Offbeat

Offbeat

Did you know an Indian startup 3D-printed a house in 21 days?

On April 27, 2021, Tvasta, a startup founded by alumni from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, completed the construction of India's first 3D-printed house - in only 21 days. Modules for this 500 sq. ft. house were printed in the startup's facility in Chennai and assembled at the site, as per the company's official website.

Storm in a teacup: US, UK banter over the perfect 'cuppa'

The "special relationship" between Britain and the United States came under pressure this week when a US academic had the cheek to suggest adding salt to tea, sparking a flurry of diplomatic banter

Meet the Xbox Series S Toaster

Microsoft has recently released the Xbox Series S Toaster, a kitchen appliance inspired by the design of the Xbox Series S gaming console. The toaster, currently listed in Walmart for US$39.99, will imprint an Xbox sphere logo on the bread during toasting.

Hooves, hounds, and heroes: Animal soldiers of World War I and II

Amidst the chaos of World War I and II, animals played crucial roles, serving as loyal companions, transporters, messengers, and even soldiers on the front lines. Let's take a look at how these unsung heroes made significant contributions to the war efforts during World War I and II.

Offbeat / You did not know these Bengali adaptations of popular films existed

In a world where Hollywood's gloss and grandeur dominate the silver screen, there lies a cinematic treasure trove in Bangladesh that dances to its own beat. Far from the well-trodden paths of blockbuster narratives, Bangladeshi filmmakers have embraced the art of adaptation with a twist so unique it could only be born in the cultural kaleidoscope of South Asia. From singing superheroes to dancing apes, here's a whimsical journey through the Bangladeshi film industry's most audacious, hilarious, and unapologetically tacky takes on popular pop-culture icons.

The Xiaomi car is real, and BAIC is making it

Xiaomi is making a bold move into the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its Xiaomi SU7 car series. The consumer tech company, diversifying from its traditional product range, has now applied for a sales license in China for this ambitious venture.

Titanic menu sells for £84,000 at UK auction

The menu, for a meal served on April 11, 1912, is decorated with a red White Star Line burgee but the original gilt lettering is no longer visible

Netflix's 'Terminator' anime series coming soon

Netflix has officially confirmed an anime adaptation of the popular sci-fi series 'Terminator'. Announced via a trailer on Netflix's official YouTube channel, the upcoming anime series will be jointly made by Production I.G, Skydance Media, and writer Mattson Tomlin. 

UN, Red Cross want bans, curbs on killer robots

The United Nations and the Red Cross this week issued a joint call for urgent new international rules to protect humanity from the potential "terrible consequences" of autonomous weapons

Remembering the first generation of 'memes'

Before the age of TikTok dances and Twitter threads, memes were a nascent form of digital folklore. The term "meme" was coined by British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book, "The Selfish Gene". He used it to describe an idea, behaviour, or style that spreads within a culture. Little did he know, his term would become the moniker for one of the internet's most beloved phenomena.

A new destination for Bangladeshi travellers in Sikkim: The Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of the Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa in Gangtok, Sikkim. Located just a short flight away from Bangladesh, this resort emerges as a luxurious option for Bangladeshi travellers, who have increasingly been captivated by Sikkim's allure. Set amidst the alpine landscape, the resort offers panoramic views of the majestic Kanchenjunga.

Starving souls on paradise isle: The plight of St. Martin's stranded dogs

The coral island of St. Martin's is a place that usually evokes images of tranquillity, idyllic beaches, and unparalleled beauty. However, beneath this picturesque façade lies an unsettling reality—a burgeoning dog population that faces extreme cruelty and starvation, especially during the off-season from April to October. As tourism halts, these innocent animals, often fed by tourists during the peak season, are left to fend for themselves, leading to horrifying outcomes. 

How SWAT Kats captured the hearts of '90s kids

Two cats: mechanics. Also fighter pilots. A banger of an electric guitar fuelled intro theme. And a guaranteed good time in front of the old TV. In the tapestry of '90s childhood in Bangladesh, woven with the threads of cricket matches, kite flying, and endless monsoon rains, a vivid patch stands out: the excitement of gathering around to watch 'SWAT Kats'.

Proof of 'alien' presented to Mexican Congress

In an unprecedented congressional hearing on Tuesday, Mexican lawmakers examined what was touted as physical evidence supporting the existence of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. The hearing marked Mexico's first official government discussion on the subject, following in the footsteps of recent U.S. hearings.

Cat stuck in taxi's grille travels 500 miles in Wales

A cat was found to have travelled over 500 miles while it was trapped in the grille of a taxi. The cat was discovered by a taxi driver named Tom Hutchins in Tonyrefail, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales.

The latest bizarre TikTok trend is cracking eggs on your child's head

In this week's bizarre trend sweeping across TikTok, parents are cracking eggs on their young children's heads in a viral challenge that has raised some degree of alarm among medical experts and the public. The trend, tagged with #eggprank, has amassed over 670 million views as of last Tuesday.

Traffic police officers in Ahmedabad, India donning 'AC helmets'

Ahmedabad Traffic Police, in an innovative solution to tackle the intensity of the summer, has introduced special 'AC helmets' to officers on duty. A recently viral video in India shows constables wearing these AC helmets while controlling the traffic in the streets of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

World record as tightrope walkers cross Swedish Arctic valley 600m up

Four German tightrope walkers have set a new world highlining distance record by crossing a 2.1 km-long valley in Swedish lapland on a line suspended at a height of 600 metres.

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