Sebin Saji has surprised the world with his extraordinary engineering skills by creating an offbeat gadget that a techie would not think of creating-the world’s smallest functional washing machine. This little gadget measures 1.28 inches by 1.32 inches by 1.52 inches, making it smaller than a Tamagotchi digital pet, a popular handheld toy from the 1990s.

Guinness World Records acknowledged that Saji’s washing machine is the tiniest ever manufactured. Despite its microsize, the washing machine functions similarly to a standard-sized one; however, it is designed for exceedingly small loads. Saji’s design has received attention for its precise craftsmanship, which demonstrates the possibility of miniaturisation in engineering.

According to the Guniess World Records, to qualify for the title, he had to design and assemble the washing machine and then demonstrate it could run for a full cycle: wash, rinse, and spin. He needed to use special digital callipers to measure it. Sebin is seen demonstrating his machine in a video, scooping up just a pinch of washing powder and pouring the water in before closing it up and setting it off.

A crowd had gathered to watch him show off his engineering skills, and applause broke out when the measurements were announced.And while it may be completely impractical for getting your washing done, it’s a lot of fun. The world’s smallest vacuum cleaner was also recently created in India, measuring just 0.65 cm (0.25 in) at its shortest axis.

Sebin Saji has surprised the world with his extraordinary engineering skills by creating an offbeat gadget that a techie would not think of creating-the world’s smallest functional washing machine. This little gadget measures 1.28 inches by 1.32 inches by 1.52 inches, making it smaller than a Tamagotchi digital pet, a popular handheld toy from the 1990s.

Guinness World Records acknowledged that Saji’s washing machine is the tiniest ever manufactured. Despite its microsize, the washing machine functions similarly to a standard-sized one; however, it is designed for exceedingly small loads. Saji’s design has received attention for its precise craftsmanship, which demonstrates the possibility of miniaturisation in engineering.

According to the Guniess World Records, to qualify for the title, he had to design and assemble the washing machine and then demonstrate it could run for a full cycle: wash, rinse, and spin. He needed to use special digital callipers to measure it. Sebin is seen demonstrating his machine in a video, scooping up just a pinch of washing powder and pouring the water in before closing it up and setting it off.

A crowd had gathered to watch him show off his engineering skills, and applause broke out when the measurements were announced.And while it may be completely impractical for getting your washing done, it’s a lot of fun. The world’s smallest vacuum cleaner was also recently created in India, measuring just 0.65 cm (0.25 in) at its shortest axis.

Hyderabad:

Megastar K Chiranjeevi was on Sunday honoured by the Guinness World Records, which recognised him as the most prolific star in the Indian film industry in the actor/dancer category.

“The most prolific film star in Indian Film Industry-actor/dancer is Konidela Chiranjeevi aka Mega Star (India) achieved on 20 September 2024,” said a certificate issued by the Guinness World Records, which was handed over to Chiranjeevi at an event here.

“This moment is unforgettable. I never sought recognition from the Guinness World Records, but it feels incredible to be honored for my dancing. It is dancing that truly made me a star and brought me so many rewards throughout my career,” Chiranjeevi said after receiving the certificate.

“All these years of my film career, dance had become part of my life. I still remember dancing in front of legends like Savitri and my first dance steps on screen. I owe this recognition to the directors, producers, music directors, and choreographers who always made sure to showcase my dance performances in films,” Chiranjeevi said thanking everyone for the honour.

“Mega star Chiranjeevi has performed 24,000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years,” sources close to the actor said.

“September 22 also happens to be the day when the mega star made his debut in the year 1978,” they said.

Speaking on the occasion, Guinness World Records adjudicator Richard Stenning praised Chiranjeevi’s extraordinary contribution, stating, “after thoroughly reviewing all 156 films and his dance performances, we found this achievement to be officially amazing.” Superstar Aamir Khan, who shared the dais with Chiranjeevi, said he is a huge fan of the star.

“I see him as my elder brother. I was so happy that Chiranjeevi garu is being given this honour and I was really thrilled to know that. If you notice him in any song of his, “his own heart” is in it, and he is enjoying himself,” Mr Khan said.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy, and BRS Working President K T Rama Rao were among those who congratulated Chiranjeevi.

Revanth Reddy in a post on ‘X’ said, “It is a matter of pride for Telugu people that popular movie actor Konidela Chiranjeevi got a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.” In a post on ‘X’, Kishan Reddy said “Megastar for a reason! Congratulations to one of the most admired Indian film star Sri K Chiranjeevi Garu on being recognised as the Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Film Industry, Actor / Dancer. 24000 dance moves in 537 songs in his 156 films in a span of 45 years – This is simply incredible! This is an iconic feat. Your legacy will be an inspiration for generations.@KChiruTweets”.

Chandrababu Naidu in a post on ‘X’ said “I extend my heartiest congratulations to Mega Star and Padma Vibhushan awardee, @KChiruTweets Garu, on being recognised by The Guinness World Records as the Most Prolific Film Star in Indian Film Industry, Actor/ Dancer. He has made an unparalleled contribution to Telugu cinema with his grace and artistry. This recognition not only adds another feather to his cap, but it also elevates the pride of Telugu people all over the world.” Chiranjeevi is one of the top stars of the South cinema, having worked in over 150 feature films in Telugu as well as Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.

Some of his popular films include “Rudra Veena”, “Indra”, “Tagore”, “Swayam Krushi”, “Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy”, “Stalin” and “Gang Leader”.

He was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour awarded for exceptional and distinguished service, along with Indian cinema icon Vyjayanthimala, in May this year.

He was previously honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2006. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Caleb Wu, a passionate soccer player from Hartford, Connecticut, has made headlines by setting a new world record for the most alternating football (soccer) touches with the feet on a treadmill in 30 seconds, according to Guinness World Records. Wu, who scored an amazing 75 touches overall, believes that the activity helped him recover from a serious depressive episode.

The 22-year-old Wu has undergone a major transformation and discovered a fresh purpose in football. His struggle with mental health almost cost him his life, so achieving this milestone is very personal to him. With its demanding skills and rhythmic juggling, football became a source of courage and solace for him in his lowest moments.

Wu shared his motivation behind the record attempt: “I always had a passion for soccer, I did a lot of juggling tricks and soccer/football freestyle.

“My teammates challenged me as they showed me a video of someone trying and failing to do it so I wanted to prove them wrong – and it was a fun challenge. I was inspired because when I was younger I almost took my life and I wanted to make the most of my abilities and prove to myself that I can do awesome things,” he told Guinness World Records.

“I also wanted to inspire others to show them that they’re capable of overcoming obstacles,” he said.

Caleb also had to deal with racism during his formative years, from school classmates who would call him names.

He explained: “There were the common stereotypes and people would say Asians are only good at math. I wanted to show them I could compete as an athlete and was able to play college soccer for four years and was a captain for one year.

“I also became the first sponsored Division 3 Athlete and first sponsored college soccer player.”

He added: “I overcame my struggles through finding a passion and wanting to inspire and help others who also struggle.

Ultramarathoner Natalie Dau has completed her 1,000 kilometres running stretch across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in just 12 days. Her jaw-dropping journey ended in Singapore on June 5. 

The 52-year-old has earned the Singapore record for the “Fastest 1,000km Thailand-Singapore Ultramarathon.” Now, she is waiting for the certification from Guinness World Records for the “Fastest Crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on Foot.” 

Speaking to BBC, Ms Dau said,  “Today is the first time in four days I have questioned if I would actually finish this thing. I love the challenge of the sport, love the rawness of it all, but hate these low points. And they come often.”

She added, “Whether you come in first or last, it doesn’t matter. You’ve done something almost superhuman, something that 0.05% of the world’s population will never do.”

5 points about Natalie Dau

• Natalie Dau started her ultramarathon journey in her 30s. In her career, she has won  10 from 10 Ultramarathons. Ms Dau has also represented Asis at Spartan Race World Championships. 
• She has co-authored the book — Run Like a Woman. She is also an motivational speaker, a trailer and holds an accreditation in Sports Nutrition. 
• Ms Dau is known for hosting a number of events and seminars to spread awareness and empower “people to operate at their own version of high-performance.”
• She has over 25 years of global consulting, communications and marketing experience in the areas of media, technology, travel, sports and wellness, as per her official website.
• Natalie Dau is also a mother of a 15-year-old daughter. As per her Instagram bio, she is a “Media-Speaker-UltraRunner-Mum”.

London:

The world’s oldest living man, 111-year-old Briton John Tinniswood, said his longevity was “just luck” and there was no special secret to his diet – although his favourite food was fish and chips every Friday.

Tinniswood, who has been retired for more than half a century, inherited the Guinness World Records title from Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez Mora, 114, whose death was announced earlier this week.

Born in 1912 in Merseyside, northern England, retired accountant and former postal service worker Tinniswood clocks in at 111 years and 222 days.

He gave a pithy reply when asked for the secret to his longevity, however: “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”

Guinness World Records said in a statement that Tinniswood’s claim to the record was assessed by its experts and by the Gerontology Research Group, which catalogues the world’s confirmed “supercentenarians”.

The oldest man ever was Japan’s Jiroemon Kimura, who lived to 116 years and 54 days. The oldest living woman and oldest living person overall is Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera, aged 117.

Tinniswood gave a somewhat measured view on the state of the world.

“The world, in its way, is always changing. It’s a sort of ongoing experience… It’s getting a little better but not all that much yet. It’s going the right way.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Caracas, Venezuela:

Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez Mora, certified in 2022 by Guinness World Records as the oldest man in the world, died on Tuesday at the age of 114, officials and relatives said.

“Juan Vicente Perez Mora has transcended into eternity at 114 years of age,” Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on social media platform X.

Perez was officially confirmed as the oldest man alive on February 4, 2022, when he was 112 years and 253 days old, according to Guinness.

A father of 11, as of 2022 he had 41 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

The farmer known as Tio Vicente was born in the town of El Cobre, in the Andean state of Tachira on May 27, 1909, and was the ninth of 10 children.

“At the age of five years old, he started working with his dad and brothers in agriculture and assisted with sugar cane and coffee harvesting,” a Guinness statement from 2022 said.

Perez went on to become a sheriff and was responsible for resolving land and family disputes, while still working in agriculture. 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)