Sridhar Vembu’s advice to engineers entering business: Learn to sell, face rejection

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu advises technical professionals to engage in sales calls. Learning to handle rejection is crucial for business success, he states. Direct customer interaction improves idea explanation and business understanding. Sales experience also enhances communication skills and fosters respect for salespeople. Ultimately, business fundamentally relies on selling products and acquiring customers.

In 1940s Florida, a South American tree was planted as an ornamental; today, Brazilian pepper is one of the state’s worst invasive plants

Brazilian pepper arrived in Florida during the 19th century as an ornamental plant. This glossy shrub with red berries quickly spread beyond gardens by the 1950s. Birds and animals dispersed its seeds, allowing it to cover vast areas of Florida. The plant’s dense growth and root resilience make removal extremely difficult for authorities. This invasive…

In 1962, NASA blew up a water tank 65 miles above Earth to study the atmosphere

NASA explored biological life-support systems for extended space travel decades ago. Researchers examined recycling resources and using living organisms to sustain astronauts. Plants and microorganisms could process waste and provide essential resources for missions. This early work laid the groundwork for future lunar and Martian settlements. Sustainable living beyond Earth remains a significant scientific and…

32 landslide hotspots in Mumbai surveyed, most remain at risk

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has unveiled that Mumbai’s landslide-prone sites remain significant threats, echoing findings from previous analyses. The assessment highlights that many regions still experience comparable risks. The GSI urges the relocation of vulnerable settlements and calls for improved pre-monsoon maintenance. To confront these challenges, the BMC is formulating a comprehensive plan…