Category: Blockchain

L&T wins Orders (Major) for Minerals & Metals Business

Chandigarh, Jan 03rd: The Minerals & Metals (M&M) business vertical of L&T has secured major orders from the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and other customers, for EPC projects and products in the domestic metals sector. 

L&T and SAIL share a long-standing relationship spanning several decades, marked by the successful execution of numerous metallurgical projects across India. This partnership continues to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s steel manufacturing ecosystem through innovation, capacity augmentation and sustainable development.

Under its ambitious modernisation and expansion programme, SAIL plans to increase the crude steel capacity of the IISCO Steel Plant at Burnpur, West Bengal, from 2.5 MTPA to 6.5 MTPA. As part of this expansion, M&M has been awarded the complete engineering, procurement and installation package for critical process plants, including the Coke Oven Battery, By-Product Plant, Basic Oxygen Furnace and a specialised equipment package for material handling, which together form the core of the new steel complex.

Simultaneously, SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) in Jharkhand is undergoing a major upstream expansion, for which L&T has been awarded a package to establish Sinter Plant #2, reinforcing its strong presence in the steel sector. 

In addition, the M&M business has secured multiple orders for specialised material handling equipment, including Stacker Reclaimers and Wagon Tipplers, from various clients across India, reflecting its capability to deliver technologically advanced and reliable solutions across the minerals and metals value chain.

Commenting on these achievements, D K Sen, Advisor to CMD, Development Projects & Minerals & Metals, L&T, said: “L&T has been a major contributor to India’s industrial growth story in the metals sector, and our association with SAIL is a proud chapter in our journey. These orders underscore L&T’s ability to deliver world-class metallurgical infrastructure with engineering precision, safety and sustainability at the core. We are privileged to contribute to SAIL’s expansion vision, which is vital to strengthening India’s self-reliance in steel production”.

T Kumaresan, Senior Vice President & Head – Minerals & Metals, L&T, added: “The trust placed in L&T by SAIL once again validates our expertise in delivering complex, technology-intensive projects under challenging schedules. These wins reaffirm our commitment to delivering projects on time, demonstrate our technical capabilities and adherence to project timelines. This also brings out our capabilities in end-to-end execution of complex process packages”.

A Transformative Wellness & Wilderness Retreat For School Leaders Held At Jhore Jole Jongole

Kolkata, Dec 09th: In a unique effort to create space for reflection, rejuvenation and meaningful engagement, over 20 Principals from reputed schools across West Bengal came together for a two-day experiential retreat at Jhore Jole Jongole, the serene nature haven nestled on the fringes of the Sundarbans. Designed as a holistic getaway, the retreat offered school leaders an opportunity to step away from the constant demands of academic administration and immerse themselves in nature, wellness and cultural heritage.

Curated as a journey rather than a programme, the retreat began with a warm traditional welcome at the resort, followed by a thoughtfully prepared lunch. The afternoon unfolded with a Monoshij Mental Wellness Session, allowing the participants to pause, breathe and reconnect with themselves. This was followed by a plantation activity, symbolising growth, sustainability and the collective responsibility of nurturing the environment.

As evening descended, guests gathered for sunset viewing, embracing the quiet beauty of the Sundarbans landscape. The day culminated with an enchanting cultural experience with Baul songs being performed live, accompanied by a bonfire and tandoor snacks, creating an atmosphere of warmth, storytelling and soulful connection. The open-air dinner that followed allowed the principals to unwind while celebrating community and camaraderie.

Day two centred around wellness and wilderness. The morning began with tea at sunrise, easing participants into a guided yoga session and an insightful nutritional talk on mindful living. After breakfast, the group embarked on a guided boat safari, navigating the creeks and mangroves of the Sundarbans a reminder of the fragile ecological balance that sustains one of the world’s most unique biodiversity hotspots.

A visit to the Tiger Rescue Centre deepened this understanding, offering rare insights into wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The retreat concluded with a group lunch, leaving participants refreshed, inspired and bonded by shared experiences.

“Educators nurture the future every single day, often without carving out time for their own wellbeing. This retreat at Jhore Jole Jongole was designed to offer school leaders a meaningful pause, a chance to rejuvenate, reconnect with nature, and engage in reflective conversations beyond the boundaries of their everyday responsibilities. I am delighted that principals from some of the state’s most reputed schools could come together in this environment of learning, wellness and community,” said Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group And Co-Chancellor, Techno India University.

The two-day experience stood as a reminder that nurturing educators is central to nurturing education itself. Through moments of mindfulness, deep conversation and encounters with the natural world, the retreat created space for school leaders to rediscover balance, purpose and renewed energy for the work ahead.

Sugar and Childhood Health: Alarming Truths Revealed by Dietitian in Educational Webinar

Mumbai, June 19th, 2025: Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd. recently organized an insightful webinar – ‘The Sweet Trap: Are Our Kids at Risk?’ – led by renowned Dietitian Saloni Bhatt Koradia who is a founder of “Bounce the Pound with Dietitian Saloni”. The speaker shed light on critical insights about the issue of excessive sugar consumption among children, aiming to empower parents with knowledge and practical strategies for healthier living. It also suggested that schools bring fresh fruits, protein bars and healthy packaged products like makhana, nuts, quinoa puffs etc into their vending machines and canteens.The webinar was attended by both parents and educators from across the country.

Dietitian Saloni Bhatt Koradia, with her decade of experience, gave a webinar on the topic “The Sweet Trap: Are Our Kids at Risk?” She highlighted how sugar, once a treat, has become a daily habit, profoundly impacting children’s behavior, cognitive patterns, and overall growth. The session underscored sugar’s influence on mood, sleep, focus, and hormones, linking it to the alarming rise in conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and type 2 diabetes in younger populations, largely attributed to processed foods and inactive lifestyles.

An important portion of the discussion focused on identifying hidden sugars in common foods, with ketchup cited as a prime example. Ms. Saloni helped parents and educators with crucial three-step guide for reading food labels: scrutinizing ingredient lists for sugar aliases, examining total sugar content per 100 grams and assessing the overall complexity of ingredient lists.

The session also emphasized the strategies for gently reducing sugar intake, promoting portion control and balanced eating without labelling foods as “good” or “bad.” Parents were encouraged to be proactive role models, involving children in healthy food choices, and creating enjoyable eating rituals. Homemade alternatives to packaged juices, such as lemon water or buttermilk, were strongly recommended. In the discussion it was also recommended that the schools can replace sugary vending machine options with healthier alternatives like fresh fruits and protein bars as a vital investment in students’ health.

“It’s crucial for parents to understand that awareness, not fear, is our most powerful tool,” stated Dietitian Saloni Bhatt Koradia. “Thanks to Target Learning Ventures for providing this valuable platform, we’re able to share this vital message. Sugar is everywhere and unavoidable, and its impact on our children’s physical and mental well-being is undeniable. By learning to read labels, making mindful swaps, and setting a healthy example, we can gently guide our children away from the ‘sweet trap’ towards a balanced and vibrant life. Healthier alternatives like jaggery or honey can be a better choice for sweetness, and combining reduced sugar intake with physical activity is key for overall health.”

Dilip Gangaramani, Founder Director & CEO of Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd., concluded, “At Target Learning Ventures, we are committed to fostering an environment where knowledge leads to empowerment. ‘The Sweet Trap’ session which is one of the sessions from our webinar series exemplifies our dedication to addressing critical issues impacting our community, especially our children. Providing platforms for experts like Dietitian Saloni Bhatt Koradia allows us to equip parents with the insights and tools needed to make informed decisions for their families’ long-term health goals. This effort is particularly timely, aligning perfectly with CBSE’s heightened focus on sugar awareness in schools and the national health priorities championed by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We look forward to hosting more such impactful sessions on diverse topics.”

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, reaffirming the audience’s engagement on the topic.

From Reddit to Web3: WallStreetBets Founder Joins Wire Network Leadership

Valued at $150M, Wire Network Strengthens Leadership Behind the Future-Proof Universal Transaction Layer Purpose-Built for the Decentralized AI Economy

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 11, 2025 – Following the debut of MutAgents, the AI-powered blockchain agents unveiled at ETH Denver, Wire Network is making another bold move in its mission to power a safer, stronger, decentralized economy. Today, the company building a universal transaction layer for all chains, announces that Jaime Rogozinski, the visionary founder of WallStreetBets, has joined Wire Network as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).

In his new role, Rogozinski will spearhead strategic initiatives that bridge the gap between traditional markets and modern concepts in finance that incorporate new technology. As a pioneering force in modern finance, he transformed how younger generations engage with digital markets and investments. His experience in building disruptive financial communities and his reputation for leading next-generation financial experiences align seamlessly with Wire Network’s mission to establish a universal, gas-free transaction layer for the new economy.

“We are at a defining moment for blockchain and AI, and having Jaime join us is a game-changer,” said Ken DiCross, CEO of Wire Network. “Few people have reshaped financial culture the way Jaime has. His ability to spot trends, build engaged communities, and drive mass adoption will be invaluable as we continue establishing Wire Network as the foundational layer for the next generation of global financial transactions across all chains.”

“Similar to how WallStreetBets redefined access to financial markets, Wire Network is streamlining Web3 access, providing users with a smooth and intuitive way to transact across chains.” said Rogozinski, Chief Strategy Officer of Wire Network. “We are creating a system where digital assets, financial transactions, and AI agents move seamlessly across blockchains—without the friction that has held this space back for years.”

Wire Network has recently made headlines for its $150 million valuation, a strategic partnership with Yuga Labs’ ApeChain, and its innovative approach to eliminating gas fees while enabling cross-chain transactions. As the company nears its official launch in September, Rogozinski’s leadership will play a critical role in expanding Wire Network’s ecosystem and bringing decentralized finance to mainstream markets.

Units Network Bridges the Gap with Trustless Solution, Ushering in a New Era of Blockchain Interconnectivity

UAE, Dubai,10 April 2025 – Units Network, a leading blockchain ecosystem built on the Waves protocol, has officially announced the launch of its fully trustless bridging solution. This solution directly addresses critical fragmentation issues currently faced by Ethereum’s expanding Layer-2 (L2) ecosystem and blockchain interoperability.

With Ethereum Layer-2 networks increasing rapidly, the market now includes over 100 distinct Layer-2 blockchains. This rapid proliferation has led to severe ecosystem fragmentation. Assets and decentralized applications (dApps) remain largely isolated, complicating asset transfers and inhibiting seamless interaction between networks.

These centralized bridges have repeatedly proven to be significant security liabilities, with industry reports indicating $2.87 billion in asset losses through bridge exploits as of early 2025. Additionally, economic misalignment, popularly termed “vampire attacks,” where L-2 solutions disproportionately benefit from Ethereum’s base-layer security and liquidity without contributing value back to the base layer, creating unsustainable economic imbalances within the ecosystem.

Units.Network’s launch of the fully trustless bridge introduces a pioneering architecture known as “extended consensus,” directly tackling the underlying causes of L2 fragmentation. This innovation ensures interoperability by unifying security and consensus mechanisms across the base Waves blockchain and connected Layer-2s. Unlike existing solutions, Units’ trustless bridge removes reliance on vulnerable centralized gateways, instead leveraging a decentralized network of validators already securing the Waves base layer.

This unification of consensus ensures true decentralization and allows tokens to move securely across layers without centralized gateways. Practically, token transfers between Layers 1 and 2 now occur seamlessly, using identical security standards and validation processes as single-layer transactions. The trustless bridge thus eliminates fragmentation, significantly reducing interoperability friction and providing a secure, and unified blockchain environment.

“The launch of our fully trustless bridging solution is more than an incremental improvement; it’s a structural change essential for blockchain’s next phase,” said Sasha Ivanov, founder of Units.Network and Waves. “Our goal is ensuring security never comes at the cost of decentralization.”

The economic incentives within Units.Network are specifically structured to solve the longstanding issue of Layer-2 solutions extracting security and liquidity from their base layer without reciprocation, commonly known as “vampire attacks.” By requiring Layer-2 platforms to stake the base-layer token, Units creates aligned incentives that reinforce and increase the overall economic value of the foundational blockchain. This not only enhances security but ensures mutual benefit between the base layer and its Layer-2s, establishing a sustainably interconnected ecosystem.

Units.Network’s bridging solution thus represents a critical milestone toward blockchain maturity, removing current barriers for mass adoption, decentralized finance scalability, and multi-chain decentralized application development.

Next-Level Interoperability: ChainSwap’s EVM Bot Powers Cross-Chain Transactions

Dubai, UAE, 1st April 2025– ChainSwap, the leading cross-chain trading platform, is enhancing its user experience with the launch of its new EVM Bot, enabling fast and efficient cross-chain trading directly within Telegram.

Built for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, the ChainSwap EVM Bot empowers users to trade across multiple EVM-compatible blockchains quickly and seamlessly — all without leaving the Telegram interface. Traders can place limit orders, utilize dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategies, manage multiple wallets, and take advantage of advanced features designed for fast, high-performance execution — all from a single, familiar chat environment.

The bot enables lightning-fast trade execution with smart order routing across decentralized exchanges, giving users a powerful edge in responding to live market movements. With customizable strategies and intuitive commands, traders can execute with precision and speed across multiple chains in real time.

“This integration is all about bringing smarter, faster trading to the ChainSwap ecosystem,” said Fitzy, Founder of ChainSwap. “The EVM Bot gives our users a powerful, easy-to-use tool for executing trades across chains without ever leaving Telegram.”

As EVM-based chains continue to drive DeFi innovation, ChainSwap’s EVM Bot is positioned to support both retail and institutional traders with accessible, high-speed trading capabilities across the multi-chain ecosystem.

This milestone marks another major step toward ChainSwap’s vision of making cross-chain trading seamless, accessible, and highly efficient. The EVM Bot integration will roll out later this year, with continued feature upgrades and performance enhancements to follow.

OpenZeppelin & Midnight Forge a New Era of Private Blockchain Tech

London, UK—27 February, 2025 — Midnight, a new data protection blockchain and first partner chain to Cardano, has teamed up with OpenZeppelin, a world leader in blockchain security and development, to facilitate the creation of new use cases while strengthening existing applications across the blockchain ecosystem through the provision of new smart contract development frameworks.

As part of this collaboration, OpenZeppelin is developing a specialized smart contract library to support developers looking to leverage Midnight’s programmable data protection capabilities. The tailored library will include Compact equivalents of ERC token standards (such as ERC20, ERC721, ERC1155, and ERC3643), as well as a number of starter applications to kickstart the development experience.

Compact, Midnight’s native programming language for building zero-knowledge smart contracts, is based on Typescript, one of the most widely used programming languages. By developing Compact equivalents of ERC token standards, Midnight is ensuring that projects within its ecosystem have a secure, robust and interoperable framework to build upon.

“We are excited to work with Midnight to drive a new era of privacy-focused blockchain applications. At OpenZeppelin, we believe that privacy and data security are fundamental pillars of any advanced decentralized ecosystem,” said Jonathan Alexander, CTO at OpenZeppelin. “With our experience in blockchain development and security, we will build the Midnight Contracts Library, developer tooling, and Midnight starter decentralized applications to streamline the development experience on the Midnight Network, ultimately fostering greater adoption of privacy-preserving blockchain applications.”

The starter apps will explore new use cases in DeFi, Real World Asset (RWA) Tokenization and Identity–areas where programmable compliance and data protection are critical to ensuring success in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Through the provision of these starter apps, developers will have access to pre-built examples that showcase how Midnight’s smart contracts can be applied to these sectors. These examples will not only serve as inspiration for leveraging zero-knowledge proofs with Midnight, but will also provide developers with building blocks to design their own applications.

For those already building in other blockchain ecosystems, this partnership seeks to provide an accessible way for developers to integrate Midnight’s privacy-preserving smart contract technology into their existing applications.

“Privacy is the cornerstone of innovation, which is why Midnight’s data and metadata protection capabilities will be key to unlocking DeFi, RWA, Medical, Gaming, and other business DApps. With OpenZeppelin’s instrumental support, we’re helping ecosystem developers create new DApps and elevate existing ones to offer data protection while ensuring compliance in today’s rapidly shifting landscape. This partnership transforms the security and optimization of applications across various blockchain ecosystems, paving the way for a seamless, private, multichain future,” said Eran Barak, CEO of Midnight.

The collaboration between these industry disruptors will be further discussed by Eran Barak and OpenZeppelin CTO, Jonathan Alexander, at a fireside event during ETHDenver on Friday, February 28th. Please see here for more details.

Binance Launches Alpha to Boost Pre-Listing Transparency

December 19, 2024 – Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, has announced the launch of Binance Alpha, a platform within Binance Wallet (previously known as Binance Web3 Wallet) designed to spotlight early-stage projects and help users explore Alpha opportunities. Notably, Binance Alpha serves as a platform for featuring tokens that may be considered for listings on the Binance Exchange in the future.

“Binance Alpha serves as a pre-listing token selection pool, designed to enhance transparency in the process of token consideration for Binance Exchange listings,” said Winson Liu, Global Lead of Binance Wallet. “By publicly highlighting a curated selection of early-stage projects, Binance Alpha fosters community trust, offering users insights into tokens with potential for future growth within the Binance ecosystem.”

Tokens featured on Binance Alpha are selected using Binance’s industry expertise and advanced insights, spotlighting those that demonstrate strong community interest, growing traction and alignment with key trends shaping the crypto ecosystem. Binance Alpha is also intended to provide users with valuable insights into promising projects, helping to deepen their understanding of the Web3 landscape and its potential to shape the future of blockchain technology.

Announcements about upcoming tokens on Binance Alpha will be shared on Binance Wallet’s and Binance’s official social channels prior to their launch. A countdown clock and chain details will appear on the Binance Wallet’s Markets tab. Tokens will go live in batches for a 24-hour showcase period, during which users can explore project details and purchase tokens using the Quick Buy feature. After the spotlight ends, featured tokens will remain in the same Alpha section in the Markets tab, where users can continue to track and trade.

The “Quick Buy” feature enhances the trading experience by optimizing the existing Swap functionality within Binance Wallet. This innovation enables faster and more seamless transactions, offering a higher success rate and better prices compared to other decentralized exchanges (DEXes) or trading bots. Key improvements include automatic selection of the native chain’s token and default trading amount based on wallet holdings, automatic slippage adjustment during retries to improve transaction success rates, and an anti-MEV mechanism to mitigate the effects of Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) on large transactions, ensuring better prices for users.

Users can explore Binance Alpha and discover innovative projects on Binance Wallet starting December 18, 2024, with five tokens planned to be announced on that day and the following two days — December 19th and 20th — subject to changes. For the latest updates, users can follow Binance Wallet’s official X account.

Hollywood’s Trendsetting Couples Rock Fall 2024’s Hottest Colors

As Fall 2024 unfolds, Hollywood’s most glamorous couples set the stage for seasonal fashion with striking, coordinated outfits. Fashion influencer Livia Gueissaz delves into the aesthetic appeal of matching styles, showcasing how these iconic duos redefine a couple’s fashion while emphasizing unity and elegance. “When couples choose to match their outfits, they’re making a bold statement about their connection and shared values in the fashion world,” Livia shares.

Leading the way in couple style, Zendaya and Tom Holland stole the spotlight in New York, showcasing their impeccable fashion sense with a chic his-and-hers burgundy ensemble while celebrating Holland’s latest business venture. Zendaya complemented her partner’s sophisticated look by opting for a natural autumn aesthetic, stepping away from her blonde bob to embrace the rich tones of the season. This intentional choice reflects their ability to harmonize personal style with the couple’s identity, creating a memorable moment highlighting their deep connection.

Another power couple making waves this season is Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas. At a recent high-profile event, Priyanka stunned in a striking gold asymmetrical gown by Dolce & Gabbana, perfectly accentuating her figure and radiating confidence. Nick, not to be outdone, donned a modern suit by Fear of God featuring a chic cropped jacket and oversized trousers. The synergy of gold tones in Priyanka’s gown and Nick’s understated yet sleek ensemble creates a sophisticated balance that speaks to their shared elegance. Their coordinated fashion choices are a testament to the artistry of the couple’s style, blending individual expression with a cohesive look. “Coordinated looks not only enhance a couple’s visual appeal but also reflect the strength of their partnership, turning every appearance into a celebration of their bond,” Livia adds.

Rounding out the list of stylish duos, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade have been spotted on various red carpets, consistently embracing complementary tones. This season, they opted for rich dark purple outfits that perfectly encapsulate fall’s opulent palette. Their fashion choices showcase their refined taste and highlight the power of partnership through style, reinforcing the idea that true elegance lies in unity. “In a sea of individual expression, matching styles allow couples to stand out and tell their unique story, showcasing how love and fashion can beautifully intertwine,” Livia concludes.

As these couples redefine modern aesthetics with matching looks, Livia Gueissaz emphasizes that coordinated styles go beyond mere fashion— they symbolize a deeper connection and shared identity. This fall, matching outfits are more than trends; they are expressions of love and partnership, setting the standard for couples everywhere.