Ardan Stories

A BBC investigation reveals that millions of waste tires from the UK are being illegally exported to India, where they are burned in unregulated pyrolysis plants, causing severe health and environmental issues.

A recent investigation by the BBC has uncovered a troubling reality regarding the disposal of waste tires in the UK. Instead of being recycled as intended, millions of tires are being shipped to India, where they are incinerated in makeshift furnaces, leading to significant health risks and environmental damage.

The Journey of Waste Tires

Most car owners are familiar with the process of changing tires, which typically includes a small fee for safe disposal and recycling. However, the BBC's investigation reveals that this process is not as straightforward as it seems. While tires are supposed to be shredded and repurposed for uses such as surfacing horse arenas and children's playgrounds, approximately half of the waste tires in the UK are instead compacted into bales. This method is more profitable, leading to their export abroad.

Tracking the Tires

To uncover the fate of these tires, the BBC collaborated with Source Material, an organization focused on environmental issues. They fitted trackers to end-of-life tires to trace their journey. The investigation revealed that many of these tires were sent on a 1,000 km journey to Central India, where they ended up in pyrolysis plants.

The Pyrolysis Process

Pyrolysis is a method that involves heating tires to high temperatures to extract oil and steel. However, many of these plants in India are unlicensed and unmonitored, and it is illegal to import tires for pyrolysis in the country. The process is not only hazardous but also produces a dangerous mix of gases and chemicals, contributing to severe pollution.

Health Risks and Environmental Impact

The investigation highlighted alarming conditions at these pyrolysis plants. Reports of oil spills and leaks, along with visible carbon dust, indicate a blatant disregard for health and safety regulations. Local residents have reported health issues such as sore throats and coughing, particularly concerning as children play in the polluted environment.

In January, a tragic explosion at a makeshift pyrolysis plant near Mumbai resulted in the deaths of two children and two adults. Following this incident, local authorities shut down seven neighboring plants, yet many facilities continue to operate, perpetuating the cycle of pollution.

The Black Market for Tires

The investigation also revealed that a significant portion of the waste tires exported from the UK ends up in India's black market. A visit to a tire disposal company in Rochdale confirmed that these bales of end-of-life tires are indeed sent to India, where they are processed in pyrolysis plants to produce furnace oil and carbon. The company’s owner, Zahir, acknowledged that he cannot control what happens to the tires once they arrive in India, emphasizing that this practice is widespread and known within the industry.

Government Regulations and Accountability

While the UK government claims to have stringent regulations for exporting waste tires, including severe penalties for violations, environmental groups argue that these measures are insufficient. They call for stricter oversight of both the dealers and the waste itself to prevent further environmental degradation.

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The findings of this investigation shed light on a significant environmental issue that affects both the UK and India. The illegal export of waste tires not only undermines recycling efforts but also poses serious health risks to communities in India. As the investigation concludes, it is clear that more stringent regulations and accountability are needed to address this pressing problem and protect both the environment and public health.

A review of the five of the best handwritten note-taking apps for Android in 2025, highlighting their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help users choose the right app for their needs.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, note-taking apps have become essential tools for productivity. This blog post focuses on five of the best handwritten note-taking apps available for Android in 2025. Each app offers unique features that cater to different user needs, making it easier to choose the right one for your note-taking style.

1. Samsung Notes

Samsung Notes is an excellent choice for users with Samsung devices. This app provides a seamless experience for both text-based and handwritten notes. Here are some key features:

Free to Use: As a default app on Samsung devices, it comes at no additional cost, unlike many other note-taking apps that require subscriptions.

Organizational Tools: Users can create folders and subfolders to manage their notes effectively. You can also import PDFs and annotate them directly within the app.

Handwriting Recognition: While it allows users to convert handwritten notes to text, the accuracy can vary.

Device Performance: The app's performance may lag when handling large PDFs, depending on the device used.

Overall, Samsung Notes excels in providing a robust note-taking experience, especially for Samsung tablet users.

2. Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is another free app that stands out for its organizational capabilities. Here’s what makes it a great option:

Organizational Structure: Users can create notebooks, sections, and pages, allowing for a clean and organized workspace. Color coding folders helps in managing different subjects or projects.

Handwriting Experience: The app offers a natural writing experience, although some users may encounter palm rejection issues.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: OneNote is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, making it a versatile choice for users across different devices.

Drag and Drop Functionality: Users can easily drag and drop text from web browsers into their notes, enhancing productivity.

However, OneNote can be slow at times, which may be frustrating for users with attention difficulties.

3. Flexcil

Flexcil is ideal for academic research and detailed document work. It combines a PDF reader with a note-taking tool, offering unique features:

PDF Integration: Users can easily switch between PDFs and notes, making it perfect for those who frequently work with academic materials.

Customizable Notes: The app provides various notebook covers and page layouts, allowing users to personalize their notes.

Smooth Writing Experience: Unlike some competitors, Flexcil does not have palm rejection issues, ensuring a seamless writing experience.

Freemium Model: While the app is free to use, many features require a premium subscription.

Flexcil is particularly beneficial for users who need to annotate PDFs and take notes simultaneously.

4. Notewise

Notewise is a rising star in the note-taking app market, offering a user-friendly interface similar to GoodNotes on iPad. Key features include:

Intuitive Layout: The app provides quick access to pen options and sizes, streamlining the note-taking process.

Real-Time Collaboration: Users can collaborate on handwritten notes in real-time, making it an excellent choice for team projects.

Split-Screen Multitasking: This feature allows users to compare notes side by side, enhancing productivity.

Freemium Model: Users can create up to three notes for free, with additional features available through a premium subscription.

Notewise is perfect for those who value collaboration and a smooth writing experience.

5. Jnotes

Jnotes offers a sleek and intuitive interface, focusing on simplicity and functionality. Here’s what to expect:

Clean Design: The app’s interface minimizes distractions, allowing users to focus on their content.

Writing Experience: While there is slight latency in writing, this can help users slow down and focus on their handwriting.

Integrated To-Do List: Jnotes includes a to-do list feature, making it an all-in-one productivity tool.

Subscription Model: Users can try the app for 30 days for free, after which a subscription is required.

Jnotes is suitable for users looking for a straightforward note-taking app with additional organizational features.

Conclusion

Choosing the right note-taking app can significantly enhance your productivity and organization. Each of the apps discussed offers unique features tailored to different needs, whether you prioritize collaboration, PDF integration, or a clean writing experience. Stay tuned for part two, where we will explore more note-taking apps for Android in 2025.

In a digital age where networking has evolved, Margaux Miller shares six essential strategies to foster genuine connections online, emphasizing quality over quantity, thoughtful communication, and the importance of follow-up.

In today's digital landscape, the way we connect has transformed dramatically. With over five billion internet users worldwide, the potential for networking is immense. However, many still struggle with making genuine connections online. In her TED talk, Margaux Miller outlines six effective strategies to enhance our online networking skills, moving beyond superficial interactions to foster meaningful relationships.

The Shift in Networking

Networking has evolved from traditional etiquette classes and face-to-face interactions to a more complex digital environment. The skills that once served us well in person are no longer sufficient. Today, our networks can span the globe, and the majority of job placements occur through personal connections. Therefore, understanding how to connect meaningfully online is crucial.

Strategy 1: Connect, Don’t Collect

The first step in building better connections is to focus on quality rather than quantity. In an era where scrolling can feel like connecting, it’s essential to remember that building a helpful community is not a numbers game.

Set Goals: Know why you are reaching out and have a clear purpose.

Do Your Homework: Research the person you want to connect with. For example, Tali, who sought a remote job in community building, tailored her outreach by researching what mattered to Margaux, leading to a successful connection.

Personalize Your Message: Mention something specific about their work or interests to show genuine interest.

Strategy 2: Don’t Make It About You

Dale Carnegie famously stated that you can make more friends by being interested in others than by trying to get them interested in you. When reaching out:

Be Clear and Purposeful: Include a specific call to action in your message.

Make Them Feel Special: For instance, Tali asked Margaux about her career journey, making it easy for Margaux to agree to a call without needing to prepare extensively about herself.

Avoid Generic Messages: Messages that lack purpose, such as a simple "Hello," are unlikely to elicit a response.

Strategy 3: Become a Familiar Face

To increase your chances of making connections, strive to become a recognizable presence in your field:

Engage with Content: Comment on posts and participate in discussions relevant to your interests.

Join Online Communities: Share your expertise and connect with like-minded individuals.

Tag Relevant People: When discussing topics, tag individuals who might find the conversation valuable, enhancing your visibility.

Strategy 4: Bring In-Person Connections Online

Networking doesn’t end when an event concludes. To solidify connections:

Follow Up: After meeting someone, send a message that includes specifics about your interaction.

Share Memories: Sending a picture taken together can help reinforce the connection.

Pre-Event Outreach: Before attending conferences, reach out to potential contacts to set up meetings in advance, as Margaux did before her trip to Prague.

Strategy 5: Lose the Emojis and Be Thoughtful

While quick responses may seem convenient, they often lack depth. Instead:

Engage Meaningfully: Treat online conversations like a game of tennis; aim for thoughtful exchanges rather than just sending quick replies.

Provide Value: Ensure your messages offer something that the recipient can respond to, fostering a two-way conversation.

Strategy 6: Follow Up or Fail

Maintaining relationships is crucial for networking success:

Stay in Touch: Regularly reach out through messages, comments, or shares to keep connections alive.

Be Generous: Share helpful resources or information that might benefit your contacts.

Respond Promptly: Always acknowledge messages and express gratitude to keep the lines of communication open.

Start Connecting Today

Building meaningful connections online is a skill that can be developed with practice. Remember, everyone starts from the same place, and the more effort you put into crafting thoughtful outreach, the more rewarding your networking experience will be.

Think of someone you’ve been wanting to connect with—whether for feedback, support, or collaboration—and reach out today. The opportunity for meaningful connections is just a message away.

Every scroll releases dopamine, the same chemical that makes gambling addictive 

Your phone isn't just distracting you 

It's keeping you hooked

Your phone is making you STUPID – and you don’t even realize it.

Science shows that excessive phone use lowers your IQ, kills focus, and weakens memory. But how? And can you fix it? 🤯

Most people can’t concentrate for longer than 8 seconds – that’s less than a goldfish! 🐟 But here’s the scary part:

Your phone is rewiring your brain for distraction and destroying your ability to think deeply.

Η ανερχόμενη κινεζική startup DeepSeek προκάλεσε αναστάτωση στις παγκόσμιες αγορές και στον τεχνολογικό κλάδο, με την αποκάλυψη του νέου μοντέλου τεχνητής νοημοσύνης της, R1, το οποίο υπερβαίνει σε αποδοτικότητα τους Αμερικανούς ανταγωνιστές της, όπως τα GPT-4o, Gemini 2.0 και Claude 3.5. 

Το μοντέλο, που αναπτύχθηκε με κόστος μόλις 6 εκατ. δολάρια, ανατρέπει την κυρίαρχη αντίληψη πως απαιτούνται δισεκατομμύρια επενδύσεων στον τομέα.

Η επιτυχία της DeepSeek αμφισβητεί την κυριαρχία των ΗΠΑ στην AI, εγείροντας ανησυχίες για έναν πιθανό νέο εμπορικό πόλεμο με την Κίνα. Η τεχνολογική εξέλιξη της DeepSeek αποτελεί μια "αφύπνιση" για τον αμερικανικό τεχνολογικό κλάδο.

The NEW LG CineBeam Q is a 4K Laser Projector smaller than an iPhone but the picture quality is HUGE!!

Year after year, Google keeps improving the Pixel series...but is it enough?

To Galaxy Z Fold 5 είναι με διαφορά το πιο ολοκληρωμένο Foldable Smartphone που υπάρχει, και αυτό είναι πλέον το αναλυτικό του Review. Η Samsung έχει κάνει τις αλλαγές και τις βελτιώσεις που έχουν σημασία, προκειμένου να είναι καλύτερο από το αμέσως προηγούμενο μοντέλο, για μια ακόμα φορά χωρίς να προσπαθεί να εντυπωσιάσει με κάποιον άσκοπο τρόπο. 

Ο μηχανισμός που διπλώνει την οθόνη του, δεν αφήνει πλέον κάποιο... κενό, κάτι που πρακτικά έχει αλλάξει και την αίσθηση που δίνει στο χέρι όταν είναι κλειστό αλλά και οπτικά την εμφάνιση του Galaxy Z Fold 5. Η ίδια η LTPO AMOLED 2X αναδιπλούμενη οθόνη, είναι σημαντικά πιο φωτεινή στα έως 1.750nits και ταυτόχρονα έχει μειωθεί έστω και λίγο το πόσο ορατό είναι το σημείο που διπλώνει.

Στο εσωτερικό του Galaxy Z Fold 5 αναμενόμενα και πάλι βρίσκεται ο Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 επεξεργαστής της Qualcomm, στην "for Galaxy" έκδοση που είναι αποκλειστική για την Samsung. Το One UI 5.1.1 έρχεται με μικρές βελτιώσεις για καλύτερη χρήση της εσωτερικής αναδιπλούμενης οθόνης, ενώ η βασική έκδοση έχει για μια ακόμα φορά 256GB διαθέσιμου χώρου και 12GB RAM. 

Exploring the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: A blend of style and functionality

Introduction:

In the fast-paced world we live in, having a reliable smartwatch that seamlessly integrates into our daily lives has become a necessity. Samsung has always been at the forefront of wearable technology, and with the release of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, they continue to uphold their reputation of delivering cutting-edge devices. This blog post dives into the features and benefits of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, capturing its essence as the perfect blend of style and functionality.

Design and Display:

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic boasts a timeless design, featuring a circular stainless-steel case and premium leather band options. It exudes sophistication and can effortlessly transition from the office to a formal event. The device is available in various color combinations, allowing you to choose one that matches your personal style.

The centerpiece of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is its vibrant and crisp display. With its 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen, the watch offers an immersive visual experience, making it easy to navigate through menus, read messages, and view notifications. The always-on display feature ensures that you can quickly glance at your watch without having to raise or tap the screen.

Health and Fitness Tracking:

Samsung has always prioritized health and fitness, and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a testament to that commitment. Packed with advanced sensors, this smartwatch takes comprehensive health tracking to a new level. It can monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, and even provide insights into stress levels.

For fitness enthusiasts, the watch offers a wide range of workout modes and automatic tracking options. Whether you're running, cycling, or swimming, the built-in GPS accurately tracks your routes and provides detailed metrics to help you achieve your fitness goals. The watch is also water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

Smart Features and Connectivity:

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic seamlessly integrates with your smartphone, allowing you to stay connected on the go. You can receive and respond to notifications, make and receive calls, and even stream music directly from your wrist. With built-in storage, you can store your favorite songs and enjoy them wirelessly via Bluetooth earphones.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the incorporation of ChatGPT technology. Powered by GPTGO, this smartwatch introduces a search engine capability that provides users with instant answers to their queries. Simply ask a question, and the watch will display relevant information, ensuring you have quick access to knowledge without reaching for your smartphone.

Battery Life and Additional Features:

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers impressive battery life, allowing you to go days without worrying about recharging. The wireless charging feature makes it convenient to power up your device when needed.

Additional features include NFC for contactless payments, Samsung Pay compatibility, and a wide range of customizable watch faces to suit your mood and preferences. The watch also supports third-party app integration, expanding its functionality based on your unique needs.

Conclusion:

The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is a remarkable smartwatch that combines style, functionality, and real-time knowledge at your fingertips. Its sleek design, powerful health tracking capabilities, smart features, and GPTGO-powered search engine make it a standout device in the ever-growing world of wearables. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or a tech-savvy individual, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is ready to enhance your everyday life.

New Google Pixel 7a 2023 comes with Tensor G2, 90Hz Display, 64MP Dual Camera setup

That A34 5G uses MediaTek's Dimensity 1080 and the Samsung A54 5G has that Exynos 1380, which apparently offers a slight performance boost in early benchmarking. 

Both of these mid-range smartphones serve up a familiar S23 design, although the A34 is larger at 6.6 inches vs 6.4. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G upgrades the back to Gorilla Glass 5, while both are water resistant.

That camera tech is completely different, however. You get a larger sensor with bigger pixels on the Samsung A54, for improved low-light photography. 

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G may sport a smaller display but it's the same slick Super AMOLED tech with 120Hz refresh and 1000 nits brightness. You have a stereo speaker setup, microSD support, and years of OS updates too.

Unboxing and Review of the Redmi Note 12 Discovery Edition - the Fastest Charging commercial phone in the world

Poco F4 GT long-term review

Poco's GT line does scream "gaming", but it does so at a quieter volume than other device families - think of Red Magics and ROG Phones and the likes. These are all gaming phones, but they're different, and the Poco F4 GT does seem to be on the tamer side of things, especially if you get it in any color that isn't yellow.

Read the whole article and learn everything

Σκοπός είναι οι πόροι που θα εξοικονομηθούν από το προσωπικό να επενδυθούν στην ανάπτυξη τεχνολογιών 5G

Με τις επενδύσεις σε επικοινωνίες επόμενης γενιάς να αυξάνονται ραγδαία στον χώρο της τεχνολογίας, η Nokia αποφάσισε να μειώσει το προσωπικό της κατά 10,000 μέσα στα επόμενα δύο χρόνια, με στόχο να επενδύσει όσο περισσότερο μπορεί στο 5G.

Μέσω της νεώτερης ανακοίνωσής της, η εταιρεία γνωστοποίησε πως κόβοντας μεταξύ 5,000 και 10,000 θέσεις, θα μειώσει τα βασικά έξοδα κατά 600 εκατομμύρια ευρώ μέχρι το τέλος του 2023. Τα χρήματα αυτά θα προστεθούν στην επένδυση για R&D, "μελλοντικές δυνατότητες" και πληθωρισμό μισθών.

Για την ώρα, η Nokia απασχολεί περίπου 90,000 εργαζόμενους, με την μείωση αυτή να αντιστοιχεί σε περίπου 5% με 10% του εργατικού δυναμικού της. Η Nokia πρόσθεσε πως θα βελτιώσει τις επιχειρηματικές της δραστηριότητες, ειδικά τώρα που έχει 4 ξεχωριστές ομάδες, οι οποίες έχουν ξεκάθαρο στόχο μια βιώσιμη, κερδοφόρα ανάπτυξη, σύμφωνα με τον CEO Pekka Lundmark.

Οι 4 ομάδες αυτές είναι η Υποδομή δικτύου, Nokia Technologies, Cloud και Υπηρεσίες δικτύου και Δίκτυα κινητής τηλεφωνίας, με τις δύο τελευταίες να είναι αυτές που θα υποστούν τις μεγαλύτερες αλλαγές, με την Nokia να θέλει να επενδύσει όσο περισσότερο μπορεί σε τεχνολογίες 5G και Cloud υπηρεσίες.

Όπως όλα δείχνουν, ο πραγματικός στόχος της Nokia με τις αλλαγές που έρχονται, φαίνεται να είναι να φτάσει άλλες εταιρείες δικτύων όπως Huawei και Ericcson, οι οποίες είναι πρωτοπόροι στον χώρο. Τα θετικά νέα (για τη Nokia) είναι πως ΗΠΑ και Αγγλία έχουν περιορίσει την Huawei σε παροχή εξοπλισμού δικτύων που βασίζονται σε 5G (κάτι που μπορεί να εφαρμοστεί και από άλλες Ευρωπαϊκές χώρες), επιτρέποντας στη Nokia να έχει μικρότερο ανταγωνισμό όπως και μια ευκαιρία να αναπτυχθεί στο μέλλον.

insomnia.gr

H SellCell πραγματοποίησε μία έρευνα τα αποτελέσματα της οποίας δείχνουν ότι αυξάνεται η πίστη στο iPhone, σε αντίθεση με το Android. Μάλιστα, η πίστη στο iPhone έχει φτάσει σε ιστορικά υψηλά ποσοστά.

Η έρευνα της SellCell έγινε σε 5000 Αμερικανούς κατόχους smartphones, στις αρχές Μαρτίου. Ένα από τα αξιοσημείωτα ευρήματα της εν λόγω έρευνας είναι ότι οι φίλοι των iPhone δείχνουν αυξανόμενη πίστη στην Apple, σε ποσοστό ρεκόρ της τάξης του 92%. H πίστη των φίλων του Android δείχνει πτωτικές τάσεις.

Η πίστη σε μία φίρμα ορίζεται ως η πρόθεση των καταναλωτών να αγοράσουν και πάλι ένα προϊόν της. Η πίστη στο Android ήταν σε ποσοστό 85.7% το 2019, ενώ τώρα έχει πέσει στο 74%. H πίστη στα Google Pixel βρίσκεται στο 65.2%, στα LG είναι σε ποσοστό 37.4% και ένα ποσοστό 29% δηλώνουν ότι θα συνεχίσουν να προτιμούν προϊόντα της Motorola.

To ζήτημα της προστασίας της ιδιωτικότητας φαίνεται ότι είναι ένας καθοριστικός παράγοντας, αφού ένα ποσοστό 52.9% των κατόχων Samsung δηλώνει ότι σκέφτεται την… μετοίκηση σε άλλο στρατόπεδο με την αγορά ενός iPhone με γνώμονα την ασφάλεια. Το 1/3 των ερωτηθέντων έθεσε ψηλά στην ατζέντα το θέμα της ασφάλειας.

Υπάρχουν εκείνοι που θεωρούν ότι η μετάβαση σε μία νέα πλατφόρμα είναι μπελάς, αλλά σε γενικές γραμμές, στην έρευνα αυτή δεν ήταν η πλειοψηφία, ούτε φάνηκε να ακούγεται η φωνή μόνο των Apple fanboys. To ποσοστό των ερωτηθέντων που δήλωσε ότι μένει πιστό σε ένα συγκεκριμένο οικοσύστημα, όπως αυτό της Apple έμεινε στο 21%.

Όπως και να έχει, εδώ μιλάμε για μία έρευνα που έγινε αποκλειστικά στις ΗΠΑ και αφορούσε στις βασικές φίρμες που επιλέγουν οι καταναλωτές εκεί. Δεν αφορά στο σύνολο της παγκόσμιας αγοράς.

technews.gr

Το νέο Mi 11, το απόλυτο κινηματογραφικό στούντιο τσέπης, μετατρέπει κάθε λάτρη της φωτογραφίας και του βίντεο σε σκηνοθέτη! Έξι κινηματογραφικές λειτουργίες AI διευκολύνουν τις καλλιτεχνικές λήψεις με ένα μόνο κλικ ✌️ #MovieMagic #comingsoon #Xiaomi #InnovationForEveryone

Πρόσθεσε λίγη κινηματογραφική μαγεία, ακόμη και όταν τελειώσεις να τραβάς το video σου!

Το #Mi11​ σου προσφέρει επαγγελματικά φίλτρα για να απογειώσεις τις δημιουργίες σου!