Banks in Tripura to Remain Closed on August 19 for Regional Holiday

UC Riverside Study Reveals How Two Ant Baits Trigger Opposite Behaviors

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, studied the behavioral effects of two common ant-bait insecticides on Argentine ants. The study found that thiamethoxam caused ants to become hyperactive and wander outside their nests, while boric acid had the opposite effect, prompting ants to stop foraging and cluster indoors. These contrasting responses occur before the ants die from the treatments. The findings are significant because unusual ant behavior following pesticide application does not indicate that the treatment has failed.

Indian-origin founder Ritu Narayan builds school bus startup Zum into $1.7B unicorn

Ritu Narayan, an Indian-origin entrepreneur, founded Zum to solve the longstanding challenges parents face with student transportation. The company uses technology to improve the school bus experience for children. Zum has crossed the one-billion-dollar valuation mark, achieving unicorn status in the process. The startup is now expanding beyond transportation by introducing electric buses, entering the energy market. Zum's tech-driven model is broadly changing how students travel to and from school.

Surat Restaurant Shut After Child Dies, Three Hospitalised in Food Poisoning Case

A restaurant in Surat, Gujarat was ordered shut after a child died and three others were hospitalised following suspected food poisoning. The affected family had consumed food purchased from the establishment on August 15. Health officials inspected the restaurant and discovered spoiled items, including chana dal, vegetables, and improperly stored paneer, which were subsequently destroyed. Authorities are pursuing further legal action against the restaurant owner under the Food Safety Act.

Bihar transfers 17 IPS officers amid row over AK-47 use during student protest