AWL Agri Business launches Gondhoraj & Neem soap in West Bengal

Business News

AWL Agri Business Limited, formerly known as Adani Wilmar Limited, has introduced Alife Gondhoraj & Neem Soap to the West Bengal market, the company announced on April 7, 2025. The shares of Adani Wilmar Limited closed at ₹270.85, up by ₹4.70 or 1.77 per cent on the NSE today. The new personal care product combines Gondhoraj lime, popularly known as the “King of Limes” in West Bengal, with neem, which has antibacterial and skin-purifying properties. The product is designed to appeal to local preferences and cultural traditions.
“Our latest variant is a tribute to this unique regional beauty ritual,” said Mukesh Mishra, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at AWL Agri Business Ltd. The company has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign including television commercials, digital initiatives, cinema branding, and on-ground activations.
The soap is now available across major retail stores and e-commerce platforms throughout West Bengal. This launch represents an expansion of AWL’s presence in the personal care segment, building on their established position in the food and FMCG market.
AWL Agri Business Ltd. is a major player in India’s food industry with its flagship brand Fortune reaching approximately one in three Indian households. The company operates 24 manufacturing facilities across 11 states and maintains an extensive distribution network of over 10,000 distributors and 2.1 million retail outlets.
The company has been diversifying beyond its core food products into home and personal care items including soaps, handwashes, and multipurpose cleaners. Published on April 7, 2025

New book brings fresh perspective to Settle-Carlisle line

Arts & Culture, Books

Many photographic books about the line have been published and it is probably true to say that the majority are almost entirely made up of pictures of trains, usually of the steam variety and frequently featuring just vintage images of the line.

John’s new book, ‘The Settle to Carlisle Line’, which is published next week, contains its fair share of steam locomotive photographs, but his aim in the work has been to provide a visual portrait of the many aspects of the line as it is today, starting at Hellifield and travelling up to its terminus at Carlisle.

The book looks at the various passenger and freight traffic on the line, from the regular quarry and log trains through to passenger services and steam specials.

It also provides a wider view of the spectacular landscape the line travels through and the railway architecture along its length, including the dramatic viaducts and the beautiful stations. There are also images of local features to be seen, such as the ruins of Pendragon Castle and line-side industry, past and present.

A few historic photos of the line are included that John took during the 1980s, when the line was threatened with closure and was in a run-down state. John has also featured some of the people associated with the line in various ways, such as Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line volunteers.

John was commissioned to do the Settle-Carlisle line book by Amberley, the publishers, following the success of his book ‘Hill Farming in the North of England’, which was published in November 2023. The hill farming book has been very popular and it features many images of farming and landscape in the Yorkshire Dales. In February 2024 Royal Mail used two of John’s images of the famous ‘Flying Scotsman’ – steaming along the Settle-Carlisle line- on its first class stamps, to commemorate the locomotive’s centenary, and one of these photographs is included in the new book.

‘The Settle to Carlisle Line’ is published by Amberley on April 15 and will be available from all good booksellers. John will be signing copies of his book for sale at The Folly Museum in Settle on April 14, from 1.30pm  to 3.30pm.

 

CGIAR Science Week Seeks Solutions for a Food-Secure, Climate Resilient Future

Science and Health

Africa, Biodiversity, Civil Society, Climate Action, Climate Change, Conservation, Development & Aid, Economy & Trade, Editors’ Choice, Environment, Featured, Food and Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Food Sustainability, Gender, Humanitarian Emergencies, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development Goals, TerraViva United Nations, Trade & Investment, Youth Food and Agriculture

Sweetpotato crossing block, Uganda.
Reuben Ssali, a plant breeder Associate with the International Potato Center. Credit: CGIARNAIROBI, Apr 7 2025 (IPS) – CGIAR and the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) are bringing together the world’s leading scientists and decision-makers in agriculture, climate, and health for the first CGIAR Science Week. This gathering will be a key moment to advance research and innovation, inspire action, and establish critical partnerships that can secure investment in sustainable food systems for people and the planet.
IPS’ team of journalists, Busani Bafana, Joyce Chimbi, and Naureen Hossain, will bring you news and interviews throughout the week as the conference unfolds. This will include the launch of the CGIAR Research Portfolio 2025-2030 today (April 7, 2025).
IPS UN Bureau Report,

 

CGIAR Science Week Seeks Solutions for a Food-Secure, Climate Resilient Future

Science and Health

Africa, Biodiversity, Civil Society, Climate Action, Climate Change, Conservation, Development & Aid, Economy & Trade, Editors’ Choice, Environment, Featured, Food and Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Food Sustainability, Gender, Humanitarian Emergencies, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development Goals, TerraViva United Nations, Trade & Investment, Youth Food and Agriculture

Sweetpotato crossing block, Uganda.
Reuben Ssali, a plant breeder Associate with the International Potato Center. Credit: CGIARNAIROBI, Apr 7 2025 (IPS) – CGIAR and the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) are bringing together the world’s leading scientists and decision-makers in agriculture, climate, and health for the first CGIAR Science Week. This gathering will be a key moment to advance research and innovation, inspire action, and establish critical partnerships that can secure investment in sustainable food systems for people and the planet.
IPS’ team of journalists, Busani Bafana, Joyce Chimbi, and Naureen Hossain, will bring you news and interviews throughout the week as the conference unfolds. This will include the launch of the CGIAR Research Portfolio 2025-2030 today (April 7, 2025).
IPS UN Bureau Report,

 

CGIAR Science Week Seeks Solutions for a Food-Secure, Climate Resilient Future

Science and Health

Africa, Biodiversity, Civil Society, Climate Action, Climate Change, Conservation, Development & Aid, Economy & Trade, Editors’ Choice, Environment, Featured, Food and Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Food Sustainability, Gender, Humanitarian Emergencies, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development Goals, TerraViva United Nations, Trade & Investment, Youth Food and Agriculture

Sweetpotato crossing block, Uganda.
Reuben Ssali, a plant breeder Associate with the International Potato Center. Credit: CGIARNAIROBI, Apr 7 2025 (IPS) – CGIAR and the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) are bringing together the world’s leading scientists and decision-makers in agriculture, climate, and health for the first CGIAR Science Week. This gathering will be a key moment to advance research and innovation, inspire action, and establish critical partnerships that can secure investment in sustainable food systems for people and the planet.
IPS’ team of journalists, Busani Bafana, Joyce Chimbi, and Naureen Hossain, will bring you news and interviews throughout the week as the conference unfolds. This will include the launch of the CGIAR Research Portfolio 2025-2030 today (April 7, 2025).
IPS UN Bureau Report,

 

India’s “Jumping Jack” turns 83: Celebrating Jeetendra’s birthday with his most iconic movies

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Happy birthday to the legendary actor Jeetendra! Born on April 7, 1942, Jeetendra, known as the Jumping Jack of Indian cinema, has been a household name for over five decades.With a career spanning over 200 films, he has left an indelible mark on the industry. As we celebrate his birthday, let’s take a look at some of his most iconic roles that continue to entertain and inspire audiences to this day.1. ‘Humjoli’ (1970)This classic musical romance cemented Jeetendra’s status as a leading man in Bollywood. His chemistry with co-star Leena Chandavarkar is still remembered fondly by fans. The song ‘Dhal Gaya Din’ from the movie is still one of the most iconic retro songs of all time.2. ‘Parichay’ (1972)Jeetendra’s nuanced performance in this family drama earned him critical acclaim. The film’s exploration of complex family relationships and social issues remains relevant even today. The song ‘Musafir Hoon Yaaro’ still adds to travel playlists of many travelholics who love Bollywood retro music.3. ‘Khudgarz’ (1987)This revenge drama showcased Jeetendra’s ability to play complex, nuanced characters. His performance alongside co-stars Govinda and Shatrughan Sinha is still widely praised.4. ‘Tohfa’ (1984)This romantic comedy cemented Jeetendra’s status as a versatile actor who could play both dramatic and lighthearted roles. His chemistry with co-star Sridevi and Jaya Prada is still remembered fondly by fans.5. ‘Himmatwala’ (1983)The film, directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, was a commercial success. In Himmatwala, Jeetendra played the role of Ravi, a brave and fearless young man who takes on the villainous forces that threaten his family and community. The film’s blend of action, comedy, and romance allowed Jeetendra to showcase his range as an actor. His chemistry with co-star Sridevi was particularly notable, and their on-screen romance added to the film’s appeal.6. ‘Aulad’ (1987)Jeetendra’s performance in this family drama earned him critical acclaim. The film, directed by Vijay Sadanah, explored themes of family, love, and sacrifice. In Aulad, Jeetendra played the role of Anand, a devoted father who struggles to provide for his family and ensure their well-being. The film’s portrayal of Anand’s journey, as he navigates the challenges of parenthood and societal expectations, was deeply moving and relatable.Jeetendra’s impact on Indian popular culture is undeniable. He has inspired generations of actors and filmmakers, and his films continue to be celebrated by audiences today. His legacy as a beloved actor and producer has left a lasting impact on the Indian film industry.