Cusac Cave, a hidden cave in the Dordogne region of France, revealed thousands of years of history when explorer Marc Deluc discovered elaborate Upper Paleolithic art. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Beneath the beautiful, rolling hills of the Dordogne region in southwestern France, a massive mystery of history has been hidden in complete darkness for thousands of years. On September 12, 2000, a dedicated cave explorer named Mark DeLuc was searching for new passages in the caves of this area. Eventually he discovered that there was a very small and noticeable crack in the limestone rock through which he decided to squeeze his body.As he was passing through the dark and wet underground passage, he raised his lamp to inspect the walls. According to their expectations, they should have encountered common geological features; However, he saw many beautiful, detailed lines carved on the stones.The marks may be unnoticed by archaeologists because they may simply be random scratches made by cave bears or erosion. Yet, as Deluk explored inside, traces began to create fantastic images of mammoths, bison and wild horses that were long dead. It was a rare find indeed – an untouched Upper Palaeolithic gallery that would soon be dubbed Cusack’s Cave by the rest of the world.Uncovering two mysteries of a prehistoric templeThis exciting discovery shocked the scientific community because the cave contained a mixture of prehistoric wonders that had never been seen before by humans. according to a In situ study of the Gravettian man from Cusack’s CaveA thorough anthropological study is presented American Journal of Biological AnthropologyThis cave was quite unique as it contained monumental rock paintings as well as untouched human skeletal remains.By analyzing the unique artistic style of the animal carvings and using advanced radiocarbon dating on the surrounding sediments, researchers determined that the cave was actively used during the Gravettian period, approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.

Further exploration revealed an intact human skeleton, suggesting that the cave served as a prehistoric burial site and place of worship. Remarkably, ancient footprints preserved in the mud indicate the use of sophisticated footwear. Image credit: Evidence of the use of soft shoes in the Gravettian cave of Cussac (Dordogne, France) Figure 2

Scientists focused on a particular part of the underground structure known as Locus 2 and discovered an almost complete skeleton of a human lying in a natural depression. It became clear that an ancient burial ritual had involved placing a body inside a natural cavity where a layer of soil had been deliberately applied to cover the bones. This showed that the cave was no longer simply a place to create prehistoric art, but a highly significant space that combined both religious aspects of artistic activities as well as the worship of dead ancestors.Ghostly footprints left in ancient mudApart from the magnificent wall carvings and the perfectly preserved skeletons of the ancestors, the unique cave environment managed to preserve something else too. As revealed in a special archaeological study Evidence of the use of soft shoes in Cusack’s Gravettian Cavepublished in magazine scientific reportThe muddy floors of the corridor retain the footprints of inhabitants thousands of years ago.In the study of footprints, it was observed that some circular footprints were in the form of a depression, which did not contain distinct fingerprints. Because of this special feature, scientists believe that ancient populations used highly refined leather shoes to protect themselves from the cold stone floors of caves.The Cusack Cave is today protected with great precision by the French government, as its opening is not easily accessible to many people every year, so as not to damage the delicate paintings due to excessive humidity and air breathing.As we walk the streets of modern French cities busy with their daily hustle and bustle, an older world, rich in its depths, waits patiently for us in the darkness just beneath our feet.

Winnership Time: 00:19:04

Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was not just about speed or podium finishes, it was about stories shaped by years of discipline, consistency and passion. In the 5K Men’s 50+ category, runners brought with them decades of experience, proving that the desire to compete and challenge oneself never diminishes with age.These guys didn’t just race. He represented a lifestyle built around stamina, commitment and the joy of constantly pushing beyond limits.

Ramesh Kumar

At 53, Ramesh Kumar has spent the last two decades building an incredible relationship with running. What started as pure interest gradually turned into a life-long passion, leading to him completing nearly 100 marathons over the years.For Ramesh, running is more than fitness; It is a way of life. Speaking about the event, he proudly called the Times Internet Half Marathon the “number one marathon”, praising the energy, organization and experience created for the runners.

Deepesh Joshi

For Deepesh Joshi, 51, running started as a solution to weight gain about eight years ago. But somewhere during the journey, fitness turned into a passion.What makes his story even more special is how running became a part of his family culture. Deepesh got his loved ones involved in the sport and became part of one of the earliest marathon running couples, proving that running can inspire not only individuals, but entire families.

Always looking for the next challenge, Narendra is now preparing for the grueling 72 kilometer race, which is a reflection of his mentality to never stop pushing the limits.The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 celebrated runners like these individuals who continue to inspire through commitment, resilience and love of the sport. With each edition, the marathon evolves into more than just an event; It becomes a community where stories, generations and passions come together on the same path.

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Superstar Rajinikanth unveiled the trailer and audio of upcoming musical drama ‘Charukesi’, and praised the team for bringing the culture and music-based film on screen. Directed by Suresh Krishna and starring YG Mahendran, the film promises to be a blend of classical music, emotions and family drama, and will release on June 12.

Rajinikanth Attended the trailer and audio launch event of the upcoming Tamil film ‘Charukesi’ and officially unveiled both in Chennai. directed the film Suresh Krishna And it also includes a group of experienced artists YG MahendranSathyaraj, Samuthirakani, Suhasini Maniratnam, and Ramya Pandian. Rajinikanth’s presence at the event increased the excitement and attention towards the film.

The superstar appreciates the efforts behind the film

During the event, Rajinikanth praised the entire team for making a film based on culture, music and emotions. He praised the makers and producers for bringing such a meaningful story to the big screen at a time when commercial films of various kinds dominate the theatres, reports ETV Bharat. Rajinikanth also wished success for the cast and crew and encouraged the audience to support films that celebrate art and heritage. Her speech received a standing ovation from fans and guests at the venue, with many citing it as one of the memorable moments of the audio launch event.

‘Charukesi’ promises music, emotions and strong drama

‘Charukesi’ is said to be based on a famous stage play starring YG Mahendran and has been developed as a musical drama full of emotions and family relationships. The makers believe that the film will remind audiences of classic musical plays like Shankarabharanam and Sindhu Bhairavi due to its strong emotional story and focus on classical music. musician Deva created the soundtrack, and the team hopes that the songs and background score will connect deeply with the audience.

‘Charukesi’ ready for release in theaters in June

At the event, director Suresh Krishna shared that ‘Charukesi’ is one of the most personal and emotionally close projects of his career. He also expressed his happiness at working with such an experienced cast and a dedicated technical team. The launch ceremony was attended by several members of the film’s crew and production team along with the actors. The makers officially announced that ‘Charukesi’ will release in theaters on June 12. Fans are now eager to see how the film brings together music, emotions and family drama on the big screen.

Workers discovered a fossilized skeleton that was initially thought to be a Triceratops. Further investigation revealed that it was a very rare Torosaurus. Image Credit: Torosaurus is not Triceratops: Ontogeny in Chasmosaurine Ceratopsids as a Case Study in Dinosaur Classification Figure 1

Imagine working with heavy machinery in an ongoing city construction project, when suddenly you stop everything due to colliding with an object that turns out to be a giant artifact from prehistoric times. Well, this actually happened in the summer months of 2017 in Thornton, Colorado – a busy area right on the edge of Boulder County. When construction workers were digging up some soil to build a foundation for a new public safety building, they found a large structure of a fossilized horn lying right in front of their eyes.The excavation team stopped work with their heavy machinery and contacted local archaeologists to investigate the unknown discovery. It was soon reported by the media and locals that the fossil was that of the famous Triceratops, a name immediately recognized due to its three-horned appearance.Yet, as the dedicated excavation team carefully removed the thick layers that surrounded it over the course of twelve arduous days, its true identity began to change. In an official document published by the University of Colorado Boulder titled Dinosaur found in ThorntonIt turned out that the perfectly preserved specimen was actually Torosaurus, an incredibly close, but very rare, relative of the standard horned dinosaur.Revising a prehistoric family tree at a construction siteAs noted above, the evolution from a mere field hypothesis to a scientifically sound label reflects the nature of paleontology as a process of continuous data revision. As stated in a groundbreaking study published in the journal one moreIdentification of these massive creatures is particularly complex due to the dramatic development of their large ruffs and horns during the growth stage.The research establishes that while some scientists previously argued that both names represent different age stages of exactly the same genus, the distinctive, open window-like holes found in the frill structure of one Torosaurus Definitely set it apart as its own unique branch of the dinosaur family tree.

Construction workers in Thornton, Colorado unearthed a giant fossil initially thought to be a Triceratops. After careful excavation, paleontologists identified it as the rare Torosaurus, a close relative.

Thornton’s discovery proved to be an absolute gift to science as the determined team succeeded in recovering about 80 percent of the giant animal’s skull and 15 percent of its body. This amazing amount of preservation made it one of the most intact Torosaurus skeletons found anywhere in Colorado history, and turned an otherwise routine civilian endeavor into a historic event for North American geology.search for someone lost cretaceous flood plain buried under asphaltFinally, all these efforts were rewarded when the remains were carefully encased in a plaster jacket and sent to the collection of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The amazing discovery passes directly through the Denver Basin, representing the remains of a fossilized Cretaceous floodplain that buried the last generation of dinosaurs to walk our planet, approximately 66 million years ago.Today, beautiful fossilized remains provide a stunning biological snapshot of the ancient Mountain West, showing that what is now a paved, metropolitan security center was once a lush, ancient floodplain where rare armored titans regularly roamed. This incredible discovery serves as a powerful reminder that our modern cities lie directly on top of deep, forgotten landscapes.As we walk down bustling city sidewalks or drive past typical municipal buildings, our planet’s deep history is resting just a few feet beneath the concrete, waiting for a chance to bring it back into the light. This shows that amazing scientific advances often depend on the curiosity of local workers stopping at the right moment and taking a closer look at the ordinary dirt beneath their tools.It is truly an awe-inspiring experience when we realize how, through a simple manufacturing activity to meet the needs of modern times, we can acquire an exceptionally rare specimen of the Horned King of the prehistoric era.

CBSE’s new order requiring Class 9 students to study three languages ​​from the 2026-27 session has been challenged legally in the Supreme Court. The petitioners have argued that the sudden implementation lacks proper infrastructure, risks academic disruption, and forces many students to abandon foreign languages ​​they have studied for years.

A major legal challenge has reached Supreme Court Against the decision of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to make third language mandatory for class 9 and 10 students from the 2026-27 academic session. According to a report by Live Law, a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by parents and teachers from several cities has questioned both the timing and implementation of the new language policy.The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who agreed to list the petition next week after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi sought urgent hearing.During the mention, Rohatgi argued that the new policy could seriously hamper the academic preparation of students. He told the court that students studying in Class 9 cannot be expected to suddenly learn a new language and then appear for the Class 10 examinations within such a short period of time, Live Law reported. He warned that the move would cause “chaos” for students, schools and parents.

Parents and teachers from four cities reached the court

The petition has been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by 19 petitioners, including parents and teachers from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida and Chennai. The respondents in the case are the central government, CBSE and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).At the center of the controversy is CBSE circular number Acad-33/2026 issued on May 15, 2026. The circular said that from July 1, 2026, Class 9 students will have to study three languages, identified as R1, R2 and R3, of which at least two will be native Indian languages.Under the policy, students who wish to study foreign languages ​​like French or German can do so as a third language only if the first two languages ​​are Indian languages. Otherwise, foreign language can be taken only as an additional fourth subject.

The petition states that CBSE suddenly changed its stand

The petitioners have argued that the circular directly contradicts CBSE’s earlier communication issued on April 9, 2026. According to the petition, CBSE had earlier clarified that the mandatory third language requirement for Class 9 students will not be implemented till the 2029-30 academic session.The petition claims that schools and families planned the academic year based on that assurance. It has been argued that the sudden reversal just weeks before implementation has confused students and institutions.The petition further states that many students have already spent years studying foreign languages ​​and will now be forced to suddenly switch to another language stream in the middle of their schooling.

Questions raised on teachers and textbooks

A central argument in the petition relates to the lack of infrastructure to implement the policy. The petitioners have alleged that the circular itself acknowledges the shortage of trained teachers and textbooks. According to the petition, CBSE has allowed temporary arrangements such as appointing teachers from other subjects who have “functional proficiency” in a language and using Class 6 textbooks with additional local content for Class 9 students.The petition argues that such measures highlight the lack of preparedness behind the rollout. Citing Article 14 of the Constitution, the petition claims the policy is “patently arbitrary”. It also cites Article 21A, arguing that meaningful education cannot be ensured by merely imposing a compulsory subject without proper teaching infrastructure and academic planning.

The petition has been cited NEP 2020Warned of stress on students

The petitioners have also relied on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, arguing that the policy framework emphasizes flexibility and clearly states that no language should be imposed on students or states.The plea further claims that the revised mandate is against the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 and contradicts CBSE’s own previous notifications regarding phased implementation.Another concern raised before the court is the academic stress it may cause to students already studying foreign languages. The petition argues that forcing them to change subjects at the secondary level may disrupt continuity and create unnecessary pressure during board exam years.

Foreign language teachers may also be affected

The petition additionally cites Article 19(1)(g), arguing that teachers and institutions involved in foreign language education may face professional harm if foreign languages ​​are excluded from the mainstream three-language system.Citing media reports and representations from parents, the petition claims that confusion has started spreading among schools. A communication referred to in the petition reportedly offered Hindi, Sanskrit and French as language options for Grade 9 under the revised structure.The petitioners have sought quashing of the May 15 CBSE circular and restoration of the previous position of April 9, which had postponed the mandatory implementation for Class 9 students till 2029-30. They have also sought interim relief to prevent the implementation of the policy on existing students while the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.

Britain formally adopts new transgender guidance on single-sex spaces under Equality Act rules / Image: File

Britain is preparing for one of the biggest changes to its equality guidance in years, after the government formally unveiled new transgender access rules for everything from public toilets and hospital wards to gyms, schools and women-only refuges.The updated guidance outlines how transgender people could be legally excluded from some single-sex spaces under UK law, a move that is already sparking intense national debate over privacy, safety, inclusion and equality rights.The new code follows a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 2025, which held that under the Equality Act 2010, the legal definition of “sex” refers to biological sex rather than gender identity. The ruling effectively means that a transgender woman is considered legally male under equality law, while a transgender man is considered legally female for the purposes of single-gender protections.The guidance was prepared by the UK’s independent equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), and formally presented to Parliament by the UK Government Equality Office under the Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson.Parliament now has a 40-day investigation period before fully implementing the code on public bodies, workplaces and service providers across England, Scotland and Wales.The updated rules replace earlier guidelines from 2011 and are expected to impact policies across the National Health Service (NHS), schools, universities, gyms, sports organisations, employers and local councils across the country.

UK single-sex space rules

The new code states that organizations can legally exclude transgender individuals from certain single-sex services if doing so is considered a “proportionate means” of protecting privacy, dignity, safety or fairness.The guidance applies to places and services including:

Under the updated framework:

The EHRC also stressed that transgender people are still protected under the Equality Act through the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.However, the guidance states that organizations should balance those protections with the rights of women and other service users. The code repeatedly emphasizes “case-by-case” assessment rather than a blanket ban.One important point is that the guidance warns organizations against creating situations of “double exclusion” where transgender people are unable to access male or female facilities.

Big changes can be seen at the workplace

Some of the most immediate impacts are expected in health care, workplaces and sports.The draft guidance states that hospitals can legally place patients on wards based on biological sex rather than gender identity. NHS policies may now require revision following the publication of the updated code.In sports, the Code states that participation in sex-segregated competitions must generally be based on biological sex.For workplaces, employers may need to reconsider toilet and changing-room arrangements. Legal experts have noted that many organizations are still trying to understand how to practically implement the decision without creating risks of discrimination.The guidance also acknowledges practical complexities. For example, it says it would be unrealistic to routinely ask people for proof of biological sex before using common public facilities such as toilets.The code further states that the exclusion of trans men from certain health services, such as gynecology or obstetrics, may in itself be disproportionate or discriminatory.

an argument breaks out trans rights Law

The publication of the guidance has sparked intense debate in politics, legal circles, LGBTQ+ organizations and women’s rights groups.Supporters argue that the new rules finally provide legal clarity after years of confusion around the Equality Act. Many women-only campaigners welcomed the Code as a necessary step following the Supreme Court decision.However, critics warn that the guidance could marginalize transgender people and create fear in accessing public facilities. Some LGBTQ+ activists and advocacy groups say the practical effect could lead to trans individuals facing exclusion and stigmatization.Legal challenges have already surrounded earlier versions of the EHRC’s interim guidance. While a High Court challenge failed earlier this year, the debate over how the law should be interpreted is still unresolved.International human rights experts have also urged the UK to ensure that both women’s rights and transgender rights are equally protected under future policy implementation.

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Friday announced that elections for 24 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states will be held on June 18. According to the Election Commission, the vacancies are arising due to retirement of existing members between June 21 and July 19.Four seats each from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka will be included in the elections; three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan; two in Jharkhand; And one seat each in Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.The Election Commission said that the last date for filing nominations will be June 8.Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections will take place between 9 am to 4 pm, with counting starting at 5 pm on the same day. The Election Commission said that the entire election process will be over by June 20.The Commission clarified that voters will be allowed to use only the integrated purple sketch pen supplied by the Returning Officer to mark preferences on the ballot papers. Use of any other pen will not be allowed during voting.The ECI also said that observers will be deployed and other necessary arrangements will be made to ensure free and fair elections.Elections are being held for seats in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Mizoram.Several prominent leaders are set to retire from the Upper House, including veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh from Madhya Pradesh and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda as well as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka.Voting will also be held for JMM founder Shibu Soren’s Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand, which is vacant since August 2025 after his death.Other members who completed their tenure include Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla, Pillai Subhash Chandra Bose, Rambhai Harjibhai Mokaria, George Kurien, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, Neeraj Dangi, Rajendra Gehlot, Nabam Rebia, Iranna Kadadi and K Vanlalvena.The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament whose members are elected by the legislators of the states and union territories through proportional representation.

New Delhi: Bought a defective product? Facing poor service from a company, builder, bank, airline, hospital or online platform? Indian consumer law allows you to approach the Consumer Commission for compensation and relief without going through the lengthy civil court process.Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, consumers can file complaints against unfair trade practices, defective goods, deficiency in services, overcharging, misleading advertisements, etc.

Who can file a consumer complaint?

The complaint can be filed by an individual consumer, group of consumers, legal heir or representative, registered consumer association or even by the Central or State Government in some cases. “Consumer” generally means a person who purchases goods or hires services for personal use and not for commercial resale.You can approach the consumer commission for issues like faulty mobile phones, electronics or appliances, online shopping fraud, delay in possession by builders, insurance claim rejection, banking or credit card disputes, medical negligence, airline cancellation or poor service, misleading advertisements, charging more than MRP and poor telecom or internet services.Before filing a case, it is advisable to send a written notice or email to the company or seller explaining your problem, the compensation or refund you want, and the deadline for resolution. Many disputes are resolved at this level.Keep copies of invoices, receipts, emails, chats, screenshots, warranty cards and transaction details. These documents become important evidence later on.

Where should you file a complaint?

Consumer cases are filed before consumer commissions based on the price you paid for goods or services. Under the 2019 Act, jurisdiction is determined by the actual consideration paid and not by the compensation being claimed.There are three levels of consumer commission. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission handles cases where the value of goods or services paid is up to ₹50 lakh. For claims above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore, the case goes to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Cases where the value paid exceeds ₹2 crore are heard by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, commonly known as NCDRC.The complaint can generally be filed where the opposite party lives or works, where the business is conducted, or where the cause of action arose. Importantly, under the 2019 Act, a consumer can also file from where they live or work – they do not need to travel to the seller’s location.

Can complaints be filed online?

Yes. Consumers can lodge complaints online through the government’s eDaakhil portal (edaakhil.nic.in). The portal allows users to lodge complaints, upload documents, pay fees online and track the status of the case digitally.

What details should be contained in the complaint?

The consumer complaint must clearly state the name and address of both the parties, the facts of the dispute, the date of purchase or transaction, the amount paid, the deficiency or defect involved, supporting evidence and the relief sought.You can seek refund, replacement, compensation, removal of defects, litigation costs, or compensation for mental harassment.

Is it mandatory to appoint a lawyer?

No, consumer courts are designed to be consumer-friendly, and individuals can argue their cases without hiring a lawyer. However, for complex or high-value cases, legal aid may still be a better option.

What is the filing deadline?

The complaint must generally be filed within two years from the date when the cause of action arose. If there is delay, the Commission may allow the case even if sufficient cause for the delay is shown.Once the complaint is accepted, a notice is issued to the opposite party, the company or seller files a reply, the evidence is examined, a hearing is held and the Commission passes an order.Before proceeding to a full hearing, the Commission may refer the case to arbitration if both parties agree. This may result in a quick resolution without the need for a lengthy hearing.The Commission may order refund, replacement of goods, compensation, penalty for unfair practices or closure of misleading advertisements.

Can the order be challenged?

Yes. Appeals against the orders can be made from the District Commission to the State Commission within 45 days, from the State Commission to the National Commission within 30 days and to the National Commission within 30 days. Supreme Court within 30 days.

File picture: Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (TOI photo)

New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer and famous commentator Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has made another explosive revelation about his years in cricket broadcasting, alleging he was forced to return to commentary duties soon after his elder brother’s cremation.The former leg spinner, who recently retired from the BCCI commentary panel citing “color discrimination”, shared the emotional incident through a series of posts on social media on Thursday.“My elder brother passed away a few years ago. We completed the cremation in the evening, a few minutes after that, the BCCI broadcast director called me and said, ‘Now that the cremation is done, can you take a flight to Mohali the next morning to do commentary on the India vs Australia Test?’ I went,” Sivaramakrishnan wrote on X.The 60-year-old revealed that despite the personal grief, he prioritized his professional commitments.He said, “I gave up mourning and went away. My mother passed away when I was commentating in Pune. After going through so much, I was subjected to whatever I had to do.”

‘That’s why I retired’In another post, Sivaramakrishnan hinted that the same person was one of the major reasons behind his decision to step away from commentary duties earlier this year, although he stopped short of naming the person publicly.In March, just days before IPL 2026, Sivaramakrishnan had announced his retirement from BCCI commentary, alleging discrimination on the basis of skin color and claiming that he was sidelined in favor of newcomers.The former India spinner, who represented the country in nine Tests and 16 ODIs, had earlier opened up in interviews about battling depression, anxiety and severe emotional trauma during his commentary career.

‘I thought I was going to die’In an intensely personal conversation with The Indian Express earlier this year, Sivaramakrishnan had talked about experiencing a mental breakdown during the IPL in the UAE during the COVID-19 period.“I became completely depressed and I didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror,” he said. “Every time I woke up, I felt like I was going to die.”He described terrifying hallucinations, sleepless nights and emotional isolation, and also alleged years of racism and appearance discrimination in the cricket world.Sivaramakrishnan further claimed that he was often denied high-profile on-air roles because he was considered “not presentable”.“I have never done a toss or a presentation,” he previously said, adding that producers reportedly told him they were instructed not to put him in those positions.The former spinner also recalled traumatic experiences from his early cricket days and said that such incidents caused severe damage to his self-esteem at a young age.