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African pyrography is a unique art form that involves burning designs into materials such as wood and leather. Originating from various cultures across Africa, it has been practiced for hundreds of years. This art form doesn't simply create beautiful items; it also narrates stories and records history, reflecting the continent's vibrant traditions and innovations in craftsmanship. Art of pyrography holds a special place in African history, with evidence of its use stretching back to ancient times. Different regions cultivated unique styles and techniques, reflecting local beliefs, traditions, and the influence of available materials. In West Africa, for example, pyrography is used to adorn musical instruments and ceremonial masks, imbuing them with layers of cultural significance. The key instrument in pyrography is the pyrography pen or burner. Contemporary artists often use electric pens with adjustable temperature settings for precision, while traditional artisans may employ heated metal pokers or even harness the power of focused sunlight. The chosen implement directly influences the burn's texture and depth, enabling a spectrum of artistic outcomes. The themes in African pyrography are as varied as the continent's cultures and landscapes. You'll often see animals that call Africa home - think lions, elephants, and giraffes; geometric designs that carry special significance in different communities; and scenes of everyday life or moments from history. These themes don't just make the pieces beautiful; they also add layers of meaning. Today's African pyrography artists are infusing traditional techniques with modern narratives, giving birth to a new wave of innovative art. They are earning global acclaim for their mastery and imagination, exhibiting their work in prestigious galleries worldwide. These artists serve as vital links to the past, preserving tradition while simultaneously redefining its limits.
New Delhi: The Italian luxury couture label shocked the desi fans after they featured at least seven of the 56 runway looks featuring sandals that bear a striking resemblance to traditional Indian Kolhapuri Chappals - without any credit. After facing backlash over it, Prada has finally acknowleged that the footwear pieces featured in its Men's 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan, were inspired by the traditional Indian handcrafted pieces made in specific districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. In an exclusive response to NDTV, the Prada Group Press Office mentioned, "At Prada Group, we have alwa ...Read More >
Heat threatens children's education * Aircon fuels global warming * Architects turn to passive cooling By Emma Batha LONDON, July 16 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When prize-winning architect Francis Kere was growing up in Burkina Faso he spent his schooldays in a gloomy classroom that was so stifling he says it would have been better suited to making bread than educating children. Years later, while studying abroad, Kere returned to his home village to build a light and airy school where ...Read More >
Chennai, March 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Over the next three days, coastal districts of southern Tamil Nadu are likely to experience light rainfall, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The forecast points to a continuation of mild pre-summer weather activity in select parts of the state. In its latest bulletin, the IMD stated that one or two places in the southern coastal belt may receive light showers during this period. Meanwhile, districts along the Western Ghats are likely to witness moderate rainfall, which could provide short-term re ...Read More >
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received the Republic of Ghana's highest civilian honour during his ongoing five-nation visit, has handed over special gifts to the dignitaries of the country including the President and First Lady. Gift to President of Ghana: Fine Bidri Artwork Vase According to a government spokesperson, the exquisite pair of Bidriware flower vases from Bidar, Karnataka, showcases India's renowned metal craft known for its striking black finish and fine silver inlay. Handcrafted by skilled artisans using a centuries-old technique, the vases are made from a zinc ...Read More >
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has barely begun, but it has already delivered its first major controversy. Following Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) six-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, a pointed remark from captain Ajinkya Rahane has triggered a wider debate - forcing Cricket Australia (CA) to step in with a clarification. At the centre of the storm is Cameron Green, KKR's high-profile signing worth INR 25.20 crore, who did not bowl a single over despite MI's dominant chase of 220. KKR seemed in control after posting a commanding 220/4, but the script ...Read More >
For the second consecutive day on Monday (December 2, 2024), Delhi's air quality showed a slight improvement although it remained in the 'poor' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 273 in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's 24-hour average AQI on Sunday stood at 285, an improvement to the 'poor' category and a welcome relief following 32 consecutive days of 'very poor' and 'severe' air quality (AQI over 400). The city's air quality was last recorded in the 'poor' category on October 29 with an AQI of 268, according to the CPCB. Farm fires ris ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) Following the backlash after featuring footwear strongly resembling Kolhapuri chappals, Italian fashion house Prada has acknowledged that it was inspired by the Indian handcrafted footwear. "We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. "We deeply recognize the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship," said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, in a letter to Lalit Gandhi, president of Maharashtra Chamb ...Read More >
New Delhi: An Indian elephant taken on an epic journey to a tycoon's giant zoo is expected to return home after protests by the religious community she came from, officials said Wednesday, following a court battle over the animal's welfare at the temple. The story of the 36-year-old elephant called Madhuri reflects both the passion that some communities have for elephants in India -- and the mind-boggling scale of the self-declared "world's biggest wild animal rescue centre". The elephant spent her adult life at a Jain monastery in Kolhapur in Maharashtra state -- where campaigners from Peop ...Read More >
Bangalore Gold Rate Today: Shattering all hopes of retail jewellery buyers of some relief amid the ongoing Navratri festival, gold rates in Bangalore, and other Indian cities broke another record on Monday, September 29. The price of gold in Bangalore, aka Bengaluru, witnessed a sharp surge bringing 24 karat gold Rs 16,000 above the historic Rs 1 lakh mark. The gold price rally in Karnataka capital mirrored the surge in gold rate in India and across the world. The sharp rally in precious metal is on its path to beat the record-rally of 1979. Multiple factors like US Fed rate cut, trade becau ...Read More >
In numerous parts of Africa, the struggle for clean drinking water continues due to resource constraints and insufficient infrastructure. Finding and applying affordable water purification techniques is crucial. This article explores various cost-effective methods that can be employed to guarantee the supply of safe drinking water. It focuses on simple and readily available solutions, addressing the needs of communities seeking a sustainable resolution to this critical challenge. One of the cheapest and simplest ways to clean water in Africa is solar disinfection. This method involves filling ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) After facing severe backlash, Italian fashion house Prada has officially admitted that the Kolhapuri Chappals, featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show, is inspired by India's handcrafted footwear traditions. In a letter to Lalit Gandhi, president of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, Prada noted that it is "open for meaningful exchange with artisans". "We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old herita ...Read More >
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a significant five-nation diplomatic tour today, starting with Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African country in three decades. The eight-day tour aims to deepen India's strategic, economic, and development partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides will explore enhanced cooperation in key areas such as: India and Ghana enjoy longstanding diplomatic relations, with India contributing to Ghana's development through technical traini ...Read More >
MUMBAI/MILAN, July 2 (Reuters) - Indian footwear sellers and artisans are tapping into nationalist pride stoked by the Prada 'sandal scandal' in a bid to boost sales of ethnic slippers with history dating back to the 12th century, raising hopes of reviving a struggling craft. Sales are surging over the past week for the 'Kolhapuri' sandals that have garnered global attention after Prada sparked a controversy by showcasing similar designs in Milan, without initially crediting the footwear's origi ...Read More >
New Delhi: Picking up from where he left off during his last visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent tour abroad presented his hosts with gifts that reflect India's deep cultural and spiritual roots, along with its handcrafted excellence, reports Manash Gohain.From a 'silver replica of the Ayodhya Ram Temple' to a 'Kalash' (a sanctified vessel) containing sacred water from the River Sarayu, and from a 'silver lion mounted on a Fuchsite stone' to a 'Madhubani painting of the Sun,' Modi's gifts to the leaders of Trinidad and Tobago and Argentina this week went beyond diplomatic pro ...Read More >
Mumbai: Net profit of Nifty 50 companies at the aggregate level is expected to increase 4.6% year-on-year while revenue may increase 4.5% for the June 2025 quarter. Net profit is likely to show single-digit year-on-year growth for the first time in at least nine quarters amid an anticipated poor performance by select companies, including Tata Motors, IndusInd Bank and Coal India. The sample's revenue is expected to grow in single digit for the fourth consecutive quarter reflecting persistent muted demand scenario. Select companies from metals, pharmaceuticals, cement, banking and finance and ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Exploring scientific solutions to reduce human-elephant conflict across Karnataka, the forest department Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for landscape-level conservation of Asian elephants. Renowned ecologist and elephant expert from IISc, Prof Raman Sukumar, and Karnataka chief wildlife warden Prabhash Chandra Ray signed the commencement of the Rs 4.7-crore project, fully funded by the forest department.Admitting an increa ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 3 (ANI): In a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III, have seized 14.738 kgs of suspected NDPS hydroponic weed (marijuana) valued at approximately Rs 14.73 crore during operations on Sunday. The seizures were made across Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI), resulting in the arrest of one passenger, as stated in the press release. The passenger was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Based on specific intel, ...Read More >
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is packing for what could be the longest diplomatic journey of his decade-long premiership. Five countries. Eight days. Thousands of kilometres. A tour that promises more than handshakes and speeches, this is about placing India at the heart of the Global South's rising story. From the mineral-rich heartlands of Africa to the energy corridors of Latin America, Modi's route is carefully chosen. His first five-nation circuit in 2016 had the charm of high-level symbolism. This one feels strategic, calculated and heavier in ambition. Ghana PM Modi is land ...Read More >
Kerala Lottery Result SAMRUDHI SM 12 Results Live: The first winner of today's lottery game- SAMRUDHI SM 12 lottery- takes home Rs 1 crore as a cash prize. The Kerala lottery is one of the most trusted games in the country. Kerala Lottery Result Sunday 20-07-2025: The Kerala lottery is back with another fun game- that may lead you to win Rs 1 crore! The results for today's Kerala lottery games- SAMRUDHI SM 12 Sunday- are announced. The Kerala lottery results are announced here, so people with tickets for today's game can stay in touch with this live blog. Samrudhi Lottery Series: MN, MO, MP, ...Read More >
Apex exporters body FIEO raises alarm over rising US tariffs. Indian goods face increased duties from August 27, 2025. Textile manufacturers in Tirupur, Noida, and Surat have stopped production. Cost competitiveness is worsening. FIEO urges government support. They seek interest subvention schemes and export credit. Focus is on MSMEs. Diplomatic engagement with the US is crucial. Apex exporters body FIEO on Tuesday expressed serious concerns over high US tariffs on Indian goods and said that tex ...Read More >
DP World has announced an extension of its Carbon Inset Programme after successfully registering more than 150,000 import containers since its inception in January. The programme, which commenced on 1 January 2025, is claimed to be the first initiative of its kind globally, providing cargo owners with 50kg CO2e of carbon credits for each loaded import container processed through DP World's UK terminals. This initiative aims to assist companies in addressing Scope 3 emissions within their supply ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Thousands of people who gathered at ashoorkhana in Dabeerpura on the 10th day of Muharram (Youm-e-Ashura) took part in the Bibi-ka-Alam procession. The procession commenced from Dabeerpura on an elephant and concluded at Chaderghat. The Shia mourners took out the procession to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Imam Hussain, on the 10th day of Muharram. Members of the Shia sect performed matam and participated in processions. The 10th Muharram is the day on which Imam Hussain was martyred in the battle of Karbala by Yazid and his army. The relic made of ...Read More >
A Sydney-based study of 69 young people seeking mental health care found almost a quarter showed disrupted body clocks that showed signs that looked like jet lag, despite not having traveled across time zones. The University of Sydney researchers suggest the finding could lead to new ways to treat and study mental health conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder. The study, led by Dr. Joanne Carpenter and Professor Ian Hickie from the University of Sydney, is the first to look simultane ...Read More >
A recent controversy surrounding Italian luxury label Prada has put the spotlight on how global fashion giants engage with India - a country whose rich artistic traditions have often suffered because of its inability to cash in on them. Prada got into trouble in June after its models walked the runway in Milan wearing a toe-braided sandal that looked like the Kolhapuri chappal, a handcrafted leather shoe made in India. The sandals are named after Kolhapur - a town in the western state of Maharas ...Read More >
Jamnagar: Global football icon Lionel Messi on Tuesday visited Vantara, wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani, where he took part in traditional rituals, toured animal care facilities and interacted with conservation teams. Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, was accorded a traditional welcome featuring folk music, floral greetings and a ceremonial aarti. He also participated in temple rituals, offering prayers for peace and unity. During the visit, Messi toured various facilities at Vantara, including care ce ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said the quality of police investigation has decreased and it needs to be improved. "Although it is a matter of relief that the crime rate in the state has decreased, the quality of police investigation has decreased, and this needs to be improved," Karnataka CM said. He gave these instructions after holding a meeting of senior police officers and a progress review meeting of the police department at the office of the State Director General of Police. He mentioned that although the accused in the robbery case in Bidar is known, he h ...Read More >
Mumbai: Prada could well partner with Indian artisans if it were to decide to produce and commercialise its Kolhapuri chappal-inspired line of men's sandals, the Italian luxury house said. A spokesperson for Prada Group said it "is already in the process of setting up next steps with the relevant parties and supply chain in the event the sandals were to be commercialised. In fact, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced." Lalit Gandhi, president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agricultu ...Read More >
New Delhi: As the global scramble for rare earth minerals intensifies, India is strategically deepening ties with countries across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean to secure long-term access to these critical resources. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from July 2 to 9, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday underscored India's growing focus on rare earth cooperation - signalling a calculated pivot in foreign policy to power India's ambitions in green technology, defence manufacturing, and di ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant five-nation tour beginning on Wednesday, marking a major diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening India's global partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This eight-day tour will take the Prime Minister to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with his first stop in Ghana, a country that no Indian Prime Minister has visited in the past three decades. PM Modi's visit to Ghana from July 2 to 3 marks his first-ever trip to the West African nation. Furthermore, this vis ...Read More >
Kolkata: Luxmi Group, owner of the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate, has acquired a majority stake in UK-based Brew Tea Co. Brew Tea deals exclusively with orthodox tea and has both an online and offline presence in the UK.Luxmi Group acquired an 80% stake in the company, while the remaining 20% remains with the existing promoters. After Tetley and Typhoo, this acquisition marks another British tea company being acquired by an Indian corporate, though it may not be of the same magnitude.Brew Tea Co was founded in Manchester by Phil and Aideen Kirby and has grown into a specialty tea brand, having a ...Read More >