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. 

Last wild Macaw in Rio is lonely and looking for love

Some have claimed she’s indulging a forbidden romance. More likely, loneliness compels her to seek company at Rio de Janeiro’s zoo.

Woman living in mud hut with no electricity elected MLA in West Bengal polls

Chandana Bauri, wife of a daily wage earner, grabbed spotlight and social media attention in West Bengal after announcement of the assembly polls result on May 2.

Be at peace, meditate, Trump Buddha statue designer tells former US president

Chinese furniture maker Hong Jinshi first created a couple of pint-sized statues of former US president Donald Trump meditating in a Buddhist pose as a fun project for himself last year.

Nike sues the makers of 'Satan Shoes'

Athletic shoemaker Nike Inc on Monday sued a New York-based company that produced “Satan Shoes” purported to contain a drop of human blood as part of a collaboration with “Old Town Road” rapper Lil Nas X.

Bolivian girl takes her virtual classes in a cemetery

Neydi, a Bolivian primary school student, logs on to virtual classes like many kids around the world during the pandemic. The only difference is the setting: surrounded by tombstones in a public cemetery in highland city La Paz.

Sea slugs lose heads to rid bodies of parasites, Japan researchers show

Japanese researchers have shown that a type of sea slug are able to self-decapitate and regrow their bodies, a discovery that could have ramifications for regenerative medicine.

Irked Thai PM sprays reporters with hand sanitiser to duck tricky questions

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha left reporters stunned and amused when he interrupted his own news conference to spray them with hand sanitiser in a bid to dodge tough questions.

Dubai cat cafe hopes rescues will find purr-fect new homes

A haven for humans craving furry feline company, a cat cafe in Dubai also doubles as an adoption centre for some of the United Arab Emirates’ many strays.

Forbidden fruit: Taiwan urges people to eat more pineapples after China ban

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on people to eat more pineapples to help farmers, saying Taiwan had been “ambushed” by a ban on the fruit by neighbouring long-time rival China which claims the island as its own.

Spanish chess board sales soar after ‘Queen’s Gambit’ cameo

A Spanish chess board maker discovered by chance that its products played a cameo role in hit Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit”, and its sales have since soared.

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