Evolutionary threat: Chinese mountain birds lost nearly half genetic diversity in 50 years

China’s bricks-and-mortar bookstores are increasingly counting on coffee, merchandise and cultural events rather than books to stay afloat – a survival strategy whose tensions were laid bare after a major chain asked a book buyer to vacate its cafe seating unless she bought a drink. The dispute at a Beijing branch of Sisyphe Bookstore, one of the country’s largest chains, went viral earlier this month, sparking an online debate over the struggles bookshops face in the digital age. The customer,...

A depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm. Rains are anticipated in northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and nearby areas. The weather report indicates that the depression intensified and is forecasted to continue moving northwestward. Moderate rainfall is also expected in western ghat regions and southern districts starting from Monday.

The finance ministry has issued a new directive regarding government procurement processes concerning bid evaluations. Government agencies must now review bids that are priced over 30 percent below estimated costs. This scrutiny is aimed at identifying potential Abnormally Low Bids that could compromise quality and execution. Clarifications and detailed price analyses will be required from bidders in such cases before contracts can be awarded.

Lakshya, who won the Hylo Open title, displayed his mental grit as he outsmarted Watanabe 13-21, 21-18, 21-14 in a pulsating summit clash that lasted an hour and four minutes.

The TN CM's expected visit to the national capital also comes against the background of the Mekedatu issue.

Badrinath Dham received fresh snowfall just before its doors close for the winter months. The snowfall changed the weather pattern across Badrinath and its surrounding areas. Despite the cold, devotees continued to arrive at the shrine to seek blessings from Lord Badri Vishal. The portals of Badrinath Dham are set to close on November 16 at 9:37 PM. Preparations for the closure ceremonies are now in their final stages.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a finance company cannot seize vehicles through force or coercive tactics. A borrower reported being threatened and having his vehicle taken unlawfully by agents for the finance firm. The court emphasized that repossession must occur through legal channels like civil courts or arbitration. It ordered the company to return the vehicle and restructure the loan without penal interest.

Before mainland Chinese troops could attempt a landing on Taiwan, they would first have to assemble vehicles, weapons and supplies along the coast – potentially exposing them to Taiwanese drone, rocket and missile attacks. A nighttime drill reported by state broadcaster CCTV on June 11 offered a glimpse of how the People’s Liberation Army could shield those amphibious forces as they prepared to cross the Taiwan Strait. As soldiers headed into open water aboard amphibious armoured vehicles, a...

Indian artists, architects and designers are reviving terracotta beyond traditional uses, incorporating it into contemporary interiors, sculptural lamps, wall installations and architectural features, driven by a shift away from glossy marble-heavy aesthetics toward natural, regional materials.

An excerpt from NK Singh's memoir 'Endeavours: An Ensemble of My Life', recounting how Japan's deep instinct for preserving moments-through photography, visiting cards and patient attentiveness-left a lasting impression during his diplomatic posting there.

Election authorities filed a complaint indicating that a fraudulent procedure shifted voters from the Bhosari constituency. The complaint alleges that 40 applications were submitted using four mobile numbers to alter voter registrations. After an investigation, election officials restored the voters to the electoral roll of Bhosari constituency. The complaint was filed following allegations from NCP (SP) leader Ajit Gavhane related to the 2024 assembly elections.