Author: News Desk

Wayanad is grappling with one of the state’s most catastrophic landslides. The communities in Mundakayam and Chooralmala have been left with little to no resources, and the survivors face immense challenges. It is our collective responsibility to support these individuals in rebuilding their lives. The Kerala Startup Mission and a group of entrepreneurs are stepping in to fulfill this duty. Kerala Startup Mission’s Relief Efforts Under the leadership of the Kerala Startup Mission, Kochi, the Startup Square community has initiated a relief effort for Wayanad. Entrepreneurs and Startup Mission staff gathered essential supplies for the affected areas. These supplies, including…

Innovative solutions to foster a healthier environment are gaining momentum in an era where workplace productivity and employee well-being are becoming increasingly interconnected. Two recent initiatives, one by a Japanese firm and the other by a brewing company, highlight creative approaches to improving health and productivity. Paid Leave for Non-Smokers Piala Inc., a Japanese company, recently sparked debate by offering six extra days of paid leave to non-smokers. This policy emerged after non-smoking employees highlighted the time disparity created by smoke breaks. Located on the 29th floor, each smoking break was consuming approximately 15 minutes, leading to significant work time lost.…

Preeti Sudan, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1983 batch from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, has recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This significant move follows the resignation of Manoj Soni, who stepped down due to personal reasons. Sudan’s appointment comes at a time of ongoing controversy, including issues involving probationary IAS officer Pooja Khedekar. Early Life and Education Born on April 30, 1960, Preeti Sudan’s early years laid a solid foundation for her distinguished career in public service. She pursued higher education with a focus on Economics and Social…

The Indian Army has constructed a Bailey bridge to aid rescue operations in Wayanad, Kerala, following devastating landslides. The Madras Engineer Group, deployed from Bengaluru, built the 195-foot-long bridge to replace the only existing bridge connecting Chural Hill and Mundakai, which was swept away by the landslides. The Bailey bridge, originally developed by British civil servant Donald Bailey during World War II, is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge known for its durability and ease of assembly. Initially designed to help Britain’s tanks traverse rugged terrains in North Africa, the Bailey bridge has continued to serve military and civilian purposes worldwide.…

The Jais Flight zip line, located in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest zip line, stretching nearly three kilometres. This remarkable attraction is situated on Jebel Jais Mountain, the UAE’s highest peak, which rises to over 1,930 metres. A Hub for Adventure Tourism Positioned 1,680 metres above sea level, the Jais Flight zip line is enhancing Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as a premier adventure tourism destination. Visitors can start their thrilling experience at the Jais Adventure Park welcome centre, where they can purchase tickets and prepare for their zip line…

Facing the disappointment of a visa rejection after booking flights, hotels, and paying fees can be frustrating. In 2022, over 100,000 Indians experienced Schengen visa rejections, leading to a substantial loss of Rs 87 crore due to non-refundable expenses, as reported by Teleport. Essential Documents for a Schengen Visa Application When applying for a Schengen visa, you must provide: Navigating the Schengen visa application process can be challenging. To improve your chances of approval, here are common pitfalls to avoid: 1. Incomplete Application Forms Submitting an incomplete application form is a major reason for visa rejection. Ensure that every section…

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has mandated that airline companies and travel agencies issue air tickets and boarding passes with QR codes. This new directive aims to curb unauthorised access to airport terminals by individuals posing as passengers. The advisory was issued in response to increasing instances of people entering terminals with fake or cancelled tickets. Currently, security personnel verify both tickets and identification cards before granting access to the terminal. Despite these checks, some individuals have managed to breach security using fraudulent or expired tickets. The introduction of QR code scanning at terminal gates is expected to enhance detection…

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms, achieved a new milestone, becoming the third-richest person globally. This rise is attributed to a recent rally in Meta’s stock, which surged by 6% to $504.31 per share. The company reported impressive second-quarter earnings, with $39 billion in revenue, pushing its market capitalization to $1.25 trillion. Comparison with Top Richest Despite this significant leap, Zuckerberg remains behind Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, whose net worth is around $237 billion, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, valued at approximately $204 billion. Meta’s Robust Quarterly Performance Meta’s latest earnings report exceeded Wall Street’s expectations by about…

Last year, Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, drew attention with their advanced robot dog featuring impressive tricks and GPT chat capabilities. This year, they have introduced an upgraded model—the Go2-W—designed to tackle various terrains with ease. Unlike traditional quadruped robots that rely on walking, the Go2-W combines wheeled mobility with the agility of its non-wheeled counterparts. Enhanced Speed and Agility While traditional robot dogs excel in speed and agility, they might not always be the best choice for every environment. The Go2-W offers a practical solution by incorporating wheels, making it suitable for rolling across challenging surfaces. A recent video…

Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, widely known as Dhanush, continues to reign supreme in Tamil cinema with a prolific career spanning over 50 films. Celebrated not only as an actor but also as a director, producer, lyricist, and singer, Dhanush is gearing up for the release of his latest venture, the action-packed thriller “Raayan,” which he has both produced and directed. As anticipation builds for the film, let’s explore the luxurious lifestyle and extravagant possessions of this cinematic icon. Dhanush’s residence in the prestigious Poes Garden neighborhood of Chennai is a testament to his success. Valued at approximately Rs 25 crore, this lavish mansion…