The ancient Egyptians cleverly used a forgotten, high-volume Nile branch, the Khufu Branch, to transport huge pyramid stones. Image Credit: Chatgpt

If you’ve ever spent any time on TikTok or history subreddits, you’ve definitely seen wild theories about the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Aliens, lost future civilizations, complex sound-wave levitation – people will believe anything rather than admit that humans have just discovered it.Given the modern scenario, the skepticism is justified to some extent. Today, the Great Pyramid rises from the sun-bleached desert four miles from the ferocious Nile River. It’s an engineering fever dream to imagine Bronze Age workers carrying 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing more than two tons, across miles of scorching sand.But a major environmental success shows that we’ve been looking at the problem all wrong. The ancient Egyptians did not work hard; He worked more cleverly. They used a vast, forgotten water highway that ran just beneath the Giza Plateau.ancient green corridor under the sand4,500 years ago, the world was a different place under the rule of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Giza was not a desert wasteland, but a busy port city on the port front.An international team of scientists literally delved into the history of the landscape to prove it. In a groundbreaking research paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesThe researchers extracted fossil pollen from sediment cores deep beneath the modern Giza flood plain.By analyzing these microscopic ancient plants, the team created an 8,000-year history of the local environment. They found many marsh-loving plants and flowering river grasses that grow only in still, deep water. The data confirmed the existence of a long-lost, naturally occurring high-volume channel of the Nile, called the Khufu Branch, which flows right next to the pyramid construction sites.This was not a shallow bay. At the height of pyramid construction, the Khufu branch was operating at about 40% of its Holocene maximum capacity. Thus, it was so deep and wide that cargo boats could easily travel, there was a sea highway directly from the distant mines to the Giza plateau.

Scientific evidence shows that this ‘water highway’ flowed directly towards Giza, which proves that they did not work harder, but more wisely. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Engineering with the flow of natureWhere the ancient Egyptians weaponized geography, instead of brutalizing human labor across miles of sand, they built a complex of ports and canals that connected directly to this natural river branch, creating a highly organized logistics hub.Environmental evidence is strengthened by the direct testimony of those who actually did the work. Another very impressive study looked at Merer’s JournalWhere researchers examined logbooks written on ancient papyrus found near the Red Sea.The logs are kept by a specialized inspector named Merer, and they describe the daily operations of a crew of about 200 men who took high-quality limestone blocks from the quarries of Tura directly to Giza. Merer gives a detailed description of the loading of the huge stones onto boats, their transport down the Nile and then through a network of artificial canals to the ‘Pool of Khufu’, a huge port complex fed by the Khufu branch.Rather than relying solely on muscle power, engineers likely used the Nile’s annual floods as natural hydraulic lift. They created deep water basins that filled in during high water season, so that heavy transport boats could float up to the base of the construction ramp.When the cosmic freeway ran drySo where did this great river highway go? The answer is gradual, worldwide changes in climate.The pyramids were built right at the end of the African Humid Period, when North Africa received much greater amounts of rainfall than today. Over centuries, small changes in the amount of solar radiation received by Earth gradually dried out East Africa.Due to the failure of rains and the continuous decrease in the water level of the Nile, the depth of the Khufu branch began to decrease. By the time King Tutankhamun ascended the throne centuries later, the waterway had greatly diminished. Ultimately, it dried up completely, due to centuries of blowing desert sand and changing agricultural needs.The disappearance of the river branch effectively sealed the pyramids in the deep desert, creating a geographical mystery that has baffled historians for generations. The ancient Egyptians did not need cosmic help to create the wonders of the ancient world. All they had to do was learn their local ecosystem, know river logistics like the back of their hand, and get a little help from nature at just the right time.

BENGALURU: German auto technology supplier Bosch is looking at partnerships and joint ventures to accelerate development and market entry in new mobility technologies, marking a shift from the traditionally in-house approach, its India managing director told TOI.The comment comes a day after Bosch announced a joint venture with Wheels India and Brakes India, both parts of the TSF Group, to develop electronically controlled and software-driven air systems for commercial vehicles.“Historically, Bosch has always done everything itself,” Bosch India MD Guruprasad Mudlapur told TOI. But he said the company is now seeing more value in combining complementary strengths through partnerships, especially in emerging automotive technologies.“The market perspective and the strength of the companies are on how we can put things together complementary, bring speed to market, how we can evolve things, in today’s environment when we partner, it can be much more dynamic and different,” he said.“It’s a thought process that is now gaining widespread attention in the group,” Mudlapur said.While joint ventures are relatively new for Bosch India, they are not new for the German group globally. Bosch has long worked in automotive electronics and mobility systems in China through partnerships, including United Automotive Electronic Systems, a long-running joint venture in the country’s automotive electronics market.Mudlapur also pointed to Bosch’s existing JV structures in China, saying the company has partnered with several large automotive players there over the past few years.The newly announced India joint venture will focus on electronically controlled systems for air compression, suspension and braking in commercial vehicles. Bosch will contribute electronics, software and control capabilities, while TSF Group will bring expertise in hydraulics and pneumatics systems.Mudlapur said the main objective of the partnership is to improve “speed to market”, while localization could emerge as a “by-product”. He also clarified that the joint venture was “not” a China-plus-one strategy.The venture will initially focus largely on exports, he said, as advanced electronically controlled braking and suspension systems are already more widely adopted in western markets than in India.“It starts largely with exports,” Mudalapur said, adding that the systems are currently more relevant in foreign commercial vehicle markets.Separately, Bosch said it is cautious about geopolitical risks associated with the Middle East crisis and crude oil volatility, warning that higher fuel-price pass-through could ultimately weigh on the broader economy and demand environment.Bosch India on Wednesday reported a 37.6% rise in net profit to Rs 2,770 crore for financial year 2025-26, while revenue from operations rose 10.8% to Rs 20,034 crore. Net profit in the March quarter rose 2.7% year-on-year to Rs 568 crore, while revenue rose 13.3% to Rs 5,566 crore.

Conor McGregor. Image via: Getty Images

Conor McGregor is getting closer to his long-awaited UFC return, but newly aired training footage has raised concerns among fans who believe the former two-division champion no longer looks like the explosive fighter he once dominated the sport. The footage, which began spreading widely across Reddit, shows McGregor working on pads in preparation for his scheduled rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas. McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a devastating leg break during the opening round of his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Since then, repeated withdrawal attempts have stalled. A planned comeback against Michael Chandler in 2024 fell through when McGregor pulled out due to a toe injury, while retirement speculation continued to grow around the Irishman during his extended absence from the Octagon.

Fans focused heavily on McGregor’s pace and speed in the latest footage

The latest clip immediately sparked debate as many viewers felt McGregor looked unusually heavy, stiff and lacked the fluid motion that once defined his striking. The Irishman appears to have grown up considerably again, returning to a larger physical frame similar to the power-focused version of himself seen at the end of his UFC career. Many fans expressed critical reactions below the viral clip. “He doesn’t look comfortable at all brother,” wrote one viewer, predicting that Holloway could stop him in the third round. Another said, “When I look at McGregor’s division I see toughness. They’re stuck in the mud.” One particularly blunt response read: “I get he needs the money, but he’s over-washed. Literally nothing like him anymore, he’s a whiny boxer with no speed or power.”You can watch Conor McGregor’s new training video posted on Reddit Here. The criticism reflects growing uncertainty over McGregor’s return after nearly five years away from active competition.

McGregor continues to show confidence ahead of Holloway rematch

Despite the criticism, McGregor himself has appeared highly motivated during the build-up to UFC 329. Earlier this year, he announced the Holloway rematch in typical fashion via social media, claiming he would make Holloway his “son” again, more than 13 years after defeating him by unanimous decision during their first meeting at UFC Fight Night 26 in 2013. That original fight took place before either man became a global UFC superstar.

McGregor vs Holloway UFC 329 Return Fight / Image: X

McGregor later became the promotion’s first simultaneous two-division champion, compiling a professional record of 22 wins and six losses, while Holloway built one of the strongest featherweight resumes in UFC history with 27 wins and nine losses. Before training camp, McGregor publicly thanked fans for supporting him during the toughest period of his fighting career. The 37-year-old said the encouragement has given him new energy ahead of his comeback, and also praised his coaches and teammates for helping him sharpen his preparation. McGregor specifically mentioned long-time teammate Niccolo Soli, saying that recent practice sessions have inspired him to further improve. He also stressed that he now feels mentally and physically stronger than ever. “The support from the fans has made me excited to begin an intense training camp,” McGregor wrote. He also said that he hoped his return could inspire young fighters around the world.

Other UFC fighters have openly questioned whether McGregor should still compete

The growing criticism surrounding the footage came as several UFC fighters publicly questioned whether McGregor should return at this stage of his career. British featherweight contender Arnold Allen recently admitted that he believes McGregor risks damaging his legacy by continuing to fight. “I don’t think McGregor should come back. He’s made his money,” Allen told sportsbible Before his fight against Melquizel Costa on May 17. “The only thing he can do now is spoil his career by staying too long. He’s done everything.” Even with those concerns, McGregor’s return remains one of the biggest attractions in combat sports due to the scale of his name, the length of his absence and the uncertainty over which version of him will ultimately enter the cage against Holloway. There is already speculation about what will happen if McGregor is successful in defeating Holloway in July. One of the names repeatedly linked with a future blockbuster fight is current UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, though much of that discussion still hinges on whether McGregor can prove he remains competitive after years away from elite level fighting.

New Delhi: Four days into assuming the post of Kerala chief minister, Congress leader VD Satheesan has found himself at the center of a political storm not over policy or governance, but over his name.Congress leaders have now criticized their own Chief Minister for the name he chose to use publicly while taking the constitutional oath.A controversy erupted after Satheesan used his full legal name ‘Vadassery Damodar Menon Satheesan’ while taking oath as Chief Minister on May 18 and again as an MLA of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

what’s in a name?

This controversy largely arose from the contradiction with Satheesan’s earlier public political identity.When he took oath as MLA in 2021, he identified himself only as ‘VD Satheesan’. However, this time, he chose to use the extended version of his name at two high-profile constitutional ceremonies. The surname ‘Menon’ is from the upper caste Nair community in Kerala.Satheesan was chosen by the Congress high command for the top post after the party won the recent assembly elections and took over power from the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government after 10 years. Following Satheesan’s move, critics from within his own party argued that bringing up the caste title was at odds with the party’s secular and inclusive image.According to PTI, some Congress insiders also felt there was a political “message” in the move, especially amid criticism from the BJP and CPM over the Congress-led UDF’s partnership with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Jamaat-e-Islami.Some within the Congress interpret the use of the Menon surname as an attempt to signal outreach to a section of Hindu voters at a time when identity politics is intensifying in Kerala.Congress leader Jinto John said in a post on Facebook that the Congress party which does not use caste nicknames is more inclusive. He wrote that he would use ‘Jinto John’ instead of ‘Thekkamaktil John Roman Catholic Jinto’, referring to the name of the community he comes from. “My politics is also shaped by my commitment, a slightly left-leaning Congress consciousness,” he said.Similarly, another Congress leader VR Anup in a social media posting suggested that CM Satheesan should devote more time to reading Ambedkar. He argued that caste continued to function as “social capital and social power” in Kerala.Referring to Satheesan’s public image as a serious reader, Anup wrote on social media: “Even amidst the pressure of official responsibilities, when you find time to read, you should also find more time to read Ambedkar.”The issue gained further attention as two influential Hindu community organisations, Nair Service Society (NSS) and SNDP Yogam, were reportedly not enthusiastic about Satheesan being made the chief minister, PTI reported.

Satheesan asks what is wrong in this?

Amid criticism from his own party leaders, Satheesan defended his decision and asked, “Why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name?”However, Satheesan strongly rejected suggestions that the move conveyed a caste or political message.Addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the CM said he had deliberately used his full name as a mark of respect to his late parents.“Why is it wrong if I take my father’s name? Shouldn’t I remember him?” Satheesan asked, according to ANI.He said, “This is my father’s name. I am sad that I could not even take my mother’s name. Both of them passed away before I became an MLA. I took my father’s name. It is common to do so.”He further said, “Even the passport has it written like this. Since there was no option to tell my mother’s name, I remembered her in my mind. It is a matter of pride to tell the names of your parents.”

‘Vande Mataram’ controversy

Amid the controversy over the use of the surname, Satheesan’s swearing-in ceremony as CM had also triggered a separate political debate after the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was presented during the swearing-in of the new UDF cabinet.Satheesan later clarified that the government had no prior notice that the full version of the song would be played.“We did not know that Vande Mataram would be sung in full. The instructions came from Lok Bhavan. We realized it when we were standing there when it started being sung in full,” he said on Wednesday, according to ANI.“It was not possible to stop it midway. Usually only the national anthem is sung till the end of the programme.” Now this has also been included in it. We had no prior information,” he said.Meanwhile, the CPM criticized the move, saying it was “a wrong and unfair move” to present the parts excluded by the Congress Working Committee in 1937.“The Congress Working Committee itself had taken the stand that presenting all parts of Vande Mataram is not appropriate for a pluralistic society,” the CPM said in a statement.The party further said, “Any action that weakens the plural society should not be taken from the government. At a time when efforts to divide people on communal lines are becoming more active, any action that harms secularism should not be taken from any side.”

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Image Credit: BCCI/IPL)

New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals‘Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his habit of terrorizing bowlers is no secret. It started in the last IPL, continued during India’s victorious 2026 Under-19 World Cup campaign, and is still going strong in IPL 2026. The boy from Bihar has created havoc by hitting sixes, instilling fear in bowlers and opposition teams alike. More importantly, he is delivering on his promises.Rajasthan Royals were in a position to win at all costs against the Lucknow Super Giants team, which was already eliminated after suffering three consecutive defeats. the head coach is watching Kumar SangakkaraThe 15-year-old came up to him with a stressed face and said, “It will be done.”Then he stood up and went towards the middle.The conversation took place after Rajasthan Royals opted to bowl first against LSG.After LSG posted a mammoth score of 220/5, Suryavanshi was at his best with a blistering 93 off just 38 balls as Rajasthan Royals easily chased down 221 to keep their playoff hopes alive. RR won by seven wickets with five balls to spare.Suryavanshi hit 10 sixes and seven fours in his breathtaking innings.After the match, Suryavanshi spoke to Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder and revealed the promise he made to Sangakkara.“He was really not going well for us for the last 2-3 matches. We were losing. He was under a lot of pressure as I saw him. Even today when I was padding up to score 220, he had a lot of stress and tension on his face. But I am confident today that I will get my game back.” I will do it and I will do it well [Actually, things hadn’t been going well for us for the last 2-3 matches. We were losing games. I could see that he was under a lot of pressure. Even today, when I was padding up to chase 220, there was a lot of tension and stress on his face. But I was confident that today I would back my game again and do well]Suryavanshi said.“So I told him, ‘It will be done’, it is not a big score according to this wicket. Don’t take tension.” [So I told him, ‘It will happen.’ It’s not a very big score according to this wicket. There’s no need to take tension],” He said.The 15-year-old opening batsman has already hit 53 sixes this season, leaving him just six sixes short of Chris Gayle’s record of 59 sixes in an IPL edition.In the process, the teenage genius became the first Indian batsman in IPL history to hit 50 sixes in a single season.He also became the youngest player in the history of the tournament to reach 500 runs and maintained the highest strike rate of 236.3 in an IPL season with more than 500 runs.

US intelligence assessments suggest Iran could rebuild major military capabilities within a matter of months, raising new questions over the long-term effectiveness of US-Israeli attacks on Tehran’s defense infrastructure. Iran has already restarted parts of its drone production during a six-week ceasefire that began in April, according to a CNN report citing multiple sources familiar with US intelligence, indicating a faster recovery than initially anticipated in Washington.The report comes as President Donald Trump is threatening renewed military action if Tehran refuses to agree to a comprehensive peace deal. Intelligence officials told CNN that some assessments now indicate Iran could fully restore its drone strike capability in as little as six months. A US official quoted by CNN said: “The Iranians have missed all the deadlines given for restructuring the IC.”

Iran rebuilds amid fears of ceasefire

US intelligence agencies believe Iran’s recovery has been helped by external support, particularly Russia and China. CNN reported that Chinese components used in missile manufacturing continued to arrive in Iran during the conflict, although officials believe the ongoing US naval blockade has slowed those supplies.Drone production has emerged as a particular concern for US allies in the Gulf and Israel. Analysts fear that if fighting resumes, Tehran could rely on drone warfare to compensate for depleted missile capabilities. Iranian drones are capable of reaching targets in the Gulf region and Israel.At the same time, tension continues regarding Iran’s nuclear program. According to Reuters, Iran’s leadership has rejected demands to transfer enriched uranium reserves abroad. Sources familiar with internal discussions said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had ordered that the material “should not leave the country”, considering it essential to national security following the recent attacks.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, has insisted that hostilities cannot completely end unless Iran dismantles its missile infrastructure and ends support for regional proxy groups.

installation cost of operation epic fury

Reports detailing the scale and cost of American losses during the conflict, as well as questions over the success of the campaign, have increased. According to the Congressional Research Service report, at least 42 US military aircraft were damaged or destroyed during Operation Epic Fury.Reported losses include fighter planes, refueling planes, surveillance planes and more than two dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones. During a congressional hearing earlier this month, acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III said operational costs related to the conflict had risen to $29 billion, with most of the increase tied to repairing or replacing damaged equipment.

The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 brought together runners from across the country, but the 5K 40-49 men’s category stood out as a reflection of consistency, experience and years of dedication to fitness and the sport. These runners proved that the passion for running grows stronger with time, turning every kilometer into a display of grit and determination.From former soldiers to runners who discovered their potential later in life, each story reflects the spirit of discipline and perseverance that defines the running community.

Vijender Malik

winnerchip time: 00:18:31At the age of 47, Vijender Malik performed remarkably well to top the category. The former soldier, who has been running for the last 20 years, once represented the Army athletic team, carrying forward the discipline and dedication he built during his years of service.His performance reflected the mindset of a seasoned athlete prepared, focused and motivated by years of experience on the track.

Jogender Singh

first runner upchip time: 00:19:05Jogender Singh, 49, started running 14 years ago just for fitness, but his journey soon turned into something much bigger. He credits coach Sombir for helping him recognize his potential and becoming part of a strong community that pushed him to improve.Even today Jogendra is working hard with the aim of remaining at the top position. Speaking about the Times Internet Half Marathon, he praised the management and organization of the event, particularly highlighting the fun Zumba warm-up sessions and the intuitive digital support that made it easy for participants to access race photos.

Giri Raj

second runner upchip time: 00:19:43Giri Raj completed the race with impressive speed and consistency, demonstrating the endurance and focus that define experienced runners. Their performance reflects the dedication and competitive spirit that continues to inspire runners of all age groups.The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was more than just a race; It was a celebration of stories built over years of commitment, discipline and love of racing. With thousands of participants, an electrifying atmosphere and a growing running community, the event once again brought together athletes from every generation under a shared passion: the joy of running.

There may be rift between the Beckham couple, but love also flows in their veins. brooklyn beckhamThe eldest sibling and media personality shared an adorable photo of herself Victoria Beckham’s father, Tony Adams, to celebrate his grandfather’s 80th birthday. While the rest of the family attended a lavish party, the 27-year-old increasingly distanced himself.Here’s a closer look at Brooklyn Beckham and Tony Adams’ 80th birthday celebration.

Brooklyn Beckham wished his grandfather on his 80th birthday

Brooklyn Beckham posted the picture on her Instagram Story, where the two were comfortably lounging on comfortable chairs with glasses of drinks in their hands. “Happy 80th Birthday Dad, I love you so much,” he wrote with a small blue “Happy Birthday” sticker next to it. Meanwhile, the fashion mogul took to social media to share a series of happy moments from the grand party she hosted. Showcasing the montage of the formal party, in addition to Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, several people were in attendance including David Beckham and his children, Romeo and his girlfriend, Kim Turnball, Cruz and his girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, and Harper.

“Happy Birthday Daddy, we love you so much! Thank you to all our friends and family who helped make it so special! Xxx,” she wrote in the caption.

Victoria Beckham shares a glimpse of her birthday party

Beckham knows how to rock a formal ball. Victoria wore a soft ice blue silk gown from her collection, while David joined her in a black and white suit. Harper, meanwhile, wore a lace-trimmed black dress. In another photo dump, the ‘Spice Girls’ member gave a glimpse of her dancing on the floor. She thanked family and friends again, saying, “It was a wonderful night celebrating my wonderful father.”