TEA GARDEN
Is today Veterans Day? Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, Starbucks offer free meals and deals; do kids have school on November 11?
Veterans Day occurs annually on November 11 to honor military members and veterans in the United States. Many restaurants nationwide provide free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty personnel. Offers include free drinks, entrees, and special vouchers at various dining establishments. Schools may close or hold activities, with policies differing across districts in Illinois. It is advisable for individuals to check local offerings and school schedules for specific details.
Tea industry groups back panel's proposal for minimum sustainable price as costs outpace prices
Five tea industry associations have welcomed the government committee's recommendation for a minimum sustainable price for tea. This recommendation aims to address rising production costs that are exceeding the prices received by producers. The proposed benchmark price is linked to wage movements and consumer price indices, which will be reviewed periodically. Producers believe this pricing mechanism will help absorb wage increases and support investment in tea production.
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.
Bengal CM announces Rs 5,000 aid for 19,524 tea garden workers ahead of Diwali
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for tea garden workers. The government is considering increasing rice allocation from 35 kg to 50 kg for these workers. Adhikari emphasized the commitment to reopen closed tea gardens for better employment opportunities. He also mentioned upcoming employment benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Chaa Shramik Yojana for eligible workers.
IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Group announce new hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri
Ambuja Neotia Group plans to invest Rs 2,700 crore in West Bengal's hospitality sector, which includes new hotel launches. The newly opened AltAir House hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri are part of this initiative. A significant expansion of Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa in Darjeeling also forms part of the investment. The collaboration aims to enhance tourism and create unique travel experiences in the region.
Tripura inaugurates first tea auction centre to cut costs, boost growers' earnings
Tripura has inaugurated its first tea auction centre in Agartala to improve local tea marketing and reduce expenses. The new facility aims to shorten the time required to sell tea consignments by about 40 percent. Currently, a significant amount of Tripura's tea is sold outside the state, which increases costs for producers. The establishment of the auction centre is expected to facilitate better coordination between sellers and buyers.
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Railways plans container transport overhaul to attract more export cargo
Indian Railways is implementing changes in container transport to enhance export traffic and streamline operations. The initiative includes exemption from mandatory weighment and introducing mini container rakes for higher value commodities. Additionally, the Railways is considering allowing private sector maintenance of wagons to improve efficiency. Hub and spoke terminals will be expanded to offer better consolidation of containers for freight transport.
China banned TBM exports, but India is building its own tunnel boring machines; Ashwini Vaishnaw shares progress & status of 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line with 16 tunnels
Tunnel Boring Machine India: India is expanding its domestic tunnel boring machine (TBM) manufacturing capabilities as work progresses on the 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line through the Himalayas. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India now manufactures 8-metre and 15-metre TBMs and plans to produce machines exceeding 16 metres, amid fresh Chinese restrictions on the technology. The railway project involves 16 tunnels and 19 bridges, with around 83% of its route passing through tunnels.
Driving licence holders, take note: New rules may change your card details, documents needed & online services; check what the govt proposes
Driving licence news: The government has proposed major changes to India's driving licence rules, including colour-coded licences for Indian and foreign nationals, a higher safe-driving assessment pass mark of 75% and mandatory details such as blood group and emergency contact information. The draft also proposes stricter document verification, possible fee waivers for certain online services using Aadhaar authentication and fixed timelines for processing applications to update licence details. Here is what could change if the proposals are approved.
In 75 hours, India’s longest train journey takes you across 4,188 km, from Assam’s tea gardens to Kanyakumari’s coastline; watch viral video
India's longest train journey, the Vivek Express, connects Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, covering around 4,188 km in approximately 75 hours. The journey takes passengers through several states, from Assam's tea gardens and the plains of Bengal to the cities of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, before reaching the greener landscapes of Kerala and the southern coastline. Here is what travellers can see along the route and how to plan the trip.
Lupita Nyong'o's redesigned Los Angeles home comes with cosy interiors, a sunset-view balcony and an outdoor entertaining space
Lupita Nyong'o has turned her California home into a warm sanctuary, focusing on comfort, utility and nature. She took her time with the decorating, rather than rushing, to understand the house and how she wanted to use its spaces. Then, she worked with the Crate & Barrel Design Desk to create an airy, uncluttered interior with soft textures, natural materials and mid-century modern influences.
This scenic train ride from Coonoor to Ooty costs just Rs 85, takes you through 5 tunnels and lush tea gardens in 75 minutes
Embark on a picturesque train ride through the stunning Nilgiri hills, traveling from Coonoor to Ooty. Affordable ticket options include a second-class ticket for Rs 85 and online purchases for Rs 150. For those desiring a touch of luxury, first-class tickets are around Rs 300. This shorter route boasts breathtaking scenery, making it a favored choice for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.
Angelina Jolie’s former Los Feliz estate sold to Madonn for $25 million that six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a curved staircase, private library, climate-controlled wine cellar, pool house, gym, tea house and a primary suite with its own terrace
Angelina Jolie has recently sold her iconic Los Feliz estate in Los Angeles to pop icon Madonna. Jolie purchased the property in 2017 for approximately USD 24.5 million and greatly enhanced its historical legacy. The estate, originally owned by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, includes various celebrity connections and impressive features. Although listed for USD 29.85 million, it sold for a lower price but still yielded Jolie a profit.
Buxa to get its first tigress as Bengal begins tiger reintroduction drive in north
A tigress translocated from Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve will be released into West Bengal’s Buxa Tiger Reserve on Friday, marking the first such exercise in Bengal and eastern India. The move aims to restore the reserve’s tiger population, strengthen the ecosystem and boost tourism in the Dooars region, officials said.
Darjeeling 'Toy Train' chugs into top 50 global destinations in 2027
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has been named among Lonely Planet’s 50 Best in Travel 2027 destinations, with Darjeeling recognised as a top destination for a toy-train journey.
Angelina Jolie bought this $24.5 million Los Angeles estate in 2017, once owned by Hollywood legend Cecil B. DeMille, with 11,000 sq ft, 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and a unique Charlie Chaplin connection
Angelina Jolie acquired a Los Angeles estate for USD 24.5 million in 2017 that once belonged to Cecil B. DeMille. This property features an 11,000-square-foot main residence with multiple luxury amenities and expansive views. Prior to Jolie, the estate was home to Richard Grossman and Lisa Lyons for nearly three decades. The grounds include gardens, a pool, and a guest house, enhancing their secluded charm. Architect B.
US-China tariff cuts: $30 billion trade relief plan unveiled; check full list of goods
The US and China have announced plans to reduce tariffs on about $30 billion of imports from each other. This tariff relief follows a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping aimed at stabilizing trade relations. The agreement is part of efforts to extend the existing trade truce until January while resolving ongoing disputes. Tariff reductions will cover a wide variety of non-sensitive goods to benefit both economies.
Tee brews: Putting enthusiasts draw up blueprint for an 18-hole golf course in Arunachal
Their bigger objective is to put Arunachal on the international golf map, with golfers from Japan and South Korea flying in to experience a course set amid the state's picturesque Himalayan landscape.
West Bengal orders 21 closed tea gardens to reopen in 10 days
West Bengal Transport and Labour Minister Arjun Singh visited North Bengal to address the closure of tea gardens. The state government has mandated the reopening of 21 closed tea gardens within ten days. Additionally, tea garden owners are required to pay a 20% bonus to workers by October 5, 2026. Singh emphasized the need for effective revenue collection and vehicle fitness checks in the Transport Department as well.
Assam CM launches Northeast Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 to turn real world problems into innovation opportunities
Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the North East Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 (NESFIC)-Ashtalakshmi for Viksit Bharat, aimed at connecting young innovators with real-world challenges faced by government departments, industries and citizens. The initiative will feature 50 challenges, with 150 startups to be shortlisted and supported through mentoring, testing opportunities and grants of up to Rs. 40 lakh for deep-tech solutions.
Assam Cabinet approves compulsory registration rules for Muslim marriages
The Assam Cabinet has approved the compulsory registration of Muslim marriages and divorces to uphold individual rights. This legislation aims to prevent child marriages by enforcing minimum age requirements for marriage. Furthermore, it addresses issues like polygamy and ensures consent in marriage agreements. The government has also extended Aadhaar enrollment for women SHG members until March 2027 for certain communities.
Assam raises Orunodoi payout to Rs 1,500 for October as Durga Puja gift
Assam Cabinet has announced a special Durga Puja holiday on October 17, 2026, in addition to existing holidays. The government will provide Rs 1500 to Orunodoi beneficiaries this October as a festival gift. A total investment of Rs 11,000 crore by JK Lakshmi Cement Limited is approved to establish manufacturing units. Elections for Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council are scheduled for November 2026.
Trump-Xi summit: Top Republican calls China's Xi 'brutal dictator', slams state dinner
Senator Roger Wicker has publicly criticized President Trump for the warm reception planned for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wicker expressed that he would have advised against the lavish welcome and the state dinner scheduled for Xi. He urged Trump to address issues like China's military buildup and human rights concerns during their discussions. The summit between Trump and Xi is expected to focus on trade and artificial intelligence rivalry.
In 1912, Jennie Butchart began filling an exhausted quarry with soil brought by horse and cart in British Columbia; the project grew into a garden recognised as a national historic site
In 1904, Jennie Butchart reimagined a former quarry, crafting an exquisite garden paradise that is still maintained by her family. Over the years, they have added to the gardens, which now hold the designation of a National Historic Site of Canada. Even today, the Butchart family ensures the original vision thrives, preserving a legacy that continues to mesmerize visitors.
Assam's revised ATISIS gives major boost to GTAC-linked CTC exports
Assam's updated tea incentive scheme introduces exciting export benefits designed to enhance the quality of CTC tea. The initiative promises a Rs 3 per kg bonus for single-origin Assam tea exports and significantly boosts subsidies for Orthodox and Specialty tea production. Additionally, improved working capital assistance is provided, with Matcha tea now part of the program, aiming to fortify Assam's tea exports and the Guwahati auction platform.
Assam CM highlights state’s emergence as gateway to ASEAN, invites global industry to invest
Assam's Chief Minister invited global businesses to explore investment opportunities in the state. He highlighted Assam's strategic location and improving infrastructure for economic growth. The state's economy is expanding rapidly, with significant investment commitments converting to projects. Advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and skilled human resources offer new avenues. Assam aims to be a gateway connecting Northeast India with the ASEAN region.
Stop buying edible flowers: 7 blooms you can easily grow at home in your garden or balcony
Edible flowers can add colour, flavour and freshness to homemade meals while doubling as beautiful garden plants. Nasturtiums, calendula, pansies, roses, lavender, borage and hibiscus are among the flowers that can be grown at home and used in salads, desserts, drinks and garnishes. Always choose correctly identified edible varieties and avoid flowers treated with chemicals unsuitable for consumption.
Used green tea bags are surprisingly useful: From making a glass cleaner to a room freshener, 7 genius ways to reuse them
Green tea bag uses: Repurposing used green tea bags can be a simple way to reduce waste and put them to use around the home. Chilled tea bags can provide a cooling, soothing feel for tired eyes, while the dried bags can help freshen up odours in places such as shoes and refrigerators. Tea leaves can also be added to compost, while used bags may come in handy for light cleaning of glass surfaces. They can even be added to a relaxing bath for a simple at-home self-care ritual.
Food Fables – How Turkey shows that Indian tea’s future might be black
India’s tea industry is facing slow domestic growth, but the article argues that the answer may lie in changing how Indians drink tea. While masala chai remains dominant, promoting plain black tea could help expand consumption, drawing inspiration from countries such as Turkey, China and Iran where tea is commonly consumed without milk.
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