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.