National level training on cocoa cultivation begins at Kerala Agri varsity 

Aimed at strengthening the Indian cocoa sector through knowledge exchange, skill development and value-chain integration, a national level training programme on cocoa has commenced at Kerala Agricultural University.  The objective of the 3-day programme is to equip the participants with updated knowledge and practices in cocoa cultivation, value addition and marketing. Officials from the State…

Entire Gaza population at critical risk of famine, UN-backed assessment says

A UN-backed assessment has said that Gaza’s population of around 2.1 million Palestinians is at “critical risk” of famine and faces “extreme levels of food insecurity” as an Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid continues. The latest report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said there had been a “major deterioration” since October 2024,…

Trump’s drug price plan sends ripples through Indian Pharma sector 

The Indian pharmaceutical sector braced for potential impact Monday after US President Donald Trump signaled plans to dramatically reduce drug prices in the United States, a move that could reshape the global generics market. The Nifty Pharma index closed at 20,949.70, showing mixed sentiments amid the developing narrative. Market movements reflected the uncertainty, with companies…

Ex-UK home secretary: Trump unlikely to yield peace between Ukraine, Russia | Russia-Ukraine war News

Former British Home Secretary Charles Clarke has expressed little faith that United States President Donald Trump’s “combination of bullying and flattering” will produce a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump, on April 17, presented Russia and Ukraine with a “final” ceasefire offer, which forces Kyiv to legally cede Crimea to Moscow, without offering it security guarantees….

Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Group acquires actor Vijayakanth’s engineering college

Perambalur-based Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Group is acquiring Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering (SAACE), a private college in Chengalpattu founded by late actor and politician Vijayakanth. While the deal size is unknown, sources said it could be over ₹150 crore. Recently the Tiruchi-based JJ College was acquired by Sowdambika institutions. Similarly, a leading college in Salem…

Gaza’s hospitals cannot provide food to recovering patients | Israel-Palestine conflict News

Hospital patients in Gaza are under increasing threat as Israel’s blockade on food and other supplies entering the enclave enters its third month. Palestinians across Gaza are struggling to feed themselves, and with hospitals unable to provide food, families must bring whatever they can find for their loved ones. “Most, if not all, wounded patients…