Author: News Desk

Vietnam has come out as the leading producer of black pepper in the world, overtaking countries like India and Brazil. This essential spice is used in household kitchens around the world. Speciality of Vietnamese Pepper Vietnamese pepper is known for its high piperine count, which is what gives it its spicy flavour, its high quality and export readiness. It leads with production in well-established farms mainly in the provinces of Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Binh Phuoc, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. How much pepper is annually produced? Vietnam produces around 250,000 to 260,000 metric tonnes of pepper annually which makes for…

Kerala’s IT Special Secretary, Sreeram Sambasiva Rao, announced today that the state government is in the final stages of developing a comprehensive policy specifically designed for social enterprises. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Kerala Innovation Festival, organised by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), he also revealed that schoolchildren will soon get training in deeptech technology as part of their curriculum. He said a decentralised innovation ecosystem is currently being developed in Kerala, and the KIF showcased the talent of Kerala’s youth. Additionally, a special policy will be introduced to support social enterprises and promote social entrepreneurship. Kerala boasts…

The Kerala Innovation Festival (KIF 2025) kicked off with a vibrant showcase of futuristic technologies poised to transform the way we live. Hosted at Kerala Startup Mission’s (KSUM) Digital Hub in Kalamassery, the two-day event has already drawn over 10,000 visitors with its remarkable display of tech-driven innovations. From robotic greeters and underwater drones to bio-ink for 3D-printed organs and AI-driven pet healthcare, KIF 2025 offers a glimpse into the near future of everyday life. The exhibition spotlights startups and tech creators using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, and Robotics across healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, design, and…

Pavan Guntupalli, a determined entrepreneur from Telangana, began his journey as a top-performing student. He secured admission to IIT Kharagpur and later worked at Samsung as a software developer. But the monotony of corporate life didn’t satisfy him—he wanted to create something impactful. A String of Failures Before Breakthrough Pavan ventured into entrepreneurship with his first startup, theKarrier, along with friend Aravind Sanka. But it failed, and so did the next seven ventures. Despite 75 investor rejections, Pavan didn’t give up. His belief in eventually hitting on the right idea kept him moving forward. A New Idea Born in Traffic…

The Royal Train, a symbol of British heritage and tradition, will be officially retired by March 2027. This decision comes as part of King Charles III’s efforts to modernise the monarchy and ensure efficient use of public funds. According to the Royal Household’s financial report, senior royals will now use helicopters and regular train services for official travel across the UK. A Historic Legacy The Royal Train has played a prominent role in royal life since Queen Victoria’s first journey in the 1840s. Maintained in Wolverton, the world’s first railway town, the train has served as a mobile space for…

Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has an estimated net worth of $120 million (around ₹1,000 crore) as of 2025. His earnings come from multiple sources, including his Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts, brand endorsements, and various investments. Over 18 IPL seasons, Dhoni earned more than ₹204.4 crore. Between 2018 and 2021, his salary was ₹15 crore per season. In 2025, he was retained by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹4 crore as an uncapped player. His current annual income is estimated at ₹50 crore, with monthly earnings close to ₹4 crore. Real Estate Holdings Dhoni owns residential properties in…

Kolkata-based defence shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. launched Ajay, the eighth and final vessel in the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft series, on Monday, July 21. The launch marks a significant milestone in bolstering India’s maritime defence capabilities. According to GRSE, the series is designed to detect and neutralise enemy submarines operating in coastal waters, and can also perform coordinated ASW missions in conjunction with aircraft. “These warships pack a lethal anti-submarine suite comprising lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and mines. They are also armed with 30 mm Close-in Weapon Systems and 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Control Guns,” GRSE said in a statement. The vessels are also equipped with a Hull Mounted…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a significant two-day state visit to the Maldives starting today, at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. The visit holds strategic importance, not only as the first head of government visit under Muizzu’s presidency, but also in the broader context of regional diplomacy and India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies. PM Modi arrives at Velana International Airport at approximately 9:40 AM IST on July 25, and will serve as the guest of honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26. “This visit is of special significance as it is the first state visit hosted by President…

Saudi Arabia is set to redefine luxury travel in the Middle East with the launch of ‘Dream of the Desert’, the region’s first five-star luxury train, scheduled to roll out in late 2026. Designed to offer a slow, immersive travel experience, the train will connect Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, spanning a 1,300-kilometre route across dramatic dunes, historic trade routes, lush farmlands, and ancient heritage sites. Conceived as more than just a mode of transport, Dream of the Desert is a moving cultural experience. With just 34 suites across 14 carriages, the interiors — envisioned by renowned Lebanese architect Aline Asmar…

Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (PVPL), the Indian arm of the Italian Piaggio Group, has launched two new electric three-wheelers — Apé E-City Ultra and Apé E-City FX Maxx — under its Apé Electrik range. The new models are designed to strengthen Piaggio’s presence in India’s growing electric last-mile mobility market. Apé E-City Ultra: Built for Performance and Connectivity The Apé E-City Ultra offers a certified range of 236 km and is powered by a 10.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Key highlights include: Apé E-City FX Maxx: Optimized for Efficiency The FX Maxx model offers a range of 174 km with an 8.0 kWh prismatic cell battery, designed for enhanced stability and energy management.…