Author: News Desk
A farmer from Kerala, Peter Lenu, has achieved global recognition after his pet goat, Karumbi, was officially named the shortest living goat in the world by Guinness World Records. The tiny black pygmy goat, born in 2021, stands just 1.3 feet (40.50 cm) tall at the age of four. A Unique Breed Karumbi belongs to the Canadian pygmy goat breed, known for its genetic dwarfism. Unlike regular goats, this breed has naturally short legs, never growing beyond 21 inches (53 cm) in height. A Social Farm Companion Despite her small size, Karumbi is one of the most social animals on…
Grow Indigo is an agritech startup dedicated to revolutionizing Indian agriculture by promoting eco-friendly and efficient farming practices. The company focuses on regenerative techniques like direct-seeded rice and no-tillage farming, which improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance water efficiency. These methods not only benefit the environment but also reduce labor-intensive processes, particularly helping women farmers. Expanding Sustainable Agriculture Grow Indigo has made a significant impact, enrolling over 2.5 million acres of smallholder farmland across seven states. The company actively collaborates with food and fashion brands to promote sustainable sourcing and reduce carbon footprints in supply chains. Widespread Reach and…
Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has reached a major milestone by delivering its 500th electric locomotive to Indian Railways. The WAG-12B Prima T8 locomotive was flagged off from Alstom’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Madhepura, Bihar, marking a significant step in India’s railway modernisation. Transforming Freight Transportation As part of a ₹3.5 billion contract, Alstom is supplying 800 high-powered, double-section Prima T8 locomotives, each with 12,000 HP (9 MW) capacity. These locomotives can haul 6,000-tonne freight rakes at speeds of up to 120 km/h, significantly improving cargo transport efficiency. State-of-the-Art Maintenance and Localisation To ensure the reliability…
Six major Japanese companies, IHI Corporation, Hokkaido Electric Power, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Mizuho Bank, and Tokyo Century Corporation, are evaluating investment opportunities in a 400,000-tonne-per-year green ammonia production facility being developed by ACME Group in Odisha. These companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential investments in the project, which aims to produce and transport green ammonia to Japan for various industries, including power generation and chemical manufacturing. A Step Toward Carbon Neutrality Green ammonia is a next-generation clean energy source that does not emit CO₂ when burned, making it a crucial solution for…
The Indian government announced that it will remove import duties on several key raw materials used in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and mobile phones. The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen local manufacturing and enhance export competitiveness amid growing global trade tensions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking ahead of the Finance Bill 2025 vote in Parliament, stated, “We aim to boost domestic production and enhance export competitiveness by reducing duties on raw materials.” Duty Exemptions on Key Components To support the EV and mobile phone industries, the government has exempted 35 items used in…
A Shanghai restaurant has come under fire for selling a half-chicken dish priced at 480 yuan (₹5,500), with staff justifying the high cost by claiming the chicken was raised on classical music and fed milk. The unusual claim quickly sparked online mockery and skepticism. The “Sunflower Chicken” Controversy The controversy began on March 14, when a businessman and influencer with 270,000 followers visited the Shanghai Club restaurant and was shocked by the price of the dish. Curious about the reason behind its steep cost, he jokingly asked the staff whether the chicken was raised listening to music and drinking milk—to…
The Indian government has revealed a significant financial disparity among public sector banks (PSBs) in terms of ATM cash withdrawal fees. While the State Bank of India (SBI) has generated substantial revenue from ATM transactions, most other PSBs have been facing losses in this area. Over the past five years, SBI earned ₹2,043 crore from ATM withdrawal fees, whereas nine other PSBs collectively suffered losses amounting to ₹3,738.78 crore. Among other PSBs, only Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Canara Bank managed to earn profits, making ₹90.33 crore and ₹31.42 crore, respectively, from ATM transactions. The data was presented in a…
Bill Gates has made a bold prediction about the future of work, warning that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace most jobs. As AI advances at an unprecedented rate, many routine tasks will be automated, making several professions obsolete. However, Gates believes that three careers will survive the AI takeover, offering job security in an uncertain future. A Future with a 3-Day Workweek? Gates envisions a world where AI reduces work hours, potentially leading to a three-day workweek. While automation may eliminate many roles, it could also improve productivity and reduce stress for those who adapt to AI. However, only certain fields will…
India has achieved a significant economic milestone by reaching a GDP of $4 trillion, solidifying its position as the world’s fifth-largest economy. This rapid growth reflects India’s expanding influence on the global economic stage. India’s Economic Growth and Future Projections As per recent estimates, India’s GDP is expected to hit $4.3 trillion by 2025, just behind Japan’s $4.4 trillion and Germany’s $4.9 trillion. Given its current growth trajectory, India is likely to surpass Japan in 2025 and Germany by 2027, securing the position of the third-largest economy. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s economy has more than doubled…
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expanded its bus-on-demand service to 10 major locations, including Oud Metha and Barsha Heights. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity, offering residents and commuters a flexible and affordable transportation option while helping to ease traffic congestion in busy areas. Affordable and Accessible Travel The service, priced at just Dh5 per trip per person, was already operating in several busy areas. It has now been extended to more locations, offering an affordable and practical option for daily commuters. Growing Demand and Network Expansion Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development at RTA’s Public…