A tourist kiosk next to Blackpool Tower is up for sale for an incredible price. The stall, located next to the JD Wetherspoon on The Promenade, has been put on the market for £10,000, with the stall selling buckets and spades for families making their way to the beach along with other tat. The kiosk…
In a remarkable breakthrough, University of Southampton scientists have successfully preserved the complete human genome on a 5D memory crystal. This revolutionary data storage format boasts incredible longevity, capable of surviving for billions of years.
The implications are extraordinary, as this technology could potentially serve as a blueprint for resurrecting humanity in the distant future. Additionally, it offers a powerful means of creating enduring records of endangered plant and animal species, ensuring their genetic information withstands the test of time.
The 5D memory crystal, developed by the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), represents a quantum leap in data storage technology. Picture a data storage medium that can retain up to 360 terabytes of information for billions of years without degradation, even at extreme temperatures. This extraordinary feat has rightfully earned it a Guinness World Record for being the most durable data storage material, a prestigious accolade bestowed upon it in 2014.
Comparable to fused quartz in durability, this crystal can withstand the harshest of conditions, including freezing temperatures, intense heat up to 1000 °C, and even direct impact forces of up to 10 tons per cm2. Moreover, it remains unaffected by prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation, making it a truly resilient medium for preserving valuable information.
The ingenious approach taken by the team at Southampton, led by the esteemed Professor Peter Kazansky, involves using ultra-fast lasers to inscribe data into nanostructured voids within silica, achieving feature sizes as minuscule as 20 nanometers.
What makes this technology truly revolutionary is its utilization of two optical dimensions and three spatial coordinates to inscribe data throughout the material, hence earning it the moniker ‘5D’ memory. This method transcends the limitations of traditional 2D data storage, making it a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to redefine the future of data storage.
The remarkable longevity of these crystals ensures that they will outlast humans and all other species. While it is currently impossible to synthetically create humans, plants, and animals using genetic information alone, recent years have seen significant advances in synthetic biology. Notably, in 2010, Dr. Craig Venter’s team achieved a major breakthrough by creating a synthetic bacterium.
“We know from the work of others that genetic material of simple organisms can be synthesized and used in an existing cell to create a viable living specimen in a lab,” says Prof Kazansky. “The 5D memory crystal opens up possibilities for other researchers to build an everlasting repository of genomic information from which complex organisms like plants and animals might be restored should science in the future allow.”
Memory of Mankind archive in Hallstatt, Austria. Credit: University of Southampton
To put this concept to the test, the team developed a 5D memory crystal containing the entire human genome. With approximately three billion letters in the genome, each letter was sequenced 150 times to ensure its accurate positioning. This groundbreaking deep-read sequencing work was conducted in collaboration with Helixwork Technologies.
Nestled within the depths of a salt cave in Hallstatt, Austria lies a remarkable time capsule known as the Memory of Mankind archive, housing an extraordinary crystal. This crystal, meticulously designed by a dedicated team, holds within it a wealth of data intended for future intelligences, whether organic or artificial.
The creators of this marvel have ingeniously inscribed a visual key on the crystal, offering a glimpse into the knowledge it safeguards and how it can be harnessed. Prof. Kazansky, one of the masterminds behind this project, explains that the visual key provides essential insights into the stored data, ensuring that it can be deciphered and utilized by those who come across it in the distant future.
Delving deeper into the visual key, one encounters a mesmerizing array of universal elements and the intricate molecular structure of the DNA molecule. The key not only reveals the fundamental building blocks of life, such as hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen, but also elucidates the composition and arrangement of the DNA molecule, including the four bases: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.
Moreover, it offers a captivating visualization of how genes are positioned within a chromosome, ready to be integrated into a cell. This awe-inspiring display serves as a visual testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the team behind the 5D memory crystal, paying homage to the iconic Pioneer spacecraft plaques launched by NASA, which ventured beyond the bounds of our Solar System.
The 5D memory crystal stands as a testament to human achievement and a profound invitation to future generations or entities, urging them to unlock the treasure trove of knowledge it holds.
“We don’t know if memory crystal technology will ever follow these plaques in the distance traveled, but each disc can be expected with a high degree of confidence to exceed their survival time,” adds Prof Kazansky.
Tipple Co-Founder Eoin Bara addresses core strategies to help turn travel retail sales into long-term repeat business across multiple channels.Travel retail is costing alcohol brands a fortune, writes Eoin Bara.And I don’t mean all the cash you fork out on in-store displays, travel boxes, and airport floor fees.The real cost you should be worrying about is lost sales.Selling overseas and in airports is a great way to shift bottles. But successful alcohol brands are not built on one-time purchases. They are built on long-lasting customer relationships.Eoin Bara: Merging travel retail and D2C is “a seriously profitable strategy” {Photo: Julie McCoy Photography}So if you’re handing over cash to sell your products further afield, only for customers to buy your brand once, love it for a week, then never find it again, you are barely scratching the surface of the profits travel retail can offer you.If you want to see real returns from travel retail, you must channel that excitement when someone discovers your bottle, and convert it into a lasting love of your brand.How do you do that? By merging your direct-to-consumer and travel retail strategies.(Haven’t managed to break into travel retail yet? Keep reading, we’ve a solution for that too.)From romance to retentionThere are three core strategies to make sure you turn one travel retail sale into multiple, repeat business:Connect physical and digital touchpointsEvery time a new customer buys your brand in duty free, that’s an opportunity for repeat sales. But if you don’t connect those physical purchases to the digital ecosystem of your business, you’re letting money go down the drain.So find ways to connect the physical and digital touchpoints with your products to bring more customers into your orbit.For example, you could include a QR code on your packaging with a special offer for holidaymakers. They scan the code, enter their email address, the offer is theirs and you have their details.Prioritise the post-purchase experienceWhether a customer buys in person or online, the post-purchase window is a golden opportunity to deepen your connection with them. And increase your chances of turning one sale into many.This is where things like email and SMS marketing automations come into play.You can set up pre-written comms to go out to customers after they’ve bought specific products.Use a combination of nurture content and sales content to both improve the shopping experience, and squeeze more ROI out of each purchase.Respond to your customer’s habitsAnd this is where things come full circle.Once your customer has bought from you, and they are part of your digital ecosystem, you can use historic data to get much more targeted and precise with your strategy – and bag yourself more profit in the process.Tipple makes it possible and profitable to sell alcohol direct to consumers across EuropeNow you’ve got more customer data, you’ve got more visibility of your customer’s purchasing habits. Both on a collective and an individual basis.You can then use your understanding of these habits to make your marketing and sales tactics much more effective. For example, you can calculate when your customer is likely to buy another bottle from you, based on things like the actions they take on your website, and purchase data on customers with similar habits.From there, you can make a very smart estimate of when the customer is considering buying from you again (even if they’re not aware of it themselves) and serve up timely ads, emails, and other marketing comms to nudge them closer to that buy button.At Tipple, we don’t just help brands break into new markets, we help you sell more bottles, in more countries by giving you access to expert ad managers, content creators and other digital marketing specialists. Click here to learn more.But D2C isn’t just a tool to maximise the results you get from travel retail, it’s also a useful way to break into it…The secret passage into travel retailFor drinks brands, getting into travel retail is a chicken-and-egg situation.To stock your product, travel retail distributors and partners want to know you’re already selling in the countries you plan to enter. But to start selling in a new country, you typically need the help of a distributor.I got stuck in this ‘Catch-22’ myself when I founded and scaled Mor Irish Gin. What I didn’t know at the time was there’s a secret third option: Make distributors come to you. How do you do this? Sell direct to consumers.By selling direct to consumers, you can prove there’s a thirst for your booze overseas. You can prove market demand. And you can prove your brand is an investment, not a risk.And that’s just the benefit for travel retail. While selling D2C, you’re also:Making sales while growing your brand awarenessMeaning your ads start to pay for themselves with sales.Controlling and owning your customer dataGiving you a better understanding of how to sell to them.Keeping more profitBy paying less out in fees to retailers and distributors.It’s a win-win-win:A win for the travel retail partners who can see proof you have market demand in the country they’re stocking your productA win for your customers who can easily purchase your productA win for you and your brand (because you’re making more money)SummaryFor drinks brands, merging travel retail and D2C is a seriously profitable strategy.It maximises ROI from travel retail by channelling the excitement customers feel when they discover your brand and converting it into repeat sales.The three core strategies to multiply your travel retail sales?Connect your physical and digital brand touchpointsProgramme post-purchase automations to squeeze more revenue from every sale.Use historic customer data to guide your marketing and sales tactics, and serve up content when they’re most likely to buy again.Selling D2C also gives you an easier route into travel retail by showing distributors there’s sufficient demand for your product. Plus, it brings the added benefits of owning your customer data, repeat sales covering your ad spend, and more profits for you to keep.Ready to sell more bottles in more countries? Tipple makes selling across borders possible. Click here to learn how. ✈*This article first appeared in The Moodie Davitt eZine. Click here for more.
Natural star Nani’s Saripodhaa Sanivaaram was released in the theatres on August 29, 2024. This film marked his second collaboration with Vivek Athreya after Ante Sundaraniki. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram garnered a positive response from the audience and emerged as a blockbuster. If you missed watching the film in theatres then don’t worry. Netflix has announced that the Nani starrer will be available for streaming on its platform from September 26. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram will be available in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi.
This pretty beach in one of British tourists’ favourite countries to visit – Spain – was recently named the number one coastline in the entire country. Nestled in the southernmost port of Jávea, this charming enclave features a rustic cove with breathtakingly clear turquoise waters.The beach, Cala Granadella, which is a mere 160 meters long, is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can also hire kayaks to navigate the picturesque caves that dot this stunning coastline.Recently recognised as the best beach in Spain by a national television poll, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore like a true local.Spain is a very popular destination for British tourists. In 2023, Spain was the most visited country by UK residents, with around 17.81 million visits. The short, and often cheap, flights as well as the warm climate make the Mediterranean a firm favourite aming Brits. The country is renowned for its spectacular beaches with glittering blue waters and golden shores but this beach in Jávea is named the best.Javea is not as well-known as some of the country’s more famous towns such as Barcelona and Madrid. But it is still a great place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxed bach holiday free of too many tourists.It is a small historical town, modern yet free of high rise buildings offering that you’ll see in some other Spanish towns.One tourist said of the hotspot: ” The cove is wonderful. But neither the access nor the parking are easy or comfortable. Although once you pass that test you have an incredible day.”Meanwhile many Spanish locals have described it on TripAdvisor as the “best beach” in Spain.
Kareena Kapoor’s roles as Poo and Geet have become pop culture touchstones in India. Adding to these roles, here are 6 career-defining roles that shot Kareena Kapoor to stardom.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s career-defining roles. (Image Pinterest)
New Delhi: On the occasion of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s 44th birthday, we’re taking a deep dive into her most iconic Bollywood roles that shaped her career. Kareena’s versatility has never been questioned – be it bold and fun-loving characters or glamourous but sad roles, Kareena Kapoor Khan has done it all. Was Kareena always a hit-maker or were movies like Jab We Met a shot in the dark? Here are Kareena Kapoor’s most iconic roles that led to her eventual rise to superstardom.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s new movie
The Buckingham Murders (2024) – Jaspreet Bhamra
Kareena’s most recent release, The Buckingham Murders is dubbed as the best performance of her career. Playing the role of Jaspreet Bhamra, a grief-ridden police officer, Kareena’s delivery is intense. Reviewers believe that Kareena is ‘on the top of her game’ in this movie. Currently in theatres, The Buckingham Murders has earned Rs 9.22 crore in worldwide collection.
Kareena Kapoor’s most iconic roles
Now, let’s take a brief journey to understand Kareena Kapoor’s transition from a rookie to one of the biggest stars in Bollywood.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) – Poo
In the early beginnings of her career, Kareena Kapoor bagged a role in YRF’s blockbuster movie, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, with a star-studded cast. Despite being surrounded by well-established artists in the film, Kareena’s role as Poo is talked about to this day. Poo is a glamorous and stunning woman who has all the boys go crazy. It was not just Kareena’s looks but her unique touch that made Poo a well-loved character. It is to be noted that Kareena’s debut film Refugee was only shot a year earlier (2000) than K3G.
Chameli (2003) – Chameli
Completely switching gears, Kareena Kapoor played the role of a bold and smart prostitute in the 2003 movie Chameli. Only at the age of 22, Kareena Kapoor managed to capture the audience like no other. Despite being unsure about the role at first, Kareena took on the challenge and perfected the role.
Jab We Met (2007)- Geet
We cannot mention Kareena Kapoor without talking about her role as Geet in Jab We Met. Geet, to this day, is a pop culture touchstone in Bollywood. Geet’s erratic yet adorable personality in contrast to Aditya’s devastated one, is possibly one of the best rom-com pairings in Hindi cinema. Kareena Kapoor’s on-screen chemistry with Shahid Kapoor and her lively demeanour as Geet make for a perfect romantic comedy.
Tashan (2008) – Pooja Singh
Kareena Kapoor, in an interview, revealed that she was shooting for Jab We Met and Tashan almost back-to-back. While she was excited for her role as Geet, the actress put all her bets on Tashan becoming a hit. Although no one remembers Tashan as a movie in this day and age, Kareena’s iconic size-zero body as Pooja is still a hit among fans. It is unbelievable that Kareena brought her body weight down to 48 kilograms for the film to challenge herself.
Heroine (2012) -Mahi Arora
Kareena Kapoor’s role as Mahi Arora in the 2012 movie, Heroine, was another iconic addition to her career. Playing the role of an unstable and problematic film actress whose career is declining, Kareena knocked it out of the park in this film. Heroine was Kareena’s most ‘scandalous’ role in her career and it was a hit!
Apart from these characters, Kareena has played various other roles that have been loved by her fans and the general audience. But, these 6 characters might as well have changed the trajectory of her career. Can you imagine someone else playing these roles the way Kareena did?
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Girls are breaking social barriers and leading successful businesses alongside their fathers. From Pinkishe Foundation to Sang Bags, these father-daughter partnerships are changing the face of leadership in India.
Young women are increasingly taking charge of their destiny, leading businesses and pursuing their dreams in India. (Picture Credit: depositphotos)
Mumbai: In a world where boys are traditionally seen as leaders in both families and organisations, a growing number of girls are challenging these expectations. These young women are taking charge of their destinies, leading businesses, and pursuing their dreams with relentless passion. Across the globe, girls are breaking through societal barriers to achieve leadership roles, and India is no exception. Indian girls are now at the forefront of change, breaking social norms and excelling in various industries.
Breaking Social Barriers: Indian Girls in Business
Indian girls are shattering the barriers that have historically limited women. Many are leading organisations or starting their own businesses, proving that gender should never define one’s ability to lead. Below are some inspiring stories of father-daughter partnerships in business that are reshaping the landscape of leadership in India.
Pinkishe Foundation: A Movement for Women’s Hygiene
Founded by Khyati Gupta and her father Arun Gupta, the Pinkishe Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about menstrual hygiene and addressing the challenges faced by millions of rural women. The foundation provides affordable sanitation products and works to eliminate the societal taboos surrounding menstruation.
Khyati’s journey began when she noticed her housemaid struggling due to a lack of access to sanitary products. Shocked by the widespread use of makeshift solutions like cow dung, dry leaves, and dirty rugs in rural India, Khyati embarked on a mission to bring change. Today, Pinkishe Foundation is a symbol of hope, providing both education and essential products to women in need.
Sang Bags: A Stylish Business Led by Anshika and Naresh Kharbanda
Anshika Kharbanda joined her father Naresh Kumar Kharbanda to take their family business, Sang Bags, to new heights. Based in New Delhi, Sang Bags specialises in a range of products including handbags, slings, shoulder bags, and backpacks. Naresh founded the business 15 years ago, operating primarily offline. Anshika’s involvement brought a fresh perspective, transforming the brand’s digital presence and expanding its reach.
This father-daughter duo works seamlessly together, sharing not only a family bond but also a passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Jadhao Layland: Pioneering Farming Technology
Founded by Sanjay and Kashmira Jadhao, Jadhao Layland is revolutionising India’s agricultural sector with cutting-edge farming tools. Specialising in cotton ginning and pressing machinery, the company provides technological solutions that improve farming efficiency across India.
Kashmira joined the family business in 2018, stepping into the role of director. Her leadership is paving the way for innovative approaches in farming technology, making a lasting impact on the agricultural industry.
SaffronStays Plaksha: Luxury in the Himalayas
Plaksha, a property owned by SaffronStays and run by Dipak and Samira Haksar, offers a serene getaway in the heart of Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand. Nestled in the Nainital district, this father-daughter team manages the property, which provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding forests.
Samira joined her father in managing the family business, focusing on enhancing the guest experience and promoting the eco-friendly ethos of the property. Their joint effort has turned Plaksha into a sought-after destination for travellers seeking tranquillity.
Parag Milk Foods: A Dairy Empire
Parag Milk Foods, led by Devendra Shah and his daughter Akshali Shah, is a prominent player in India’s dairy industry. With well-known brands like Gowardhan, Go Cheese, and Pride of Cows, Parag Milk Foods has established itself as a leader in dairy products.
As the Executive Director, Akshali is driving the company’s vision forward, working closely with her father to maintain Parag’s status as an industry leader. Their shared commitment to quality and innovation continues to fuel the company’s growth.
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Tasmanian GovernmentEfforts to breathe new life into a north-west Tasmanian tourism attraction will go international from this weekend.Expressions of Interest (EOI) open on Saturday 21 September for a new operator, or group, to take on and transform the Dismal Swamp site, west of Smithton, into a visitor hub.Leading the EOI process is international company TSA Riley, which is looking to engage with potential operators from across Australia and even across the globe.The site has sat dormant since 2020 but has since secured $12.5 million from the Australian Government through a 2022 federal election commitment to help revitalise the site.The project is expected to attract an overall investment of $40 to $50 million when commercial investors and a developer are locked in, providing a significant economic boost to the region. Source & references /Public Release. View in full here.
Not only has the Foreign Office issued a warning to UK residents travelling to EU destinations like Mallorca from November 1 but now easyJet has warned passengers about an upcoming rule change affecting most UK tourists and warned that it may affect customer’s airport transfers because of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) which comes into force in Spain on November 1.
It is also feared that the new system will lead to long queues at border control. easyJet has said: “There may be longer queues at border control while this new system is being implemented and as people go through it for the first time.
“If you have a transfer included in your package or have booked a private transfer, we’re working closely with our transfer partners to make sure they know about the extra time at border control for your airport pick up and drop off. This might mean that your return transfer will pick you up earlier than you’d expect.”
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And a number of Britons have already been spooked with the new scheme forcing some Britons to alter their holiday plans and opt for destinations where extra paperwork is not required. From November 1 everyone entering the EU will have to get their photograph and fingerprints taken as part of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
What is more, before the new entry exit scheme is introduced, from October 1, despite the objection from the hotel sector, UK tourists will need to provide over a host of new information when checking in to their accommodation. The new rule applies to both domestic and foreign tourists.
However, hoteliers are not impressed and have called on the government to scrap it. At the moment hotels and apartment blocks make a copy of your passport or identity card which is then handed to police. Hoteliers has said that the new check-in rules may be a breach of European Law and have called for a government review, but time is running out.
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives has surpassed 1.4 million, bringing the island nation closer to its annual arrivals target of a record two million tourists.
The latest statistics released by the Tourism Ministry shows the Maldives recorded 1,435,272 tourist arrivals as of September 18.
This is an increase of 131,384 visitors or a 10.1 percent growth compared to the same period last year, when the country registered 1,303,888 visitors.
China continues to be the top source market for tourist arrivals, with over 200,000 visitors.
TOP SOURCE MARKETS:
China: 209,791 visitors (14.6 percent)
Russia: 155,900 visitors (10.9 percent)
UK: 122,839 visitors (8.6 percent)
Italy: 104,574 visitors (7.3 percent)
Germany: 101,425 visitors (7.1 percent)
India: 86,755 visitors (6 percent)
USA: 48,656 visitors (3.4 percent)
France: 40,358 visitors (2.8 percent)
Spain: 32,359 visitors (2.3 percent)
Switzerland: 26,568 visitors (1.9 percent)
The average duration of stay is 7.7 days. There are 79,795 tourist beds in operation in resorts, hotels and liveaboards across the country.
While the statistics show a growth in arrivals, there has been concern
The statistics show the Maldives is well on track to achieving the record two million arrivals goal it has set for this year. However, industry experts have raised concerns over a lack of increase in revenues despite the rise in tourist arrivals.
At the GM Forum 2024 hosted by travel magazine Hotelier Maldives on Thursday, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal urged industry stakeholders to target not just arrivals, but also boosting occupancy rates and extending the duration of stay of tourists.