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Snakes that look like dry leaves and twigs: Nature's most convincing disguise artists

Camouflage in the animal kingdom is often about blending into a colour or a general shape, but a small, remarkable group of snakes has taken the game several steps further, evolving to mimic the exact texture, shape, and even movement of dead leaves and twigs. It's a survival strategy that works both ways, staying invisible to predators overhead while also letting these snakes sit motionless and ambush unsuspecting prey that wanders within striking distance. Some of these species live in the same Indian forests, scrublands, and even garden edges that many readers walk past every day, which makes recognising them more than just a nature-trivia exercise. Here are seven of the most convincing brown, dry-leaf-and-twig mimics found around the world.
Captured at: 2026-07-30 01:00:10

The Times of IndiaLife & Style

Man beheads sister-in-law over delay in serving food, hangs head from banyan tree

A woman was allegedly killed by her brother-in-law in Jehanabad district on Tuesday. The accused reportedly attacked her with an axe after a dispute over food. He then allegedly hung her severed head from a banyan tree near his home. Villagers discovered the gruesome scene and alerted the local police. The accused was apprehended by villagers and handed over to the authorities.
Captured at: 2026-07-30 01:00:08

The Times of IndiaTop Stories

11 police personnel killed in overnight attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A major militant attack occurred overnight on a police post in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Eleven police personnel and fifteen attackers died during the fierce exchange of gunfire. The Khazina police post in Hangu district was the target of this significant assault. Security forces fought back, killing the militants and repelling the attack. This incident highlights the ongoing rise in militant violence in the region.
Captured at: 2026-07-30 01:00:08

The Times of IndiaTop Stories

'Seconds from disaster': UK plane with 180 onboard had a close shave before landing

Captured at: 2026-07-30 01:00:08

The Times of IndiaTop Stories

Steve Jobs once told Oracle founder Larry Ellison to not buy Apple

Larry Ellison planned to buy Apple for about five billion dollars then. Steve Jobs rejected this offer, preferring to return through NeXT. Jobs insisted on leading Apple from the moral high ground, not for financial gain. Ellison learned leadership from Jobs's decision to prioritize principles over profit. This choice ultimately led Apple to become the world's most valuable company.
Captured at: 2026-07-30 01:00:08

The Times of IndiaTop Stories

Ajinkya Rahane fights back tears as he bids farewell to international cricket

Ajinkya Rahane signed off his Test career with 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In 90 ODIs, he scored 2,962 runs at 35.26, with three centuries and 24 fifties, while he made 375 runs in 20 T20Is. The right-handed batter made his India debut against England in 2011.
Captured at: 2026-07-30 01:00:08

The Times of IndiaTop Stories

Wolves returned to Yellowstone; 30 years later, young aspens followed

Thirty years after wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park, researchers say aspen trees are showing stronger signs of recovery. The findings add to growing evidence that restoring a top predator can reshape an entire ecosystem.
Captured at: 2026-07-30 01:00:08

The Times of IndiaTop Stories

'Blast’ actress Preity Mukundhan recalls how her parents encouraged her to pursue acting; says, ‘They pushed me to audition’

Actress Preity Mukundhan shared her journey into the film industry. Her parents strongly encouraged her to pursue acting despite academic focus. She initially doubted her abilities but auditioned at eighteen years old. This experience sparked a passion for cinema and acting in her. Mukundhan is now working on multiple film projects across industries.
Captured at: 2026-07-30 01:00:08