sponging

Pop sensation Ariana Grande and actor Ethan Slater have amicably parted ways after nearly three years together. The couple, who met in 2023, reportedly separated months ago. Grande is currently focused on her 'Eternal Sunshine' tour, while Slater, known for his Broadway role as SpongeBob, was previously married and has an 11-month-old son.

A routine deep-sea survey off Southern California unexpectedly revealed massive, ancient sponge mounds, previously hidden in a well-explored area. These structures, vital nurseries for marine life, were found to be largely composed of dead sponges, whose skeletons form a base for new growth. The discovery highlights how much remains unknown even in familiar marine environments.

A deadly industrial challenge in the 1860s, the unpredictable nature of nitroglycerin, was overcome by Alfred Nobel's 1866 invention. By mixing the volatile liquid with kieselguhr, he created dynamite, a stable and powerful explosive. This innovation, born from personal tragedy, revolutionized construction and mining, enabling unprecedented feats of engineering and ultimately funding the Nobel Prizes.

A Delhi court has taken cognisance of charges against industrialist Naveen Jindal, former coal secretary P C Parekh, and others in a coal block allocation case. The charges include criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption, stemming from alleged irregularities in the allocation of the Gare Palma IV/1 coal block. The court has summoned the accused to appear on July 17.

Marine biologists were stunned to discover living glass sponge reefs off British Columbia, previously believed extinct for millions of years. These ancient, self-building structures thrive by efficiently filtering nutrients from deep-sea currents. This remarkable find highlights the ocean's hidden secrets and the resilience of prehistoric ecosystems, proving the deep sea is a dynamic realm.

Monsoon rains, often overwhelming, are managed by trees. Their leaves intercept water, branches funnel it down trunks, and roots create channels for ground absorption. Trees store this vital water, releasing it slowly, preventing floods and ensuring supply for dry spells. Without them, soil erosion and destructive mudslides would be rampant.

Chairing a review meeting of the municipal administration and water supply department at the secretariat, Vijay assessed the progress of centrally sponsored schemes such as AMRUT, AMRUT 2.0, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), JJM 2.0 and SBM 2.0, besides projects being implemented with assistance from international funding agencies.

Dermatologists reveal their surprisingly minimal skincare routines, prioritising science-backed ingredients over trendy products. Experts emphasise the importance of mineral sunscreen, retinoids for anti-ageing, niacinamide for calming and barrier support, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and hydroxy acids for exfoliation.

Your kitchen sink harbors more germs than a toilet, a health expert reveals. Raw meat and vegetable scraps introduce dangerous bacteria, making it a breeding ground for illness. Fortunately, a simple baking soda and vinegar scrub can sanitize it weekly. Also, ditch your sponge for reusable Swedish dishcloths to truly combat kitchen grime.

Equestrian Academy Takes Measures To Protect Horses

Microscopic squiggles found in 890-million-year-old Canadian reef rocks may represent the oldest animal body fossils, potentially pushing back the origin of animal life by 350 million years. These structures, resembling the skeletons of modern sponges, challenge the traditional view of the Cambrian explosion as the definitive start of animal evolution, suggesting early animals coexisted with bacteria in low-oxygen environments.

In a delightful behind-the-scenes moment, Nick Jonas and Paul Rudd revealed their quirky pre-performance routines for their film 'Power Ballad'. While Jonas prefers to unwind with a refreshing beverage to calm his nerves, Rudd lightheartedly shared how the scarcity of drinks in Ireland prompted him to adopt a more unconventional warm-up.

PlayStation Plus subscribers in June get a surprise: Grounded, the popular survival game from Xbox-owned Obsidian, is free on PS4 and PS5. Joining it are the co-op shooter Warhammer 40,000: Darktide and the character brawler Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2. EA Sports FC 26 also extends its availability, offering more time to grab it.

Numerology readings for June 9th, 2026, offer guidance for each birth number. The day's energy encourages introspection and careful communication, advising individuals to listen more than they speak and to prioritize self-care and thoughtful interactions. Focus on balanced approaches and mindful responses to navigate the day effectively.

India dominates global dried flower exports; potpourri leads shipments, says TNAU