Category Archives: business

business, government, politics, technology

EU Competitiveness Fund will not finance research activities

Leave a comment

The European Commission has confirmed that all research and innovation funding will be channelled through Horizon Europe. This comes under its proposal for the post-2027 EU budget instruments.

The planned European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) will focus exclusively on deployment, separating its role from research and innovation funding.

According to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, all research and innovation activities must be funded through a Framework Programme. Massimiliano Esposito, head of the strategic planning unit in the Commission’s research directorate general, emphasized this point on September 23.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/planning-fp10/eu-competitiveness-fund-will-not-finance-research-activities

business, controversy, entertainment, online media, safety

MrBeast defends trapping man in burning building for $500,000…

Leave a comment

**MrBeast Defends Trapping Man in Burning Building for $500,000 Stunt**

*By Tom McArthur | Published 7 hours ago*

MrBeast, the world’s biggest YouTuber, has defended his latest stunt video titled **“Would You Risk Dying for $500,000 (372,000)”** which features a professional stuntman escaping a blazing building while collecting bags of cash.

The fiery spectacle sparked fury online, with some viewers calling it dangerously irresponsible and expressing concern that it could encourage others to attempt risky behavior. In response, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, stated,
> “I take safety more serious than you could ever imagine.”

Donaldson has more than 440 million YouTube subscribers and is believed to be the platform’s highest-paid creator. Beyond YouTube, his business ventures include a fast-food chain and an Amazon TV gameshow called *Beast Games*.

—

**The Stunt and Backlash**

The video, posted Saturday on YouTube, has already amassed over 45 million views. It features Eric, the contestant and professional stuntman, taking on seven “death traps.” These include being shot out of a cannon into flames, surviving massive explosions, and escaping from what appears to be a mock small house engulfed in fire.

Despite the dramatic and highly produced scenes, the stunt has received condemnation on social media. Some users described it as dystopian and “humiliating,” while others questioned the real danger involved, labeling it more of a PR stunt.

Eric successfully completed the challenges and won $350,000 (260,000).

—

**MrBeast Addresses Safety Concerns**

Reacting to the backlash, MrBeast reassured fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
> “This blew up, if you’re curious obviously we had ventilation for the smoke and a kill switch to cut off the fires. We had professionals test this extensively and the guy in the video as stated is a professional stuntman. I take safety more serious than you could ever imagine.”

A pinned comment on the original YouTube video further explained:
> “We also had a pyro team [specialists in fire effects] controlling the fires and multiple fire suppression methods on every challenge to ensure we could essentially turn off the fire if there was ever an issue. But our stunt coordinator did an amazing job as always, and none of these systems were ever needed. Just wanted to be transparent with you all since I saw some concern!”

—

**Other Ventures and Controversies**

As one of the most popular content creators globally, MrBeast is involved in several business projects. Last year, he hosted *Beast Games*, an Amazon series featuring 1,000 contestants competing in elimination challenges for a $5 million (3.9 million) cash prize.

However, the series became the subject of a lawsuit where some participants claimed they had been “exploited” during filming. Donaldson dismissed these allegations as “blown out of proportion.”

Additionally, in May, the Mexican government accused MrBeast of “exploiting” the Mayan pyramids for a video. The previous month, he issued an apology after fans reported having a “horrible” experience at a Las Vegas event held in his name.

—

**Conclusion**

While MrBeast’s latest stunt video continues to draw massive attention and millions of views, it has also ignited discussions about the fine line between entertainment and safety. Donaldson’s firm assurances about professional supervision and safety measures indicate a commitment to responsible content creation amid the theatrics that have come to define his brand.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cder5l8pw8lo

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

Leave a comment

**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s inaugural auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed. According to government officials who spoke to Moneycontrol, the decision comes following a lukewarm response from potential bidders.

### Initial Launch and Auction Blocks

The auction was launched in November, offering 13 mineral blocks for bidding. These included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. These blocks are spread across a vast region from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east.

### Multiple Deadline Extensions and Postponement

Initially, the bidding deadline was set for February 27, but it was extended multiple times—to April 2, May 1, and then August 22. Despite these extensions, the auction did not take place on August 22 as planned. An official confirmed to Moneycontrol that the government decided to postpone the auction to encourage broader participation. A new date for the event is yet to be announced.

### Importance of Mineral Deposits

The blocks on offer are rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel. These minerals are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies—industries that are crucial for India’s strategic growth and technological advancement.

### Environmental Concerns and Local Opposition

Despite the strategic significance, the auction has met with resistance from political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities, who have raised concerns about the environmental risks linked to undersea mineral exploration.

### Technological Challenges

Experts highlight that technology poses a significant challenge for India’s deep-sea mineral exploration. Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, noted at the India Mining Summit on September 18, “Basically, the entire supply chain, including technology, has become concentrated. Now the whole world is scrambling to create new technologies.”

### Strategic Context: Reducing Dependence on China

China dominates the production of critical minerals, including rare earth elements utilized in electronics, EV batteries, and defense sectors. This dominance has global implications, especially following Beijing’s export restrictions on certain essential minerals.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission earlier this year in January. The initiative aims to boost domestic exploration, enhance processing capabilities, and promote recycling of critical minerals to reduce reliance on imports and improve supply chain resilience.

—

India’s postponement of the deep-sea mineral auction underscores the complexities involved—from technological hurdles and environmental concerns to the need for wider stakeholder participation. The government’s strategic focus remains on harnessing critical mineral resources essential for the country’s future, while balancing ecological and socio-economic factors.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

Leave a comment

**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s maiden auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, which are rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed. The decision follows a lukewarm response from potential bidders, according to government officials who spoke to Moneycontrol.

### Initial Auction and Response

The auction was launched in November, offering 13 mineral blocks, which included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. As this was India’s first attempt at such an auction, some companies submitted numerous queries, highlighting the novelty and complexity of deep-sea mineral exploration.

### Schedule Changes and Extensions

Originally, the bidding deadline was set for February 27. However, the deadline was extended multiple times—to April 2, May 1, and then August 22. Despite these extensions, the auction did not take place on August 22 as planned. A government official confirmed that the postponement aims to attract wider participation in the auction. Currently, a new date for the event has yet to be finalized.

### Strategic Importance of the Mineral Deposits

The auctioned mineral blocks cover a vast area stretching from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east. These blocks are rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel. Such resources are essential components for electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

### Environmental and Local Concerns

Despite the strategic importance, political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities have voiced concerns regarding the environmental risks of undersea mineral exploration. These apprehensions have added complexity to the auction process.

### Technological Challenges

Experts have highlighted technology as the biggest hurdle in India’s deep-sea mineral exploration efforts. Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, noted during the India Mining Summit on September 18 that the entire global supply chain, including technology, is highly concentrated, with countries worldwide racing to develop new technologies to access these resources.

### Addressing China’s Dominance

China remains the world’s largest producer of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, EV batteries, and defense systems. Beijing’s export restrictions on certain critical minerals have raised global concerns over supply security.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in January. This strategic initiative aims to boost exploration activities, enhance domestic processing capabilities, and promote recycling of critical minerals to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen India’s position in the global supply chain.

—

India’s deep-sea mineral auction marks an important step towards securing essential resources for future technologies. However, challenges related to bidder participation, technology, and environmental concerns must be addressed to move forward successfully.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

business, energy, environment, policy, technology

India’s first deep-sea mineral auction indefinitely postponed: Here’s why

Leave a comment

**India’s First Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Indefinitely Postponed: Here’s Why**

*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 05:20 PM*

India’s inaugural auction of deep-sea mineral blocks, rich in critical minerals, has been indefinitely postponed due to a lackluster response from potential bidders, government officials informed Moneycontrol.

### Background of the Auction

Launched in November last year, the auction featured 13 mineral blocks. These included three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. These blocks are located from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Andaman Sea in the east and are abundant in valuable minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel — all crucial for electric vehicles (EVs), defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

### Schedule Changes and Extensions

The original bidding deadline was set for February 27 but was extended multiple times — first to April 2, then May 1, and later August 22. However, as confirmed by an official, the auction did not take place on August 22 as initially planned.

Officials cited the need for broader participation in the auction process as the main reason behind the indefinite postponement. They also mentioned that some companies submitted several inquiries due to the novelty of this auction format. Currently, no new date has been finalized for the auction.

### Environmental and Political Concerns

Despite the strategic importance of these mineral resources, there has been opposition from certain quarters. Political parties in Kerala and local fishing communities have raised concerns about the potential environmental risks associated with undersea mineral exploration.

### Technological Challenges in Deep-Sea Exploration

Experts acknowledge that technology remains the biggest hurdle for India’s deep-sea mineral mining ambitions. At the India Mining Summit held on September 18, Arvind Virmani, a member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the challenge: “Basically, the entire supply chain, including technology, has become concentrated. Now the whole world is scrambling to create new technologies.”

### Strategic Importance Amid Global Supply Chain Dynamics

China dominates global production of critical minerals, including rare earth elements vital for electronics, EV batteries, and defense. Its export restrictions have heightened concerns worldwide about supply security.

In response, India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in January to enhance domestic exploration, improve processing capabilities, and promote recycling of these key minerals to reduce dependency on imports.

—

India’s postponement of its first deep-sea mineral auction underscores the complexities involved—from technological and environmental challenges to geopolitical considerations—in securing critical resources essential for the country’s green and defense initiatives. The government continues to work towards creating a conducive environment for wider participation and successful execution of this strategic auction in the near future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-s-first-deep-sea-mineral-auction-postponed-amid-poor-response/story

business, consumer goods, industry, regional economy

Southern States Dominate Indian-Made Foreign Liquor Sales, Roping In 58% Revenue

Leave a comment

**South Indian States Dominate IMFL Sales, Contributing 58% Revenue in FY25: CIABC Report**

New Delhi: South Indian states continue to lead the sales of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), accounting for 58 percent of the total revenue in the financial year 2024-25 (FY25). According to data from the industry body Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), Karnataka retained its position as the top contributor nationally, providing 17 percent of the pan-India IMFL volumes in FY25.

The five Southern states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana—along with the Union Territory of Puducherry, maintained their dominance by consuming a combined total of 23.18 crore cases of IMFL during the year ending March 31, 2025. This accounts for 58 percent of the total sales across India.

“South’s dominance is near-absolute in IMFL sales for FY25, with the rest of India sharing the remaining 42 percent,” the CIABC data revealed.

### IMFL Whisky Sales Slow Down Nationally

Despite strong regional performance, the national sales volume of IMFL Whisky registered a modest growth of 1.4 percent in FY25, reaching 40.17 crore cases compared to 39.62 crore cases in FY24. CIABC Director General Anant S Iyer attributed this slowdown primarily to a weak first quarter last year due to general elections and excise policy challenges in various states.

“We have been in constant dialogue with state governments, raising concerns about excise policy issues. Every year, significant hikes in state levies and policy changes impact sales in the short to medium term,” Iyer told PTI.

### Understanding IMFL and State-Wise Performance

The term IMFL refers to alcoholic beverages such as Whisky, Vodka, Rum, Gin, and Brandy, which are distinct from country liquor and traditional drinks like todi, fenny, and arrack.

Among the states, Karnataka led with 6.88 crore cases sold, accounting for 17 percent of national IMFL volume sales, followed closely by Tamil Nadu at second place with 6.47 crore cases (nearly 16 percent of total sales). In comparison, Karnataka had sold 6.83 crore cases in FY24, while Tamil Nadu registered 6.44 crore cases.

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh each contributed around 9 percent of the IMFL sales, with 3.71 crore and 3.55 crore cases respectively. Kerala ranked seventh nationally, with sales of 2.29 crore cases. Notably, the Southern region witnessed an overall growth of approximately 1 percent in sales volume.

Puducherry reported a 10 percent growth in FY25, with sales of 0.28 crore cases, ranking 19th nationally.

### Regional Highlights Across India

The Northern region accounted for 20 percent of IMFL sales, led by Uttar Pradesh with 2.50 crore cases, ranking sixth nationally with 6 percent growth in FY25. Other northern states included Rajasthan (9th), Delhi (10th), and Haryana (11th), registering sales of 1.37 crore, 1.18 crore, and 1.17 crore cases respectively. Overall, the North saw a modest 1 percent growth in IMFL sales.

In the Western region, which contributed 12 percent to the national IMFL sales, Maharashtra was the frontrunner with 2.71 crore cases, making up 58 percent of the region’s sales and registering a 4 percent annual growth. The western region posted a 3 percent growth in total sales.

The Eastern region accounted for 10 percent of IMFL sales. West Bengal led this segment with 1.49 crore cases sold, ranking eighth pan-India with 4 percent growth. Other states like Odisha (0.98 crore), Assam (0.96 crore), and Jharkhand (0.32 crore) followed.

However, some markets faced setbacks. Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir saw declines of 20 percent and 15 percent respectively in IMFL sales in FY25.

### Emerging Markets and Policy Outlook

Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Puducherry were among the markets reporting significant growth, at 15 percent, 13 percent, and 10 percent respectively.

“We are witnessing good growth in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Delhi remains a major market where we await the introduction of a new excise policy, which is expected to boost growth,” said Anant S Iyer.

### Trends in the Premium Segment and Industry Challenges

On industry trends, Iyer noted a marked increase in premium and luxury segments, especially in whiskies. “Many companies are experimenting with premium whiskies, rums, and vodkas. Premium brands are expected to perform well with new launches and innovations.”

However, challenges persist. High taxation levels, frequent policy changes like Maharashtra’s recent introduction of the Minimum Markup Limit (MML), discrimination against Indian-made foreign liquor via brand-specific levies, and unresolved old dues in states like Telangana continue to affect the industry adversely.

India remains the largest whisky market in the world by volume and is seeing a clear trend toward premiumization.

—

*Disclaimer: This story is based on a syndicated feed; only the headline has been modified.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/southern-states-dominate-indian-made-foreign-liquor-sales-roping-in-58-revenue

business, china, economy, investing, technology

Is Alibaba Stock a Safe Buy Now?

Leave a comment

Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA) has been a focal point for investors looking to capitalize on China’s burgeoning e-commerce market. However, recent years have seen a roller-coaster ride for the stock, driven by regulatory crackdowns and economic uncertainties in China. The question for investors now is whether Alibaba represents a safe investment opportunity or if caution is still warranted.

Alibaba’s financial performance has shown resilience despite external pressures. The company reported strong revenue growth driven by its core commerce segment and cloud computing services. These sectors remain Alibaba’s backbone, contributing significantly to its financial health. Moreover, Alibaba’s international commerce and digital media segments are gaining traction, promising further diversification.

Regulatory challenges remain a significant concern. The Chinese government’s increased scrutiny over technology companies has led to hefty fines and operational adjustments for Alibaba. These regulatory measures are part of China’s broader goal to control the tech sector’s influence and ensure data security. However, Alibaba’s proactive compliance and cooperation with authorities may mitigate long-term impacts and restore investor confidence.

The global economic landscape also impacts Alibaba’s prospects. China’s economic slowdown and trade tensions with the United States have introduced volatility in the market. As a result, Alibaba’s international expansion efforts become critical. By strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia and Europe, Alibaba aims to reduce reliance on the domestic market and tap into new growth avenues.

Investor sentiment is gradually recovering as Alibaba demonstrates adaptability and strategic foresight. The company’s innovation in cloud technology and artificial intelligence positions it well for future growth. Moreover, Alibaba’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility aligns with global trends, potentially attracting ESG-conscious investors.

In conclusion, while challenges persist, Alibaba’s comprehensive strategy and financial robustness make it a compelling option for investors with a high-risk tolerance. Those considering Alibaba should weigh the potential for significant returns against the backdrop of regulatory and economic uncertainties.

*Footnotes:*
*Featured Image: DepositPhotos @ Iurii*
https://pressreach.com/investing-news/is-alibaba-stock-a-safe-buy-now/

business, food, seasonal

How Mother Dairy Intends To Milk The Festive Season

Leave a comment

The festive fervour in India brings about a significant spike in demand across various categories, especially dairy and food products that form the backbone of traditional sweets, savouries, and family meals. For brands in this space, the season is not just about catering to higher consumption but also about creating meaningful associations with consumers that last well beyond the festivities.

In an exclusive interview with BrandSutra, Manish Bandlish, Managing Director at Mother Dairy, shares insights into how the brand prepares for the festive season — from scaling up production and distribution to curating festive packs and running digital-first campaigns. Edited excerpts follow.

### 1. How are Indian consumers’ food and dairy preferences evolving?

Indian consumers are increasingly adopting a mindful approach to food and dairy that fits into their busy lives. Health and wellness are at the core of their choices, while the fast pace of modern life drives demand for convenient, ready-to-use solutions.

This convergence is fundamentally reshaping the food and dairy landscape. As the most accessible source of protein and a staple in Indian diets, milk and milk products provide an ideal foundation for meeting daily nutritional needs. This shift is influencing innovation in the sector.

### 2. Festive seasons often see a surge in demand across categories. How does your brand prepare to tap into this heightened consumer sentiment?

Festivals in India symbolize togetherness, celebration, and indulgence— with food at the very heart. This naturally leads to increased demand for milk and value-added dairy products.

At Mother Dairy, we plan well in advance to meet this anticipated surge. Our strategies include scaling up production capacities, ensuring robust distribution across markets, curating festive packs and special offerings, and running category-led campaigns.

Our focus is not only on meeting demand but also on enriching the joy of celebrations by being part of every household’s special moments.

### 3. Could you give us insight into how AI and new technologies have changed the way marketing campaigns are built — from ideation to execution?

We see technology not merely as a tool but as a catalyst for creating more relevant, engaging, and impactful brand experiences. AI is strategically embedded in our daily social content creation to produce hyper-realistic visuals and dynamic animations that align with the brand tone.

This approach significantly improves turnaround times and enables faster delivery of high-quality content to engage today’s consumers effectively.

For example, we created an AI-generated song for Mother Dairy Ice Creams that incorporates details about newly launched products within the lyrics. Additionally, we rolled out three AI-led video films on social media for Cheese Day — a first-of-its-kind initiative in the dairy category.

### 4. Which mediums — digital, traditional, or in-store experiences — are most effective for building connections today?

Every medium plays a unique role in shaping consumer relationships.

– **Digital platforms** have emerged as the most dynamic for engagement, offering reach, personalization, and immediacy.
– **Traditional media** continues to build mass awareness and trust.
– **In-store experiences** are crucial for last-mile impact, reinforcing brand presence at the point of purchase.

We adopt an integrated approach that weaves together digital, traditional, and consumer touchpoints to create a seamless consumer journey that is both memorable and meaningful.

### 5. How do you see e-commerce and q-commerce changing the dairy and food retail landscape?

E-commerce and q-commerce have transformed how people shop for food. For dairy—a high-frequency, trust-led category where freshness and speed are paramount—these platforms unlock new possibilities for accessibility and availability.

At Mother Dairy, we view these channels as complementary, extending our reach among new-age, digitally-savvy consumers. They also offer opportunities to introduce channel-exclusive offerings, such as our ‘Specials’ ice cream range curated specifically for these platforms.

The future lies in building seamless omnichannel experiences, allowing consumers to access our products anytime, anywhere—whether through traditional outlets or digital commerce platforms.

### 6. How big a role does e-commerce and digital advertising play in festive campaigns today, compared to traditional retail-driven promotions?

Being a home to trusted brands, we prioritize presence wherever our consumers are.

Traditional retail promotions remain the backbone for driving visibility and sales, but e-commerce, q-commerce, and digital platforms have become indispensable in amplifying reach and engagement. These tools allow better targeting, real-time engagement, and more personalized campaigns.

For Mother Dairy, Safal, and Dhara, it’s about combining both traditional and digital channels to ensure our brands resonate across audiences and touchpoints, becoming an integral part of every celebration.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/brandsutra/how-mother-dairy-intends-to-milk-the-festive-season

agriculture, business, environment, society, technology

24-Year-Old Entrepreneur Pioneers Goat Grazing Business

Leave a comment

In Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, goats eagerly graze at a farm established by Yota Maeda, the head of Tokyo-based startup Mujou. Maeda, who launched a funeral services business while still at university, opened the goat farm in 2024. His latest venture offers goat grazing services as an alternative to conventional weeding methods.

Unlike machines, the goats consume the grass directly, eliminating the need for herbicides or the burning of clippings. “Their bleating is not particularly disruptive, and the animals don’t produce a strong odor,” Maeda said.

Contracts have already been signed with both businesses and individuals. One notable client is a large clinical testing facility capable of processing hundreds of thousands of samples daily, thanks to advanced automation and AI systems. The company introduced goats into its courtyard on a trial basis, allowing them to handle grass management.

“They work tirelessly from morning onward,” said Sakuya Odashima from H.U. Group Holdings’ HR and General Affairs Services Division. Employees also report feeling refreshed by the presence of the goats, with some noting how their greetings at the end of the day boost morale.

Behind Maeda’s project is a strong awareness of broader national issues, particularly the spread of abandoned farmland. By deploying goats, unused land can be restored, which may also help deter wild animal intrusions.

“In an era of population decline, we can’t maintain everything perfectly, but by leaving animals to graze, the land doesn’t lose its potential. We’re preserving it in a usable state,” Maeda explained.

Goat droppings naturally decompose, and Maeda is considering ways to repurpose them as fire starters, aiming to expand the scope of the business further.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147049.php