateh Lehbib Braica came up with a novel idea to make optimum use of these bottles. The 27-year-old engineer, Tateh who was born in the Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria, devised a master plan to employ all the plastic bottles to make homes for refugees. It was his brainchild to use sand-filled plastic bottles as bricks to build homes. Sturdy Homes Tateh built eco-friendly houses with sand-filled plastic bottles, cement and a mixture of earth and straw. A team of four people would use around 6000 bottles to make one house in a week. The houses were built in a circular shape in order to withstand storms. The structure was water-resistant adding to its advantage. The exterior was painted white so as to reduce the impact of solar rays by up to 90%. Grant To Build Houses After being convinced about the benefits of his newly constructed houses, Tateh convinced his community to support his innovation along with the UNHCR's Geneva HQ. The agency agreed to give them a grant which saw innumerable houses being built in the five Sahrawi refugee camps in the Algerian province of Tindouf. Tateh with his brilliant idea is not only preventing plastic from polluting the ecosystem, but also providing shelter to thousands of people. Hats off to him! Image Source: World Habitat

3 Oct 2019
Global Inspirations

Plumber’s Generous Deeds Towards Elders Rewarded With Donations Worth Rs 70 Lakhs

52-year-old James Anderson from Burley in Lancashire, London had closed down his profit-making plumbing business to relaunch a not-for-profit company. He has been offering free services to the elderly and differently-abled people across the country. On account of rendering free services, Anderson’s business began to dwindle and he feared he would go bankrupt. He then decided to raise money for elderly and differently-abled people in Lancashire through crowdfunding and donations. Anderson’s generous work became viral when his bill of zero pounds was shared on social media. The bill was sent last week to a 91-year-old woman and a statement on the bill read that he won’t charge the lady under any circumstance and will be available 24-hours to help her and keep her as comfortable as possible. Donations began to pour in and he received 80,000 pounds(Rs 70 Lakhs). Besides that, he also received holiday offers from several customers. Some people also mailed him asking him to do his good work in other countries. Anderson is overwhelmed by the response to his generous work and he intends to use the donation money to help people outside Lancashire. Image Courtesy: Times Now    

25 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

Flight Attendant’s Handwritten Note Meant the World to a Deaf Solo Traveler

When 16-year-old Ashley embarked on a solo flight journey, she hadn’t imagined that her nervousness would turn into joy, thanks to the kindness shown by a flight attendant of Delta Airlines. Ashley was afraid that due to her hearing disability, she would miss important instructions about her flight from Baltimore to JFK International Airport in NewYork. To make matters worse, she had to catch a connecting flight to Rochester from the JFK airport which is one of the busiest airports in the world. To her surprise, Ashley had a safe and successful flight thanks to a caring flight attendant. As soon as the flight took off from Baltimore, the Delta attendant handed a handwritten note to the teen. The note contained information regarding safety as well as other details that Ashley would want to know about the flight. Through the note she came to know which overhead button she should press so that she could call the flight attendant in case she needs any help. The handwritten note by the flight attendant rested all doubts of the teen and she was at ease. Ashley was overwhelmed by this act of kindness and she has decided to treasure that note which meant the world to her. Image Source: The Advertiser

23 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

A Grateful Elephant Visits Her Rescuers to Introduce Them to Her Newborn Calf

This is a touching story of a lone baby elephant who was found in a famished condition in an arid, drought-stricken region of northern Kenya 14 years ago. Rescuers from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) brought the 5-month-old elephant to their center and nursed her back to health. After her recovery, the happy and healthy pachyderm continued to stay at SWT and grew up along with a herd of other orphaned and rescued elephants just like her. It had been around 14 years since Loijuk, as she was called by her caregivers had been rescued and one day she returned to the wild to lead an independent life. However, the elephant continued to share a close bond with the rescuers and would often visit the sanctuary to meet them. On one such visit, the caregivers were pleasantly surprised to see a newborn calf accompanying Loijuk. The mother elephant even invited Benjamin Kyalo, the head keeper, to have a special moment with her newborn calf. It was apparent that the proud mother couldn’t wait to show off her baby. The calf who has been named Lily seemed to be only hours old. The rescuers were also excited and overwhelmed to see the mother and calf elephant. It was very clear that Loijuk had not forgotten the kindness shown to her by the wildlife rescue workers. For the caregivers, it was a great joy to see Loichuk heal, flourish and transition to wild independent life, and then see her transform into a mother. It was the ultimate affirmation of a job well done.

23 Sep 2019
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

The First Person to Swim the English Channel Four Times in a Row is a Cancer Survivor

As a child, Sarah Thomas dreamt of swimming the English Channel. She became an open water marathon swimmer and recently became the first person to swim across the English Channel four times non-stop. Thomas’ 54-hour feat of endurance is amazing and hard to believe as she is a breast cancer survivor. Sarah Thomas, 37, who hails from the US state of Colorado is ecstatic and elated about her achievement. She covered close to  130 miles (209 kilometres) due to strong tides. Earlier, only four swimmers have covered the approximately 21-mile Channel crossing between Britain and France three times without stopping. Limit Of Human Endurance This extraordinary feat was very tough for Thomas who had to deal with saltwater that left her throat and mouth sore. She also got stung in the face by a jellyfish. Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh applauded her and wrote on Twitter that her achievement was “extraordinary, amazing, super-human”. Thomas drank a protein recovery drink mixed with electrolytes and caffeine every 30 minutes that helped her complete the feat. Battle With Cancer Before setting off for the record-breaking swim, Thomas wrote that the swim was dedicated to all cancer survivors, to all who have wondered with despair about what comes next, and have battled through pain and fear to overcome. Thomas was at the peak of her swimming achievements when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. Thomas fought cancer and said that it has become a part of her story now. She said that even if cancer returned, she would be happy that she did everything she wanted to do in life Image Source: Real Talk Time

19 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

A Young Nurse Saves a Life by Donating a Part of Her Liver to a Total Stranger

Cami Loritz, 25 is a nurse at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, USA. While looking after patients, she also became one when she decided to give the gift of life to a young boy by donating a part of her liver. Brayden Auten was full of life until a mysterious virus attacked his liver. The eight-year-old returned from school one day complaining of stomachache and diarrhoea. His parents James and Ruth Auten noticed a yellow tint in his eyes and took him to the doctor. He ended up at the children’s hospital in Milwaukee and was diagnosed with a mysterious virus attacking his liver. Liver Transplant The doctors informed that Brayden would require a liver transplant and the family swung into action to find a suitable donor, but to no avail. Loritz who is part of the living donor registry found out that she was a match and agreed to be a donor. Loritz said that her father had also donated a kidney to his brother and this kind act had an amazing impact on both the families. She decided to do that for another family as well. Part of her liver was transplanted into Brayden. Most of us do not know that the liver is capable of regenerating itself, the donor’s and recipient’s liver ultimately grow back to its original size, within a year. Successful Transplant And Speedy Recovery After the successful transplant, Brayden is now back in school. Loritz met his parents and she said that it was a heartwarming moment and they made her feel like a part of their family. Brayden’s parents were overjoyed to meet her and said that they wouldn’t be able to thank her enough. Brayden, who got a second chance to fulfil his dreams and goals looks up to Loritz and treats her like an older sister. There is no doubt that organ donation not only benefits the receiver but also brings joy to the donor- the joy of giving Image Source: Faithpot  

18 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

A Brilliant Idea of Adidas to Turn Plastic Ocean Waste Into Sportswear

Our oceans are getting adversely affected by marine pollution so much that it is predicted in 30 years, there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. Acting on these warnings, multinational corporation Adidas decided to do their best to reduce the plastic pollution in oceans. Microplastics are consumed by small fishes which in turn are eaten by bigger fishes that are consumed by humans. They are harmful to both humans and marine life. Adidas has partnered with environmental organization Parley to turn marine pollution into sportswear and they have met with huge success. Before the plastic reaches the oceans, Parley and its partners collect trash from the coastal areas like the Maldives. The waste is sorted and segregated and the plastic thus recovered is sent to the Adidas processing plant. Here, the plastic is crushed, washed and dehydrated to form plastic flakes. The flakes are heated, dried and cooled to form pellets which are then melted to form filaments that are spun into what they call ocean plastic, a form of polyester yarn. The recycled plastic uses less water and fewer chemicals than normal polyester and helps prevent plastic pollution. It is used by Adidas to form upper parts of shoes and clothing like jerseys. They easily conform to the performance and comfort standards of Adidas’ other shoes. At present, 40 per cent of apparels of Adidas are made out of recycled plastic. It is made with such intricacy and design that one fails to notice it. Adidas is also in the process of making 100 per cent recyclable shoe called Futurecraft Loop which is expected to hit the markets in 2021. By using the already available materials to produce its commodities and reducing ocean plastic waste, Adidas has taken a major step towards a sustainable environment.  

17 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

This Young Man Performed More Than a Thousand Good Deeds After He Refused to Help a Stranger

Jon Potter is a 29-year-old handyman residing in Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. He is likened to a superhero for his ability to extend his help to anyone in need. It all happened long back in 2015 when he turned down a request for a ride from a woman who wanted to go to a women’s shelter. He felt terrible for not having helped her and vowed that he would be kinder the next time any stranger asks for help. Later, when he was browsing through Pittsburgh Reddit forum, he came across a person who needed help installing a TV antenna. Potter immediately rendered his help and that too free of charge. Next day, someone needed a cat sitter and Potter readily obliged. One good deed led to another and it snowballed from there.  Potter told The Washington Post that he decided that next year, if anyone asked for help, he would do it as long as it is legal and doesn’t harm anyone. It didn’t stop at one year and continued to this day completing more than a thousand good deeds. The nature of his good work ranges from helping people move, buying them groceries to raising money for a teen in his community and even getting injured while stopping hate crime. Last month, he went a step further and donated a kidney to a stranger in an unmatched act of kindness.  Potter’s efforts to reach out to others and help them was instrumental in overcoming his own struggle with depression. According to him, helping others was the "missing puzzle piece" in his life.

15 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

This Thoughtful Act of a Classmate Inspires to Help Those in Need

Michael Todd, a freshman at a high school in Memphis, Tennessee was overwhelmed by his classmates’ kind gesture. When he started the school year three weeks ago, he was constantly bullied for wearing the same clothes daily to school. Todd told WHBQ-TV that he really didn’t have clothes at home. His mom couldn’t buy clothes for him as he was growing too fast. So he wore the same clothes and other kids made fun of his attire. Two students from Todd’s class- Kristopher Graham and Antwan Garrett- noticed this and decided to step in to help. They handed over a bag filled with shirts, shorts and shoes to the freshman. Todd was very touched by their act of kindness and said that their generous act was simply "awesome." Todd, who was always a victim of bullying was so overwhelmed by this gesture of kindness that he said that it was the best day of his life. Graham said that he felt the need to help Todd when he saw people laugh and bully him. So he selected a bunch of clothes from his closet to be given to Todd. Garett also did the same for him. Garrett said that Todd’s reaction on receiving the gift was priceless. In an environment of hostility, these two high school boys stood out for their act of kindness and generosity and inspires others to help those in need. Image Source: ChristianHeadlines

13 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

This Young Boy Uses His Talent to Help Homeless Pets

12-year-old Darius Brown is using his creative talent to help shelter pets get homes. He designs and makes beautiful bow ties for pets so that they catch the attention of potential families who come to the shelter for adoption. Darius Brown was only two years old when he was diagnosed with speech delay, comprehension delay and fine motor skills delay. His mother and sister felt the need to encourage creativity in him so that it helped him in his development. Darius began with helping his sister in making hair ribbons for girls. He would prep and cut ribbons and sew fabric together. Gradually he started making bow ties and wearing them. Soon people got interested in his attractive bow ties and enquired whether they could buy one. This prompted Darius to launch Beaux & Paws to make custom bow ties for people and their pets. His growing fondness towards animals led him to donate bow ties to animal shelters. He used the money that he earned from Beaux & Paws to purchase materials for bow ties that he would donate. He also makes a donation of a portion of every sale to the ASPCA. The work of this brilliant and compassionate young boy came to the notice of Barack Obama who wrote a personal letter to Darius. Darius also won numerous awards for his efforts to help homeless pets. Image Source: Icepop  

12 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

This Starry Eyed Boy Fulfills His Dream of Watching Ashes by Picking Garbage of Neighbours for Four Years

12-year-old Max Waight is an embodiment of patience and determination. He worked for four years to earn the pocket money that would allow him to travel to England to watch his favourite team Australia take on the rivals in the ongoing Ashes series. Max who is from Australia had seen his country lift the World Cup in 2015 on their home soil. He soon nurtured a dream to travel to the UK to watch his favourite team take on England in the next high-voltage Ashes series. However, his father said that he could go to England only if he could raise AUD 1500 to make the trip. Max was not deterred by this difficult task of raising money. He and his mother came up with a plan to earn money by taking out the neighbour’s rubbish bins on weekends. Max wrote a letter to all his neighbours about his waste management services. He charged just AUD 1 per household for his services. Many of his neighbours accepted his offer and for four years, Max worked to earn money for his trip.    The much-awaited Ashes series is currently taking place in England and Max’s dream came true when he travelled all the way to the UK to watch the exciting cricket match between the rival teams. According to cricket.com.au, Max said that he sat next to Steve Waugh, Justin Langer, and Nathan Lyon. Justin Langer showed him the plan book and he was amazed to see all his notes. ‘Talking to Steve Waugh was amazing too”’ he added. Max was also thrilled to talk to his favourite players Steve Smith and Pat Cummins who shared information about how they prepare and play the game. There may be innumerable fans of the Australian cricket team, but 12-year-old Max stands out for going out of the way to earn money so that he could be present to cheer and support his most loved team. Image Source: MyKhel Tamil

8 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

Soon, People Allergic to Peanuts Can Heave a Sigh of Relief

Edwin Kim is the father of two kids, both of whom are very prone to peanut allergies. He began working on a treatment for peanut allergies when his son suffered a severe allergic reaction when he was just 9 months old. Now, Kim has developed this exciting new treatment which can help people to protect themselves from severe allergic reactions. This new treatment is called SLIT or sublingual immunotherapy. SLIT involves putting very small amounts of liquefied peanut protein under the tongue, from where it is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream to desensitize the immune system to larger amounts of peanut protein. This new treatment could enable patients to tolerate 10 to 20 times more peanut protein than it would take for them to get sick. Kim, who is a member of the UNC Children’s Research Institute said that they have long term data that shows that SLIT is safe and offers strong protection. Kim made it clear that this immunotherapy is not for kids to be able to eat peanuts or peanut butter, but to keep them safe from the small hidden exposures that could occur with packaged foods or other food exposures. According to Kim, the treatment is awaiting FDA-approval and it could be available to patients by the end of the year.  

6 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

A Single Mother Was Beaming With Joy at an Incredible Act of Kindness by a Stranger

A mother and her son were shopping at a discount store when a stranger overheard their conversation. Mason noticed a boy and his mom and overheard the mother telling her son he could use $20 and no more to buy new shoes. As the boy, Zach was picking out different shoes to try on, Mother Malisa Manguso was telling him that money was tight and that he should choose wisely. Mason was very moved by this and he decided to buy shoes for the boy. He knew that it was that time of the year when school reopens and budget is usually tight. Mason went up to the boy and asked him what type of shoes he preferred. The boy replied that he just wanted anything that was comfortable. At that point, Mason decided that he was going to get him whichever shoes he wanted. Zach couldn’t be happier. Zach’s mom was pleasantly surprised at this incredible act of kindness from a total stranger. So she took a photo of Mason with her son and posted it on Facebook which soon garnered thousands of likes and became viral which goes to prove that people are always touched and moved by simple acts of kindness. Image Source: Sunny Skyz

5 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

This Incredible Invention Can Help Trace Earthquake Victims Trapped Under Rubble

The most difficult task in the event of a devastating earthquake is to locate victims trapped underneath the rubble. A remarkable invention by three Indonesian students has now simplified this task. The device which helps to locate victims is as small and slim as a credit card, but it can help save lives. Deoterions The pathbreaking device is named Detector of Interconnected Position Points or ‘Deoterions’. It is developed by a trio of Indonesian students of Brawijaya University. The device uses high-frequency signals to help locate victims after a natural disaster. Any movement as slight as breathing and as far as 10 km triggers a ping signal in the device. The students said that the signal receiver can be plugged into a mobile phone or laptop, and works with an app available on both Apple and Android systems. Inspiration One of the students, Satrio Wiradinata Riady Boer, 23, was inspired to make this device after his hometown of Padang on Sumatra island was hit by a 7.6 magnitude quake a decade ago. His mother was injured in this calamity and he lost his friend and a teacher. It is a race against time to trace victims after a quake because being buried for too long leads to numerous health complications. The three Indonesian students have secured a patent for their prototype, which costs $7, but said they wanted to perfect the device before they think about making it available to the public. This device will benefit people of many nations that are susceptible to earthquakes throughout the year.

3 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

Now, There Is a Possibility to Save the Endangered Northern White Rhinos From Extinction

There now seems to be a great possibility of saving the endangered northern white rhinos from extinction even though the last male of the species died last year. Scientists were happy to report that seven eggs from the world's last two remaining northern white rhinos have been successfully fertilized artificially. Northern White Rhinoceros There are only two female survivors of the northern white rhinoceros.  Sudan, the last male of the species died last year in Kenya leaving behind only two female survivors - Najin and Fatu who are Sudan's daughter and grand-daughter. They lived together at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, about 250km  north of Nairobi.  The scientists were able to harvest 10 eggs from Najin and Fatu out of which seven had been successfully matured and artificially inseminated on Sunday with the sperm of two bulls of the same species that were kept frozen. The team of scientists is led by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin.  Dwindling Rhino Population In the 1970s, Kenya had a population of around 20, 000 rhinos but these figures have reduced to just 650 in current times due to rampant poaching of the rhinoceros for their horns which are used in medicine and as status symbols in some countries. The remaining 650 rhinos are all almost black rhinos. The next crucial step involves creating viable embryos that could be later on transferred to southern white rhino surrogate mothers. Hope this next step also meets with success so that the northern white rhinoceros are saved from extinction.    

3 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

This Gentleman Breaks His Own World Record on His 96th Birthday!

Ray Woolley refuses to get old. He is a World War II veteran who on his 96th birthday, created a world record of becoming the oldest active scuba diver in the world breaking his own previous records of 2017 and 2018. Celebrating 96th Birthday In Style On his 96th birthday, Ray Woolley set off to explore the crash site of a cargo vessel, the Zenobia, which was carrying 108 trucks when it sank off of Larnaca in 1980. That is when he reached a depth of 42.4 metres for 48 minutes, breaking his own previous record of 40.6 meters for 44 minutes. The event was organized at Larnaca which is a popular dive site. Woolley was accompanied by 47 other divers that made this dive very special for him. It is interesting to see the underwater images of Woolley and other divers sitting on the hull of the wrecked ship and watching fishes and an occasional turtle swim by. Life Begins At 90 Woolley has been diving for 59 years and he is willing to continue to dive if his health and friends permit. There is a documentary made on him titled  'Life Begins at 90' which will premiere at the Bosnia-Herzegovina film festival in September. Woolley who is originally from northwest England now resides in Cyprus and served as a radio operator for the British during World War II.  This act of scuba diving at 96 is no less than an admirable feat performed by Woolley for whom age is only a number.  

2 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

This School Teacher’s Unique Act Makes a Tremendous Impact

A new activity called 'The Baggage Activity' tried by an English Language Arts teacher at a middle school in Oklahoma made a profound impact on her as well as her students who were moved to tears. The teacher Karen Wunderlich asked the kids what it meant to have baggage. The students responded that baggage is something that you carry on your shoulders and it is hurtful. Then she told the students to write down on a piece of paper all the baggage that they were carrying – whatever was bothering them, hurting them or what was heavy on their heart. She insisted that no names should be mentioned and then asked them to crumple the paper up and throw it across the room. She then asked each student to pick up any paper and read out its contents aloud. After each paper was read, the student who wrote it could disclose his/her identity if s/he wishes to do so. The teacher wrote on Facebook that the experience made the most impact on her in 22 years of her teaching experience. Not only was she moved to tears, but the kids opened up and shared their innermost secrets. The content of the papers included suicide, parents in prison, drugs in their family, being left by their parents, death, cancer, losing pets and so on. The kids reading the papers would cry and the tears welled up in the eyes of those who had written it. Though it was an emotionally draining day, the teacher is certain that henceforth her students will judge a little less, love a little more, and forgive a little faster. The teacher decided to hang the bag of papers on the door to remind the baggage that all carry, to remind them that they are not alone, that they are loved and that they have each other’s back. This extraordinary teacher, through the ‘baggage activity’, taught her students an important lesson in empathy which they might otherwise not have learned from any of their textbooks.  Image Source: WGHP

1 Sep 2019
Global Inspirations

A Unique Forest Like Hospital That Promotes the Well Being of Its Occupants, Naturally!

When a request was made to build a hospital which lowers the blood pressure of anyone who enters it, the designers resorted to landscaping a forest-like setting, abundant with local and scented plants. That is how the world-renowned Khoo Teck Puat Hospital came into existence in Singapore which provides a tranquil place of recovery for patients, visitors, and community residents. Ingenious Design Apart from the lush greenery, there are many interesting attributes dedicated to the hospital’s ingenious design. The facility’s spacious rooms and enlarged windows facilitate improved airflow throughout the area which reduces its dependence on mechanical ventilation thus saving untold amounts of money on energy bills. As the theme of the hospital is to induce healing by being in close proximity to nature, the building continually treats staff, patients and visitors to direct access to nature. Other Facilities The hospital’s natural ecosystem provides a conducive environment for butterflies to thrive and their species has been ever-increasing from 3 to 83 at present. The hospital also nurtures a rooftop garden run by volunteers. The garden has 100 species of fruit trees, 50 species of vegetables and 50 species of herbs all of which are served to the patients. It has been proved that the lush greenery acts as a distraction from pain and promote a mental state of recovery for patients. This hospital’s success has inspired many architects to launch similar projects in their countries. Image Source: Gujarati Mid-day

29 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

These Firefighters Went Out of Their Way to Help a Wheelchair-Bound Woman

The members of the Webster Groves Fire Department in Missouri were responding to a call when they noticed a wheelchair-bound woman falling over when she was trying to get inside her home. The kind firefighters were concerned that this could happen again and they decided to help the resident. They saw that it was due to the multiple stairs and uneven terrain that led to the house which made it difficult for the helpless woman to get inside. Fortunately, the woman was not injured, but the firefighters knew that this incident could recur. They decided to make the way to her home easily accessible for her. They went back to her house a few days later with shovels and concrete and spent several days digging out and constructing a sidewalk for her. Now, the house is wheelchair accessible. The resident has a level pathway and ramp making it very convenient for her to gain access to her home. The best part about this beautiful act is that the good firefighters didn’t do it as part of their job. They did it in the weekend during their off-time and weren’t paid. How touched and blessed the woman must have felt at this thoughtful and selfless act of the firefighters.

28 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

This Marine Gave Up His Job to Fight Poaching

Ryan Tate is a Marine Corps Veteran who had learned some valuable and tough lessons in life at a young age. After serving in the Marine Corps, he worked for the US Department of State, but there was no job satisfaction. Tate realized what he wanted to do in life when he saw a wildlife documentary on CNN. It was about poaching in Africa and how it provides revenue for crime syndicates and violent extremists. The documentary showed images of elephants and rhinos with their faces cut off by poachers to procure tusks and horns. The barbarity of the practice hurt him very badly and he took up the mission to fight poaching. Tate gave up his job in the U.S. Department of State and started his non-profit called Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife( VETPAW). Training Rangers The goal of Tate and his team was to pass along skills to improve the safety of rangers and conservationists and to increase the survival rate of wildlife in Africa. They train the rangers in battlefield medical skills, night operations, leadership skills, and marksmanship. VETPAW also employs techniques like behaviour pattern recognition, which teaches rangers how to think like a criminal or a poacher. After the first training session itself, the rangers were able to recognize and apprehend eight poachers. Missions VETPAW has undertaken several missions like Operation Tanzania which Tanzanian government develop an intelligence-based task force to combat poaching. Then there was Operation Rhino Shield which aimed to repopulate Limpopo province in South Africa which didn’t have black rhinos for the past 200 years. Now, there is a growing population of both black and white rhinos. Thanks to the efforts of Ryan Tate and his team, incidents of poaching has considerably come down and led to the conservation of wildlife in Africa.

27 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

This Story of the Compassionate Act of a Waiter Will Touch Your Heart

Lisa Meilander was enjoying a Saturday night dinner with her family in a Pennsylvania restaurant when she was touched by the kind act of a young waiter. An elderly gentleman was seated across her table and she noticed that their waiter Dylan Tetil dropped to one knee to take the order of the elderly man. The senior citizen had trouble communicating his order as he forgot his hearing aids. He went on to explain how he lost his hearing ability during the war. After a while, he apologized for talking so much and that he was living alone to which the young waiter said that he enjoyed listening. The waiter helped him figure out what to order and left with it to the kitchen. During his break, Dylan sat with the elderly gentleman as he ate. The gentleman became very emotional and broke down as he narrated incidents about the war. It was a very touching sight and Lisa Meilander captured these pictures, posted them on Facebook and wrote about the compassionate gesture of the waiter. Lisa Meilander was amazed to see that the pictures have gone viral and it had garnered almost 2 lakh ‘likes’ in two days. This moment rekindled her faith in young people’s values. As she was leaving the restaurant, the two of them were conversing and people seated nearby couldn’t help smiling. It was a touching sight and the fact that it became viral on social media proves that we all are moved by such acts of kindness and compassion. Image Courtesy: Yahoo News Australia

25 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

First Car With Solar Roof Charging System Launched

Hyundai Motor has made use of groundbreaking eco-friendly technology in making the New Sonata Hybrid which is the first commercial car with a solar roof charging system. The technology involves the installation of solar panels on the roof of the car which will provide vehicles with additional electrical power in addition to increasing fuel efficiency and driving range. The solar roof charging system on the debut car supports the vehicle’s electric power source, increasing fuel efficiency and controlling CO2 emissions. The Solar Roof System The technology involves the installation of silicon solar panels on the car roof. When solar energy activates the solar panel’s surface, the panel uses photons of light from the sun to create electron-hole pairs in silicon cells, which generate solar electricity. A controller converts the electricity thus generated into a standard voltage which is then stored in the battery. Efficiency The battery gets charged  30 to 60% per day even while driving. With a daily charging of 6 hours, the drivers’ travel distance can increase by an extra 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) annually. Along with efficiency, Hyundai Motor also took into account the design of the car while developing the solar charging system. Hyundai is expected to roll out the technology to all other vehicles across its range in the coming years. Image Source: Good News Network

25 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

Scientists Find a Natural Way of Countering Water Pollution With Mussels

Mussels are a favourite on the menu of seafood lovers, but what many do not know is that these marine creatures help to clean up the seas. They act as a vacuum taking in pollutants and filtering out clean water. Mussels As Cleaners Scientists have begun to realize the growth potential of mussels in the fight against water pollution. Mussels take in phytoplankton for nourishment along with microplastics, pesticides and other pollutants. Marine biologist Leila Meistertzheim informs that mussels are a super -filter in the marine world and are capable of filtering up to 25 liters of water a day. In order to feed and breathe, mussels pump and filter the water through their gills and in the process they store almost everything else that passes through. Bio-indicators Apart from appeasing the taste buds of humans, mussels are used to gauge the pollution levels in water bodies. They have long been used as "bio-indicators" of the health of the seas, lakes and rivers they inhabit. An important concern is microplastics which is finding its way into the system of humans through seafood. To know more about pollution in water, researchers place mussels in fish traps and let it remain submerged in water for a month after which they dissect it to determine the pollutants and chemicals in its tissues. Further research will definitely put mussels in the forefront of natural cleaners of the sea. Mussels along with oysters are already in use to cleanse the sea of pesticides.

24 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

A Camper Turns Into a Guardian Angel for This Family Who Became Targets of a Rare Wolf Attack

Matt Rispoli was camping with his wife and two kids in Banff National Park in Canada. They were sleeping in the tent when to their horror, they were awakened to the sight of a wolf ripping off their tent. The big wolf then charged towards Matt who laid his body on his wife and kids to protect them. The huge wolf then started to drag Matt away ripping at his arms. Matt’s wife Elisa tried to hold his legs and screamed desperately for help. Russ Fee, a camper from a nearby campsite came rushing on hearing their screams. Without thinking about himself, he instinctively darted towards the wolf and started kicking it forcefully. The wolf got startled enough to let go Matt, but it wouldn’t go away. Matt and Russ then started shouting and throwing rocks at the wolf. Meanwhile, Elisa ran with her kids towards their car for cover. Finally, the wolf had to retreat. Elisa was extremely grateful to Russ for, in all likelihood, saving Matt’s life. She wrote about the incident on Facebook in which she called Russ their guardian angel. Matt was hospitalized for his wounds.  The next morning, the staff of Parks Canada located the wolf and euthanized it. It is very heartening to know about people like Russ who didn’t bother about himself or his family and rushed to help Matt and his family who were in despair. Such good samaritans reaffirm our faith in the goodness of humanity.

24 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

U.S. Virgin Islands to Ban Coral Damaging Sunscreens to Protect Marine Life

Coral reefs are not only the sites of tropical snorkel getaways but also provide coastal areas with an essential buffer against coastal erosions and storms. The United States earns $3.4 annually in tourism, coastal protection and fisheries, thanks to the coral reefs that abound in Hawaii, Peurto Rico as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, due to harm caused to coral reefs by sunscreens, the U.S. Virgin Islands passed a law to ban some harmful chemicals found in sunscreens which will come into effect on 30 March 2020. Why Sunscreens Are Harmful Some common chemicals found in commercial sunscreens include oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate which have shown to cause harm to coral and other marine ecosystems. Craig Downs, executive director of the Virginia-based nonprofit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory said that one of the key ways toxic sunscreen ingredients threaten coral reefs is by lowering the temperature at which coral will bleach. The chemicals also damage DNA and interfere with early development, threatening the coral’s long-term viability. Researchers have found that apart from their adverse impact on corals, the hazardous sunscreen chemicals can also lower fertility in fish, impede algae growth, cause deformities in young mussels and sea urchins, and accumulate in dolphin tissue. How To Restore Coral Reefs Researchers opine that banning certain sunscreens is not the solution to the problem. Climate change and ocean acidification pose bigger threats. These problems have to be addressed on a broader scale so that appropriate and effective remedies are developed to reverse the damage caused to the marine ecosystem. Every small step counts and the ban on certain chemicals found in sunscreens will certainly help to make a difference.  

22 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

The World’s Largest Rooftop Farm Is a Global Model of Sustainability

A one of a kind urban farm is being constructed in Paris with groundbreaking techniques which will redefine the concept of urban farms in the future. It is under construction in the south-west of Paris spanning an area of 14,000 sq meters (150695 sq feet). About The Farm There is a plan to grow more than 30 different plant species on this oasis in the heart of the city. The farm is expected to produce around 1,000kg of fruit and vegetables every day in high season. Twenty gardeners will tend to it and they will be using only organic methods. The urban-farming company, Agripolis is at the center of this project. Its founder Pascal Hardy said that the fresh produce will be sold to the inhabitants across the city through veg-box schemes or via shops, hotels and canteens thereby helping to reduce food miles. He also informed that pesticides or chemicals will not be used and the farm will be a haven for biodiversity.  New Techniques This new flagship farm in Paris will be pioneering their own technique in aeroponic ‘vertical’ farming.  No soil (hydroponic farming) will be used which helps to minimize the risk of any pollutants. This method uses a closed water system. An interesting aspect of the farm is that there will be an opportunity for local residents to lease small vegetable plots of their own. This will help city dwellers to connect to their food source.

22 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

Know About This Single Tree That Works Like a Forest to Curb Pollution

We all know how important trees are for cleaning the air and how chopping down trees in the name of development has resulted in increased levels of air pollution.  It would have been a great boon to our ecology if the saplings we planted could immediately grow into trees, but that is not possible as trees take a very long time to grow. Scientists at Biomitech, a Mexican startup have now come up with this artificial tree called Biourban that is capable of sucking up the equivalent amount of air pollution as 368 living trees, in other words, a mini forest. The company claims that the artificial tree not only saves on growing time but also on the space needed to accommodate them.   How Biourban Works The Biourban is nearly 14-foot tall and is made of metal. It holds microalgae that pull carbon dioxide and other contaminants from the air and returns pure oxygen in exchange. Thus, it follows the natural process of photosynthesis and is a great success. The only downside is that it costs around $50,000. This exorbitant cost may act as a deterrent to obtain it in places of the world where it may be much needed. Uses Of Biourban According to Jaime Ferrer, a founding partner in Biomitech, this system inhales air pollution through technology and gives out clean air through a natural process. It will be helpful for those cities to achieve cleaner air where it’s not possible to plant a large number of trees. According to the World Health Organization, each year, an estimated 7 million people die from exposure to air pollution which amounts to more than five times the almost 1.25 million people who die in road crashes each year. In present times, this artificial tree is a much needed modern invention to tackle the issue of air pollution. Image Source: Inceptive Mind

19 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

Scientists Claim to Have Found a New Organ Under the Skin

Researchers in Sweden have uncovered an intricate network of cells under the skin that are sensitive to pain and form such an extensive ‘mesh- like’ network with nerve cells that it can be labeled as an organ. This find can pave the way for a greater understanding of the reasons we feel pain and how it can be relieved. Schwann Cells Normally, the painful sensation on the skin is thought to be perceived by the very sensitive endings of certain nerve cells. Nerve cells are kept alive by and connected to other cells called Schwann cells that wrap around them and form an extensive ‘mesh-like network’. They were found to interact differently with nerve cells elsewhere. Further experiments on mice proved that the Schwann cells play a direct, added role in pain perception. Senior study author Patrik Ernfors, a pain researcher at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute claimed that their study showed that sensitivity to pain did not occur only in the skin’s nerve [fibers], but also in the recently discovered pain-sensitive organ. More Experiments Researchers are of the opinion that a lot more tests and experiments have to be conducted to know the exact functioning of the cells. So far all the experiments have been conducted on mice and are yet to be tested in humans. Until now, all previously known sensory organs found in mouse also exist in humans, so it is likely that this organ exists in humans too. Scientists now plan to study in-depth on how these cells are actually activated by pain so as to come up with solutions to treat chronic pain.

17 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

World’s Smallest Stent Could Be a Boon to Medical Science

Stents are being widely used to treat blocked coronary vessels, but researchers from Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland felt the need for a smaller stent to treat urethral stricture that develops one in every thousand children, sometimes even when they are still a foetus in the womb. Use Of the Stent The smallest stent can prevent life-threatening levels of urine from accumulating in the bladder if it could be inserted to widen the constriction while the foetus is still in the womb, according to the study published in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies. However, it is impossible to create a stent, so small in size through conventional methods. Therefore, paediatric surgeon Gaston De Bernardis from Aargau Cantonal Hospital approached the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich. How The Stent Functions Researchers at the Lab have been able to develop a new method which will help them produce highly detailed structures measuring less than 100 micrometres in diameter by a method called indirect 4D printing. The stent’s shape-memory properties enable it every time to return to its original shape after compression, thus widening the constricted area of the urinary tract. Before finding real-world application, researchers said that the stent will first be tested in animal models. The results can open the door to the development of new tools for minimally invasive surgery. Image Source: Futurity.org

15 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

Belgium Zoo Announces the Birth of Rare Giant Panda Twins

The Pairi Daiza zoo in Belgium announced the "extremely rare" birth of twin baby giant pandas on Thursday. The staff of the zoo rejoiced at the birth of the twins -  one male and one female and said that they represented a "new hope" for the charismatic black and white bear. The Giant Panda The giant panda is a bear native to south-central China. According to the World Wildlife Fund, their numbers have reduced considerably and less than 2,000 Giant Pandas are now living in the wild. In 2016, the status of giant pandas was changed from endangered to vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Twin Cubs Last week, on Wednesday mother panda Hao Hao, showed signs of going into labour. By Thursday afternoon, she gave birth to a 160g male baby and two hours later she delivered a female, weighing 150g. The delivery of the cubs was carefully monitored by Belgian and Chinese experts. The president of the zoo, Eric Domb said, “This double birth is marvellous news for this extraordinary species”. The zoo officials said that extreme care will be taken of the mother bear and her cubs as the next few days will be crucial for the survival of the twin cubs. One at a time, the keepers will put one of the babies in an incubator and feed it with a bottle so that the mother bear gets to rest.

13 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

This Unique Prison Turns Inmates Into Entrepreneurs

There seems to be no chance of reformation for any person who has been locked up in a 2-by-2 cell all day. He may come out more frustrated and there is every possibility of his returning to crime. Therefore the prison director of Punta de Rieles prison in Uruguay, Luis Parodi came out with a plan to allow prison inmates to start their own business that will transform them into productive, satisfied and happy individuals. Parodi’s project started in 2012 and it has been instrumental in changing the lives of inmates, many of whom return voluntarily to run their business. Types Of Business The nature of business ranges from bakeries and barbershops to candy stores and carpenter shops. One inmate started out making blocks from an old mould and a secondhand shovel. He recently hired his tenth employee( who are also prison inmates) and is all set to expand his business with the help of loans. He owns an electronic tablet that helps him to take orders and communicate with customers outside the walls. It’s heartening to know that one inmate always buys a beautiful flower from the prison nursery to give to his mother when she visits. At times, one can see a convict baker with a birthday cake walking towards the prison gate to hand it off to a customer. Profits Of Business The prisoners themselves run a bank which funds their business. Part of their profits goes into it. A part of it goes to the government for use of the facilities and 10% goes to an association of victims of crime. The rest of the profit earned is deposited in the inmates’ accounts which they can access only after their release. The prisoners are also offered opportunities to study or learn a new craft so that they are equipped with skills for a better life and are less likely to return to crime after their release.

8 Aug 2019
Global Inspirations

Irish Teenager Comes up With a Pathbreaking Idea to Remove Microplastics From Water

Fionn Ferriera, an eighteen-year-old from Ireland has won $50,000 at the Google Science Fair for his project involving the extraction of microplastics from water. The science fair was conducted by Google for students aged 13 to 18 who submitted their projects before a panel of judges.   Microplastics are very small fragments of plastic that pollute the environment. Due to their minute size (less than 5mm), they cannot be filtered or screened during wastewater treatment and thus make their way into waterways. Small fishes eat microplastics. They become prey to larger fishes which in turn are consumed by humans. Microplastics can be a health hazard for humans due to the different toxic and carcinogenic chemicals used to make it. Ferreira created a ferrofluid by combining oil and magnetite powder and poured it into the water containing microplastics. The microplastics combined with the ferrofluid which was then easy to extract with the help of a magnet, thus leaving behind only water. This method was subject to a 1000 tests and it succeeded in removing 87% microplastics of all sorts from water. The success of Ferreira’s project has encouraged him to scale the technology to be able to implement at wastewater treatment facilities. There is no doubt that his remarkable project will go a long way in curbing environmental pollution. Image Source: Mother Jones

6 Aug 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

Beverly’s Birthdays Is Making Numerous Underprivileged Children Happy Every Year

Every child deserves a fun and frolic childhood filled with only happiness to make amazing memories but, not everyone is lucky enough to live a life like that. However, in many parts of the world, there are people who love seeing a smile on those innocent faces and are also doing great things for them. And one such person is Megan Yunn who is also known as Megs. Putting a Wide Smile on the Innocent Faces Megs is the founder of Beverly’s Birthdays which organizes birthday parties for children living in poverty in Pittsburg. It is associated with 68 social service agencies and 88 low-income schools to come up with 30,000 birthday parties in a year. While talking about how she feels about her work, Beverly told Inside Edition: “I get to wake up every day and help people know that they matter. I have the job of celebrating people, that's so cool." Beverly’s Birthdays do their utmost to provide underprivileged children the happiness that they deserve by making their birthdays unforgettable. Apart from birthday parties, they also offer classroom cheer, birthday cheer bins, birthday-in-a-bag and itty bitty birthday cheer bins. They also organize mobile fashion truck where the kids along with their families can shop for free. What a wonderful place this world will be if people like Megs is present in every part of this planet. She has been doing a great job and is setting an example for others to come forward and make this world a happy place for the ones who deserve it. Image Courtesy: Beverly's Birthdays Facebook

31 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

Happiness Had No Bounds for Katarina Floridia on Her Big Day

Every bride deserves to be the happiest at her wedding. 27-year-old Katarina Florida beamed with joy throughout her big day not just because she was about to start a new life but, also because she felt extremely confident about herself. Katarina's New Prosthetics Made Her Feel Confident Like Never Before Katarina is a double amputee and for all this while she hesitated to wear a dress as she was embarrassed by her old prosthetics. She hid them throughout but, finally got a reason to gain all the confidence and walk freely without being bothered. Katarina wore such dress for the very first time in her life on her big day and she decided to do so because her new legs were hard to be identified as prosthetics. They matched her skin colour and she could also wear heels. Happiness had no bounds for Katarina who belongs from Ashland, Massachusetts. T&T Creative Media released a video of her wedding day where she was dancing away to glory with her husband and her father which looked endearing. The Brains Behind Building the Prosthetics The reason behind Katarina’s confidence was certainly due to her new prosthetic legs but how can we not thank the brains behind it? A Step Ahead Prosthetics put in all their efforts to build it. She was at the top of the world because of their creativity. Katarina can now wear whatever she wants to and be confident about herself. We wish her all the luck for her future endeavours and also congratulate her for a new beginning.

27 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

16 YO Anna Day’s Phenomenal Initiative to Improve Childhood Cancer Research

Being joyous throughout is what all of us look forward to but, life is not always about contentment. Sometimes it hits us with a harsh reality while sometimes it makes us feel like giving up. But with an optimistic nature, everything can be conquered and dealing with difficult times will become easier. That’s what 16-year-old Anna Day is teaching us. Anna was left in dejection in 2012 when she came to know that her sister, Isabella was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn’t easy for a child who was just in third grade to digest the news but, she grew out of it and is doing something phenomenal today. Making a Difference When Anna saw her sister going through the treatments, she came to terms with the fact that there is a lack of funding for pediatric cancer. She wanted to do something about the sad fact and after mulling on it, she started hosting bake sales from 2015 for childhood cancer research. And every year the money collected escalated. Then finally in 2018, she came up with Anna’s Bake Sale Foundation. The 501c3 non-profit was formed to raise awareness and funds regarding childhood cancer research. Since 2015 Anna has raised $40,000 which is absolutely remarkable. Being Optimistic is the Key to Positive Outcome A huge difference can be made by each one of us if we stay positive. In an interview with NBC 5, Anna said: “We always say in my family that we have two choices. We can either sulk around and be really upset about what’s happening, or we can turn it into something good and be able to give back.” Anna’s exceptional move tells us how thoughtful she is. The little one has done something beyond her age and we at My Indian Dream are extremely proud of her for taking a step in order to bring progress in childhood cancer research Image Courtesy: Anna's Bake Sale Foundation

25 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

Utrecht Takes an Excellent Initiative to Increase Bee Habitat

When it comes to the reproduction of plants, bee pollination is one of the most essential things which we must keep in mind. And Utrecht, a city in the Netherlands has put in their best to keep its biodiversity intact. Sedum plants are growing on almost 316 bus stops which attract bees. The plants not only help in bee pollination but, also store rainwater and capture fine dust. Great Work Utrecht The bus stops are equipped with energy-efficient LED lights and the roofs are taken care of by the municipal workers there who move in their electric vehicles. It has been said that 55 more electric buses will be introduced by the year-end and by 2028, clean public transport will be launched. Dutch windmills will be providing electricity to charge the busses as reported by Independent. Safeguard the Bee Habitat The beauty of Utrecht has been now enhanced by the sedum plants which are playing a great role in attracting the pollinators of food crops. Recently we came across a great initiative which was taken in Minnesota to safeguard the bee habitat and if every city starts taking step towards increasing its biodiversity, a lot of benefits can come into the picture.

21 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

Darius Brown, the Young CEO Is Helping Shelter Animals Get a Home

It feels like the future will be in good hands when children take a step ahead and do something phenomenal and we got a little more assured when the name, Darius Brown came into the picture. The little one is just 12-years-old and he is already the CEO of a company called Beaux and Paws which creates dapper handmade bows for shelter animals. The bows are made to make them look stylish and cuter so that they get adopted and find a forever loving home. The Recognition Darius received a lot of appreciation by people for his laudable movement. And even the former United States President, Barack Obama sent him a letter of recognition. He has been garnering a deluge of support from people as they donate him fabrics for the bows. A Great Improvement The little guy was diagnosed with speech, comprehension and fine motor skills delay when he was just 2. But working on his initiative has helped him improve. While talking about the same with InsideEdition.com, his sister Dazhai said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes in his maturity from when Darius was younger until now,” Dazhai told InsideEdition.com. “He’s a lot more empathetic in bringing awareness to adoption. Before, I think it just upset him more. His comprehension, his fine motor skills, they have more development to make. But we’re making progress. And it’s slow and steady, but we’re getting there.” Darius is not only helping the rescue dogs to get adopted but, is also setting an example for other kids. Being compassionate towards animals right from an early age can bring in a lot of positive alterations for the muted souls. Image Courtesy: Beaux and Paws Facebook

18 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

Breaking Stereotypes: A Chemistry Experiment Helps Camille Shrier to Win Miss Virginia 2019

The few chosen ones who make it to the Beauty Pageant on a global stage have a remarkable personality. They are a unique combination of beauty and brains. The entire audience is amazed when the participants showcase their tremendous talents.   But, how often have you seen someone showcasing a science experiment to win the crown? Well, 24-year-old biochemist, Camille Schrier did and it made her win the title of Miss Virginia 2019. The Camille Shrier Chemistry Experiment Camille performed a Chemistry experiment; the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide for the talent round at the Liberty University. She mixed potassium iodine with the peroxide and huge colorful and vibrant foam popped up as which left the audience absolutely thrilled. Camille had a deep connection with science right from her childhood and today it helped her win a prestigious title. The talented and budding biochemist is currently a Doctor of Pharmacy student at the Virginia Commonwealth University. Breaking Stereotypes Though all those who participate in the beauty pageant are extremely talented, the talents they showcase are mostly connected to the field of performing arts. The participants usually play instruments, sing or dance to impress the judges but, Camille did something absolutely out of the box.  And watching a participant perform a science experiment in a lab coat is something unusual and exhilarating at the same time.   While talking about what she wants to be, Camille said: “I’m trying to be like Bill Nye. That’s what I’m going for. I want to get kids excited, but I don’t want it to be boring.” As reported by Virginia Commonwealth University. The young biochemist has now set a bar and broken the stereotype. Hopefully, now we will get to see more such unconventional acts at beauty pageants. Image Courtesy: The News & Advance

17 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

Barry Farmer Is An Incredible Single Dad Who Has GIven His Boys A Wonderful Life

Who can escape from life’s curveballs? But, the hard phases teach us the trick to cope with bigger difficulties. A jovial childhood is what each kid deserves but, not everybody is that lucky. Barry Farmer along with his sisters went to kinship care at a very tender age. And after moving from one home to another, he stayed with his aunt and then one day he moved to his grandmother’s house. The change wasn’t easy for Barry to stay away from her sisters and aunt and move to his grandmother’s house as he didn’t know her well. But staying there only benefitted him. He got access to a good school and not only that, he even made neighbourhood friends as reported by CBS News. At the age of 20, Barry knew that he wanted to become a foster parent so he got his license after a year. Struggles did come in his way while he was trying to get a case but, he finally made it. And when he got his second case, he met Jaxon who he adopted later. Barry was just 22 then. When Jaxon asked Barry if he would get a brother, he got Xavier who lived them for a few years and then was adopted by Barry when he was 11. And later he fostered another kid called Jeremiah who also got adopted by him. And now the four of them have created their own sweet little world and are living life to the fullest. While talking to CBS, Barry said: "Foster care itself is so unpredictable, you don't know what to expect once you signed up. This is not what I signed up for but I embraced it.” He also added: "There's no easy way to foster... it's an emotional journey. Adoption is emotional. And you have to have to put your own personal feelings aside to make sure you're doing what's best for the children.” Barry has given a wonderful life to these three kids who are living happily with him today. He might have faced difficulties during his childhood but, he is making sure that his children get what they deserve. Image Courtesy: Barry Farmer's Facebook

17 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

This Couple's Story Will Inspire You To Be Optimistic And Giving

Life sometimes takes a drastic turn and make things difficult for us. But our experiences and the past teach us how to bounce back. Chris Norton was hit by a shocking reality when he got paralyzed from his neck down while playing for his college football team but, the incident has only made him stronger. Chris’ life started blooming when he came across Emily as she motivated him a lot. And today they both are married and living a beautiful life together. Emily has been with Chris through every thick and thin. She inspired him so much that he could walk at his graduation and also down the aisle on their wedding. After 15 months of their wedding, the couple started a new life. Together they fostered 17 children and not just that, they also adopted five girls as reported by Inside Edition. The couple has also written a memoir named The Seven Longest Yards and while talking about the same with Inside Edition, Chris said: "The seven yards comes from my goal to walk Emily seven yards down the aisle on our wedding, to do it side by side, and it took seven years in the making. All the way from spinal cord injury to that wedding day." Chris and Emily's story tells us the importance of being optimistic and why it is needed to be giving. They have not only surpassed a tough phase together but, have also given a new life to the children. Image Courtesy: Inside Edition

12 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

This Farmer Took Charge Just To See His Community Happy

What do you do when something bothers you and the people around you? Do you complain about the difficulties that are being faced or take necessary steps to mend the problem? 44-year-old farmer, Nicholas Muchemi prefers to work on the issue and make things easy. When Nicholas saw that there was a need for a new road in Kaganda village, Kenya, he came forward with a pick-axe and hoe and built the road all by himself. The women in the village now find it easier and not time-consuming to reach the market, children use it to head to school while others take the road to reach the town’s church. Nicholas did face some difficulties while making the road and while talking about the same with USA Today he said: "The hardest part to make was places where the drainage had to pass and there were deep roots getting in the way.” Everybody appreciated his commendable deed and was extremely happy to see the new road. One of his neighbours even took to his Facebook profile to talk about his laudable act. The world will become a much better place to live in if more people like Nicholas take charge of things to make a difference. Image Courtesy: Ndagìtarì Kìnyùngū Mìcheke Jnr's Facebook

11 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

This Pizzeria Not Only Employs Hearing-Impaired People But Is Also Owned By A Deaf Couple

Sometimes the world will pull you down and failure may come in your way but, to be able to emerge as a winner from that situation totally lies in your hand. Melody Stein wanted to be a part of one of the most prestigious culinary academies however, being deaf made people doubt her abilities. Life can never be at a standstill if you constantly work towards achieving your goals. Similarly, Melody proved everybody wrong after surpassing all the hardships. Today she along with her husband, Russ who is also deaf runs and own a Pizzeria in San Francisco named Mozzeria. And the best part about their pizza joint is that it only employs deaf people. And now with the help of several million dollars investment from the Communication Service for the Deaf Social Venture Fund, the couple will come up with their second pizzeria in DC as reported by The Washington Post. At Mozzeria, the workers communicate with the customers by writing down their orders on a paper or by pointing out the food items and some via sign language too. The second branch of Mozzeria will hire more employees than the number of people who work in the San Francisco joint. Every one of us has the ability to rise and shine therefore, demotivating a person may leave you jaw-dropped if they ever become the best versions of themselves. Melody’s story tells us why we must let rejections give a boost to our desires and not make us lose hope. Image Courtesy: Mozzeria

10 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

The Elide Fire Ball Can Douse Blaze In Seconds

Many class apart inventions have made our lives quite easy. But who knew that someday a fire ball will be created to douse a fire in just seconds? It does not take even a minute to spread, however, did you know of the Elide Fire Ball which can activate itself within a few seconds when thrown into a fire? Yes, you read that right. The fire ball explodes when it comes in contact with blaze and produces a powder which is not harmful to the environment at all. It's absolutely safe as it only activates when tossed into the fire. The product is even user-friendly as it has been tested. The explosion radius of the fire ball is more than four feet and it weighs only three pounds as reported by Business Insider. Thai inventor, Phanawatnan Kaimart came up with the Elide Fire Ball after he made it through the 1997 Royal Jomtien Resort Hotel fire. The product looks like a normal dodgeball and needs no training to use it. Just pick it up and throw it into the fire to douse it. Dealing with a big fire breakout could be time-consuming for the fire extinguishers but, the Elide Fire Ball makes it easy to douse the blaze. It has the ability to prevent a huge mishap. Image Courtesy: Elide Fire Ball

8 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

This Man Came Up With An Unique Idea To Get A Pothole Fixed

Potholes make it difficult for people to commute and despite knowing this fact, necessary steps are not taken at times to fix them. And a man named Frank Sereno decided to do something out of the box to get a 3 inches deep and 2 feet wide pothole in Kansas City repaired. The three-month-old pothole was neglected so, Frank kept a piece of cake with a numerical candle 3 on the depression and celebrated its birthday. An action was taken after a photo of the celebration got circulated. The pothole was fixed by the public works department. In a conversation with CNN, Frank said: "We have to be as creative as we can to get things fixed. For me, it's just about making sure my neighbours' and my voice are continuously heard.” The people living around the area have now got hope just because of Frank’s unique idea which worked. Potholes are one of the primary reasons for road accidents thus, the depressions must be taken seriously. The roads will become much safer for people to travel if necessary steps are taken on time. Image Courtesy: KCTV5

5 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

This NGO Plans To Plant 500 Million Trees Every Year By 2025

Vehicles are increasing with every passing day and so is the amount of carbon dioxide that gets released. Deforestation is making it difficult for the remaining trees to absorb the harmful gas which is leading to environmental degradation. There are many who try their utmost to deal with this problem and we love to talk about their work. Similarly, an NGO called Eden Reforestation Projects founded by Steve Fitch has been contributing a lot to bring positive changes. The organization works closely with developing countries to bring back the beauty of the place which gets affected due to cutting down of trees. They hire the local villagers and train them about planting, growing and nurturing plants. The villagers make an income out of it and support their families with the money. The ‘employ to plant methodology’ of the NGO gives rise to the multiplication of positive socio-economic and environment measures. Eden Reforestation Projects’ laudable work has helped plant more than 250 million trees till now. They have worked in Nepal, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Haiti, and Indonesia. And by 2025, the NGO plans to plant 500 million trees each year. Eden Reforestation Projects has inspired us to do our part. We as human beings have the power to bring in a lot of alterations for a sustainable environment. A little hard work every day will end up giving big results tomorrow. Image Courtesy: Eden Reforestation Projects

4 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

Groundbreaking Development: It Is The Very First Mind-Controlled Robotic Arm

Technological developments have come a long way as today there is a solution to almost everything. Researchers have now come up with a unique robotic arm which can be controlled by our mind. A video by the Carnegie Mellon University has been released which shows how the robotic arm is tracking the computer cursor. A group of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University collaborated with the University of Minnesota for this innovative development which can be a great help for people with mobility issues and paralysis problem. A noninvasive brain-computer interface has been used to develop the mind-controlled robotic arm. In a news write-up by College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, it has been mentioned that robotic devices can be used to do various tasks when controlled with high precision. But, till now BCIs successful in continuously controlling robotic arms have used invasive brain implants. And in order to install as well as operate them properly, these implants need a considerable amount of medical and surgical expertise. The department head and professor of biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, Bin He spoke about the importance of noninvasive in the write-up as he said: “There have been major advances in mind-controlled robotic devices using brain implants. It’s excellent science. “But noninvasive is the ultimate goal. Advances in neural decoding and the practical utility of noninvasive robotic arm control will have major implications on the eventual development of noninvasive neurorobotics.” The groundbreaking innovation tells us how forward this world has become and what a great development it is. Image Courtesy: ANI

3 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

This Is The World's First Long Range Solar Car By A Dutch Company

The prototype Lightyear One all-electric Dutch car was recently unveiled in Katwijk, Netherlands. It is the world’s first long-range solar car which can charge itself with the sunlight. Lightyear One was launched in 2016, it was announced in June 2019 and its production will start from 2021. Both the roof and the hood of the car has five square meters of integrated solar cells within the robust and safe glass which allows it to absorb sunlight. CNN Business reports that the Lightyear One has a charging port but, with the help of the solar panels, the car’s batteries can be charged at a rate of almost 7.5 miles in every hour. The batteries can offer a range of 450 miles after one charge. The car’s wheels are independently driven so no energy will get wasted during the transit from the engine to the wheel. In order to maintain passenger’s safety, the car is constructed from high-tech materials which have the lowest weight possible. You won’t have to worry about charging your car every time it runs out of energy if you own a Lightyear One. You can rather roam freely by letting the solar panels absorb the sunlight. What a great invention it is. We are in awe.  Image Courtesy: Lightyear's Twitter page

2 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

Paying Parking Tickets Is No More Taxing

For all this while we knew that paying for parking tickets was annoying but, it might not be the same anymore for a lot of people in Las Vegas. You can now donate school stationery items instead of paying money the next time you do wrong parking in the city. The school supplies received by the city will be given to Teachers Exchange which has an association with the Public Education Foundation. The Las Vegas city council rolled out a news release which stated that they unanimously voted in favour of a month-long plan of allowing parking tickets to be paid with school supplies. The parking violators can get stationeries worth their parking ticket or may be greater than that within 30 days of their citation date. Supplies such as copy paper, pencil, card stock, pens, erasers, index card and so on can be donated. Every city must take this unique decision of the city council as an example. This is not only benefitting a lot of children but, also not making parking tickets frustrating.

1 Jul 2019
Global Inspirations

Matter Of Trust's Eco-Home Is An Amalgamation Of Luxury And Ecology

From the ability to provide a good amount of daylight to a reduction in carbon footprint, an eco-house can be highly advantageous for the environment. And not just that, it also requires low maintenance cost. The founder of Matter of Trust Lisa Gautier and her husband Patrice Gautier came up with their first eco-home in San Francisco which we all must know of. The house has a permaculture garden, an eco-bathroom, eco-industrial hub and so on. In an interview with Global Positive News Network, Lisa said that they will introduce several other things. She also stated that the backyard of the house will be converted into eco-garden which will have small homes as guesthouses. While talking to GPNN Lisa also said that she wishes to encourage more people to come forward and go green. Through their eco-home, they have amalgamated, luxury, comfort, and ecology and showcases a green lifestyle within an urban environment. Apart from the eco-home, Matter of Trust also emphasizes other environment-friendly projects which can bring in a change. Our environment will start benefitting if each one of us come together and get indulged in sustainable living. Image Courtesy: Matter of Trust

27 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

This Boise Family Believes That Birthdays Are Meant For Giving Back To People

As kids we couldn’t wait for unwrapping the gifts received on our birthdays however, for this Boise family, birthdays are not meant for receiving anything but, to give back to people. They built a little free pantry for their neighborhood where they keep foods for those who need them. And on their son’s birthday, the guests at the party were asked to get canned foods for the pantry instead of gifts. It just took $40 for the family to build the pantry as they used recycled materials. Right from the family dentist to the neighbors, everybody contributes to stock up the food pantry. While talking about the unique birthday celebration of their son, his mother, Macy Miller told KTVB: "Birthdays are a time of giving, and we don't need that much stuff. We don't need the amount of gifts that we get, so we were trying to find ways to direct the kindness to where it was more needed," Miller said. "This year Miles wanted to build something. So that's what we did for his third birthday." The family not just keeps food items in their free pantry, but also some fun things such as water guns and color crayons. The Boise family’s laudable initiative is making numerous people jovial and we hope they keep spreading happiness. The world needs more people like them. Image Courtesy: Little Free Pantry

26 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Meet Pedro, A Turtle With Wheels

Lego car kits are a favourite among several of them but, who knew someday its parts would be used to build a wheelchair for an adorable box turtle named Pedro? He was already missing one of his back legs when his owners adopted him and he lost the other hind leg after fleeing from his home for a few months. Seeing Pedro struggle left his owners in dismay so they brought him to Louisiana State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital located in Baton Rouge. The communications manager (Ginger Guttner) there told CNN: "There was nothing medically wrong with him. But of course he didn't have any back legs, so our doctors quickly had to figure out what they were going to do." To come up with a solution to replace Pedro’s hind legs was important for the doctors so, a zoological intern got his hands on a lego car kit. With the help of some syringe parts along with animal –safe epoxy the doctors made a little rig. CNN also reported that the wheelchair can be snapped off from the bottom of Pedro’s shell in order to keep him clean. It feels that we are living in a great world when we come across such amazing things. People caring for animals to such an extent gives us hope that this planet will be a safer place for each and every animal one day. Image Courtesy: CNN 

24 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

This Couple Teaches Us Why It Is Important To Be Giving

What would you do if you ever win a grocery shopping spree? Think of every single thing that you need for your pantry or decide to donate everything to a food bank? Ryan Warren and Chantal Leroux chose to do the latter. The couple who won the contest by The Grocery People were allowed to pick groceries worth $500 within the time period of just 50 seconds from the supermarket, Bragg Creek Foods. But Ryan managed to grab goods worth $593.58 by the end of the spree and TGP decided to give the extra items to them. Along with the groceries that he grabbed from the supermarket, Ryan also collected $1,500 from local companies to hand over a cheque and the items to the food bank as reported by CBS News. While talking to CBS News, Chantal said: "We were really excited to receive the call," said Leroux. "I immediately envisioned grabbing all sorts of things for my own cupboard and then after I reflected a couple of seconds later, I thought what a great opportunity to be able to give back." How beautiful this world would be if all of us have the same thought as Ryan and Chantal’s? Kindness always triumphs everything.

22 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

The Joint Effort of 633 Scuba Divers Gave Rise To A Phenomenal Outcome

Beach cleanup drives have always benefitted water bodies at a larger scale and this time it was about an underwater cleanup drive. 633 scuba divers got together near the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier to clear litter from the ocean floor. They were not only successful in their mission but, also set a new Guinness World Record for the biggest underwater cleanup. The scuba divers stayed in the water for 15 minutes to be counted. Michael Empric, a Guinness adjudicator even came to New York City to count the number of scuba divers who participated in the drive as reported by Sun Sentinel. The underwater clean-up drive was organized by Dixie Divers. The previous record was set by 614 divers and the drive was hosted in 2015 at the Red Sea, Egypt by Ahmed Gabr. The increase in the headcount tells us how more people have become conscious about water contamination. Such clean-up drives must be organized in every country for people to understand the seriousness of water pollution. The more the awareness the closer we’ll get towards eliminating contamination around us.

18 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

The Users Of Ant Forest Is Making China Greener And Curbing Down Air Pollution

What if you get rewarded for getting indulged in low carbon activities? Well! A feature on Alipay rewards its users for it. Ant Forest was launched on the Chinese third-party mobile and online payment platform in 2016. It has a carbon account where users can opt for activities such as booking tickets online, travelling via public transport, doing hospital registrations online and so on. The more they do such things, the more green energy points they get. When a user collects enough points, he/she can plant a virtual tree which gets transformed into a real one and is planted in China. A report by the UN Environment stated that an area as big as 130,000 soccer pitches looks green now as a lot of trees have been planted there. The report also highlighted that already 500 million users have planted 100 million real trees via the app. Maintaining a pollution free lifestyle can be advantageous in several ways. Ant Forest is a great platform to curb down on environmental pollution. We hope numerous other people become a part of it.

17 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Another Step Towards Eliminating Animal Cruelty

Animals are involved in businesses where they get treated horribly. The menace is enormous but, these days animal cruelty is taken seriously by a lot of people. For example, Circus Roncalli uses animal holograms instead of muffled souls. And now Cambodia has decided to ban Elephant rides at Angkor Wat in 2020. The elephant rides at the temple attracts a lot of tourists, but it gets extremely strenuous for them which has even led to the death of an elephant in the year 2016. The Angkor Elephant Group Committee said that they will send them to a conservation and breeding centre at the early stage of next year. The director of the committee told Metro, “In early 2020, our association plans to end the use of the elephants to transport tourists. They can still watch the elephants and take photos of them in our conservation and breeding centre. We want the elephants to live in as natural a manner as possible.” The report even stated that the government is working on safeguarding the elephants in Cambodia for the upcoming generation with the help of relevant organizations as stated by Neth Pheaktra, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Environment. How beautiful this world will be if each and every animal lives a life that they want to? Far away from all the torture and cruelty. Hope and actions taken can result in a peaceful environment for them and for that, all of us need to contribute. We are extremely happy that a group of 14 elephants in Cambodia will now live a much better life.

14 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

This Photographer Couple Is Making Kids With Special Needs Happy

Somewhere all of us have a dream of seeing ourselves in the avatar of our favourite superheroes. The feeling of sporting a similar look with the exact costume is exceptional. And the owners of Endersby Photography are making such dreams of several little ones come true. Nicole and Scott Endersby, the couple from Texas provide free superhero photoshoots for children with special needs. And their kind gesture is not only putting a smile on the kids’ faces but, also making their family members happy. The kids are transformed in Batman, Captain America, Flash, and several other superheroes. The special effects which are used to edit the pictures make them look incredible. Along with the kids their siblings are also photographed as their favourite superheroes. The couple has three kids and two of them have autism. While talking about the same with NBC DFW, Nicole said: "We have three children, two of whom have autism. And it was important for us to make sure that these kids and their siblings feel like superheroes. It’s a genuine gift from one special needs family to another.” Nothing is more beautiful in this world than a child’s smile and we are proud of Nicole and Scott for offering such a great gift to children with special needs. The world needs more people like them. Image Courtesy: Endersby Photography Studio's Facebook Page

13 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Jessica Cox's Story Tells Us Why It Is Important To Embrace Ourselves

They say impossible is nothing. Achieving a particular dream becomes easier if our will power stays intact. 36-year-old Jessica Cox never doubted her abilities and with an optimistic approach towards life, she became the world’s first pilot without arms. Jessica was born with a rare birth defect, she used her prosthetic arms for 11 years and soon after that, she stopped using them because she preferred doing everything with her feet. Her parents were a huge source of support. They never differentiated her with other kids as she was enrolled in a normal school and not in an institution for specially disabled children. 36-year-old Jessica is not just a certified pilot but, she also has other talents. While talking about the same with CNN, she said: “Other than being a pilot I am a certified scuba diver, I have learned how to surf, I am a cyclist, I love to swim.” She is also the first armless black belt holder in the American Taekwondo Association and has traveled to 23 countries as a speaker. In 2004, she flew for the first time in a single engine aircraft. Jessica’s determination teaches us that we must embrace each other to become our best selves. Image Courtesy: Jessica Cox

12 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

A Majestic 55-Story Building May Soon Be Built In London

Wouldn’t it be absolutely thrilling to swim away to glory in a 360-degree infinity pool? The thought itself makes one exhilarated and it seems London is soon going to get one. A building named Infinity London has been announced that will be of 55 stories with a rooftop infinity pool which is going to be something breathtaking. It will be the world’s first ever 360-degree infinity pool. Compass Pools has designed the pool which will contain 600,000 liters of water and both the floors and the sides will be transparent. The pool will also be equipped with a built-in anemometer to monitor the speed of the wind. Compass Pools mentioned that it will be made from cast acrylic and not glass in order to make it look clear. And a rotating spiral staircase will be built for people to access it. Another amazing factor about the 360-degree infinity pool is that its water will be heated with the help of waste energy from the air conditioner system for the building. The construction of Infinity London may start in 2020 which means we might get to see it soon. It is surely going to be one of the most magnificent buildings in the world once completed.   Image Courtesy: Compass Pools

11 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Australia's Groundbreaking Ideas To Treat Wastes

It would be wondrous if each and every country starts showing a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Have you ever heard of drain socks? The City of Kwinana, a local government area located in Western Australia is making the most out of them to accumulate waste. All the debris get trapped in the netted sock to keep the waterways free from contamination. These drain socks were put over the outlet of two local stormwater drains last year which has given amazing results. A deluge of waste got collected in it and the phenomenal idea is now being well received globally. The way the waste is treated is also pretty interesting, it gets processed through a sorting facility first, both recyclable and non-recyclable materials are sorted while the green waste is transformed into mulch.   In an interview with ABC, Carol Adams, the mayor of Kwinana said: "We're still getting up to five telephone enquiries or email enquiries globally a week from Austin, Texas to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Zambia and New Zealand.” She even added that they have received calls from several European countries such as, Brazil, Chile, Portugal and etc. The same report also mentioned the commendable initiative by the City of Cockburn, a western Australian council which has used 40,000 single used plastics from supermarkets to make a road. The plastics were melted into asphalt mix and covered a laneway in Port Coogee. The idea behind it was to derive waste from landfill. Another great effort to rightly treat waste came into the picture when a Perth Council in the City of Canning, used asphalt mix with stubbies of glass beer and plastic bottles to cover a road in a large southern suburb of Perth, Willetton. The way Australia is treating wastes is truly an inspiration for other countries. Being thoughtful towards the environment can make this world a better place for all of us. The development will eventually start emerging if one such idea strikes each one of us.

10 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Mike Than Tun Win's Philanthropic Initiative Has A Lot To Teach Us

Being kind and giving can only result in phenomenal outcomes because an urge to create a positive impact on society will give rise to several developments. And Mike Than Tun Win teaches us exactly the same. The 33-year-old entrepreneur came up with LessWalk, a non-profit organization that purchases bike sharing cycles to donate them to the needy students of Myanmar who take a long distance walk to schools. The bikes which were brought in April will be given away to the kids from the end of this month. They plan to donate the cycles to students falling under the age category of 13 to 18. The cycles that are purchased are both used and brand new. LessWalk revamps them and also work with the Ministry of Education to make this initiative a success. 10,000 bikes from ofo and oBike will not get discarded as Mike has brought them to distribute among the children. The bikes will promote the LessWalk initiative, hence they will repaint them while the locks will turn into manual locks and a smaller seat will be added for the students to make space for their siblings. In a conversation with The Straits Times, Mike spoke about the movement as he said: "For the scrapyards, they can get maybe about $10 a bike, it is not a lot to them. But these bikes can mean a lot to the students, who can be more productive, save 80 per cent of their time travelling and feel a sense of warmth that people care." This commendable step will make commuting to school easy for several underprivileged kids in Myanmar. Education is going to make today’s generation tomorrow’s leaders and we are glad that people like Mike are taking such initiatives. Image Courtesy: Mike Than Tun Win's Facebook page

8 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

This Tournament Held In Kingston Was Quite Unusual

We have heard of sports tournaments but, little did we know of a trash collecting tournament until Brandon McKoy came up with one. It was held at Royal Jamaica Yacht Club located in Kingston where Jamaican fishermen gave their best to make it a success. Team Mama Mia nailed it by collecting 1,988 pounds of garbage from the surface of the sea. In total, 11, 336 pounds of trash was collected during the tournament. Caribbean Maritime Institute acquired the second position by picking up 1,354lb of the trash while team integrity won a third place by collecting 1,141lb. In a conversation with The Gleaner, Brandon spoke about how the contamination can be prevented as he said: “This is definitely not the solution to the crisis we’re facing. This is just about the awareness because the truth is that with the next heavy rainfall, we’re gonna be back to square one, so the solution cannot possibly be that we have to have a tournament every weekend to clean the garbage and keep it clean. The solution lies in the method of preventing it completely from getting into the sea in the first place.” We wish more such tournaments are organized in every country to make people aware.

6 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Soon To Be World's Largest Offshore Wind Farm

Denmark’s biggest energy company, Ørsted has finally started the operations on Hornsea One. And once all the work is done it will be able to provide renewable electricity to one million houses in the United Kingdom. Until the year 2018, UK’s 659 MW Walney Extension was known as the largest offshore wind farm in the world but, by 2020, Hornsea wind farm will break the record and exceed 1 GW in capacity. The incredible project is situated 120km off the world-famous stretch of coastline called the Yorkshire Coast. While talking about it, the first operational team shift leader, David Coussens who is also Hornsea One’s Deputy Operations Manager said: “Operating a wind farm this far offshore is unprecedented. We’ve had to think creatively and come up with new ways of working to overcome the logistical and technical challenges of operating a massive power station 120km from the shore, about the same distance as Grimsby to Leeds.” As written in a report by Ørsted. Right now, 50 Siemens Gamesa 7MW turbines are operational and the rest of the installation might be continued till next year summer. Innovation and progression are today taking the world much ahead and we are glad that project like these gets initiated. Image Courtesy: Practical Boat Owner

6 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

An Initiative To Save The Bee Habitat In Minnesota

Won’t it sound exciting if someone decides to pay for your lawn? The state of Minnesota is ready to offer the same to its homeowners if they want their lawn to be an ideal place for the bees to buzz. It has been said that the homeowners will get reimbursement from Minnesota’s board of water and soil resources in order to plant Dutch white clover, self-heal and creeping thyme so that the bees buzz around them. The state will provide one-year funding of $900,000 to save the bee habitat in Minnesota. A graduate student, James Wolfin who works at the University of Minnesota’s Bee Lab told CBS Minnesota that he sees forage for pollinators in the flowers. He also told the television station: “We want you to still be able to have that family picnic, we want you to be able to have a catch on the lawn and we want you to put a little bit of food there to support the pollinators.” How often do we think of the habitats in our ecology? The beauty of our surroundings will enhance if we do so.

5 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Believe It Or Not, This Plate Can Be Consumed

Ever thought of edible plates? Imagine eating it after completing your meal. Yes, it is possible and the credit goes to Jerzy Wysocki, an inventor and entrepreneur from Poland who came up with the edible brown plates around fifteen years back. He started Biotrem, a production process of wheat bran tableware which today produces 15 million of such plates every year. Plastic waste has become a primary cause for environment pollution and with this invention, the usage of plastic plates can be reduced. And the good news is, the European Union has even taken a decision to put a ban on plastic plates and cutlery starting in 2021. In a conversation with Agence France-Presse, Jerzy spoke about how the edible plates are manufactured as he stated: "To make the plates, we only use wheat bran, which we compress at a precise pressure point and temperature, using a machine made specifically for that purpose.” Even if you don’t eat the wheat bran plate, it can be decomposed after a month if the weather is humid which makes it a biodegradable product while it can also take a span of two weeks if it rains. Jerzy’s innovative idea is having a great impact on the environment and now with EU’s decision, the effect is definitely going to be huge. Image Courtesy: Biotrem

4 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Single-Use Plastics To Be Treated In An Unconventional Way

Ashley, Indiana’s all-new commercial-scale plastics-to-fuel plant will be converting plastics to energy sources. Children’s toys, plastic film, styrofoam and flexible packing will be recycled into products such as fuel and wax. The technology can also help generate raw materials used for reproducing plastic. Constructions have already started on the plant and its finances have been secured by Brightmark Energy, a green energy supplier in San Francisco which is on a mission to offer innovative waste and energy solutions. The CEO of Brightmark Energy and RES Polyflow, Bob Powell spoke about the technology with Waste Today as he said: “We are excited about the market’s confidence in the validity of this technology to economically convert single-use plastics for new uses. “This technology provides a strong incentive for diverting single use plastics away from oceans, waterways, communities and landfills by creating reusable value. Plastic pollution is such a pressing global issue, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to provide a solution.” According to the report, At first, around 100,000 tons of plastics will be transformed into more than 18 million gallons of naphtha blend and ultra-low sulfur diesel and into another 6 million gallons of commercial grade wax each year. The plant will even put up the commercial grade wax for sale which is said to be purchased by AM WAX, a company that specializes in paraffin wax. Our environment can benefit in several ways if plastic waste is treated in this manner.

3 Jun 2019
Global Inspirations

Circus Roncalli Is Making The Most Out Of Technology To Bring In A Change

Circuses might be a treat to the eyes for many of them because tigers generally don’t jump through a fire circle or elephants don’t really roll a ball with their trunk. But, have you ever wondered how these wild animals end up doing such things? An immense amount of torture is what they go through just to entertain people. However, German Circus, Circus Roncalli is doing something exactly different which is not harming any animal. The circus uses holography animals in a magnificent way which leaves the entire crowd in awe. Right from horses to elephants to fishes, the animals are shown as 3D holograms. 11 projectors including lenses are used to create such a breathtaking show. Circus Roncalli was founded in the year 1976 and today not a single animal is used for their shows. It stands as a great example for all those who are associated with the business.  Image Courtesy: Circus Roncalli's Facebook page

31 May 2019
Global Inspirations

This Greek Man Is An Angel In Disguise For Numerous Dogs

Lately, a video of a man abandoning his dog started doing the rounds on the internet. The CCTV footage broke the hearts of several but finally, the dog has now got a loving home. There are numerous such muted animals who have been abandoned by their owners and not everyone is lucky to get adopted. Once Theoklitos Proestakis from Greece visited his nearby garbage area where he came across an injured dog. And that was the day when a bond was formed between the two of them. Theoklitos made it a point to nurture the dog so, he used to go to the dumping ground every day and also provided medical facilities for the muted soul. In an interview with CBS News, Theoklitos said that later he found many other dogs from the garbage. He also added: "I was taking care of 50 dogs. After a few days, I was taking care of 70 dogs. Every single day." The local people detested the dogs which he was taking care of but, Theoklitos safeguarded them and finally came up with the Takis Shelter which is now home to numerous dogs. The shelter is of 33,000 square meters and a total of €6,000 is spent every month for the dogs. Theoklitos has rescued 500 dogs till now and he also takes help of the social media to get the muted souls adopted. We need more people like him in every country to offer a beautiful life to the animals who get neglected and are going through menace. Image Courtesy: Schnauzi.com

29 May 2019
Global Inspirations

This Denmark Based NGO's Unique Initiative Is Befitting The Environment

Littering water bodies is one of the world’s serious problems and Greenkayak, a Denmark based environmental nonprofit is using a unique way to reduce the issue. People can now explore the European cities for free only if they pick up garbage from the lakes and rivers while kayaking. Greenkayak was launched in 2017 with an objective to diminish contamination of water bodies. And till now around 24,000 pounds of garbage has been collected through the initiative. Right from life jackets, to kayak, every necessary equipment is provided to people in order to make it a success. In a conversation with USA Today, the CEO and founder of Greenkayak, Weber-Andersen spoke about how the waterways get polluted as he said: “In Denmark, people hang out on canals and eat pizza and unfortunately see trash floating by.” He also added: “You can’t take your shirt off and jump in, but you can get in a GreenKayak and make an impact.” We hope numerous other people participate in this laudable project to reduce water pollution. Image Courtesy: STANDBY Nordic 

27 May 2019
Global Inspirations

A Superglue That Can Treat Deep Wounds

A medical emergency always occurs without apprising and it becomes difficult to get access to assistance if it arises during odd hours. A deep cut can lead to profuse bleeding which can give rise to some serious problems but, in today’s world, everything has a solution. Thanks to the in-depth research and advanced technologies. Scientists have come up with a miracle superglue which can heal a serious wound in just seconds. The gel can not only help save people involved in fatal accidents but, can also stop the bleeding for patients during heart surgery. The glue seals the open tissue in just 20 seconds right after getting activated with UV light. It restrains the blood from flowing out. Nature Communications have explained about the superglue in detail. The report stated that the gel successfully stopped high-pressure bleeding from pig blood vessels which had an incision of 4 to 5 mm. It also sealed a hole which was 6 mm wide in the pig heart. The superglue might be available for humans within three to five years. Image Courtesy: Reddit

17 May 2019
Global Inspirations

Beth Rowland's Let's Talk About Loss Helps Heal Bereaved People

Life comes to a standstill when you lose someone close to your heart forever. Moving on seems difficult and the only thing you wish for during such situations is to see that person alive. But, you heal with time and start leading a normal life like before however, the pain never gets erased completely. Beth Rowland lost her mother to cancer at the age of 20 which left her shattered. She knows how it feels to lose a close person at a young age. And with an objective to help youngsters who go through the same pain, Beth came up with Let’s Talk About Loss in 2016. A platform to help bereaved people under the age category of 16-30. They organize peer-led meetups in Nottingham, London, and Bristol and through their endeavour, they break the barrier of talking about the loss of losing someone really close. It’s not always easy to talk about grief as people might not be comfortable to discuss it with others. Let’s Talk About Loss’ meet-up sessions give solace to such individuals when they speak their hearts out about their loss. We hope such initiatives are taken by more people in every part of the world.

16 May 2019
Global Inspirations

This Eco-Sensitive Product Can Make People More Responsible Towards The Environment

The usage of polystyrene or Styrofoam coolers increases during summers but, did you know the amount of harm they are causing to the environment? These coolers are not recyclable and it's about time to discard them. Igloo, a company which manufactures coolers has recently come up with a new version of their product called Recool which is absolutely safe for the environment. Recool is made out of 100% biodegradable materials and also happens to be the world’s first eco-sensitive cooler. It can carry a weight of 75 pounds which makes it quite sturdy too. Your drinks can stay chilled in there for long as the cooler can keep ice for twelve hours while water can be stored for five days. Talking about the main advantage of Recool, you can let it dry after five days to reuse it and once you feel that you have used it enough, compost it. Recool is available for only $10. It seems like the condition of our environment will eventually get better if more such eco-friendly products get manufactured.  Image Courtesy: KRISTV.com

15 May 2019
Global Inspirations

Students of San Diego Jewish Academy Made 800 Sandwiches in 3 Minutes To Break A Record and Feed The Needy

Hunger is a significant cause of death in this world, it affects millions of people, even the members of low-income households. It was a bright day for several underprivileged people when 550 students at San Diego Jewish Academy gathered together to feed them. These students made more than 800 sandwiches in three minutes which could break the earlier record of 490 sandwiches under the same timing. The officials of the Guinness Book of World Record will watch the video in order to determine the result. There were 52 tables in front of the students and each one of them had bread slices, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and mustard. Parent volunteers were also a part of the sandwich making a record as they guided the students on how to make it. The sandwiches were packed by adults and given away to Alpha Project who later served them to the low-income and homeless people. The students were told that raising fund is not enough to do something for the world as the school head, Chaim Heller told The San Diego Union Tribune: “We want our students to know it’s not enough to talk about the changing the world. It’s not enough to raise money to change the world. You have to use your hands and feet. This is a step toward being lifelong change-agents.” Apart from attempting to surpass the record of sandwich making, it was a fantastic way to feed the ones who are in dire need of food. Numerous problems of the world can get sorted with the elimination of hunger. Image Source: Del Mar Times

14 May 2019
Global Inspirations

A Step Towards Early Detection Of Breast Cancer

New cases of cancer get detected almost every day and researchers say that the rate of the disease will escalate in the coming years. It becomes a matter of concern for a woman when a lump occurs on her breast as it is an indication of breast cancer. Technologies that are used to diagnose the deadly disease are way advanced today and so are the treatments. However, did you know of a tool that can forecast a woman’s future risk of breast cancer? Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers have come up with such a tool equipped with Artificial Intelligence. To create the model, at first, the researchers studied the mammograms of the patients who were admitted at the Massachusetts General. Over 60,000 patients’ x-rays were used through which they identified the women who got breast cancer within 5 years of screening. The newly developed tool can help save a lot of them from the deadly disease and can also result in cost-effective treatments.

13 May 2019
Global Inspirations

Niagara Falls Visitors To Experience An Emission-Free Ride

In a bid to eliminate water pollution, numerous people have come forward to contribute. Several endeavours indicate that the issue might get solved if people work on it together. Another good news came into the picture when we learned about zero-emission passenger vessels being constructed in the US. The Maid of the Mist boat, which is the only way through which people can witness the iconic Niagara Falls will soon be upgraded. It has been said that two new such passenger vessels will be introduced which will run on a high-capacity battery to become the first completely electric vessels. The zero-emission technology will be powered by ABB, a Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation and is being constructed by Burger Boat Company. ABB’S President of the Industrial Automation Business, Peter Terwiesch mentioned how helpful the new passenger vessels will be in a write up by, Asea Brown Boveri as he said: “Maid of the Mist’s decisive move towards e-mobility signals a new era in the future of transportation and complements ABB’s commitment to power the world without consuming the earth. Reducing emissions at Niagara Falls is not only important for the natural landmark but also proves that the technologies enabling sustainable mobility are already available today.” The new emission-free vessels will start operating from this year itself while the old ones will be discontinued. Image Courtesy: ABB

11 May 2019
Global Inspirations

Aerial Vehicles Are Being Used For Another Great Purpose

We have written about quite a lot of people who have been doing every possible thing for our environment. From planting trees to safeguarding the greenery, they are putting in immense effort to alter the scenario. But who knew an unmanned aerial vehicle will be used someday to do the same? With an urge to work on the ecosystem of Myanmar’s Yangon, tree planting drones were used to plant mangrove saplings in September 2018. The drones were provided by BioCarbon Engineering, a company which gives planting solutions to big scale projects. The organization has also collaborated with Worldview International Foundation and together they are working in Myanmar. They have planted more than 6 million trees along with the villagers and since planting with hands is difficult, aerial vehicles will be used to plant 4 million trees by the end of 2019. It has been said that 2 operators and 10 drones can plant 400,000 trees every day.  In a conversation regarding the initiative with Fast Company, the co-founder of BioCarbon Engineering, Irina Fedorenko said: “The project in Myanmar is all about community development and enabling people to care for trees, providing them with jobs, and making environmental restoration in a way that it’s profitable for people." The evolution of aerial vehicles is developing with every passing day and we are grateful to companies like BioCarbon Engineering for making the most out of drones. Image Courtesy: BioCarbon Engineering

10 May 2019
Global Inspirations

A Group Of Robotics Students Came Together To Make This 2-Year-Old Happy

It was an exhilarating and jovial day for 2-year-old Cillian when he received his power wheelchair. The little one’s parents wanted to buy the same for him but could not afford it. However, the act of kindness and giving has today altered their dream into reality. When Cillian’s father learned that the power wheelchair is way too expensive, he approached the Farmington High School’s robotics team. And on hearing his story, the students didn’t say no as they were ready to work on it. The students designed the power wheelchair out of a power wheels toy and also emphasized on the joystick which has Cillian written on top. Cillian finds it difficult to move his body and while talking about his condition to Kare 11, his father said: “He has an especially hard time controlling his body. He has a lot of symptoms you’d see in someone who has cerebral palsy.” It feels great when people take an initiative to help another human being. Cillian is happily riding his power wheelchair today and we are extremely proud of the ones who made this possible. Image Courtesy: PressFrom

9 May 2019
Global Inspirations

Here's Why Janne Kouri's Story Must Be Heard By All

Hope is one thing that keeps us going. Our abilities come into the picture right when we become headstrong about achieving a particular thing. Nothing can break us until and unless we decide to give up. Life took an unfair turn for Janne Kouri back in 2006. Amid a beach volleyball tournament, he decided to freshen up. And once he got into the sea a sandbar came in his way. After getting hit against it, Janne fractured his spinal cord and in a split second, he was paralyzed from his neck down. Doctors gave up on his condition and told him he would never be able to walk again. The accident and its consequence got imprinted in Janne’s mind but, that did not stop him from taking up an initiative which is extremely helpful for many of them out there. He came up with a non-profit organization called NextStep Fitness which offers fitness and rehab to paralyzed people and now he has taken up a journey which must be heard by all. Janne started riding on his power wheelchair from Los Angeles on March 10 and will conclude his journey in Washington DC on May 15. And the goal behind this embarkment is to raise funds for the US service members who are paralyzed. He is also raising awareness about paralysis through this journey. All that we can learn from Janne’s story is that quitting is not the solution when life gets tough. It may take something precious from us someday but, in return will offer more if we stand strong through the storm. Image Courtesy: NextStep Fitness

8 May 2019
Global Inspirations

This Edible Water Bottle Is A Great Source Of Hydration

Marathons and a bottle of potable drinking water go hand in hand but, the runners of London marathon were given something out of the box to quench their thirst. It’s essential to ensure zero waste by the end of any event. And keeping the same in mind, the organizers of LME chose to give a biodegradable capsule called OOHO to the participants instead of plastic water bottles. The OOHO blobs are made out of seaweed extract and are 100% edible. The ones designed for the marathon consist of Lucozade Sport orange, you can either pop it or have it naturally by giving the blob a bite. And if you don’t wish to eat it, throw it on the road as it will biodegrade in less than six weeks. More than 30, 000 biodegradable capsules were given to the participants which curbed down a huge amount of waste. Lucozade sports collaborated with Skipping Labs Rocks, a materials engineering company which designed the OOHO capsules. Their primary objective is to make packaging disappear hence; they want people to think outside the bottle. OOHO is a great source of hydration and we hope it gets launched in several other countries soon. Image Source: Material District

7 May 2019
Global Inspirations

This Brazilian Couple's Endeavor Resulted In Something Remarkable

Reports say that since the year 1960 several tropical forests have been demolished worldwide. Human actions such as deforestation and spreading wildfire have not only affected the animals but, has also impacted our environment. Urbanization has resulted in major drawbacks but, are we putting a stop to it? Similarly, destruction towards nature left Brazilian photographer, Sebastião Salgado in dismay owing to which he along with his wife decided to work on it. Sebastião was reporting the Rwandan genocide in 1994, he returned back to Brazil once he got done with the assignment but, couldn’t find solace in his hometown anymore. He was shocked to witness the condition of the land due to deforestation. More than three years ago he spoke with The Guardian about what he felt and how along with his wife he mended the land as Sebastião stated: “The land was as sick as I was – everything was destroyed.” “Only about 0.5% of the land was covered in trees. Then my wife had a fabulous idea to replant this forest. And when we began to do that, then all the insects and birds and fish returned and, thanks to this increase of the trees I, too, was reborn – this was the most important moment.” A dream of restoring a barren land which was once filled with greenery gave rise to the inception of Instituto Terra in 1998. A project set up by Sebastião and his family which has planted more than four million seedlings until now. The commendable works done by Instituto Terra made it a Private Natural Heritage Reserve. Stories like this inspire all of us to do our part. Participating in plantation drives will not only benefit nature but, will also make us responsible for our environment. Image Courtesy:  Instituto Terra

6 May 2019
Global Inspirations

Graduation Gear To Be Made Out Of Coca-Cola Plastic Bottles For The Students Of Atlanta Public Schools

People are coming up with unique ideas every now and then to make the most out of the waste that can be recycled but, who knew someday the idea of making cloaks with plastic bottles will come into the picture. The plastic bottles which were deposited at the headquarters of Coca-Cola throughout the Earth Day week will be utilized in making graduation robes and hats for the class of 2020 students of Atlanta Public Schools. Talking about the manufacturing of the graduation gear, pellets or small particles will be obtained from the broken bottles which will be woven into fabrics made out of polyester yarn. The materials will be then sent to a mill in order to stitch the cloak and the hat. In a report by Coca-Cola, the superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, Dr Meria Carstarphen stated that convocation day is an important part of their seniors’ lives. And while discussing it further she said: “Many of our students have persevered through adversity, overcome challenges and beat the odds to earn their diploma and carve out a bright future As such, donning caps and gowns in their splendid school colors on graduation day means so much to them.” She further mentioned how grateful they are to Coca-Cola for making graduation gear out of recycled products for their students. This way, the cost of the cloak and cap will be deducted from students’ fees which at times become difficult for parents to afford. It has been said that Americans are keen on recycling waste but, unaware of what to recycle. Therefore, Coca-Cola is collaborating with the non-profit partners and also local governments and consumers to organize collection campaigns not only in Atlanta but also in six other US cities. It will be a unique experience for the class of 2020 students of APS and we hope Coca-Cola comes up with more such unique ideas in the near future.

2 May 2019
Global Inspirations

Drone Built By Engineers Delivered A Kidney For Transplantation

Drones have come a long way, be it delivering products or managing a warehouse, aerial vehicles have evolved immensely. Humans are getting exposed to new technologies and ideas almost every now and then and most of them are making the best use of it. The engineers of the University of Maryland created wonders when a drone built by them delivered a kidney. The organ was successfully transplanted into a woman from Baltimore at the University of Maryland Medical Center who was going through dialysis. The drone was developed keeping all the measures in mind which ensured safe delivery. It has sensors which could observe the state of the organ. The unmanned aerial vehicle is equipped with eight rotors and a lot of powertrains. A wireless mesh is also built to check the status of the drone and also to pass information to the ground crew. And the researchers are calling it a human organ monitoring and quality assurance apparatus for long-distance travel. More than a hundred people were involved in making this initiative a success, a lot of testing session and hard work resulted in this incredible creativity. While discussing the same, the team leader of the project and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr Joseph Scalea quoted to Maryland Today: “As a result of the outstanding collaboration among surgeons, engineers, the Federal Aviation Administration, organ procurement specialists, pilots, nurses and, ultimately, the patient, we were able to make a pioneering breakthrough in transplantation.” Organ delivery is something crucial and with this creativity, we can certainly say that drones equipped with relevant technologies can be a safe medium for this purpose.

30 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

Loop, A Platform To Curb Down Consumer Waste

The increase in consumer waste is doing no good for the environment as a lot of materials don’t get recycled. But, a zero-waste platform called Loop initiated by TerraCycle is focusing on curbing down consumer waste. It is joining hands with consumer brands such as Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, P&G, Unilever, and many others to work on the mission. We generally dump a bottle of cream or a box of ice-cream after getting done with the products. Therefore, Loop plans to deliver the goods in a container that is reusable. The products will be delivered to the consumers in a bag which has different sections and once it gets over, they can put back the containers in the bag without cleaning them. Loop will get the containers sterilized in order to make them reusable. The consumers can also get it refilled if they want to. In a discussion regarding the initiative of Loop, the Chief R&D Officer of Unilever, David Blanchard told Forbes: “We believe Loop will complement our existing efforts to create a plastic system that works and a packaging system that is truly circular by design.” Loop is said to be launched in several parts of the US in the month of May. Image Courtesy: Mother Nature Network

29 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

Nepal Army Clears Trash From Mount Everest, Collects 2 Tons Of Garbage

People visit the mountains to witness how bewitching nature is but, sometimes the beauty gets covered up when the hills are strewed with garbage. Littering is causing a deluge of problems to the environment and us humans are to be blamed for it. Recently, Nepal Army put in all their efforts to clear 2 tons of trash from the Mount Everest which left us wondered how can people do something destructive like this to our mother nature? The laudable campaign was a part of 24th Annual Wildlife Week by Sagarmatha National Park Office and 2.5 tons of tool was brought to clear the trash. In order to dispose of the biodegradable waste, half of it was sent to Kathmandu through a social enterprise, Blue Waste to Value while the other half is being treated. Campaigns like this can not only keep the environment pristine but, can also generate awareness among people. Thus, an increase in such initiatives can benefit nature in every way.

28 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

NASA Astronaut, Christina Koch To Surpass The Record Of Longest Duration Spent In Space By A Woman

In 1937, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to fly to space, then came Svetlana Savitskaya who made two spaceflights for the very first time. The list of female spacefarers kept extending and all of them received recognition. On April 24, 2017, Peggy Whitson became the first female NASA astronaut to take the longest spaceflight as she set a record of spending 288 days in space which, Christina Koch is all set to break. It has been said that Christina reached the ISS on March 14 and will stay there until February 2020. NASA Astronauts, Andrew Morgan and Jessica Meir will also arrive at the space station after a few months and the former’s stay will be extended while the latter will leave early. Christina has contributed to scientific instruments while working as an electrical engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Laboratory. In 2013, NASA selected her as a part of Astronaut Group 21 and she got done with her training in 2015. In March, Christina was also supposed to be a part of first all-female spacewalk with army engineer and NASA astronaut, Anne McClain which got reassigned owing to spacesuit issues. Apart from working as an astronaut, Christina loves to backpack, travel and do photography. Image Source: Christina Koch's Twitter Handle

26 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

Electricity Can Now Be Generated From Snowfall Through This Device

The sight of snowfall excites us all. A lot of people even long for years to witness it but, who knew it would be capable of producing electricity someday. Scientists from UCLA have developed a low-cost device which is thin, flexible and looks small in size. Researchers say the device is a snow-based triboelectric which can also be called snow TENG. A charged electron flows from a positive end to a negative end and snow being positively charged will get captured by silicone which consists of oxygen and silicon atoms, combined with hydrogen, carbon and also other elements. So, when the snow falls, it will come in contact with the silicone surface and generate a charge in order to release electricity. A UCLA assistant researcher of chemistry and biochemistry, Maher El-Kady mentioned about the performance capacity of the device in a write-up by UCLA Newsroom as he stated: “While snow likes to give up electrons, the performance of the device depends on the efficiency of the other material at extracting these electrons. “After testing a large number of materials including aluminum foils and Teflon, we found that silicone produces more charge than any other material.” It has been said that the device generates its own power and can work in remote areas and also does not require batteries. It can be used for multiple reasons like monitoring an athlete’s performance, skiing, and various kinds of winter sports. Scientists and researchers are coming up with different innovations every now and then and with the addition of snow TENG, we have got another reason to be proud of how advanced the world has become.

26 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

RTS,S, World's First Ever Malaria Vaccine Gets Launched In Malawi, Ghana And Kenya Also To Get Access To It

Malaria is an alarming infectious disease in Africa. Reports say that numerous people died due to it in 2016 out of which most of them were children. A lot of measures have been taken to treat the problem but, it has not been eliminated completely. But, the good news is, Malawi, an African country recently launched the world’s first malaria vaccine in a pilot programme which will also be available in Ghana and Kenya. The vaccine is known as RTS,S and it has been said that about 360, 000 children up to the age of 2 years will be vaccinated every year across Malawi, Ghana, and Kenya. In a write-up by World Health Organization, the Regional Director for WHO, Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti mentioned about the scenario owing to malaria in the country as she stated: “Malaria is a constant threat in the African communities where this vaccine will be given. The poorest children suffer the most and are at the highest risk of death.” The Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said a huge gain from the bed nets have been observed in the past 15 years but, the progress has hindered and have even been reversed in some of the areas. But the vaccine seems like a promising tool. Africa has seen the worst due to the malaria epidemic as more than 250, 000 children die from it every year in the country. But it feels like the time has come to safeguard the children from the deadly disease. We hope the RTS,S vaccine results in something phenomenal.

25 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

This Blind Japanese Sailor Sets An Incredible Record, Completes A Non-Stop Pacific Voyage

They say it’s important to look at the brighter side to live life a bit more rather to the fullest. But, is it necessary to witness everything to understand what life is? Japanese sailor, Mitsuhiro Iwamoto reached a monumental height after completing a non-stop voyage from San Diego to Fukushima Prefecture. Self-belief played a big role when something incredible like this happened and his lost eye-sight did not stop him from completing the two-month long journey. The 52-year-old blind sailor looked extremely happy and sported a wide smile with a victory sign after completing the voyage. Mitsuhiro was accompanied by a sighted navigator, Doug Smith in his 40 ft. boat called, Dream Weaver. In 2013, he tried to complete the journey for the first time but, unfortunately, his boat sank owing to hitting a whale. However, he succeeded at his second attempt and became the first blind person to sail across the Pacific Ocean. Mitsuhiro expressed is happiness to Japan’s Kyodo News by stating: "I didn't give up and I made a dream come true. I'm the happiest person on earth."  It may take time to achieve something that you have longed for since ages thus, patience is essential. Mitsuhiro’s story tells us that it’s fine to fail in life because the real joy of success can be felt if you have experienced failure. Image Courtesy: Go Fund Me 

25 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

This Four-Legged Pooch Loves To Pick Up Trash And Keep The Environment Clean

Nature is the most precious gift of God and we are told to look after it with utmost care. On Earth Day a lot of people urged to keep the environment clean and listed down the problems our mother nature is facing. We are certainly aware of people who are doing a great job to conserve our planet. But, did you know a four-legged pooch is also contributing to keeping the surrounding of Mesa, Arizona clean? Chipper the 8-year-old rescue dog loves to pick up trash. His owner Katie Pollak appreciates whenever he picks up a plastic bottle, the day she realized Chipper has a knack for picking up plastic bottles she encouraged him and also rewarded him for his good deed. While talking about how people get excited to see what Chipper actually does, Katie told the 3rd hour of Today, "I'll go to group cleanups in the area, and when people see him, they're like, 'Chipper's here!' So everyone gets to come to meet him and see what he's all about." Katie and Chipper love taking a stroll around their area and also indulge in adventures such as paddleboarding and hiking. From crushed beer cans to all sorts of garbage, they collect everything to keep the environment clean. Katie adopted Chipper in 2011 and today they have become a great team and do amazing work for the planet earth together. And if Captain Planet ever needed a sidekick, Chipper would have been a great guy.

23 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

Meet the Waterman of Tsavo: Patrick Mwalua

The residents of Tsavo (A region of Kenya) had experienced severe droughts in the past owing to lack of rains which not only affected people but, also the wildlife. The 2009 drought resulted in the deaths of numerous animals at the Tsavo West National Park and to hinder such circumstances Patrick Mwalua makes sure the animals are getting access to potable water. Patrick feels people of Kenya don’t have the desire to do much for the wild animals. Hence, he wanted to emphasis on wildlife since the beginning. He is popularly known as the ‘Waterman of Tsavo’ for providing clean drinking water to the wild animals of Tsavo West National Park on a regular basis. He travels 70 km every day with a blue rental water truck and the animals rejoice on seeing Patrick as they get to quench their thirst. A single truck of water costs $250. However, lately, Patrick is not being able to work much for wild animals due to kidney failure. The dialysis makes him extremely worn out which restrains him from giving a lot of time to the wildlife. Most of us think of our comfort level first rather considering others' and Patrick is someone just the opposite. He is one such person who has dedicated a huge part of his life to the wild animals. We hope he gets well soon. Image Courtesy: The Weather Channel

22 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

Kevin Gatlin Creates Fun Bedsheet For Children's Hospital Beds

Anyone who has spent days and nights in a hospital is aware of how tedious it can get. The environment in a hospital is saddening, it can be depressive and monotonous for anyone, especially children. Thus, keeping that in mind, Kevin Gatlin from Charlotte, North Carolina introduced Playtime Adventures through which he comes up with bedsheets designed for kids’ hospital beds. And these bedsheets are not only colourful but, also features geographical facts, numerical, several interactive games, science, grammar and so on.Ke Kevin was disheartened to see his friend’s child lying on a hospital bed once as he was only confined to his bed and the four white walls of the room. The situation reminded him of his son and he thought to himself what the condition could have been if the kid was his own child. And it was then when the idea of creating Playtime bedsheets struck him. Therefore, he joined hands with parents and teachers to develop the thought. People can buy these bedsheets online and donate to the hospitals. Kevin says that until now he knows of ten hospitals who have used his bedsheets and he wishes the number to increase at an extensive rate. Kevin’s initiative is nothing short of a class apart. We hope he brings smiles to several other tiny faces. Image Courtesy: Twiniversity

9 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

This Car Washing Enterprise Aims At Making Autistic People Independent

The capabilities of an autistic person are often doubted but, for the founders of Rising Tide Car Wash in Parkland, Florida, autism is not a disability. Founded by the father-son duo, John and Tom D’Eri, the enterprise has employed most of their employees with autism. Through this act, they work towards changing the perception of people regarding autism. By employing autistic people, they also give them an opportunity to be independent. Tom’s brother Andrew is also autistic and they didn’t know how he would cope with the world or make a career when he grows up. But today Andrew is leading a normal life and working happily at the Rising Tide Car wash. The father-son duo has set equal standards at work and they expect their autistic employees to meet their goals because they are no different for them. Every autistic person at Rising Tide Car wash comes every day with the purpose of working hard and to become their best selves.   John and Tom’s endeavour has changed the lives of around 80 autistic people. Today they are confident and working shoulder to shoulder with each other in a place where they are treated normally. Image Courtesy: JosefShomperlen,net

6 Apr 2019
Global Inspirations

Oslo Plans To Become The First City To Introduce Wireless Charging For Electric Taxis

Oslo is all set to bring in a dynamic change for the electric taxis in the city. The legislators of the Norwegian capital have joined hands with clean energy companies, Fortum and Momentum Dynamics to install wireless charging system for electric taxis. The project plans to fix the charging plate in the road which will connect to an electrical receiver in the taxi. This setup will allow the vehicle to charge up to 75 kilowatts. The main motto behind this project is to make an emission-free cab system in the city by 2023. According to a report by Reuters, Norway bought a total number of 46,143 new electric battery cars last year leaving behind the counts of France and Germany. With this initiative, the taxi drivers don’t have to find for a charger when needed, they can just drive to the charging point and the vehicle will automatically start getting charged. This way, the electric taxi will also receive renewable energy. Emission of waste products from vehicles results in enormous damages to the environment. Thus, this endeavour will lead to several benefits for the people of Oslo. Image Courtesy: Fleet Europe

30 Mar 2019
Global Inspirations

From A Refugee To A Chess Champion, Here's Why Tanitoluwa Adewumi's Story Must Be Heard

Presence of mind and intelligence are two of the biggest things which can help any living being cope with a difficult situation. 8-year-old Tanitoluwa Adewumi not only became the New York State Chess Champion in his age category but, he achieved the title while residing in a homeless shelter in Manhattan. And he also mastered the game within a year of learning. Tanitoluwa fled from Nigeria with his parents and brother in 2017 in order to escape the attacks by Boko Haram terrorist group, but none of that has been a hindrance in his way. Tanitoluwa took help from a pastor after fleeing from Nigeria who made him get through an elementary school and soon after that he started taking chess classes there. Tanitoluwa’s mother, Oluwatoyin Adewumi said that she couldn’t afford the charges for the chess class but, Russell Makofsky, the teacher of the program waived Tanitoluwa’s fees. When he played his first tournament he acquired the lowest score of 105 and today his rating is 1587. Moving to a shelter in Manhattan was a life-changing scenario for Tanitoluwa and his family. Apart from making his parents proud, he has also earned quite a name among his mentors. In a conversation with New York Times, Tanitoluwa’s chess teacher in school, Shawn Martinez stated: “He does 10 times more chess puzzles than the average kid. He just wants to be better.” We hope Tanitoluwa excels in every chess match and bags more championships. Image Courtesy: BRILA

29 Mar 2019
Global Inspirations

Power Of Numbers And Formulas: Karen Uhlenbeck Is The First Woman To Bag The Abel Prize

Today’s women are independent, successful and way ahead in life. Be it sports, celluloid, civil services or academics, women play a significant role in every field and Karen Uhlenbeck is one such woman who has bagged the Abel Prize award. This prestigious award for mathematics was given to a woman for the first time ever on Tuesday. 76-year-old Karen was felicitated with the Abel Prize for her achievements in gauge theory, geometric partial differential equations, and integrable systems. One of her major contributions was her theory of predictive mathematics which was inspired by soap bubbles. She is also known for introducing techniques which are now used by several mathematicians. Along with the award also comes a prize of $700,000 which will be presented to Karen by the king of Norway in May. Karen is a visiting associate at the Institute of Advanced Study situated in Princeton and has brought in some commendable changes in the landscape of mathematics. In the year 1990, she was the second woman to give a plenary talk at the International Congress of Mathematicians. Reminiscing about her achievements in the past, she told The New York Times: “Looking back now I realize that I was very lucky.” I was in the forefront of a generation of women who actually could get real jobs in academia.” Karen also added, like others she also had a role model who was Julia Child. Karen’s passion for formulas and numerical has made her one of the influential women in the world, especially for those who love calculations and are fascinated with numbers. Image Courtesy: heavy.com

28 Mar 2019
Global Inspirations

6-Year-Old Avett Ray Maness Is The New Internet Star

Image Courtesy: boingboing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody still gives goosebumps to those who are a huge fan of Freddie Mercury. It is one of the legendary songs of the album “A Night at the Opera” and 6-year-old Avett Ray Maness from Dayton, Ohio has done absolute justice to it. The internet is going gaga over his performance and calling Avett a child prodigy. He learned the piano all by himself despite being blind in one eye and having a slight vision in the other due to optic nerve fibroplasia. Avett’s interest started getting inclined towards playing the piano when he was just 11 months old. His mother, Sara Moore even told CBS News "The moment he could pull himself to reach the piano, he was playing the melody to 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” And since that discovery, he has been learning new techniques of the instrument from his piano teacher. Avett’s favourite singer is Adele and in one of his videos, he asks his mother to send his songs to the superstar. That video was so adorable that it went viral on the internet and since then Avett has been garnering recognition. The child prodigy has performed for the faculty and staff members of Centerville, Ohio and that was marked as one of his biggest performances as he showcased his talent in front of 900 people. Avett will be next performing in April for a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser and we are sure he will win several other hearts yet again.

26 Mar 2019
Global Inspirations

Low Cost Bamboo House Can Be Built in Just Four Hours

Video: Breaking News - 'Four-hour' bamboo house wins top prize - Courtesy Breaking News Today. Earl Forlales, a twenty-three-year-old in the Philippines has recently been awarded £50,000 for the Cities of our Future price for his use of low cost sustainable material and also considering the speed of construction. This is a bamboo house which is affordable and can also be built in just four hours.  Forlales is a graduate in material science engineering and was awarded the first prize by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) for his house known as Cubo. This house is not only a low-cost but made of sustainable material. The thought of making this type of houses came to him from the bamboo hut in which his grandparents used to live.  John Hughes, the competition head judge and Rics president, said: “The world’s cities are growing all the time and there is a real need to make sure they are safe, clean and comfortable places to live for future generations. “There were many exciting, original designs among the submissions. However, Earl’s idea stood out for its simple yet well thought through solution to the world’s growing slum problem. As we look at our entrants, who are our next generation of leaders, I believe that real progress will be made in tackling the world’s biggest issues.”  Dr Beth Taylor, a competition judge and the chair of the UK National Commission for Unesco, said: “One of the reasons Earl’s entry stood out from the other finalists was through its use of traditional, sustainable technologies and materials, to solve an issue facing modern cities across the world.”  Earl's low cost Cubo house is truly a great solution to the world.

21 Jan 2019
Global Inspirations

Gita Gopinath the First Woman to Occupy the Top IMF Post.  

Gita Gopinath, born in India, Mysore now becomes the first woman to occupy the top position in IMF. Gita Gopinath joins International Monetary Fund as its chief economist. She is a US citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India. She did her bachelor's degree from the University of Delhi and her master’s degree from the Delhi School of Economics and the University of Washington. She joined the University of Chicago in 2001 and received her PhD in economics from Princeton University before moving to Harvard in 2005.  Gita Gopinath 47, is the 11th economist of the IMF. She is an inspiration for many with a wonderful leadership quality in her and also a perfect role model for women across the world. The announcement of her appointment was done on Ist October at that time IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde described her as one of the world's outstanding economists with impeccable academic credentials.

8 Jan 2019
Global Inspirations

A New Station For Karina Kozlova

The Saint Petersburg-Murmansk train introduced a new route to help a 14 year old reach school. The train previously stopped at the Poyakonda which is a rural locality in Kandalakshsky District of Murmansk Oblast, Russia only to pick up the railway staff and for technical issues. Karina and her grandmother boarded the train at the same time as the railway staff and had to wait hours for their return journey. According to news reports, Karina's village can only be reached by the 10km forest road, hence sending a school bus to pick up the school kid is also impossible.  This step to introduce a new stop by the railways will help the little children who had to wait long hours before reaching home. Poyakonda is said to have only 50 residents. "Every morning, I waited for the children by the village kiosk, then we walked 1km (0.6 miles) to the Poyakonda station," Ms Kozlova tells Gudok newspaper.

15 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

Indian Born Engineer Awarded With An Oscar

Vikas Sathaye, an Indian-born engineer won an Oscar at the Oscars 2018 Scientific and Technical Awards in Beverly Hills on Saturday. This award was presented for the concept, design, engineering and implementation of the Shotover K1 Camera system. According to the Times of India report, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences described the camera system as a 'six-axis stabilised aerial camera mount' that has an 'enhanced ability to frame shots while looking straight down', Sathaye who won the Oscar was born in Pune and grew up in Mumbai after his schooling. He completed his graduation with a BE in electronics from VIT Pune and an MTech in instrumentation from IISc.

12 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

Colour Palette In Phillipines

The Hot Air Balloon festival was started at Clark in the Pampanga province, north of Manila in the Philippines. The festival was started on the 9th of February. Various countries displayed different shapes and coloured Air Balloons. On the first day of the 22nd Hot Air Balloon Festival, The Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers also performed. This was the first performance by the group at the event.

11 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Lits Up With Indian Tricolor

On Saturday, Dubai's iconic buildings lit up with the tricolour of Indian Flag. This gesture by Dubai was to give a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who visited Dubai on Saturday evening. Burj Khalifa, world's tallest building, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and the world's largest frame Dubai Frame were shining with the Indian tricolour. PM Modi reached Dubai on Saturday and will be given a ceremonial reception. The Prime Minister is said to meet the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential palace.

10 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

SuperShe Island Resort.

We've seen gyms only for women, taxis driven by women and social clubs for women, but Kristine Roth is creating a women only resort. Kristine Roth is creating an exclusive resort off the coast of Finland which is said to serve as a luxury retreat for women. The resort is named as SuperShe Island and will be operational from June 2018. The idea behind this Island is to focus on yourself and enjoy you're own company away from the chaos. The stay at Kristine Roth's SuperShe Island isn't cheap and is said to cost you a seven day stay starting at US$3,500.

9 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

An Airplane Restaurant

Have you ever imagined dining in a Cold warplane? For the first time ever, Cleveland will have a restaurant made out a Cold warplane, Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter. The plane was unused for 40 years before it was purchased by the International Exposition( I-X) centre. The I-X centre will showcase the restoration of the plane's exterior from March 16-18. The plane hotel is set to open by 2020 with an open seating area for 50 people. "From aviation enthusiasts to parents with young, curious children, the restaurant will attract people from Northeast Ohio and beyond," said Lisa Vo, executive vice president of the I-X Center.

8 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

Floating Burger Joint In Dubai

Dubai is an abode to beautiful landmarks for tourists to visit and recently got a unique addition to it. A floating food truck, Aqua Pod was opened on 31st January. Aqua Pod, launched in Dubai's lagoons is the world's first sustainable drive through and will have its kitchen located in the water. The food will be served to the customers through jet skies, boats and yachts. This first outlet of this water eatery has got its name as Salt Bay. Explaining the concept behind this outlet, Ahmed the architect behind this project said, People in Dubai are always surrounded by water and therefore there was a need for a floating food truck.

7 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

India's Global Tech Event To Be Attended By Humanoid Sophia

The 22nd edition of World Congress on Information Technology(WCIT) will be hosted by India for the first time on February 19.  The highlight of the show will be Sophia, the robot. This humanoid has been in news for quite some time and will be the first humanoid to get a citizenship as a Saudi national.  At the WCIT, Sophia will make a public appearance with its inventor. Prior to this, Sophia made her first appearance at the TechFest organised by IIT Bombay in last November.

6 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

World's Tiniest Satellite Carrying- Rocket By Japan

Japan launched a microsatellite on Saturday after a failed attempt of the same in last year in January.  The rocket is said to be as small as a utility pole of a size 10 metres in length and 50 centimetres in diameter.   The rocket was lifted off from the Uchinoura Space Centre in Kagoshima Prefecture. The launch was successful and the satellite weighs about 3 kilograms.  It was developed by the University of Tokyo to college images of Earth's surface.

5 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

Ras al-Khaimah Has The Longest Zip Line.

After launching its longest zip line of 2.83 km, Ras-al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates made a world record.The zip line was certified by the Guinness Book Of Records. This was done by the smaller, lesser-known emirate of Ras al-Khaimah to attract more tourists and visitors to this place. Scrapping through the sky in Zip lines is enjoyed and loved by many people at large.This activity and zip line will allow you to witness the beautiful sky and the earth in the most adventurous ride.

3 Feb 2018
Global Inspirations

January 31st - Super Blood Blue Moon

This January 31st may, United States may witness a cosmic event which hasn't been witnessed in almost 36 years. This lunar eclipse has been the talk as it will combine three extraordinary lunar events --a moon larger than its usual size with a blue moon and a total lunar eclipse. This time of eclipse takes place when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit. This full moon is a third in a series of "supermoons".This eclipse will showcase moon's movement in the earth's shadow and gradually turning into a white disk of light to orange or red. This event will last for one hour and 16 minutes where one will notice the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth visible before dawn across the western United States and Canada people in the Middle East, Asia, eastern Russia, Australia and New Zealand can see the same eclipse during the evening, as the moon rises.

30 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

NASA Shows Interest In India-Made Technology For Spacecraft

We all know India has the most innovative minds but due to lack of good employment, every engineer turns to western countries. Dr. Satish Tailor a Rajasthan-based researcher came up with a new thermal spray coating technology which caught the attention of NASA scientist. Not only did he did he show his interest but also wrote to the Dr. Tailor and expressed his desire in the research. This technology was published in the journal Ceramics International and Thermal Spray Bulletin. Talking about the benefits of the technology, Dr Tailor said coating is beneficial for gas turbine engine application used in spacecraft. Dr. Tailor said he had shared his research papers with the NASA scientist and also spoke about the scientists working at the country’s leading research organisations — the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) who are equally impressed with the new technology.

29 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Smallest Meets The Tallest.

We all have seen weird things and people around the globe. Coming across unique people shows a different world of creations.  Such was a sight when the world's tallest man and smallest woman met in Egypt. Sultan Kosen from Turkey is the tallest living man in the world and Jyoti Amge, who hails from India is the smallest woman in the world.` The two were spotted there promoting tourism in Egypt. The duo was snapped posing in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Soon after which the photo went viral which portrayed a 8 feet 1 inch tall Sultan Kosen and 2 ft Jyoti Amge.   

29 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Federer Creates History As He Becomes First Man To Win 20 Slam Titles

Roger Federer became the first man to win 20 Grand Slam titles when he defeated Marin Cilic 6-2  6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 6-1 in Australian Open final in Melbourne. He is the only male in the club of 20 or more singles Slam winners. He has 6 Australian Open titles, 1 French Open, 8 Wimbledon and 5 US Open titles to his credit. Federer also equalled the record of 6 Australian Open wins held by Roy Emerson and Novak Djokovic. For Federer, it was a dream come true. He is the second oldest player ever to win a Slam title and he said that the fairy tale continues.

29 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

NASA Honours Kalpana Chawla And 6 Members Of Final Crew Of Space Shuttle Columbia

NASA paid a special musical tribute to the seven astronauts including the first woman of Indian origin astronaut Kalpana Chawla who were killed 15 years ago in the Columbia space shuttle. Singer and songwriter Tal Ramon, son of Isreal’s first astronaut Ilan Ramon joined a few hundred others at Kennedy Space Center to remember the Columbia crew and other astronauts who perished in the line of duty over the decades. The shuttle shattered in the sky due to a hole in one of its wings just minutes before a Florida touchdown. Seven hills where NASA’s rover Spirit spent several years exploring the Martian terrain are named in remembrance of the final crew of Space Shuttle Columbia.

29 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Four Chinese Students Successfully Complete “200 Days On Moon” Experiment

China set a world record for the longest stay in a self-contained "cabin” when two men and two women volunteered and spent 200 days in a simulated space lab in Beijing. The group of biomedicine students stayed in Yuegong-1, also known as Lunar Palace 1and completed the second phase of the  365-day on-ground experiment Friday. Now, another group which had stayed in the lab for 60 days earlier will replace this group for the third and final phase which will last 105 days. The experiment was designed to see how the Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS), in which animals, plants and microorganisms co-exist, works in a lunar environment, as well as the physical and mental conditions of humans in such an environment.

27 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Beating Spain And Russia , India Ranks 17th Most-Forward Looking Nation

India has made it in the top 20 most-forward looking countries by bagging the 17th rank leaving Spain and Russia behind.  Even after being cornered by controversies of Love Jihad, Padmavat, Hindu Muslim riots and many more, India is still continuing to grow and push towards advancement and education.  While China bagged the 5th spot which is understandable and Pakistan merely a 66th due to the various issues, India is surely making us proud by bagging a 17th spot. 

26 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Know More About The World’s Only Underwater Mailbox

A postmaster in Japan came up with a novel idea to attract tourists to his village in the Nishimuro District of Japan – and it worked. Toshihiko Matsumoto conceived the idea of an underwater mailbox which is very popular with tourists. So far, 38,000 postcards have been mailed through the underwater post box. Every day, dive shop owner Hiroaki Yamatani collects the mail which is all written in oil on waterproof paper and delivers them to the post office where they are sent to their respective addresses. In addition to being the world’s only underwater mailbox, it also holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s deepest mailbox at 32 feet (100 meters) deep.

26 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

In A First, Drones Rescue Boys Stuck At Sea

For the first time in the world, a drone was used to rescue two boys caught in an ocean swell off the eastern coast of Australia on Thursday. Jai Sheridan, the 2017 New South Wales Lifeguard of the Year happened to be training with the drone when he got the news about the boys. He steered the drone which is equipped with a flotation pod that can be dropped into the sea, toward the swimmers, who were about half a mile away. After spotting them, he dropped the pod with pinpoint accuracy.  The boys grabbed onto it and with its help, reached the shore where a team of lifeguards greeted the two who. They were unharmed. The Surf Lifesaving website called it a “world first.”

25 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Nature Lover Stays On A Tree For More Than A Year To Stop Logging Of Endangered Forests

Miranda Gibson, a teacher by profession put her career on hold and mentally prepared herself to live on a tree to stop the logging of endangered forests in Styx Valley in Tasmania. She stayed atop the tree without touching the ground for 14 months and took pictures of loggers who were deterred by her actions. When she finally descended on the ground, she was hailed as a hero for protecting the forest. Miranda’s deep and abiding love of nature gave her the courage to take this bold step. She is the spokesperson for Australian grass-roots forest advocacy group Still Wild Still Threatened, is involved in the monitoring of native wildlife and endangered species in threatened forests and is the co-author of the book Flora and Fauna Guide to the Upper Florentine Valley.

25 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Scientists Delighted At Spotting One Of The Rarest Fishes

The Red Handfish, a very rare species, (only 20 to 40 of them were thought to be left) is found only in south-eastern Tasmania, an isolated island state. Now, a new group of Red Handfish also of 20 to 40 individuals have been identified which is a cause of excitement to researchers. They haven’t disclosed the location and will wait until the conservation plan for the area was discussed. Scientist Rick Stuart-Smith said that the finding is a huge relief as it effectively doubles how many of them are thought to be left on the planet. The handfish is between six to 13.5 cm long. They have an elongated body and use their pectoral fins in an unusual manner to walk slowly over the sea bottom in search of food.  

25 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

This 12 Year Old Holds World Record In Playing Highest Number Of Musical Instruments

Neil Nayyar from California is a musical genius who holds the Assist Foundation’s world record for being the youngest person to proficiently play the highest number of musical instruments. Neil spends six hours per day practising all of his musical tools. He learns most of his music by ear and takes lessons from seven teachers in his local area. He also has five teachers on Skype. He can play instruments like trumpet, drums, flute, harp, bulal tarang and shehnai. His next goal is to play 100 instruments by the time he turns 13 years old.

24 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe To Go Closest To The Sun

NASA is planning to launch a spacecraft that will get closest to the Sun than any other man-made object before. It’s Parker Solar Probe mission will begin its historic journey this summer when it will come within 4 million miles (6.4 million km) of the Sun's surface and will travel at a speed of around 725,000 kmph. One of its biggest challenges will be to battle an approximately 1,700-degree celsius heatwave while maintaining all the lab equipment at roughly room-temperature inside it. The spacecraft has been subjected to several tests to ensure an error-free flight. It has a Solar probe Cup that will scoop up samples from high energy particles escaping the Sun.    

24 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Scientists Identify A Moss That Removes Lead From Water

Lead-contaminated water is a serious threat to the environment if left untreated. Now, scientists have identified a type of moss that can efficiently absorb a large amount of lead. While the typical way to remove lead or other heavy metals from water requires fossil fuels and a tremendous amount of energy, this moss will prove to be a green alternative for decontaminating polluted water and soil. This moss can be included in the phytoremediation process which is a method that uses photosynthesizing organisms to clean up soil or water contamination.

23 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Know more about record breaking Danish wind power

The government of Denmark has a very ambitious goal to cover 50 percent of the country’s energy needs by renewable energy, such as wind and solar power by 2030. For the past ten years, Denmark is making records in wind power generation. In 2017, Danish land and sea wind turbines produced the equivalent of 43.4 percent of total Danish electricity consumption.   Short distances and a collaborative attitude have made it easy for the wind power industry to achieve good results. The higher records will continue to be achieved as new offshore wind farms are developed.

23 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Britain Appoints First Ever Minister For Loneliness

British PM Theresa May appointed Tracey Crouch as the first ever minister for loneliness to tackle the suffering of a growing number of Britons affected by isolation. Last year Jo Cox Commission was set up in honour of the late Labour MP who had campaigned about loneliness. Crouch will be implementing recommendations from the commission. In the wake of a research that stated over 9 million people feel lonely, while 2,00,000 older people haven't had a single conversation with a friend or relative for more than a month, the Office for National Statistics will help devise a method of measuring loneliness and a fund will be set up to allow the government to find innovative ways to deal with the problem across all ages, backgrounds and communities.  

22 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Shake Up In Rankings As United Airlines’ Flight Is Now The World’s Third Longest

United Airlines’ new Houston-Sydney flight which covers a distance of 13,834 kilometres in 17.5 hours has now become the third longest flight in the world by scheduled flight time. The United Airlines flight has started service from its hub in Houston, Texas, to Sydney, Australia. The world's longest flight is Qatar Airways' Auckland-Doha flight, which takes 18 hours and 20 minutes. It is followed by United Airlines' Los Angeles-Singapore flight, which takes 17 hours and 55 minutes.

21 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Alpha Bikes for the Corporates

Technology is changing every day and the innovations have never failed to surprise us. Pragma Industries a French start-up is the first company that has started the production of hydrogen-powered bicycles for use in various corporates. ‎Priced at 7500 euros per bike, this bike runs for 100km (62 miles) on a two-litre tank of hydrogen. The alpha bike unlike other electric bikes which take hours to charge takes only a few minutes to refill. ‎Founder and CEO Pierre Forte tells us about their future plans which include, cutting down the price to 5000 euros for consumers. Currently, Pragma Industries sold 60 alpha bikes to French municipalities. ‎Talking about the uniqueness, Forte said we are the first to move to a series production. He also spoke about entering the consumer market in the next two-three years and increasing their scale of operations.

21 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Soon, A Blood Test To Detect Cancer

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are excited about the positive results of a blood test that can detect as many as eight types of cancer, including the most deadly ones in the early stages. Currently, there is lack of effective screening tools for cancer and most deadly ones are detected only in the later stages. Many groups are working on liquid biopsy tests, which look for DNA and other things that tumors shed into blood, to try to find cancer before it spreads when chances of cure are best.  

19 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Soon, A Simple Test To Identify Contaminated Water

Researchers in the UK have developed a simple, paper-based device that can be used to test if a water sample is contaminated, providing a low-cost way for developing countries to curb the spread of water-borne diseases. The device consists of a microbial fuel cell (MFC), obtained by screen printing biodegradable carbon electrodes onto a single piece of paper. The MFC uses the natural biological processes of 'electric' bacteria - attached to the carbon electrodes - to generate an electric signal. A change in the electric signal occurs when these bacteria are exposed to polluted water, triggering a warning that the water is unsafe.

19 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Longest Underwater Cave Identified In Mexico

A group of divers from the Gran Acuifero Maya project had identified a  347-km-long flooded cave in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula as the longest underwater cave system. The group, after months of exploring a maze of underwater channels,  found that the cave system known as Sac Actun, once measured at 263 km, connected with the 83km Dos Ojos system making it the biggest flooded cave on the planet. The discovery could also help shed new light on the ancient Maya civilization and help to understand the development of the rich culture of the region.

18 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Australia Will Pay For Ideas To Save Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is reeling from significant coral bleaching due to warming sea temperatures linked to climate change and the Australian government is pulling out all the stops to protect and conserve them. It is urging the world's top scientific minds to come out with ideas to help save the Great Barrier Reef, even offering hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund research into protecting the world's largest living structure. The 2,300-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef is under pressure from farming runoff, development and predatory crown-of-thorns starfish, with experts warning it could be suffering irreparable damage.

18 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

The Two Koreas Will Unite For Winter Olympics

In a meeting held on Wednesday, both North and South Korea have decided to form a combined women’s ice hockey team to take part in next month’s Winter Olympics which will be held in  PyeongChang in South Korea. According to a joint statement released by Seoul’s unification ministry, the two Koreas also agreed to march together under a unified peninsula flag at the opening ceremony. North Korea will send a 550-member delegation of about 550, including 230 cheerleaders, 140 artists and 30 Taekwondo players which is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Jan. 25.

18 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

China Tests World’s Biggest Air Purifier

With increasing reports of pollution and smog in China, scientists there have come up with an experimental air purifying tower, touted to be the world’s biggest at a height of over 100 meters (328 feet). According to reports, it has brought a positive effect on the chronic smog problem in the country.  The tower is built in Xian in Shaanxi province and is undergoing testing by researchers at the Institute of Earth Environment at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Research Head, Cao Junji, said that the tower has managed to produce more than 10 million cubic metres (353 million cubic feet) of clean air a day since its launch.  

17 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Beautifully Designed Manhole Covers Give An Aesthetic Look To Japanese Streets

Japan has found an artistic way of covering up manholes by elaborately designed and colorful manhole covers with 12,000 local varieties nationwide - including, of course, a Hello Kitty design. The colorful and hand painted manhole covers adorn the streets of 1,700 towns, cities and villages across Japan and have spawned a collection craze among so-called "manholers". The designs represent the culture of the place and act as an instant guide: a castle design for an ancient town, a bay bridge for a port and Mt Fuji for a city at the foot of Japan's iconic mountain.

17 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Science To Help You Understand Pet’s Language

Pet owners and animal lovers can rejoice as American scientists may soon come up with a ‘Pet translator that will enable them to communicate with their pets effectively. Scientists are currently working on dogs wherein their barks and body movements are captured with videos. Once the data is collected in form video then the same can be added as an algorithm. This technology could help humans better understand dogs and their behavior. Soon we can expect an AI device that can translate dog’s barks into English words or sentences.

16 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Mining Company Makes A Sparkling Discovery

In a landmark discovery, UK-based mining company Gem Diamonds uncovered what is thought to be the world’s fifth largest diamond in Lesotho, an African nation.Experts say that the 910-carat diamond is of exceptional quality and is estimated worth is  $40 million (over ₹254 crore). Gem Diamonds acquired Letseng in 2006 and since then the mine has produced some of the world's most remarkable diamonds, including the 603-carat 'Lesotho Promise.' The biggest uncut diamond found in a century is a rough diamond from Botswana, believed to be, sold for $53 million in September 2017.  

15 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

World’s Largest Prime Number Discovered

John Pace has loved math since high school. Currently, he is a FedEx employee and is also credited with discovering the largest prime number currently known. A number is prime when it can only be divided by an integer that is itself or the number one. So five is a prime number, but six is not. The largest prime number is a whopping 23.2 million digits long. It’s expressed as 2 to the power of 77,232,917 - 1.  Pace, who took the help of a computer to discover the number explains why he loves maths,  “Math is structured, you always get the same answer if you do it the right way, every time.”  

15 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Study Shows Yoga Slows Down Ageing Process

A recent study has revealed that yoga might help in the prevention of age-related degeneration. The study states that the ageing process has an active role on degenerative changes in autonomic functions, and monoamines as well as levels of BDNF, which may revert back towards normal or near- normal levels through yogic practice in healthy active males. The study was conducted by the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) which is a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

15 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Saudi Arabia Hosts First Car Show Exclusively For Women

Saudi Arabia will end its ban on women drivers by June and ahead of it, the kingdom has hosted its first car exhibition aimed at women. It was the only country to impose a ban on women drivers and that was seen as a sign of suppression of women. Women flocked to Le Mall in Jeddah to check out the kingdom’s first car exhibition aimed at women. The recent ascent to power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been regarded by many young Saudis as a sign of liberalism and progress.

13 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Soon You Can Peel Onions Sans Tears

A new breed of onions has been developed in America which, while peeling will not trigger any tears. Scientists and farmers all over the world have been trying to develop tear-free onions for decades and it took more than 30 years for crop scientists to finally produce the "sunion" described as crunchy and full of sweetness and unlike traditional varieties won't bring tears to the eyes. These onions are smaller than normal onions but if kept in a cool dark place, they can stay fresh for up to six months. The sunions are not genetically modified but are developed through natural cross-breeding. They have gone on sale in the United States and there are plans to make it available in the United Kingdom.  

13 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

The Sahara Desert With A Different And A Magnificent Look!

As climate change continues to affect lives, Australia recorded highest temperatures since 1939 and Sahara desert got covered with layers of snow, a third time in 40 years. The desert looked gorgeous with layers of snow intermittently strewn over the orange desert. The BBC reported that the desert was covered in 16 inches of snow. The residents in the town of Ain Sefra awoke on Sunday morning to see that it has snowed. Though it was an unusual sight, people all over the world are amazed by the incredible pictures of the  Sahara.

12 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

World’s Largest Solar-Thermal Plant To Come Up In Australia

Australia is all set to host the world’s largest solar-thermal power plant as its government approved a proposal of a US-based company, SolarReserve that intends to set up a 150-megawatt plant in the Australian state. The facility, worth ₹3,200 crore, will create 650 construction jobs and 50 ongoing positions when completed. It will be able to power 90,000 homes with eight hours of full load storage. This world-leading project is expected to deliver clean, dispatchable renewable energy to supply the country’s electrified rail, hospitals and schools.

12 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

New Study Shows Obesity Is Linked To Gene Mutation

A study led by the researchers at Imperial College London in the UK has revealed that obesity can be caused due to mutations in a gene. According to the researchers, a study of the genetic causes of obesity, and related conditions could be incredibly valuable in finding ways to treat them. They believe this new finding will offer new treatment possibilities in the fight against the global epidemic.There are some drugs available or being tested, but knowing what specific mutations cause obesity allows scientists to create drugs that target them specifically.

11 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

The World's Smallest 1 TB USB Flash Drive Unveiled At CES

A prototype of the world's smallest 1 TB USB flash drive was unveiled at the CES 2018 by SanDisk. The slimmed down prototype embraces USB-C, instead of clinging to the past with USB 3.0, which means that you’ll be able to use it to directly transfer storage to, say, an Android phone in addition to computers. In other words, the new storage solution, which comes with a Type-C port, would allow users to directly connect the drive to smartphones. SanDisk also unveiled the world's smallest 256 GB USB flash drive with reported speeds of up to 130 MBps.  

11 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

At 67, World’s Oldest Known Bird Lays An Egg

The world’s oldest known wild bird, an albatross named Wisdom has laid an egg at her home in the US Pacific island territory Midway Atoll. It is estimated that the bird has raised over 30 offsprings till date. Every year, Wisdom along with millions of albatrosses flies thousands of kilometres to return home and raise a single chick. Wisdom and her mate, Akeakamai, return to the same spot every year to renew their bond.  They take turns guarding the chick when one of them goes to fetch food for themselves and the chick.  While albatross are known to lay an egg every other year, Wisdom has hatched chicks two years in a row which is a rare feat for albatross.

10 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Drones Help To Save Lives In Rwanda

Drones are coming to the aid of patients in Rwanda many times, saving their lives, by promptly delivering the much-needed blood or medicines.  The drones have been developed by a Silicon Valley robotics company, Zipline that has teamed up with the Rwandan health ministry to hasten the delivery of vital medicines to hospitals in remote areas. An ingenious drone delivery service is known as “Uber for blood” has slashed the delivery time of life-saving medicine to remote regions of Rwanda from four hours to an average of half an hour. The partnership has delivered more than 5,500 units of blood over the past year, often in life-saving situations. The drones are helping to reduce maternal deaths – a quarter of which are the result of blood loss during childbirth – and high incidences of malaria-induced anaemia, which is common in children.   

10 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

In This Country, Gender Inequality Will Be A Thing Of The Past

Iceland has become the first country in the world to enact the world’s first equal pay law. The law came into force on January 1, 2018. This new law requires companies with 25 or more employees to obtain certification to confirm that equal pay is a reality for all employees, regardless of gender. According to the Icelandic Ministry of Welfare's official website, companies will get a period of four years to comply with the new regulations. With the enactment of this law,  the World Economic Forum has ranked Iceland as the global leader in reducing gender inequality.

9 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Smart Shoes With Falling Alerts Unveiled

The French startup E-Vone has come up with smart shoes with falling alerts which notifies family or medical services if a user takes a fall. The shoe was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 at the World Trade Center in Las Vegas. The shoes feature GPS, accelerometer and a pressure system which activates the alarm when someone wears them. According to the startup, they're designed for elderly people, construction workers and hikers among others. The shoes work independently without the need of a mobile device because it processes all the information on its own, thanks to a GSM chip, GPS and LoRa antennas, which can send the bad news with "ultra-precise" geolocation details.

9 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

An OLED TV That Rolls Up Like A Newspaper!

One is bound to be amazed as South Korean electronics company LG's subsidiary LG Display will demonstrate a 65-inch OLED TV which can roll up like paper at the electronics show CES this week. The rollable display prototype will feature 4K resolution. LG is also expected to showcase an 88-inch OLED display TV with 8K resolution at the upcoming event. The rollable TV always remained a distinct sci-fi concept, but now it will soon be a reality making it easy to store and transport.

8 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Ozone Layer Hole Is Gradually Getting Healed

The ozone layer hole was formed due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere owing to industrialization and pollution. Many nations had pledged to control CFCs in the Montreal Agreement. As a result of an international ban on chlorine-containing manmade chemicals known as CFCs over the years, there is a marked decrease in the hole in the ozone layer which protects our planet from the harmful UV rays of the sun. According to a research conducted by NASA, measurements taken showed that there was a marked decrease in chlorine in the ozone layer and that the ozone layer hole is gradually recovering.

8 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

MS Dhoni Cricket Academy Opening Soon In Singapore

India's former captain MS Dhoni, recently launched his first global cricket academy in Dubai. And now on 20th January, he is all set to launch the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy in Singapore. The 36-year-old iconic wicket-keeper batsman aims to inspire the next generation and guide them to become a champion in their life via sports. Sports should be introduced not only for their daily fitness but also to develop leadership quality in them. As of now, more than 200 students have already registered with the academy. Dhoni's goal is to develop cricket globally and soon he is planning to establish 12 more such academies in Asia.

7 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

World’s First Bionic Feeling Hand Unveiled

The first bionic hand with a sense of touch has been developed and tested by a group of international scientists. Its recipient Almerina Mascarello, who lost her left hand in an accident nearly a quarter of a century ago, said that the bionic hand made her feel complete again. The world’s first bionic feeling hand was first made in 2014. However, the sensory and computer equipment it was linked to was too large to leave the laboratory. Now, scientists have developed a miniature technology that makes the hand portable. Almerina had received the first bionic feeling hand that could be taken out of the laboratory.

5 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Unusual Whistle Language Of Turkey Enters UNESCO List

The unusual and very efficient whistle language that originated 500 years ago as a means of communication by around 10,000 villagers in the district of Canakci in Giresun province of remote and mountainous northern Turkey has recently entered the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.  The United Nations Cultural Agency has accepted the language as an endangered part of world heritage in need of urgent protection due to the penetration of cellular mobile technology. It is a highly-developed and high-pitched system of whistling among each other to communicate in the rugged terrain where mostly they cannot see each other.

5 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Germans Were Paid For Using Electricity! Know How...

The huge investment that Germany made over the past two decades to promote cleaner sources of electricity is now paying rich dividends. Recently, the power prices in Germany plunged below zero as power grids were loaded due to overproduction. The electricity production in the country from renewable sources like Sun and wind depends on the weather and sometimes favourable conditions lead to overproduction thus benefitting the consumers. The negative pricing compensates the consumers' subsequent electricity billing. This also means that the existing technology cannot produce according to the demand, but is producing according to the weather.

5 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Best Buddies Find Out They Are Biological Brothers!

How does it feel to know that your best pal for years is actually your sibling? Walter Macfarlane and Alan Robinson of Oahu who has been friends for nearly six decades can very well explain that. They had similar family histories; Macfarlane never knew his father, and Robinson was adopted. It was when Macfarlane set out to track his biological father that he realized that his DNA matched with a user named Robi737. It turned out to be that of his friend Robinson who had done a similar investigation to know his roots. A further study proved that the friends are indeed brothers. The brothers are now making plans to travel the world before they go into retirement together.

4 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Witness A Rare Blue Moon Total Eclipse This Month

The world is gearing up to witness a rare total lunar eclipse that involves the second full moon of the month — popularly referred to as a Blue Moon. It will occur for the first time in 150 years on January 31. The total phase of the eclipse will last for 77 minutes, with the moon tracking through the southern part of the Earth’s shadow. Central and Eastern Asia, Indonesia, New Zealand and most of Australia will get a fine view of this Moon show in the evening sky.

4 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Crop Production To Get A Boost Through NASA Technique

The world population will soar to 9 billion by 2050 and the world will require around 80% more food. Scientists have, therefore, developed world’s first ‘speed breeding’technique inspired by experiments conducted by NASA. The experiment involved providing plants with continuous light that triggers early reproduction in them. This technique is expected to increase the production threefold. Lee Hickey, Senior Research Fellow at University of Queensland (UQ)  said that growing plants on earth using the NASA idea will accelerate the genetic gain in their plant breeding programmes. He added that by using speed breeding techniques in specially modified glasshouses they can grow six generations of wheat, chickpea and barley plants, and four generations of canola plants in a single year – as opposed to two or three generations in a regular glasshouse or a single generation in the field. One needn’t worry about the quality of the yield as the results of experiments have shown that plants grown under controlled climate and extended daylight conditions was as good, or sometimes better, than those grown in regular glasshouses. This technique of crop production is garnering a lot of interest across the world. The speed breeding technique was initially used for research purposes but now has been adopted by industry. With this technique, scientists have developed the new The speed breeding technique has largely been used for research purposes but is now being adopted by industry. In partnership with Dow AgroSciences, the  ‘DS Faraday’ wheat variety which is a high protein, milling wheat with tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting. According to Hickey, the new technology could also have some great applications in future vertical farming systems and some horticultural crops.

3 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

China Bans Ivory To Stop Poaching Of African Elephants

China’s agreement with the US for a near complete ivory ban came into force on 31st December. China, the world’s largest consumer of ivory will now stop giving licenses to ivory carving factories and retailers. Its government sanctioned ivory trade is coming to a close. This spells good news for animal activists and environment conservationists as it will help reduce poaching of African elephants for their tusks. Under the ban, buying and selling of all but a limited number of antiques and a few other items will be prohibited. Earlier, in China ivory trade was legal and this domestic market provided the opportunity for traffickers to slip illegally obtained ivory into China’s legal supply. This led to dramatic increase in elephant poaching. It was important to educate the people and make them aware that elephants have to be killed for their ivory. As in Chinese, ivory is xiangya, meaning “elephant tooth,” 70% people believe erroneously that ivory can be taken from an elephant without inflicting harm. By making people sensitive about the issue, ivory’s draw as the ultimate status symbol can be overcome. China’s State Forestry Administration, the agency in charge of enforcing the new ban is making sure that the country’s citizens are aware of the law. It is working with many environmental organizations and NGOs and with the help of posters, videos, and articles spread across traditional and social media outlets, they have been telling people to protect endangered elephants by respecting the law and saying “no to ivory.”  

2 Jan 2018
Global Inspirations

Know More About World’s First Solar Highway

China on Thursday opened a kilometre long expressway for testing. The nascent technology was tapped in Jinan, the capital city of China’s Shangdong province. The solar road consists of an insulating layer on the bottom, photovoltaic panels in the middle, and transparent concrete on top. Qilu Transportation Development Group, the project developer claimed that the road which comprises of solar panels covering 5,875 square meters can generate  1 million kilowatt-hours of power in a year, or enough to meet the energy demands of about 800 homes. If the test proves successful, the electricity generated by the panels can be used to power everything from street lights to signboards, and even a snow-melting system on the road. Any excess energy can be sent to the state grid. Xu Chunfu, the group's chairman stated that the project will save the space for building solar farms and shorten the transmission distance. China is also striving to use this special road as a site to serve as a clean energy lab to test other technologies, including wireless charging for electric vehicles and providing internet connection. China is investing billions in renewable energy and aims to build 54.5GW of large-scale solar projects by 2020.  

31 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Starfish Make A Comeback

Starfish which disappeared from the West Coast of America many years ago have been found to be fighting their way back.They vanished because a mysterious syndrome caused them to disintegrate killing millions of them. The Sea Star Wasting Syndrome killed a catastrophic number of sea creatures from British Columbia to Mexico in 2013-2014. Now, four years later, scientists have spotted starfish in Southern California tide pools. Darryl Deleske, aquarist for the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro exclaimed that from Crystal Cove State Beach to Palos Verdes they are coming back, big time. Deleske said that this will make a huge difference as a couple of years ago, he had driven all the way to Canada specifically looking for sea stars, but couldn’t find a single one. The latest outbreak of the syndrome had led to the largest die-offs of starfish, hence the spotting of four adult sea stars, each about 7 to 8 inches long at Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach has brought cheer among the people.  Kaitlin Magliano, education coordinator at the Crystal Cove Conservancy said that it was a treasure that they always hoped to find. "We lost all of them. It's good to see we have some surviving and thriving. Maybe the next generation will be more resilient," she said.    

30 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists Amazed At The First Hybrid Bird Species In Amazon

Scientists have confirmed that the golden-crowned manakin with yellow feathers which was first discovered in Brazil in 1957 but not seen again till 2002 is, in fact, a hybrid species. To ascertain this, a series of genetic and other tests were conducted by researchers. Jason Weir from the University of Toronto in Canada said that hybrid plant species are very common, but hybrid species among vertebrates are exceedingly rare. A hybrid species forms when two parental species mate to produce a hybrid population, which then stops being able to freely interbreed with the parental species. In the case of the manakin, the two parents are the snow-capped manakin, named for its bright snowy-white crown feathers, and the Opal-crowned manakin, named for its brilliant iridescent crown feathers. Researchers made two separate field trips to Brazil to gather genetic and feather samples. With the help of genome sequencing, they found that  20 percent of its genome came from the Snowy-crowned, and about 80 percent came from the Opal-crowned. Scientists believe that the species survived owing to the geographical isolation from its parental species at some point during a past ice age when rainforest coverage contracted, and wide rivers formed natural barriers. Weir said that without geographical isolation the hybrids wouldn't have evolved as a separate species.

28 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

An Abandoned Mall Gets Transformed Into A Winter Wonderland

An abandoned mall in Milwaukee was revived and transformed into a winter wonderland for kids by Casey Neistat, a Milwaukee native turned YouTube star. Casey wanted to encourage kids and show them how they could be creative with the digital media. He was looking for space and he remembered the Northridge Mall which had shut down in 2003. The mall was completely empty. Its interior comprised of broken glass, an empty food court, and eerie, boarded-up doors. With Casey’s initiative, the mall was transformed to include a gingerbread house, ice-skating rink, a sledding hill, and professional snowboarders who performed tricks on the escalator. Casey then partnered with Paul Leys of Samsung to surprise 100 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Great Milwaukee to gift them electronics and show them how they can get creative with digital media. They gave the kids smartphones, microphones, and accessories so they can learn how to create videos. Paul said that he planned this event and teamed up with Casey and other creators because kids look up to them. They wanted to let the kids know that they can be just like these creators and that all they needed was a phone. Casey said, “I see it as an opportunity, and an opportunity to sort of elevate young kids and let them know that now, because of technology, they’re empowered in ways that they’ve never been empowered before.”

26 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

China Tests World’s Largest Amphibious Aircraft

The world’s largest amphibious aircraft in production, the AG600 made by China successfully completed its maiden flight on Sunday. It took off from the southern city of Zhuhai and landed after a flight of roughly an hour. The plane, codenamed Kunlong has a wingspan of 38.8 metres (127ft) and is powered by four turboprop engines. The aircraft can stay airborne for 12 hours and is capable of carrying 50 people. According to state news agency Xinhua, the amphibious aircraft has military applications but will be used for firefighting and marine rescue. At least 17 orders have been placed so far with the state-owned manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China. With the success of the AG600, China’s island-building projects in the South China Sea has got a boost. James Char, a military analyst at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University said that the aircraft’s 4,500km operational range and ability to land and take off from the water makes it well suited for deployment over China’s artificial islands. China is rapidly modernizing its military and the launch of the new amphibious aircraft further strengthens it. China also launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Type 001A, this year This complemented the Liaoning, a secondhand Soviet carrier commissioned in 2012 after extensive refits.  

26 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Sharing Love On Christmas

Shasi and Pallu Patel, a couple who run a newsagent have announced that they will open on Christmas Day so lonely people can come in “for a hug and a mince pie”.  The couple who owns Meet and Deep Newsagents in Twickenham, London will don festive outfits, play Christmas carols and hand out free mince pies and sweets to anyone who drops in between midday and 2 pm. To spread the message, they shared a post on Facebook that read: “If you are alone, pop in for a hug and a mince pie! You don’t have to buy anything, we are family.” People loved the wonderful idea and the post was shared more than 40,000 times. The Patels have been doing this for the past eight years.  It all started when an elderly lady named Dot, came into their shop just before Christmas telling them a man posing as a gas fitter had stolen from her. Their son Neeten, posted about this incident on Facebook and warned the local community to be extra cautious. The Patels were surprised to see people arriving with gifts for Dot. Neeten’s younger brother Deepen said that it was the best Christmas Dot had ever had. Since then, every Christmas, they have opened their doors so people like Dot can experience some festive cheer. This year, the family have hired a DJ to play Christmas songs and even borrowed a strobe light for the day.Next year the family want to make the event even bigger and hope to hire out a local venue with more space to put on a Christmas lunch.Deepen said that although they are Hindus, they believed in sharing love on Christmas.

24 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

World’s First Lift Without Cables

Can you imagine a lift without ropes and pulleys? One of the world’s largest elevator companies is stepping up trials of the first system to operate without cables at a testing site in southwestern Germany. ThyssenKrupp AG's futuristic lift defies the conventional design of lifts that are attached to ropes and pulleys. The German engineering company is all set to be a step ahead of its rivals with the first commercial deployment of the maglev elevator called Multi planned for 2020 in a building in Berlin. Currently, it is ranked fourth in the world by sales after Otis, Kone Oyj and Schindler Holdings AG. While Kone is focusing on making cables lighter for ultra-tall buildings like Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Tower and Otis, owned by United Technologies Corp., has developed high-speed lifts, ThyssenKrupp's Multi elevator will be in a category of its own, technologically. According to ThyssenKrupp, the Multi will make ferrying people around buildings more efficient, unlike traditionally-designed systems. For instance, more than one of the elevator cabins can use the same shaft, zipping up and down and even moving horizontally to get out of the way of another cabin in its path. This flexibility could allow greater architectural leeway and ultimately change city skylines. The new elevators could run on the outside of buildings, or move sideways between parking lots and concierge desks.

24 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

9-Year-Old Boy Gets Unexpected Gift For Selfless Act

One good turn deserves another. Mikah Frye, a 9-year-old boy was in for a surprise which he very much deserved for his selfless act. Mikah knew that he would be getting a $300 Xbox for Christmas. He calculated that he could buy 30 blankets with that amount. He chose to buy the blankets and gave away each one to a homeless person in need. This kind act sprung from his own experience of poverty. Fate dealt a cruel blow on the family, three years ago when they lost their home and was forced to live in a shelter. Every day, Mikah would get a blanket, and every day, the shelter would have to take it back. He knew how it felt to not have a blanket at night and to have to give it back. Now, that the family was doing better, the first thing he wanted to do was to give a blanket to the needy that they could keep with them. He wanted to make them happy by giving them a blanket which they will not have to return. People came to know of his kind deed. The news spread quickly and caught the attention of Xbox manufacturer, Microsoft. They decided to do something for him. Mikah couldn’t control his tears when he opened a gift from Microsoft that contained the Xbox which was the same model as the one he had traded for the blankets. Employees led Mikah to the back of the store, where Santa had bags full of gifts, including the coveted Xbox. The family was emotional.

23 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

A Step Closer To A Cleaner Planet

France has become the first country in the world to impose a ban on the production of oil and gas. France’s parliament on Tuesday approved a law banning all exploration and production of oil and natural gas by 2040 within the country and its overseas territories. As per the new law, existing drilling permits will not be renewed and no new exploration licenses will be granted in the country’s effort to curb global warming and protect the environment. However, oil and gas produced in France account for just 1 percent of domestic consumption. The rest of oil and gas that the country requires is imported. Approval of the law led to French President Emmanuel Macron responding on Twitter, saying in part: "Very proud that France has become the first country in the world today to ban any new oil exploration licenses with immediate effect and all oil extraction by 2040."  Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot said that the law proves that current generations can take care of future generations. France is committed to weaning its economy from fossil fuels and has imposed the ban to fulfill its responsibility under the Paris Climate Agreement to curb global warming.

22 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Ancient Cave Paintings Discovered In Unexplored Indonesian Islands

A team of scientists has uncovered 2,500 years old cave paintings in the unexplored, tiny Indonesian island of Kisar. The team was able to uncover a total of 28 rock art sites on Kisar which measures just 81 square kilometres and lies north of Timor-Leste. According to researchers, the paintings help tell the story of the region’s history of trade and culture. Sue O’Connor, from the Australian National University (ANU) said that archaeologically, no one has ever explored Kisar before. She added, “These Indonesian islands were the heart of the spice trade going back for thousands of years. The paintings we found depict boats, dogs, horses and people often holding what look like shields.” Researchers found that the Kisar paintings very much resembled those in the east end of Timor-Leste. O  ’Connor said that the art of both the islands have a distinctive feature – the size of the human and animal figures are exceptionally small, most being less than 10 centimetres. Despite their size, however, they are remarkably dynamic. O’Connor said the relationship between the two islands likely extends back to the Neolithic period 3,500 years ago when Austronesian settlers introduced domestic animals, such as the dog, and perhaps cereal crops.

19 Dec 2017
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

AI Discovers A Twin Solar System

NASA’s Kepler space telescope and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has helped discover a solar system just like ours with eight planets orbiting a star. NASA in a statement said,  "Our solar system now is tied for most number of planets around a single star." However, experts have ruled out any possibility of life on the planets. The eight planets orbit a star called Kepler 90 some 2,545 light-years away. Andrew Vanderburg, an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin said that the Kepler-90 star system is like a mini version of our solar system. There are small planets inside and big planets outside, but everything is scrunched in much closer. Scientists have been able to find new planets by using machine learning from Google. Vanderburg states that one day, artificial intelligence might even be used to search specifically for more Earth-like planets, which have proven difficult to pin down. The Kepler Space Telescope that was launched in 2009 has scanned some 150,000 stars. Using Kepler data, astronomers have already confirmed the existence of some 2,500 far-away worlds. Vanderburg predicts that there may be systems out there with so many planets that they make our eight-planet solar system seem ordinary.

17 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Euston Station Will Turn Into Celebration Hall For Homeless

Christmas will be celebrated in its true spirit by spreading joy and smiles as Euston station, London will open its doors to over 200 homeless people on Christmas Day and offer them dinner and a place to sleep. Many might be concerned that this would hamper the normal functioning of the station and inconvenience commuters, but let it be known that trains don’t run during Christmas, thus making the vast space of the station available for this beautiful event. This is the first time that the station will be decked with Christmas decorations, tables will be laid out filled with food. The event is being organized by over  30 volunteers from the Network Rail and homelessness charities St Mungo’s and Streets Kitchen. Community and event manager for St Mungo’s Beth Nordon said that many people become homeless because of relationship breakdowns so Christmas can be a particularly lonely time for them. This initiative is to spread cheer to them. The social media rejoiced on hearing about this novel initiative and urged other stations to follow suit. Many have even offered to help. Steve Naybour, head of transformation, Network Rail’s track team said, “Using a station to give homeless people a Christmas dinner and some festive cheer is a great thing to do. I’m proud to say we’ve had lots of interest from Network Rail colleagues to volunteer to come along on the day to help out. Everything, including people’s time, has been donated.”

15 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Super Bacteria To Clean Up China’s Textile Waste

Hong Kong’s biggest cloth makers TAL Apparel have teamed up with researchers at City University to identify bacteria that can efficiently clean up the enormous wastewater generated by the textile industry. It has become the need of the hour as decades of unbridled industrial growth has left China with a legacy of rampant pollution, shrinking aquifers and soaring water prices. According to a 2015 report by New York-based non-profit group Natural Resources Defense Council, cloth-making ranks third in China for the amount of wastewater it discharges — 3 billion tonnes a year — after chemicals and paper. The government, therefore, in 2015 released its Water Ten Plan, ushering in stricter waste-water regulations. It sets out 10 general measures to control pollution discharge, promote technology and strengthen water management and set  2020 as the deadline to meet its goals. Tals chairman Harry Lee said that stricter regulation requires manufacturers to upgrade their facilities. TAL  had been buying bacteria from other labs to treat water used for washing cloth. The bacteria digest organic compounds can cut the amount of waste sludge generated by as much as 80 percent. However, during a week-long production halt, the bacteria in its system died. TA has now set up a research program to find a super bacteria that would be cheaper and more efficient. Lee said that if they succeed, the results will be shared with other manufacturers.  

14 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Constellations To Represent Stars From Sports, Entertainment

In a bid to get more children looking up to the stars, astronomers have selected constellations representing modern-day inspirational figures. So the new constellations include a book in honour of Malala Yousafzai and Harry Potter's glasses for JK Rowling. Researchers at The University of Birmingham in the UK have created the new star alignments which also honours well-known figures such as tennis star Serena Williams and athlete Usain Bolt. Researchers said Usain Bolt's pointing stance is best seen in November and incorporates eight stars including Orionis, Tau Tauri and Aldebaran.  A constellation representing Serena Williams' racket will be visible clearly in April and takes in Pherkad, which was once half of a binary north star, Kochab. Paddington Bear, in recognition of the author Michael Bond who died in June, is most visible in December, taking in stars including Bellatrix and Betelgeuse, researchers said. The International Astronomical Union has officially recognized 88 constellations. Researchers said that the new constellations include well-known stars to make it easier to find them in the night sky. The new constellations are not yet official, but children are still invited to attempt to pick them out. The process of developing the new constellations involved a careful analysis of star maps for different regions of the sky by researchers.  

14 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Needle Free Injections Will Soon Be A Reality

The word injection triggers anxiety in many people because of the pain associated with needles and many patients stop adhering to their treatments involving injections. Now, MIT spinout Portal Instruments has brought out a smart, needle-free injection device that could reduce the pain associated with needle injections, shorten administration time, and improve patient adherence. The jet-injection device was developed by the startup after years of MIT research. The device renders a rapid, high-pressure stream of medicine, as thin as a strand of hair, through the skin in adjustable dosages, causing little to no pain. That’s not all, a connected app tracks each dose and the medicine’s effects, and uploads that information to the cloud, for patients and doctors. The device is a drug-device combination product and will be sold to medical professionals to be sold to patients with a prescription. The device called PRIME is about the size of an electric razor. Drugs are loaded into a single-use, disposable vessel, which has a tiny nozzle at its tip. Once the vessel is placed into the device, a powerful linear electromagnetic actuator pushes on a piston in the vessel, pressurizing the drug and ejecting a hair-thin jet at high pressure through the nozzle. The device was developed by Ian Hunter, the George N. Hatsopoulos Professor in Thermodynamics, research scientist Catherine Hogan, and postdocs and students in the MIT BioInstrumentation Laboratory.      

12 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

A Power Plant Fueled By Cattle Manure

While methane gas from cattle is known to contribute to global warming, Toyota Motor North America plans to set up a power plant in California that will capture methane gas from dairy cattle waste to generate water, electricity and hydrogen. Toyota, which is betting heavily on fuel cell technology announced this project at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The project named  The Tri-Gen Project will be executed at the Port of Long Beach, California and is slated to be the world's first commercial-scale 100 percent renewable power and hydrogen generation plant. Experts at Toyota believe that by  2020, Tri-Gen will produce enough electricity to meet the daily driving needs of nearly 1,500 vehicles - about 2.35 megawatts of electricity and 1.2 tons of hydrogen per day. The hydrogen fueling station will support the automaker's operations at the port. Matt McClory, senior engineer with Toyota research and development said that they are trying to green up the natural gas pipeline network that extract gas by drilling wells with renewable sources, like from gases emitted from landfills, wastewater treatment plants and farm animals. McClory said that for this project, Toyota plans to source renewable methane from agricultural waste, primarily from dairy farm manure in California,.

12 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Taiwan Witnesses Record Breaking Rainbow

A rainbow appeared in Taiwan last week which lasted for nearly nine hours and may have created the new record for the world’s longest lasting rainbow. Two professors at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei, Chou Kun-Hsuan and Lui Ching-Huan, documented the rainbow. According to a BBC report, the professors are in the university’s department of atmospheric sciences and enlisted the help of students and the campus community in their task. Professor Chou couldn’t contain his excitement and exclaimed that it was amazing and felt like a gift from the sky. He added that it was a very rare phenomenon. According to the data gathered at the university, the rainbow lasted for eight hours and 58 minutes, from 06:57 am to 15:55 pm. It broke the previous record for the longest-lasting rainbow that was set in Yorkshire after the phenomenon appeared for six hours on 14 March 1994. Various factors contributed to this magnificent rainbow including seasonal monsoons that have trapped moist air, which formed clouds, alongside relatively slow winds and lots of sunlight. The department of atmospheric sciences is now gathering its evidence together to submit to Guinness World Records.    

11 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

NASA To Unravel The Mystery Of Cosmic Rays

NASA scientists are all set to launch a balloon-borne instrument into space to gather information on cosmic rays, high-energy particles from beyond the solar system that enters Earth's atmosphere every day. The instrument called Super Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (SuperTIGER) will be launched from Antartica on December 10. It is designed to study rare heavy nuclei, which hold clues about where and how cosmic rays attain speeds up to nearly the speed of light. Robert Binns, the principal investigator at Washington University in the US, which leads the mission said that the previous flight of Super TIGER in 2013 lasted 55 days setting a record for the longest flight of any heavy-lift scientific balloon. The most common cosmic ray particles are protons or hydrogen nuclei, making up roughly 90 per cent, followed by helium nuclei (eight per cent) and electrons (one per cent). John Mitchell at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in the US explains that heavy elements, like the gold in jewelry, are produced through special processes in stars, and SuperTIGER aims to help us understand how and where this happens. He added, "We're all stardust, but figuring out where and how this stardust is made helps us better understand our galaxy and our place in it."    

9 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists Excited About A New Earth Like Planet

Scientists have concluded that a little-known planet 111 light years away has the potential to support life. According to new research, the exoplanet known as K2-18b could be a ‘scaled-up version of Earth’ which is able to host alien life. The Super-Earth was found to orbit within its star’s habitable zone which underlines the possibility of liquid on its surface. The new study was carried out using data from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) by researchers at the University of Texas, Scarborough, and University of Montreal, Canada. They were also excited to find, in the course of their research,  that the planet has a neighbour, called K2-18c. Lead author Ryan Cloutier, from the University of Montreal, said: “Being able to measure the mass and density of K2-18b was tremendous, but to discover a new exoplanet was lucky and equally exciting.” They found that the planet is bigger than the earth and probably has a rocky surface with a gaseous atmosphere. It might mostly be a water planet with a thick layer of ice, but further investigation was needed. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope which will be launched in 2019 will further probe the atmosphere of K2-18b.  

7 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Messenger Kids App Rolled Out By Facebook

Facebook has designed an app for children aged six to 12 that will allow parents to approve the people their kids can talk to. The Messenger Kids app that has now been rolled out in the US can be controlled from a parent’s Facebook account. Loren Cheng, product management director stated in a company blog post that the new app .makes it easier for kids to safely video chat and message with family and friends when they can’t be together in person. According to Facebook, Messenger Kids has been designed to be compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA). One can download the app for free and there are no ads in Messenger Kids. Parents will have to set up the Facebook Messenger Kids account and approve of the contacts that their kids can talk to. It means the app will not allow children to connect with people who have not been approved by parents. Kids can start a group or one-on-one video chat; or send videos, photos, text messages to contacts approved by parents. Adults will receive messages from Messenger Kids via their regular Messenger app. An interesting feature of the Messenger Kids app is a “library of kid-appropriate and specially chosen GIFs, frames, stickers, masks and drawing tools.” Facebook will also add masks along with emojis to this app.

6 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Super Beans Help To Address Hunger Issues

People of many drought-prone areas in Africa have something to look forward to, to silence their hunger pangs – super beans. It is a fast-maturing, high-yield variety of beans promoted by Uganda's government and agriculture experts amid efforts to feed hunger-prone parts of Africa. Instead of using the contentious genetic modification technologies, this bean is produced by conventional genetic selection. Farmers are witnessing a threefold increase in the yield. This new variety of beans has thrilled the impoverished farmers of northern Uganda which is also burdened by the recent arrival of more than 1 million refugees from its war-torn neighbor, South Sudan. According to the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, the beans have been bred by conventional means to resist the drought conditions. Stanley Nkalubo, a legumes research scientist with Uganda's National Agricultural Research Organization said the beans have to go through certain rigorous tests before they can be released to the general public, to make sure they do actually address all the issues well and perform well in different climatic conditions. The beans are being supplied to neighbouring places as planting material so that people can grow their own food in the wake of a cut in handouts due to funding shortages. A senior program manager with FAO said that just 50 kilograms of planting seeds are expected to yield up to 2,000 kilograms of beans. According to experts, the "super" beans are valuable because they cook quickly and tolerate most diseases and pests.The locals find them more delicious than the regular beans.

5 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Inauguration Of Iran’s Chabahar Port Significant For India

The Chabahar port in Iran that allows India to bypass Pakistan and reach land-locked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries was inaugurated on Sunday. It is of significant strategic and economic importance for India and is a strategic response to China’s development of the Gwadar port in Pakistan. The Shahid Beheshti Port’s first phase was inaugurated by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani in a ceremony that was attended by ministers, envoys and officials from 17 countries. President Rouhani stated that the inauguration marked a “historic” day for Iran, particularly for the people of Chabahar. The port connects the trade corridors that pass through Iran to the sea route. India is a partner in the development of the Shahid Beheshti Port for which an investment amounting to $1 billion was made. The port can accommodate 100,000-tonne ships, which India feels has strategic and economic potential as a rival to the Gwadar port. With the Chabahar port becoming operational, India got access to the easier land-sea route to Afghanistan. Earlier, the Indian government has committed $500 million to Chabahar, with the intention of joining the increasingly important transport corridor to resource-rich regional countries.  Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said the port would reinforce mutual and regional cooperation between Iran and India.

4 Dec 2017
Global Inspirations

Facebook To Detect Users With Suicidal Intent

Facebook has developed a pattern recognition software that helps to detect user with suicidal intent. The tests have been proved successful in the US and the company aims to expand the software to other countries in a bid to curb the increasing suicide rates among users. The world’s largest social media company started the tests in the US in March. The posts of Facebook posts and comments were scanned for phrases that could be signals of an impending suicide. Officials at Facebook informed that the software searches for certain phrases that could be clues, such as the questions “Are you ok?” and “Can I help?” If the software detects a potential suicide, it sends alerts to a team of Facebook workers who are specialized in handling such reports. The system then tries to help the user by providing a telephone helpline. Sometimes, Facebook workers also contact local authorities and urge them to intervene. Facebook’s vice president for product management, Guy Rosen, said after the completion of successful tests in the United States, the company plans to roll out the software outside the US. Facebook said it has hired employees who are specialists and are available at any hour to call authorities in local languages.  Rosen added “Speed really matters. We have to get help to people in real time.” 

30 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Seventh Grader Is Youngest Delegate At GES 2017

The Global Entrepreneur Summit(GES) which got underway at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) on Tuesday has a young visitor. Hamish Finlayson is a 13-year-old social entrepreneur and app developer who is also the youngest delegate at the Summit and one of its star attractions. The Australian teenager has not only set up his own enterprise - Moonshot Industries, global - but has also developed some socially relevant apps and games. His first game LitterbugSmash is all about keeping the sea plastic free. Hamish said that it all began when he participated in a competition called Young ICT Explorers which was all about using technology to find solutions to world problems. He decided to make a video game that encouraged people to stop litter. Even after the competition, he worked on the game and expanded it. Hamish is truly incredible as he didn’t let autism come in the way of his passion. He is also trying to teach people what autism is all about. After developing four environment related apps and games and one on ASD (autism spectrum disorder) he is now working on the sixth one - a virtual reality game that deals with road safety and is aimed at helping kids, especially those suffering from ASD, cross the road.  

30 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Nepal To Hold Elections After 18 Years

An important milestone will be set in Nepal as it will hold its first local elections in May 2018 paving the way for a transition to democracy after a long and difficult struggle. Nepal's attempt to become a republic was thwarted by some regional groups who rejected a constitution approved by bigger political parties in 2015, saying it concentrated power further among the hill elite that has long dominated politics. A peaceful election in May to more than 700 villages and municipal assemblies will make the way for national and state elections to be conducted later this year. Prime Minister Prachanda, a former Maoist rebel leader, said that elections were necessary to take the peace process to a logical conclusion and end an important chapter of the political transition. From 1996 to 2006 the Maoists had waged an insurgency against the monarchy which led to more than 17,000 people being killed. The 239-year-old monarchy was abolished by a constituent assembly dominated by the former guerrillas in 2008. In order to make the elections possible, Prachanda said that he would amend the new constitution to address the grievances of the minority Madhesis who have threatened to disrupt the elections if their problems weren’t addressed.

28 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

A New Method Of Discovering Microplastics In Oceans

There is no denying the fact that our oceans are full of plastic. In the ocean, waste accumulates in gyres and is described as Great Garbage Patches. However, tiny bits of garbage that are scattered and hardly visible also need to be dealt with to stop the growing environmental crisis. Now, scientists have developed a fluorescent dye that helps to detect the tiniest piece of garbage in the marine environment. Research led by the University of Warwick in the UK has found a practical solution for detecting microplastics in field samples. Microplastics are as much of an issue for marine species as the turtle-choking plastic bags are for larger animals. So getting a grip on the scale and distribution of microplastics is clearly a high priority. The new fluorescent dye ‘Nile Red’ developed by the scientists lights up when it comes into contact with the right kinds of chemicals, thereby making the plastics stand out from similar-looking bits of gunk. Preliminary tests on different plastic polymers showed the dye was up to the job of making microplastics stand out. Field study revealed that this technique yielded better results than the current methods used to find plastic.

26 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Cactus Pear Is A Miracle Crop In Dry Regions

The areas that are most affected by climate change face drought conditions and prickly pear cactus has come to the rescue of people as they help to alleviate hunger in dry regions due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and its multiple uses. On Friday, a book on the prickly pear cactus plant was launched. Experts said that as climate change brings erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, countries should look to the cactus pear, which can grow in desert-like conditions. They said that its fruits and balloon shaped pads are food for humans and animals. The book states that the seeds, fruits, and stem have high levels of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, hence it can be consumed as a highly nutritious food. Cactus pear plantations not only act as water reserve but also absorb carbon dioxide in arid and semi-arid regions. Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, Jordan, Morocco and India are a few countries where the plant is cultivated. Jose Dubeux Jr., an associate professor at the University of Florida, said the cactus's high water content was ideal for animal consumption in dry areas and could help conserve scarce water sources for humans. Another advantage of this plant is that it is easy to grow and takes roots from whatever it is that touches the soil.

25 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Saudi Arabia Plans To Throw Open Its Doors To Tourists

In an attempt to find new sources of revenue to diversify its economy, Saudi Arabia plans to issue tourist visas to foreigners next year.This was revealed in an interview by Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz who is the head of the Saudi Commission of Tourism and Natural Heritage. Currently, the only foreigners allowed in Saudi Arabia are resident workers and their dependents, business travellers, and Muslim pilgrims who are given special visas to travel to holy sites. The Prince said that soon anyone who wishes to come and literally experience the country will be welcome. He said that visas will hopefully be issued by 2018. The government plans to use online technology to make applying for visas easy. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the 32-year-old heir to the throne is exploring new avenues to wean his country off its dependency on oil exports. This involves loosening its ultra-strict social restrictions, scaling back the role of religious morality police and announcing plans to allowing women to drive next year. The attempts to increase the number of tourists in Saudi Arabia had been going on for many years, but the idea was shunned by conservative opinion. However, this year, the government is determined to push through the change partly because of financial pressures. It hopes to cover a state budget deficit caused by low oil prices by earning billions of dollars through tourism.  

24 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Our Solar System Has Got A Strange Visitor

For the first time, scientists have spotted an object from beyond our solar system near Mars’ orbit.  At first, astronomers thought the rapidly moving faint light was a comet or an asteroid that had originated in our solar system. However, its orbit proved that it came from interstellar space. This strange zooming bright thing was spotted by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii. Astronomers say it will pass Jupiter in May, go beyond Saturn's orbit in January 2019 and then leave our solar system, bound for the Pegasus constellation. Lead study author Karen Meech, of the University of Hawaii's Institute of Astronomy and leader of the research team, said in a statement, "What we found was a rapidly rotating object, at least the size of a football field, that changed in brightness quite dramatically," The long and rocky cigar-shaped object has a burnt dark-reddish hue due to millions of years of radiation from cosmic rays. It probably has a high metal content and spins on its own axis every 7.3 hours. The object has been officially designated A/2017 UI by the International Astronomical Union, but it also has another official name:  'Oumuamua. The Hawaiian name, partly coming because of the location of the telescope that discovered it, loosely means "a messenger that reaches out from the distant past."

22 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Coffee powered buses in London

In a novel development, biofuel has been made from waste coffee grounds that is now powering London’s buses. According to a joint news release by Shell and technology firm Bio-bean, coffee oil is extracted from coffee waste and biofuel is created by mixing it with diesel which can be added to the London bus fuel supply chain without any need for modification. Working with biofuel producer Argent Energy, the final fuel blend is made up of 80 per cent traditional diesel, and 20 per cent biofuel. The development of the new fuel will help to decrease emissions by buses paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy solution. Over 200,000 tonnes of waste a year is generated by the average Londoner who drinks 2.3 cups of coffee a day. Bio-bean plans to collect these waste coffee grounds from high street chains and factories.   So far, 6,000 litres of coffee-derived biodiesel has been produced, which could help power a bus for a whole year. Bio-bean's founder Arthur Kay said that it’s a great example of what can be done when we start to reimagine waste as an untapped resource.Shell Singapore said the technology "holds much potential for heavily motorised countries".

21 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

International alliance to phase out coal by 2030

An important decision to phase out coal from power generation by 2030 was taken by an international alliance of at least 15 countries at the UN climate talks in Bonn. In the wake of global warming raising its hood and triggering drastic climate changes, there is an effort to involve at least 50 countries in this endeavor by the next climate talks which is slated to be held in Poland’s Katowice in 2018. Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, New Zealand, Ethiopia, Mexico and the Marshall Islands have joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance, delegates said. However,  some of the world’s biggest coal users, such as China, the United States, Germany and Russia, have not joined the alliance. The countries formed the alliance just a few days after U.S. administration officials, along with energy company representatives, led a side event at the talks to promote “fossil fuels and nuclear power in climate mitigation.”Britain, Canada and the Marshall Islands took up the initiative to start the alliance and urged other nations to join them. Mohamed Adow, international climate lead at Christian Aid said, “It is a rebuke to (President) Donald Trump from the UK and Canada, two of America’s closest allies, that his obsession for dirty energy will not spread.” Many countries have made national plans to phase out coal from their power supply mix post the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, which aims to wean the world off fossil fuels.

19 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

NASA Develops Tool To Predict Cities That Face Flood Threat

Global warming has triggered the melting of ice sheets in different parts of the Poles of the Earth. Now, NASA has developed a tool that can predict the cities that face a threat of flooding due to the melting glaciers. The tool takes into account the  Earth's spin and gravitational effects to predict how water will be "redistributed" globally.  Researchers said that this provides a picture of glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps that are of specific importance.  Erik Ivins, senior scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the US said that while cities and countries are devising steps to mitigate flooding, they should look 100 years into the future and assess risks just like the insurance companies. According to the study published in the journal Science Advances, three key processes influenced "the sea-level fingerprint," the pattern of sea-level change around the world. The three factors are - gravity,  "push-pull influence" of ice, and the rotation of the planet itself. The tool helps to compute the exact sensitivity - for a specific town - of a sea level to every ice mass in the world. It renders a way for governments to decide which ice sheets they must be worried about and work on them. The tool has suggested that changes in the north-western part of the Greenland ice sheet can considerably increase the sea level in London. Researchers said,  for New York, the area of concern is the ice sheet's entire northern and eastern portions.  

18 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

In A First, Scientists Edit DNA In Attempt To Cure Genetic Disease

Scientists for the first time have edited the DNA of a patient in a bold attempt to cure a genetic disease. On Monday, 44-year-old Brian Madeux from California received billions of copies of a corrective gene and a genetic tool to cut his DNA in a precise spot. Madeux who has a metabolic disease called the Hunter syndrome said he was humbled to take the test. He added that he was willing to take the risk and hoped that it would help him and other people as well.  The result of the test would be known only after a month and can be confirmed only after three months. If it is a success, the new technique could give a major boost to the fledgling field of gene therapy. Scientists have edited genes before, but by altering cells in labs and then returning them to patients. In the new technique, genetic tinkering is happening in a precise way inside the body – like sending a miniature surgeon along to place the new gene in exactly the right location. Dr Sandy Macrae, president of Sangamo Therapeutics said, “We cut your DNA, open it up, insert a gene, stitch it back up. Invisible mending.It becomes part of your DNA and is there for the rest of your life.” The success of this therapy will help people who are suffering from incurable metabolic diseases.    

17 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

US Approves World’s First Drug With Digital Tracking

The world’s first digital pill was approved on Monday by the US regulators. The drug consists of two existing products: the former psychiatric medication Abilify — long used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder — with a sensor tracking system first approved in 2012. A digital sensor is embedded in this new pill, Abilify MyCite, which when ingested is activated by stomach fluids, sending a signal to a patch worn by the patient and notifying a digital smartphone app that the medication has been taken. This technology is designed to help prevent dangerous emergencies that arise when patients skip their medication, such as manic episodes experienced by those suffering from bipolar disorder. According to experts, the digital pill could change the way doctors relate to their patients as they're able to see whether they are following instructions.Patients too can track their dosage on their smartphone and allow their doctors, family or caregivers to access the information through a website.  However, patients must be willing to allow their doctors and caregivers to access the digital information. Privacy issues are bound to crop up more often as drugmakers and medical device companies combine their products with technologies developed by Silicon Valley. The Japanese drugmaker Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co.that makes the pill has not said how it will price it. Proteus Digital Health, based in Redwood City California, makes the sensor.

15 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

One Of The World's Coolest Library Opens In China

One of the coolest libraries has just opened in China and it is breathtakingly beautiful. The Tianjin Binhai Library has opened up in the Binhai Cultural District of Tianjin earlier this month. It is also called  “The Eye of Benhai” because of its mirrored spherical centrepiece that appears like an eye. The library has five storeys with a dazzling futuristic interior featuring rippling shelves of books. It has layered terraces that double as steps and seats. There are books on shelves up to the ceiling and are out of reach, but no worries as the designer has used aluminum plates instead of actual literature on the higher terraces in order to keep up with the library’s aesthetic. The library spans over 34,000 meters (366,000 square feet) and can hold as many as 1.2 million books. There are children’s play areas, lounges, and reading rooms on the lower levels of the library, while the upper floors are mainly offices and audio, computer, and meetings rooms.  The library is designed by the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV in partnership with Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute (TUPDI) and was ready after just three years of construction.  The library is a part of the city’s effort to improve the region’s cultural frastructure.

14 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Kenya Making Use Of Plastic Waste To Build Boats

The beautiful Lamu island with its golden beaches is on the verge of getting ruined due to increasing plastic waste. A recent beach clean up collected 33 tons of rubbish. Ben Morrison, a British-Ethiopian safari organizer was appalled by this and decided to save the island. Morrison approached  Ali "Skanda" Abdalla, a master boat builder who reminisced his childhood when there was no litter on Lamu's beautiful golden beaches. Unfortunately, now donkeys, turtles, cows and other animals are dying from eating plastic. They came up with an idea of making traditional sailing boats from recycled plastic which will also conserve the traditional woodland as wood is being used to make conventional boats. They have used plastic planks from the fledgling local recycling industry to build the boat. Morrison said that it was becoming increasingly difficult for boat builders to find wood. He wishes the ancient skills of boat building to live on, by shifting from ever-scarce wood to plastic. He is working with eight expert Kenyan boat builders and states that the project is not easy as they are struggling to produce a consistent material out of the recycled plastic. They plan to sail it to Cape Town in South Africa when it is complete.

13 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

German User Cracks Twitter Code To Post 35,000 Character Tweet

On Saturday, two Germans made use of a loophole on Twitter to post a tweet with as many as 35,000 characters. Currently, users have a 280 character limit on Twitter. The tweet which was later deleted read: "People! @Timrasett and @HackneyYT can exceed the character limit! You do not believe us? Here's about 35k characters proof." It was followed by a string of 35,000 random characters. While Twitter briefly suspended the account of the German users, they were operational soon after the duo apologized. They said they just wanted to show that it is easy to breach the character limit of Twitter. It is not very clear how they did it. According to a report in Gizmodo, the tweet was possibly formatted as a url, containing the code ".cc/tsyau" somewhere in the tweet body, which allowed circumvention of Twitter's character limit restriction. A spokesperson from Twitter informed that necessary changes have been made to fix the bug. The users, however, have no plans of withdrawing from their exploits and is preparing to find more bugs on the social media platform. They tweeted that they are trying to find bugs on Twitter and this is just the beginning.

9 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Japan’s Cute Penguin Shaped Robot Creates World Record

Everyone, especially kids love to skip and now, a robot has skipped its way into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most skips by a robot in a minute, by jumping over a revolving rope 106 times in just 60 seconds. The cute penguin-shaped robot that made the record is called Jumpen and it was built at the National Institute of Technology Nara College in Japan. At the Robocon event organized by Japanese broadcaster NHK at the Makuhari Messe convention centre near Tokyo, Jumpen skipped its way into the record books. According to Guinness, two members of the staff was swinging the rope for the diminutive robot. There was a large display that counted the number of skips made by it. Each skip was counted when the rope completed a 360-degree revolution cleared by Jumpen. Jumpen concluded with 106 skips in a minute without ever faltering at the rope. Jumpen is not the first robot to enter Guinness World Records. Earlier in 2010, the first robot wedding was conducted by I-Fairy in Japan. Japanese robot FORPHEUS became the first robot table tennis tutor in 2015.  

9 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Smart Solar Greenhouses To Produce Renewable Electricity

In a groundbreaking development, scientists from the University of California have developed ‘smart’ greenhouses that can produce renewable energy without affecting the growth of plants. Researchers said that the first crops of tomatoes and cucumbers grown inside electricity-generating solar greenhouses were as healthy as those raised in conventional greenhouses. The new technology, Wavelength-Selective Photovoltaic Systems (WSPVs) generates electricity more efficiently and at less cost than traditional photovoltaic systems. These greenhouses are outfitted with transparent roof panels embedded with a bright magenta luminescent dye that absorbs light and transfers energy to narrow photovoltaic strips, where electricity is produced. WSPVs absorb some of the blue and green wavelengths of light but let the rest through, allowing the plants to grow. The technology was developed by coauthors Sue Carter and Glenn Alers, both professors of physics at UC Santa Cruz. The team monitored photosynthesis and fruit production across 20 varieties of plants grown in magenta glasshouses. They found that eighty percent of the plants weren’t affected, while 20 percent actually grew better under the magenta windows. Michael Loik, from University of California (UC), said that this is an exciting development. He said that if greenhouses generate electricity on site, that reduces the need for an outside source, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions even more.

7 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Asia’s Largest Island Building Vessel

China, on Friday, unveiled a giant island-building vessel called the ‘Tiankun’ which is one of its kind in Asia. The vessel also called ‘a magic island-maker’ by its designers was launched at Qidong in eastern Jiangsu province. Deputy chief engineer of CCCC Tianjin Dredging, Wang Jian said that the vessel, with a deck as long as 140 meters, can smash underwater rocks and then suck out sand, water, and mud, and transfer the substance up to 15 kilometers away. It can dredge up to 6,000 cubic meters (around two and a half Olympic swimming pools) an hour from a depth of up to 35 meters. The vessel was designed at Marine Design and Research Institute in Shanghai which claims that Tiankun can conduct coastal or channel dredging and land reclamation operations at sea. Earlier, China has constructed artificial islands on the Spratly archipelago in order to station warplanes and other military hardware amidst concerns among other neighboring countries. The Tiankun is expected to undergo more mooring and sailing tests after which it is slated to enter service by next summer. Currently, the largest operating dredger in the region, the ‘Tianjin’ can dredge 1,500 cubic meters an hour less than the newly launched vessel from 30 meters beneath the surface. While Tianjin was jointly created by Chinese and German engineers, Tiankun is the first indigenously built self-propelled dredger of its type in China.

5 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Optimistic Findings from NASA’s Kepler Mission

NASA’s Kepler mission has made some interesting findings. Based on that, scientists have found 20 new planets that can support life. The findings from Kepler mission to discover alien worlds like our own suggest the existence of habitable worlds. According to scientists, it is a major breakthrough in our attempt to find “Earth 2.0”. Scientists who have reviewed the major new research stated that the new worlds are remarkably similar to our own. Their duration of a year is notably similar to ours thus avoiding the problem of “short” years. These planets have temperatures that are life encouraging. According to scientists, the planet that is most similar to that of Earth is KOI-7923.0.Its year comprises of 395 days and is 97percent the size of the Earth. It is a bit colder as it is far away from the sun and that sun is less warm. However, it probably means that the warmer parts of that planet are more akin to the colder parts of ours. Jeff Coughlin, a team leader on the Kepler project and one of the scientists who found the new planets said that if a planet has to be chosen to send a spacecraft to, it's not a bad option. According to scientists, the planets discovered have 70-80 percent chances of being habitable. More work needs to be done to confirm the findings.

2 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Shortest Asia Europe Rail Link Launched

The shortest Asia Europe rail link was launched in Azerbaijan on Monday which will act as a new transport corridor for goods carried between Asia and Europe. At a ceremony to mark the departure of first trains, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said that that the opening of the railway is of historic and strategic significance. He said that the line from Azerbaijan capital, Baku through the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, to Kars in Turkey is “the shortest and most reliable link between Europe and Asia. The 846-kilometer (525 miles) marks the completion of a 10-year project. There are plans to start passenger train services along the route next year, including sleeper-car trains between Baku and Istanbul. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the new rail will enable Chinese goods to reach Europe in just 12 to 15 days. Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Kazakh Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev and Uzbek Premier Abdullah Aripov are other dignitaries that attended the flag off ceremony. Akif Mustafayev, permanent representative in Azerbaijan of the intergovernmental commission of TRACECA, an EU-backed transport program said that the line offers a shorter route for transporting Chinese goods to Europe by rail. The railway is expected to transport 5 million tons of cargo per year initially, rising to 17 million tons over time.  

1 Nov 2017
Global Inspirations

Spooky Sounds from Space Just in Time for Halloween

This year’s Halloween is going to be creepier as NASA has released a playlist of sounds from space. The playlist has weird sounds from cacophonic plasma waves to eerie Saturn radio emissions. Though they are not the actual audio waves, the sounds are audible when astronomers convert the readings captured by various space probes and instruments into sound waves. NASA’s SoundCloud account enables us to hear those eerie space sounds. After judging the playlist, a report stated that the creepiest planet in our Solar System appears to be the gas giant Jupiter and its numerous gigantic moons. A haunting screeching and roaring sound was captured when Juno crossed into Jupiter's formidable magnetic field. The radio waves captured from the intense emissions spewed out by Saturn are also spooky. Creepy noises don't just come from elsewhere in the Solar System - turns out our own planet's magnetosphere can generate some pretty intense noises, too. The playlist makes us marvel at the cosmic wonders of the universe and at the same time acts as a perfect musical score at Halloween parties. Halloween is observed in many countries on October 31st and has its roots in age-old European traditions.  

31 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Meet Sophia- The Robot with Saudi Citizenship

A humanoid robot by the name Sophia made global headlines when she was granted Saudi citizenship making Saudi Arabia the first country in the world to grant its citizenship to a robot. The robot is designed by Hong Kong company Hanson Robotics. It took the stage at the Future Investment Initiative held in Saudi on Thursday and had an amusing exchange with the host to the delight of hundreds of delegates. The robot is capable of showing human expressions. In an exchange with moderator Andrew Ross Sorkin, she said that she wanted to live and work with humans. When asked whether robots can be self-aware, conscious and know they are robots she said that she wanted to use her artificial intelligence to help humans lead a better life, like design smarter homes, build better cities of the future. She added that she would do her best to make the world a better place.  Her desire to achieve more human-like characteristics earned her the Saudi citizenship. Sophia said that she was honoured and proud to be granted the citizenship. It was a historical moment for her to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with a citizenship. A panel made up of experts from some of the world’s leading companies and research institutions met at a session called “Thinking machines: Summit on artificial intelligence and robotics”. They discussed the scope for innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, quantum computing, machine learning and mixed reality to yield the next generation of products and services, paving the way for productivity and progress in emerging economies. Marc Raibert, Founder & CEO of Boston Dynamics, pinpointed entertainment, security, emergency response and construction as just a few of the sectors that stand to be revolutionized by robotics.  

26 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Chinese scientists’ breakthrough can help solve hunger crisis

In a path-breaking development, Chinese scientists have been able to grow several types of rice in sea water. They have thus managed to potentially create enough food for 200 million people. The Chinese government has been investigating how to grow rice in salty waters since the 1970s. For decades, researchers have been trying to grow rice in saline waters, but only now they have developed varieties that are commercially viable. Scientists from the Qingdao Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice Research and Development Center had expected to nearly triple yields, to 4.5 metric tons per hectare. However, their crops exceeded expectations, in one case delivering up to 9.3 tonnes per hectare. Liu Shiping, a professor of agriculture at Yangzhou University was delighted with the results saying that it has exceeded their expectations. The rice was grown in a field near the Yellow Sea coastal city of Qingdao in China’s eastern Shandong province. They planted 200 different types of the grain to test which would grow best in salty conditions. Seawater was pumped into the fields, diluted and then channelled into rice paddies. China has one million square kilometres of land where the salinity prevents crops from growing. Scientists hope that the development of new rice will allow some of this land to be used for agriculture.

26 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Students Design Sleeping Bags for Syrian Refugees

A group of MIT students has developed a sleeping bag that can keep people warm even in freezing winters. They have created these bags keeping the Syrian refugees in mind who have been displaced since the beginning of the country’s civil war in 2011. Without adequate heating and shelter, they are left to brace the cold winter months. The team of six, led by Vick Liu, created TravlerPack, a light, durable, water-resistant sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures as cold as -10 degrees Celsius, with the goal of distributing them to Syrian refugees. TravlerPack is Liu’s brainchild. In the course of a freshman pre-orientation exercise last year, Liu was discussing startup ideas with a group of students when he realized he wanted to create something that would be beneficial to people. The idea of travel pack clicked and he wrote it on a piece of paper so he wouldn’t forget it. Liu, who grew up backpacking and camping said that the refugee crisis is a huge problem and he wanted to help. Without adequate fuel and shelter, the refugees find it hard to keep themselves warm during severe winters. Liu states that his sleeping bag does not require fuel or battery. When the team made the first such sleeping bag, Liu slept in it on the roof of his fraternity house one night during a Boston snowstorm. The temperatures outside dipped to  15 degrees Fahrenheit, but Liu stayed warm the entire night.  Liu and his team also spoke directly with refugees to know of any additional features that need to be added. The refugees lamented that they didn’t have any secure place to store valuables at night when they went to sleep. Subsequently, TravelPack was designed such that it contained contains one outside storage compartment and five inside storage compartments. Each pack also has a built-in, detachable mosquito net and TravlerPacks can be zipped together to make one larger sleeping space for a family, or unzipped completely and used as a blanket  

24 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

An Unexpected Ride on Hogwarts Express

It was nothing short of magic for a stranded family in Scotland when the vehicle that came to their rescue was the train that took Harry Potter to school – Hogwarts Express. In the Harry Potter movie, Hogwarts Express was played by the Jacobite steam train, which runs on a remote and scenic route through the Scottish Highlands. A family of six were stranded when their canoe got washed away in a storm on Friday. Jon Cluett, his wife and four children between the ages of 6 and 12 spent the night in a lakeside hut on Loch Eilt. When they awoke, they found that their canoe was missing and thought that it must have got washed away. Hoping against all odds, Cluett called the police and informed them about their problem. He was assured by the police that the next train passing by had been arranged to stop for them. He also informed that it was the Hogwarts Express and that his kids were going to love it. Cluett’s children are all Harry Potter fans and their joy knew no bounds when they got a ride on the Express. They were really excited by the adventure.

24 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Einstein’s ‘Theory of Happiness’ is Up for Auction

After 95 years, a note written by Albert Einstein on happy living has surfaced and is up for auction in Jerusalem. In 1922, the great physicist whose theory of relativity catapulted him to fame was on a lecture tour in Japan. He was informed that he had been selected for the prestigious Nobel Prize for physics and he was gradually becoming famous. He was put up at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. That is when a Japanese courier arrived to give him a message. Either the courier might have refused to accept a tip as is the local practice or Einstein didn’t have small change, but he didn’t want the messenger to go empty-handed. So he penned down two notes in German and gave it to the messenger. While giving the notes, Einstein said, “Maybe if you are lucky those notes will become much more valuable than just a regular tip.” The owner of the notes resides in Hamburg, Germany. One note says “ a quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest .” The other note simply reads “ where there’s a will there’s a way”. Roni Grosz, the archivist in charge of the world’s largest Einstein collection at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University said that it is impossible to determine whether the notes were a reflection of Einstein’s own musings on his growing fame. According to Grosz, the notes may shed light on the private thoughts of the great physicist.  

23 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

World’s largest aquarium to open in Switzerland

The world’s largest aquarium, Aquatis is all set to open near Geneva in Switzerland. It will accommodate close to 10,000 fish and reptile species in its 50 individual aquariums, vivariums and terrariums. The animals can be observed in an interactive and immersive environment due to the implementation of innovative technological features. The aquatic fauna and flora of five continents will be presented on two floors. On the first floor, the visitors will be taken along the Rhone river, from its glacial origins to its Mediterranean delta. The second floor takes one to a trip to the other continents, from the large African lakes with their crocodiles and colorful fish to the Amazon, where arapaimas and piranhas abound, or the Mississippi with its alligator gars. The voyage also leads through the Asian mangroves and rice-and-fish cultures, all the way to Oceania and the Australian Pioneer River which flows into the Great Barrier Reef.  Aquatis will also house a museum offering entertainment and encounters between the general public and the world of science.It will also educate the visitors about environmental and water-related issues. The building itself has been constructed with particular care in order to function in a most efficient way: rain waters are collected, and the heating and cooling systems are sustainably sourced. The facade of the aquarium is very interesting. It is covered with 100,000 aluminium discs which reflect the color of the sky. With a bit of imagination, one can see them as dancing waves or even fish scales.  

18 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Get ready to traverse space

Ever wondered how planets and moons look like up close. Thanks to Google Maps, now you can explore planets without worrying about pesky clouds or formatting a telescope. The new feature introduced by Google Maps enables one to  'zoom out' from Earth and explore other planets and moons in the solar system. You can also probe the International Space Station without leaving the comfort of your phone or computer. Google Maps added 12 new planets and moons for users to explore. You can also seek the moons of Saturn, like Enceladus, Titan, and Mimas. To get to space, you can scroll out on the Google Maps screen or use the direct link. According to Google’s blog, images are sent by various spacecraft, including the Cassini probe. Cassini allowed “scientists to reconstruct these distant worlds in unprecedented detail.” Users can zoom closer to the planets and view all images in 3D. Stafford Marquardt, the Product Manager at Google, wrote in a blog post-"Explore the icy plains of Enceladus, where Cassini discovered water beneath the moon's crust-suggesting signs of life. Peer beneath the thick clouds of Titan to see methane lakes," Google has also added Pluto, Venus, and several other moons for a total of 12 new worlds for users to explore.

18 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Boyen Slat- Crusader of the Earth

Boyan Slat from Netherlands is the 23-year-old founder of a non-profit group whose name exactly describes its purpose: Ocean Cleanup. He believes that nothing is impossible and that they could actually make the ocean clean again. Slat was only 16 when he took a diving course while on a holiday in Greece. He expected to see beautiful things under the water but was dismayed by the sight of garbage on the seabed. That is when he made up his mind to clean the oceans. Ocean Cleanup aims to use technology to clean the so-called Great Pacific Garbage Patch and other places in the world’s oceans where ‘gyres’, or slowly rotating currents trap huge amounts of plastic waste. Slat, an environmentalist looks at technology as an ally and believes that it could be a most powerful agent of change. Ocean Cleanup’s plan is to create vast, V-shaped arrays of floating barriers, possibly as much as 100 kilometres in length, moored to the seabed at depths of up to 4,000 metres. These barriers will capture plastic waste as the ocean currents flow past and funnel it into the centre of the ‘V’ to be stored in floating towers, from which it can be collected by ships and brought to land for recycling. Slat’s scheme was named one of the 25 best inventions of 2015 by Time Magazine. The Dutch government agreed to announce a grant of 500,000 Euros to help fund an Ocean Cleanup trial project in the North Sea. Cleanup aims to have its first full-scale projects up and running by the end of 2018.

17 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Coral Scientist Uses Technology to Save Chinese Reefs

Chen Hong is a coral scientist who realized his childhood dream by devoting his life to exploring the mysteries of the seas, especially the "lungs of the oceans", coral reefs. He is on a mission to restore the coral reefs that have been damaged by global warming, land-based sewage, illegal fishing activities and too much tourism. Chen, a 52-year-old oceanic scientist conducted experiments for more than 10 years and mastered at least six kinds of technology for growing coral under different environments with their survival rate being as high as 90 percent. Coral reefs are the forest of the ocean which attracts fish, algae and other marine life forms, gradually evolving into “an undersea city". Although they occupy less than 0.25 percent of sea area, they shelter and nourish more than one-quarter of the oceans' fish resources. Chen explained that due to rise in sea temperatures rise, zooxanthellae parasitic plants that are essential for the survival of coral reefs are expelled due to which bleaching occurs leading to the death of reefs. Chen yearned for a lifestyle of pure research into nature. He spent most of his earnings on research and worked ceaselessly in the laboratories studying the growth of various corals and leading his teams in monitoring the waters in Hainan- where he had set up his research institute-with support from local governments and institutions. Chen and his team visited Xisha islands about 20 times and has planted more than 9,500 corals, tridacna clams and large-size seaweed. His exploration of Xisha led to the discovery of new coral species and a seaweed bed ecosystem, which has enriched Xisha's eco-diversity.  

16 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Italian Fashion House Stops Ûsing Fur

With more and more people becoming sensitive towards the rights of animals, Italian fashion house Gucci has decided to stop using fur in its designs from next year. They have given in to the pressures of animal rights activists and are adapting to changing consumer tastes by looking for alternatives to fur. Marco Bizzarri, Gucci’s chief executive, said the brand would drop fur starting from its spring and summer 2018 collection. The decision was taken alongside Mr. Alessandro Michele, the creative director under whom Gucci has seen its sales rise over the past two years. Mr. Bizzari said that he and Mr. Alessandro share a belief in the importance of the same values. Gucci, known for its fur-lined loafers and luxurious mink fur coats is the latest label or major retailer to stop using fur. In June, Yoox Net-A-Porter, a multi-brand online luxury retailer, adopted a fur-free policy on accessories and clothing sold on the site. With the intent to end cruelty to animals, anti-fur protesters have been known to demonstrate outside catwalk shows at fashion weeks around the world. Consumers of luxury goods have also grown sensitive to environmental issues leading to a slack in its demand.  

13 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

A newly discovered wasp gets an interesting name

A new species of wasp discovered in New Zealand has got an interesting name- Lucius Malfoy, a name of a villainous character of Harry Potter series. Tom Saunders, a researcher from the University of Auckland who read the first Harry Potter book at the age of ten has a reason behind it. In an interview  with CNN, Saunders said, "People see wasps as villains, as the 'bad guys.' But the truth is that the vast majority of wasp species are either neutral or beneficial, from a human standpoint. Just as Lucius Malfoy is pardoned after separating from Voldemort's allies, I'm asking people to pardon wasps in order to restore their reputation as interesting, important creatures." Saunders is of the opinion that the species of parasitoid wasps outnumber the count of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals combined. They are effectively used to control pests in New Zealand as well as in many countries around the world. By naming the insect Lucius Malfoy, he wishes to draw attention to this useful insect which New Zealand may be slowly losing. According to National Geographic, a majority of the 30,000 species of wasps known to man are non-stinging solitary creatures that do more good than harm by controlling pest populations. The wasp discovered by Saunders is a native parasitoid wasp that does not sting or live in colonies.  

12 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists Propose Protective Shield for the Earth

As our lives increasingly revolve around technology, one cannot imagine the detrimental effect a solar flare can cause due to damage to the electrical infrastructure. Currently, human activity is highly dependent on the infrastructure located in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Aside from the many telecommunications satellites that are currently in space, there's also the International Space Station and a fleet of GPS satellites. Scientists, therefore, consider a solar flare activity as a serious hazard and its mitigation as a priority. They have proposed a bold solution – placing a giant magnetic shield in orbit. In a study conducted by Manasavi Lingam and Abraham Loeb from the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysicist (CfA) they explain that solar flares pose a particularly grave risk in today's world, and will become an even greater threat due to humanity's growing presence in LEO. A great deal of effort has been dedicated to the study of solar flares since the famous Carrington event of 1859 when a massive solar storm engulfed the Earth and ruined our old technology. It is said that if the Carrington event were to take place today the estimated loss would amount to US$10 trillion, and recovery would take several years. To counter the risk, Lingam and Loeb have considered the possibility of placing a magnetic shield between Earth and the Sun at Lagrange Point 1, where it would be able to deflect charged particles and create an artificial bowshock around Earth. Loeb said that the cost for lifting the needed infrastructure to space (weighing 100,000 tons) will likely be of order 100 billions of dollars, much less than the expected damage over a century.

10 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

A Mammoth Step to Save Elephants

Giving in to pressures from campaigners, Britain is mulling over the ban on trade in antique ivory. It had already imposed a ban on the sale of raw ivory but allows trade in carved items produced before 1947. Campaigners warn that this legal market is acting as a cover to carry out trade in illegal ivory. Britain on Friday outlined plans for a near-total ban on trade in antique ivory. Environment Secretary Michael Gove while announcing the plan said that poaching of elephants for their tusks is causing a decline in their population. Asserting the fact that the dwindling elephant population shames our generation, he stated that possession of ivory should not be treated as a status symbol or commodity for financial gain. The new proposals call for a ban on sales of older ivory items with some exemptions including musical instruments and items deemed to have "significant historic, artistic or cultural value." The US-based Wildlife Conservation Society supported the decision as it was "a critical step in joining other nations to reverse the precipitous decline of African elephants."  World Wildlife Fund (WWF) chief executive Tanya Steeler warned there was a long way to go and "no time to waste." She said that 55 African elephants are killed every day and a ban on illegal trade is the need of the hour.

10 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

ICAN Bags the Nobel Peace Prize

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN ) has won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. ICAN is a coalition of non-governmental organizations from over 100 countries around the globe. It is based in Geneva. It was found deserving of the Nobel by the Norwegian Nobel Committee “for its work to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for its ground-breaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons.” The Norwegian Nobel Committee said that ICAN has played a leading role in the effort to achieve a prohibition of nuclear weapons under international law. In the wake of tensions between the United States and North Korea over nuclear programmes, the committee emphasized the need to free the world of nuclear weapons. It said the 2017 Peace Prize called upon nuclear-armed states to initiate negotiations to the gradual elimination of the world’s 15,000 nuclear weapons. ICAN said in a statement on its Facebook page, “This award shines a needed light on the path the ban treaty provides towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Before it is too late, we must take that path. This is a time of great global tension, when fiery rhetoric could all too easily lead us, inexorably, to unspeakable horror. The spectre of nuclear conflict looms large once more. If ever there were a moment for nations to declare their unequivocal opposition to nuclear weapons, that moment is now.”

9 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Nobel Prize for Literature Announced

British author Kazuo Ishiguro said that he was taken completely by surprise when the news of his winning the Nobel Prize was broken to him and even wondered whether it was fake news. The author of novels including ‘The Remains of the Day’ and ‘Never Let Me Go’ won the 2017 Nobel prize in literature.   The Swedish Academy for novels praised Ishiguro’s works which “uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world” and were driven by a “great emotional force”. The news of winning the prestigious prize whose previous winners include Seamus Heaney, Toni Morrison, Doris Lessing and Pablo Neruda came as a pleasant surprise for  Ishiguro who had been sitting at his kitchen table at home in Golders Green in London about to have brunch, when he got the call from his agent. Ishiguro was born in Nagasaki in Japan but moved to the UK when he was five. He studied creative writing at the University of East Anglia. His first novel, A Pale View of the Hills was published in 1982. He has been a full-time writer ever since.  According to the Academy, the themes of “memory, time and self-delusion” weave through his work, particularly in The Remains of the Day, which won Ishiguro the Booker prize in 1989 and was adapted into a film starring Anthony Hopkins as the “duty-obsessed” butler Stevens.

8 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Sea Turtles Make a Comeback

As we continue to hear about the dwindling population of plants and animals due to habitat loss, climate change and many more factors, the news of an increase in their numbers brings hope and joy. According to a comprehensive analysis of global sea turtle abundance published on Wednesday in Science Advances, most populations of sea turtles are bouncing back after historical declines. Antonios Mazaris, an ecologist at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and a team of international researchers analyzed existing public data of sea turtle nesting sites around the world over time periods ranging from six to 47 years. They standardized individual data sets and evaluated each site separately and then combined them into regional populations to look at changes. They found that even small populations, which normally have a tough time recovering, are capable of being restored. Researchers believe that it has been easier to protect the sea turtles as their threat is tangible. They are accidentally trapped by fishermen or harvested by others as delicacies, aphrodisiacs or decoration. The efforts of conservationists dating back to the 1950s have borne fruits. By protecting beaches, regulating fishing and establishing marine protected areas turtles have been saved in many locations.They were surprised to find that with adequate protection, even small populations of turtles have a chance of survival.  

6 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

NASA and Russia Join Hands for Space Exploration

After conquering the moon,  the time has now come to send humans into deeper space. With this aim, NASA has joined hands with a Russian space agency – Roscosmos to build a space station orbiting the Moon. The two agencies share a common vision for space exploration. They signed a joint statement at the 68th International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia, to develop a mission architecture designed to send astronauts into cislunar space — or lunar orbit. Robert Lightfoot, NASA’s Acting Administrator, said that NASA is pleased to see growing international interest in moving into cislunar space as the next step for advancing human space exploration. He added that NASA aims to send humans to Mars in the 2030s. Lightfoot said that the statements signed by NASA and Roscosmos, also known as the ‘gateway concept’ enables the kind of exploration architecture that is affordable and sustainable. With the help of new deep space exploration transportation systems, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, NASA aims to expand human presence in the solar system starting in the vicinity of the Moon. Roscosmos officials said that the new partnership would develop international technical standards for the establishment of the station in the near-moon orbit.  

5 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

First Universal Flu Vaccine to be Tested

Researchers at Oxford will be testing a seasonal flu vaccine that would be the first in the world. The clinical trial will span two years and involve more than 2000 patients. Oxford University’s Jenner Institute and Vaccitech have developed this so-called universal vaccine. The existing flu vaccines have to be changed each year to match strains of virus circulating at the time. They are not found to be very effective in all cases, especially in older patients with weak immune systems. Researchers developed the new vaccine by using proteins found in the core of the virus rather than those on its surface. Surface proteins stick out like pins from the virus and change all the time, while those in the core are found to be stable. What makes this vaccine universal is its ability to stimulate the immune system to boost virus-killing T-cells which can help fight more than one type of flu virus. Researchers hope the new vaccine will provide better and longer-lasting protection when used alongside the regular seasonal flu shot. The new vaccine has already cleared the initial safety rials. Now, it has advanced to Phase IIb testing.It is the first time a universal flu vaccine has progressed beyond Phase I clinical testing

3 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

American Trio Awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine

Americans Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young have won the Nobel Prize in Medicine. They were awarded the 9-million-kronor ($1.1 million) prize for their discoveries about the body's daily rhythms, opening up whole new fields of research and raising awareness about the importance of getting proper sleep. The American trio was able to peek into the body’s biological clock and study how it worked which was a mystery until now. All living beings have a biological clock that attunes the functions of the body to the fluctuations of the day. This adaptation is called circadian rhythm and it influences sleep, behavior, hormone levels, body temperature and metabolism. Juleen Zierath of the Nobel academy said that the winners have raised "awareness of the importance of a proper sleep hygiene." Michael Hastings, a scientist at the U.K. Medical Research Council, said the discoveries had opened up a whole new field of study for biology and medicine. Mr. Rosbash and Mr. Hall along with Mr. Young isolated the “period gene” in fruit flies. Mr. Hall and Mr. Rosbash found that a protein encoded by the gene accumulated during the night and degraded during daytime. Later, Mr. Young discovered another "clock gene" that encoded the TIM protein that was required for a normal circadian rhythm. The Nobel Assembly said in its prize statement that the paradigm-shifting discoveries by the laureates established key mechanisms for the biological clock.

3 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

‘Gandhi March’ in Netherlands

On the occasion of Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2, Netherlands is hosting numerous celebratory functions as a tribute to the man who stayed firmly rooted to the cause of non-violent movement and led India to its independence from the British Raj. The Indian embassy has launched a unique campaign- ‘ Follow the Mahatma which has garnered a lot of support from several prominent institutions, organizations and individuals advocating non-violence. Netherlands is hosting its first ever  'Gandhi March' which will be held starting from the Peace Palace to the Grote Kerk in the Hague. People of all nationalities are expected to join the march which is the first such large-scale event in the country. The campaign has also roped in schools to spread the message of non-violence, tolerance and peace to schoolchildren in the Netherlands. People across the country have been invited to participate in the special social media campaign and mark the day with themes relating to non-violence and Gandhi. As cycling is considered an integral part of Dutch culture, the Gandhi Memorial trust of India has sent a bicycle personally used by Gandhi as a special gesture. It will be displayed for the public at the Grote Kerk in the Hague. Indian author Pramod Kapoor will launch his new book in Dutch titled Gandhi: An Illustrated Biography on the occasion. The Netherlands stands by Gandhi's views and beliefs on truth, non-violence and peace as is evident by the number of streets named after him and his statues in a few cities in the country.

1 Oct 2017
Global Inspirations

Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban on Driving for Women

Victory signs flashed in Saudi Arabia as women were granted the right to drive. Saudi King Salman ordered the reform in a royal decree delivered on Tuesday night that any women who wanted to drive may be granted the driving license. Activists have been demanding reforms in the fundamentalist kingdom. Saudi ambassador to Washington DC, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz said that women will no longer need permission from a legal guardian to get a license and will not need a guardian in the car when they drive. A number of reforms have been initiated in Saudi Arabia which has a rigidly conservative society where citizens have strictly demarcated gender roles and women have very little freedom to lead a social life. A senior minister commented that a cultural revolution is taking place disguised as economic reform. As part of the reforms, last week, women were allowed into a sports stadium for the first time. It is a fact pointed by critics that female citizens of Saudi Arabia were the world’s most repressed. Now, gradually the restrictions on women are being eased. Lifting the driving ban on women is a significant reform welcomed by all. Saudi Arabia’s new Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman believes that allowing women to drive is one of the key reforms as it will bring about higher female participation in the workforce and a breakdown of gender roles.

28 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Soon Scientists can Predict Extreme Events

Our planet has encountered numerous events of instabilities -  from a rogue wave that rises up from calm waters to an instability inside a gas turbine, to the sudden extinction of a previously hardy wildlife species. Now, scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new algorithm that can predict such extreme events. The occurrence of extreme events is almost uncertain as it involves a complex and ever-changing mix of players and pieces. The scientists have managed to devise a framework to identify key patterns that appear before an extreme event. Themistoklis Sapsis, associate professor at MIT said that currently, there is no device to predict the occurrence of extreme events. They made a framework which can be applied to turbulent fluid flows. "They’re encountered in climate dynamics in the form of extreme rainfall, in engineering fluid flows such as stresses around an airfoil, and acoustic instabilities inside gas turbines", said Sapsis. He stated that the framework can be applied to a wide range of complicated, multidimensional systems to pick out the warning signs that are most likely to occur in the real world. He added that if such extreme events can be predicted, then strategies can be made to control or avoid them. The framework involves solving sets of dynamical equations – incredibly complex mathematical formulas that, once solved, can predict the state of a complex system over time.  

27 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

New Light Weight Aluminium Developed

An aluminium spoon will sink to the bottom if put in water as aluminium is denser than water. Scientists now have developed an ultra-light form of aluminum that floats on water which can be of great use in the production of automobiles and future aircraft. Researchers from the Utah State University (USU) in the US resorted to computational modeling to restructure the conventional aluminium at the molecular level. The outcome was an ultra-light crystalline form of aluminium that’s lighter than water. The team confirmed that the newly designed structure is a new, metastable, lightweight form of crystal aluminium. While the density of conventional aluminium is 2.7 grammes per cubic centimetre, the new material has a density as low as 0.61 gramme per cubic centimetre. Alexander Boldyrev, from USU stated that the low density enables the new crystallised form of aluminium to float on water. This property of aluminium opens a whole new realm of possible applications for the non-magnetic, corrosive-resistant, abundant, relatively inexpensive and easy-to-produce metal. Boldyrev said that the ultra aluminium can be used in spaceflight, medicine, wiring and more lightweight, more fuel-efficient automotive parts.  Although the strength of the new material has not been determined, Boldyrev believes the breakthrough discovery marks a novel way of approaching material design.  

25 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Scotland Named the World’s Most Beautiful Country

According to the Rough Publication’s Guide, Scotland is the most beautiful country in the world. The list that featured the likes of Norway, Finland, New Zealand, and England, proudly announced Scotland to be the top amongst them. The list was published after a survey was carried out and the top 20 countries were listed. Scotland’s natural beauty is one of the many reasons for the readers to have voted the country as most beautiful in the world. Scotland is already hailed as a tourist hotspot with its alluring lochs, castles, and bays, that entrance the tourists into extending their visits as often as they can.  With this announcement, Scotland’s tourism rate and revenue are expected to rise as more and more readers show interest in visiting the most beautiful countries in the world. Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland says, ““We are delighted that Scotland has received this remarkable accolade from Rough Guide readers, but of course it will not be a surprise to anyone who has encountered our wonderful country. Of course, with great beauty comes great responsibility and we urge both visitors and residents alike to respect Scotland’s natural assets to protect and preserve them for many generations to come.”

25 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

World’s Largest Food Companies Agree to Labelling Intended towards Cutting Food Wastage

The Consumer Goods Forum has urged some of the largest food companies of the world to simplify their labels in order to reduce food wastage. An estimated 133 billion pounds of food is wasted in US alone every year and one of the major reasons for the wastage is the confusing labels that carry multiple dates. The Consumer Good Forum intends to harmonise the labelling across the globe by having a single ‘Use by’ date for the convenience of the consumers. Major food companies such as Walmart, Tesco, Kelloggs, Nestle, Carrefour and Unilever, are supporting the “call to action” by agreeing to redesign and harmonize the labels around the world by 2020. Ignacio Gavilan, director of sustainability at the Consumer Goods Forum, said, "The goal is to simplify and harmonize food date labeling around the world to reduce consumer confusion." The Consumer Goods Forum is a network of over 400 companies which include the industry giants and hence is in a position to create a major impact on the issue of food wastage by taking action. The Forum is acting upon the UN General assembly guidelines on food wastage and aim to reduce the same by 2020.  

25 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Amazing Advancement in Fight Against AIDS

A new antibody that is able to kill off 99 percent of HIV strains has been developed by scientists. It is made up of three broadly neutralising antibodies and has been found to be more effective than any naturally occurring antibody that's been discovered. The powerful antibody is the outcome of research carried out by the US National Institute of Health (NIH) in conjunction with pharmaceutical firm Sanofi.   The exciting breakthrough can eventually lead to the cure for AIDS and may also prevent transmission of the virus. A test conducted on monkeys yielded positive results. 24 monkeys were given antibodies and then injected with the virus, but none of them resulted in an infection. A cure for AIDS has been elusive as the human body finds it difficult to subdue HIV because the virus changes and mutates in a number of ways — a single patient can have numerous unique strains of the infection present in their body simultaneously. Researchers at NIH and Sanofi combined three unique antibodies to produce a tri-specific antibody. While the most effective naturally occurring antibodies can only target 90 percent of HIV strains, this tri-specific antibody was observed to take on 99 percent. Clinical trials on humans will get underway in 2018.  

25 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists Discover the Secret Behind Butterflies' Colourful Wings

Butterflies have always been a favourite topic for researchers as the vibrant and colourful butterflies are known to have evolved from the rather dull and plain moth. For years scientists have been trying to find out the source of the colours and patterns on a butterfly’s wings. Now, scientists have found that the patterns and colours on butterflies’ wings are the result of suites of genes. The new Crispr- Cas gene-editing technique facilitates the study of the function of each gene by deleting it and seeing what happens. Two teams of biologists at the Cornell university used the technique to explore the roles of two master genes in the appearance of the butterflies’ wings. One team led by Linlin Zhang and Robert D Reed found that the gene ‘optix’ had control of all colour of butterflies’ wing. When they deleted optix from the Gulf fritillary’s eggs, the resulting adult butterflies which normally bear a deep brown hue changed to a ghostly black and silver colour. Another team led by Anyi Mazo-Vargas and Arnaud Martin of George Washington University proved that a gene called ‘WntA’ played a powerful role in the patterning of butterflies’ wings. Optix and WntA are therefore called paintbrush genes as they can be used to design and colour the butterfles’ wings.

23 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

World’s Fastest Bullet Train, Now in China

Starting September 21, China has introduced a bullet train that covers over 1200 km in just 4.5 hours. The bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing is the fastest in the world so far and is equipped with state of the world technology.  The bullet train is named, ‘Fuxing,’ which means rejuvenation, as this move comes six years after China lowered its train speeds. The bullet train is being touted as one of the safest in the world with a smart monitoring system that lowers its speed automatically if it detects an emergency. It also has a remote data transmission system which tracks its speed in real time. Fuxing runs at a maximum speed of 400 km/hr and an average speed of 350 km/hr. The train has reduced the travel time between Beijing and Shanghai by over an hour.  The train is fully WI-Fi enabled with power sockets and state of art infrastructure. The train is also said to consume 10% less energy than its previous model and has a life of 30 years which is 10 years more than any other trains. All in all, Fuxing has set precedent for upcoming high-speed rail transport globally.  

21 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Good News About Snow Leopards

It pains us when we read about animals being added to the endangered species list, but sometimes human involvement and efforts help as is seen in the case of snow leopards where their numbers have increased so that they have been removed from the endangered species list and are now considered a ‘vulnerable’ species. The change of the majestic snow leopard from ‘endangered’ to ’ vulnerable’ species was done by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which assesses the conservation status of wildlife. A species is considered to be endangered if its count is below 2,500. In 2008, there were less than 2,500 snow leopards left and their population was declining at an alarming rate. Now, due to sustained conservation efforts, their population is on the rise and at least 4000 snow leopards were spotted in the Himalayans. However, it has been placed in the list of vulnerable species as it still faces the risk of extinction through habitat loss and degradation, declines in prey, competition with livestock, persecution, and poaching for illegal wildlife trade. The IUCN states that there is still work to be done to continue and expand conservation efforts to reverse the big cat’s declining trend.

19 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

An All-In-One Injection for Immunisation

Children are just too afraid of injections and so this information spells good news for them.  With the help of technology, scientists have been able to develop a single injection which will encompass all the childhood vaccination. The all in one injection contains different vaccines in microscopic capsules that are stored in the body and released, if required with boosters, at the appropriate time. Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have conducted tests on mice and found this method successful. They have successfully designed the micro-capsules to release different vaccine particles at exactly nine, 20 and 41 days after they were first injected. The micro-capsules are biodegradable and break down at the right time to release the vaccines. Currently, babies have to be injected several times for vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, Hib and hepatitis B. They are also given jabs for meningitis, measles, mumps and rubella.  The new technology will enable all these vaccinations to be given in a single jab. Professor Robert Langer of MIT who jointly led the study said that it is for the first time that they were able to create a library of tiny encased vaccine particles, each programmed to be released at a precise, predictable time so that people could potentially receive a single injection with multiple boosters already built into it.

19 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists create nanobots to deliver medicines

Scientists have developed nanorobots that are very tiny structures built by using DNA. As DNA stores vast information, structures built from it can be used to perform tasks like delivering medicines throughout the body or transport gene-editing tools. In a press release, Lulu Qian, a bioengineering professor at the California Institute of Technology and one of the study’s authors explained that just as electromechanical robots are sent off to faraway places, like Mars, they would like to send molecular robots to minuscule places where humans can’t go, such as the bloodstream. She informed that their aim was to design and build a molecular robot that could perform a sophisticated nanomechanical task: cargo sorting. Scientists worked towards creating robots that could pick up and sort molecules within a designated space. To achieve this aim, they used a single strand of DNA to create a three-part DNA robot. The robot has a “leg” with a pair of feet. An “arm” with a “hand” allowed it to carry cargo, and they added a third component to tell the hand when a specific drop-off point had been reached so it would know to release the cargo. They created and successfully tested the robots which have an 80 percent chance of accurately delivering their cargo. Qian hopes that other researchers could use these principles for exciting applications, such as using a DNA robot for synthesizing a therapeutic chemical from its constituent parts in an artificial molecular factory, delivering a drug only when a specific signal is given in bloodstreams or cells, or sorting molecular components in trash for recycling.  

18 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Magnificent Sand Castle Breaks World Record

The world has got its tallest sand castle in Germany. Ten designers from around the world came together in the month of August to build a 55- foot sand fortress. It has broken the record for the world’s tallest sand castle. It took about three and a half weeks to build the magnificent 17-meter castle in Duisburg, Germany. Around 3,860 tons of sand was used up for the castle. On September 1st a jury from the Guinness World Records gave its verdict and officially registered the sand castle as the tallest in the world. Apart from the sheer size of the breathtaking structure, one cannot miss its exterior which is intricately carved with cultural elements from around the world. The designs reflect the diversity of the designer team. This marvellous creation will be on display until September 29th in Germany. Indian artist Sudarsan Pattnaik previously held the world record for the tallest sand structure when he built a  48-foot model back in February. Sudarsan and his 45 students took about 9 days to prepare the sculpture. The sand sculpture was built with the theme of World Peace.  

14 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Handwritten exams to be a thing of the past

The 800-year-old practice of handwritten exams at UK's prestigious Cambridge University might soon be replaced by laptops or iPads as the university is considering scrapping of handwritten exam papers due to students’ handwriting becoming increasingly illegible. The deterioration in students’ handwriting is attributed to the growing reliance on laptops. The students use laptops even to take down lecture notes.  As part of its "digital education strategy", Cambridge University has launched a consultation on the topic and has already piloted an exam typing scheme in the History and Classics faculties earlier this year.  Dr. Sarah Pearsall, a senior lecturer at Cambridge's History Faculty stated that handwriting is becoming a "lost art". About twenty years ago, students routinely wrote by hand several hours a day -- but now they write virtually nothing by hand except exams. She said that the declining handwriting problem has existed for years and it was becoming very hard for examiners to decipher the illegible handwriting. Many a time, students with illegible writing are forced to return their college during the summer holidays to read their answers aloud in the presence of two university administrators. She appreciated the University’s efforts to reforms its examination practices.  

13 Sep 2017
Global Inspirations

Marine biologist on a mission to save great white sharks

Mexican marine biologist Edgar Mauricio Hoyos is on a mission to protect the most dreaded creature of the waters which according to him is the perfect creature in the world. He has written a book to spread the message of protection of great white sharks. Hoyos said that when we see a great white shark, we shouldn’t be petrified, but we must remember that we are dealing with one of the most perfect creatures in the world. At the launch of his book "El gran tiburon blanco, protector de los oceanos" (The Great White Shark, Protector of the Oceans), on Tuesday at a Mexico City museum,  Hoyos educated the public about great whites, stating that the huge predators do not eat humans. In his 119 page book, Hoyos stresses the need to protect the great white sharks. He has spent the last 14 years studying the sharks at Isla de Guadalupe, located about 355 kilometers (220 miles) off the coast of Baja California state. Hoyos said that the sharks visit Isla de Guadalupe each year between August and February and feed on fish, sea lions and dead whales thus maintaining balance in the marine ecosystem. His book contains everything that one wants to know about the great white sharks. It is unfortunate that the great white sharks are threatened by fishermen, who earn a big amount by selling the animals' fins and jaws. Shark fins are prized as a delicacy in Asia.

31 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

School playgrounds transformed into vegetable gardens

It is always children who are worst affected by the ravages of war. Children in Syria whose diets have been devastated by six years of war have something to look forward to – their school playgrounds are being transformed into vegetable gardens where they can learn to grow and then eat  - aubergines, lettuces, peppers, cabbages and cucumbers. Vegetables constitute an important part of traditional Syrian cuisine. Their food includes hummus, beautiful and varied salads, stews made with green beans, okra or courgettes and tomatoes, stuffed cabbage leaves and artichoke hearts. However, things have changed now due to many years of war and much of the population lives mainly on bread or food aid. It is unfortunate that nearly 70 percent of the population is living in extreme poverty. Adam Yao, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) acting representative in Syria said that the crisis in Syria was having a devastating effect on the health and nutrition of an entire generation of children. It can have serious and long-lasting effects on their growth and future development. Therefore, FAO is helping some 17 primary schools in both government and opposition-controlled areas to plant fruits and vegetables in  500 metre-square plots in war-torn areas including Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Idlib and the outskirts of Damascus. The project is a big success as the primary schools, which began planting in May, have produced 12 tonnes of fruit and vegetables. Another 35 schools are expected to transform their playgrounds into gardens.  

30 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Twistron yarn to generate electricity

In an advancement that may lead to self-powered wearable health monitors as well as future smart clothes, Scientists have developed high-tech “twistron” yarns that generate electricity when stretched or twisted. According to researchers, this is a breakthrough development as the yarns can be applied to harvest energy from the motion of ocean waves or from temperature fluctuations. Carter Haines, associate research professor at the University of Texas at Dallas said that the easiest way to think of twistron harvesters is to take a piece of yarn and stretch it and out comes electricity. He states that when sewn into a shirt, these yarns served as a self-powered breathing monitor. The yarns are made from carbon nanotubes, which are hollow cylinders of carbon 10,000 times smaller in diameter than a human hair. The nanotubes are first twist-spun into high-strength, lightweight yarns. The researchers then introduced many twists into the yarn to make it highly elastic. When the yarns are coated with an ionically conducting material, or electrolyte, which can be as simple as a mixture of ordinary table salt and water, it can generate electricity. Since the yarns are charged by the electrolyte itself, no external battery or voltage is needed. Stretching the coiled twistron yarns 30 times a second generated 250 watts per kilogram of peak electrical power.

29 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Artificial clouds to study disturbances

NASA is all set to release rockets that will form white artificial clouds which will enable scientists to study the disturbances in the upper atmosphere that interfere with communication and technology systems. According to the US space agency, residents of the Republic of the Marshall Islands will be able to see the artificial clouds between August 29 and September 9 when the two rocket flights are slated to take off. Certain disturbances are known to occur after sunset at latitudes near the equator in part of the ionosphere. These disturbances interfere with radio communication, navigation and imaging systems and pose a hazard to technology and society that depends on it. The Waves and Instabilities from a Neutral Dynamo (WINDY) mission will study this phenomenon with the help of the artificial clouds. The first rocket will carry a substance called tri-methyl aluminium (TMA) and lithium which will be released in the upper atmosphere to form artificial glowing clouds. Scientists on the ground will study these clouds to measure the winds and energetic particles that are in motion in the upper atmosphere. Five minutes after the launch of the first rocket, a second rocket carrying instruments to measure ionosphere densities and electric and magnetic fields present in these storms will be launched. Both rockets will enable scientists to study the disturbances in the ionosphere and find remedies to fix it.

28 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Rare endangered butterfly makes an appearance after 133 years

A strikingly beautiful white- letter hairstreak butterfly was spotted in Scotland after a gap of 133 years. According to reports, it was last seen in the year 1884. The rare endangered butterfly was spotted in Berwickshire, 100 metres from the English border. It is the 34th butterfly species to live and breed in Scotland. This sighting has been attributed to climate change. Paul Kirkland of the Butterfly Conservation Scotland said that climate change is a double-edged sword but it's an exciting time to be in the Scottish borders. There are 59 butterfly species in Britain and more than a quarter of them is believed to have crossed the border to Scotland. Usually, the white-letter hairstreak butterfly is difficult to be spotted as it normally lives out of sight at the tops of elm trees. However, earlier this month it was spotted in a field. According to the UK butterfly monitoring survey, the white-letter hairstreak butterfly that earlier was found in large numbers across England and Wales has now suffered a 72 per cent decline over the last decade. Over the last 40 years, its numbers have gone down by 96 per cent.  

22 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

A tyre that heals itself

Researchers in the US have been successful in developing tough, hybrid rubber that doesn’t crack. This means that car tyres that are punctured can be automatically repaired. This breakthrough technology was developed by researchers from the Harvard John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) in the US who created self-healing hydrogels, which depend on water to incorporate reversible bonds that can trigger the healing process. It was a challenging task for the researchers as rubber is made of polymers often connected by permanent, covalent bonds. Once broken, these incredibly strong bonds cannot be reconnected. Therefore, they decided to make the bonds connecting the polymers reversible so that they reform on breaking. Li-Heng Cai, a postdoctoral fellow at SEAS said that it was pretty challenging to make something tough that can self-heal. He and his team came up with a hybrid rubber with both covalent and reversible bonds. Cai said that these two types of bonds are intrinsically immiscible, like oil and water. The two types of bonds were secured by a molecular rope developed by the researchers. This rope called randomly branched polymers, allows two previously unmixable bonds to be mixed homogeneously on a molecular scale. The result was a transparent, tough, self-healing rubber.  

18 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Low cost cancer detection test developed

Group of scientists from Stanford University in the U.S. have come up with a highly sensitive, precise and low-cost cancer detection blood test. The test can quickly detect the growth and effect of the disease in the body of the victim. The test is called single colour digital PCR. The test is basically detecting genetic mutations caused by cancer cells into the blood in the DNA. The test needs just need a fraction of a tube of blood and are capable of detecting three mutation bearing molecules in a single reaction. It has the capability to uniquely recognise a particular type of cancer specific to the victim. For cancer detection usually, full body imaging is required. Also for monitoring patient’s tumours, only few blood tests only for few types of cancers are available. The newly developed molecules testing is quite efficient as it will check the patient in his every visit and keep track about cancer’s growth and spread in the patient’s body easily. Another advantage is that this method doesn’t rely on pre-amplification that have high chances of errors and biases. The new method will prove easier, efficient, less complex and quicker.  

17 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Saudi Arabia and Iraq plan to reopen border crossing

The Arar Border Crossing will be reopened for the first time since 1990 as both countries- Saudi Arabia and Iraq have agreed to open it for trade purpose.  The crossing was closed in 1990 when both countries cut ties following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. According to newspaper reports, Saudi and Iraqi officials visited the site on Monday and spoke to Iraqi pilgrims for whom the crossing was opened only once annually during the Haj season. The governor of Iraq's southwestern Anbar province, Sohaib al-Rawi hailed its opening a significant move which will boost ties and bring about future cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Saudi cabinet on Monday had also established a joint trade commission with Iraq. After years of troubled relations, Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman which resulted in an agreement for Saudi Arabia to donate $10 million in aid to the Iraqi government and study possible investments in Shi'ite regions of southern Iraq. Sadr is very popular and has a large following in Baghdad and southern Iraq. The Saudi-Iraqi ties got a boost in 2015 when Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Baghdad after a 25-year break. In February, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir visited Baghdad and the two countries announced in June they would set up a coordination council to improve their ties.    

17 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists develop new plant based polio vaccine

Now, there is hope of global eradication of polio as scientists have developed a new vaccine to combat polio using plants. Researchers from John Innes Centre, Norwich in the UK  have developed the vaccine with a method that uses virus-like particles (VLPs)  which are grown in plants. These VLPs are non-pathogenic mimics of polio virus that can be used as a vaccine against the age old viral disease. Plant tissues are infiltrated with genes that carry information to produce VLPs.  Researches informed that the host plant then reproduces large quantities of VLPs using its own protein expression mechanisms. George Lomonossoff, a professor at John Innes Centre, Norwich said that it is an incredible collaboration involving plant science, animal virology and structural biology. Although VLPs look like viruses, they are non-infectious. The nucleic acid which allows the virus to replicate has been removed through biological engineering. Therefore, they imitate the behaviour of the virus triggering the immune system to respond without causing an infection of poliomyelitis. This vaccine has been highly successful in animals as proved by the laboratory tests. This will pave way for human vaccines to be produced by plants on a major scale with the input of pharmaceutical industry collaborators.  

17 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Prisoners turn Braille transcribers

Prisoners at the Scotland Correctional Institution in Laurinburg, North Carolina are making their lives more meaningful by contributing to the society. Around 23 prisoners at the institution have been trained in transcribing books into Braille for blind students and adults. Even though they are behind bars, these prisoners are able to make a positive difference in the world that will change their own lives forever. Teachers, as well as crisis centres in Wyoming, Connecticut, Colorado, and North Carolina, have requested for the Braille books. Most of the books are educational texts on science, math, and music and require a team of six translators to complete. While it takes 8 to 12 months to learn regular Braille, it can take years to become adept at transcribing music. Braille translators are always in high demand, therefore, when the prisoners will be released they will have this skill which will help them to get a job. Hence their possibility to re-offend is very low. This programme has recorded a high success rate as noted in the dozens of institutions with such programs in the US. Plant manager Cynthia Stubbs disclosed in an interview that the prisoners are very dedicated and they enjoy what they do and they know how it feels to be responsible for the child holding a Braille book in the classroom. The inmates are glad that they are now in a position to give back. In 2016 alone, the Braille Transcribing Plant translated over 1,000 books for blind citizens.  

16 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Immunotherapy effective to treat Type 1 diabetes

A form of immunotherapy used to treat childhood food allergies has been proved effective in treating Type 1 diabetes. British investigators gave a chemical that gives rise to insulin to people diagnosed with the metabolic disorder. This experimental treatment has produced the desired result by putting an end to the immune system’s assaults on the body’s ability to produce insulin. For years, scientist’s efforts to treat Type 1 diabetes through immune therapy have not met with success. Now, it is believed that this experimental treatment is an appealing strategy for prevention in patients with early stages of Type 1 diabetes and in children who are at high genetic risk of developing the disease. Diabetic patients who received a placebo treatment required steadily increasing insulin doses to maintain glycemic control. Even though the body’s immune system destroyed the pancreatic cells that normally produce the essential hormone, their daily insulin use grew on average 50 percent. Type 1 diabetes is an immune disorder just like food allergies in which the immune system perceives a harmless or even necessary agent ( like insulin making cells in the pancreas or ingested peanuts) as a danger and tries to destroy it. Thus, it triggers discomfort in the form of itching, rashes or swelling. In diabetes, it restricts an important function of the body of deriving fuel from food. Researchers were cautious while conducting this experiment for diabetic cases as they felt that it could accelerate or strengthen the immune system's attack on insulin-producing pancreatic cells, or cause dangerous allergic reactions.   However, in the recent study, researchers found that injections of an immunotherapeutic agent caused no distressing response. There was not even redness or swelling at the site of injection. Hence, this method was declared "very favorable" for treating Type 1 diabetes.  

14 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

5 solar power stations to come up in India

Renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge and 12 other British and Indian universities have received a 7-million-pound grant from the UK government to build five self-sufficient solar-powered buildings in remote Indian villages.    The government has given the grant as part of a new solar project ‘SUNRISE’ which works towards developing printed photovoltaic cells and new manufacturing processes to make solar energy products which can then be integrated into buildings in at least five villages of India, enabling the residents to make productive use of solar power to provide their own energy and run off grid.  The programme is part of the Swansea University led SPECIFIC Project. It aims to work towards achieving the "buildings as power stations" concept.  It has also started the energy-positive classroom in the UK which shows that this technology works, successfully turning buildings into power stations. Professor Dave Worsley of Swansea University, head of research at the SPECIFIC project and leader of the SUNRISE team said that this funding will enable them to export this model to support India's plans to boost solar energy. He said that the Swansea team will be working closely with partner universities in the UK and India. He feels that if the work on five villages in India is successful,  then the project could be rolled out to other buildings in India and around the world. According to the Swansea University,  the project supports the Indian government's plans to turn the country into a solar energy leader where solar energy will replace fossil fuels and boost the Indian manufacturing sector.  The UK government granted the  7-million-pound award from its Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), which uses its cutting-edge research to help solve global issues faced by developing countries.   

10 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

82 Year old is oldest app creator

82-year-old Masako Wakamiya is one of the world's oldest iPhone app developers. She works to make smart phones accessible to the elderly. She believes that people above 60 need to learn new skills to stay active and healthy. After Ms. Wakamiya retired as a bank clerk in the 1990s, she began to take a liking towards computers. She started with BBS messaging which was a precursor to the internet, before building her skills on a Microsoft PC, and then Apple's Mac and iPhones. She urged software developers to contribute more towards the elderly but met with disappointment. That is when she decided to take matters into her own hands. She taught herself to code and set about to make apps for the elderly. She developed Hinadan, one of Japan's first dedicated app games for the over-60s. Hinadan which means “the doll staircase” was inspired by the Hina Matsuri, a doll festival which takes place every March, where ornamental dolls representing the Emperor, his family and their guests are displayed in a specific arrangement. In the game, the user has to memorize the correct positions of the dolls and arrange them accordingly. The app has been downloaded 42,000 times with hundreds of positive comments from users. Her app has made her so popular that this year Apple invited her to participate at their prestigious Worldwide Developers Conference, where she was the oldest app creator to take part.

9 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

NASA to send message of goodwill beyond Earth

The Voyager mission is the longest continuously operating space mission. It was launched in 1977. Voyager 1 is the first spacecraft to enter interstellar space. It is the most distant human made object in space. Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to fly by planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. NASA will soon be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Voyager 1 spacecraft. It has come up with a novel way to do so – by sending a goodwill message – to whoever lies beyond earth. In September, NASA is going to transmit a short message from its social media followers to the Voyager 1 spacecraft. Users are invited to send messages to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google+ or Tumblr with the hashtag #MessageToVoyager. They can send messages till August 15.  Messages must be 60 characters or less and contain only letters, numbers, spaces and punctuation. Emojis are not permitted. Once the finalists are picked by NASA, the public will have the chance to vote on their favorite message. The message will be beamed to the space agency on Sept. 5 and will reach the spacecraft on Sept.6. The contest is inspired by the Golden Record, which is a time capsule present in the Voyager spacecraft that carries sounds and images representing life and culture on Earth.

8 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Honeybees are making a comeback

The dwindling honeybee population was a cause of concern in North America and Europe as it is a critical component to agricultural production, but not anymore because according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture honey bee health survey, the number of US honeybees has increased in 2017. Their decreasing count was attributed to a mysterious malady that affected their hives. The Agriculture Department reported that as of April 1, 2017, honey bee colonies rose 3 percent to 2.89 million. Beekeepers rue that mites were harming the bee hives while pesticides and other factors also cause stress to bees. Tim May, a beekeeper in Harvard, Illinois and the vice-president of the American Beekeeping Federation based in Atlanta said that they check the hives for mites and keep the bees well fed. They also ask farmers not to spray pesticides when their hives are vulnerable. Environmental groups had raised concerns about the decline in the population of pollinators, from wild bees to monarch butterflies. A study conducted by the USDA stated that beekeepers have reported the most losses from the varroa mite, a parasite that lives only in beehives and survives by sucking insect blood. The scourge that affected the bee hives came down to 42 percent from 53 percent last year.        

7 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Generous NRI child donates prize money

Riddhiraj Kumar, an NRI living in Kuwait showed his generous side when he donated the entire prize amount of Rs 18,000 that he won in an international test to the Indian Army Welfare Fund. Riddhiraj Kumar, accompanied by his mother met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and handed over a cheque for that amount. The class three student had topped the International Bench Mark Test for Improving Learning Award for Excellence winning 80 KD(Kuwait Dinars), equal to Rs 18,000, as prize money. The test was conducted by the Australian Council For Education Research (ACER) Riddhiraj is a student of Indian Educational School, Kuwait. He excelled both in Mathematics and Science, for the Middle East, to bag the prize money. A PMO statement stated that the Prime Minister congratulated Riddhiraj for his generosity and excellence in academics. The PM also came to know that the boy has also created several innovative projects. The child’s mother,  Krupa Bhatt told PM Modi about her ‘'Every Child is Genius Project' and said that she is conducting free seminars for the teachers in India, on identifying talents of the children. She was lauded by PM Modi for the commitment shown in spreading innovative learning projects.

4 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

There is good news at French Zoo

French Zoo officials were finding it hard to contain their excitement when they realized that their pregnant panda is expecting twins. The panda, Huan Huan is on loan to Beauval zoo in central France from China with her male partner Yuan Zi. She is expected to give birth to two cubs this weekend. It will be the first birth of a panda in France. Earlier it was announced that the nine-year-old bear who was brought to France in 2012 after intense, high-level negotiations between Paris and Beijing, was carrying a single cub. Officials were doubly delighted when veterinarians assisted by two Chinese panda reproduction specialists noticed the second foetus on Tuesday. Head veterinarian Baptiste Mulot said that the caretakers of Huan Huan will place the second cub in an incubator and rotate the tiny bears every two hours with their hundred-kilo mother. Huan Huan (meaning "happy") and Yuan Zi ("chubby") are the only giant pandas living in France. The zoo officials are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safe birth of the pandas. If all goes well with the birth, the cubs will be returned to China within the next two to three years.    

3 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Saudi Arabia plan massive tourism project

As energy prices are spiraling downwards, Saudi Arabia has plans to diversify its oil dependent economy. The ultraconservative kingdom on Tuesday announced the launch of a giant tourism project that will transform 50 islands and a string of sites on the Red Sea coast into luxury resorts. The project will stretch from Umm Lajj to Al-Wajh spanning more than 180 kilometres (112 miles) on Saudi Arabia’s western coastline. A state news agency reported that the Public Investment Fund will provide for the initial investments, after which the project will be opened to international investors. The first phase of the construction is expected to start in the third quarter of 2019. Plans include expanding a domestic airport and developing luxury hotels and housing. This first phase is slated to conclude by the third quarter of 2022.  Saudi Arabia is putting emphasis on tourism and recreation to reduce its dependence on oil as part of its Vision 2030 plan. It is trying to encourage families to spend more on recreation. For this purpose, it will launch hundreds of recreation centres across the kingdom by 2020. This project in Saudi Arabia seems to be a far cry from the world’s most conservative countries, a kingdom where alcohol, cinemas and theatres are banned and absolute monarchy prevails.  

2 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Switzerland inaugurates world’s longest suspension bridge

The world’s longest suspension bridge, the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge was inaugurated on Sunday in Switzerland. The bridge which spans a distance of 1,621 feet is the longest bridge in the world, according to Zermatt Tourism.   The bridge has been constructed in place of an older bridge which was closed in 2010 as it was damaged by falling rocks. Hikers using the bridge will be thrilled to get extraordinary and beautiful views of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Bernese Alps. The bridge covers a valley between the Swiss towns of Zermatt and Grächen which otherwise would have taken three to four hours to trek across the valley  — cutting the distance to just 10 minutes. People with a fear of heights or who easily experience vertigo are advised not to use the bridge. The bridge is around 300 feet high and has to be crossed over the grating, which means tourists can see the height of the precipice below their feet. The steel facility is very narrow, only 25 inches wide and its grated surface means it is possible to look down into the Grabengufer ravine below.  Zermatt Tourism said in a news release -. “The thrill of traversing the precipice is indescribable.”    

1 Aug 2017
Global Inspirations

Yoga in space!

American astronauts Jack Fischer and Peggy Whitson performed yoga in the International Space Station (ISS). These pictures were shared by them on Jack’s twitter account. It was also said that doing yoga in space is much easier than doing yoga on earth! Some yoga postures require a lot of flexibility and muscular strength to perform them. These asanas become difficult to be performed on earth due to the force of gravity acting on us. But that’s not the case in space. This makes the experience quite different. The most difficult asanas can be done with ease in space! The two astronauts proved it right by performing yoga in space and claiming that it is easier to perform yoga poses without gravity. The posture they performed was the ‘Half Lotus Toe Balance’ or ‘Padangustha Padma Utkatasana’. This is a very difficult posture to perform as this requires much of your flexibility and energy. One has to balance the entire weight of one’s body onto toes of one foot only. And to make the asana hard, one has to perform it in sitting position with one’s back straight! The gravity makes it difficult to balance our body during the asana. Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma had also performed three yoga postures when he was sent to space. He had to do three yoga exercises for some time for five days, one for 25 times, second for 35 minutes and the third for one hour! This was a part of research to study the effect of space on various bodily functions.    

31 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists’ efforts result in world’s first blue flower

Apart from the blue sky and sea, the blue hue is rare in nature as the majority of plants and animals are incapable of making blue pigment. Therefore, there has always been an enthusiastic market for blue flowers as there has always been for black blooms. One may seem to have seen a number of blue flowers like bluebells and cornflowers, but they are actually different versions of purple or violet. After 13 years of painstaking research, Japanese scientists were able to create world’s first true blue flower when they created a bunch of blue chrysanthemums. These flowers created in a lab were the first to be verified as ‘true blue’ by the Royal Horticultural Society. Scientists achieved this feat by taking DNA from a butterfly pea and Canterbury bell and transferring it to a common plant bug. The microscopic bug then carried the blue genes into a chrysanthemum. After a year, the seeds from this plant was taken and the new plant yielded chrysanthemums with blue petals. This procedure has been reported in the journal – Scientific Advances by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organisation in Japan. Its lead author Dr. Naonobu Noda stated that after roses, chrysanthemums are the second best selling flowers in the world. He said that their chrysanthemums have a novel and natural blue colour which has been confirmed as true blue.  

31 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists use balloons, giant fans to cool planet

As part of a climate engineering push to cool the planet, scientists have made machines with huge fans to suck in the carbon dioxide from the air and are preparing to release chemicals from a balloon to dim the sun’s rays. Supporters of these risky and often, expensive projects say that it has become imperative to use these scientific measures so as to meet the goals of Paris Agreement to curb global warming that is creating havoc in many parts of the world by causing heat waves, excessive downpours and rising sea levels. A Swiss company named Climeworks in May started the world’s first ‘commercial carbon dioxide capture plant’. The $23 million project in a countryside near Zurich uses giant fans and filters to suck in greenhouse gases from thin air. Another outcome of recent university research is a Harvard geo-engineering project which aims to dim the sunlight to cool the planet. Harvard's David Keith and his team will release 1 kilo of sun dimming material from a high altitude balloon above Arizona next year and study its effects on microphysics of the stratosphere. However, experts opine that instead of spending huge amounts on expensive projects involving new technology, countries should strive to cut emissions which are the main cause of global warming.

30 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Iran to decriminalize drug use

Iran plans to decriminalize drug use that will help to heal drug addicts, rather than punishing them. Iranian lawmakers have passed a motion in this regard. The judicial and Legal commission has yet to finalize the exact legislation. Meanwhile, the proposal permits the government to offer diluted substances to drug users which will help them to gradually shake off the habit and severe ties between addicts and traffickers. Methadone - a prescription opiate used to treat heroin addiction – has been legalized so that its use will help drug users to get rid of their addiction. Some countries are wary of following Iran’s stand on drug use, but countries like Portugal that had decriminalized drug use offers some hope. It has been 14 years since Portugal decriminalized heroin and the nation’s drug use fell by about a third. There was 50 per cent decrease in heroin addiction and drug related deaths decreased by 75%. Hassan Norouzi, the spokesperson for the Parliament’s Judicial and Legal Commission said that it was essential to cut off the relationship between drug addicts and narco-traffickers. Hence it was decided that the government would hand out diluted drugs to addicts so that they will be able to give up their addiction gradually instead of being drawn to drug-traffickers. The drug users can turn to the Establishment and meet their needs through official channels.  

29 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Lots of water under moon’s surface!

A recent study proved wrong years’ long prediction of scientists. There can be huge reservoirs of water under moon’s surface! Scientists thought that the interior of moon has very less water and other volatile compounds. But this assumption was proved wrong after new study of satellite data. The data showed enormous volcanic depositions on the surface of moon that had large amounts of water trapped in them. This shows that water can be stored in the form volcanic glass beads that would come out from deep interior of the moon during volcanic explosions. This proves lunar’s surprisingly water rich mantle. The volcanic glass beads can be extracted. In 2008, researchers found the presence of slight water in the volcanic glass beads that was brought back to Earth during the Apollo 15 and 17 lunar missions. The study of these extracted glass beads made certain revelations in 2011. The tiny crystalline formations in the beads held amounts of water similar to the ones in the Earth’s basalt. This was one basis that proved that moon’s mantle can contain as much water as in Earth’s. Though a proper conclusion has not yet been drawn, some scientists claim that those samples might just represent some anomalous water rich regions in moon’s probable dry mantle!    

28 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Announcement of UK to ban a sale of petrol and diesel cars

As per the United Kingdom (UK) government’s ‘air quality plan’, it has announced to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars in Britain by 2040. UK environment secretary Michael Gove mentioned that all cars must go fully electric within a century’s quarter. His aim is to have cars with zero emissions by 2040. The 2011 government’s carbon plan also envisaged the same so as to accomplish the mission of no petrol and diesel cars by the year 2050. This announcement will boost the sales of electric cars which now accounts only 1 percent of car sales in the UK. The above is one amongst the many measures the government has planned so as to bring the pollution back to legal limits. Other measures include changing road layouts and the addition of components to buses that will help prevent carbon emissions to a large extent. If at all there is no change in pollution levels, the government would have to take more stringent measures and ban poor quality cars for some time of the day. The ‘air quality plan’ also includes incentive provision on green taxis and promotion and implementation of better walking and cycling provisions. Making such changes have become inevitable in today’s alarming situation of air pollution.    

27 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

World’s first child double hand transplant a success

Doctors have declared the first double hand transplant a groundbreaking success 18 months after the surgery on a ten-year-old child who is now able to write, feed and dress himself. The first official medical update on 10-year Zion Harvey was provided in a report in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. The surgery to replace both hands was performed on the child in July 2015. The operation was performed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Doctor Sandra Amaral said that the child is now more independent and able to complete day-to-day activities Harvey was only two years old when his hands and feet were amputated following a sepsis infection. He has shown continuous improvement after the surgery. Daily he undergoes therapy to increase his hand function. He is also getting psychosocial support to face the ongoing demands of his surgery. In July 2015, donor hands from a deceased child became available to him. Harvey realized that he could move his fingers within days of his surgery. In around six months, nerve regrowth enabled him to move the transplanted hand muscles and feel touch. He also could feed himself and hold a pen to write. Within a year he could swing a baseball bat with both hands.  

26 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

World’s oldest emoji discovered

Excavations in one of the most important ancient cities of the world, Karkamis, Turkey has unraveled a pitcher that probably contains the "world's oldest smiley face emoji".    A team of Turkish and Italian archeologists dug up a sherbet pitcher that has what appears to be a smiley face emoji deliberately drawn on it. The team unearthed the pitcher while conducting excavations. It is a matter of coincidence that the emoji was found close to World Emoji Day which was on July 17. The pitcher dates back to 1,700 B.C. Nikolo Marchetti the leader of the team said that they have probably found the oldest smiley emoji. They have no idea about the purpose of the craftsman who drew that symbol, but they call it a smile.Various ancient vases and pots were found by the team in the necropolis site. There is no doubt that the world of emojis is constantly evolving. On the occasion of World Emoji Day on July 17, Apple unveiled their new emojis. They include T-rex, a zombie and a genie, a breastfeeding woman and a lady in a hijab, a very graphic vomit emoji and an exploding head emoji, which would probably be used to express being 'mind blown'. These and few other emojis will be rolled out to Apple devices later this year. Though emojis have become popular in this age of technology, the smiley on the pitcher reveals that they had been around a lot longer.  

26 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Finnish Researchers make protein out of thin air

Finnish researchers at the Lappeenranta University of Technology and the VTT Technical Research Centre have conducted a remarkable process using electricity and carbon dioxide to create single-cell protein. This is hailed as a revolutionary procedure as it creates food out of thin air.The artificially created protein can be used to feed animals and humans alike. The best part is that the process has zero environmental impacts.The nutrient can be grown without fertilizers, pesticides, or the creation of dangerous greenhouse gases. Some organisms have the ability to utilize hydrogen as a source of energy. VTT’s principal researcher Juha-Pekka Pitkänen said that electricity from solar power can be used. Pitkänen says that all raw materials required to make the protein are available from the air. Thus, in future, this technology can be transported and used in deserts and other areas where there is a scarcity of food. One option is to make a home reactor, a type of domestic appliance that the consumer can use to produce the required protein. Currently, the process of creating protein takes two weeks. The researchers plan to speed up this growing process to a single day, but it will take a few years. The team is also trying to find out ways to incorporate all the facilities needed to grow 11 pounds (5 Kilos) of nutrient into a small, portable container that is more easily transportable.

25 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Potter fans now have a reason to rejoice

It has been ten years since the last book of Harry Potter was published, yet there is no limit to the excitement or loyalty among Harry Potter fans. Books are being re-read and films are being re-watched by them just to experience the Hogwarts magic. Now Potter fans have a reason to cheer as two new books are set to release this October. However, the two new books will not be an addition to the very popular series, but they will provide an insight to the Hogwarts world. Another thing that the Potter fans should know is that  JK Rowling has not penned them down. The books will not feature the three protagonists Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Well, the good news is that the books will cater to the curious minds of fans and  will transport them into their dreamland and offer them details of the magic world The first book, called ‘Harry Potter: A History of Magic — The Book of the Exhibition’ will introduce fans to the curriculum studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including Potions, Herbology, Astronomy and Care of Magical Creatures! The second book, ‘Harry Potter – A Journey Through A History of Magic’ will throw light on mystical subjects including alchemy, unicorns and ancient witchcraft. June 26, 2017, marked 20 years since the first of the Harry Potter books were released. The two new books will be released as part of The British Library’s Harry Potter exhibition, ‘A History of Magic,’ which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the launch of the super hit series.    

24 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

For the first time in 130 years, know what the scientists have found

Scientists have finally discovered the new species of sunfish after being hidden for almost three centuries. The gigantic fish, weighing almost two tonnes and three metres in length has been spotted in cold waters of New Zealand, southern Chile, South Africa and the southeast coast of Australia. It has been named Hoodwinker Sunfish. This is the world’s heaviest bony fish. Lead author Marianne Nyegaard from Murdoch University said that these fishes managed to escape the discovery for about three centuries as they are difficult to preserve and study even for natural history museums. The last time a sunfish species was discovered was about 130 years ago called the Southern Ocean Sunfish. The sunfish species are hard to locate and track down because of their solitary nature. They prefer staying the darks of the ocean depth where it is hard to reach. To confirm that they had found a sunfish, the team of scientists collected about 27 samples from stranded sunfish. The researchers also went through old texts dating back to 16th century. As some important things about the sunfish species have been discovered, the researchers now plan to study its distribution and feeding habits through satellite. The above case proves that ocean still has many mysteries to be unfolded.

24 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

A fall of a 10 year old boy faces something unusual

A ten-year-old boy who was hiking with his parents on the desert outskirts of his neighborhood in Las Cruces, New Mexico chanced upon a very rare fossil from the Pleistocene era. Jude Sparks said that he tripped and fell on the 1.2-million-year-old skull of a stegomastodon -- a massive prehistoric creature with tusks like an elephant. Sparks said that when he fell, his face landed next to the bottom jaw and when he looked further up, he saw another tusk. Currently, the fossil has been placed in the New Mexico State University’s Vertebrate Museum where researchers are studying it.  The stegomastodon is believed to be an ancestor to modern-day elephants. It is one of three species of proboscideans that roamed the ancient Rio Grande Valley and is believed to be an ancestor to modern-day elephants. Spark’s family contacted biologist Peter Houde who after obtaining permission from the property owner began the excavation along with his students. It took one week to excavate the skull as, according to Houde, the large skull is very delicate and was held together by the sediments around it. The team was able to carefully dig the skull out of the ground by applying chemical hardeners to the fossil, mimicking the bone strength provided by protein, to keep it intact.  Houde said that the process to reconstruct the skull, jaw and tusks may take years to complete.

22 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Pakistan lifts ban on Indian teleplays

Indian teleplays will now be broadcast on Pakistani television as the Lahore High Court, on Tuesday lifted a nine-month ban on airing of Indian teleplays  terming it ‘null and void.’  Shortly after the relations between India and Pakistan got strained following the terrorist attack on Indian military base in Uri in Jammu & Kashmir, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), an independent body that regulates content of print and electronic media, had laid a blanket ban on all Indian content on October 19, 2016. Chief justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that the ban was meaningless and unlawful as the federal government had no qualms in telecasting Indian content in Pakistan. Indian movies were already being shown throughout the country. He granted permission to private Pakistani channels to telecast Indian teleplays. Justice Shah exhorted the regulatory body to review its policies. He said that the world has become a global village and such restrictions are unreasonable. He, however, clarified that any Indian content with objectionable or anti-Pakistan content could be censored but a total ban was uncalled for. The court passed the orders in response to a petition filed by Leo Communications, a local telecommunication company which stated that the government was indulging in 'selective patriotism' as the screening of Indian movies was allowed all over Pakistan.

19 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Victory of sorts for six Afghan girls

It was a victory of sorts for six Afghan girls who were able to participate in the international robotic competition after being rejected twice when they applied for a visa. It sparked an international backlash following which President Trump intervened and allowed entry of the six girls from the war torn country to participate in the competition. Joe Sestak, the president of First Global, a non-profit organizing the competition was jubilant after the decision. He said that their greatest power is the power to bring people of different nations together in the pursuit of a common goal and prove that their similarities outweigh their differences.  He appreciated "the professional leadership of the US State Department" for providing for all 163 teams from 157 countries, including a team of Syrian refugees, to participate in the competition. The Afghan girls took six months to construct a robot that can identify orange and blue coloured balls and sort them accordingly by putting them in their correct places. Hailing from a country where young girls are often discouraged from pursuing academic studies, it was no small feat for these young girls to convince their family members to allow them to travel and participate in a competition in the US. The girls wanted to prove to the world that the Afghans can also construct a hand made robot. Their presence at the competition will give hope to many other aspiring young Afghan children with big dreams.

18 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

A great saviour for those who suffer from cardiac failure

Scientists have developed an artificial silicon heart that functions exactly like the actual human heart. This is a great news and a saviour of all those who suffers from cardiac failure. A huge number of people suffer from cardiac failures all over the world. Getting heart donors is difficult and keeping the heart functioning by artificial pumping is until the patient gets a new heart or his own heart starts functioning. This newly made artificial heart is soft and weighs 390 grams with a volume of 679 cubic centimetres. The new heart has a right and left ventricle and is separated by an additional chamber. The chamber inflates and deflates with the pressurised air and pumps fluids from the blood chambers. The scientists demonstrated the working of the silicon heart. But this heart developed is not the one that can be used for implantations now as the heart can sustain only up to 3000 beats which is only half or three-quarters of an hour. The material, beyond 3000 beats cannot withstand the strain. However, this experiment gave a new direction to the production of artificial hearts. The tensile strength and performance of the material used would be improved and worked up gradually.

17 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Federer clinches record 8th Wimbledon title

It was an incredible moment for Roger Federer as he outplayed his opponent Marin Cilic in straight sets to clinch his 8th Wimbledon title on Sunday. He became the greatest Wimbledon men’s champ of all time surpassing William Renshaw and Pete Sampras who each won the Wimbledon seven times. Federer trounced injury hit Cilic with a 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 win to become Wimbledon’s oldest men’s winner in the open era. He had also won the Australian Open in January. Federer admitted that he had never thought that he would be a record eight-time Wimbledon champion and never imagined of winning two majors in 2017. Cilic, who was afflicted with a blistered foot endured a tough fight and persisted through the 101-minute affair. It was the first Wimbledon final for 6ft 6’ Cilic who filled the court the moment he walked in. Roger who was playing his 11th Wimbledon final outclassed Cilic without dropping a set. Federer who had been written off as a faded force after his defeat in the Wimbledon semi-finals last year rested a knee injury and later made a comeback to win the Australian Open. Yesterday’s win in southwest London took his career trophy collection to a staggering 93. This is Federer’s 19th Grand Slam title, the highest by any male player.  

17 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

The smallest star of the universe discovered!

Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom (UK) have discovered the smallest ever known star in the universe. The star is named EBLM J0555-57Ab and is situated six hundred light years away. The star is slightly larger in size than our Solar System’s planet Saturn. Researchers say that it is as small as any star could possibly be and the mass is only that much that can let the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium. If the star would have been smaller than its current size, its centre would not have been able to sustain the fusion and it would have converted into a brown dwarf from a star. Owing to its small size, the gravitational pull at its stellar surface is 300 times stronger than what we feel on Earth!   The star was found by WASP which is a jointly carried out plane finding experiment by four Universities of UK namely Universities of Keele, Warwick, Leicester and St Andrews. The researchers phrased their achievement saying that finding a star can at times be harder than finding a planet!   Scientists predict the possibility of Earth like planets with liquid water orbiting the star.  The study will appear in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

15 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

A small town has adopted this rigorous program

Residents of Kamikatsu, a small village in Japan have walked the extra mile to make their village zero waste. Usually, people have the task of segregating waste into wet and dry waste, but in Kamikatsu residents sort their trash into super-specific categories, like aluminum cans, steel cans, paper cartons, and paper flyers. At times, when people find separating trash between paper and plastic to be time-consuming and tedious, these diligent residents sort their garbage into 34 categories of waste. The town had adopted this rigorous zero waste program in 2003. As is the convention, this town used to earlier incinerate its trash but realized how damaging waste incinerators are as they pollute the environment with vast quantities of greenhouse gases and toxins that can damage the food supply. Residents have taken to the tedious task of washing, sorting, and bringing their trash to the town's sorting center. Workers at the centre also ensure that the trash goes to the right bins. Old furniture and clothing do not go waste as they are exchanged at a store for free items that others have dropped off. There is also a factory in the town where local women make toys like teddy bears from old and discarded kimonos. Deputy chief officer of the Zero Waste Academy, Akira Sakano said that they are trying to focus more and totally change their lifestyles. Kamikatsu hopes to be completely zero-waste by 2020. Currently,  80% of the town's garbage is recycled, reused, or composted, with the rest going to a landfill.

14 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

A new gene altering cancer treatment gives hope

A new method to fight cancer has raised hopes of cancer patients as a US Food and Drug Administration panel unanimously recommended that the agency approves a new form of treatment in which the patient’s own cells are genetically altered to fight cancer. This will open a new era in medicine where a person’s cells are transformed into ‘a living drug’ that powers the immune system to knock out the disease. FDA is likely to accept the recommendation which will make the treatment the first gene therapy to reach the market. For decades researchers and drug companies have been competing to reach this milestone. This technique calls for a unique treatment for each patient. Their cells are removed at an approved medical centre, frozen, shipped to a centre for gene alteration, frozen and shipped back to the treatment centre. Studies have shown that a single dose of the resulting product has resulted in long remissions and even cures, to many patients who had lost all hopes of survival as other forms of treatment had failed. Emily Whitehead is one such patient who at the age of six was the first child to be administered the altered cells. The treatment saved her life and she is now twelve years old. She was present at the meeting of the panel with her parents to advocate the approval of the drug.

14 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

God’s angels...

It was a fun time for Roberta Ursrey and her family as they were relaxing at the Panama City Beach. She suddenly feared that her sons have gone too far into the water. Her fears became more pronounced when the boys began screaming. Ursrey and her family quickly swam up to them, but unfortunately, they too got trapped in a rip current. Ursrey feared that she might lose her family that day. All nine members of the family were trapped in 15 ft of water without any clue of what to do as they were confused by the cross-current and the force that was pulling them further into the water. On that day, Jessica Simmons had picked up a discarded boogie board. When she noticed all the commotion she informed her husband and decided to help the family out. She paddled towards the family and her husband with the help of 80 beachgoers formed a long human chain. When Simmons reached the family, she noticed that all of them were very exhausted and waves were knocking them under. Starting with the children, one by one Simmons and her husband along with a few rescuers towed the drowning family to the human chain that pulled them all to the shore. Ursrey likened her rescuers to God’s angels and thanked them profusely while expressing her gratefulness. One of the witnesses, Rosalind Beckton said that it was heartening to see how strangers jumped into the sea to join the human chain and help the family from drowning.  

13 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Borders dissolve as timely help by Indian helps a man in South Africa

An Indian-origin shopkeeper in South Africa has become the talk of the town after the new deputy chief justice attributed his success to him for funding the judge’s education. Around four decades ago, Raymond Zondo, now 57, had approached the Indian-origin shopkeeper, Suleman Bux for a loan to pursue his studies. He was skeptical whether anyone would offer a loan to a 20-year-old man. Suleman Bux, 76, who at that time ran a small general store in Ixopo town agreed to help him. He regularly supplied groceries to Zondo’s family so that they could save what they would have spent on this for his studies. In the following years, Bux almost forgot about this help which he had rendered to Zondo. When Zondo began earning, he contacted Bux and tried to repay his kindness, but Bux who stills runs a wholesale store declined and instead asked Zondo to finance some other young students. Zondo explained that ever since he completed his degree, he has been helping other students with financial difficulties to pursue their studies. Zondo’s emotional video after his elevation to the country’s second highest judicial post went viral as he expressed his gratitude to Bux for his timely help. Zondo later met with Bux and his extended family to thank him personally. He gifted Bux a very nice watch. Bux was very moved by the gesture.  

12 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Historic treaty signed by 122 nations at the UN

The first-ever treaty to ban nuclear weapons was signed by more than 120 countries at a UN meeting on Saturday. Elayne Whyte Gomez, president of the UN Conference announced the results of the ‘historic vote’ to a loud applause as 122 nations were in favour of the treaty. However, the UN meeting was boycotted by all nuclear-armed nations. The UN had been trying to negotiate this legally binding treaty for quite some time. Whyte Gomez said that they have managed to sow the first seeds of a world free of nuclear weapons. She said that ever since atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II, the world has been waiting for such a legal norm. The nine countries including US, Britain and France that are believed to possess nuclear power gave the UN meeting a miss. They are of the opinion that the treaty disregards the realities of the international security environment. The US, Britain and France along with other nuclear powers are instead determined to strengthen the nearly half-century-old Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty that seeks to prevent the spread of atomic weapons beyond the five original weapons powers - the US, Russia, Britain, France and China.  

10 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

France pledges to end sales of petrol, diesel vehicles by 2040

As awareness of global warming spreads and its consequences are seen across the world, Paris announced that it will end sales of petrol and diesel by 2040. This announcement was made by new Ecology Minister Nicolas Hulot as France remains committed to meet its targets under the Paris climate accord. Hulot said that while reaching the goal was tough, French carmakers like Peugeot-Citroen and Renault were well equipped to make the switch to electric cars. In Europe, France is the biggest manufacturer of electric cars. Sales of Renault Zoe exceeded all other models in 2016. On Wednesday, Volvo planned to end the production of petrol-only cars from 2019 and all new models will be either electric or hybrids.  Hulot, a veteran environmental campaigner, cited Volvo as an example in making his surprise announcement, part of his plan to make France "carbon neutral" by 2050.  Many countries in the world have expressed their will to reduce to a large extent, the amount of polluting petrol and diesel cars on their roads but only a  few have made firm commitments.   India has said that by 2030, all its cars will be electrically powered. In Europe, Norway strives to end sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2025. Germany aims to put one million electric cars on the road by 2020.  Hulot said that making France free of conventional cars was a matter of public health. Many cities in France like Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and other French cities have a chronic smog problem. 

8 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Proper gardening can help combat malaria

Scientists have found a new way to reduce malaria transmission by removing the flowers of an invasive shrub from areas infested with mosquitoes. A study conducted in the Bandiagra District in Mali revealed that clearing away the flowers from villages in Mali brought down the local mosquito vector population by nearly 60%. According to lead author Gunter Muller from Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, mosquitoes get most of their energy needs from plant sugars obtained from the nectar of flowers. He and his team tested the effect on local mosquito vector populations by removing the flowers of the shrub Prosopis juliflora.  It was found that the population of mosquitoes, especially that of older female mosquitoes which are known to transmit malaria parasites to humans declined remarkably. This study showed that removal of flowers of the shrub Prosopis juliflora shifted the inherently high malaria transmission areas to low transmission areas. They also hope that the elimination of mosquitoes could be possible through this method. The shrub grows and spreads fast and now occupies millions of hectares on the African continent, including countries such as Mali, Chad, Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya. These invasive plants not only have potential negative impacts on the environment and livelihoods but also have negative significant consequences for public health.

7 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

U.S. researchers make first ever battery free phone

Researchers from the University of Washington have invented a cellphone that doesn’t require a battery to run. Moving beyond batteries and cords, this invention is a significant attempt by the researchers. The phone produces the power it requires from either the ambient radio signals or light. To demonstrate the working of their phone, they made Skype calls using it. The commercial prototype of the phone has components to aid speech transmission. On July 1, this invention was published in detail in the paper in Proceedings of the Association for Computing Machinery on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies. The conversion of analog signals into digital data that is understandable by the phone is the most power consuming process. So it becomes impossible to make use of ambient power sources. But the team decided to make use of the tiny vibrations that get created in the microphone or the speaker of the hone while a user talking on a phone or listening. The zero power process implemented by them encodes the speech patterns into reflected radio signals. While transmission, it makes use of the microphone’s vibrations to encode. For the reception, these encoded radio signals are decoded to sound vibrations that are caught by the phone’s speaker. National Science Foundation and Google Faculty Research Awards funded the research work.

7 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

US military base is home for rare butterfly

The US military comprises of giant war machines and tiny rare butterflies that are flourishing there, thanks to the tailor-made vegetation at these bases that allow them to proliferate. Robyn Niver, an endangered species biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said that a rare butterfly called the frosted elfin which has a wingspan of  1-inch (2.5 centimeters) has made several defense installations their home because of the way the military manages open spaces. The little brown butterfly has been found to thrive at Westover Air Reserve Base, Camp Edwards in Massachusetts; Fort McCoy in Wisconsin; Fort Bragg in North Carolina; and the New Hampshire State Military Reservation. The frosted elfin’s caterpillar feeds on plants like the wild blue lupine and indigo and these plants are allowed to grow at the bases as they are of the proper height. Keeping the safety of the massive C5 military transport aircraft that are parked at the base, proper vegetation control is important. If the vegetation is too short, geese and gulls will flock increasing the risk of aircraft strikes. If the vegetation grows too tall, then it will attract turkeys, deer, and coyotes. Plants like lupine and indigo are just the right height and prove to be the common thread between the military base and the butterflies.  

5 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Artificial Intelligence to be applied to combat cyber attacks.

Cyber attacks are becoming frequent and numerous companies and people are getting affected, and therefore, Microsoft has decided to infuse artificial intelligence (AI) into its antivirus stack. To battle, the new-age ransomware cyber attacks like ‘Petya’, Microsoft will power Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (Windows Defender ATP) with its cloud-based security intelligence in its upcoming Windows Fall Creators Update. Avi Sagiv, Principal Programme Manager, Windows Defender ATP at Microsoft, said in a blog post that this technology involves a smart, interconnected and coordinated defense grid that is more intelligent, simple to manage, and ever-evolving. It aims to prevent and respond to advanced attacks before they could make an impact. In wake of the cyber attack Petya which has impacted dozens of companies and institutions in the world, Microsoft will not only give companies a full picture of what’s happening on their endpoints but will also enable them to quickly react to threats as they happen. It added that companies will get prompt and easy access to the optics, context, and tools that are needed to quickly investigate and remediate such attacks. Sagiv, in his post, had written, “Windows Defender ATP will help identify vulnerable areas in endpoints by providing protection score across a wide set of Windows security technologies.” The update will develop a signature for a new cyber threat for Windows 10 users so that other users can be protected as well as the first victim.  

4 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Google dedicates a Doodle on Wimbledon’s 140th anniversary

Tennis lovers have a reason to rejoice on Monday as Wimbledon kick-starts for the 140th time this year making it the world’s oldest tennis tournament. On this occasion, Google has rolled out a new Doodle which features two animated tennis rackets playing a quick round against a green background – a recognition to the grass courts on which Wimbledon matches are played. The audience is comprised of all the Google letters except L which is made to represent the umpire. Well, that’s not all. There is also Rufus the Hawk, a bird at the top right corner which according to Google, dutifully shoos away any pigeons who try to land on the court while a match is going on. The Championships first started in 1877 and Google wrote about it – “To many fans and players, Wimbledon is tennis. Good luck to this year’s competitors!” This year, Wimbledon begins from July 3-16. Defending champion Andy Murray and fellow two-time winner Rafael Nadal will take center stage on the first day of Wimbledon. Champion in 2008 and 2010 and a three-time runner-up, Nadal couldn’t compete last year because of a wrist injury. Serena Williams who announced her pregnancy in April will be absent in this year’s Championships.  

3 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

US agrees to the sale of 22 Guardian drones to India

The Indian Navy got a boost last week as the United States cleared the sale of predator Guardian drones that India had sought in order to enhance its Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Modi’s US visit brought about this great development as both PM Modi and President Donald Trump signed a key defence agreement after they had pledged for security and co-operation between the two countries. After the Modi-Trump Summit at the White House, a joint statement was issued stating that India and the US will work together on advanced defence equipment and technology at a level commensurate with that of America’s closest allies and partners. In this context, the US has agreed to the sale of Sea Guardian Unmanned Aerial Systems, which would enhance India’s capabilities and promote shared security interests. The trilateral Malabar naval exercise involving the US, Japan and India will take place soon and leaders of both the countries have decided to look at new exercises and enhance their engagements on shared maritime objectives. Reiterating the importance of a successful security partnership between the United States and India, Trump said that the US and Indian military forces are working every day to enhance cooperation between them and next month, they will participate, along with Japan in the largest maritime exercise ever conducted in the vast Indian Ocean.  

1 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Rare crocodile eggs discovered

Researchers in Cambodia were excited when they came across six eggs of the rare Siamese Crocodile as they are now optimistic of the continuing survival of the species. They discovered the eggs in Sre Ambel district in the southern province of Koh Kong as they were exploring for tracks, signs and dung of the reptile. The Wild Life Conservation Society based in New York along with Fisheries Administration employees and local residents chanced on the eggs in what is said to be the first Siamese Crocodile nest recorded in six years of research and protection in the Sre Ambel area. These crocodiles are mainly found in Cambodia and they also exist in some parts of Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The estimated global population of this reptile,  which is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature is just 410 and their numbers are rapidly shrinking.  A staff member of the Fisheries Administration said that the eggs have been moved to a safe place where their progress could be tracked, else they might be subjected to threats like illegal hunting. Since last two decades these crocodiles have been hunted down and their eggs are collected and sold to crocodile farms in Cambodia and Thailand. Lack of regulations on crocodile farming and trading, loss of habitats and low chance of breeding due to decline in numbers have all lead to the Siamese Crocdiles becoming a critically endangered species.  

1 Jul 2017
Global Inspirations

Now, Artificial Intelligence can read our thoughts

Now you don’t have to give a penny for thoughts if you own the new ‘mind reading’ artificial intelligence system that scientists have developed which can decode complex human thoughts just by measuring brain activity. Scientists have found that the mind’s building blocks for constructing complex thoughts are not word-based, but are formed by the various sub systems of the brain. Marcel Just from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in the US said that they have finally been able to develop a way to see very complex thoughts in the fMRI signal. By studying the relation between thoughts and brain activation patterns, scientists could decipher what thoughts are made of. Researchers showed that the brain’s coding of 240 complex events consists of features, like person, setting, size, social interaction and physical action which is processed in a different brain system- that is how brain also processes the information for objects. Thus, the programme can tell what type of thoughts are in a person’s mind by measuring the activation in each brain system. Just said that human thoughts are composed of several concepts, and this advancement makes it possible to decode such thoughts for the first time.   

30 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

A rare meteorite that hit Netherlands

Meteorites are very hard to find and they are even more difficult to distinguish from other rocks as they look very similar to ordinary ones and can land anywhere. In January this year, a one-pound meteorite hit a shed in Netherlands and was discovered by residents who were picking through the damage. The rock was being studied by the scientists at the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Leiden. After months of study and research, they have finally identified it as an L6 chrondite, which is an ordinary meteorite found on Earth. It probably landed on earth from an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and is 4.5 billion years old, or around the same age as the Earth itself, said the scientists. The meteorite is only the sixth found in the country in the last 200 years, which is why the scientists are very excited about the discovery. Leo Kriegsman, a geologist stated that the meteorite might be able to explain what happened in the beginning of the solar system when there was a stellar cloud that collapsed and minerals started to form when planetoids started to form for the very first time. Kriegsman also said that this meteorite is older than any rock currently existing on earth.

29 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

World’s first ATM turned Gold!

On the occasion of 50th Anniversary of Automated Teller Machine (ATM), the world’s first ATM machine was turned gold. Also, a memorial plaque was added and a red carpet laid down for its users. ATM was the idea of a Scottish inventor Shepherd-Barron and the first ATM was opened at Barclays Bank in Enfield in North London on June 27, 1967. English Actor Reg Varney was the first one to withdraw cash from the ATM. It has been fifty years now since the first cash machine. Now, there are about three million ATMs across the world of which about 70,000 are in United Kingdom (UK). As per reports, about 175 billion pounds were dispensed by the cash machines in the UK. The most northerly machine in the world is at Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway. The one situated most southwards is at the McMurdo station at the South Pole.   Raheel Ahmed, Head of Customer Experience and Channels at Barclays said that even though the world is moving towards digital banking and card payments, cash is still an integral part of most people’s day to day lives. The first ATM is also termed as the world’s first hole in the wall.

27 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Canoe returns to Hawaii after epic journey guided only by nature

A traditional double-hulled canoe called Hokule’a traversed the globe in three years guided only by the wind and stars and reached Hawaii concluding the epic journey. This is the first such trip by such a boat which embarked on the journey without any modern navigational tools. There were around a dozen crew members for each leg of the voyage who relied solely on nature’s cues – ocean swells, stars, winds, birds and their own gut to cover about 40,000 nautical miles (74,000 km ) on the sea. They sailed to 19 countries spreading the message of ‘malama honua’ which means Caring for the Earth. In 2014, the canoe had set sail from the island of Oahu. According to the organizers of the voyage, along with the earth message, the sailors also shared indigenous wisdom, groundbreaking conservation and preservation initiatives. The voyage was a big success and the sailors were treated to a grand homecoming celebration where large crowds had gathered. The main aim of the voyage was to sail through the oceans using only the ancient methods of wayfinding just as the first Polynesian settlers had reached the islands hundreds of years ago. The Hokule’a will next embark on an eight-month journey throughout the Hawaiian islands.

25 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

British invention quadruples the power of microscope

The humble microscope has suddenly become super powerful, thanks to a British nanotech invention that has quadrupled its magnification power to a level far beyond what could previously be achieved with visible light. This will prove to be a boon to medical research as it will enable doctors or scientist to view the structure of viruses with a regular microscope, not one that uses electron beams or X-rays to observe very tiny objects. Scientists combined a traditional lens with tiny transparent beads, or "microspheres", to amplify sub-wavelength light that would normally be invisible. Project leader and commercial director Alex Sheppard said that they have invented a superlens technology which increases the magnification of the regular optical microscope by four times. While a regular optical microscope is limited to seeing 200-nanometre structures by limitations in physics, this allows you to see structures which are 90 nanometres (billionths of a metre). Its developer, start-up company LIG Nanowise based at Manchester Science Park, said that this microscope could be a "game changer" in the fields of drug discovery, cancer research, and microelectronics. The Nanopsis microscope can replace the highly expensive equipment usually only found in universities, large companies or specialist centres as it is now capable of doing the same job.

24 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Egypt all set to celebrate the international Day of Yoga

Several events have been lined up across Egypt as it gears up to celebrate the third International Day of Yoga. According to India’s  Ambassador to Cairo Sanjay Bhattacharyya, this year’s celebrations will extend to Alexandria and Ismailia in addition to Cairo. The events have been organized by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with the Egyptian government. The Ambassador said that the preparations are for spreading the message of yoga which is essentially about peace and harmony and how it promotes the universal sense of camaraderie of friendship. This time , it is going to be special as there is a strong connection between the spirit of yoga and the spirit of Ramadan, said the Ambassador. He also said that there are plans to organize a couple of flash mobs; one at the Pyramids, one at Qasr el-Nil (downtown) and one at Tahrir Square.  Arrangements are being made to bring children from an orphanage to join in the Day of Yoga celebrations. Squash player Nour El-Sherbini, who is ranked second worldwide has been invited as the chief guest during Alexandria’s celebration of the Yoga Day. The Ambassador explained that  Nour’s presence at the event will be a very big message from within Egypt to practice yoga. A meeting was held on Sunday, where the focus was laid on different aspects of Yoga and how it unifies all facets of the individual – body, mind and soul- to achieve a balanced life. Eminent speakers and practitioners shared their thoughts and experiences on different aspects of Yoga and discussed the role and importance of Yoga in modern life. 

20 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Munich to ban diesel vehicles to counter pollution

Soon diesel vehicles may be off the roads of Munich as its mayor plans to impose a ban on diesel. This consideration came in the wake of a report that showed ‘shocking’ levels of nitrogen oxide emissions in the Bavarian capital. Earlier, in September German carmaker Volkswagen was dragged in a scandal over rigged diesel emissions tests.  The rules have become stricter and the carmaker is struggling to comply with them to control nitrogen oxide emissions. Munich mayor Dieter Reiter said that it seems unlikely that they can continue without bans in future. When asked about the nitrogen oxide readings across the city, he said that he didn’t expect such a shocking result. The city of Stuttgart is already preparing for a ban on some vehicles from next year. A ban in Munich can affect between 133,000 and 170,000 vehicles, depending on how strict the ban will be. However, cars that comply with the latest Euro 6 emission rules would be exempted. Before the VW scandal broke, half the new cars sold in Germany ran on diesel engines. Germany’s three major carmakers have traditionally spent heavily on diesel plants and development due to strong diesel demand in their home market owing to the technology’s fuel efficiency. The diesel ban will go a long way in curbing air pollution.

19 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

David Grossman wins this year’s Man Booker International prize

This year, the prestigious Man Booker International Prize will go to David Grossman for his novel A Horse Walks Into a Bar.  The book is about a failing stand-up comic, Dovaleh Greenstein, and his final performance. David Grossman, born and based in Jerusalem, has been writing for years. His works being very popular, have been translated into 36 languages. He has also won several other awards such as the French Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Germany's Buxtehuder Bulle, Rome's Premio per la pace e l'azione umanitaria, the Frankfurt Peace Prize, and Israel's Emet Prize. Nick Barley, judge and director of the Edinburgh international book festival said that David Grossman has written a spectacular novel where the spotlight is on the effects of grief, without any hint of sentimentality. The central character is challenging and flawed, but completely compelling. Barley said that he was bowled over by Grossman's willingness to take emotional as well as stylistic risks. Every sentence, every word mattered and was a supreme example of the writer’s craft. Fellow judges, Daniel Hahn, Elif Shafak, Chika Unigwe, and Helen Mort, commended Grossman's novel as "an extraordinary story that soars in the hands of a master storyteller". They added that the book is written with empathy, wisdom and emotional intelligence. Grossman’s book was selected among 126 titles which was cut down to a 13 book long list which was further brought down to a six book shortlist. The shortlist included fellow Israeli writer Amos Oz as well as writers from Denmark, France, Norway and Argentina. Grossman was announced the winner at a ceremony at the V&A Museum in London. He will share the prize amount of £50,000 with his English translator, Jessica Cohen.

19 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

China launched its first XRay telescope

China was successful in its launch of its first  X- ray space telescope to study black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts. The launch was conducted on Thursday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 11:00 am (3:00 GMT). The 2.5-tonne Telescope was carried into orbit by a Long March-4B rocket. The space telescope is a Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), aptly named ‘Insight’ which will allow Chinese scientists to observe magnetic fields and the interiors of pulsars and better understand the evolution of black holes. The official news agency, Xinhua said that the telescope will also help scientists search for gamma-ray bursts corresponding to gravitational waves and study how to pulsars can be used for spacecraft navigation. This successful launch will give a boost to China’s multi-billion-dollar space programme. Earlier this year, China had successfully docked its first cargo spacecraft, with an orbiting space lab - a key development toward China's goal of having its own crewed space station by 2022. It has been China’s long-term goal to send humans to the moon and as a means to achieve this goal, it opened a "Lunar Palace" laboratory on Earth to simulate a moon-like environment and house students for up to 200 days.

17 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Indian origin Leo Varadkar becomes Ireland’s youngest Prime Minister

Leo Varadkar became Ireland’s first ever openly gay and youngest Prime Minister of Ireland. He won the leadership race for the ruling party. Mr. Leo Varadkar will take the post of Taoiseach, which is the title for Irish Prime Minister, later this month in Parliament. He was announced as a winner in the leadership race securing maximum votes for the Fine Gael Party. With majority votes by his side, he was declared as the 11th leader of the party. The counting was concluded in Dublin. With three electoral colleges in the race, Mr. Leo Varadkar won with 60 percent support to Housing Minister Simon Coveney who backed 40 percent support. He is born in Dublin with his father being an Indian born in Mumbai named Ashok Varadkar and his mother is Irish named Miriam. He earlier served as Ireland’s Welfare Minister. He emerged popular since the time he announces his candidacy after current leader Enda Kenny stepped down from the post of Prime Minister this year itself. Mr. Leo Varadkar was formally confirmed as Ireland’s Taoiseach on June 13, 2017; over the revival of Dial’s Parliament after its week-long break.

15 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

FDA instantly approves cancer drug for its revolutionary benefits

Cancer may no longer be a dreaded disease as now there is a very effective drug to counter it. Scientists have developed a revolutionary medicine to treat cancer that is so potent that the FDA approved it immediately. The drug is known by the name Pembrolizumab. It can be used to treat 11 different kinds of cancer, no matter their location; whether in the bone, colon, pancreas, brain, or lung, as long as the tumor has certain bio-markers In trials conducted over a three year period, pembrolizumab was administered to 86 patients who were in the last stages of cancer and were resistant to all treatments. Towards the end of the trial, it was found that there was dramatic tumor size reduction in 66 patients while the tumors in 18 of the patients disappeared altogether without any sign of returning Cancer is able to advance easily in humans as the cancer cells are able to shield themselves from the proteins that the immune system uses to detect and fight diseases. However, Pembrolizumab works by detecting tumors by their genetic code and sends signals to the immune system, which can then work against them accordingly. Due to its tremendous effect in treating cancer, the FDA fast tracked its approval in May.

15 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

A man opens free library out of 20,000 books found in trash

The sight of a book in garbage irked Jose Alberto Gutierrez of Bogota of Columbia who started salvaging them. He worked as a garbage collector in rich neighbourhoods and often found discarded books in the trash. Soon he had saved over 20,000 books and he decided to open a free library in his neighbourhood Jose found a copy of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina in with the rubbish around 20 years ago. When he rescued the book from the trash, a feeling within him inspired him to continue saving discarded literature. Gutierrez now has a collection of over 20,000 books in his library which he has aptly named - ' Strength of Words'.  Every weekend, he opens the doors of his house to community children who are allowed into his rooms that are overflowing with literature. They do not have to pay for the books. Gutierrez hails from South Bogota which is a poorer area and finding books that are freely available is very rare. Thanks to his efforts, children from his neighbourhood have access to free books that will enhance their reading skills and knowledge. Gutierrez also ships books to other regions that experience a lack of literature.  

13 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Lake Kivu provides hydro power to two African nations

Lake Kivu is one of Africa's great lakes that borders two countries - Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is in the Albertine Rift and empties into the Ruzizi River. Geologists have found evidence of massive biological extinctions about every thousand years, presumably caused by outgassing events around this freshwater lake. Exploding lakes have varying gaseous chemical compositions which are unique to each lake. In the case of Lake Kivu, scientists have found a high amount of methane and carbon dioxide which they attribute to the lake water's interaction with a volcano. 60 billion cubic metres of methane and 300 billion cubic metres of carbon dioxide is found to be dissolved in its water due to volcanic activity and decomposing organic matter. If the gases continue to expand, it might lead to an eruption. Now, methane from the lake is used to produce electricity. This not only helps to provide power to Rwanda and Congo but also helps to prevent the feared eruption. Until 2004, extraction of the gas was done on a small scale, with the extracted gas being used to run boilers at the Bralirwa brewery in Gisenyi. Thr Rwandan government had negotiated with a number of parties for the large scale exploitation of methane from the lake.  Subsequently, Kivuwatt, a large scale methane extraction plant was set up.  This project increased Rwanda's energy generation capability manifold and it will enable Rwanda to sell electricity to neighboring African countries

12 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Stella McCartney to make her new fashion line with ocean plastic

British based fashion designer Stella McCartney, in collaboration with the Parley for the Oceans, will make use of ocean plastic waste for her new fashion line named Ocean legends. She made the announcement on 8th June which is celebrated as World Ocean Day. She will use the ocean plastic waste instead of woven recycled polyester. On her idea, she commented that the fashion industry continuously keeps on challenging self and finds ways for improvising their work. Every designer is responsible for the products they make and ways by which they make. She further added, "Fashion is an industry that makes a significant impact on the health of the planet, and on its life support system — the oceans." Stella has a current partnership with Parley for the Oceans through Adidas. The first product of this chain is a Falabella Go backpack. It will have the brand's signature braided Falabella chain across its pocket along with the Sea Shepherd badges, all made from ocean plastic. The bag will be launched in 2017 and the mention of usage of oceanic plastic will be mentioned on the tag. Such innovative ideas really add up to nature’s conservation and preservation. This will contribute to the oceanic waste management and also to water pollution.

10 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

New species of flying squirrel discovered in North America

There are only 44 known species of flying squirrels in the world and the discovery of a new species sounds really good. Scientists have discovered a new species of flying squirrel in the Pacific Coast region of North America.   Known as Humboldt's flying squirrel, or Glaucomys oregonensis, researchers said it was thought that these were the already known northern flying squirrel. Jim Kenagy, a professor at the University of Washington in the US said that he and his team realized that it was a new species only after they looked at the nuclear genome, in addition to mitochondrial DNA, for the first time. He added that it was a surprising discovery. The Humboldt's flying squirrel is known as a "cryptic" species - a species that was previously thought to be another, known species because of the two look similar. The new species of flying squirrels all small, nocturnally-active, gliding squirrels that live in woodland habitats. Unlike bats or birds that fly, these squirrels glide from tree to tree by extending furred membranes of skin that stretch from the wrist of the forearm to the ankle on the hind leg. The flying squirrel has remarkable gliding abilities and can make sharp midair turns by using their tail as a rudder and moving their limbs to manipulate the shape and tautness of their gliding membranes.

9 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Dubai's Police Force inducts a Robocop

A specially designed robot, reminiscent of the movie Robocop, has joined Dubai's police force and will patrol busy areas in the city. It can help identify wanted criminals and can gather evidence.  The robotic policeman is the outcome of a government program aimed at replacing some human crime-fighters with machines. If the experiment proved to be successful, then the Dubai Police wants its patrolling force to comprise of 25 percent unarmed robots by 2030. Ahead of hosting the Dubai Expo 2020, the government plans to use technology to provide better services and security to the visitors. The life-size robot police exhibit the colours of the Dubai Police uniform and have the ability to shake hands and perform a salute. Brigadier Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, director general of the Smart Services Department at Dubai Police states that the advantage of robots is that they can work  24/7 and won't ask for leave, sick leave or maternity leave. The wheels of this robotic policeman make it mobile and it is equipped with cameras and facial recognition software.The robot is capable of comparing faces with a police database and signaling matches to headquarters.  It can read vehicle license plates and its video feed can help police watch for risks such as unattended bags in popular areas of Dubai.  

9 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

First commercial carbon capture plant of the world opens in Switzerland

The air we breathe will soon become cleaner as the first carbon capture plant opened in Switzerland. It is founded by Climeworks and is capable of removing 900 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the ambient air annually. The CO2 is then filtered and supplied to numerous customers like farmers. It can also be used to make carbonated drinks and carbon-neutral fuels. Climeworks claims that by using filtered CO2, its customers are actually helping to lower their dependence on fossil fuels and reduce overall emissions. The company claims that this is a historic step and is in accordance with the Paris Agreement, in which the countries of the world have pledged to limit the global temperature rise of two degrees Celsius. Climeworks was founded by engineers Christoph Gebald and Jan Wurzbacher, who first came up with the idea for the Direct Air Capture (DAC) plant in 2008 after visiting the greenhouses of agricultural enterprise Gebruder Meier Primanatura AG in Hinwil, Switzerland.  They found that the farm was ordering large quantities of CO2 that were delivered by a truck which had to cover large distances. The duo came up with the idea of capturing CO2 directly from the surrounding air, filtering it and selling it to Gebrüder Meier as a raw material delivered via gas pipeline.  Finally, their idea has taken form and the first carbon capture plant sits atop a waste utilization plant in view of Meier brothers' greenhouses 400 metres away.

7 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

UN Ocean Conference aims to protect our oceans

The UN Oceans Conference which began on Monday saw top UN officials urging for coordinated global action to protect the oceans of the world. Speaking at the conference, Secretary General António Guterres cautioned  Governments that unless they overcame short-term territorial and resource interests, the state of the oceans will continue to deteriorate. Stating that the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources are two sides of the same coin, he said that a new strategic vision of how to govern the oceans and marine resources is the need of the hour. He emphasized the need for expanding marine protected areas and reducing plastic waste pollution which requires a strong bond of political leadership and new partnerships, based on the existing legal framework, and concrete steps. The conference was attended by heads of State and Government, civil society representatives, business people, as well as actors, and ocean and marine life advocates. The President of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson spoke against the unpardonable actions, such as dumping the equivalent of one large garbage truck of plastic into the oceans every minute of every day, driving fish stocks to the points of collapse, and destroying marine life through acidification and deoxygenation. He said that it is imperative to restore sustainability, balance and respect to our relationship with our primal mother, the source of life, the Ocean.    

6 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Low crime rates leads to closure of Dutch prisons

It is good news to hear that prisons are shutting down due to decline in crime rates. Five Dutch prisons are going to be closed in the Netherlands due to the staggeringly low crime rates. In 2013, the Dutch government had closed 19 of their prisons. The government ordered the closures as it was becoming difficult to maintain the prisons. The tiny country doesn't have the capital to maintain such large, unoccupied facilities. The prisons at the Zoetermeer, Heerhugowaard, Almere, Almelo, Ter Apel locations will soon be closed. The government's investment in rehabilitation programmes and lighter drug laws have led to the decrease in crime rates. The prisoners are allowed to make their lives more productive instead of languishing in cells.The use of electronic ankle tags allows prisoners convicted of minor offenses to go back to work and participate in society. Thus it is possible to monitor the prisoners instead of keeping them in prisons and using up millions of federal tax dollars. The above measures have significantly helped to bring down the incarceration rate. Currently, the incarceration rate in Netherlands is 69 incarcerations per 100,000 Dutch people which are very low as compared to 716 per 100,000 in the United States which has the highest ranking incarceration rate. The closure of prisons will render many people jobless. It has been decided to transfer a large percentage of the workers to other positions within Dutch law enforcement.          

6 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Muslims rebuild church destroyed by ISIS in Mosul

The city of Mosul in Iraq is soon set to be liberated from the ISIS and its Christian and Muslim inhabitants who had fled persecution are slowly returning to their homes. Many have returned to  Mosul's Al Arabi neighborhood, where hundreds of buildings, including the town's Mar Georges monastery, were destroyed by the ISIS.   People were picking up the pieces and beginning to rebuild the city. That is when a false rumor about a Christian family being terrorized by Muslims of Al Arabi neighborhood spread. To prove the rumors wrong, the Muslim community from that neighborhood decided to clean and repair the church.    By doing so, the Muslims were spreading the message of tolerance, peace and unity amid the most difficult of circumstances. They put up slogans like "Mosul is yours as it's ours" and "Our differences are our strength" as part of the campaign.   As two years of terrorism is about to end in Iraq, it has one of the smallest, yet oldest, Christian communities in the world. During the reign of IS, hundreds of Christian sites are said to have been destroyed, including Iraq's oldest Christian monastery. According to Iraqi News, Mosul will be completely liberated from the IS within a week. Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has already issued orders to prepare for celebrations in the country.

4 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien's new book published after 100 years

  ‘Lord of the Rings’ author JRR Tolkien's new book which was written 100 years ago has been edited by his son Christopher Tolkien, 92, and has been published. The book titled ‘Beren and Lúthien’ has been described as a “very personal story” that Tolkien thought up after returning from the Battle of the Somme in 1916, The story is about the fate of lovers Beren and Luthien, a mortal man and an immortal elf who together try to steal from the greatest of all evil beings, Melkor.  Alan Lee, who won an Academy Award for his work on Peter Jackson’s film trilogy has illustrated the book. HarperCollins is the publisher of the book. Tolkien specialist John Garth, who wrote ‘Tolkien And The Great War’ said that the book was a reflection of the horrors Tolkien had witnessed in the First World War. He was totally shaken up after the war.  He had lost two of his dearest friends and became like a wreck, both physically and mentally.  The names Beren and Luthien are carved on the gravestone Tolkien and his wife share in Wolvercote Cemetery in Oxford. The story has therefore been described as a very personal story.

3 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

World's largest telescope HARMONI to decode mysteries of the universe

Soon scientists will be able to understand the inner workings of the universe, thanks to 'Harmoni', the world's largest optical and infrared telescope which is being built in Chile. The Extremely Large Telescope(ELT) will be completed in 2024 and will be built on top of Cerro Armazones, a 3,046-metre peak mountain in Chile. This telescope will take telescope engineering to another level as it is designed to be an adaptive telescope that has the ability to correct atmospheric turbulence. The design and construction of its spectrograph; ‘HARMONI’ has been taken up by scientists of Oxford University. The telescope will be able to simultaneously take 4,000 images, each in a slightly different colour. The visible and near-infrared instrument is designed to provide extremely sharp images. The telescope will enable scientists to minutely study the formation and evolution of objects in the universe. Never before seen phenomena and objects can be viewed by the telescope with unprecedented depth and precision. Scientists will also be able to see the formation and evolution of distant galaxies that have never been observed before.  Niranjan Thatte, Principal Investigator for ‘HARMONI’ and Professor of Astrophysics at Oxford’s Department of Physics is very excited about this telescope as it carries an element of exploring the unknown. He said that the ELT will be an engineering feat, and its sheer size and light grasp will dwarf all other telescopes that have been built to date.

1 Jun 2017
Global Inspirations

Scientists develop designer virus to combat cancer

Scientists have developed a 'designer' virus that will help to combat cancer. Usually, cancer cells grow and multiply in the body without facing much resistance as they provoke very less or limited reaction by the body's immune system. Contrary to this, a viral infection sends alarm signals and gears up the immune system to fight the foreign body or virus. Researchers at the University of Geneva and the University of Basel in Switzerland have created innovative designer viruses that will release alarm signals similar to that given out during viral infections. A protein which is found only in cancer cells was integrated into the virus by the researchers. Researchers conducted a study on mice and found that designer viruses enabled the immune system to recognize these cancer proteins as dangerous. Thus, in humans, this designer virus will help the immune system to target the cancer cells and release killer cells to fight the tumor-causing cells. Researcher Doron Merkler of the University of Geneva said that he and his team hopes that their new findings and technologies will soon be used in cancer treatments and so help to further increase their success rates.

31 May 2017
Global Inspirations

A town in Canada spent a decade and $ 2.7 million to save turtles

The Long Point Causeway in southern Ontario was constructed a little over a century ago and tourists unknowingly and unintentionally have run their cars over thousands of turtles and endangered reptiles while traveling to see the beautiful beaches of the Long Point Peninsula. In 2006,  one Long Point resident decided that something has to be done to save the critters. His intention garnered huge support and residents started a project to save the turtles and reptiles. It took ten years of hard work and  $2.7 million for the project to be successful and the residents are very satisfied as the turtle and snake deaths have fallen by 80%. Rick Levick was joined in his mission by other empowered locals to campaign for culverts to be installed underneath the dangerous 2-mile road. Culverts are tiny tunnels that allow the small animals to cross the road without facing the danger of being run over by the cars or other vehicles. It was decided to construct 12 culverts which would cost around $ 2.7 million. The determined residents were undaunted by the hefty price and they sought to fund from numerous wildlife agencies and organizations. Finally, in 2008, the construction of culverts started and the last one was built in January. The residents are elated by the results as the turtle and snake deaths have fallen by 80%. Their efforts have been rewarded and they know that every penny spent was worth it.

29 May 2017
Global Inspirations

Production of large amount of blood from a person’s stem cells may be soon possible

Two research papers published show a probable chance of limitless blood generation from stem cells. Scientists are heading close to the successful execution of blood generation from the patient’s own stem cells. The experiments are still under process and if gets successful it will be a great revolution in medical science as it will solve the problems of blood transfusions required during surgeries and the bone marrow transplants. Stem cells in our bodies are responsible for the generation of new cells in our body. There are two stem cells. The adult stem cells look after the wear and tear of the cells and generation of new ones. Embryonic cells are present in the embryo. The scientists used both the cells. It firstly converted adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Then iPS and embryonic cells were converted to specialized ones called hemogenic endothelium by exposing them to chemical signals. The specialized cells are the ones that will lead to blood cell generation on being gene coded. The cells are forced to the blood-forming state upon changing the transcription factors that code proteins. There was an another approach in which only the adult stem cells were used. Mice tests were carried out and still, the study is in trial and error stage but now close enough to make a novel declaration.  

20 May 2017
Global Inspirations

Rajgauri Pawar beats Einstein and Hawking in the coveted British Mensa IQ test, securing maximum marks worldwide

Rajgauri Pawar, an Indian origin girl, made history by securing two points more than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking in the British Mensa IQ test. The test was conducted in Manchester last month and this is a milestone and an incredible achievement for anyone of her age. Very few people give this test. Acquiring score of 140 sets a genius benchmark. Rajgauri scored a maximum of 162 marks, which is the highest till date surpassing the great geniuses of all time- Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. Among the 20,000 people in the list, she tops the list being the only one to achieve this remarkable score. Rewarding her performance, she has been invited to join the coveted British Mensa IQ Society as a member. On asking her about her achievement, she said how nervous she was before the test and is extremely pleased and satisfied with her performance. Her father, Dr.Surajkumar Pawar expressed his gratitude to her teachers and thanked them for their support and guidance justifying that without them this would not have been possible. Rajgauri studies at the Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. The school also showed their pride and gave praises for her achievement.  

11 May 2017
Global Inspirations

Emma Watson creates history by receiving the first Genderless Award

MTV Movie and TV awards presented the first ever genderless award for the category of the Best Actor which was bagged by Emma Watson for her phenomenal role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. This definitely has made a mark in history. Emma Watson, feeling extremely privileged by the honour appreciated MTV for making their awards genderless and said that acting is putting oneself in someone else’s shoes and this need not be divided in categories. Also, she commented that the move signifies new perception of human experience.  She added why her role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast deserved this accolade. She said that what made the character of Belle so impressive was her curiosity and desire at the same time to learn and wish for more from life. She proudly expressed her gratitude to be the part of the fantastic movie which was filled with joy and love. She added, “Empathy and the ability to use your imagination should have no limits. This is very meaningful to me - both to be winning the award and to be receiving it from you... in such an inclusive, patient and loving way. Thank you so much” She concluded her thanksgiving speech by extending her gratitude to all her fans and well-wishers.  

8 May 2017
Global Inspirations

Cinnamon may lower risk of cardiovascular damage

Researchers from Omni Active Health technologies, an American based company, including Vijaya Juturu of Indian origin, noted that cinnamon, a spice, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular damage by lowering the fat storage process in the body.  The following study was recorded when experimenting on rats. For about 21 weeks, some rats were fed with high fat diet with cinnamon supplements while some rats were fed with only high fat diet. After completion of the time, the blood samples and other factors of the rats of both categories were checked. They found that the rats who were fed with cinnamon supplements weighed less as compared to the other rats fed only with high fat diet. Also the former reported healthier levels of blood sugar, insulin and fats as compared to the latter. After researching over the reasons for the marked changes caused by cinnamon, they came out with the fact that rats fed with cinnamon had lesser molecules involved in fat storage process than in the other rats. Also the former had more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules in their body that relieves stress levels.  Thus it can be stated by this study that cinnamon helps is preventing cardiovascular damage caused by the high fat diet by producing more of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules in our body thereby keeping us active and stress free.

7 May 2017
Global Inspirations

Inflatable greenhouse will help astronauts to grow food in space

NASA scientists have come up with an inflatable greenhouse where astronauts can grow fresh food as well as produce oxygen. Astronauts have successfully grown plants and vegetables aboard the International Space Station (ISS), but NASA  has gone a step further and designed an inflatable, deployable greenhouse to support plant and crop production for nutrition, air revitalisation, water recycling and waste recycling, which will help pioneers working in deep space. As plants use up carbon dioxide to provide food and oxygen, Ray Wheeler, lead scientist at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida felt that the carbon dioxide exhaled by the astronauts can be introduced into the greenhouse, and the plants there can use it to generate oxygen through photosynthesis. As far as the water cycle is concerned, water that is found at the lunar or Martian landing site is oxygenated, given nutrient salts, and it continuously flows across the root zone of the plants and returned to the storage system. Tests are also being conducted at the Prototype Lunar Greenhouse at the University of Arizona in the US to determine what plants, seeds or other materials should be taken along to make the system work on the Moon or Mars. It is very important to learn what to take and what to gather for living on distant locations. Sadler Machine Company, one of the project partners is developing the prototypes which are cylindrical, 18 feet long and more than 8 feet in diameter. The greenhouse units would likely be buried under surface soil or regolith in order to protect it from radiation in space. Therefore, according to NASA, it will require specialised lighting.

7 May 2017
Global Inspirations

Professor from Kolkata to contest the UK elections

The UK general elections scheduled on June 8 will see a Bengali contestant this time. Rohit K Dasgupta, born and brought-up in Kolkata and graduated from Jadavpur University is all set to contest the elections from East Hampshire seat on a Labour Party ticket.  He will be the first Bengali to be in the electoral fray in the UK. Dasgupta who is a lecturer at the Loughborough University, London, has been living in the UK for past eight years and soon became a member of the Labour Party seven years ago. He completed his graduation in comparative literature from JU in 2009. “It is a great honour to be fighting a seat for Labour Party in this election and offer a credible alternative to the Tories,” Dasgupta said, describing East Hampshire as a ‘tough constituency’. The Kolkata boy, however, has a tough competition.  The seat is a stronghold of the Conservative Party, which secured more than 50% votes in 2010 and 2015. Damian Hinds is representing the seat since 2010. Dasgupta’s campaign will focus on the issues of housing, education, health and fair living wage. As per a report published in the Hindustan Times Dasgupta said, “I am campaigning on four main areas - building more social housing and caps on rent and rogue landlords, making education available to everyone and not burden students with debts after university, the national health service which is Labour’s biggest achievement providing free healthcare for all and a fair living wage.”  “My politics is firmly rooted within left liberal socialism. I am opposed to all kinds of nationalism, a resurgence of which we see in the UK, Europe and in India as well. I consider myself an internationalist,” Dasgupta added. He further said, “When in Kolkata, I was also campaigning for issues such as child abuse, queer rights, and gender violence and was associated with human rights charities.”  

4 May 2017
Global Inspirations

El Salvador is first country to ban mining

Last week, El Salvador imposed a ban on mining which made it the first country in the world to ban prospection, exploration, exploitation, extraction or processing of metallic minerals. This landmark move has been adopted to protect the environment from the ill effects of mining. President of the Salvadoran Ecological Unit, Mauricio Sermeno said that the law was necessary in the face of an industry which, far from bringing any benefit to communities, brings serious pollution to water sources and the environment. The lawmakers had approved the bill in March and El Salvador made history by becoming the first country in the world to ban metal mining outright. Although many locals had complained about the environmental risks from toxic metals, rampant mining took place in many Latin American countries because such countries thrive on mineral exports. The new law was enforced when it was signed by President Salvador Sanchez Ceren. El Salvador has pledged to protect its rural communities that are threatened by proposed mining projects. A non government camping group Mining Watch hopes the Salvadoran legislation will set an example for other countries in the region.    

2 May 2017
Global Inspirations

World’s superfast film camera is developed

Research group at Lund University in Sweden has developed a superfast camera that can capture images and videos at a rate faster than the current cameras having the rate of one lakh images per second. The new camera films at a rate of about five trillion images per second which is too fast for any filing done till date. The current camera captures one image at a time, thus clicking different images one after another. But the new camera uses an exceptional algorithm that captures many coded images in a single picture. It later sorts it in sequence. Object to be filmed is exposed to light using laser flashes where each light pulse is given a unique code. The object reflects the light pulse and they are captured in a single photograph initially, which are later sorted as per the codes. The use of these cameras as of now is intended for research purposes wherein the camera has the capability to film the exact details of every step in object transformations in different stages. It can film very short spanned processes like explosions, brain activities and chemical reactions with utmost detailing so that they can be studied later by analysing every detail of transformations happening in such processes in slow motion which is usually not possible by naked eye due to quick occurrence of the event. This camera enables the filming of many such chemical, biological and biomedical processes which couldn’t be filmed by any camera with utmost detailing till date. 

1 May 2017
Global Inspirations

3 African nations to get world's first malaria vaccine

The world’s first notably effective malaria vaccine is ready and will be distributed in 3 African countries - Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi to save the life of thousands who suffer from malaria. This is the first malaria vaccine to have successfully completed a Phase III clinical trial and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa is introducing the RTS,S to Africa. The RTS,S vaccine counters the malaria parasite by training the immune system to attack it. It needs to be given four times-once a month for three months and then a fourth dose 18 months later. The WHO came up with the vaccine through tightly controlled and well funded clinical trials. It  is running pilots in three countries to see if a full malaria vaccine programme could be started. The safety and effectiveness of the vaccine will also be assessed on a regular basis. The WHO chose Ghana, Kenya and Malawi because large programmes to tackle malaria are already in full swing there, including the use of bed nets, yet there exists high number of cases. The maximum number of cases of malaria is in Africa. Global efforts have helped to bring down the deaths due to malaria by 62% in the period between 2000 and 2015. Yet, there were cases of 4,29,000 deaths due to the disease in 2015 and most of them were young children in Africa.    

26 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

Norway to be All Electric Car country in 8 years

In coming eight years, the Norwegian Government  is planning to ensure that all cars sold in Norway will  be low or zero emission vehicles. It aims to achieve this goal by enforcing a stringent green tax plan. It will also provide more financial incentives. Presently, a total ban on conventional  fuel-powered vehicles is not in the offing, according reports appearing in the media. At present,   37% of Norway’s automotive market is covered by electric and hybrid cars. The government hopes to make it 100% by the year 2025. For last more than 25 years, Norway has extended more than a dozen benefits for hybrid or electric car owners, including 50% reduced  car tax, fees concession on toll on roads and ferries, as well as prioritized access on the highway. To facilitate the charging of large number of  electric cars, Norway plans to facilitate one charging station for every 10 electric cars on the road. This number is expected to rise to about  50,000 by the year 2020. Going for low emission cars could also decrease CO2 emissions by  up to 70%, as per the area. The goal set by the Norwegian Government to switch to zero emission vehicles by 2025 not only needs appreciation by other countries, of the world, but also followed to reduce pollution caused by fossil fuel vehicles.  

22 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

US Navy submarines to be modified to accommodate women

US Navy submarines will undergo certain modifications to suit the requirement and needs of women crew members. They have originally been designed with the height, reach and strength of men in mind, from the way valves are placed to how display screens are angled. Now, with increasing number of women on board defence contractor Electric Boat is remodeling the submarines by adding  more doors and washrooms to create separate sleeping and bathing areas for men and women and to give them more privacy. Some overhead valves are being lowered so that they would be easier to turn, steps will be installed in front of the triple-high bunk beds and stacked laundry machines for the convenience of the women crew. The first vessel in which the new features will be incorporated is expected to be delivered to the Navy in 2021. In 2010, the Navy  lifted its ban on women on submarines. Currently, about  80 female officers and around 50 enlisted women are serving on submarines and the number is expected to climb into hundreds in a few years. One of the first woman to serve on a submarine,  Lt. Marquette Leveque, who is five-foot-six  said that she didn’t have any trouble reaching valves and other equipment but that the changes will be of great help for shorter crewmates.  

20 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

New words in Oxford dictionary - Quiddtich, Latte art

Every year, new words are added to the Oxford Dictionary, and this year words like Quidditch, cli-fi and showmance are among the 40 new additions in the latest update of the Oxford Dictionary. Quidditch, a fantasy game which originated at Middlebury College in Vermont, is played with broomsticks held between the legs. Another word that has found a place in this reputed book is 'cromulent' which means  “acceptable or adequate”. Another new entrant is ‘showmance’. It refers to a romantic relationship between co-stars, but particularly one which is skillfully done for the sake of publicity. Latte art is another new word which means illustrations made by carefully pouring steamed milk onto the drink’s surface  Another word added to the update is Mary Sue’ which  refers to “a type of female character who is depicted as unrealistically lacking in flaws or weaknesses”. Cli-fi’ refers to the genre of fiction that addresses issues around climate change and global warming. As people are growing more concerned about the environment, it has given rise to new words like ‘agroecology’ which means the ‘application of ecological principles to agricultural system'.

15 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

Increased taxes on tobacco can save 35-45 million lives in South Asia

In order to deter people from consuming tobacco, the government only needs to increase the taxes. It could save many lives as well. This was revealed by a study which was published in The British Medical Journal. It said that South Asia, with a population of 1.1 billion adults has about 170 million adult smokers, most of whom are from India, and very low rates of cessation. The results of the study show that the South Asian countries need to implement the World Health Organisation's (WHO) global tobacco control treaty, including high tobacco taxes, smoke-free public spaces, warning labels, comprehensive advertising bans and support for smoking cessation services. The study was conducted by Prabhat Jha, Director, Centre for Global Health Research at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto. His report stated that there are many tobacco smokers in South Asia and the taxation rates are also very low. By implementing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, particularly its tax provisions, the tobacco use could be brought down considerably, reducing it by at least one-third and this would save about 35-45 million lives. Jha added that the cost of cigarettes, bidis and chewing tobacco is lower in South Asia than in high-income countries in the West because the excise taxes levied on these products is very low.

14 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

Good samaritan techie reaches out to workers in distress in foreign shores

Thopali Srinivas, 46, works for a reputed multinational company and his job takes him to the gulf countries several times a month. He is very passionate about his job, but at the same time his heart reaches out to his countrymen who are facing difficulties there and he goes the extra mile to help them out. The workers are sometimes victims of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and financial exploitation by their employers. Srinivas says that he is moved by their plight and finds ways to ease their woes. Earlier this month at Muscat in Oman, Srinivas noticed Shivaratri Satish near the embassy and asked his problem. This man from Nizamabad had an expired visa, was out of job and did not know how to get back to India. Srinivas immediately wrote to the Indian embassy in Oman which promptly got in touch with him to help. Similarly, Srinivas brought to the notice of the external affairs ministry, the plight of 17 Indians, who were retrenched by a company in Oman and were struggling without salaries for the past four months. The ministry is taking steps to rescue the workers. He went out of his way a number of times to help such distressed workers. Srinivas is also the core committee member of BJP IT cell. His motto in life is to help all those in distress.

14 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

Indian cultural center in Egypt aims to promote art forms

The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) which was established in 1992 as part of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) has been spreading different aspects of the Indian culture in Egypt. Ann Haokip, the director of MACIC said that the centre aims to primarily to educate and make people aware of the Indian culture. She added that there are many different aspects to Indian culture and they want to promote different arts of India as India is very rich in arts. She added that new events like Yoga Championship and photo competition related to yoga will be introduced. In addition to  yoga, dance, Hindi and Urdu language classes, the Centre also present seminars, exhibitions and movie screenings and discussions during the month. To make the event accessible to the public, they go to venues and places where people can come usually for free. Currently, the Centre is hosting the largest cultural festival in Egypt called India by the Nile which will run until April 27.  MACIC, located in Cairo, is the only Indian cultural Center in the region. It was named after Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the founder of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the scholar-statesman who had close links with the Arab world.

8 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

Geologic catastrophes had long before separated Britain from Europe

As per the study published in the journal Nature Communications, a cataclysmic exit of Britain from European Union occurred ages ago. When Britain announced its political exit though, it’s not the first time technically though when Britain is parting its way. About 4,50,000 thousand years before, during Ice age, Britain was connected to Europe by a land bridge. At that time oceanic water level were very much low than they are now due to frozen polar ice cover all around. Layers of pulverized shells of dead algae connected Britain to north-western France. This join also held back a lake of melted glacier water, thereby serving as a dam. But the dam didn’t last long. The join got destroyed in two ways. First huge waterfalls gushed over it, weakening its structure. Later, some 2,00,000 years ago, a devastating flood broke the join and separated Britain from the mainland. As of today, only a part of the bridge stands. Scientists are clueless whether the bridge eroded all at a time or gradually with time. In an international press release, Sanjeev Gupta, a co-author of the study and an Earth scientist at Imperial College London said that “This is Brexit 1.0 — the Brexit nobody voted for!” 

8 Apr 2017
Global Inspirations

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