'Mango nan of India' who nurtures Modi, Aishwarya and 348+ other varieties of mango
Times of India – World
· India
Kalimullah Khan, the 'Mango Man of India', has cultivated a remarkable 125-year-old tree bearing over 350 distinct mango varieties. This Padma Shri awardee, wh…
China targets record food-security push in shadow of US-Israeli war with Iran
South China Morning Post – World
· China
China has pledged to raise grain output to record levels over the next five years, as part of efforts to guarantee food security for its vast population amid g…
‘Daughter’s wedding tomorrow, need money’: Farmer breaks down as dispute halts crop auction at mandi
Times of India – World
· India
A farmer's plea for his daughter's wedding funds turned desperate as crop auctions halted in Guna's Nanakhedi mandi. A dispute over a market inspector's allege…
War on Iran threatens Asia’s food supply as fertiliser prices surge
South China Morning Post – World
· China
How does a missile strike on a Qatari gas plant end up raising the price of rice in Bangladesh? The answer is fertiliser, an unglamorous commodity that neverth…
Thailand smashes coconut-profiteering web led by Chinese firms
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Thai police have broken up a web of Chinese companies allegedly using Thai fronts to control the kingdom’s coconut supply, squeezing prices to record lows of 2…
Agritech startup Verdant Impact raises $3M in seed round
Your Story
· India
The newly raised funds will be used to expand its team and market penetration, R&D, enhance its platform capabilities, and upgrade existing tech infrastruc…
Opium crop found on farmland linked to BJP leader in Chhattisgarh
Times of India – World
· India
Police in Durg district uncovered nearly 1.5 acres of illegal opium cultivation, strategically concealed within a jowar crop. The land is linked to a local BJP…
LuLu Group airlifts 80,000kg of Indian produce to UAE to keep supermarket shelves stocked
Times of India – World
· India
Dedicated cargo flights are delivering fresh produce to the UAE as regional aviation disruptions impact traditional supply routes. Retailers are arranging spec…
Beyond beef: China and Uruguay team up on science to target cancer, pests and robotics
South China Morning Post – World
· China
China and Uruguay have forged a new scientific alliance by signing more than 20 cooperation agreements, targeting critical fields from cancer treatment and wat…
Meet blue quandong tree that grows the world’s only true blue fruit
Times of India – World
· India
- TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dedicated team curating lifestyle news with passion and commitment.
- Focuses on extraordinary content beyond typical trends, offer…
Gulf conflict: LNG squeeze may impact urea output ahead of kharif season
Times of India – World
· India
India's fertilizer supply faces potential disruptions for the upcoming kharif season if the Strait of Hormuz blockade persists. While current stocks are health…
The Middle East supplies a huge amount of the world’s fertilizer. Conflict in the region has sent prices soaring ahead of the critical spring planting season.
From curry leaves to pineapples: War cripples Kerala’s Gulf-bound vegetable exports
Times of India – World
· India
Middle East crisis halts Kerala's vital vegetable exports to the Gulf, impacting nearly 70 exporters and thousands of farmers. Daily shipments of around 90 to…
The trinity of Digital Public Infrastructure, Open Network for Agriculture, and AI: Driving the next phase of agritech
Your Story
· India
This article traces the evolution from 'agritech' to 'agriAI' and explores how the convergence of Digital Public Infrastructure, Open Networks for Agriculture,…
How AI is shaping agriculture; Non-profits keeping heritage alive
Your Story
· India
Algorithms, AI models, and satellite imaging are shaping agricultural decisions around how crops are planned, grown and harvested. Non-profits are preserving I…
‘A gift that falls from the sky’: why farmers are using Etna’s ash as fertiliser
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Falling volcanic ash has for years been viewed as a nuisance. But a Sicilian project has discovered its agricultural potential and wants to spread the wordIn t…
Intelligent fields: How AI is powering the future of Indian agriculture
Your Story
· India
As urbanisation accelerates and climate patterns grow increasingly erratic, farmers in India are adopting AI-led innovations to optimise their harvest.
Some UK farmers face losses under new cap on sustainable farming payments
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Environment secretary says payments will be limited to £100,000 per farm so ‘more farmers can benefit’Some farmers will lose money by opting into environment s…
China seeks to cultivate a food supply immune to geopolitical shocks
South China Morning Post – World
· China
A single policy could redraw global food supply lines and scramble markets from the Americas to Southeast Asia.
In early February, the Communist Party of China…
US farmers are rejecting multimillion-dollar datacenter bids for their land: ‘I’m not for sale’
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Families are navigating the tough choice between unimaginable riches and the identity that comes with landWhen two men knocked on Ida Huddleston’s door last Ma…
Chelsea flower show seeks new charity sponsors after mystery donors end support
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Exclusive: Project Giving Back, set up in 2022 to help charities exhibit show gardens, says this year will be its lastChelsea flower show is looking for new ch…
This Assam venture is reimagining poultry for rural livelihoods
Your Story
· India
Graduate Farmer is enabling small farmers to adopt sustainable poultry practices through local supply chains and digital learning. With plans to train thousand…
China helps Zimbabwe grow US$1.2 billion tobacco crop amid debt, health concerns
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Driven by Chinese demand, Zimbabwe produced a record 352.7 million kilograms of tobacco – valued at about US$1.2 billion – in last year’s marketing season.
Thi…
Banana farm pesticides back in focus after sterility ruling
Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
· Europe
Nicaraguan farm workers poisoned by the pesticide Nemagon are ready to hear the ruling in their decades-long case against US multinationals. Farmers worldwide …
Designer rice on your plate soon? CSIR-NIIST transfers tech to private firms
Times of India – World
· India
CSIR–NIIST is set to transfer its innovative designer rice technology, enriched with protein and micronutrients while boasting a lower glycaemic impact. This i…
From Field to Furnace: How Chemical-Free Farming Shapes Muzaffarnagar’s Jaggery
Your Story
· India
In Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, jaggery—locally known as gur—is more than a sweetener. It is a seasonal rural industry that connects sugarcane farmers
Why India’s professionals are turning back to farmland
Your Story
· India
Across India, a growing number of urban professionals are reimagining their future beyond cities. Farmland is no longer seen merely as an escape, but as a path…
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'Mango nan of India' who nurtures Modi, Aishwarya and 348+ other varieties of mango
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Mango is hailed as the "king of fruits" and highly cherished globally.
- People eagerly await its seasonal arrival, anticipating its sweet, juicy flavor.
- Its popularity stems from its natural sweetness and refreshing taste.
- The fruit symbolizes a seasonal treat, celebrated for its cultural and culinary appeal.
China targets record food-security push in shadow of US-Israeli war with Iran
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Beijing targets record grain output in its new five-year plan to secure food supply for 1.4 billion people amid global supply chain risks.
- Grain production remains a mandatory "binding target" to ensure food security amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
- The plan emphasizes boosting harvests to counteract disruptions in global markets and safeguard domestic needs.
- China’s focus on food self-sufficiency aligns with long-term strategies to mitigate external shocks to supply chains.
‘Daughter’s wedding tomorrow, need money’: Farmer breaks down as dispute halts crop auction at mandi
Source: Times of India – World
·
- A farmer in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, broke down emotionally during a crop auction at Nanakhedi Krishi Upaj Mandi on Tuesday.
- The auction was abruptly halted after the farmer's distress.
- The incident highlights stress faced by farmers during agricultural market transactions.
- Officials are reviewing the situation to address underlying challenges.
Canopii looks to succeed where past indoor farms have not
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Canopii develops autonomous robotic greenhouses for efficient, low-water produce farming, inspired by California's drought-driven agriculture.
- The startup achieved full automation with minimal capital, avoiding vertical farm pitfalls by delaying venture capital.
- Canopii plans to launch its first commercial farm in Portland and later franchise, using energy-efficient, backyard-friendly designs.
- The company raises $3.6M via grants and strategic investments, targeting schools, restaurants, and casinos for its scalable, sustainable tech.
Best Indoor Garden Systems: We’ve Been Testing All Year (2026)
Source: Wired
·
- Indoor smart gardens enable year-round fresh produce with minimal space and maintenance.
- Gardyn Home 4.0 and Auk Mini 2 offer easy setup, subscription-based AI monitoring, and varied pricing.
- Subscription service (Kelby) raises privacy concerns; Gardyn faces security vulnerabilities requiring firmware updates.
- Lettuce Grow, co-founded by Zooey Deschanel and Jacob Pechenik, provides outdoor/indoor models for home gardening.
War on Iran threatens Asia’s food supply as fertiliser prices surge
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Gulf gas plants offline disrupt fertiliser supply chains.
- Missed shipments risk empty shelves and soaring food prices.
- Fertiliser shortages could trigger food scarcity by autumn.
- Record food prices may follow delayed fertiliser deliveries.
Thailand smashes coconut-profiteering web led by Chinese firms
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Firms used Thai nominees to control coconut sector, reselling at 25x farmer prices.
- Probe launched in western provinces where homcoconut farms are based.
- Foreign businessmen exploit Thai farmers by dictating prices and market terms.
- Concerns highlight systemic exploitation and unfair control over agricultural markets.
Agritech startup Verdant Impact raises $3M in seed round
Source: Your Story
·
- **Verdant Impact raised $3M in seed funding** led by Unicorn India Ventures, with Infynyte Club and others, to expand team and regions, boost R&D, and enhance Pashu.AI platform.
- **Funds will integrate blockchain** into tech infrastructure and upgrade IoT device Bharat Pashudhan for real-time herd health monitoring.
- **Company targets Rs 100 crore revenue** by March 2026, with 8X growth since 2025, focusing on bovine genetics to improve livestock traits and sustainability.
- **AI-driven solutions** aim to address climate impacts on agriculture, combining livestock health tracking and genetic advancements for scalable social impact.
Etah’s Chicory: From Contract Fields to Processed Supply
Source: Your Story
·
- Chicory supports coffee blends and beverages, processed in Etah's ODOP program to link farmers with buyers.
- Farmers grow chicory under structured arrangements, ensuring seeds, cycles, and reliable sales channels.
- Processing involves cleaning, drying, and roasting roots for year-round supply to manufacturers.
- ODOP boosts visibility, market access, and collaboration, strengthening local agricultural livelihoods.
How Iran war could create ‘fertiliser shock’ – often ignored global risk to food prices, farming
Source: The Hindu – World
·
- Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz, risking global oil/gas flows, higher prices, and inflationary pressures.
- Closure would disrupt nitrogen fertilizers, threatening food security by halting ammonia/urea shipments.
- Countries like India, Brazil, and the U.S. rely on Gulf imports for fertilizers, risking supply shortages.
- Disruption could also impact sulfur production, further straining agriculture and global food systems.
Opium crop found on farmland linked to BJP leader in Chhattisgarh
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Rashmi is a Special Correspondent at The Times of India in Chhattisgarh.
- She covers Politics, Left Wing Extremism, Crime, and Human Rights.
- Her reporting addresses critical regional issues like extremism and human rights.
- She focuses on crime and political developments in the state.
India International Coffee Festival plans larger and more global edition for 2027
Source: Your Story
·
- **IICF 2026** attracted 20,000 visitors, showcasing India’s coffee varieties and global brands like MilkLab and Probat, with workshops on coffee processing and sustainability.
- The event highlighted biodiversity, ethical farming, and trends like cold brew innovation, aiming to position IICF as a global specialty coffee hub.
- Future editions plan larger venues, expanded international participation, and a micro-lot auction to boost the specialty coffee ecosystem.
- Sustainability and transparency are critical, with Gen Z driving demand for ethical sourcing, while women are gaining prominence in coffee leadership roles.
LuLu Group airlifts 80,000kg of Indian produce to UAE to keep supermarket shelves stocked
Source: Times of India – World
·
- TOI World Desk’s team covers global events with dedication, offering diverse perspectives.
- Committed to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, they deliver timely international news.
- Focus on nuanced understanding of global affairs to inform readers.
- Journey across continents to unravel stories shaping the world’s interconnected dynamics.
Baghpat’s agriculture implements: A small manufacturing chain behind farm mobility
Source: Your Story
·
- Baghpat, UP produces durable agricultural implements under ODOP, supporting rural transport and farming through small-scale metal manufacturing.
- Units like Pramod Jain’s focus on heavy-duty components for tractors and trolleys, adapting from animal-driven vehicles to mechanized needs.
- Manufacturing relies on machine-based processes, emphasizing strength and precision for harsh rural conditions and consistent demand.
- Sector faces cost competition and requires government support for sustainability, connecting local producers to broader markets.
Beyond beef: China and Uruguay team up on science to target cancer, pests and robotics
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Uruguay and China seek to expand their relationship.
- Focused on agricultural trade and innovation.
- China is a key partner in basic sciences.
- Brunini highlighted this after his China visit.
Meet blue quandong tree that grows the world’s only true blue fruit
Source: Times of India – World
·
- TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dedicated team curating lifestyle news with passion and commitment.
- Focuses on extraordinary content beyond typical trends, offering unique insights.
- Provides daily inspiration on fashion, travel, food, and wellness.
- Serves as a one-stop destination for enriching lifestyle experiences.
Gulf conflict: LNG squeeze may impact urea output ahead of kharif season
Source: Times of India – World
·
- India risks fertilizer/raw material shortages in next kharif season (June) due to blockad.
- Blockad may disrupt agricultural production, threatening crop yields and farmer income.
- Supply chain uncertainty could impact food security and market stability.
- Government urged to resolve blockad to prevent widespread agricultural losses.
Trump’s War on Iran Could Screw Over US Farmers
Source: Wired
·
- Middle East conflict disrupts global fertilizer supply, with Qatar's gas shutdown and Strait blockage threatening urea and ammonia exports.
- Urea prices in the US surged 15% due to Qatar's production halt, while Iran and Gulf nations face export risks.
- China's phosphate export suspension and US reliance on imports exacerbate fertilizer shortages during critical planting season.
- US farmers risk higher fertilizer costs and rationing due to lack of emergency reserves, compounding trade war losses.
From curry leaves to pineapples: War cripples Kerala’s Gulf-bound vegetable exports
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 20 years in journalism.
- Specializes in Malabar districts, covering politics, environment, and education.
- Holds a Master's in Journalism from University of Calicut.
- Previously worked at The New Indian Express and UAE's Ruler's Court as Information Officer.
Ayodhya’s Jaggery Trade: Turning Sugarcane into Market-Ready Jaggery (Gud) Blocks
Source: Your Story
·
- Jaggery production in Ayodhya involves crushing sugarcane, boiling juice, and packaging into 20kg blocks for wholesale trade.
- Ankit Verma’s unit processes cane quickly, prioritizing speed to maintain cash flow and meet trader demands.
- Wholesale model relies on direct cash transactions, bypassing distant distribution networks for efficiency.
- ODOP framework links agriculture to small-scale processing, enabling jaggery as a storable, regionally traded commodity.
The trinity of Digital Public Infrastructure, Open Network for Agriculture, and AI: Driving the next phase of agritech
Source: Your Story
·
- India's AI Impact Summit highlights AI's potential in agriculture, healthcare, and education, focusing on agritech's shift to agriAI via DPI, ONA, and AI for rural transformation.
- Agritech in India faces low farmer adoption (10–15%), with 10,000+ startups and $4B raised, but scalability and data gaps remain key challenges.
- Agristack (70M farmers registered) and complementary stacks (climate, dairy, etc.) aim to address data scarcity, while ONA pilots test open networks.
- Policy and capital are critical to unlock agritech's potential, with convergence with fintech, biotech, and ruraltech expected to drive IPO readiness by 2030.
In Agra, a small dairy outlet grows around daily milk supply and local demand
Source: Your Story
·
- Naval Kishore transitioned from a family sweet shop to a dairy business in Uttar Pradesh, driven by the need for independent livelihoods.
- He secured a Rs 5 lakh loan via the CM YUVA scheme to purchase equipment and launch his milk-based enterprise.
- The business now sells fresh milk, curd, rabri, barfi, and plans to add seasonal lassi, managed by Kishore and two brothers.
- The venture aims to scale gradually, offering stable income and self-reliance in a rural economy reliant on small enterprises.
How AI is shaping agriculture; Non-profits keeping heritage alive
Source: Your Story
·
- India's private philanthropy to hit Rs 1.43 lakh crore in FY25, but needs 25% annual growth to bridge social sector funding gaps, with women and diaspora driving contributions.
- NVIDIA's FY26 revenue surged 65% to $215.9 billion, while Anthropic acquires Vercept to advance multi-task AI agents.
- UK youth unemployment nears 1 million, with many not in education, employment, or training, per BBC reports.
- Tech like AI and satellite imaging is transforming agriculture, enabling data-driven farming to optimize yields and reduce risks.
The Latest Repair Battlefield Is the Iowa Farmlands—Again
Source: Wired
·
- Iowa lawmakers advanced House File 2709, a bill allowing farmers to repair agricultural equipment like tractors, part of a national push for repair rights in 2026.
- The bill mandates free access to manuals, software, and digital tools for tractors, while excluding non-agricultural equipment and restricting digital locks.
- John Deere opposes the bill, citing its history of resisting repair efforts, despite offering self-repair resources deemed insufficient by advocates.
- Farm groups like Iowa Corn Growers Association now support the bill, signaling a shift from traditional industry alliances against repair legislation.
‘A gift that falls from the sky’: why farmers are using Etna’s ash as fertiliser
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Sicilian farmers use volcanic ash as fertilizer, reducing chemical costs and promoting sustainable agriculture.
- A five-year study highlights ash’s potential in construction, insulation, and water purification, advocating systemic reuse.
- European legislation classifies ash as municipal waste, costing €300/tonne to dispose, but recycling could cut costs to €30.
- Iceland’s farmers and artists repurpose ash, showing its value in agriculture, art, and cultural heritage.
Intelligent fields: How AI is powering the future of Indian agriculture
Source: Your Story
·
- AI and satellite tech are revolutionizing agriculture, enabling climate-controlled farming and data-driven decisions to optimize yields and adapt to climate change.
- Agritech startups have surged from 700 to over 2,800 in India, leveraging precision farming and IoT to address land scarcity and food security.
- Thermal imaging and predictive analytics help farmers monitor crop stress, soil moisture, and harvest times amid shifting climate patterns.
- Collaborative tech solutions empower smallholder farmers with actionable insights, improving yields by 30% and reducing losses through digitization.
Sitapur’s Cotton Durries: Woven Through Skill and Supply Chains
Source: Your Story
·
- Sitapur's cotton durries are handwoven textiles exported globally, with Mahboob Ali Ansari leading a 30-year trade network supporting thousands of weavers.
- Production uses a distributed model with village weaving, supported by supervisors, and ODOP boosted market access and exhibitions.
- The process involves coordinated stages from raw materials to finishing, employing 2,000 directly and 60,000–70,000 weavers across the district.
- Steady demand and skilled craftsmanship sustain the loom industry, ensuring rural employment and competitive textile exports.
In Kasganj district, a seed shop becomes a first step towards stability
Source: Your Story
·
- Radha Kumari, a village resident, started a seed shop in Kasganj using a Rs 3.5 lakh loan from CM YUVA Yojana to address local employment gaps and support her family.
- CM YUVA Yojana offers Rs 5 lakh interest-free, collateral-free loans with 10% margin subsidy, aiding youth in starting ventures like agriculture supply businesses.
- She invested in a seed processing machine, processes seeds, and stocks agricultural inputs, managing the shop alone to control costs and ensure quality.
- The scheme aims to transform youth into job creators, providing mentorship, resources, and market access to foster self-reliant entrepreneurship and employment.
Some UK farmers face losses under new cap on sustainable farming payments
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- UK government caps farm payments at £100k/year to ensure broader access to environmental schemes, aiming to reduce funding concentration among large farms.
- Larger farms may lose income, risking land reversion to food production, while smaller farms are prioritized for funding.
- Critics warn caps could undermine long-term environmental projects, as many schemes expire in December, risking reduced ecological benefits.
- Stakeholders urge stable, long-term funding to support climate goals and food security, amid declining production and farmer financial strain.
China seeks to cultivate a food supply immune to geopolitical shocks
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Beijing redefines agriculture as national security due to trade wars and climate change, reshaping global food supply chains.
- The 2026 "No 1 document" prioritizes stable, high-quality output, tech innovation, and linking production to trade.
- Focus areas include expanding farmland, disaster resilience, and addressing labor shortages to boost resilience.
- Policy aims to diversify food imports, reducing reliance on single regions, while emphasizing self-reliance and security.
US farmers are rejecting multimillion-dollar datacenter bids for their land: ‘I’m not for sale’
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Tech firms offer millions for rural land to build data centers, but farmers reject deals, prioritizing heritage over profit.
- High prices (e.g., $80m, $120k/acre) fail to sway farmers, who view land as irreplaceable family legacy.
- Data centers risk straining resources, sparking concerns about environmental impact and rural displacement.
- Some farmers accept offers, while others resist, highlighting cultural ties and fears of losing rural identity.
Farmers in Gaza risk Israeli bullets to bring their fields back to life
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Israeli buffer zones encroach on Gaza farmland, displacing farmers and restricting access to critical agricultural areas.
- Over 80% of Gaza’s cropland is damaged, with 58% under Israeli control as a security buffer, displacing thousands.
- Farmers face daily risks from Israeli military activity, including tank threats and casualties during harvest efforts.
- Blockade limits access to seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, causing crop failures and economic hardship for growers.
Chelsea flower show seeks new charity sponsors after mystery donors end support
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Project Giving Back (2022–2023) funded 63 charity gardens at Chelsea Flower Show, ending its support this year, seeking new sponsors.
- Charities replaced corporate sponsors post-2008 crisis and pandemic, using gardens to promote causes like asthma and Parkinson’s.
- Eco-friendly gardening trends, driven by Project Giving Back, prioritize native plants and rewilding, with three best-in-show wins.
- Final garden by James Basson blends French-inspired design and climate adaptation, marking a farewell to Chelsea’s charitable gardening legacy.
Varanasi woman turns beekeeping roots into Banarasi honey business
Source: Your Story
·
- Shivani Patel transitioned from low-paying private jobs to a structured honey business, Banarasi Honey, using traditional beekeeping skills to create stable income and employ local women.
- Her process involves maintaining bee colonies, extracting and filtering honey, and packaging varieties like multi-flower and mustard honey, with local demand favoring aged honey.
- Patel secured an interest-free Rs 5 lakh loan under the CM YUVA scheme, avoiding private lender high-interest rates and enabling gradual repayment through business income.
- The CM YUVA initiative supports youth entrepreneurs with loans, subsidies, mentorship, and market access, aiming to transform job seekers into job creators in Uttar Pradesh.
This Assam venture is reimagining poultry for rural livelihoods
Source: Your Story
·
- Pandemic exposed Assam's food supply chain gaps, with farmers struggling to sell produce and consumers lacking healthy food access.
- Graduate Farmer founder Bapan Das created sustainable poultry solutions, building a local supply chain and training over 10,000 farmers.
- Assam government support and formal recognition boosted confidence, enabling rural entrepreneurs to scale impact.
- Goal: Train 10,000 farmers by 2030 and achieve Rs 100 crore turnover, showcasing rural innovation and resilience.
China helps Zimbabwe grow US$1.2 billion tobacco crop amid debt, health concerns
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Zimbabwe's tobacco is its largest export and key foreign currency earner, dominating trade with China. China imported $790 million (31% of Zimbabwe's total exports to China) last year.
- Chinese investment saved the tobacco industry from collapse two decades ago, per PPRIZ.
- Tobacco remains a health concern despite its economic importance.
- Gorden Moyo credits Chinese involvement, including Tian Ze Tobacco Company (TZTC), for current production levels.
Amethi: A small notebook unit built from a late start
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Himanshu Singh runs a small notebook manufacturing unit, Maa Saraswati Notebook Udyog, in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, producing basic school notebooks.
• Singh started the unit in August 2025 after a friend suggested notebook manufacturing as a steadier business idea, and he took a loan through the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana.
• The unit initially had a small team, but Singh now manages operations with his brother and one artisan, and is focusing on improving output and preparing for the next cycle.
• The CM YUVA scheme provides 100% interest-free and collateral-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh, as well as a 10% margin money subsidy, to young entrepreneurs like Singh, offering mentorship, guidance, and market access.
Peptris raises Rs 70 Cr in Series A funding co-led by IAN Alpha Fund, Speciale Invest
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• Peptris, a Bengaluru-based drug discovery company, has raised Rs 70 crore in a Series A funding round co-led by IAN Alpha Fund and Speciale Invest.
• The company will use the funds to advance its existing programs toward clinical readiness, expand its pipeline, and initiate new chemical entity (NCE) programs, as well as build business development capabilities in the US and Europe.
• Peptris has built an AI-led discovery engine that addresses the issue of longer time taken for drug discovery, and has already resulted in the discovery of novel molecules and drug repurposing opportunities.
• The company's founders aim to harness AI to address meaningful healthcare challenges, enhancing quality of life and providing hope for patients, relief for caregivers, and a more accessible future for those with limited or unaffordable treatment options.
Banana farm pesticides back in focus after sterility ruling
Source: Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• A French court rejected a compensation claim against US multinationals by Nicaraguan farm workers poisoned by the pesticide Nemagon, citing disproportionate damages.
• Thousands of farm workers suffered infertility, chronic kidney failure, and cancer after exposure to Nemagon in the 1960s-1980s, but attempts to collect compensation in the US have failed.
• Despite the EU banning Nemagon and other toxic pesticides, they continue to be exported to Asia, Africa, and Latin America, contaminating air, water, and soil, and causing long-term health problems.
• The EU's export policy allows banned pesticides to be sent to Latin American countries, perpetuating a form of "neocolonialism" and putting the bodies and lands of people in the Global South at risk, according to critics.
Lucknow’s Chikankari: Where Weeks of Work Meet Market Pressure
Source: Your Story
·
Here are the 4 clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Jameel Ahmed Ansari's unit, Zeenat Chikan Kari and Beauty Chikan Handicraft, produces chikankari garments in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, using traditional hand embroidery and selective hand-machine work.
• The production process involves multiple stages, including cutting, stitching, printing, embroidery, washing, and finishing, with the handwork phase taking up to two months.
• The unit has received financial assistance through the One District One Product (ODOP) framework, allowing for reinvestment in production and training, and has sold products across India and online platforms.
• Ansari emphasizes the importance of quality control, citing the need for garments to withstand washing, and believes that chikankari's survival is dependent on maintaining its quality and reputation.
Books that stay: Why certain books never truly leave you
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Lingering books are those that leave a lasting impact, often because they resist neat conclusions and pose moral dilemmas without clear solutions.
• These books create space inside the reader, encouraging active reflection and introspection, and can introduce ambiguity where assumptions once reigned.
• Lingering books often portray emotions in layered, nuanced ways, making readers empathize with complex characters and recognize parts of themselves in flawed individuals.
• The books that stay with us arrive at the right moment, intersecting with internal doubts, fears, or longings, and create a powerful alignment that transforms the reading experience from entertainment into affirmation.
Designer rice on your plate soon? CSIR-NIIST transfers tech to private firms
Source: Times of India – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• The TOI Science Desk is a team of journalists covering scientific news, features, and articles for The Times of India.
• The desk covers a wide range of topics, including genetic engineering, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
• The team's goal is to make science accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds, demystifying complex topics.
• The TOI Science Desk aims to tell scientific stories with precision and passion, bringing readers on a journey of discovery and exploration.
From Field to Furnace: How Chemical-Free Farming Shapes Muzaffarnagar’s Jaggery
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• In Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, jaggery (gur) is a seasonal rural industry that connects sugarcane farmers, crushers, boiling units, packers, and traders.
• Saab Singh, a farmer, represents the evolving approach to jaggery production, focusing on chemical-free cultivation and traditional inputs to ensure high-quality jaggery.
• The jaggery-making process involves crushing, boiling, and pouring the syrup into moulds to cool and set, with product diversity expanding to include infused jaggery flavors.
• The One District One Product (ODOP) platform has helped jaggery makers like Singh connect with buyers from nearby cities, strengthening the product's credibility and driving growth through transparency and quality control.
Why India’s professionals are turning back to farmland
Source: Your Story
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Many urban professionals in India are rethinking their relationship with city life due to rising digital fatigue, air pollution, and lifestyle-related illnesses, leading to a desire for cleaner air, slower rhythms, and a closer connection to nature and food.
• This shift is driving a movement towards farmland ownership, with second-home purchases in rural and semi-rural India surging by nearly 45% in 2023, as urban adults prioritize outdoor time, fresh food, and meaningful family experiences.
• However, transitioning to farm life can be challenging, with most urban professionals having little to no hands-on farming experience, and requiring guidance on planning, adaptability, and financial patience to overcome obstacles such as pests, unpredictable monsoons, and changing climate conditions.
• Managed farmlands and professionally run farmland communities have emerged as a practical solution, offering reassurance and support for individuals to enjoy the benefits of farm ownership without becoming full-time farmers, and providing amenities for holistic living, such as organic gardens and clean water systems.
[Weekly funding roundup Feb 7-13] VC inflow remains subdued
Source: Your Story
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Indian startup funding remains subdued, with $203 million raised across 29 deals in the second week of February, a flat increase from the previous week's $191 million.
• Early-stage deals are seeing traction, but the quantum of money remains low, with no transactions valued at $100 million or above in the year to date.
• Higher-value transactions are coming in at $50-80 million, with no clear theme emerging in the Indian startup ecosystem, unlike the US market where artificial intelligence (AI) is a dominant focus.
• Several Indian startups have received funding in recent weeks, including IDfy (Rs 476 crore), Supertails ($30 million), Pandorum Technologies ($18 million), Showroom B2B ($17 million), Care. fir ($8 million), and Six Sense Mobility (Rs 44 crore).
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