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People, food, places and events that dominated Google searches in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, Google search trends reveal what captured global curiosity this year, from chart-topping musicians and headline-making personalities to comfort foods, global events and bucket-list travel destinations. Most Googled People of 2025 d4vd: American singer-songwriter who shot to global fame with viral tracks like Romantic Homicide. Kendrick Lamar: Acclaimed rapper and Pulitzer Prize winner, frequently hailed among the greatest artists of his generation. Jimmy Kimmel: Popular American television host and comedian known for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Tyler Robinson: An American individual linked to a widely reported public shooting case. Pope Leo XIV: Made history as the first American-born pontiff after being elected head of the Catholic Church. Most Searched Foods of 2025 Hot Honey: Sweet-and-spicy condiment that topped global searches, commonly paired with pizza, chicken and vegetables. Marry Me Chicken: Creamy, flavour-packed one-pot dish that continued its viral social media popularity. Chimichurri: Argentine herb sauce that gained popularity for its versatility beyond steak, including seafood dishes. Chia Pudding: Health-focused, high-fibre breakfast option driven by wellness and meal-prep trends. White Chicken Chilli: Comfort food favourite featuring chicken, white beans and green chillies. Most Googled Places of 2025 Bilbao, Spain: Search interest surged due to cultural attractions, sporting events and improved international connectivity. Barbados: Renewed attention driven by luxury hotel openings and increased global air connectivity. Dubai, UAE: Continued tourism boom fuelled by new attractions and the opening of the world’s tallest hotel. Santander, Spain: Emerged as a trending coastal destination amid Spain’s record tourism year. Ibiza, Spain: Saw sustained interest thanks to nightlife, new hospitality projects and offbeat travel appeal. Global Trending Events of 2025 According to Google’s Year in Search 2025, global attention was drawn to a mix of political upheavals, security concerns and climate-related crises. The most searched news events included: Charlie Kirk Assassination: The killing of the American conservative activist in September sparked widespread shock and intense global search interest. Iran: Searches surged amid evolving geopolitical tensions and international diplomatic developments involving Iran. US Government Shutdown: Political gridlock in Washington led to a federal shutdown, driving sustained public curiosity worldwide. Election of a New Pope: The appointment of Pope Leo XIV marked a historic moment as he became the first American-born pontiff. Los Angeles Fires and Hurricane Melissa: Extreme weather events, including devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and Hurricane Melissa, dominated searches related to climate emergencies.

17 December,2025 09:31 PM IST | Mumbai
MEA said the Bangladeshi High Commissioner was apprised of India’s serious concerns. Representational pic

Amid security concerns, India closes visa centre in Dhaka

India on Wednesday closed its main visa application centre in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka in view of the prevailing security situation, even as New Delhi summoned Bangladesh’s envoy and conveyed strong concerns over threats to the safety of its mission, news agency PTI reported. The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, the primary integrated centre handling all Indian visa services in the capital, closed its operations from 2 pm on Wednesday. “In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today,” the IVAC said in a statement. It added that all applicants with appointments scheduled for submission on Wednesday would be rescheduled for a later date, PTI reported. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah and expressed India’s strong concern over certain extremist elements announcing plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka. “We expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations,” the MEA said. MEA rejects ‘false narrative’, flags extremist threats to Indian mission in Dhaka In a separate statement, the MEA said India “completely rejects the false narrative” being sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent developments in Bangladesh. It also expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity from Dhaka, PTI reported. “It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents,” the ministry said, without elaborating on the events. The MEA stated the Bangladeshi envoy was apprised of India’s serious concerns over the deteriorating security environment in the country, PTI reported. “His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka,” the ministry said. India’s decision to temporarily close the visa application centre comes amid heightened tensions over security and follows New Delhi’s diplomatic engagement with Dhaka to ensure the safety of Indian personnel and facilities in Bangladesh. (With PTI inputs)

17 December,2025 07:12 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being seen off by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali. (Pic/PTI)

PM Modi departs for Oman on last leg of three-nation visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left for Oman from Ethiopia on the last leg of his four-day, three-nation visit. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali drove Modi to the airport and personally bid farewell to him as he departed for Oman. In a social media post, Abiy said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, I hope we will get an opportunity to meet again. Our nations will always be connected by historical, cultural and diplomatic ties." During Modi's maiden visit to East African nation, the two countries elevated their historical ties to the level of 'Strategic Partnership'. He also held wide-ranging talks with Abiy, following which, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of various MoUs in various fields. The Memoranda of Understanding were signed in the fields of UN Peacekeeping Operations Training, Mutual Administrative Assistance in the Customs Matters, and the establishment of Data Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. The two sides also announced debt restructuring under G20, more Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare. Modi also addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian parliament, during which he hailed the two countries as "natural partners" in regional peace, security and connectivity. This was the 18th parliament in the world that Prime Minister Modi has addressed. "Delighted to have interacted with Ministers and MPs of Ethiopia after my address to the Ethiopian Parliament," he said in a post on X. The prime minister was conferred Ethiopia's highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. He is the first global head of state to receive this award. He also planted a sapling at the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives, as part of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative and Ethiopia's Green Legacy initiative, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in an X post. "Two nations, two traditions, one shared promise to honour our Mother Earth and build a greener future," he said. Modi on Wednesday underscored the outcomes of his visit to Ethiopia, calling the signing of multiple agreements a significant step in strengthening a bilateral partnership focused on "growth and people-centric development". Modi is visiting Oman at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, with whom he will hold discussions on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship. The visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and follows the state visit of Sultan Tarik to India in December 2023. Modi is also scheduled to address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman. It will be his second visit to Oman. "This visit will be an opportunity for both sides to comprehensively review the bilateral partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture and culture as well as exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs had said in an earlier statement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

17 December,2025 05:07 PM IST | Addis Ababa | PTI
PM Narendra Modi addresses a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Pic/PTI

Global South shaping its own destiny, India and Ethiopia share common vision: PM

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Global South is shaping its own future, as he addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament during his visit to the country, news agency ANI reported. “The Global South is writing its own destiny, and India and Ethiopia share a vision for the future,” PM Modi said, adding that developing nations are moving ahead with confidence and clarity about their priorities. Referring to India’s worldview, he stated, “Our vision is of a world where the Global South rises not against anyone, but for everyone.” PM Modi also stressed the need to reform global governance structures, and said that the world cannot progress if institutions remain rooted in the past, ANI reported. “A world where development is fair, where technology is accessible, and where sovereignty is respected… the world cannot move forward if its system remains locked in the past,” he said, in an apparent reference to global institutions shaped in 1945. Highlighting civilisational links, PM Modi said scientific research has traced some of the earliest human footprints to Ethiopia. “We share a common origin, whether we live in Addis Ababa or Ayodhya. If our beginning was shared, then our destiny must also be shared,” he stated. Speaking about historical ties, the PM noted that India and Ethiopia have shared connections for nearly 2,000 years. “Across the Indian Ocean, merchants sailed with spices and gold, but they traded more than goods; they exchanged ideas and way of life,” he said. He also recalled that Indian soldiers fought alongside Ethiopians during the liberation of Ethiopia in 1941, ANI reported. PM Modi said Indian companies are among the largest investors in Ethiopia. “They have invested more than five billion dollars across diverse sectors and generated more than 75,000 jobs,” he said, adding that the two countries have decided to elevate their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. Drawing a cultural parallel, the PM said, “In an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, people sit together, time slows down and friendship deepens. In India too, a cup of tea is an invitation to talk, to share, to connect.” He added, “Just like Ethiopian coffee and Indian tea, our friendship is brewing strongest.” PM Modi set to visit Oman next Referring to his visit to the Adwa Victory Monument, he further stated, “It was an honour to lay a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument. This monument is a timeless reminder of how Ethiopia's victory inspired the entire colonised world in its quest for dignity and freedom.” On India’s role during the pandemic, he said, “India sent medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries during Covid. It was India’s proud privilege to supply Ethiopia with over four million vaccine doses.” After concluding his address, PM Modi met members of the Ethiopian Parliament. Earlier in the day, he said the outcomes of his Ethiopia visit marked “significant steps forward” in a trusted, people-centric partnership between the two countries, with a strong focus on youth, skills, innovation and healthcare. In a post on X, the PM stated that the cooperation between India and Ethiopia spans governance, peacekeeping, digital capacity, education and healthcare, with the shared aim of empowering people and promoting inclusive growth. “These are significant steps forward in our longstanding and trusted partnership. From governance and peacekeeping to digital capacity and education, the focus remains on empowering our people. The emphasis on knowledge, skills and innovation underscores our shared faith in youth as the drivers of tomorrow. Cooperation in healthcare reflects a deeper commitment to human dignity and care for the most vulnerable,” he said. After Ethiopia, PM Modi is set to visit Oman for the final leg of his three-nation tour. He is expected to arrive in Oman later on Wednesday. (With ANI inputs)

17 December,2025 03:11 PM IST | Addis Ababa | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali. (Pic/PTI)

Significant steps in 'people-centric' India-Ethiopia partnership: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday underscored the outcomes of his Ethiopia visit, calling the signing of multiple agreements a "significant" step in strengthening a bilateral partnership focused on "growth and people-centric development". Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday on his maiden bilateral visit, during which the two countries elevated their historical ties to the level of 'Strategic Partnership'. He also held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart, Abiy Ahmed Ali, following which, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of three MoUs in the fields. The Memoranda of Understanding were signed in the fields of UN Peacekeeping Operations Training, Mutual Administrative Assistance in the Customs Matters, and the establishment of Data Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. The two sides also announced upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', debt restructuring under G20, more Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare. In an X post, the prime minister said, "These are significant steps forward in our longstanding and trusted partnership." He said that from governance and peacekeeping to digital capacity and education, the focus remains on empowering people. "The emphasis on knowledge, skills and innovation underscores our shared faith in youth as the drivers of tomorrow. Cooperation in healthcare reflects a deeper commitment to human dignity and care for the most vulnerable". "These outcomes reflect an India-Ethiopia partnership focused on growth and people-centric development," he said. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said that Prime Minister Modi also thanked his counterpart Abiy for Ethiopia's strong support in the common fight against terrorism in all its manifestations. Modi, who arrived here from Jordan, was also conferred Ethiopia's highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. He is the first global head of state to receive this award. Later in the day, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South. From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

17 December,2025 12:34 PM IST | Addis Ababa | PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI

PM Modi receives Ethiopia’s highest award, dedicates it to people of India

Ethiopia on Tuesday conferred its highest award- The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia - on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi is the first global Head of State or Head of Government to receive this award. The award was conferred during PM Modi's visit to the African country. Ethiopia's top honour marks the 28th foreign State award bestowed on PM Modi. PM Modi said that the award is a matter of great pride for him. "Just now, I have been conferred with the highest award of the country - The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia. To be honoured by a very ancient and prosperous civilisation of the world is a matter of great pride for me. On behalf of all Indians, I humbly accept this honour. This award is for all those numerous Indians who shaped our partnership," the Prime Minister said. "On this occasion, I also express heartfelt gratitude to my friend PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. Last month, when we met during the G20 Summit in South Africa, with great love and right, you had urged me to visit Ethiopia. How could I have turned down this invitation from my friend, my brother? So, at the first chance, I decided to come to Ethiopia," he added. PM Modi lauded the role of teachers in fostering relations between Ethiopia and India. "Had this visit been in accordance with the normal diplomatic process, perhaps it would have taken a lot of time. But your love and affection, brought brought me here just within 24 days," he said. "We, in India, have always believed - Knowledge Liberates. Education is the foundation stone of any country. I am proud that in Ethiopia and India relations, the most significant contribution has been from our teachers. Ethiopia's great culture attracted them here and they received the great fortune of preparing several generations here. Even today, several Indian faculty members are serving at Ethiopian Universities and higher education institutions," he added. The Prime Minister said that the future belongs to those partnerships which are based on vision and trust. "Together with Ethiopia, we are committed to furthering such partnerships which can bring forth a solution to evolving global challenges and build new opportunities," he said. The Prime Minister dedicated the award to 140 crore people of India. "I'm honoured to be conferred with the 'Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.' I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India," he said in a post on X. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

17 December,2025 08:20 AM IST | Addis Ababa | ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. Pic/X

PM Modi outlines three focus areas to boost India-Ethiopia ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday outlined three key areas to enhance bilateral ties with Ethiopia: food and health security, capacity building, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). PM Modi's discussions with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali have paved the way for a Strategic Partnership between India and Ethiopia. Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come.@AbiyAhmedAli pic.twitter.com/hFdc0ztJNa — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025 The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in sustainable agriculture, natural farming, and agri-tech to boost Ethiopia's food security. Capacity building initiatives include introducing new programmes in artificial intelligence and doubling student scholarships, enabling more Ethiopian students to access Indian education. The Digital Public Infrastructure collaboration aims to drive innovation and growth. These agreements reflect the growing partnership between India and Ethiopia, focusing on mutual growth and development. Held extensive discussions with PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. We have decided to elevate the India-Ethiopia ties to a Strategic Partnership. Gave three key suggestions to enhance bilateral ties:Deepen relations in food security and health security. This includes cooperation in sustainable… pic.twitter.com/QACLRq21Dn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025 In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Held extensive discussions with PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. We have decided to elevate the India-Ethiopia ties to a Strategic Partnership. Gave three key suggestions to enhance bilateral ties: Deepen relations in food security and health security. This includes cooperation in sustainable agriculture, natural farming and agri-tech. Boost capacity building. Today, we have decided to introduce new programmes in artificial intelligence and to double student scholarships. This will enable many more Ethiopian students to access higher education opportunities in India and strengthen youth-to-youth engagement. Work extensively on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)." "Other aspects that featured in our talks include enhancing collaboration in pharmaceuticals, digital health, medical tourism and more. Sectors such as energy and critical minerals also offer many opportunities," he added. PM @narendramodi and PM @AbiyAhmedAli visited the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. pic.twitter.com/dK3iooyett — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 16, 2025 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali took PM Modi to the National Palace Museum. In a post on X, he said, "Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia's rich traditions." Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions.@AbiyAhmedAli pic.twitter.com/yQYHbOYrCp — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025 PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. In a post on X, he said, "Received a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. This visit marks another step forward in strengthening the enduring partnership between India and Ethiopia." Received a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. This visit marks another step forward in strengthening the enduring partnership between India and Ethiopia.@AbiyAhmedAli pic.twitter.com/AZjAuMuICL — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025 The visit yielded several key outcomes, including agreements on customised cooperation, the establishment of a data centre, and UN peacekeeping training. India and Ethiopia also signed an MoU on debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, showcasing cooperation on economic issues. Educational exchanges received a boost with doubled ICCR scholarships for Ethiopian students and specialised AI courses under ITEC. PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday for a two-day visit. He was accorded a warm welcome at the airport. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

17 December,2025 08:04 AM IST | Addis Ababa | ANI
Donald Trump. Pic/X

Trump widens travel ban, adds 5 more countries to original list of 12 countries

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) expanded a travel ban by adding five more countries and imposing limits on others. The move came as the Trump administration continues to tighten US entry requirements and immigration standards, Fox News reported. "The restrictions and limitations imposed by the Proclamation are necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose, garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives," a statement by the White House says. AMERICA FIRST SECURITY 🇺🇸President Donald J. Trump just signed a new Proclamation, STRENGTHENING our borders & national security with data-driven restrictions on high-risk countries with severe deficiencies in screening & vetting. pic.twitter.com/DZmqpkerKb — The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 16, 2025 Through his actions on Tuesday, citizens from five countries - Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, as well as individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents - will face a ban on travel to the United States, the White House said. In addition, existing partial bans on Laos and Sierra Leone were expanded into full suspensions of entry. Another 15 countries - Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe - will face partial restrictions. The proclamation also "narrows broad family-based immigrant visa carve-outs that carry demonstrated fraud risks, while preserving case-by-case waivers," the White House said. In its announcement, the Trump administration said many of the countries on the travel ban suffer from "widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents and criminal records, and nonexistent birth-registration systems," which makes it difficult to perform accurate vetting. Others refuse to share law-enforcement data, while others permit "Citizenship-by-Investment schemes that conceal identity and bypass vetting requirements and travel restrictions," as per Fox News. This administration is slamming the door shut on the foreign invaders who have undermined our national security.DHS, under the leadership of @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem, will relentlessly enforce our nation’s immigration laws. https://t.co/AQ3OnwYWCG — Homeland Security (@DHSgov) December 16, 2025 In June, Trump announced a US entry ban on citizens of 12 countries - Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen - while also tightening restrictions on others: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Tuesday's decision follows the arrest of an Afghan national suspected of shooting two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Fox News reported. At the time of the killing, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Rahmanullah Lakanwal was one of the many unvetted Afghans who were mass paroled into the US under Operation Allies Welcome under the Biden administration, as per Fox News. Lakanwal is accused of shooting US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who later died, and US Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who is recovering, as per Fox News. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

17 December,2025 08:00 AM IST | Washington | ANI
Cold can make traditional roads brittle. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK

New algae-derived road material reduces carbon output and cracking

Researchers have developed a tougher, longer-lasting road material from an unexpected source: algae. Oils derived from microscopic algae could replace part of the petroleum-based binder used in asphalt, making paved surfaces more flexible, durable, and greener. Conventional pavement relies on bitumen, a crude oil-based material that binds sand and rocks together. While bitumen allows roads to expand in heat and contract in cold, it becomes brittle when temperatures plunge, leading to cracks that spread under traffic and moisture. To counter this issue, researchers used computer modeling to analyse which algae oils could mix well with asphalt solids and remain functional during freezing conditions. One species stood out. Oil from the freshwater green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis showed the strongest resistance to permanent deformation under simulated traffic stress.  It also offered better protection against moisture-related damage, a key contributor to pothole formation. The researchers estimate that replacing just 1 per cent of petroleum-based binder with algae-derived material could reduce net carbon emissions from asphalt by 4.5 per cent. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

17 December,2025 07:40 AM IST | Berlin | Agencies
The tiny robot, shown on a fingertip for scale. PIC COURTESY/Marc Miskin

World’s smallest robots powered using ‘micro brains’ come to life

Researchers have unveiled the world’s smallest fully programmable, autonomous robots, sporting a “brain”.  The microscopic swimming machines can sense their surroundings, make decisions, and operate independently for months at a time.  Barely visible to the naked eye, each robot measures about 0.2 mm by 0.3 mm by 0.05 mm, placing it squarely at the scale of bacteria and single-celled organisms.  The robots can move in complex patterns, respond to changes, and even coordinate their motion in groups. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

17 December,2025 07:37 AM IST | Texas | Agencies
The car wheels can turn independently. PIC COURTESY/GEELY

Chinese EV that can move sideways unveiled by Geely

Chinese automaker Geely has unveiled a self-developed driving unit demonstrated on the EX5 electric crossover prototype.  The system integrates electric motors directly into the wheels, enabling far greater flexibility in how the vehicle moves compared to conventional drivetrains.  In the prototype setup, four independent driving units were mounted directly inside the wheels, each capable of rotating up to 90 degrees.  This configuration allows every wheel to steer and drive independently, unlocking a level of maneuverability not possible with conventional layouts.  As a result, the Geely EX5 prototype can perform on-the-spot turns, move laterally, and park in extremely tight spaces before exiting them with ease. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

17 December,2025 07:35 AM IST | Beijing | Agencies
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