In a groundbreaking study, scientists have quantified how quickly the human brain processes information, revealing a surprisingly slow speed of just 10 bits per second. Despite receiving billions of bits of data from our senses, including sight, hearing, touch, and smell, the brain only processes a tiny fraction of this information. Researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) conducted the study, publishing their findings in the journal Neuron last week.

India introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 to simplify the tax structure and reduce the tax burden. Recent data shows that the gross GST collection for October 2024 rose by 9% to ₹1.87 lakh crore, a record second-highest figure. However, a recent proposal by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST Rates Rationalisation suggests a new 35% GST slab on products like aerated drinks and tobacco, which has raised concerns. The proposal aims to target 'sin' products such as thos

The United States imposed sanctions on four Pakistani entities on Wednesday, including the National Development Complex (NDC), a key state-owned aerospace and defense agency responsible for Pakistan's ballistic missile program. The sanctions, announced by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, target entities involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, specifically missiles. These sanctions freeze US property linked to the targeted co

A heated exchange between the BJP and Congress unfolded in Parliament following Home Minister Amit Shah's remark that "Ambedkar is the fashion." His comment, made during a debate on the Constitution, sparked outrage from the opposition, leading to protests and physical scuffles at the Parliament's main entrance. The BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of using physical force to block BJP MPs' entry, while Gandhi claimed it was BJP MPs who shoved him and Congress lea

Cheese is a creamy, versatile food loved around the world, offering both rich flavor and a source of protein. However, when it comes to meeting your daily protein needs, cheese alone is not enough. Despite its protein content, cheese, especially varieties like parmesan and paneer, is high in fat and sodium, making it less ideal as a primary protein source. Nutritionist Amita Gadre explains that while cheese can be part of a balanced diet, moderation is key. Processed cheeses, in par

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made significant remarks regarding India’s Constitution, highlighting the democratic process of its adoption and emphasizing its deep connection with India's traditions. Shah stated that the Constitution was adopted after extensive feedback from the people, marking a democratic milestone in India’s history. Some of his key quotes touched upon the ongoing debates in Parliament about the Constitution, noting that they have served

The Telangana Assembly was adjourned on Monday after BRS MLAs raised slogans and disrupted the debate on the Telangana State Tourism Policy. The debate, which resumed after a tea break, was halted when opposition members continued to protest against the Congress government. In response to the disruption, Legislative Affairs Minister D. Sridhar Babu criticized the BRS legislators for not adhering to the rules and traditions of the House. Speaker G. Prasad Kumar intervened, directing

On Monday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited the Polavaram project in Eluru district to review its progress. During his inspection, he sought details from the officials overseeing the project. The officials informed him that more than Rs 1,200 crore would be needed for constructing the diaphragm wall and guide bund, crucial components of the project. Speaking to the media, CM Naidu highlighted that the government aims to finish the entire Polavaram project b

Coffee prices have reached record highs, driven by a significant reduction in Brazil’s coffee crop. As the world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil's struggles with adverse weather conditions have created a global supply shortage, pushing Arabica coffee futures up by 73% over the past year and 31% in the last month. Additionally, Robusta prices have also surged due to similar global supply constraints, with prices for Q2 rising 82% year-on-year. This price surge is im

In a remarkable use of AI technology for wildlife conservation, a small herd of elephants, including two adults and a calf, was saved from a potential train collision in Odisha's Rourkela district. As the elephants approached the railway tracks, an AI-powered camera system, installed by the forest department, detected their movement and sent an immediate alert to the control room. The quick response from the control room led to the timely stopping of the oncoming train, preventi

Aarit Kapil, a nine-year-old chess prodigy from Delhi, has made history by becoming the youngest Indian to defeat a chess Grandmaster. In the penultimate round of the KIIT International Open tournament in Bhubaneswar, Aarit triumphed over Raset Ziatdinov, a 66-year-old Grandmaster from the United States. At just 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days old, Aarit is now the third youngest player globally to beat a Grandmaster under classical time control. The game, which lasted 63 moves, saw

In response to growing protests in Kolkata over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, Bangladesh has called Shikder Mohammad Ashrafur Rahman, the Acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, back to Dhaka for urgent consultations. Rahman, who also serves as the Minister - Political Affairs, is expected to return to Kolkata by the middle of this month, after attending the foreign secretary-level talks scheduled between India and Bangladesh next week. Protests, primarily led by po

Congress MPs staged a protest in Parliament by wearing jackets that displayed the slogan "Modi-Adani Ek Hain" (Modi and Adani are one) on Thursday. This demonstration was part of the party's ongoing campaign to demand answers from the government about alleged financial irregularities and favoritism involving the Adani Group. The protestors entered Parliament premises wearing the jackets and chanting slogans accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting billionaire business

Public health officials in California have announced a voluntary recall of all raw milk and cream products from Raw Farm, LLC after bird flu was detected in the dairy's raw milk. The recall affects all Raw Farm raw milk and cream currently available on retail shelves statewide. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued the recall after samples from the Fresno-based dairy tested positive for bird flu on November 21. This broader recall follows earlier, limited reca

Oil prices have shown remarkable stability, remaining in a narrow range since mid-October, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fluctuating around $70 per barrel. This rangebound trend has been characterized by a significant drop in volatility, with recent levels at their lowest since August. Despite ongoing geopolitical risks, such as the tensions between Iran and Israel and the potential impacts of a second Donald Trump presidency, traders have remained cautious. The market's curren

In its ongoing efforts to reform public policies, the NDA government has now turned its focus on the education sector. Following changes in policies related to sand and liquor, the government is now preparing to revive an initiative aimed at reducing student dropouts in government junior colleges. IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has announced plans to reinstate a government-funded mid-day meal scheme, initially introduced by the TDP in 2018. The program was designed to encoura

A panel of state ministers has recommended changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, specifically targeting sin goods, including tobacco products, aerated beverages, and luxury cars. These goods are currently taxed at the highest 28% GST rate, along with an additional cess. The proposal, which is part of a rate rationalisation report, is set to be presented before the GST Council in its upcoming meeting later this month. The Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Min

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recommended a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, aimed at ending over 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing Gaza war. Despite Israeli bombardment escalating in the hours before the ceasefire proposal, Netanyahu is optimistic that the deal will isolate Hamas and shift Israel's focus to Iran, Hezbollah's backer. The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., would temporarily halt fighting between Israel and Hezbollah for two months,

In Islamabad, Pakistan, intense protests have erupted, demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, with violent clashes between protesters and police resulting in casualties. The protests are centered around Imran Khan's imprisonment and accusations of political persecution, as well as the alleged rigging of recent elections. As tensions escalated, the Pakistani government called in the military to restore order, issuing "shoot at sight" orders under Section 245 o

Students from Gudavalleru Engineering College staged a protest on August 29, claiming that hidden cameras were installed in the ladies’ hostel bathrooms and that videos recorded with these cameras were shared on social media. In response to the allegations, Superintendent of Police R Gangadhar Rao clarified on Monday that an investigation, including a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, found no hidden cameras in the hostel. He also stated that police questioned various