Why Indonesia cannot afford to scrap Prabowo’s free meals programme
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Indonesia has vowed to overhaul the country’s ambitious free nutritious meals programme following public pressure and recent allegations of corruption – a move…
Nearly 750 million people face hunger today, according to the U.N. World Food Program. And by 2050, global demand for food is expected to increase by 50 percen…
India is ready to design for the world, says Dassault Systèmes' Sudarshan Mogasale
Your Story
· India
Sudarshan Mogasale, CEO of Dassault Systèmes Solutions Lab (India), on why deep tech in India is at an inflection point, the power of virtual twins, and the ro…
After crossing the 100-day mark on June 7, the U.S.-Iran war has seemingly come to an end with both the countries agreeing to a peace deal on June 14. Here are…
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Vishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India.
• He writes about environmental, climate cha…
[Weekly funding roundup March 23-29] VC inflow drops to lowest level for the year
Your Story
· India
Venture capital funding into Indian startups on a weekly basis touched the lowest level for the year till now and this does not augur well for the ecosystem
Ningbo, in southern Zhejiang Province of China, was once a historic maritime hub shaped by Buddhist culture and trade. It has now emerged as a key hub for show…
China is growing giant wheat-rye hybrids in its western deserts. Here’s why
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Scientists in China are growing towering hybrids of wheat and rye – taller even than some humans – in the deserts of its western Xinjiang region.
The hybrids, …
US farmers seek firmer soybean guarantees despite Xi-Trump agriculture pledge
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Across the vast United States, soybean farmers caught in the crossfire of the US-China trade war hoped for a deal on the crop when US President Donald Trump me…
China and Cuba hold agriculture talks as Beijing backs Havana amid US pressure
South China Morning Post – World
· China
China and Cuba held talks on expanding agricultural cooperation in Beijing on Tuesday, the latest in a series of moves by Beijing to shore up support for the C…
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Early Bird ticket rates end May 29
TechCrunch
· US
Save up to $410 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass before prices increase on May 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Register here to join the tech epicenter in San Francis…
How to find the lowest gold loan interest rate in India without missing the fine print
Your Story
· India
How to find the lowest gold loan interest rate in India without missing the fine print
When people start comparing gold loans, the interest rate is usually the…
Flipkart's 13-minute delivery really impressive: Walmart Inc President and CEO
Your Story
· India
Walmart CEO John Furner hailed Flipkart’s 13-minute deliveries as “really impressive”, spotlighting the rapid growth of Flipkart Minutes and its contribution t…
Why VGU has become a launchpad for Rajasthan’s student entrepreneurs
Your Story
· India
By combining mentorship, institutional support, funding access, and government partnerships, VGU is helping student founders move from ideas to funded ventures…
How the future of sustainable agriculture is being shaped in small farms of Marathwada
Your Story
· India
On small farms in Marathwada, women farmers are redefining what sustainable agriculture looks like through Bayer’s Food Value Chain partnership. With digital t…
Travel-fintech startup Scapia has raised $63 million in a fresh round of funding led by General Catalyst. Papacream was built around the idea that premium dess…
Here are the 4 clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• CBDT has found several cases where individuals have claimed income tax exemption on agricul…
Meet Mbah Sadiman: Man who sold his goats to transform barren hills into forest
Times of India – World
· India
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• Villagers in a drought-prone region of Central Java once thought Mbah Sadiman's efforts to c…
Numerize's bet on agentic OS for restaurants - The intelligence layer F&B always wanted!
Your Story
· India
Numerize has scaled from a spreadsheet fix to an AI intelligence layer trusted by 300+ restaurant groups across India. Co-founder and CEO Bharat Puppala says t…
Growing furniture: This UK couple is growing actual chairs from living trees
Times of India – World
· India
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• TOI World Desk is staffed by seasoned journalists and passionate writers who sift through global …
Free up fertiliser supplies to avert global food crisis, Yvette Cooper urges
The Guardian – World
· Europe
UK foreign secretary says urgent pressure needed to get strait of Hormuz reopened and fertiliser and fuel movingGlobal fertiliser supplies must be freed up wit…
China agrees to boost trade for U.S. agricultural products following Trump-Xi summit
The Hindu – World
· India
The announcement came two days after President Donald Trump returned from a high-stakes summit in Beijing where he sought to ease the impact on American farmer…
D2C brands grow in Tier II cities and beyond; Tagbin’s bet on gov-tech
Your Story
· India
India’s D2C sector saw order volumes increasing by 33% and GMV growing by 32% year-on-year, based on an analysis of over 400 million order items processed thro…
China will buy at least US$17 billion of US farm goods annually, White House says
South China Morning Post – World
· China
China has agreed to buy at least US$17 billion in US agricultural products annually through 2028, the White House said on Sunday.
The commitment resulted from …
Weather & then war lead to tears in India’s onion basket
Times of India – World
· India
Maharashtra's onion farmers face devastating losses as prices plummet far below production costs. A combination of bumper harvests, weak demand, export disrupt…
Soybean counters: scope of China-US farm deal depends on math, analysts say
South China Morning Post – World
· China
China’s purchase of “double-digit billions” in American agricultural products touted by US officials following President Donald Trump’s state visit to Beijing …
The combined entity will be building agentic platform for the finance and controller functions in enterprises with goal of shifting tasks from manual to automa…
Delayed by a year due to tech glitches, livestock census to be out after June
Times of India – World
· India
The 21st Livestock Census report's release has been postponed to after June due to technical issues in data compilation and validation. This quinquennial exerc…
The India Meteorological Department has launched an AI-enabled monsoon forecasting system offering localized weather information up to four weeks in advance fo…
India expects the U.S. team to visit India for next round of trade talks, say officials
The Hindu – World
· India
India and the U.S. issued a joint statement on February 7 finalising a framework for an interim trade agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial tr…
EAM Jaishankar hands over India-assisted agro-processing facility in South Trinidad
The Hindu – World
· India
S. Jaishankar arrived in Port of Spain from Paramaribo on May 8 on the concluding leg of his three-nation tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, a…
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Why Indonesia cannot afford to scrap Prabowo’s free meals programme
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• The US$15 billion national nutrition program, launched in January 2022, aims to prevent malnutrition and stunted growth among schoolchildren and mothers.
• Critics have accused the program of weak oversight, limited budget transparency, and insufficient food safety guidance since its launch.
• Three former leaders of the National Nutrition Agency were arrested for alleged mark-ups and corruption related to operational kitchen development.
• The program has expanded faster than planned, with 27,877 service points established, compared to an initial goal of 21,000, mainly in underdeveloped regions.
Engineering Is Critical to Boosting Food Security
Source: IEEE Spectrum
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• The IEEE Smart AgriFood initiative is working to end hunger by applying technologies like autonomous aircraft, IoT, and remote sensing to improve crop yield and reduce waste.
• The initiative's report highlights research, case studies, and new ways of using technology to inform farmers, engineers, and policymakers, with a focus on convergence of automation, data analytics, and sustainability.
• The report explores the differences between smart agriculture, precision agriculture, and digital twins in agriculture, emphasizing the need for clear definitions and overlap between categories to avoid unnecessary complexity and costs.
• The Bustanica project in Saudi Arabia is an automated hydroponic vertical farming system that uses IoT sensors and microcontrollers to monitor and control crop growth, recirculating water to reduce waste and using far less water than traditional methods.
India is ready to design for the world, says Dassault Systèmes' Sudarshan Mogasale
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Sudarshan Mogasale, CEO of Dassault Systèmes Solutions Lab (India), believes India's moment has arrived for deep tech innovation, moving from building things to designing them.
• Mogasale argues that India's large talent pool of engineers (15 lakh per year) can be channeled into deep tech, making the country a self-reliant technology hub.
• He emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration with countries like France, which already have established foundational technologies, to accelerate Indian innovation.
• Mogasale predicts that AI will free up engineers to focus on creativity, leading to small companies building large-impact products and Indian entrepreneurs solving hard problems, with deployment being the ultimate prize.
U.S.-Iran war: Maps, data and the story so far
Source: The Hindu – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• The US and Israel have reached a "final, agreed upon text" with Iran, leading to an "immediate and permanent" end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.
• The conflict started on February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel targeted government and military sites in Iran, killing several top-level Iranian officials, including its Supreme Leader Khamenei.
• The war has engulfed West Asia, with strikes in Iraq, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Syria, resulting in significant human toll and economic losses.
• The conflict has led to an increase in fuel prices in India, with the prices of petrol and diesel hiked by almost ₹7.5 in all metros, and the government urging citizens to take up austerity measures to support the falling rupee.
Government braces for a tough sowing season ahead
Source: Times of India – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Vishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India.
• He writes about environmental, climate change, agriculture, water resources, and clean energy topics.
• Mohan covers policy issues and climate diplomacy, tracking India's position on the global platform since 2003.
• Previously, he covered internal security and investigative agencies for over a decade before shifting focus to sustainable development.
'It's like a decaying body': Australian farmers battle mouse plague
Source: BBC News – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• A severe mouse plague is affecting farmers across Western Australia and South Australia, causing significant damage to crops and homes.
• The rodent population has reached unprecedented levels, with estimates suggesting 8,000-10,000 mice per hectare in some areas, causing widespread destruction of grain fields and storage facilities.
• Farmers are struggling to cope with the economic and psychological impact of the plague, which is exacerbated by unpredictable fuel and fertiliser supplies due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.
• The national regulator has finally granted permission for farmers to use stronger bait, bringing relief to those affected by the plague, although the situation remains critical for many farmers.
The World Capital of French Fries Has a Problem: Too Many Potatoes
Source: The New York Times – World
·
Here are the 4 clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Belgium's potato harvest has set a record, but tariffs on US exports and competition from Asian suppliers have hit demand for frozen fries.
• European farmers are facing a surplus of five million metric tons of potatoes used for fries, with prices languishing at zero per ton on the spot market in Belgium.
• Good weather and geopolitical factors such as Trump-era tariffs and war-related price increases have contributed to the great potato glut of 2026.
• Some farmers, like Kris D'haeyere, are dumping their excess potatoes back into fields or selling them cheaply due to lack of buyers, with one farmer disposing of enough potatoes to make 200 million French fries.
How Blue Tyga built the sunscreen jacket category before anyone else could
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Blue Tyga has introduced India's first-ever sunscreen jacket, designed to provide UPF 50+ certified protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• The sunscreen jacket is lightweight, breathable, quick-dry, and comfortable enough to be worn daily, with a range of variants available including Standard, Pro, Ice, and AIR.
• Blue Tyga's product has gained popularity among urban commuters, bikers, delivery riders, women travelers, and anyone spending time outdoors in Indian summers, with the brand focusing on certification, testing, and consumer trust to differentiate itself from imitators.
• The brand aims to target Rs 150 crore in revenue by investing heavily in R&D across three product directions: sun-protection apparel, functional workwear, and travel wear, while also expanding into multi-brand retail outlets and launching its own kiosk format.
[Weekly funding roundup March 23-29] VC inflow drops to lowest level for the year
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• Venture capital (VC) funding into Indian startups has dropped to its lowest level on a weekly basis this year, with only $66 million raised from 16 transactions in the last week of May.
• The total VC funding raised by Indian startups for 2022-2026 is around $62 billion, which is surpassed by AI company Anthropic's single transaction of $65 billion at a valuation of $965 billion.
• There has been no credible AI startup to attract investors' attention in India, leading to a slowdown in funding momentum and a focus on other sectors such as B2B quick commerce, biotech, hardware, and coffee chain outlets.
• Recent deals include Fairdeal.Market's $15 million raise from Bertelsmann India Investments, WaterBridge Ventures, and Incubate Asia Fund, and smaller raises from various investors for other startups in different industries.
Inside China’s green transition
Source: The Hindu – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Ningbo, a port city in southern China's Zhejiang Province, is a key hub for the country's booming electric vehicles (EV) industry.
• The city is home to Zeekr, a high-end EV brand that has sold close to 1.7 million EVs in 2025, with the majority being exported to Europe and Southeast Asia.
• The Zeekr factory in Ningbo features advanced automation technology, with robots performing around 60-70% of the work, allowing for quick turnaround times and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Zhejiang Province has made significant strides in its green energy transition, with notable achievements including a reduction in air pollution levels to those comparable to Europe's, as well as the province's renewables accounting for 50% of total installed energy capacity.
China is growing giant wheat-rye hybrids in its western deserts. Here’s why
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Triticale is a crop that can thrive in challenging conditions such as poor soil, cold, drought, salinity, wind, and sand.
• In addition to providing food for humans, triticale stalks and leaves can be used as animal feed.
• The crop is tolerant of poor growing conditions and can produce up to 4 tonnes of forage per mu (667 square meters) each year.
• Triticale was first bred in the late 19th century through crossbreeding wheat and rye grains, and is now being developed by Xinjiang Maishengdao Biotechnology.
US farmers seek firmer soybean guarantees despite Xi-Trump agriculture pledge
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• US soybean farmers welcomed China's renewed pledge to buy more soybeans, but were left uncertain due to vague terms.
• President Trump met with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing without making any concrete agricultural announcements.
• The White House released a brief statement on US agricultural products two days later, leaving some farmers wary of the lack of detail.
• Farmers want a commitment that has "some teeth" and are seeking more specific agreements to alleviate concerns about tariff disputes.
China and Cuba hold agriculture talks as Beijing backs Havana amid US pressure
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Chinese Vice-Minister Zhang Zhili met Cuban Deputy Agriculture Minister Gonzalez to discuss joint projects and collaboration in agriculture.
• The meeting aimed to deepen ties between China and Cuba as part of a "community of shared future" initiative, with agriculture a priority area.
• The meeting adds practical support to China's efforts to back Cuba amid government vulnerability, following an indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro.
• Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing, in addition to sanctions and rhetoric from the Trump administration.
How badly is Europe affected by fertiliser shortages due to the Iran war?
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• The EU is launching a Fertiliser Action Plan to support farmers facing rising costs for fertilizers, including possible stockpiles, emergency financial support, and measures to increase imports from non-Russian and Belarusian countries.
• The plan aims to boost agricultural production, reduce Europe's dependence on food imports, and address concerns over global food security, particularly in Africa and South Asia, where countries are more dependent on Gulf supplies.
• European nitrogen fertiliser prices have increased by 70% above their 2024 average due to the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, making it vulnerable to rising costs, with Ireland being particularly affected due to its heavy reliance on imports.
• The EU's plan includes measures to support farmers who reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers, including through bio-based alternatives and more efficient fertilizer use, as well as suspending duties on some nitrogen fertilisers from countries other than Russia and Belarus.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Early Bird ticket rates end May 29
Source: TechCrunch
·
Here are the article's key points summarized into 4 clear bullet points:
• **Limited-time offer:** Secure your pass for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 by April 30 and save up to $410. Prices increase on May 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
• **Earning credibility:** Disrupt is designed to help founders, investors, and operators build trust through practical sessions and real-time interactions across six industry stages.
• **New sessions added:** Explore topics like AI in practice, robotics, biotech, fintech, and more on the Disrupt agenda, featuring leading companies and innovators sharing their experiences.
• **Register now:** With only four days left to register, don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with 10,000+ founders, investors, and operators at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13-15.
altM: Scaling bio-based materials from agri-residue
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• India produces hundreds of millions of tons of agricultural residue annually, most of which is burned or discarded, contributing to seasonal air pollution.
• altM, a company founded in 2022, aims to bridge the gap by developing bio-based chemicals and biomaterials using agricultural residue as feedstock, replacing petrochemical-derived raw materials across various industries.
• The company has already advanced three products to demo scale and selected them for pilot plant production, including cellulose-based rheology modifier, lignin-based wood adhesive, and SPF Booster for cosmetic applications.
• altM currently generates early validation revenue through pilot operations and expects commercial sales to begin in Q3 2026, with a target of 10,000 tonnes per annum of cumulative installed capacity by the end of its five-year plan.
How to find the lowest gold loan interest rate in India without missing the fine print
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• **Compare rates properly**: When comparing gold loan interest rates, consider factors beyond just the rate, including loan amount, tenure, and repayment structure.
• **Understand your eligible loan amount**: Lenders calculate loan amounts based on a regulated, conservative approach that accounts for day-to-day price volatility, so your actual borrowing power may be lower than the current market price of gold.
• **Use a gold loan eligibility calculator**: Calculators can help you determine your approximate eligible loan amount and which LTV tier applies, allowing you to ask lenders about rates specific to that amount.
• **Consider total cost of borrowing**: When comparing gold loans, don't just focus on interest rates; also consider processing fees, valuation charges, documentation costs, and prepayment penalties to get a full picture of the borrowing costs.
Startup news and updates: daily roundup (May 25, 2026)
Source: Your Story
·
Here are 4 clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Annu Sunny, co-founder of Yes Madam, a home salon and wellness startup, has raised Rs 50 crore in its first institutional funding round from Info Edge's growth fund.
• TIST Media Private Limited, a creator economy company, has raised its seed round at a $5.9 million post-money valuation, with Sthira Partners leading the round, to expand its team, product infrastructure, and brand partnerships.
• IIT Madras has launched an advanced ocean engineering research facility constructed with Rs. 4.5 crore in CSR funding from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to enhance research and teaching activities in the Department of Ocean Engineering.
• Voy, a health and wellness company, has acquired EarlyFit, one of India's leading online weight loss platforms, marking its entry into the Indian market with an aim to expand its services and reach.
Food, payments, AI: test your business creativity with Edition 233 of our weekly quiz!
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• **Cybersecurity**: The article discusses how technology can help security teams detect threats and respond faster to cyber-attack incidents, which are rapidly growing in number and complexity.
• **Food and Beverage**: The rise of multi-cuisine experiences at home has created entrepreneurial opportunities, with consumers seeking authentic flavors and convenient cooking solutions. Moi Soi, a pan-Asian food brand, is one example of a company capitalizing on this trend.
• **AI and Chip Design**: HrdWyr has developed AI-native System-on-Chip (AISoC) offerings that are purpose-built for specific industries, such as white goods, EVs, and data centers. This innovation aims to unlock the real power of AI by integrating advanced intelligence with real-world systems.
• **Payment Technology**: Omnicard is a business fintech operating system that brings all payments into one system, spanning spend management, corporate cards, bill payments, fleet transactions, and automated reimbursements. Its governed system transforms payments into a "smart spend ecosystem."
Flipkart's 13-minute delivery really impressive: Walmart Inc President and CEO
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Walmart CEO John Furner praises Flipkart's 13-minute delivery services as "really impressive", citing the rapid pace of innovation and execution by its Indian unit.
• Flipkart operates over 800 micro-fulfillment centers in India, enabling fast delivery and achieving average delivery times of under 13 minutes across more than 30 cities.
• Walmart's international business saw operating income growth of 23.9%, driven by China and Flipkart, with ecommerce sales up 27% led by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery and marketplace.
• The company has raised its shareholding in Flipkart to over 80%, highlighting its commitment to strengthening quick-commerce capabilities in key international markets.
Why VGU has become a launchpad for Rajasthan’s student entrepreneurs
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Vivekananda Global University in Jaipur has created a unique institution, ACIC-VGU Foundation, which serves as a scheme navigation hub for student entrepreneurs, providing funding and support to early-stage startups.
• The foundation has received significant grants from NITI Aayog, DST, SIDBI, and HDFC Parvartan, amounting to over Rs 7.5 crore, which is deployed to verified and incubated startups that meet milestone-based criteria.
• VGU's institutional pathway for student startups includes identifying problems through coursework or research labs, internal competitions, prototype development, patent filing, and DPIIT recognition, which unlocks access to external schemes and funding opportunities.
• The university's multi-disciplinary approach has led to a range of successful startups across various fields, including AI, agriculture, engineering, management, and more, with 18 VGU-incubated startups securing funding through iSTART Rajasthan in 2025-26 alone.
AI for Good Hackathon: How APJ innovators showcased real-world impact with Snowflake and AI
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• The AI for Good Hackathon was a competition that brought together developers, data engineers, and AI practitioners to solve real-world challenges using Snowflake's AI and data stack.
• Participants from across APJ (Asia-Pacific region) were invited to create solutions that blended AI, automation, and data engineering to make a measurable social impact, with five problem statements centered on social impact.
• The hackathon winners, including First Prize Winner Krishnan Srinivasan, Second Prize Winner Swasti Singhal, and Third Prize Winner Sai Teja T, showcased their innovative applications that used Snowflake's Cortex AI features to solve societal challenges such as education, housing inspections, and inventory management.
• The event highlighted the importance of using AI and data engineering to solve practical problems and emphasized the value of clean, usable data in any successful AI workflow.
How the future of sustainable agriculture is being shaped in small farms of Marathwada
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Bayer's Food Value Chain (FVC) partnership aims to build an ecosystem for sustainable farming, partnering with 60 leading players across India's food economy.
• In Maharashtra's Dharashiv district, a village of around 300 families is seeing women's economic participation increase through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), such as Dipali Kakasaheb Thodsare's farm, which grows soybean and pulses.
• Bayer's FVC program provides training, digital tools, and certification frameworks to farmers like Dipali, promoting sustainable practices and reducing costs, while also giving women a seat at the decision-making table.
• The partnership has grown the FPO from 170 women to 2,500, with plans to reach 10,000 women by 2030, focusing on organic certification and leadership development.
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• AI Agents: Jensen Huang, Founder of NVIDIA, envisions a world with billions of AI agents, and the chip giant's latest results show surging demand for infrastructure used to run advanced AI models.
• Zepto IPO: Quick-commerce platform Zepto plans to launch its Rs 11,000-crore IPO in July, joining rivals Zomato and Swiggy on the stock exchanges with a focus on market density and operational intensity.
• Target's Baby Category: US retailer Target is betting on babies to come out of its long sales slump by adding 2,000 items to its baby category this year, focusing on busy, young families and new parents.
• Scapia Funding: Bengaluru-headquartered travel-fintech startup Scapia has raised $63 million in a fresh round of funding led by General Catalyst, offering co-branded credit cards in partnership with Federal Bank and BOBCARD.
CBDT detects very rich ‘farmers’ without land
Source: Times of India – World
·
Here are the 4 clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• CBDT has found several cases where individuals have claimed income tax exemption on agricultural income.
• The board is reviewing these cases to ensure compliance with tax laws and prevent misuse of exemptions.
• Agricultural income exemption is allowed under Section 10(1) of the Income-tax Act, but only up to a certain limit.
• CBDT's move aims to curb tax evasion and promote transparency in reporting agricultural income.
Three Indians among 274 to Mt. Everest, set new record
Source: The Hindu – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• 274 climbers, including three Indians, successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest from Nepal's side, setting a new record for the highest number of ascents ever recorded in a day.
• The previous record was set in May 2019 when 223 climbers reached the summit in a single day from the Nepalese side.
• India's Lakshmikanta Mandal also reached the world's highest peak on Thursday (May 21, 2026), along with eight others, including six Nepalese sherpas.
• Nepal's Kami Rita Sherpa broke his own record by climbing the summit for the 32nd time, while Lhakpa Sherpa became the first woman to climb Mt. Everest for a record 11 times this season.
Meet Mbah Sadiman: Man who sold his goats to transform barren hills into forest
Source: Times of India – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• Villagers in a drought-prone region of Central Java once thought Mbah Sadiman's efforts to cultivate land were futile.
• The land remains dry, but Mbah Sadiman persisted, using unconventional methods to grow crops.
• Despite initial skepticism, his efforts have now led to successful harvests and changed the community's perception.
• His success has inspired others in the region to adopt similar practices, improving their agricultural prospects.
Numerize's bet on agentic OS for restaurants - The intelligence layer F&B always wanted!
Source: Your Story
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Numerize, a Hyderabad-based startup, aims to solve the problem of restaurants lacking real-time data intelligence, despite having abundant data from point-of-sale systems and other sources.
• Their solution, Friday, is an intelligence layer that integrates with existing restaurant technology, providing owners and operators with actionable insights and automated decision-making capabilities.
• Numerize's founders have deep industry knowledge, financial expertise, and technical know-how, which they believe sets them apart from competitors and allows them to build a unique Agentic Operating System for restaurants.
• The startup has already gained traction, having worked with over 300 restaurant groups, and is poised to expand globally, leveraging its golden triangle of industry knowledge, financial expertise, and AI application to dominate the category.
Growing furniture: This UK couple is growing actual chairs from living trees
Source: Times of India – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• TOI World Desk is staffed by seasoned journalists and passionate writers who sift through global events.
• The team's commitment is to accuracy, depth, and timeliness in delivering news and diverse perspectives.
• Their goal is to inform readers about international affairs with a nuanced understanding of global issues.
• The aim is to take readers on a journey across continents to uncover the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Free up fertiliser supplies to avert global food crisis, Yvette Cooper urges
Source: The Guardian – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warns of a global food crisis if strait of Hormuz is not reopened, with fertiliser supplies frozen since Iran's war causing shortages and rising prices.
• Cooper calls for urgent global pressure to reopen the strait, stating that the world is "sleepwalking into a global food crisis" and tens of millions could go hungry due to Iran's closure.
• The UK government has cut overseas aid from 0.7% to 0.3% of gross national income, while the US has dismantled its USAID agency, with the World Food Programme estimating that almost 45 million more people could fall into acute food insecurity if the Iran conflict does not end by mid-2023.
• The Global Partnerships conference aims to find new ways for governments, private sector investors, and civil society to work together, with the UK's spy bosses warning of devastating impacts on national security from ecosystem collapse in developing countries.
China agrees to boost trade for U.S. agricultural products following Trump-Xi summit
Source: The Hindu – World
·
Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• **China agrees to buy $17 billion worth of US agricultural products annually**: China will purchase American beef and poultry at an annualized rate of $17 billion for 2026, 2027, and 2028, a significant increase from previous years.
• **US beef plants to resume exports to China**: Hundreds of US beef plants, including those run by Tyson and Cargill, will be able to export beef again to China, with the import value expected to increase significantly.
• **China to restore market access for US poultry**: China has agreed to resume imports of poultry from US states determined to be free of bird flu, a significant step in resolving trade tensions between the two countries.
• **Trade agreements aim to boost economic cooperation**: The deal aims to enhance economic cooperation between the US and China, including expanding market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment into US industries.
D2C brands grow in Tier II cities and beyond; Tagbin’s bet on gov-tech
Source: Your Story
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• The Strait of Hormuz closure highlights the critical chokepoint in international trade, and finance ministers from the G7 will meet in Paris to discuss the impact on the economy.
• The conflict has also revealed the importance of the fibre optic network that powers global internet infrastructure, with some considering alternative routes like one across the North Pole.
• Scientists are working to ensure consistent grass quality at football stadiums for the 2026 World Cup, despite varying weather conditions across different locations.
• India's smaller cities are driving growth for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, accounting for nearly two-thirds of new online orders in FY2026, with Tier II and III cities shifting away from metro-led ecommerce demand.
China will buy at least US$17 billion of US farm goods annually, White House says
Source: South China Morning Post – World
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• China has agreed to buy at least $17 billion worth of US agricultural products annually through 2028, according to the White House.
• This commitment is in addition to soybean purchase commitments made in October 2025.
• The agreement was reached during a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week.
• The US and China will also discuss reducing tariffs on certain products, including agricultural goods, through a newly established trade board.
US says China to buy billions in agricultural goods after Trump-Xi talks
Source: Al Jazeera – News
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Here are the four bullet points summarizing the news article:
• China agrees to buy at least $17 billion worth of US agricultural goods annually from 2026 onwards.
• The deal also includes restoring market access for US beef and resuming imports of poultry from states free of avian influenza.
• Trump and Xi agreed to establish two new bodies, the US-China Board of Trade and the US-China Board of Investment, to manage trade and investment between the sides.
• The agreement does not mention Taiwan or the Iranian nuclear issue, with some experts cautioning that Washington's statements should be treated with skepticism until confirmed by Beijing.
Weather & then war lead to tears in India’s onion basket
Source: Times of India – World
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Here are 4 clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Onion growers seek Rs 3,500 MSP per quintal and Rs 1,500 compensation for distress sales.
• The calculator can help determine loan installments, returns on SIPs, PPF maturity amount, FD interest, pension corpus, and NPS accumulation.
• No specific information is provided about these calculations; the article only mentions the availability of a Mutual Fund Calculator.
Soybean counters: scope of China-US farm deal depends on math, analysts say
Source: South China Morning Post – World
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Here are four concise bullet points summarizing the article:
• China granted 5-year export licenses to 77 US beef facilities and renewed expired licenses for 425 other plants.
• The US Trade Representative estimates China will buy $1 trillion in agricultural products annually over three years, mostly soybeans.
• Chinese analysts say Beijing is hesitant to accept purchase demands exceeding actual needs or driven by politics, limiting non-soybean purchases.
• In 2024, China imported 27 million tonnes of American soybeans worth $12.6 billion before the bilateral trade war escalated under Trump's second term.
Startup news and updates: Daily roundup (May 15, 2026)
Source: Your Story
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• A group of government school students from Haryana has developed a menstrual wellness solution called Her Ease after observing period pain disrupting daily lives of girls in their school.
• Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based startup, received a grant of Rs 105 crore from the Centre's Research, Development and Innovation Fund for its satellite deployment project, Project Garud.
• D2C Insider is planning to launch a Rs 150-crore venture capital fund called ConsumerX Ventures to back early-stage D2C brands and enablers at pre-seed and seed stages of funding.
• Ride-hailing platform Rapido raised $240 million in primary funding led by Prosus, valuing the startup at $3 billion on a post-money basis, with plans to expand into new markets and strengthen its presence in existing ones.
Inflection Point Ventures records 16 exits in FY26 with IRR of 41%
Source: Your Story
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Here are 4 clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) reported 16 exits in FY26 with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 41% and a money-on-money (MoM) multiple of 2.86x.
• More than 50% of IPV's invested startups with at least a two-year vintage delivered either an exit or a follow-on round, with notable exits including Aerem, Qubehealth, Oorjaa, Indic Wisdom, SnapeCabs, and Kazam.
• The exits were a mix of full and partial sales, with previous buyers returning to IPV's platform, and the investment platform recorded a blended IRR of 84.22% and a MoM of 3.33x for follow-on funding rounds.
• IPV is targeting higher value exits this year via structured secondaries and growing interest from leading venture capital firms, reflecting the strength of its portfolio companies and ability to connect them with the right partners.
InstaFarm Automated Indoor Microgreens Garden Review: Easy Being Green
Source: Wired
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• The InstaFarm Automated Indoor Microgreens Garden is an indoor gardening system that allows users to grow their own microgreens with minimal effort and maintenance.
• The system uses soil-based trays prefilled with organic, non-GMO seeds and comes in over a dozen varieties of nine-packs for $23.
• The InstaFarm has an automated watering system that senses the height, humidity, and temperature of each tray and dispenses water as needed, making it easy to grow microgreens without daily maintenance.
• The system is easy to use, with trays that can be placed on shelves and an app that allows users to activate night mode and track their plants' growth, producing usable microgreens in just 5 days.
Numero AI acquires Royu in cash-and-stock deal
Source: Your Story
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• US-based finance agency company Numero AI has acquired Chennai-based finance automation company Royu in a cash-and-stock transaction.
• As part of the deal, Royu's co-founders Viswajith Vishwaa and Sathya Gunasekaran will join Numero's leadership team as Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer and Chief Technology Officer, respectively.
• The acquisition aims to build an agentic system for finance and controller functions, enabling enterprises to move away from manual operations and leveraging AI infrastructure.
• With Royu joining forces, Numero plans to accelerate its roadmap for AI workers purpose-built for finance and accounting teams, building on its existing partnerships with major accounting advisory firms.
Delayed by a year due to tech glitches, livestock census to be out after June
Source: Times of India – World
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• The 21st Livestock Census report in India is delayed and will now be released after June.
• The original release date was expected to be late last year, but it has been pushed back.
• No specific reason was given for the delay, with only "technical glitches" mentioned.
• The exact release date beyond June remains unclear.
Monsoon may hit Andamans this week: IMD
Source: Times of India – World
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Here are the four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has launched two new services.
• One is an AI-enabled monsoon advance forecasting system to predict rainfall patterns.
• This service aims to improve accuracy and enable early warnings for flood-prone areas.
• The second service is a mobile application providing weather forecasts, current conditions, and alerts.
China should stop hoarding food and fertiliser, says former World Bank chief
Source: BBC News – World
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the article:
• Former World Bank president David Malpass calls on China to stop hoarding food and fertilizers to ease a global supply crisis caused by the Iran war.
• China has halted exports of several types of fertilizers since March, citing the need to protect domestic supplies, which has severely disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Malpass also criticizes China's claim to be a developing nation, saying it is no longer credible given its status as the second-biggest economy in the world and rich resources.
• Malpass urges unity behind the US to resolve the Iran ceasefire and demands that China help find a resolution to ensure the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
India expects the U.S. team to visit India for next round of trade talks, say officials
Source: The Hindu – World
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Here are the article's main points summarized in 4 clear bullet points:
• The US team is expected to visit India for trade talks, although no dates have been finalized yet.
• The Indian side visited Washington, D.C. in April to finalize details of the interim agreement and advance negotiations under the Broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
• Both countries agreed to stay engaged to sustain momentum ahead of trade talks, discussing areas such as market access, non-tariff measures, and digital trade.
• India's outbound shipments to the US grew marginally by 0.92% to $87.3 billion in the last fiscal year, while imports increased 15.95% to $52.9 billion, resulting in a declining trade surplus.
EAM Jaishankar hands over India-assisted agro-processing facility in South Trinidad
Source: The Hindu – World
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Here are four clear bullet points summarizing the news article:
• Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated an agro-processing facility in South Trinidad with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, built with India's assistance under its SEEDS initiative.
• The facility aims to promote sustainable economic growth and strengthen Trinidad and Tobago's SME ecosystem, as well as provide fresh impetus to the country's farming sector.
• Jaishankar also visited Nelson Island, where he joined Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar for a Quick Impact Project aimed at preserving and showcasing the shared heritage of Indian immigrants who arrived in Trinidad and Tobago in 1845.
• During his visit, Jaishankar held comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to explore new ideas and initiatives for expanding bilateral cooperation between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
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