In 1979, Japan released mongooses onto an island to kill venomous snakes, but unexpected consequences followed |

A well-intentioned biological control attempt on Japan’s Amami Oshima island backfired spectacularly. Introduced mongooses, meant to control venomous snakes, instead decimated native wildlife due to a mismatch in hunting times. Image Credit: Ministry of Environment /Government of Japan The concept of biological control often sounds perfect in a boardroom. When a place is struggling with…

Read More

Keeping Ladakh Ladakhi

Julley. In August 2025 I cycled across Ladakh. Five days. To Umling La — the highest motorable road in the world. I was turning sixty. A landmark birthday in anyone’s life. The age at which most people are advised, sensibly, to slow down. To rest. To go on an exotic vacation. To do something considered…

Read More

‘I was in office that was attacked’: Iran top diplomat Araghchi recalls Khamenei’s ‘martyrdom’

Ali Khamenei; Abbas Araghchi Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday claimed he was inside the office of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei when it was attacked during the first wave of US-Israeli strikes in Tehran on February 28 that triggered the Middle East conflict.He said that he emerged from the “rubble” fearing for Khamenei’s fate,…

Read More

What must World Champion D Gukesh do to avoid finishing last at Norway Chess 2026? | Chess News

World Champion D Gukesh faces a crucial final-round clash against Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2026. Currently last with eight points, Gukesh must defeat Carlsen in their classical game to move ahead of the Norwegian and avoid finishing at the bottom. Meanwhile, Wesley So, Praggnanandhaa, and Alireza Firouzja remain locked in a thrilling three-way battle…

Read More

‘Will reach $100bn in mutual trade’: Putin calls India ‘reliable partner’, hails PM Modi’s leadership

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed confidence that bilateral trade between India and Russia will reach USD 100 billion in the coming years, highlighting growing cooperation in energy, investments and other strategic sectors.Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin praised India’s economic growth and described New Delhi as a reliable partner, while…

Read More