Author: Sharad Natani
In a landmark decision that could influence narcotics law enforcement across India, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that cannabis seeds and leaves do not fall under the legal definition of “ganja” under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Justice K Sreenivasa Reddy, presiding over a bail plea, clarified that only the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant are criminalised under the law — not the seeds or leaves when found independently. “The seeds and leaves of the cannabis plant, in the absence of the flowering or fruiting tops, do not fall within the…
The world’s obsession with matcha is reaching a boiling point — and Japan’s centuries-old tea farms are paying the price. Once a ceremonial drink reserved for traditional tea houses, matcha has exploded into mainstream culture. Now featured in everything from Starbucks lattes to viral TikTok recipes, matcha has gone from niche to necessity. But this viral success has a downside: Japanese producers are running out of stock. “No matter what we try, there’s just not more to buy,” says Zach Mangan, founder of Kettl Tea in Los Angeles, where over 20 varieties of matcha are listed — but most are…
Once a peaceful village nestled beneath snow-capped cliffs and ancient “sky caves,” Samjung in Nepal’s Upper Mustang has become a haunting symbol of the climate crisis. At over 13,000 feet above sea level, the Buddhist village lived for generations on barley farming, sheep grazing, and spiritual rhythm. Today, it stands abandoned — the latest casualty of a warming planet. What Happened to Samjung? As snowfall disappeared and springs dried up, life turned into a daily struggle for water. Once thriving glacial streams vanished. Mud homes collapsed in sudden flash floods. Fields cracked. Crops failed. The villagers had no choice but…
In a world where IT jobs and engineering degrees define success, Madhura Ghane chose a path less traveled. Once an Infosys employee, Madhura—now known by her stage name Mahi G—has transformed into a powerful voice for India’s marginalized through the art of rap. Born in the Forest, Raised for the Fight Hailing from the Mahadev Koli Adivasi community in Maharashtra’s Kalan village, Madhura is the daughter of a bus conductor. Despite landing a prestigious job at Infosys, she knew her destiny was not behind a desk—it was on stage, with a mic in hand and truth in her lyrics. Her…
In a major push to tackle unemployment and boost job creation, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greenlit a massive Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme worth Rs 1.07 lakh crore. The ambitious plan is expected to generate over 3.5 crore new jobs across India, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector. What’s in It for First-Time Employees? First-time job entrants will receive direct benefits: One month’s wages (up to Rs 15,000) as a joining incentive. An additional Rs 3,000 per month for two years, provided the employment is retained for at least six months. Employers…
Commuters and logistics operators across Maharashtra may face serious disruptions as transporters, including private bus and truck operators, have begun an indefinite strike starting Tuesday. United under the banner of “Vahatukdar Bachao Kruti Samiti,” the protesting transporters are raising red flags against what they call “unjust and forceful” e-challan fine collections and other unresolved issues. The strike is likely to impact goods movement, public transport, and inter-city connectivity across the state. Key Demands of the Protesters The transporters have outlined several demands: -Immediate halt to forced e-challan fine collection -Waiver of existing traffic penalties -Withdrawal of the mandatory ‘cleaner’ rule…