California vineyards used owl boxes to attract barn owls, reducing rodent numbers by up to 52% August 2, 2026 at 01:30AM

A new study from California has found that barn owls help vineyards control rodents naturally by both hunting them and making them more cautious. Researchers observed up to 52% fewer rodents in vineyards with more owls. The findings suggest that encouraging barn owls through nest boxes could reduce the need for pesticides while supporting biodiversity and sustainable farming.

150-year-overdue library book returned in Australia; racks up Rs 16 lakh 'late fee' August 1, 2026 at 11:00PM

A library received a book returned after 150 years overdue. The calculated late fee reached approximately twenty-eight thousand Australian dollars. This rare book was discovered during home renovations and was damaged. It was borrowed by a local resident's great-great-grandfather in the 1870s. The book will now join the library's local history collection.

King Charles, Prince William pay tribute to ex-British soldier Nirmal Purja killed in Pakistan avalanche August 1, 2026 at 11:52PM