Representative image (PTI)

New Delhi: According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the share of daily wage earners in all suicide deaths in 2024 was 31%, the highest share in a decade (2015-2024). A total of 52,910 daily wage earners died by suicide during the year, a sharp increase from the previous peak of 26.4% recorded in 2022.Casual labourers, a category that largely includes daily wage earners, constitute about one-fifth and the largest share of India’s total workforce. The total number of deaths by suicide in the country is expected to increase to 1.7 lakh by 2024 compared to 1.34 lakh in 2015.

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A comparative analysis of suicide deaths since 2015 shows that the three largest categories under “suicide victims by profession” include daily wage earners, housewives and self-employed people. However, the share of suicides among housewives and self-employed people has declined over the past decade.Similarly, the share of deaths by suicide among persons engaged in the agriculture sector declined from 8.7% in 2016 to 6.2% in 2024. The agriculture category was introduced in the NCRB’s Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India report in 2016.According to the 2024 NCRB report, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of suicides among daily wage earners at 10,556 – almost one-fifth of all deaths in the country – followed by Maharashtra (6,811), Telangana (5,745), Madhya Pradesh (5,299) and Chhattisgarh (3,413). Among union territories, Delhi had the highest number of such deaths at 343.The report also said that 62.9% of the victims who committed suicide in 2024 – around 1.1 lakh individuals – had an annual income of less than Rs 1 lakh. Among the causes of suicide, “family problems” remained the leading cause, accounting for 35% of all deaths, with “illness” accounting for 17.9%.The major means of death by suicide were hanging (62.3%), consuming poison (24.5%), drowning (4.4%) and falling under moving vehicles or trains (2.5%).

Adviser on Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister Tariq Rahman Humayun Kobir has stressed on the ‘Bangladesh first policy’ while maintaining ties with major global powers including India, China and the US, saying Bangladesh will not become a “football” between India and China. His comments come as Dhaka is looking to balance bilateral relations with several countries, especially those in its neighbourhood, through cooperation in various sectors including infrastructure, trade, energy.“We can act as referees from time to time to ensure fair play, but we will not be football,” Kobir said at a roundtable discussion on Saturday. Asked about his relations with China and India, Kobir pointed to Dhaka’s intentions to play a bigger role in the region. Describing China as an “important development partner” for Bangladesh, he said, “Bangladesh will maintain balanced relations with both countries while firmly protecting its interests.”Humayun Kobir, advisor on foreign affairs to Bangladesh PM Tariq Rahman, stressed that Dhaka will continue to pursue “balanced global engagement” as a strategic policy option. “Balance is not a weakness. Balance is a strategy,” he said.He said the BNP-led government will pursue the “Bangladesh first” foreign principle based on pragmatism, strategic balance and national interest. Responding to questions from diplomats, academics and policy experts, Humayun said the government would avoid excessive dependence on any one country and instead adopt a “flexible and multi-pronged” diplomatic strategy.Humayun also questioned the relevance of the traditional foreign policy slogan “friendship towards all, malice towards none” and argued that a more strategic and realistic approach is required in today’s volatile geopolitical environment. The new principle does not mean separatism. Rather, Bangladesh’s sovereignty, development and national interests should be given priority, he said.He also argued that the democratic legitimacy of the new government strengthens Bangladesh’s position on the global stage. “We are a legitimately elected government with the mandate of the people. This gives us a position of strength in negotiations,” he said.On South Asian diplomacy, Kabir said the government wants to revive regional cooperation frameworks including SAARC and BIMSTEC, adding that he believes stronger engagement will amplify Bangladesh’s voice.

Controversial Singaporean YouTuber Amos Yee was allegedly attacked by an 18-year-old man dressed like Yuji Itadori outside the Doujima anime convention in Singapore. Online videos showed the cosplayer punching and kicking Yi during the fight. The incident occurred after conference organizers banned Yi from entering the event. Following the attack, Yee blamed organizers for escalating tensions and denied rumors alleging inappropriate behavior at the venue.

Amos Yee is again in the headlines and once again controversy has followed him. The 27-year-old Singaporean content creator was allegedly attacked outside the Doujima anime convention at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Center on May 9. Video circulating online showing a teenager dressed like Yuji Itadori from the anime series Jujutsu Kaisen punching and kicking Yi during a chaotic confrontation quickly spread on social media.The incident reignited debate over Yi’s long and deeply divisive public image. While some online users condemned the physical attack, others pointed to the years of scandals that have surrounded the former child actor turned blogger and YouTuber. The clash outside the conference has now become one of the most talked-about streamer-related controversies in Singapore this week.

Amos Yee’s controversial history continues to haunt him

Before becoming a viral internet personality, Amos Yee worked as a child actor in Singapore. He later gained an online following through provocative political and religious commentary. His criticism of former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his videos mocking religion led to several arrests in Singapore in the mid-2010s.In 2017, Yi moved to the United States and was granted political asylum. However, his situation worsened years later when authorities in Illinois charged him with grooming-related crimes, solicitation and possession of explicit material involving minors. He was sentenced to prison in 2021 before allegedly violating parole conditions and was later released on parole. After being deported to Singapore in March 2026, he faced additional legal Investigations related to national service obligations.That background heavily shaped the public reaction to his attempt to attend the Doujima conference. The organizers had already announced this Instagram that a “known problematic influencer” would not be allowed entry and said they were working to ban him from future events.

Amos Yee blames Doujima organizers after Singapore attack

Despite the ban, Yi still appeared near the conference venue and shared photos from outside the event. One post was captioned:“Protect your children.”After the attack, Yee posted photos of his injuries online and blamed organizers for increasing tension around his appearance. He wrote: “Honestly, if the organizers hadn’t banned me. I probably would have gone in, browsed the shops, had people come over to take selfies, many would have been disgusted to see me, but fuck them. And it’s a nice, happy day. Instead you banned me, causing people to get angry and cause my attack”He also denied rumors circulating online, saying:“Mao, there are stupid rumors being spread around that I attacked the first attacker or that I was taking pictures of an upskirt girl. There were ten thousand people there, and many of them were videoing me and following me. If I had done those things, there would have been evidence. Where is the evidence?”According to reports, the 18-year-old cosplayer involved in the attack was later arrested on charges of creating a public nuisance.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Monday refuted Congress’s claim that Instagram has “blocked” Rahul Gandhi’s reel and photo with newly appointed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, and alleged that the ministry is actively restricting the voice of opposition leaders in the country.Sources told news agency ANI that the ministry had nothing to do with the action and the platform’s internal systems had mistakenly marked the post for blocking.Sources said, “It has been wrongly claimed by some social media handles that some of LoP’s posts were banned by MeitY. It has been clarified that MeitY has nothing to do with this action; it happened because the platform’s own internal system had mistakenly marked the post for blocking, which has now been restored on the platform.”This came after former Youth Congress national campaign chief Srivatsa claimed that the reel had received 12 million views in less than an hour, while the viral photo post reached 46 million people.“Instagram has blocked the reel and picture post of LOP Rahul Gandhi at today’s swearing-in ceremony, which he and Thalapathy Vijay attended. The viral reel was viewed 12 million times in less than an hour and the viral picture post had already reached 46 million people,” Srivatsa said.He said, “Meta has not provided any reason as to why his account has become inaccessible. The ‘glitch’ is due to MeitY rules. Rahul Gandhi’s social media accounts have been suppressed for a long time. His X reach, YouTube views and Instagram followers have all been suppressed. This is how the voice of opposition leaders in India is suppressed.”This happened when Vijay took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday. Rahul also attended the function and later shared several pictures with the actor-politician on social media.Congress, with five MLAs, supported Vijay’s TVK, which emerged as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.Earlier, Tamil Nadu witnessed one of the most dramatic political transitions in its modern history when actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of the state, ending the decades-long political dominance of the DMK and AIADMK and ushering in “a new era of genuine, secular and social justice”.As thousands of supporters cheered, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and his cabinet colleagues.In his emotional first speech as chief minister, Vijay repeatedly highlighted his humble background and rejected any larger-than-life political image around him. “My dear people, my own family… I am not a divine messenger or prophet. I am an ordinary person living a normal life. I will never betray you with false promises. I will only promise what is possible,” he said to deafening applause.Thanking the young voters and children who enthusiastically campaigned for him, Vijay made a special mention of his Gen Z supporters, saying, “Special thanks to those little friends who call me ‘Vijay Mama’. It is because of them all this has happened. I will repay your debt of gratitude by working for your future. Rest assured – this Vijay Mama will always be there for you.”This line immediately became the biggest attraction of the online ceremony.Describing his victory as “a new beginning”, the TVK founder declared, “Let us all come together to give a new government to Tamil Nadu. This is the beginning of a new era of genuine, secular and social justice.”

Kolkata: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and his five Cabinet colleagues will hold their first meeting in Nabanna around noon on Monday and discuss issues including the implementation of the centrally funded health insurance scheme in Bengal, Ayushman Bharat and the closure of Bengal’s 569 km unfenced border with Bangladesh, government sources said.Sources said the five ministers who took oath along with Adhikari on Saturday – Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Nisith Pramanik, Ashok Kirtaniya and Khudiram Tudu are likely to get their portfolios on Monday. Cabinet expansion is expected later this week.The CM will hold his first meeting with the entire Bengal administration on Monday at Nabanna Assembly Hall and explain the BJP government’s roadmap for the next five years.

PM Narendra Modi had announced at a pre-poll rally in Bengal that the BJP cabinet in the state will approve the implementation of Ayushman Bharat in its first meeting. The scheme, which was opposed by the Mamata Banerjee administration, allows eligible families to receive up to Rs 5 lakh in annual health insurance coverage.Sources said another issue on which the new government will give top priority is fencing of the open 569 km border with Bangladesh. The state shares a 2,216.7 km long border with Bangladesh.The officer is likely to meet all IAS officers including District Magistrates at 4 pm. He is scheduled to meet police officers at 5 pm. Director General of Police SN Gupta had on Saturday night sent an “urgent” message to all police unit heads and asked them to attend a 5 pm meeting, where he said “law and order and related matters” would be discussed.CAPF cover will continue for CMThe government took several decisions before the cabinet and administrative meetings. The CAPF security cover provided to the officer by the Center will continue, though Bengal Police will also be part of it, an official said on Sunday. While the CM’s security is the responsibility of the state, the killing of Adhikari’s aide Chandranath Rath may have prompted the government to hand over his “closest security” to the CAPFs.Two IAS officers – P Promotho and Navneet Mittal – were appointed joint secretaries in the CM office on Sunday. Seven WBCS officers – Samrat Chakraborty, Amartya Chakraborty, Ayan Duttgupta, Rajarshi Nath, Surjit Roy, Pramit Das and Deep Bhaduri – were appointed senior deputy secretaries in the CMO. An official of the Lands and Land Reforms Department, Roy was the returning officer in Bhawanipur during the assembly elections. Adhikari won from Bhawanipur by defeating former CM Mamata Banerjee.16 officers who worked as CMO in the previous government were transferred on Saturday.“The previous government never cared for the brilliant IAS and IPS officers of the state. This often forced them to leave Bengal,” the officer told reporters on Saturday. “But this government needs these officers to implement policy decisions.”At least 46 WBCS (Executive) officers, who served as private secretaries and officers on special duty to ministers in the Trinamool government, have been assigned new responsibilities in the state administration.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar had already organized a proper fast bowler’s night in Raipur. Four wickets, destruction in the powerplay, clever knuckleball, a yorker in the death overs and another step towards the purple cap. And then somehow he also played the shot of the match.

IPLRCB vs MI: highlighted | Achievement:

Krunal Pandya did not hit five sixes while batting despite cramps. No late fight from Mumbai Indians. Even on the last ball there was no scuffle Game sealed for Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the last over of chasing the target, Bhuvneshwar Kumar hit a six over cover which completely turned the game.

And somehow, that one swing of the bat seemed bigger than the four wickets taken earlier in the night. Because without that six RCB might have been losing.

By then the game had turned into complete chaos. RCB were chasing 167 runs and looked largely in control thanks to Krunal Pandya’s fighting knock of 73 runs in 46 balls. But once the all-rounder fell after battling cramps for almost half his innings, Mumbai got one last chance.

Then came Jasprit Bumrah’s ridiculous 19th over. MI completely drained the pressure on RCB, forcing Raj Bawa to defend 15 runs in the final over. With wickets falling regularly and tension all around, Mumbai suddenly looked like the favorites again.

But refused to behave normally in the last over.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar moves from destroyer to finisher

Three wides. A no-ball. One wicket. Pure panic. There was everything but peace in that last over.

Even after the dismissal of Romario Shepherd in an attempt to push the pace, RCB somehow held on as Mumbai could not shut the door completely. Then came Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Now, this is a man whose job for most of his IPL life has been to wreck batting line-ups and not chase runs with sixes. His previous IPL six before this? Back in 2016.

Yes. 2016.

The same season in which he won the Purple Cap and helped Sunrisers Hyderabad win the title. And yet there he was at Raipur, when RCB were floundering, carelessly cutting Raj Bawa over cover for six, it was all part of the plan.

Just a neat cricket shot under ridiculous pressure. The dugout immediately exploded as everyone knew how huge that moment was. Mumbai lost control of the over right there.

That one shot completely changed the mood of the chase.

Kunal’s tight fight sets the stage for madness

The irony of the end was that Krunal Pandya had already done almost everything needed to win the game. RCB had a very bad start while chasing the target. Virat Kohli was out on zero for the second consecutive time. Devdutt Padikkal came soon after. Then Rajat Patidar also left.

At 39/3, Mumbai are right back into the contest. After this, Krunal went against his former franchise and gradually dragged RCB back to the target through his stubbornness.

He rebuilt carefully first before launching a clever attack on spin. But the real drama started when he started having body cramps in the final overs. At one time it seemed as if his legs had given up.

And then somehow, he managed to hit AM Ghazanfar for two consecutive sixes in the 18th over. His innings of 73 runs in 46 balls already looked like a match-winner.

But after his dismissal, it seemed that things were going to go waste for this all-rounder.

This is what made Bhuvneshwar’s six even bigger.

A fast bowler who had already taken four wickets somehow also hit the most important shot of the match. Only IPL can script this kind of nonsense properly sometimes.

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Candace Owens and Laura Loomer reignited their public feud on Ax with a series of intensely personal accusations. Loomer accused Owens of living a lavish lifestyle while falsely claiming to have financial struggles, while Owens responded with harsh comments about Loomer’s mental health and public reputation. The debate later escalated when Loomer brought Erica Kirk into the controversy and accused Owens of targeting her and spreading lies about others online.

The bitter online feud between Candace Owens and Laura Loomer took another ugly turn this weekend when both women exchanged deeply personal accusations across the Ax. What began as criticism over finances and influence soon turned into a public meltdown involving mental health claims, luxury lifestyle allegations, and fresh references to Erica Kirk.Within hours, the exchange attracted massive attention online. Screenshots of the back-and-forth went viral as users analyzed each allegation. Loomer accused Owens of pretending to be broke while living a lavish lifestyle, and Owens responded with harsh words about Loomer’s mental health and social status.

Candace Owens and Laura Loomer clash over money and “bankruptcy” claims

The feud intensified after Laura Loomer publicly questioned Candace Owens’s financial complaints. In a lengthy response posted on X, Loomer wrote:“You wear at least $2,000 in almost every episode of your show and you have two multi-million dollar homes worth at least $12 million in trust. As I exposed, you and your husband have a car collection worth $800,000 to $1 million. How are you almost “bankrupt”?You have to stop lying. You live a very luxurious life.Do I even need to know how many nannies and maids you have so people can see once again how much you lie??You also wear a $70,000 ring.The only person that can bankrupt you is your own mouth with the defamatory lies you speak about others.”The post quickly gained popularity online, garnering thousands of reposts and reactions from both supporters and critics. Many users focused on the increasingly personal nature of the attacks rather than the substantive political disagreement between the two conservative commentators.

Laura Loomer drags Erica Kirk into escalating Candace Owens feud

Candace Owens did not hold back from giving her reaction. he answered:“It’s getting boring Laura and you know it. You tried it and the public didn’t cut it. I’m sorry that people constantly take advantage of your various documented mental disorders. They see you as insects who will do their bidding, while they never have to invite you into their social circle for the same reason. Deep down you know it’s true and I’m sorry about that. You are neither accepted by anyone nor Is believed.”Loomer then reignited the controversy by accusing Owens of targeting Erica Kirk. she wrote:“What is becoming boring is your constant harassing @MrsEikaKirk and the way you lie about people (including me) because you enjoy lying about others because you are not satisfied with your life and many of the things you have.Even now you lie in your answers. You need to get help for your disorders. In my opinion you clearly have narcissistic personality disorder, you behave like someone who has postpartum psychosis and I have no desire to be part of your social circle. I live a fulfilling life with the people I love. You should be doing what you enjoy so much every day instead of trying to ruin @MrsEikaKirk’s life even more than it already is by murdering her husband and the father of her children.“

Hyderabad/New Delhi Amid disruptions in global energy supplies, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to use public transport and revive work from home, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel – which largely comes from imported crude – and conserve foreign exchange by avoiding foreign weddings and holidays as well as unnecessary gold purchases.The suggestions, seen as the harshest call given by the Prime Minister at an event in Hyderabad, come as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz nears completion of 75 days, with the government using multiple sources to procure oil and gas whose supply has been hit, pushing up crude oil prices for Indian refiners for the third consecutive month. So far, oil companies have not increased pump prices but are expected to do so in the next few days.

‘Need to save FGN exchange amid war crisis’

While many countries have resorted to WFH and other options to reduce fuel consumption apart from increasing fuel prices, India has so far avoided such steps. In recent months, higher energy and gold and silver prices have widened India’s trade deficit as export growth has also slowed.Modi asked people to avoid non-essential gold purchases for a year and stop unnecessary foreign travel, and called for bringing back Covid-era efficiency measures like WFH arrangements in the national interest. He also urged businesses to opt for moving goods by rail, and asked individuals to avoid unnecessary travel and car pools and use EVs.“If we make some small changes for a year, we can save enough foreign exchange,” he said.Amid the impact on fertilizer supplies, he also suggested that farmers halve the use of chemical fertilizers and in some cases turn to natural farming.

The PM called for patriotism, arguing that it is not just about sacrificing one’s life for the country, but also about living responsibly and fulfilling duties towards the country during difficult times. He called for collective participation to help India cope with rising prices due to global economic disruptions, supply chain challenges and international conflicts.He said, “The need of the hour today is to use petrol, gas, diesel and similar resources sparingly. We should use imported petroleum products only as per requirement. This will not only save foreign exchange but will also reduce the adverse effects of war.” India imports about 90% of its crude oil requirement as domestic production is declining. PM Modi proposed reducing cooking oil consumption by 50%, he remarked, which would improve health.

PM Narendra Modi called for collective participation to help India face rising prices due to global economic disruptions, supply chain challenges and international conflicts.“Today, the need of the hour is to use petrol, gas, diesel and similar resources sparingly. We should use imported petroleum products only as per requirement.” This will not only save foreign exchange but also reduce the adverse effects of war.” India imports about 90% of its crude oil requirement as domestic production is declining.The PM said his government initially focused on achieving universal LPG coverage for the poor and is now expanding affordable piped gas connections across the country. “By using these resources wisely, we can save significant foreign exchange over the next year. Our government is making tireless efforts to deal with these challenges. In other countries, the price of a bag of urea is around Rs 3,000, but our farmers are getting it for just Rs 300.Modi also asked people to support ‘Make in India’ products and choose Indian alternatives for everyday items like toothpaste and advocated the use of electric vehicles and solar-powered pumps as an alternative to diesel-powered vehicles. In another suggestion, Modi proposed reducing cooking oil consumption by 50%, which he remarked would improve health.

Passengers from the Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius are finally being evacuated from Spain’s Canary Islands. After days of uncertainty, passengers on the MV Hondius are finally leaving the cruise ship. Spanish authorities launched a major evacuation in the Canary Islands over fears of the spread of the deadly hantavirus linked to the ship.The cruise ship showed up in Teneriffe on Sunday, after a tense spell dodging closed ports and increasing health restrictions, according to Reuters. The outbreak has already killed at least three people and sickened many more. As international attention focused on the situation, Spain worked closely with World Health OrganizationThe US Centers for Disease Control, and other European governments to manage the crisis. All eyes were on the American passengers as they finally disembarked the ship and boarded the flight to America. Reports say that once they land they will be kept in isolation and monitored for symptoms.This entire episode has become one of the most watched cruise ship health emergencies since COVID-19. Despite the outcry, health officials have said the risk to the broader public is still low.

hantavirus Outbreak on MV Hondius: How it unfolded

The cruise ship MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, in early April for a South Atlantic and Antarctic voyage, AP News reported. En route, passengers began feeling ill, showing symptoms of hantavirus infection. When deaths and serious illnesses occurred, concern spread to health agencies around the world.Investigators believe the Andes strain of Hantavirus is behind this epidemic. This rare variant, although rarely, can be passed between people, which has raised international concerns. Still, experts say this kind of transmission is far from common.When Hondius approached Europe, many ports refused to take the ship, concerned about how they would handle containment and quarantine. Ultimately, Spain said yes, calling it a humanitarian move and ensuring things were coordinated with global health authorities.Images from Tenerife show passengers disembarking under strict biosecurity procedures, with staff in protective suits monitoring the operation. Charter planes and government jets were immediately ready to fly people home, and efforts were made to limit any exposure.

Results: How’s the withdrawal going?

ABC News reports that the American passengers departed Spain on a repatriation flight after landing in Tenerife. Officials say none of them have tested positive yet, but it may take a while for hantavirus to appear, so they are still considered at risk.Americans are expected to go to the national quarantine unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, one of the few places set up for high-level infectious disease containment. Authorities plan to keep a close eye on everyone for weeks.The first people to leave the ship were Spanish civilians, who were sent to Madrid for medical care and quarantine in military hospitals. Meanwhile, travelers from the UK, France, Germany, Canada and other countries are being sent home under strict health monitoring.The World Health Organization (WHO) is still tracing all those who had contact with the Hondius, especially those who left the ship at earlier, remote stops before the outbreak spread.

What will happen next?

Despite all the headlines, health experts insist that hantavirus does not spread like COVID-19. Most cases come from direct contact with contaminated rodent feces, saliva or urine. The Andes strain is unusual for its rare person-to-person spread, previously reported only in South America. US health officials are repeating the message: The risk to the public is low. But for anyone potentially exposed to it, quarantine is strict.As for the ship, it should head to Rotterdam for a deep clean soon after all passengers have disembarked. Some crew members are staying on to help get it there.The Indian Embassy in Spain says the two Indian crew members are safe and asymptomatic, but are in quarantine in the Netherlands.How it all started is still a big question mark. Investigators believe the original exposure probably occurred before people boarded the ship — perhaps during a voyage to Argentina or Chile, where the virus exists naturally. Till now no one knows whether there was live transmission among the passengers during the journey or not.

For centuries, the Great Wall of China has stood like a silent trail across mountains and deserts, carrying stories most people have never heard. Tourists see stone paths and steep towers. Historians look at dynasties, wars, and empires. But inside a rugged section near Beijing, archaeologists have now discovered something that brings the wall’s military past back into focus.The discovery reportedly occurred during restoration work on the Jiankou section of the wall, an area famous for its dramatic cliffs and crumbling towers. What researchers found there was much more than loose bricks or damaged stone. Hidden within the ancient structure were weapons, turquoise artifacts, traces of food, and even emotional messages left by workers centuries ago. The extraordinary find, experts say, was a giant Ming Dynasty cannon that weighed about 247 pounds.And, strangely, it may also explain how China and Europe once exchanged military technology, long before globalization became the norm.

Iron cannon from 1632 found on the Great Wall could rewrite China’s military history

The largest discovery was a large iron cannon, believed to date from 1632, during the late Ming dynasty. Archaeologists found it while excavating three watch towers and nearby wall sections in the Jiankou area, The Global Times reports.As reported, the weapon is approximately 35 inches long and reportedly bears an inscription reading “Chongzhen Year 5”, which corresponds to 1632 CE. Experts at the Beijing Institute of Archeology say the cannon was unusually well preserved.Researchers noted similarities between the cannon and European “red-coat” cannons used around the same period. The barrel shape and overall structure appear surprisingly close to European artillery designs. Archaeologists now suspect that there may have been some exchange of military knowledge between China and Western powers in the late Ming era. This shows that the Great Wall was not just a defensive barrier. It may also have been part of a much larger network of trade, influence and technological experimentation.

Inside the Watchtower: Everyday life written in the foundation of the Great Wall

Apart from weapons, many other things were revealed in the excavation. Inside Watchtower 118, archaeologists have reportedly discovered the remains of heated brick beds and stoves used by soldiers stationed along the wall. It gives a short but vivid glimpse of daily life during the Ming dynasty. A watchtower in 1573 B.C. There was also an immigration monument, which helped experts better understand when parts of the wall were built and occupied.Two different bricks had inscriptions relating to weight specifications. Researchers say this could reshape previous assumptions about the operation of Ming-era brick kilns. This wall was apparently built with much tighter organization than many historians believe. Another brick contained something more human. The inscription roughly translates as: “Nothing but wine or worry; three years of hard work turned my hair grey.”“It feels surprisingly modern in a strange way. Tiredness, stress, disappointment. Some things apparently never change.

Ancient crops, medicines and animal remains

Excavations of the Great Wall also revealed traces of crops and medicinal plants that were used by the people who lived or worked there centuries ago.Experts suggest that these remains could help researchers better understand the diet and medical knowledge of Ming Dynasty soldiers. Investigators reportedly found evidence of both cultivated crops and herbal materials. Animal bones were also scattered in parts of the site.Some belonged to pets. Others appear to be associated with wild species hunted nearby. The researchers also found signs of butchering activity, indicating that food preparation took place directly inside or near the towers. The discoveries make the site feel less like a cold military structure and more like a living settlement.

Archaeologists uncover shards of turquoise revealing hidden Ming Dynasty trade routes

One of the quieter discoveries may actually turn out to be one of the most important later. Archaeologists found 28 turquoise artifacts during excavations. Preliminary analysis reportedly suggests that the stones may have originated from quarries in Hubei, Henan and Shaanxi provinces. It matters because it points to trade routes extending into northern China.The Great Wall was built for defense, yet the objects found inside it indicate the constant movement, exchange and cultural contact that took place around it. Experts say the turquoise shards may offer more evidence of the regional trade networks that operated during the Ming dynasty.

The Great Wall still has secrets

The Jiankou section of the Great Wall of China has long been considered one of the wildest and least restored areas near Beijing. The steep peaks and dangerous terrain have helped to preserve parts of it naturally over time. Perhaps that’s why the discoveries there feel unusually untouched.Researchers believe that more excavations could reveal additional military equipment, trade goods or personal artifacts hidden inside the ancient structure. Experts involved in the project say the surrounding landscape has barely changed over the centuries, making the area ideal for “time-travel-style” archaeological research.