keen eyed observer

A young boy's observation revealed a surprising partnership: tiny wasps trick ants into transporting their galls, which resemble nutrient-rich seeds. These galls, containing wasp larvae, are carried to ant nests for protection. This clever chemical mimicry ensures the larvae's survival, offering them a safe, clean environment while ants enjoy a fatty treat.

A unique, emoji-shaped Lake Rouge in Quebec vanished overnight due to a catastrophic outburst flood. This rare event, exacerbated by rapid snowmelt and past wildfires, highlights the fragility of postglacial landscapes under combined climate and human pressures. The loss deeply impacts the Waswanipi Cree, disrupting their traditional way of life.

A lost dog led four French teenagers to the 17,000-year-old Lascaux Cave in 1940, revealing stunning prehistoric paintings. Dubbed the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,' these vibrant depictions of animals and symbols showcase ancient artistry and ingenuity. The discovery, initially accidental, revolutionized our understanding of early human capabilities and creativity, though the original cave is now sealed to preserve its treasures.

William Wrigley Jr. began selling soap in Chicago with free baking soda samples. Customers preferred the gum he later included. Wrigley shifted focus to gum, creating iconic brands like Juicy Fruit and Spearmint. His aggressive marketing, including sending gum to every American with a phone number, paid off. This strategy became a turning point in consumer marketing.

Global luxury leaders from Comité Champagne visited India's Kurseong to forge a historic alliance with Darjeeling tea producers. This landmark dialogue focused on protecting the unique identities and legacies of both iconic Geographical Indications. The initiative aims to foster mutual knowledge sharing and elevate Darjeeling tea's status as a luxury connoisseur's choice, mirroring Champagne's global success.

Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' lauds scale but draws propaganda flak. Fans spot cameraman reflection in Ranveer Singh's Hamza vs. Pinda (drug cartel foe) clash. Viral clip sparks fake/AI debates; some cite Nolan. Film crushes Rs 300cr in 3 days.

This week's mind-bending brain teaser is a seek-and-find puzzle with a hidden challenge - identifying cyclists cleverly concealed within an optical illusion. The image appears to be a simple scene, but upon closer inspection, subtle elements like the changing seasons and the color of leaves reveal the hidden cyclists. The key to solving the puzzle lies in the color component, with yellow-toned objects drawing attention. The size of the cyclists also plays a role, with larger ones standing out more. The correct answer to the puzzle is 4.

An engaging optical illusion challenges readers to spot a hidden frog among lily pads in under nine seconds. This task tests visual sharpness and enhances focus, observation skills, and reaction time. Optical illusions offer more than entertainment; they help improve cognitive functions like creativity and problem-solving while providing a mental break.

Test your visual acuity with a challenging hidden object puzzle! Six items are cleverly concealed within an ordinary scene, demanding sharp observation and quick focus. Most struggle to find them all within 15 seconds. Mastering such puzzles sharpens problem-solving and decision-making skills, proving that consistent brain workouts enhance attention and observation.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, after a stellar IPL debut, faces heightened expectations and increased scrutiny in his second season. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa suggests this year will be a crucial learning phase as opponents have analyzed his game. While expecting him to score, Uthappa believes the element of surprise has faded, making this season pivotal for his long-term development.

Panaji voters head to polls today for the Corporation of the City of Panaji elections, with over 32,000 eligible to cast ballots for 30 seats. The contest pits Utpal Parrikar's new panel against Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate's established group. A united opposition aims to challenge Monserrate's winning streak, with key issues like casino removal and parking dominating the campaign.

Every week TOI+ subscribers send in legal questions and our panel of leading experts offers well-considered, practical, and actionable opinions on every query. From property disputes to inheritance matters, divorce queries to income tax issues, My Lawyer connects you directly with experts you can trust

‘Colombo: Port of Call’ finds history hiding in plain sight—in the footsteps of famous visitors and the island’s own turbulent present

Discover how birding, a free hobby, significantly enhances brain health. A new study reveals that expert birdwatchers exhibit measurable structural changes in brain regions crucial for attention, perception, and memory. These adaptations, linked to improved bird identification and recall of unfamiliar species, suggest that acquiring such skills can bolster cognitive function, especially as we age.

Are you ready to take up a challenge that will challenge your observing skills and intellect? Optical illusions do wonderfully strange things with our minds and leave us guessing about what we perceive. Optically, an optical illusion is a picture or pattern that fools the eyes into believing something impossible.