Indian farmers are increasingly turning to dragon fruit as a profitable alternative to traditional crops. The fruit requires less water, has lower disease risks, and offers a steady income over six months. Farmers benefit from stable prices and successful cultivation techniques.
Key Facts
Arun Srinivas left finance to start farming dragon fruit in Karnataka, India.
Dragon fruit requires less water and has a lower risk of disease compared to other fruits.
India began focusing on dragon fruit cultivation after Prime Minister Modi praised farmers in 2020.
Dragon fruit is cultivated using concrete pillars for the vines to climb.
Dragon fruit can be harvested for six continuous months, providing steady income.
Some farmers use honey bees to help pollinate the flowers, which bloom at night.
In Wayanad, Kerala, farmers choose self-pollinating dragon fruit varieties to avoid nighttime dangers from wildlife.
The switch to dragon fruit has made farms more financially sustainable.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Falcon Trading Company, Inc. is recalling three organic black bean products due to concerns about pesticide residue. The recall affects products sold in bulk, and customers are advised to return the items for a refund.
Key Facts
The recall involves three specific organic black bean products.
The affected products contain pesticide residue despite being labeled organic.
The recall was announced by Falcon Trading Company, Inc. through an FDA alert.
No illnesses related to the recall have been reported.
The items include a black bean sack, a chili bean blend box, and a soup mix box.
Customers can return the products to where they bought them for a full refund.
For questions, people can contact the company via phone or email.
The FDA monitors recall processes and informs the public through its website.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A traveler on an American Airlines flight found his business class seat had disappeared before departure. Despite customer service helping him to another seat, the incident highlighted frustrations with airline seat management and communication.
Key Facts
A traveler planned to fly from JFK Airport to Delhi with a booked business class seat.
On the day of travel, he discovered his seat assignment was missing.
He contacted customer service, who arranged another business class seat for him.
The airline reportedly reassigned his seat because he was not checked in.
The traveler argued that he had completed check-in a day earlier.
This situation underscores larger issues with airline booking and reliability.
Airlines sometimes overbook or change seats for operational reasons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Energy executives and a federal regulator discussed their efforts to address the rising cost of electricity in the United States. They highlighted investments in infrastructure, cooperation between states and the federal government, and initiatives by tech companies as ways to reduce electricity rates. They also emphasized the need to improve communication with the public about these efforts.
Key Facts
Energy executives are working on solutions to lower electricity bills across the United States.
Electricity costs have increased over the past year and are now an important political issue.
Investments in grid improvements and better cooperation between states and the federal government are part of the plan to reduce costs.
Southern California Edison made upgrades related to wildfires, which increased rates, but future increases are expected to match inflation.
Tech companies have pledged to manage their own electricity for data centers, which could help lower overall costs.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will ensure these commitments are upheld.
Officials believe improving communication with the public is important and suggest that AI could assist in this area.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The IRS has shared six tips to help taxpayers prepare for the upcoming tax filing season. These actions can help people avoid penalties, handle outstanding tax issues better, and ensure smooth tax filing. Taxpayers are encouraged to act early, even if they can't pay the full amount they owe.
Key Facts
The IRS advises taxpayers to start preparing their returns by gathering records and ensuring all income and deductions are reported correctly.
Filing taxes early is recommended, even for those who cannot pay the full amount, as it can help reduce penalties and access payment options.
Paying as much of the owed taxes as possible by the deadline can help reduce penalties and interest.
Taxpayers who need more time to pay can apply for a payment plan, which allows them to manage payments over time.
Responding quickly to any IRS notices can help avoid additional penalties or delays.
The IRS offers online tools to help taxpayers manage their accounts, check refund status, and make payments without needing to visit an office.
People aged 65 and older are encouraged to file taxes to benefit from enhanced tax deductions, even if not required by law.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) supports a revised aviation safety bill from the House of Representatives. Families of victims from a recent plane collision want the bill to have stricter timelines for when safety measures should take effect.
Key Facts
The NTSB has supported the revised House aviation safety bill.
The bill includes new requirements for aircraft near busy airports to have locator systems.
These locator systems help pilots know where other aircraft are flying.
The NTSB has recommended these systems since 2008.
Families of the 67 victims of a recent midair collision want stricter deadlines in the bill.
They worry that without strict timelines, safety changes might be delayed.
The revised bill has passed two key House committees.
It will now be voted on by the full House and then needs Senate approval.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has temporarily stopped making cars at its Solihull plant due to a parts shortage from a supplier. This pause will last around two weeks, including a planned Easter break, affecting the production of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles.
Key Facts
JLR has halted production at the Solihull plant due to a parts supply issue.
The production pause will last about two weeks and includes a planned Easter shutdown.
This affects the making of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models.
JLR is working with the supplier to fix the issue quickly.
Plant staff will continue to work as usual despite the production halt.
This follows a previous major cyberattack that also disrupted JLR operations last year.
JLR reported that production had returned to normal after the cyberattack.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. corporate leaders are discussing the potential impacts of the ongoing Iran war on the economy, with some predicting growth and others fearing recession due to high oil prices. CEOs from major companies like BlackRock, JPMorgan Chase, and Chevron have shared different perspectives on the war's effects on global markets. Despite the conflict's risks, many business leaders remain optimistic about future economic conditions.
Key Facts
The Iran war has raised concerns about its impact on the American and global economy.
Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, sees two possible outcomes: economic growth or a deep recession driven by soaring oil prices.
Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase believes the war could eventually lead to peace, but acknowledges short-term risks.
Oil firms like Chevron worry about supply disruptions and compare the situation to the 2022 energy crisis.
Sudden increases in oil prices can act like a tax increase, affecting consumer costs and the economy.
Despite potential issues, a Business Roundtable survey shows business leaders' optimism, with a rise in the economic outlook index.
Economist Mark Zandi warns of rising recession risks and increased consumer costs due to inflation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A viral post showed a fake online argument between Wendy's UK and McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski. Both companies confirmed the posts were not real, even though they spread widely on social media.
Key Facts
Social media users shared fake screengrabs of an argument between Wendy's UK and McDonald's CEO.
The screengrabs claimed Wendy's mocked the CEO's buttoned-up shirt, and he replied angrily.
The posts gained lots of attention on social media, with millions of views and thousands of likes.
McDonald's and Wendy's both confirmed that the comments and argument did not happen.
The viral story followed criticism of a McDonald's video featuring the CEO trying a new burger.
Wendy's has a reputation for playful and humorous marketing online.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is expected to raise energy costs, affecting U.S. inflation and global growth. The OECD warns that inflation may increase more than previously expected, leading to potential changes in interest rates to manage the economic impact. The report projects U.S. inflation to rise in the short term but eventually decline by 2027.
Key Facts
Middle East conflict is leading to higher energy costs and affecting inflation.
OECD forecasts U.S. inflation at 4.2% this year, up from 3% previously expected.
By 2027, U.S. inflation is projected to drop to 1.6%.
G20 inflation is expected to rise to 4% this year and decrease to 2.7% next year.
U.S. economic growth is projected at 2% this year, which is higher than previous estimates.
Energy prices and their impact on inflation and economic growth are a major concern.
The OECD warns of potential disruptions in exports from the Middle East affecting global prices.
The global economy is expected to grow by 2.9% this year, unchanged from previous estimates.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK government has granted up to £64 million for a new facility in Port Talbot, Wales, to become a hub for floating offshore wind turbines in the Celtic Sea. The project, managed by Associated British Ports (ABP), aims to support thousands of jobs and attract investment by developing infrastructure to assemble and launch floating turbines. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance clean energy production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Key Facts
A new facility in Port Talbot will become the first hub for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
Associated British Ports (ABP) will lead the project with funding up to £64 million from the UK government.
The development supports the assembly and deployment of floating wind turbines in deeper waters.
The project could create up to 5,000 new jobs and boost investment in the area.
Floating offshore wind can install turbines far from shore, tapping into strong wind resources in the Celtic Sea.
The infrastructure in Port Talbot will help generate 4.5 GW of new electricity capacity, enough for about 6.5 million homes.
ABP estimates the project could unlock over £500 million in associated investment.
The facility aims to position Port Talbot as a central hub in the clean energy sector and attract new industries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Several people have faced long delays in receiving premium bonds from National Savings and Investments (NS&I) after relatives passed away. NS&I apologized for these issues, affecting around 37,500 people and involving £470 million. The government appointed a new chief executive and promised compensation for affected families.
Key Facts
Tracy McGuire-Brown waited six years to claim her late father's £2,000 premium bonds.
Around 37,500 people experienced delays due to NS&I issues, involving £470 million.
NS&I apologized and the government promised compensation.
Premium bonds are investments that enter people in a monthly prize draw with tax-free winnings.
Peter Attwell still hasn't received his late brother's bonds; his case involves a complex legal situation without a will.
Kevin Jones faced delays after his wife's death and was told it could take six to nine months to resolve.
Other financial institutions resolved similar cases in weeks; NS&I cited staff shortages as a cause for delays.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau apologized for not speaking French, as this issue drew attention away from a tragic accident where two pilots died. This came after a collision involving an Air Canada flight in New York, which has also led to criticism from Canadian leaders due to the bilingual nature of the country and the company's requirements. Investigations are ongoing, and Rousseau will address Canadian officials regarding compliance with language rules.
Key Facts
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau apologized for not speaking French adequately.
His lack of French diverted focus from a tragic airplane accident.
An Air Canada flight collided with a firetruck at New York's LaGuardia Airport.
Two pilots died in the crash, and many others were injured.
The incident brought criticism from Canadian leaders because Canada is officially bilingual.
Air Canada must communicate in both English and French.
Investigations by U.S. and Canadian authorities are ongoing.
Rousseau will appear before Canada's government committee about the airline's language rules compliance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned consumers to stop using three products due to safety risks. These include Ridstar e-bikes, LullaBear infant cushions, and Gpower youth ATVs, all of which could cause injury or death.
Key Facts
The CPSC issued the warnings on March 19 about three kinds of products.
Ridstar Q20 and Q20 Pro e-bikes are a fire risk due to lithium-ion batteries.
11 fire incidents tied to Ridstar bikes have caused injuries and $40,000 in damages.
LullaBear cushions for infants pose suffocation and battery ingestion hazards.
About 2,700 LullaBear cushions were sold, violating federal safety regulations.
Gpower youth ATVs don't meet safety standards and could cause crashes.
320 Gpower ATVs were sold online and did not include required safety features.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article offers guidance on how to effectively use a Lifetime Individual Savings Account (Isa). This account helps people save for their first home or retirement by giving them a bonus when they save.
Key Facts
A Lifetime Isa is a type of savings account in the UK.
People can use it to save for their first home or for retirement.
The government gives a bonus on the money that is saved in this account.
The article discusses strategies to maximize the benefits of a Lifetime Isa.
Listening to the full guidance is available on BBC Sounds.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A family in Kentucky refused a $26 million offer from an artificial intelligence company that wanted to build a data center on their land. The family, who have farmed the land for generations, cited concerns about losing farmland and environmental harm from the data center.
Key Facts
A Kentucky woman and her daughter own 1,200 acres and rejected an AI company's $26 million offer.
The company wanted to buy around half of their land for a data center.
Data centers can cause noise, use a lot of water, and contribute to pollution.
Some neighbors sold their land, so the data center might still be built.
The family has farmed the land for generations and values its use for agriculture.
Many commentators on social media supported the family's decision not to sell.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Suntory Global Spirits has canceled its plans to build a large whisky maturation facility in East Ayrshire, Scotland. The company had received approval from Scottish ministers despite environmental objections, but they have now decided to divert their investment elsewhere in the area.
Key Facts
Suntory Global Spirits planned to build a £150 million whisky facility in East Ayrshire.
The facility was expected to bring 45 jobs to the local area.
The Scottish government approved the site despite environmental concerns.
Concerns included potential noise, water supply impact, and the risk of black mould.
Suntory now plans to redirect its investment to another Scottish maturation facility.
The facility would have stored 500,000 barrels of spirits.
A Scottish planning reporter had recommended against the project, but ministers had approved it anyway.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump’s administration announced a temporary waiver allowing U.S. refineries and gas stations to sell E15, a fuel blend with 15% ethanol, during summer. This waiver aims to help lower gas prices, which have risen due to Middle East conflicts affecting oil supply. The waiver will last from May 1 to May 20, with possible extensions.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration announced a temporary waiver for E15 gas sales starting May 1.
E15 contains 15% ethanol, more than typically allowed in summer to prevent air pollution.
The waiver is a response to rising gas prices, which reached $3.981 per gallon in late March.
Gas prices increased due to disruptions in oil supply from the Middle East.
The U.S. released 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help lower prices.
The Jones Act requirements were waived for 60 days to allow foreign ships to transport fuel.
Experts are skeptical about the waiver’s effectiveness in significantly lowering gas prices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The chief executive of the Co-op, Shirine Khoury-Haq, is resigning after reports of a difficult work environment and a significant financial loss due to a cyber-attack. The Co-op, a long-established food and services group, reported a £126 million loss and had to address claims of a "toxic culture" that made staff feel afraid to speak up. Khoury-Haq will step down on March 29, and Kate Allum will temporarily take over as CEO.
Key Facts
Shirine Khoury-Haq has been the Co-op's chief executive since 2022.
There were claims of a "toxic culture" where staff felt afraid to voice concerns.
The Co-op reported a £126 million loss due to a cyber-attack last year.
All 6.5 million Co-op members had their data stolen in the cyber-attack.
Kate Allum will serve as the interim CEO after Khoury-Haq departs.
The Co-op, established 180 years ago, faced a challenging year.
The Co-op had to spend an estimated £285 million on response actions after the cyber-attack.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The average Wall Street bonus increased by 6% to $246,500 in the past year, as reported by the New York state comptroller. Wall Street saw a profitable year, with securities industry profits rising over 30% to $65.1 billion. The bonus pool reached a record $49.2 billion, but when adjusted for inflation, it remains lower than past peaks.
Key Facts
The average Wall Street bonus last year was $246,500, a 6% increase from 2024.
Securities industry profits rose over 30%, reaching $65.1 billion.
The total bonus pool was $49.2 billion, up 9% from the previous year.
These figures exclude stock options and deferred compensation.
Bonuses are estimated using income tax data for New York City securities employees.
Inflation-adjusted bonuses last peaked in 2006 at $53.7 billion.
Bonuses are lower than during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 when the market was very active.
The comptroller noted that job growth slowdown and global issues could impact future finance sector performance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
