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.
Covid-19 maths: All the virus in the world would fit in a coke can
All the Covid-19-causing virus circulating in the world right now could easily fit inside a single cola can, according to a calculation by a British mathematician whose sum exposes just how much devastation is caused by minuscule viral particles.
'I'm not a cat,' says lawyer after Zoom filter mishap
When Judge Roy Ferguson opened up virtual proceedings of the 394th Judicial District Court in Texas on Zoom on Tuesday, he was not expecting to see two lawyers and a kitten.
South Korea offers free Covid tests for dogs, cats
Seoul to test pets for free if they come into contact with infected humans and show symptoms.
Kashmir hotel lures tourists with igloo cafe
Tourists in Kashmir’s Gulmarg ski resort have a new place to chill out - an igloo cafe that serves hot food and drink on tables made of ice and snow.
Colombian taxi driver and canine co-pilot spread Christmas cheer
Taxi driver Nicolas Walteros and his beloved dog Colonel take passengers around the Colombian capital together, dressed in matching green Santa tops and hats, aviator sunglasses and a fluffy fake beard resting on the pup’s blonde snout.
‘Ice man’ sets new world record in freezing cabin
Frenchman Romain Vandendorpe on Saturday set a world record for sitting immersed in ice cubes for the longest time, enduring the extreme challenge to raise money for childhood cancers.
Thai researcher deems chicken feathers rich protein source
A researcher in Thailand is seeking funding to continue his study into how best to convert the nutrient component found in the feathers into a powder that can be transformed into a lean, protein-rich source of edible food.
‘Ice Cathedral’ in Swiss Alps offers visitors unique show
An ice cave which forms naturally on a high-altitude glacier in the Swiss Alps has become accessible, to the delight of visitors who come to marvel at the huge blue vault of the “ice cathedral”.
Mount Everest now taller than before, say Nepal and China
Mount Everest is higher than previously thought, Nepal and China said on Tuesday, settling a long-running conflict over the height of the world's tallest peak that straddles their shared border.
Getting married in PPE: Bride tests Covid-19 positive hours before wedding in Indian village
Traditional Indian wedding finery gave way to hazmat suits and masks in a remote north Indian village, after the bride tested positive for the coronavirus just hours before her marriage, a local health official said.
