NATURAL FARMING
Chhath Puja 2026: Why Sugarcane, Turmeric Plants and Banana Leaves Are Used in Traditional Worship
Sugarcane, turmeric plants and banana leaves are important elements of traditional Chhath Puja celebrations in Bihar. These natural ingredients are associated with prosperity, purity, abundance and gratitude towards nature. From decorating puja spaces to arranging traditional offerings, discover why these agricultural products hold cultural and religious significance during the four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan holds 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' in Odisha's Hirapur, urges farmers to protect soil health
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the Chausathi Yogini Peetha at Hirapur to promote sustainable agriculture practices. He urged farmers to adopt measures that aid soil health and crop productivity. Chouhan emphasized the importance of using fertilizers based on soil tests to maintain agricultural balance. \
Illinois drained two lakes for farmland for about 70 years; after conservationists bought Emiquon in 2000 and began restoring the wetlands, spring waterbird counts exceeded 119,000
Since its transformation from farmland into a flourishing wetland began in 2000, Emiquon Preserve has seen extraordinary returns in wildlife, famously attracting over 119,000 waterbirds during the spring counts. Although the project has greatly enhanced wetland habitats and ecological recovery, vigilant management is required to combat threats from invasive species and to maintain aging infrastructures, underlining the importance of ongoing human efforts in environmental sustainability.
ICAR partners with Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, MSSRF and Bharat Krishak Samaj to document farmer-led innovations in natural farming
The MoU, signed in New Delhi will facilitate a collaborative action-research study titled “Capturing Farmer Innovation in Natural Farming Transitions” under the National Mission on Natural Farming.
Shift from higher yields to nutrient-efficient crops needed to cut fertiliser dependence: ICAR’s Jat
Jat emphasised that soil biodiversity and agrobiodiversity are fundamental to sustainable agriculture
First decade since Independence with over 4 pc agri growth, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Indian agriculture grew more than 4 percent per year in the past decade. He emphasized that many small farmers have improved their economic situation significantly during this time. The government invested heavily in supporting farmers, especially in fertilizer subsidies, to reduce their input costs. Modi urged farmers to adopt natural farming practices and diversify their crops to enhance income sources.
India should offer world new development model rooted in tradition: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
Mohan Bhagwat called attention to India's heritage of traditional wisdom as a potential blueprint for global progress. He underlined the necessity of achieving equilibrium among human lifestyles, animal health, and environmental integrity. Concurrently, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confronted the agricultural issues arising from climate change, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the establishment of agriculture and veterinary institutions as vital steps for enhancing local development.
In 2020, Ian Somerhalder said Kiss the Ground took 7 years to make; 4 years later, his Nutro campaign raised $300,000 for farmers working to restore healthy soil
Ian Somerhalder was born in 1978 in Covington, Louisiana. During an interview, he recalled an eye-opening trip to Zimbabwe. There, the actor saw how regenerative farming practices could revive degraded landscapes and reshape entire ecosystems. Somerhalder claimed that this shifted his life forever. He also talked about his personal and growing years.
World War II still has lessons for today’s wars
World War II offers four lessons for modern warfare: technology can rapidly transform battlefields, strong leadership requires strategic judgement, industrial capacity is vital to military strength, and war carries a heavy human cost. As conflicts in Iran and Ukraine reshape warfare, the US must invest in AI, defence production and shipbuilding while remaining united behind its military personnel.
Researchers tested tobacco plants engineered to emit isoprene; after 10 days, hornworms feeding on those leaves were smaller than those on ordinary plants
Research conducted at Michigan State University revealed that isoprene emissions from plants deter pest herbiory effectively. This chemical causes plants to release hormones that make their leaves less digestible for insects. Interestingly, soybean plants possess genes allowing them to produce isoprene when damaged, enhancing their resilience. However, the increase of isoprene in the atmosphere poses a risk for air quality due to ground-level ozone formation.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
The FPIs that were selling in the Indian market all these months mostly owned large-cap stocks. And as they sold them, it was that segment which bore the brunt of the selling. The same logic will operate in reverse as they start buying, focusing once again on the safer and more liquid large-cap stocks.
Loved Sai Pallavi in Ramayana? You won’t get enough of their ancestral hometown, a dreamy hill station in Tamil Nadu, a paradise for tea lovers
Sai Pallavi has garnered attention for her portrayal of Mata Sita in the grand production Ramayana. The actress, who has captivated audiences throughout India with successes like Premam, Maari 2, and others, has also received praise for her poised role as Mata Sita.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s 10-year-old daughter vibe-codes several creations, including a messaging app, apps similar to GeoCities and a game inspired by FarmVille, with each project also featuring its own marketing and sales plan
Maxima Zuckerberg, daughter of Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, is interested in artificial intelligence and software development. She is currently experimenting with vibe-coding, which uses natural language to create software with AI tools. While her parents support her enthusiasm, they have imposed restrictions on developing online projects. Priscilla Chan specifically did not allow Maxima to create a dating website due to safety concerns.
In 1990, a Texas family donated a cave to protect its bats; today, about 4 million female bats use it as a nursery each summer
A Texas family's vision for conservation transformed their cave into the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve in 1990, eschewing fertilizer extraction. Annually, about 4 million female Mexican free-tailed bats find refuge here, utilizing the site as their maternity colony during the crucial breeding season from May to September. Dedicated research and management initiatives strive to protect this critical habitat and deepen understanding of bat population dynamics.
A Connecticut family donated nearly 100 acres of woodland in honour of two ancestors; the land became part of a 1,122-acre nature preserve
In a heartfelt tribute to their ancestors, the Pierson family from Connecticut has gifted nearly 100 acres of lush forest land, which is now incorporated into the Burnham Brook Preserve. Open to the public year-round, this preserve underscores the family's longstanding commitment to conservation, dating back to 2008. Studies highlight the health benefits of connecting with nature, and visitors are invited to explore, respecting the area's preservation guidelines.
AI boom draws chip supply from other end-markets, Siltronic CEO says
Siltronic, which makes silicon wafers used in semiconductors, raised its annual sales forecast for the second time this year on Wednesday, citing stronger demand for its wafers.
Scientists mixed just 3% volcanic ash into forest soil in a UC San Diego experiment; coleus plants grew roughly three times as much as plants in untreated soil
At UC San Diego, researchers have made an exciting discovery: adding volcanic ash to soil can significantly enhance plant growth. Their study revealed that incorporating just 3% basaltic ash not only boosts the biomass of coleus plants but also positively influences beneficial soil microbes. This finding showcases volcanic ash as a viable solution for rejuvenating poor agricultural soils, making it an effective tool for sustainable practices and carbon capture initiatives.
MIT researchers gave freshly cut pak choy melatonin through tiny needles; the vegetables stayed saleable for 4 extra days at room temperature without refrigeration
Researchers at MIT have developed innovative microneedles capable of delivering melatonin directly into vegetables post-harvest, drastically prolonging their freshness. For instance, lab studies revealed that treated pak choy stayed fresh for an additional four days at room temperature, even without refrigeration. This breakthrough allows melatonin to enter the plant’s vascular system, activating its natural defenses, thereby reducing decay rates compared to untreated produce.
In 2022, Dwayne Johnson bought a 180-acre Virginia farm for $12 million. Inside the 1903 estate with 7 bedrooms, private fishing pond, horse stables and a gym in the barn
In 2022, Dwayne Johnson purchased a sprawling 180-acre farm in Virginia for a whopping $12 million. This exquisite estate boasts a magnificent 12,000-square-foot main house, complemented by a barn featuring a gym. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers a tranquil fishing pond, horse stables, and charming guest cottages along scenic hiking trails, all enveloped in beautiful colonial architecture.
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