Nature's master builders: How animals engineer without a plan

Animal architecture, from termite mounds to hermit crab shells, emerges through individual actions rather than master plans, exemplifying a phenomenon called stigmergy. Research highlights how local interactions lead to complex structures like termite nests, showcasing coordinated construction without centralized control. Understanding this process sheds light on swarm intelligence and may inform architectural design.

Why do you get goosebumps listening to music?

The phenomenon of experiencing goosebumps from music, known as frisson, affects around 50% of people, eliciting sensations like shivers and a lump in the throat. Brain activity reveals that unexpected musical changes trigger a fight-or-flight response, leading to chills. This response transitions to pleasure as dopamine is released, explaining why even new music can evoke strong emotions.

WLC comes to Delhi to close the gap between women’s representation and influence

Jaya Mehrotra, founder of Women Leadership Circle (WLC), is launching a Delhi chapter to deepen women's leadership and influence after four successful years in Mumbai. WLC prioritizes creating intimate spaces for career-driven women rather than broad networking. Mehrotra emphasizes the unique career stages women face and aims to cultivate generational wealth creators, ultimately expanding WLC throughout South Asia.

Alia Bhatt shares how she spent Ganesh Chaturthi with Ranbir Kapoor and Raha

Ranbir Kapoor is set to star in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, portraying Rama alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, with the first part releasing this Diwali and a sequel in 2027. Alia Bhatt recently shared cherished memories from their Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Post a privacy decision regarding their daughter Raha, Alia avoids posting her face online.

The debate over AI has taken over Washington

At the Pro-Human Assembly on September 15th, Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon united to warn against the unchecked power of tech oligarchs and called for urgent legislation on AI as political momentum for regulation increases. Despite President Trump's dismissal of AI risks, polls show public support for regulation. Current proposals highlight the fragmented political landscape concerning AI oversight.

India Art Fair’s EDI+IONS brings 18 galleries to Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad's art scene is energized by the India Art Fair's EDI+IONS, which opened at Baronet House, showcasing 18 galleries nationwide, including five from Ahmedabad. This edition celebrates the city’s cultural legacy, aiming to connect local artists with broader audiences. Events span various venues, enhancing visibility for local talents and fostering meaningful cultural exchange.

From MMA to teqball: Six sports making their debut at 2026 Asian Games

The 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya will debut six dynamic sports: freestyle BMX, MMA, padel, surfing, teqball, and virtual taekwondo, enhancing the event's appeal. These sports incorporate unique rules and cultural backgrounds, reflecting evolving athleticism. Countries like Japan and China are emerging as leaders, embracing modern trends and engaging youth audiences in fresh, competitive formats.

Rishabh Pant urges Indian fans to get behind athletes for Asian Games:

Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has urged fans to support the Indian athletes at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, emphasizing enthusiasm for their performances. Leading the contingent are double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor. India aims to build on its medal success from the last Games, participating across 37 sports.

Meena Kumari to Madhubala: Upcoming biopics on Indian Film Legends

Director Neeraj Pandey's forthcoming biopic on legendary composer RD Burman stars Farhan Akhtar and delves into Burman's iconic musical journey. Concurrently, projects on M.S. Subbulakshmi, Meena Kumari, Madhubala, and Ilaiyaraaja are underway, showcasing their remarkable lives. These films, reflecting India's rich musical and cinema heritage, promise deep insights into these celebrated figures.

ABVP sweeps, NSUI upsets, Independent grabs key seat: Takeaways from DUSU polls

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won the Delhi University Students' Union elections, marking a significant setback for Congress’s NSUI amidst Rahul Gandhi's youth outreach campaign ‘Chhatron ki goonj.’ ABVP secured key positions, with Yash Dabas elected president, defeating NSUI's Meena. Litigious claims of voting irregularities emerged, highlighting the declining influence of NSUI in student politics.

Why does stress affect your stomach? Gastroenterologist explains

Digestive issues are often linked to mental health, as persistent digestive problems can lead to anxiety, especially in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Vineet Kumar Gupta emphasizes that stress affects gut motility, leading to symptoms like bloating and constipation. While stress management is crucial, serious symptoms should prompt medical consultation. Background information highlights the strong connection between the brain and gastrointestinal system.

Nandigram by-poll: Cong candidate sent to judicial custody till Oct 3; can’t campaign

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan for Nandigram by-elections was sent to judicial custody until October 3 due to serious charges, including murder. Arrested for several non-bailable warrants, Pradhan's inability to campaign before the vote on October 6 raises concerns. Police allege he has been evading legal action for 19 years. His arrest follows political tensions in the region.

Powar set to head BCCI junior selection committee but another role looms too

Ramesh Powar is the leading candidate to head the BCCI's junior selection committee, with potential movement to the senior committee if negotiations with Parthiv Patel falter. Ajit Agarkar's term as chief selector ends soon, while the new committee will focus on selecting age-group teams and fostering junior talent in Indian cricket. Powar’s extensive coaching experience underpins his suitability for the role.

Praise for Yoga, ‘curry’: Japan airmen on India experience during joint drills

The first-ever visit of Japanese fighter jets to India for Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 signifies strengthened Indo-Japan defense ties, emphasizing peace in the Indo-Pacific, said Rajnath Singh. The joint air defense drills in Jodhpur, running until September 22, enhance interoperability and highlight both countries’ commitment to improving military collaboration. The Japanese airmen praised their Indian counterparts' approachability and shared experiences from training.

Big hair, bigger glamour: Delhi’s drag queens pay tribute to Dolly Parton

Delhi’s queer crowd celebrated Dolly Parton at Kitty Su, featuring drag queens Lush Monsoon and Hash Brownie. Lush connects to ‘9 to 5’ through her dual life as a lawyer and drag performer. Hash faced housing struggles due to her drag identity but still performed, highlighting the night's theme of self-expression and acceptance through glamour and music.

HT Evening Brief Sep 19: ABVP sweeps DUSU polls, Asian Games 2026 declared open

Political chaos erupted in West Bengal as Mamata Banerjee's candidate, Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, withdrew his Rejinagar bypoll nomination only to reverse his decision shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen won the DUSU Vice President election, while the Asian Games launched in Nagoya. In other news, IIT-Bombay faces scrutiny after a student's suicide linked to an exam stress incident.

Asus TUF Gaming 16 (2026) review: A tough new look with plenty of gaming power

The Asus TUF Gaming 16 impresses with a robust and stylish design, enhanced cooling, and strong performance thanks to its Intel Core i5 and RTX 5050 GPU. Despite average battery life and a 512GB SSD, it offers excellent upgradeability. The laptop provides a solid balance of aesthetics and functionality, catering well to gamers without compromising on usability.

How Ajit Agarkar’s tenure transformed Indian careers

Ajit Agarkar's tenure as India's chief selector is nearing its end, marked by significant player transformations. Under his leadership, Tilak Varma emerged as T20I vice-captain, while Shami and Chahal experienced steep declines in their careers. Notably, Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy thrived, demonstrating the committee's dynamic approach to selection. This period reshaped India’s cricket landscape dramatically.

The all-electric Subaru that practically screams Toyota

The 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, a family-friendly electric SUV, boasts a competitive price and comfort features but lags behind in performance and range compared to Tesla. With a dual-motor system delivering 375 hp and access to Tesla's charging network, it still faces limitations, including reduced cargo space. The vehicle represents Subaru's gradual electrification under Toyota's influence.

Bengaluru developer with 15 YOE opens up about AI and imposter syndrome

A Bengaluru developer expresses growing anxiety about AI's impact on his career, feeling his 15 years of experience and knowledge are now inadequate. Despite past successes and high-paying roles, he grapples with imposter syndrome and failed ventures. His struggles resonate with many, highlighting a broader concern among tech professionals about evolving job landscapes and self-worth in the industry.

Irregular periods, acne and hair thinning? Doctor shares 5 signs of PMOS

New or increased coarse hair growth, irregular periods, persistent acne, hair thinning, and unexplained weight changes may indicate polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as PCOS, according to Dr. Rashmi Talwar. These symptoms suggest hormonal imbalances requiring evaluation. Diagnosis may involve hormone profiles and metabolic tests, as no single test confirms PMOS. Seek medical advice early.

Who is Shelly Headen? NC candidate stays on ballot despite Dems disavowal

Democratic candidate Shelly Headen remains on the ballot for North Carolina’s state legislature despite her party's disavowal over inflammatory social media posts advocating military action against red states and comparing Trump to Hitler. The deadline for withdrawal had passed. Headen contests the House District 62 seat and denies culpability while apologizing for unintended hurt caused by her posts.

School bus, Janrath catch fire in separate incidents in Lucknow; 5-year-old boy hurt

Two buses, including one with 25 schoolchildren, caught fire in Lucknow, injuring a five-year-old boy during evacuation. The school bus ignited in Itaunja while en route to school, but all children were safely evacuated. Separately, a Janrath AC bus caught fire after crashing into a flyover divider. Investigations are ongoing, and the bus owner's contract termination seeks to address its poor condition.

Bengaluru biker gives chocolate to female auto driver in heartwarming gesture

A woman biker in Bengaluru melted hearts by giving a chocolate to a female auto-rickshaw driver during a traffic jam, as captured in a viral video. Viewers praised the act of kindness, celebrating women supporting women. The exchange highlighted the importance of acknowledging hard-working individuals amidst the city’s chaos, resonating with many online. The video was shared by Alisha Ansari.

Asian Games India schedule: Cricket semifinal, hockey, shooting headline events

The Indian contingent's first packed day at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games features nine sports, starting from 5 am IST, with opportunities for medals in wushu, shooting, and teqball. The highlight is the women’s cricket semifinal against Bangladesh, while Indian athletes also compete in hockey, badminton, and table tennis. This day marks a significant escalation in India’s campaign.

Ghaziabad merchants unwilling to accept UPI from Oct 15 over new 0.4% MDR rule

Traders in Ghaziabad are preparing to cease UPI payments over ₹2,000 starting October 15 due to the new 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) imposed by the NPCI, citing concerns over increased costs. Shop owners, including Sanjay Bindal, argue this contradicts the cashless economy goal and may lead to higher prices and reduced discounts. MDR is charged to merchants for processing transactions.

630 wickets, but 2 Tests: From Kumble-Bhajji's shadow to Asian Games gold

Sairaj Bahutule, now the spin bowling coach for the Indian cricket team, played a key role in securing gold at the 2023 Asian Games. Despite a stellar domestic career with 630 wickets, Bahutule was overshadowed by legends Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. His relentless determination and coaching expertise finally earned him recognition on the international stage.

Mallika Sherawat thanks Tukaram Mundhe: 'Shanti se khana kha sakti hu’

The FDA's intensified crackdown on food safety in Maharashtra has led to significant enforcement statistics, with Pune recording 4,261 inspections and 168 license suspensions, the highest in the state. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe's efforts received public recognition from actress Mallika Sherawat, who praised the agency's commitment to food safety. Inspections included restaurants and delivery platforms, targeting critical violations.

Consuming extra vitamin D is less good than it sounds

As the autumn equinox on September 23 signals shorter days, interest in vitamin D supplements spikes due to diminished sunlight necessary for natural production. Although research confirms the importance of vitamin D, recent studies reveal no significant health benefits from supplementation, suggesting it’s only necessary for those with specific deficiencies. For most, avoiding supplements is advised.

I am still processing the news, says Ishita Deshmukh on Gondhal's Oscar entry

Actor Ishita Deshmukh is thrilled after her debut film, Gondhal, was selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2027 in the Best International Feature Film category. Directed by Santosh Davakhar, the film represents Maharashtrian culture, deeply exciting Deshmukh. She reflects on her struggles, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in something so significant.