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With no soil, water, Solan youth aims to turn ‘mushroom city of India’ into ‘saffron city’ | Chandigarh News

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Using the novel aeroponic technique, Gaurav Sabarwal is experimenting with bringing the cold temperatures of Kashmir to Solan for the growth of saffron (kesar). With this technique in which soil, land or water is not used and is mostly popular in Iran and Israel, this local businessman turned agriculturist aims to transform the ‘mushroom city of India’ into ‘saffron city’.

Sabarwal told The Indian Express that after his father’s death four years ago, he had to step into his father’s shoe, quite literally by managing the latter’s shoe shop. “But I always had a dream of being an agriculturist. Despite several resentments from my family, I wanted to try my luck at farming. It was then that I started surfing the internet on mushroom farming. But Solan already has an abundance of mushrooms and is the ‘mushroom City of India’. Aiming to do something different, I came across this unique technique from Israel and Iran, where without the use of soil, water and land, one can grow saffron, the costliest spice in the world,” he added.

Factoring in the similarities of temperatures of India and Iran, Sabarwal was convinced that this technique could work in India too. “This technique is called aeroponic – a unique way to grow plants without the use of soil – in which roots of the plants are suspended in the air and irrigated with a nutrient dense mist. In this technique, we keep the conditions of very low temperatures as is the case in Kashmir, and is best suited for the growth of saffron using machines and provide the environment best suited for its cultivation,” he explained.

Sabarwal added that initially his family laughed off the idea, but after seeing the results got “happy” and “excited. “Recently, when the yield started showing up, the family got very happy and excited,” he said.

Scarcity of resources made him use 300-sq feet lawn opposite his house for cultivation and work with thermocol sheets instead of puff panels in what Sabarwal described as his “start-up”. “Saffron is grown in cold weather between the months of August to November. In August, the saffron bulbs are put in soil. Saffron needs a temperature of around 10 degree Celsius and less to grow. Solan, being much warmer than Kashmir, with mercury currently hovering around 20 degree Celsius is very high for the bulbs to grow. To bring the temperature of Kashmir to Solan, I purchased a chiller to maintain the temperature inside the container,” he added.

Festive offer

Sabarwal further explained: “we have used the wood of the trees, rather than any other material, to make the trays in which the saffron bulbs are placed, with no soil or water in it. For the moisture part, another machine called humidity fire has been placed inside the container which produces mist, which is further absorbed through the wooden trays by the saffron bulbs. It is through this mist only, that the saffron bulbs get their entire nutrition. Then I have put up a large number of glowing LED lights, which give the saffron bulbs the effect of sunlight to grow. It was in August that I had placed the bulbs in the tray and the yield which was expected to come up by November has started showing up with a large number of flowers having come now. To start off, I had placed 75 trays with 4,000 bulbs in each tray. The process requires constant watch of temperature and mist for which I keep visiting the container after every two hours each day”.

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He said that the entire project required an investment of around Rs 8- 10 lakh, and to fund it, he had to take a loan under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. Sabarwal, along with his close friend went to Kashmir’s Pampore, which is known for its saffron and purchased best quality saffron bulbs available.

Explaining the economics of the project, Sabarwal said: “while saffron is around Rs 4 to Rs 8 lakh per kg, so even if I manage to get a yield of 1 kg this year, I will be able to cover some of the cost this time. As for the cost of bulbs, which is a one time investment, is around Rs 400 to 600 per kg. Once I complete yield this year, I will use the bulbs again, and each will produce four more more next year. So I will not have to buy more of them”.

He also plans to not sell his saffron to any wholesaler, but create a brand of his own. “Residents of Solan strongly believe in Goddess Shoolini (Solan is named after Shoolini goddess), and it is for this that I plan to name my product as Shoolini Saffron. Presently, as a good amount of the flowers have already come up, I am now planning for the packaging part of my produce, which I plan would be packed in small boxes of 1 gram to 10 gram,” Sabarwal added.
He also wants to train interested youths of Solan from December this year so that the ‘City of mushroom’ can be transformed into the ‘City of saffron’.

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Circle to Search: Share part of your screen!

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According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.

This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.

Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.

Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.

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Discounted OnePlus Nord CE 3 price in India: Check it out!

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The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.

The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.

When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.

Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)

The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.

On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features

Display:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.

Processor and Performance:

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.

Operating System:

The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Camera:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.

Battery and Charging:

Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.

Connectivity:

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.

Security:

For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.

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Namma Yatri launches cab service in Bengaluru

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In its largest market, Bengaluru, ride-hailing company Namma Yatri has expanded its services to include cab-hailing, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on auto rickshaws. Namma Yatri, known for pioneering a daily subscription model as opposed to the commission-based model utilized by competitors like Ola and Uber, had initially concentrated on auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. However, it now features a distinct section on its app dedicated to booking cabs in the city. Additionally, Namma Yatri already provides cab rides in Kochi and Kolkata.

The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.

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