Top 5 corruption scandals of India

Securities Scam (1992) | Rs 10000 crore

Key accused: Harshad Mehta

Harshad Mehta, an Indian stockbroker, manipulated stocks by illegally obtaining money from several banks using fake bank receipts. He created a cycle of fraud involving big banks like the State Bank of India (SBI) and the National Housing Bank (NHB). Mehta allegedly was engaged in a massive stock manipulation scheme financed by worthless bank receipts, which his firm brokered for “ready forward” transactions between banks. He was convicted by the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court for his part in a financial scandal valued at Rs 10,000 crore which took place on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The scandal exposed the loopholes in the Indian banking system and the BSE’s transaction system. Thereafter, the SEBI introduced new rules to cover those loopholes. He died at the age of 47 by a sudden heart attack in 2001.

Vijay Mallya scam (2016) | Rs 9000 crores

Key accused: Vijay Mallya

In 2016, Mallya absconded the country and sought refuge in the UK after he was accused of fraud and money laundering in the country. He allegedly owes various banks over Rs 9000 crores, which he’d taken as a loan to keep his now-defunct Kingfisher airlines from failing. He was recently declared a fugitive economic offender under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

Choppergate scam (2013) | Rs 3600 Crore

Key accused: Congress-led UPA Government

Also known as the AugustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, the helicopter bribery scandal by Congress-led UPA Government involved money paid to middlemen and Indian officials in 2006 and 2007 in order to purchase helicopters for high-level politicians. According to CBI, this amounted to Rs 2.5 billion transferred through bank accounts in the UK and UAE. Several Indian Congress politicians and military officials were accused of accepting bribes from AgustaWestland in order to win the Rs 3600 crores Indian contract for the supply of 12 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters. The helicopters are intended to perform VVIP duties for the President of India and other important state officials. 

The ‘Coalgate’ scam | Rs 1.856 lakh crore

Key accused: UPA government

The coal allocation scam, also referred to as ‘Coalgate’ is a political scandal that swamped the UPA government in 2012 implicated the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and pulled top neta-babus into the probe. This scam hit the headlines after the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) accused the Indian government of allocating over 194 coal blocks to public and private enterprises (PSE’s) for captive use in an ad hoc manner between 2004 and 2009.

According to CAG the presumptive loss that occurred due to the windfall gains made to allottees was Rs 1.856 lakh crore. After BJP government filed a complaint with the Central Vigilance Commission, the CVC directed CBI to probe the matter for corruption industrialists like Naveen Jindal and Kumar Mangalam Birla were named in the FIR.

A special CBI court held the former coal secretary HC Gupta, former joint secretary in coal ministry KS Kropha, and KC Samria, who was a director in charge of coal allocation, guilty.  

However, it was a huge relief to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who was in charge of the coal ministry then, since the special CBI court observed that aspects of non-compliance of guidelines regarding this coal block allocation was withheld from the then prime minister.

Mining scandal involving the Reddy brothers | Rs. 16,085 crores

Key accused: Karyunakara Reddy and Janardhana Reddy 

The Bellary mining scandal which shook Karnataka and went to become a national scandal involved the mining baron brothers from Karnataka Karyunakara Reddy and Janardhana Reddy who were ministers in Karnataka. The Bellary mining scandal also led to the resignation of the former chief minister of Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa and later he was faced with the eventuality of a BJP government collapse. He is alleged to have caused a loss of about Rs. 16,085 crores to the Karnataka state government by giving illegal extension in the mining leases.

The increasing iron-ore prices across the globe driven by huge Chinese demand brought a lot of focus to the iron ore rich Bellary region of Karnataka. This iron ore is alleged to have been illegally mined after paying a minuscule royalty to the government. The major regularities involve mines in Bellary, including those of Obulapuram Mining Company owned by the Reddy brothers.

Through investigation it became clear that Reddy brothers had paid huge amounts of money to bag contracts to the Obulapuram mining company. Lokayukta in its report during the period of 2006 to 2010 had stated that nearly 12.57 crore of tonnes of iron ore were exported from Bellary.  

Lokayukta also uncovered major violations and systemic corruptions in mining in Bellary, including in the allowed geography, encroachment of forest land, massive underpayment of state mining royalties relative to the market price of iron ore and systematic starvation of government mining entities.

Does India Have One Of The Last Untouched Places On Earth?

Imagine yourself stuck on an island and without any contact with the outside world! How long can you survive? What will you eat? Suddenly, after decades of loneliness how will you react to a person from the outside world? Doesn’t all of this sound like a movie scene?

Let me tell you all of this is true for one of the Indian Islands in Bay of Bengal. Northern Sentinel island in the North of Andaman is one of the untouched places on the face of the earth.

It has inhabitants that have almost zero contact with the outside world. The inhabitants of this island are the Sentinelese tribe. 

Thought to be the direct descendants of the first people who left Africa they are believed to have inhabited the island for over 60,000 years!

Can you believe that any kind of human contact with this tribe is prohibited by the government of India?

 The reason they have been isolated is, because of the risk, it holds to the tribe from any outside disease. Estimates of their numbers are only between 50 and 150 and without immunity, a virus or a disease possibly could wipe out the entire tribe.

The Sentinelese are also believed to be highly aggressive towards outsiders.

Recently, in 2018, tourist John Chau was believed to be killed by the endangered tribe when he went to this island.

In 1974, a visiting film director received an arrow in his leg as his team tried to National Geographic documentary. Also when Indian Government checked on them after 2004 Tsunami the islanders shot arrows at their helicopter. 

It’s speculated that there is a possible reason behind their hostility.

In 1880 British officer MV portman led an armed group to North Sentinel. They captured an elderly couple and 4 children. The couple died shortly and the children got sick! Children were sent back to the island. Since then they are believed to be extremely aggressive towards outsiders. 

It’s believed that Sentinelese doesn’t know how to make a fire so they keep the fire burning all the time. This tribe is a living specimen for Anthropologists to understand how humans have evolved from a caveman to a man as we know today.

Can you think of any other reason why the Sentinelese tribe doesn’t want to come in contact with the outside world?

If yes, then please write to us in the comment section below.

How Does Anesthesia Work?

Have you ever seen a person in movies or in reality who underwent a major surgery? Why do you think they are not howling in pain even after getting so many stitches on their body?

Would you like to know the answer to this question? Here is an informative yet interesting video for all those who are eager to know it all!

How many Human lives have been taken by Mosquitoes?

Much of the time, mosquito bites are just itchy. However, some experts say mosquitoes are a bigger threat to human life than any other organism.

Over the centuries, mosquitoes are thought to have caused the deaths of 52 billion people. That’s half the people who have ever lived on Earth! Even today, illnesses spread by mosquitoes kill more people each year than war does. 

It should be no surprise that many people would like to get rid of mosquitoes. What if we could wipe out the entire mosquito population? No more malaria. No more Zika. No more itchy bumps after a summer day spent outdoors. Doesn’t that sound great?Not so fast. Sure, some species of mosquitoes harm humans. But others don’t pose any threat at all! In fact, some of these mosquitoes play important parts in their ecosystems. How do mosquitoes help the world? Let’s look at a few ways

It’s also important to remember that even mosquitoes are part of an ecosystem. Without them, the food chain would be disrupted. As larvae, they live in water and feed on algae and other small organisms. The mosquito larvae are then eaten by fish.

Adult mosquitoes are a food source for bats, birds, spiders, and small mammals. Without them, these animals would need to find something else to eat. Some experts even think mosquitoes could be used to help humans. Researchers are looking into using their saliva to treat cardiovascular disease. 

Some historians even think mosquitoes have helped shape major events in human history. Two examples are the American Civil War and World War II. In fact, the Nazis used mosquitoes as a biological weapon. This caused the spread of malaria among Italian troops.

Of the more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world, three are mostly responsible for spreading disease. And of those three, it’s only the females that bite humans. Some experts are looking for ways to target these species and end the spread of illnesses like malaria. However, they worry doing so could have more wide-ranging effects.

Did you know that a cockroach can live for a week without its head?

So how does it do that? The answer is simple, they do not breathe through their head like we humans do, instead they breathe through the spiracles which are present in the body segment. A headless female cockroach can even reach maturity without any difficulty because their organs and nervous system are not centralized. However, they will eventually die of starvation, as they do not have a mouth for intake food.

Cockroaches are arthropods that come under the order Blattodea, which is the same order as termites. There are nearly 4500 species of cockroaches on earth, but only 30 are linked to human habitats and only 5 are considered pests. Cockroaches have segmented bodies and breathe through the spiracles present in the segments of their bodies. The spiracles then provide the air to each cell of the cockroach’s body through the tracheae, a set of tubes. 

Another interesting fact about cockroaches is that they do not have blood pressure like a human, which means they do not bleed. Being cold-blooded animals, these insects do not need a lot of food to survive, one meal a day would be more than enough for them to survive a whole month.

For all these reasons, some even believe that cockroaches can last for a month without a head, as long as they do not get infected with deadly mould or bacteria.

Tell us in the comment below have you seen a cockroach without a head.

Are all of your Memories real?

Hey! We all are so used to our memories and rely a lot on them. But wait. Memories can disappoint you as well. 
Let’s dive into our memories and see how can they create an illusion. 

Did you find it interesting? Tell us in the comments below.

Ever Wondered How Animals See The World ?

Did you know Pigeons have better vision than us?

When humans see the world, they see all the colors. Is it the same for Animals? Have you ever wondered how your pet cat or dog sees you?

Let’s find out. Let learn more about Animal vision and how they look at the world around them.

Let’s Go!

Wasn’t it interesting?

Tell us in the comments below what you found interesting in this lesson.

DID YOU KNOW SHARKS HAVE NO BONES ?

Sharks are wonderful creatures. From the great white shark to the large and mysterious whale shark, these dangerous animals roam the oceans far and wide.

It’s true that sharks have zero bones or no bones in their body. Did you then think that they are floppy and will just bend all over? Not really. No bones do not make them floppy like a jellyfish. 

That is because they still have well-built skeletons. Creatures with skeletons are called vertebrates. But, if sharks have no bones, what are their skeletons made of?

Unlike the other vertebrates in place of the hard bones, sharks have cartilage. Cartilage is the same thing that we find in our ears and nose.  Cartilage is a softer tissue and it is more flexible than bone. They are strong enough to hold muscle and skin in place. 

The skeletons of sharks are made out of cartilage.  It makes them much lighter and helps them to float.

There are many fishes in the ocean that are cartilage fishes. These have no bones. All such fishes are called Chondrichthyes and the bony fishes are called Osteichthyes.

Some parts of the shark’s skeleton have heavier cartilage than others. Different parts of a shark’s skeleton have very different types of cartilage. They have different structures and functions. But the whole skeleton, including the jaws, is made of cartilage. Shark “skulls” are also made of cartilage which is called chondrocranium.

What about shark teeth? Well, like our teeth, shark teeth are made of a tissue called dentin. They are stronger and thicker tissues.

DID YOU KNOW THE HEART OF A SHRIMP IS IN THEIR HEAD?

There are some amazing and interesting animals that have physical twists and secrets that we don’t even know of. We bet you didn’t know that a Shrimp’s Heart is located in its Head.

Shrimp is considered to be seafood just like prawn and lobster. Shrimps are divided only into two parts, the head, and the tail. The heart of shrimp is located on its thorax region which is just right after the head. Both the head and thorax are totally covered with a single exoskeleton only. So, it appears as if it is situated in its head. The shrimp’s thorax can be mistaken as still part of the shrimps’ head.

But it does not mean that Shrimp’s brain is located on its chest. It is actually located on the shrimp’s true head, just after its eyes. Having organs located in their head is much more advantageous and safer. That’s because the head (cephalic portion) is covered with thick protective substances. It’s much safer to protect their internal organ.

Their heart located in its head and has three pairs of heart entrances. Through these entrances, blood comes to the heart. The arteries extend in many directions.

Also, did you know shrimps are the reason our water bodies stay fresh and clean? Here’s an amazing video about them.

What Happens if You Wake a Bear From Hibernation?

Have you ever heard someone say, “Don’t poke the bear”? Did you wonder where that saying came from? Of course, it means you shouldn’t provoke someone if they could cause trouble for you. But why include bears in that metaphor? Are they easily angered? Actually, no—bears are often shy. Still, they will defend themselves if they sense danger.

What happens if you wake a bear from hibernation? Experts say it’s best not to find out. A bear that senses a threat can wake quickly to defend itself. That’s because bears’ body temperatures only lower by a few degrees when they hibernate. This helps them become alert much faster, compared to other animals. Many other species lower their temperatures to near freezing for hibernation.

While many people think of hibernation as deep sleep, that’s not exactly correct. In fact, bears can wake up and move around their dens during this time. That’s especially true if they sense danger. Bears have been known to even leave their dens if they become damaged. 

Why do bears hibernate? Like all living things, their bodies burn energy. They get more energy by eating. During the cold winter months, it’s much harder to find food. Hibernation is a way for bears—and other animals—to live longer without eating.

Bears use up much of their body fat during hibernation. However, they keep most of their muscle and bone mass. This is very interesting to scientists. When humans go long periods of time without using their muscles, they lose those tissues.

Plenty of other animals hibernate—including chipmunks, snakes, and bees. Do they do so in the same way as bears? Not exactly. As mentioned, most hibernating animals lower their body temperatures much further than bears. Many animals also hibernate at different times of the year. That’s right, it’s not just a winter practice! Some animals hibernate in the summer. 

Never poke a bear—especially one that’s hibernating. It’s important to avoid other resting animals, too. Waking these critters can be very bad for them. They need to save their energy.

After all, who likes to be rudely awakened? Most kids dread the sound of the alarm clock each morning. Animals need their rest, just like you do! If you come across a hibernating creature—big or small—keep your distance.

How Is the Human Body Like Planet Earth?

Have you ever heard that a person is the product of their environment? In many ways, it’s true. Often, this means that people are influenced by the people and cultures they live in. But it also has a more literal meaning. Humans are influenced by their habitat—planet Earth!

If you think about it, the human body is a lot like planet Earth. What do they have in common? We can think of one major similarity. Here’s a hint—it can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas. That’s right! Both the human body and the planet Earth are largely made up of water.

On Earth, this is pretty obvious. From space, you can tell that about 71 percent of the planet is water. Many don’t realize, though, that water also makes up about 60 percent of the human body. That’s why it’s so important to drink enough water each day! It helps keep your body healthy.

The similarities don’t stop there, though. Have you learned about veins and arteries in school? These blood vessels work as part of the circulatory system. They move blood throughout your body to help keep you alive. Similarly, rivers and streams serve to carry water throughout the planet, playing a role in sustaining life on Earth.

In fact, both the human body and the planet Earth have several connected systems that support life. The respiratory, digestive, reproductive, musculoskeletal, nervous, and immune systems all play important roles in human life. The planet’s stability relies on the balance of its air, water, land, and life systems.

There’s one big similarity between the human body and planet Earth that we haven’t mentioned yet: They’re both diverse ecosystems. Earth is home to at least 8.7 million species. On a smaller scale, the human body hosts about 10,000 species.

Yes, you read that right. 10,000 different forms of life may be living in your body right now. In fact, experts say that about 90 percent of the cells in the body are not human. Instead, they belong to other organisms. 

It’s no coincidence that humans are made from the elements most common on planet Earth. After all, we’re a product of our environment! If you spend some time thinking about it, I bet you can come up with even more similarities! What else can you tell? Let us know in the comments !!

Is Brain Hungry For Knowledge The Same Way Stomach Is For Food?

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
This famous quote by Albert Einstein sums up the curious nature of humans in just nine words.
But what he may have not realized is the importance of that unmatched curiosity that leads to the advancement of the human intellect.
Have you ever wondered the mind always wants to know more? When you’re the only one who has been trusted with a secret by your best friend, don’t you feel a strange sense of satisfaction?
This immense feeling of curiosity is mirrored in so many of our myths, as though having a seductive nature.
Take Eve for example. She just had to know what secrets the Tree of Knowledge held. Neither could Pandora, despite all the strict warnings she received. She just had to know what was in the box!
Curiosity – an innate part of human nature
Now although these myths make it look like being curious could be one of the worst traits a person could have, scientific research suggests otherwise. It is in fact a fundamental part of human nature supporting a number of various intellectual behaviors that range from early learning in children to scientific discoveries.
After all, Newton wouldn’t have discovered gravity if he hadn’t been allowed to be curious.

So what is it that drives us to know more and more?
Well, it looks like our brain looks for knowledge the same way the stomach looks at food.
The brain does get hungry Imagine you’re in your last lecture of the day. And the hunger pangs have reached their highest level. The bell rings and the first thing you do as you rush out is to remove the chocolate bar you had been craving and take a bite.
You know what I’m talking about. As the sugar kicks in you feel an innate sense of pleasure, and that feeling is mirrored when your brain receives any new information!
Well, let’s try and find out how that happens.
Despite there being a variety of theories on the construct and origin of curiosity, there seems to be a rising consensus that like food and other extrinsic rewards, curiosity can be seen as a reward-learning process for acquiring knowledge. This basically translates to people being enthusiastic about knowing things because the acquisition of that knowledge serves as a reward.
It has been observed that both animals and humans are willing to risk small amounts to satisfy their curiosity about a future reward despite knowing that the outcome will remain unchanged. For instance, paying money to a fortune teller to know whether you’ll win the lottery will make no changes in the actual lottery results.

But considering how curiosity itself is considered to be the driving force of human intellect including scientific curiosity, it’s safe to say that curiosity itself will help uncover curiosity.

And remember even though the idiom says, “Curiosity killed the cat….”, it ends with ….satisfaction brought it back”.

What Did People do in the Past for Fun?

What do you do in your spare time? Do you play video games? How about board games? Do you like to read? In the past, people had fun in many of the same ways we do today. They played games, told each other stories, and played music. In fact, music has always been one of our most popular hobbies! It’s been around about as long as people have.

Human beings have played music for 43,000 years. Isn’t that a long time? Music has changed over the years, but people are still just as interested in it today. Have you ever heard music at a concert or festival? People in the past listened to it the same way. Early humans used music to bring their communities together. In that way, they were a lot like us.

Do you know how to pick a banjo? Have you ever played a tune on a recorder? Many instruments we play today are like the ones played by the first human beings. What were these ancient instruments like?

In Australia, Aboriginal people enjoyed playing the didgeridoo. It’s a horn that makes a low sound. The didgeridoo is one of the oldest instruments in the world, dating back 40,000 years! It’s nearly as old as the first flutes, which Europeans made from mammoth ivory 43,000 years ago. People all over Europe danced to music from these flutes!

In Ancient China, people gathered around to hear the pipa. It was shaped like a pear and had four strings. Centuries later, South Americans played the charango. The charango has ten strings and was originally made from armadillo shells. Many people still play charangos today. Fortunately for armadillos, modern musicians make the instruments from wood.

Do you walk to the beat of your own drum? Percussion instruments have always been common! American Indians entertained their tribes with drums made of wood and deerskin. Ancient Africans brought their friends together to play percussion instruments called thumb pianos. Called the “Mbira,” these five-key instruments go back over 3,000 years. Some of them have survived to modern times!

Do you like to play music? Which of these instruments would you most like to play or hear? Do you have a favorite instrument we didn’t include? We’d love to hear about it!

Story of Pizza

What if we told you pizza started as food for poor people? What if we told you pizza originated in Iran and not Italy?

Modern pizza is flat-bread covered in tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings. While flat-bread was the oldest existing component of these four elements (starting with the ancient Egyptians), the pizza’s earliest ancestor was a kind of flat-bread topped with dates and cheese. It was prepared by Persian soldiers of Darius the Great, in 500 B.C, but without the use of an oven.

Many still refuse to believe that the pizza could have been born in Iran, so let’s bring in the Italian (or Greek) connection for them. Naples is said to be the birthplace of pizza in the Italian peninsula, but in the 1st Century B.C it was in Greek settlement called Neopolis, first pizza was born in round shapes and topped them with a variety of ingredients like meat, potatoes, olives, and dry fruits.

Naples grew into a major trading post and become home to an enormous working-class population who couldn’t afford a decent meal three times a day. That’s when roadside vendors and informal restaurants started selling pizza as flat-breads with various toppings. This was looked down upon by the rich minority

After the 16th century, tomatoes were introduced in Europe from Peru. However, the tomato sauce was not made a part of the pizza anatomy until much later, as the exotic fruit was considered poisonous. In the 17th century, Antony Latini recorded the first-ever recipe of tomato sauce (not ketchup!) in a cookbook

Did you know very popular Margherita pizza is named after a Queen?

In mid 19th century, Raffaele Esposito introduced sauce on pizza, as cheese baked on flat-bread just wasn’t good enough. It became an instant hit in Naples and he was asked to prepare pizzas for the newly unified Italy’s King Umberto I and Queen Margherita in 1889. The queen loved a combination that coincidentally also reflected the three colors of the Italian flag. It was named after her and that is why a pizza consisting of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and garnished with basil leaves is known as a Margherita.

Pizza Hut started in 1958 when brothers Dan and Frank Carney convinced their parents to give them a loan. They called it Pizza Hut partly because the sign they brought did not have space for more letters! Pizza Hut made a pizza delivery to International Space Station in 2001 and paid $1 million to transport the pizza.

If Blood is Red, Why are Veins Blue?

Many believe that veins appear blue simply because the blood they carry is blue, due to its deficiency in oxygen. It is often proposed that a higher concentration of carbon dioxide and a lack of oxygen give the venous blood a bluish-greenish tinge. However, technically, that is completely inaccurate. In fact, no kind of human blood is blue. If anything, deoxygenated blood is even more red than regular, oxygenated blood. If you have ever had your blood drawn and noticed its color, you would clearly know that deoxygenated blood is a dark red.

I remember back when I was in high school, when I was taught that the human heart dealt with two versions of blood: one that was rich in oxygen (oxygenated blood) and one that was devoid of it (deoxygenated blood).

These two types of blood flowing throughout the body are usually represented through red and blue colors in diagrams. That’s probably the reason why lots of folks believe that the deoxygenated blood has a bluish tinge.

It actually has to do with the science of light. The colors we see are the result of which wavelengths of light are reflected back to our eyes. Veins appear blue because blue light is reflected back to our eyes. Blue light does not penetrate human tissue as deeply as red light does. As a result, veins that are close to the surface of the skin will be more likely to reflect blue light back to the eye.

The oxygen-depleted blood that veins carry also tends to absorb red light more than blue light. When the dark red blood absorbs more red light, blue light is more likely to be reflected back to our eyes.

Scientists also believe that blue light tends to scatter and reflect more easily when it passes through human tissue. This also contributes to veins appearing blue despite the dark red blood within them.

After failing 35 government job exams, A man who secured 104th rank in UPSC Civil Services…..

UPSC Civil Services exam usually require multiple attempts and many give up. Not Vijay Vardhan. He failed not once or twice but 35 times before cracking UPSC Civil Services with 104th Rank.

His story…..

‘Failures are the pillars of success’, and the story of Vijay Wardhan justifies every word of this phrase. Vijay Vardhan who secured 104th rank in UPSC Civil Services exam in 2018 failed in more than 35 exams before hitting the bull’s eye. This is a story for all those who have failed in an examination. It took him 5 attempts to finally clear the UPSC Civil Services examination and some 30 odd other government examinations

Vijay’s journey started in 2013 when he came to Delhi after completing his engineering in electronics and communication from Hisar, his hometown. He came to Delhi to prepare for UPSC Civil Services exam. It took him 6 years and numerous failed attempts to ultimately succeed in life. In these many years, Vijay appeared for more than 35 government exams which he was unable to crack.

In 2014, for the first time, Vijay attempted for UPSC Civil Services exam in which he failed. In 2015 he again attempted for the exam and cleared the preliminary exam but was unable to qualify UPSC Civil Services Main exam. In the following years, 2016 and 2017 he attempted for the exam but could not clear it. Determined more than even, he tried again in 2018 and this time he carried it through. From clearing the UPSC Prelims to mains and then the interview, Vijay Wardhan kept clearing hurdle after hurdle. The end result, he was victorios and secured 104th rank in the UPSC CIvil Services 2018. 

But it was not only the UPSC Civil Services examinations. He attempted a total of 35 examinations but remained unsuccessful. Vijay appeared for various Grade A and Grade B government exams. The list included UP PCS, Haryana PCS, Punjab PCS, SSC CGL, LIC, NABARD, ISRO, Haryana Excise Inspector, RRB NTPC, RBI Grade B. In most of these exams he cleared the prelims but was unable to crack the main exam or interview. At times it so happened that he even failed in the medical exam or in the document verification process.

The list of failures may crack any person and force them to give up on their dreams. But Vijay epitomised the adage – what does not break you, makes you stronger. His dream in site, Vijay continued to strife for his dreams and on April 5 his hard work and dedication paid off. Vijay Wardhan not only cracked the examination, he also secured 104th rank. Vijay Wardhan has opted for Indian Police Services.

Vijay’s story is a story of courage, determination and never say die attitude. In today’s world, with high competition, it is stories like these that show the beacon to the many who give up after failing. He truly epitomizes that failiures are the first steps to success. 

Can you be hypnotized?

What if someone could make you forget your name or cluck like a chicken? Sounds creepy, right? But not really impossible! This is called Hypnosis and believe it or not, it’s indeed real and people could be hypnotized and made to feel things, do things and remember things based on suggestions in this hypnotic state. However, it’s quite different from what you may have seen on TV or some magic show.

So, what exactly is Hypnosis? Hypnosis is a special mental state in which people feel relaxed and are open to suggestions. Presumably, this is because they tune out the worries and doubts. It’s like being lost in an interesting book or movie and ‘loosing’ ourselves to our imagination. A hypnotized person is in a trance and is totally oblivious to what happens around during hypnosis.

Did You Know that we all experience hypnosis at LEAST twice a day. Hypnosis is NOT sleep, but a natural state of mind. When you sit in front of your favorite TV program or become engrossed in a good book you are experiencing a hypnotic trance-like state.

Can anyone hypnotize you and force you to divulge your deepest secrets? This is probably one of the biggest myths about hypnosis that exists, that a hypnotist can make you do things. If the person doesn’t like the message, they will come out of hypnosis. Hence, they can’t really harm themselves under hypnosis. Also, it doesn’t work on everyone. Out of every 5 people, one is immune to hypnosis while another can be easily hypnotized.

Although hypnosis seems mystical, in reality, hypnosis is used all the time in medicine.  Although not as flashy as making someone become stuck to the floor, helping a patient in chronic pain can seem just as magical. The main use of hypnosis is known as Hypnotherapy, a practice used with willing patients to help them with changing bad behaviors or dealing with unpleasant memories.

If you had the power to hypnotize, what would you do with that kind of power?

The Tale Of Shaligram : Curse of Vishnu

You must have noticed that Lord Vishnu is often worshipped in many places in the form of a black stone. During the time of Satya Narayan puja in any Hindu household, the priest carries this stone along with him and places it near the idol and then starts reciting the mantras. This black stone is known as Shaligram stone.

Jalandhar: A Part Of Shiva

There was once a demon king named Jalandhar. He was born out of the flames which emanated from Lord Shiva’s third eye. That is why he was an extremely powerful warrior. He was married to the demon princess named Vrinda. Vrinda loved Jalandhar very dearly and was a devoted wife. Her devotion, loyalty and chastity made Jalandhar invinsible.

Jalandhar Faces Shiva

Jalandhar was against the demi Gods and chased them out of the heaven. He established his own kingdom. The demi Gods went praying to Lord Vishnu and Shiva for help. Shiva knew that He could never defeat Jalandhar because he was a part of Shiva Himself. Yet, Lord Shiva went on to fight with Jalandhar. The battle continued for years but Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandhar because of the protection which was provided by Vrinda’s chastity and devotion for her husband.

Vrinda: The Greatest Devotee Of Vishnu

In spite of being the demon princess and wife of the demon king, Vrinda worshipped Lord Vishnu. She was a dedicated and staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and prayed to Him with all her faith.

Vishnu’s Betrayal

When the demi Gods saw that even Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandhar, they turned to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu could not do anything other than playing a trick to malign Vrinda’s chastity. He disguised Himself as Jalandhar and stood in front of Vrinda. Vrinda could not recognise Lord Vishnu and thought Jalandhar had returned. She ran into his arms and soon realised that it was not Jalandhar. Her chastity was maligned and the protection of Jalandhar was destroyed. As a result Lord Shiva killed Jalandhar in no time.

Vrinda’s Curse

Realizing her mistake, Vrinda asked Lord Vishnu to show His real form. She was shattered to see that she was tricked by her own Lord. Seeing Lord Vishnu disguising as Jalandhar and tricking her to break her chastity, Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu. She gave the curse that Lord Vishnu would turn into a stone. Lord Vishnu accepted the curse and He turned into the Shaligram stone. Vrinda was also heart broken and decided to end her life.

Tulsi’s Boon

Lord Vishnu accepted the curse as He felt guilty of betraying His greatest devotee. So, He gave Vrinda a boon that from her ashes the plant of Tulsi would be born and the plant would get married to the Shaligram stone. This way her chastity would not be maligned and she would stay with Lord Vishnu forever. Vishnu also said that he would never accept food without Tulsi and therefore Vishnu’s prasadam is always offered with a leaf of Tulsi in it.

Shaligram’s Marriage With Tulsi

It is considered extremely auspicious for couples if they marry the Tulsi plant with the Shalimar stone on the day of Dev Parbodhini Ekadashi. It brings happiness and prosperity in their marriage.

In the Skanda Purana there is a statement praising the Tulsi tree as follows: ‘Let me offer my respectful obeisance unto the Tulsi tree, which can immediately vanquish volumes of sinful activities. Simply by seeing or touching this tree one can become relieved from all distresses and diseases.

Srimati Tulsi Devi is one of the most exalted devotees of the Sri Krishna. Tulsi is Vrinda Devi, who eternally resides in Goloka, the most brilliant planet in Vaikunta. She performed intense penance to marry Lord Vishnu.

Why do mosquitoes bite only at night ?

Mosquitoes are probably most hated creatures in our country. Not to mention mosquitoes cause most number of human deaths every year. 

Only female mosquitoes will bite you as they need blood of humans and other animals to get nutrients for their eggs. Male mosquitoes rely only on nectar from plants, much like honeybees.

So why the preference for evening and night ?

Simple answer is like everyone else mosquitoes also dehydrate in sweltering heat.  The dehydration could be fatal for the mosquitoes so they simply rest during the day time in dark sheltered places away from heat.

Have you wondered how mosquitoes know where you are? They have receptors on their antennae that detect the carbon dioxide released when we exhale. Those plumes of  CO₂ rise into the air, acting as trails that the mosquitoes follow to find the source. So harder you breathe, the more CO₂  you emit, so you are specially attractive after a jog.

Mosquitoes also love cholesterol in their meals. People who metabolize cholesterol quickly (and not those who have higher cholesterol blood levels) are attractive to mosquitoes because byproducts of that metabolization are present on the skin. This explains why some people are pestered more by mosquitoes.

We are taller in morning than in evening!

Try measuring your height early in the morning and then again in the evening. You will be astonished to see that you were about 1cm taller in the morning than you are in the evening!

Sounds unbelievable right? Well, it’s true.

We are active during the day so the cartilage in our knees and other areas slowly compresses. The connective tissues around the joints get squeezed on account of activity and by trying to counter the effects of gravity.

The spinal cord also has a significant role in supporting this phenomenon. Our spinal cord consists of 33 vertebrae, overlapping each other. These vertebrae enable us to sit, stand, walk, etc. The spinal cord has gentle materials in between the vertebrae. Due to continuous movements and our own body weight, these gentle materials get compressed and therefore, our height reduces.

The gravity also plays its part, it flattens the materials between vertebrae and pushes out the water between our spinal discs while we are standing.

So why are we taller in the morning ?

When we sleep, we lie horizontally and our spine is no longer subjected to the pressures of gravity. Cartilage comes back to the original form and fluids are replenished between our vertebral discs. The excess fluid provides up to a half-inch more of height upon waking up.

According to research done by NASA, astronauts gain about two inches in height when they are freed from the gravitational pressure of Earth! Incredible, isn’t it? 

Interesting Facts about Cars…..

• The owner of Lamborghini first drove a Ferrari when he started the company, but the car had a constant nagging clutch problem which frustrated him to the extent of making him manufacture cars instead of tractors.

• An airbag takes only 40 milliseconds to deflate.

• Hong Kong is home to the most Rolls Royce’s in the world.

• The Bugatti Chiron is all set to become the new fastest production car in the world

• 1 out of every 4 cars produced in the world come from China.

• 90% of drivers sing behind the wheel. (The others are too embarrassed to admit it!)

• The automobile is the most recycled product in the world.

• Drivers kill more deer than hunters.

• 1 out of every 7 cars sold in the United States are sold in southern California.

• In 1925, you could purchase a Ford automobile for less than $300 U.S. dollars. 55% of all cars driven at this time were a Ford.

• A car was created that is fueled by cappuccino as an attempt at creating a renewable energy source.  The car system converts used coffee grounds to flammable gas. It takes 56 espressos to fuel one mile in the “car-puccino.”

Dead Sea – Not Dead, Not a Sea!

What is the Dead Sea?

It is a unique water body that supposedly has magical powers. Though the name suggests that it is a sea, it is, in fact, a lake. It is one of the saltiest lakes on the earth, with around 34% of salt concentration.

And if you thought you would find some skeletons of marine animals and fish, going by the name, you are mistaken. In fact, the Dead Sea is so salty that no marine animal can survive in its waters.

Natural Buoyancy

If I told you that you could float in the waters of the Dead Sea quite effortlessly, would you believe me? Well! this is in fact true. This unique feature of the Dead Sea is a major attraction for tourists, who come from all over the world, to experience natural buoyancy. Due to the extremely high concentration of salts and minerals in the water, people can actually float in the Dead Sea waters.

Buoyancy is nothing but the tendency of things to float in water. As saltwater is heavy and dense, it makes floating very easy. In the waters of the Dead Sea, a human is the lighter object!

Why is the Dead Sea salty?

The Dead Sea is nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean water.

But why is it so salty? The main reason is the lack of proper drainage of water. The Dead Sea can receive water from rivers and streams. But there is no other outlet for water except through evaporation. Without an outlet for the water to drain from the basin, the salt that is dissolved in the water, accumulates. Over a great period of time, the Dead Sea has accumulated a lot of salts and minerals.

The Dead Sea has no fish or other such aquatic life living in its waters. However, the Dead Sea is still capable of supporting several forms of bacteria and one type of algae. These organisms have adapted to thrive in highly saline water.

Thus the Dead sea is not dead, and it’s not a sea.

10 important facts about games and learning

1) Games provide a 23 percent gain over traditional learning. 2013 research shows that games can increase learning outcomes by two grade levels.

2) Co-play is better. A study on motivation shows that when kids play together, outcomes are improved by two standard deviations.

3) Content should be married to game mechanics. A great 2011 study shows that games are powerful motivators, but they function better when the learning is the playful part and not just a side note. (See my discussions about what makes a good game and intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation for more information.)

4) Games are more powerful combined with paratexts. A 2011 examination of simulation games shows that the text surrounding games, when combined with the game, aids in improving student outcomes more than the game alone.

5) Action games enhance attentional control. A 2012 study demonstrates that games are even effective at training us how to learn and shape our attention.

6) Games are great for language gains. The research even showed that the language acquisition didn’t even require that the game was a language game.

7) Reading gains are inherent to gaming, but choice is a key factor. If students were allowed choice in their in-game reading, the impact was more powerful than the game alone, according to Steinkuehler’s own research.

8) Games are useful for overcoming bias and cognitive dissonance. A 2015 study demonstrates the power of games to overcome cognitive dissonance and reduce stereotypes.

9) Despite popular opinions, games promote learning and discourage negative behaviors. In fact, one study illustrates that regular game play improved mental health as well as cognitive and social skills.

10) Games in research don’t reflect games in the market. Sadly, a forthcoming study shows that game makers and game researchers often have a disconnect in studying what is being created and creating what studies show is best. We can do better.

Why is my school bus yellow?

Have you ever wondered why your school bus is yellow? Why isn’t it a RED colour, which according to scientists is the favourite colour among children? Each day, lakhs of yellow buses ferry children to thousands of schools! Did you know, the yellow colour of the bus is not just for looks? It’s all for your safety!

The Supreme Court of India passed a rule in 1994 which mandated all school buses to have an external colour of yellow. But how does yellow really improve safety? In fact, yellow gets your attention faster than any other colour. People notice yellow objects first. Even if you are looking straight ahead, you can see a yellow object that is not directly in front of you out of the corners of your eyes. Objects you can see out of the corners of your eyes are in your “Peripheral field”.

Isn’t this hard to believe? Many of us might think that red is the most noticeable colour. There is definitely a reason why your teacher uses a red pen to highlight the mistakes in your homework. But, according to scientists’ red is only more prominent under bright light conditions. But, hey most schools start a bit early in the morning. During winter, the sun also wakes up a bit late and the lighting is not good enough for red to be noticeable. If there’s fog or any kind of bad weather, drivers will still be able to see yellow vehicles fairly well. Hence, you like it or not, your school bus is yellow!

If yellow is the most noticeable colour, why not paint all vehicles in yellow?

5 Mysteries of Indian Temples that are Beyond the Explanation of Science

1)    Kadu Malleshwara Temple

In the year 1997, during some construction process near the temple the workers found another temple of ‘ Nandi ‘ (a statue of bull which is called the vehicle of Lord Shiva) buried. As they further dug out the temple, a small pool of water was found inside the temple and even the Nandi was ejecting clean water from its mouth which flows to the shiva linga. However the source of water for both of them is yet unknown.

2)    Lepakshi Temple

Located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, the Lepakshi temple is famous for its ‘Hanging Pillar’, literally. Of the 70 structured and carved pillars inside the temple, one does not touch the ground. Devotees regularly pass thin objects like clothes or papers from under the pillar to test the theory and be amazed. They even believe doing so would bring them prosperity. That is for another day to discuss but how the weight of the pillar could be supported without it touching the ground remains the real mystery.

3)    Brihadeeswarar Temple

Hailed for its architectural beauty, the Brihadeeswarar Temple is located in Thanjavur, TamilNadu. Most of the temple is carved out of pure granite which is astonishing in itself as there were no granite sources found anywhere within 60Kms of the temple. The temple’s apex, called the ‘Gopuram’ is found to be made out of a single stone now weighing 80 tons. Considering the granite reserves were so far away, how they managed to mount it in place has only theoretical explanations so far.

4)    Stambheshwar Mahadev Shrine

It is also known as the disappearing temple of Gujarat. Because it disappears. Really! It is located at the bay of Cambay on the beaches of Jambusar city. It is said to be about 150 years old and there is nothing remarkably special about the temple itself, until the high tide arrives that is. During this time, the temple is completely submerged under water and disappears from sight and reemerges once the tide passes. The devotees usually make their offerings during the morning when the tide is low and stay late into the evening to watch the temple slowly go down. Weather this was intended by the architects was unknown, but it still remains a sight to behold.

5)    Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple

It is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, India. The temple has what seem to be seven secret vaults. On the supreme court’s request, the committee overseeing the temple has opened 6 of those vaults unveiling ornaments of gold estimated to be worth over 22 billion dollars. Now the 7^th vault has steel doors with no latches or bolts. It has carvings depicting 2 cobras. It is believed that the door is opened only by a secret chant and any other means would bring catastrophes. It is considered both a mystery and highly dangerous.

These are just a few of the countless mysteries of Indian temples. India is truly a land of wonders. Incredible India, indeed!

THE TRICK OF DIGITALISING SIGNATURES !

This is a trick where hackers can actually digitalise your signature and use it to hack your bank account the digitalising of signature can take place on your cheque.

If an unknown person collects check from you he can use it and digitalise the signature on the cheque to break into your bank account and can make your bank balance zero. You can prevent this by doing netbanking or transferring your money to the unknown person’s bank account in bank.

Operation Cocoon!

Operation Cocoon was the operation launched by the Special Task Force of Tamil Nadu Police to nab the forest brigand Veerappan and his associates, who were dominant in Sathyamangalam Forest in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. The operation was headed by K. Vijay Kumar, and N. K. Senthamarai Kannan Yadava.

The Operation

The joint Special Task Force (STF) operation of Veerappan, constituted in 1991 by the state governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is considered one of the costliest in Indian history, consuming ₹1 billion over the years. The operation involved infiltration by the police men into enemy camp with the help of tribal people. Since Veerappan was aware of the terrain of the forest, it was planned to bring him out of the forest. As per the report of police, the report was planned for ten months, the execution took 3 weeks and the final operation lasted only 45 minutes. STF personnel infiltrated as hawkers, masons and local service staff in the villages where Veerappan was supposedly roaming. Down the years, due to ageing and others getting killed, his troop was reduced to four men. Veerapan was planning to take a medical treatment for his eye in South Arcot and was planning to flee out of the forest. On the day of the operation, Veerapan was escorted out of the forest to the ambulance stationed at Papirappati village in Dharmapuri district, which was a police vehicle, by one of the police who earlier infiltrated his gang. A 35 member troop was stationed in the village, a few security men were hiding in security tankers in the road and others were hiding in the bushes. The driver of the ambulance, who was also a policeman, made an escape. As per police report, Veerappan and his gang were first warned and then asked to surrender, which was denied and the gang started firing at the STF personnel. The STF retaliated by firing grenades and gun fire. Veerappan was killed on the spot, while his gangmen died on the ambulance taking them to the government hospital. After the operation, the STF recovered 12 bore Remington pump action gun, two AK-47, a self-loading rifle, two hand grenades and cash worth ₹3.5 lakhs.

Why do some things Rust?

Have you ever seen a very old train? How about an old metal key or set of tools? Maybe you’ve seen an old bicycle lying around. If any of these things have been abandoned and uncared for over several years, they’re probably in bad shape. In fact, they’ve probably turned a reddish-brown color. They might even be flaking in many places.

What is that reddish-brown material? These are spots where the metal has corroded, and they’re called rust. When metal objects become rusted, they’re in danger of ruin. Unless they’re properly cared for soon, they won’t be of any use to anyone. 

But what exactly is rust? Rust is a very common compound. Its scientific name is iron oxide (Fe2O3). Rust forms when iron and oxygen react in the presence of water or moisture in the air.

But did you know rust isn’t always that reddish-brown color? Would you believe that sometimes, it’s green? It’s true! When iron reacts with chloride in an underwater environment, green rust appears. This can sometimes be seen on steel used in underwater pillars.

Rust occurs when iron or its alloys, such as steel, corrode. The surface of a piece of iron will corrode first in the presence of oxygen and water. Given enough time, any piece of iron will change entirely into rust and disintegrate.

There are certain factors that can speed up the rusting process. For example, water speeds up the reaction. Other substances, such as salt, can also increase the speed of the rusting process/corrosion.

To prevent rust, iron can be coated. This prevents its reaction with oxygen and water. One such process is called galvanization. This usually involves coating an iron object with a layer of zinc. The zinc helps to stop the iron from reacting with oxygen and water to form rust.

Another method of preventing rust is much simpler and common. What is it? Paint! That’s right. A simple coat of paint can prevent iron from reacting with oxygen and water in the environment.

Do you have any rusty items around your house? How can you help protect them from corrosion? Act fast! They could be beyond repair before you know it.

How Do Smartphones Affect Childhood Psychology?

Have you noticed what seems like an epidemic of people who are glued to their smartphone’s soft glow?

Unfortunately, you are not alone. Over 1.8 billion people own smartphones and use their devices on a daily basis. Some studies estimate that an average person checks their screen 150 times a day.

In a recent publication, it was noted that 56 percent of children in developed countries between the ages of 10 to 13 own a smartphone. While that fact alone may come as a shock, it is estimated that 25 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 5 have a smartphone!

It should come as no surprise that smartphones and tablets have now replaced cricket bats and baby dolls on a child’s wish list. Primary school-aged children start asking, or let’s say begging, for these forms of technology before they can even tie their shoes.

That means that is important for parents to consider the potential effects smartphones can have on childhood psychology and development. Children need to experience the world around them to accommodate new ideas. Children “construct an understanding of the world around them” and try to understand new ideas based on what they already know and discover.

For children, face-to-face interactions are the primary ways they gain knowledge and learn. They (children) learn language, they learn about their own emotions, they learn how to regulate them. They learn by watching us how to have a conversation, how to read other people’s facial expressions. And if that’s not happening, children are missing out on important development milestones.

Why Was The Eiffel Tower Built?

One of the structures of this city remains the most recognizable images in the world. We are taking, of course, about the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Only few people know the proper history of this magnificent structure.

A good question to start with, obviously, is…. why was the Eiffel Tower built in the first place?

The 1889 World’s fair

To mark the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution, Paris hosted the World’s Fair, and wanted to mark the occasion with something truly spectacular. More than 100 architects and designers submitted ideas. The winning bid came from the construction firm of Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, a renowned bridge builder and architect. It took more than two years to complete, and consists of more than 2.5 million rivets and 18,000 individual pieces of wrought-iron. When it was finished, it stood nearly 1,000 feet tall – making it the tallest structure in the world, a title it held for more than 40 years.

After the fair…

While it seems impossible today, the French government nearly tore down the Eiffel Tower in 1909, just twenty years after it was constructed, since it was only supposed to be a temporary exhibit. Many French citizens had also voiced their concern that it marred the profile of the city, and some even called it an “eyesore”. However, the strategic value of the tower as a radio antenna could not be denied, so the City decided to keep the structure in place!

40 years after its construction, its title as the tallest manmade structure in the world was put in jeopardy, when the Chrysler Building was constructed in New York. Not wanting to be outdone by the Americans, a radio antenna was added to the top of the Eiffel Tower, bringing it to its current height of 1,063 feet, making it 17 feet taller than its American challenger. However, a year after reclaiming the title, the Empire State Building was erected, topping out at 1,454 feet in height, marking the end of the Eiffel Tower’s reign over the sky.

When the Nazis took Paris during the Second World War, Hitler ordered the structure destroyed, but the order was never carried out. Perhaps even the Nazis couldn’t help but look at this impressive structure and be awed.

What about Eiffel himself?

Now, you may be wondering…. if Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel designed the Eiffel Tower, surely he must have also done some other great work, right?

Well, as it turns out, he was also employed to work on another iconic structure that you have surely seen before….

Yes, that’s right. Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel was the second designer of the internal structure of the Statue of Liberty, after the original designer, Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, passed away suddenly in 1879. Eiffel stepped in and ensured that the internal structure was sound, even altering the initial designs to use more modern techniques to increase strength and durability.

Today, more than 7 million people visit the Eiffel Tower each year – and more than 250 million have visited since its construction. Those picture-snapping visitors often take the daring climb up the more than 600 steps, or opt for one of the eight elevators located in the base legs of the structure. The French government now considers it a national treasure. It is repainted every seven years, and welcomes visitors 365 days a year.

Why your skin goes wrinkly after the bath?

Have you ever gotten wrinkly fingers and toes when you’ve been in the water a long time? And have you ever wondered why that happens? Why do some parts of your skin get wrinkly, while other parts stay smooth?

The full explanation of how and why our fingers wrinkle in wet environments is still the subject of some debate.  People often assume that wrinkling is the result of water passing into the outer layer of the skin and making it swell up.

While it might have some minor role, we now know swelling is not the main cause of finger wrinkling for several reasons.  The first is that only fingers, toes and the bottoms of your feet tend to wrinkle when wet.   If osmosis was the reason, all parts of your skin would wrinkle in response to wetness.

Also researchers have known since the 1930s that the effect does not occur when there is nerve damage in the fingers. This points to the change being an involuntary reaction by the body’s autonomic nervous system — the system that also controls breathing, heart rate and perspiration.

Scientists believe they have the answer to why the skin on human fingers and toes shrivels up like an old man when we soak in the bath. In 2011, Mark Changizi, an evolutionary neurobiologist at 2AI Labs in Boise, Idaho, and his colleagues, suggested that wrinkling, being an active process, must have an evolutionary function. The team also showed that the pattern of wrinkling appeared to be optimized for providing a drainage network that improved grip.

In a nutshell wrinkled fingers give a better grip in wet conditions — it could be working like treads on your car tyres, which allow more of the tyre to be in contact with the road and gives you a better grip. Wrinkled fingers could have helped our ancestors to gather food from wet vegetation or streams. The analogous effect in the toes could help us to get a better footing in the rain. 

So next time you’re washing dishes, be thankful that your fingers wrinkle- it gives you a better grip!

Why Do We Have Lines On Our Palms?

Have you ever wondered why we have bunch of lines crisscrossing all across our palms? Do they serve any purpose at all?

Why do we have so many lines on our palms?

Short answer: The lines on our palms are known as palmar flexion creases, and they’re there to help us fold, stretch, squeeze, scrunch and do other such things without excessively stretching or squeezing the skin on the hands.

Palmar flexion creases

The lines on our palms are scientifically known as palmar flexion creases. These creases begin to form around the 12th week of gestation, i.e., when the baby is still in the womb. What this means is that we are all born with these lines on our palms.

Their primary function is to help squeeze and stretch the skin of the palm. It’s only along these lines that the hand’s skin folds or bunches up in accordance with the relevant position of the hand (e.g., curling, stretching, making a fist etc.). Apart from offering this physical advantage, palmar flexion creases can also help identify certain medical disorders in an individual.

The reason we have lines on our palms

Hands are indisputably one of the hardest working organs (amongst the external ones) of the body. Think of the plethora of physical activities you do with them day in and day out. You constantly pick things up, pull/push, squeeze, turn and twist stuff using your hands. It’s actually quite pointless to list all the activities we do using your hands because there are just so many!

In order for your hands to do all these physical activities, the skin that covers them must be able to adjust suitably to complex positions. Therefore, when you stretch, fold, bend or make a fist using your palms, the skin must be able to follow suit.

If not for the lines on our palms, bags of loose skin would be hanging out from under our palms and fingers. Not only would that be a terrible waste of skin tissue, but also a rather unpleasant sight to behold.

Can reading palm lines (palmistry) foretell the future?

A sizable portion of the general public actually believes that the lines on our palms can help foretell our future. Fortune tellers all over the world make a living out of reading people’s palms and predicting their future!

However, as of now, palmistry is considered a superstitious or pseudoscientific belief due to a serious lack of empirical support behind palmistry predictions, as well as different (and sometimes even contradicting) interpretations of the same set of lines on an individual’s palms across different cultures.

In other words, if you’re someone who believes in an idea or a theory only if there’s sufficient scientific research and proof backing it, then going to a fortune teller to help predict the outcome of an exam, a business deal, or any other (future) event of your life is certainly not an option for you, at least until the “powers that be” accept palmistry as a ‘regular’ science

Can anyone live in space?

Have you ever wondered if someone can live in space? You will be surprised to find that certain species of germs can survive the extreme conditions in space.

Some people hate germs with a passion and avoid them at all costs. Did you know these people who fear germs and contamination are often called germaphobes, although the phobia they have is officially known as mysophobia. These people might think outer space would be a good place to go. After all, there is no air in space and all that cosmic radiation would have to kill off all the germs, right?

To the surprise of many scientists, many missions to outer space over the past several decades have revealed that over 250 different species of bacteria and fungi can not only survive, but even thrive in the harsh conditions of outer space.

For example, the Russian space station Mir encountered problems with a film growing over its windows, reducing visibility while in orbit. Upon its return to Earth, scientists were shocked to discover numerous bacteria and fungi covering the window.

Moreover, the microorganisms had done more than just coat the window and block astronauts’ views of space. They had actually corroded the window. This concerned scientists, because the window was made of quartz glass in a titanium frame encased in enamel — a combination scientists had thought could withstand just about anything outer space could throw at it.

Closer examination of the Mir space station revealed that microorganisms had also damaged electronic equipment by rusting copper cables. Scientists also found fungi coating various polyurethane surfaces.

Scientists were so surprised because space vehicles are thoroughly cleaned with toxic gases before being sent into space. They now suspect that certain bacteria and fungi may survive fumigation by hiding under areas where gas does not penetrate. So why do they survive and thrive once in outer space?

Scientists speculate that bacteria come out of hiding once in outer space. In a sterile environment without competing microorganisms around, they multiply and thrive. Instead of killing them, cosmic radiation may also help them to mutate and aggressively grow faster than they normally could on Earth.

These findings were reinforced by recent experiments conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). Bacteria-laden rocks were installed on the exterior of the ISS to see how they would react to the conditions of outer space, including wild temperature swings, lacks of air, and extreme exposure to ultraviolet light and cosmic radiation.

While some bacteria did succumb to these harsh conditions, a group of bacteria known as OU-20, which resemble the cyanobacteria genus Gloeocapsa, survived for over a year and a half on the outside of the ISS! Researchers now have samples of these hardy survivors back on Earth for further study.

Is It Better To Cover A Wound Or Leave It Exposed To Air?

I remember that when I was a kid, I was often told that one should always let their wounds get some fresh air, especially if the wound is fresh. I neither had the brains nor the motivation to argue with that notion, and admittedly, giving a wound some fresh air just seemed like a logical idea. Interestingly enough, after all these years, I still see many people who leave their wounds exposed to air so that they heal faster.

But, when you go to the hospital with a fresh injury, one of the first things that a nurse does is clean the wound and cover it up. Why do they do that?

If leaving a wound exposed to the air is so good and promotes healing, then why do doctors recommend covering a wound with bandages and dressing?

Well, let me tell you at the outset that the notion that leaving a wound exposed to air helps in faster healing is a misconception. With the exception of minor cuts bruises, or scrapes, it’s always best to cover wounds.

ScabsOne of the most common ways in which the human body reacts to a wound is by the formation of a scab.

The process of the formation of a scab starts as soon as you get injured and start bleeding. Special blood cells called platelets spring into action as soon as they sense that there is a ‘breach’ in your skin. These platelets stick together like glue at the site of the injury (like a cut, scrape or bruise) and form a clot.

This clot acts like a biological protective bandage over the wound and prevents further bleeding. If the injured part of the skin (and effectively that clot) remains uncovered, the clot dries out and hardens up, forming a scab. We often tend to think of the formation of a scab as a sign of recovery. People even get a kick out of picking at their scabs.

Why is covering a wound important?
If a fresh wound is kept covered, it keeps the skin cells from drying out and forming a scab, which ultimately minimizes the chances of scarring at the site of the wound. Covering an injury does a lot of good things, including keeping it moist, which promotes better skin healing. It also significantly reduces the chances of infection, as it keeps germs, dirt and (potentially unclean) water from coming in contact with the injury. This is a good thing, because if germs, dirt and other unwanted things do reach the site of the injury, you might get an infection. A bandage or dressing, in contrast, offers added comfort and cushioning to the wound. It also protects from re-injury, which is another plus.

All in all, it’s best to cover your wounds, as it helps in protecting them and accelerating the healing process!!

Weird But True….!

The Himalayan mountains grow a half inch taller each year.

HIPPOS can be more dangerous than LIONS.

A sea turtle can weight as much as a water buffalo.

Peanut butter can be converted into a diamond.

Australia was once a British prison colony.

You’re almost a half inch(1.3 cm) taller in the morning than in the evening.

A average adult’s skin weighs about 11 pounds (5 kg).

Ketchup was originally sold as Medicine.

A bat can eat 3,000 insects in one night.

African elephants have ears shaped like the continent of Africa.

10 Awesome Facts!!

1. IN 1889, THE QUEEN OF ITALY, MARGHERITA SAVOY, ORDERED THE FIRST PIZZA DELIVERY.

2. YOU CAN BUY EEL FLAVORED ICE CREAM IN JAPAN.

3. IT’S CONSIDERED RUDE TO WRITE IN RED INK IN PORTUGAL.

4. THE NILE CROCODILE CAN HOLD ITS BREATH UNDERWATER FOR UP TO TWO HOURS WHILE WAITING FOR PREY.

5. JELLYFISH, OR JELLIES AS SCIENTISTS CALL THEM, ARE NOT FISH. THEY HAVE NO BRAIN, NO HEART, AND NO BONES.

6. A SEAHORSE CAN MOVE ITS EYES IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS—ALL THE BETTER TO SCAN THE WATER FOR FOOD AND PREDATORS.

7. YOU LOSE ABOUT 50 TO 100 HAIRS A DAY.

8. THE FINEST QUALITY EMERALDS ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN DIAMONDS.

9. SCIENTISTS SAY THAT THE BEST TIME TO TAKE A NAP IS BETWEEN 1 P.M. AND 2:30 P.M. BECAUSE THAT’S WHEN A DIP IN BODY TEMPERATURE MAKES US FEEL SLEEPY.

10. LESS THAN 1 PERCENT OF ANTARCTICA IS ICE-FREE.

Ever wondered how chicks get oxygen inside their egg shell?

All living things need oxygen to breathe. Even human babies get their share of oxygen inside the mother’s womb through the umbilical cord. So how about a chick that is growing inside an egg? You will be surprised to know that eggs are quite sophisticated in their packaging. Even though eggs look fragile, they are in fact, biological wonders.

The eggs of birds and also other reptiles contain albumen, also called the egg white along with yolk. The fertilized embryo develops inside the egg shell, feeding off the yolk and the egg white. So, you can see that the little bird growing inside has got everything in place, like food and shelter. The only thing that is not visibly present is probably fresh air. But, this is taken care of by the membranes present inside the egg, along with the tiny pores present on the egg shell.

When the eggs are laid by the mother, they are very warm, when compared to the outside conditions. Slowly, after sometime, the eggs cool down. The material inside the egg shrinks a little bit. Now, under the egg shell, there are two membranes present, which are stuck to each other.  When the eggs cool down and the material inside shrinks, the two membranes are pulled apart a little to create a small sack, called the air sac. This air sac is filled with oxygen. The oxygen gets into the air sac through a process called diffusion. This happens through the many tiny pores present on the egg shell.

The oxygen is used by the growing chick in a chemical reaction called metabolism. In this process, some amount of carbon dioxide is also released, which has to be expelled out. Through the same process of diffusion, this carbon dioxide also is expelled out, through the tiny pores on the egg shell. As this gas leaves out, the air sac is again filled with oxygen. These tiny pores also help in letting in the moisture into the egg. This keeps the developing bird and all other egg parts from drying out.

Have you ever noticed that hard-boiled eggs always feel a little heavier than raw ones? The same concept of diffusion is applicable here. When you boil eggs, the pores in the shells of the chicken eggs allow materials to cross back and forth between the inside of the egg and the outside environment. Here, in this case, the air is replaced by water!

Why are there stones alongside railway tracks?

Almost everyone would have seen railway tracks. You must have noticed those small stones lying alongside the track on which your train races? Have you ever given any thought as to why there are almost always stones alongside a railway track?

Lets understand the basics

To start with, the stones that you see lying close to the railway tracks are collectively called track ballast. It basically forms the trackbed on which the railway sleepers are kept. Track ballast is packed between the sleepers, in the areas below, and  on the sides of railway tracks.

what’s a sleeper?

A railway sleeper is a rectangular support that is usually kept perpendicular to the tracks. Sleepers are known by a few other names too, like a railroad tie or a crosstie. These are usually made of wood or pre-stressed concrete, although the latter is more widely used today. The function of railway sleepers is to hold the rails upright and properly spaced.

If you put smooth, round pebbles in the ballast, then they might roll or slide over each other when a train passes over the tracks; therefore, they would fail at their main job – providing solidarity to the tracks. Given that fact, you need stones of a specific type that won’t move around too much! In order to guarantee that the stones stay in place, they use sharp and edged stones in the ballast. Interesting, huh?

So can’t you just nail the tracks to sleeper?

The non-trivial movement caused by heat expansion and contraction along the length of the rail would cause it to break or buckle if any of it were fixed in place. So, instead, the rails are attached to the sleepers by clips or anchors, which hold them down but allow them to move longitudinally as they expand or contract.

So what are the uses of ballast?

In fact, the track ballast serves a number of purposes. First of all, it makes sure that tracks stay in place when super-heavy trains roll by on them. It also plays an instrumental role in keeping any vegetation in check that might grow around the tracks (and make the ground beneath the tracks weaker). Another important aspect of track ballast is that it seals out any water that may be around the tracks to actually reach the tracks on a regular basis. That doesn’t mean the ballast completely insulates the tracks from water, which would be impossible, but it does facilitate water drainage around and beneath the tracks so that water doesn’t stay near the tracks and compromise the solidarity of the ground.

How to tell if someone is lying?

Have you ever told your mother that you have done your homework but your mother knew you were lying. As you head to your bedroom to get started on your homework, you WONDER how she knew that you were lying.

Instead, your lie was probably written all over your face. It may have even been obvious in your tone of voice, your posture, or your gestures. Although moms are particularly good at spotting lies, just about anyone can learn how to spot some of the tell-tale signs of when someone’s lying.

There are dozens of things to look for, but we’ll take a look at just a few of the most useful strategies here. If you’ve ever told a lie — and let’s be honest (pun totally intended!), everyone lies now and then — you may have noticed that it can make you uncomfortable. That discomfort can manifest itself in many different ways physically.

For example, one tell-tale sign of lying is gaze aversion, which is a fancy way of saying that you break off eye contact. Looking away from the person you’re talking to may make you feel less guilty.

Another physical sign of lying is non-congruent gestures. If you shrug your shoulders or shake your head while making a statement, your body may be subconsciously telling the truth while your mouth says the opposite.

Perhaps the most hard-to-conceal physical sign of lying is your facial expressions. Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s written all over your face”? There’s definitely some truth to that statement.

People trained to detect lies look for facial expressions known as microexpressions, which are extremely brief facial expressions (approximately one twenty-fifth of a second) that represent a concealed emotion.

For example, if something makes you mad, but you pretend it doesn’t, a quick flash of anger may cross your face before you fake a smile to cover it. If someone catches that microexpression, they might know you’re lying. Experts caution, however, that microexpressions don’t always conceal lies. Sometimes people just try to hide their emotions for any number of reasons. This is a good reminder that not all physical reactions you may see means someone is lying.

That’s why it’s important to use your brain, too! Think about the things you’re told. Do you notice inconsistencies in their story? Does their story seem illogical or contain parts that just don’t make sense? If things don’t seem to add up, they probably don’t. Experts also recommend listening to your gut. You usually know those closest to you very well. A sudden change in expected behavior can be a powerful signal of dishonesty.

How do catch lies? Share your story with us on how you lied and your mother / father were able to spot the lie.

Why Does Banging Your Elbow Give You An Electric Shock?

As you reach back to pull your chair and sit up straight, your elbow smashes into the chair’s arm, hitting directly on the “sweet spot”. Waves of pain, what people often describe as an “electric shock”, promptly ripple through your arm, from the mighty elbow to your little pinkie. But what’s so special about this spot? Why does banging it hurt so awfully?

Funny Bone

The spot is called the funny bone, although it’s anything except a bone, and certainly doesn’t make you laugh. The jury is still out on whether the spot is called “funny” due to the eerie sensation that hitting it invokes, or if it is merely wordplay on humerus, the name of the bone below which this area is situated.

The funny “bone” is actually a long vine of a nerve called the ulnar nerve that emanates from your neck, runs alongside the shoulder, bicep and forearm, enters the wrists and finally culminates halfway to the ring finger and the tip of your pinkie. The nerve is named after the long bone called the “ulnar” that constitutes your forearm and whose sharp, protruding edge forms your elbow. The bone locked with the ulnar is the humerus, which is the bone above your elbow.

When you hit your funny bone against something, the unprotected nerve is pressed against the bone. It is the squeezed or irritated ulnar nerve that spouts the waves of pain, emitting the “electric shock”. The waves terrorize the regions innervated by the nerve: the forearm, the pinkie and half of the ring finger.

So, the next time you see someone hit their funny bone and anguish in pain, you will know exactly what happened. 

How do we get oxygen to breathe in airplanes?

The primary requirement for human survival is oxygen. How do we get oxygen at 35,000 feet in a commercial airplane? How do we breathe so comfortably?

You might already know that ‘breathable’ air is in short supply at the altitude where most commercial planes operate. However, the availability of air itself at that altitude is not actually a problem. In other words, there’s ample air at 35,000 feet, and there is sufficient oxygen in it. In fact, there’s even a reasonable amount of air at the altitude where the International space station operates!

In a nutshell, there’s plenty of air at the height where airplanes fly; it’s just that the pressure of the oxygen in that air is too low to be inhaled directly by humans.

How do airplanes manage to provide fresh air to passengers during each flight?

As a plane flies, fast-moving air enters both the jet turbine engines. This fast-moving air is compressed as it passes through layers of fan blades inside the turbine. It’s at the compressor stage that a portion of the hot air is ‘bled off’ from within the turbine. The air generated at this point is therefore known as bleed air.

Now, this bleed air is very hot, with a temperature in the range of a couple hundred degrees Fahrenheit, so it obviously must be cooled first. That’s why this hot bleed air is allowed to expand and passed through a heat exchanger so that it cools to a comfortable temperature. This cool, filtered air is then dispersed in the passenger cabin at a pressure that humans can comfortably breathe.

There’s also an outflow valve, usually located in the rear of the cabin, which ensures that the ‘used’ air is vented out of the airplane, thereby regulating air quality inside the cabin. So, the two jet turbine engines you see on either side of a plane not only keep the plane airborne by providing forward thrust, but also help maintain cabin air pressure so that we remain comfortable and conscious throughout the duration of our flight.

Why Do Clothes Smell If Not Dried Properly?

The thick, sour smell exuding from wet clothes is definitely a pet peeve for many people, but have you ever wondered why clothes just washed off the dirt and perfumed by detergents should stink? Isn’t that counter-intuitive?

Mildew

The first guess would be bacteria. The unpleasant characteristic of sweat is not caused by sweat itself, but rather the bacteria on our skin. The bacteria react with sweat, skin cells and various gland secretions to produce volatile organic compounds. It is these compounds that produce the nauseating odor. The compounds cling to our clothes and make them stink.

So, one could argue that wet and damp clothes provide these bacteria with the perfect environment to live and breed in. The conditions accelerate their growth and therefore the intensity of the stench. However, this isn’t the case. Washing clothes by hand or in a washing machine effectively terminates all the bacteria. The conditions are perfect not for the growth of bacteria, but a form of fungus. The sour smell is caused by a fungus called mildew.

The musty smell is discharged from the fungus as it eats, grows and multiplies, releasing volatile organic compounds throughout the stages. Mildew colonizes many organic materials or plant fibers other than clothes, including leather and paper. However, it can only thrive when these materials are soaked in moisture. Other than moisture, they enjoy lower temperatures, which is why clothes washed in cold water tend to stink more.

How to get rid of the smell

One must ensure that clothes aren’t folded and stored in closets when they are even mildly damp. The low temperature inside the enclosed closets will increase the odor, which someone will quite easily smell when you will wear the clothes later.

To deter the onset of mildew and its characteristic smell, it is recommended to add vinegar to the mix, as it is an effective disinfectant. It is also recommended to use conditioners to adorn the scent bestowed by laundry detergents.

World’s Smallest Country

We all know India is the world’s 7th largest country and Russia is the largest country. What is the world’s smallest country?

It turns out, there are plenty of small countries out there. There’s Nauru, the world’s smallest island country and the third-smallest country in the world. It covers an area of about 33 square Km. And Monaco is even smaller–just over 1.5 square Km! It is not only the world’s most densely populated state but also home to the world’s largest per capita population of millionaires and billionaires. France borders the country on three sides. Despite Monaco’s independence and separate foreign policy, its defense is the responsibility of France.

But neither of those countries is the world’s smallest. No, that title goes to an even tinier nation. With an area of just under a third of a square mile, Vatican City is the world’s smallest country. It’s about one-eighth the size of Central Park in New York City!

Vatican City is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. The country is also surrounded on all sides by the city of Rome, Italy. As of 2019, the population of Vatican City is 799 people. It may not be home to many people, but it is the home of one of the most famous people in the world. Who are we talking about? The Pope, of course!

The Pope has lived in Vatican City since the 14th Century. And each newly elected Pope isn’t just the new leader of the Catholic Church. He’s also the head of the government of Vatican City. The world’s smallest army—the Swiss Guard—even works to protect the Pope within the city.

Would you like to visit the world’s smallest country one day? You’re not alone! Millions travel to Vatican City each year to see some of the world’s greatest treasures.

Why Does My Nose Run When I Eat Spicy Food?

My eyes are watering. My mouth is on fire. And the nose is runny too! I just ate spicy food and my nose is flooding like a mighty river, without even signs of stopping!

Sounds very familiar, right?

So, why do these reactions happen when you eat spicy food? There is a little bit of science involved in it. All these reactions depend on how food reacts with our body. Spicy food has chilly in it. And all the reactions that you see happening, can be traced to the way chilly reacts with the body.

Chillies have a chemical called Capsaicin. This is the main ingredient that causes the burning sensation when you eat food containing chillies. Your body goes into a fight mode because it thinks that there is an irritant (the Capsaicin Chemical) in the system. Capsaicin causes the mucous membranes of your nose to get inflamed and your nose produces more mucous. This is something like a defence mechanism, as your body thinks there is an unwanted substance. Your body is trying to keep out these unwanted substances or irritants. Your eyes also water due to this same irritation. When the membranes of the eyes get irritated due to Capsaicin chemical, the tear ducts get into action, trying to wash away the irritants with more tears.

But, did you know that capsaicin is also a defence mechanism that is observed in chilly plants? They use it as a biological weapon against predators, mainly animals.  It is there to stop other animals from eating the fruits or harming the chilly plant. This chemical also acts as an anti-fungal agent, which protects the plants even more. Capsaicin is found in fruits of the plant family Capsicum and is present in high amounts in the tissue that has the chilly seeds.

So, can you do anything to reduce the burning sensation caused by eating chillies/spicy food?

Well! The first thing you would normally do is to go in for a glass of water. But, wait! Don’t drink that glass of water. That probably is not the best solution, even though it looks like a good one. Capsaicin has an oily quality. And you know that oil does not mix with water. So, even if you drink water, the burn will not go away. Instead, have milk. Milk has a protein called casein, which is a fat-loving molecule. (Oils are fats, a mixture of fatty acids).The milk protein attaches to the capsaicin molecules and takes them away, making you feel relieved.

Have you also noticed that in a few people the reaction of eating chillies is even more prominent, with their faces becoming hot, red and flushed? The blood vessels get dilated, increasing the flow of blood to the face. Capsaicin chemical is responsible for that too!

Why do we blink?

We blink, like we breathe, unceasingly. An adult blinks at least 12 times every waking minute. However, while the benefits of breathing are obvious, the same cannot be said about blinking. In fact, our momentary lapses into darkness come at the cost of blocking 10% of our daily visual input. Then why is it that we blink?

Lubrication

Every time you blink, from the corner of your eyes, a blend of secretions are released that clean and lubricate the intricate machinery of the eye. These secretions include oils and mucous, secretions that prevent the eyeballs from drying out.

The protection is strengthened by the presence of eyelashes, where debris gets stuck like kites in a tree. Blinking, other than warding off dust particles, also shuts the door to potentially harmful stimuli, such as excessively bright light. These two theories explain why one tends to blink more than usual during windy or dry days.

Have you ever seen a camel up close? If so, you may have noticed that camels have some of the loveliest lashes in the animal kingdom. That’s no accident! Camels have extremely long, curly eyelashes to protect their eyes from sandstorms in their desert habitats.

However, shouldn’t being completely blind for 10% of our waking hours hinder our functioning? Shouldn’t we be effectively blind and blank out while blinking? And no, the reason why this is not the case is not that a blink lasts for less than 1/10th of a second. The explanation is actually something deeper and more unexpected.

Attention Breaks

The brain is remarkably good at fooling you. The reason why you don’t blackout while blinking is partly the same reason you can’t see your own nose, even when it unapologetically invades your already limited field of vision. The brain cleverly ignores it, as though it were never there. Similarly, one ingenious study showed that the brain cleverly ignores the darkness by switching off during every blink, as though it never emerged.

Blinking seems to provide us a respite, albeit momentarily, from the arduous task that is deliberate concentration. Fatigue is the reason why the rate of blinking escalates when one reads for hours at a stretch. However, one can notice that, on the contrary, its frequency decreases when one is alert while beginning the reading session. 

But babies don’t seem to blink?

Babies blink far less than adults, only one or two times per minute. No one knows exactly why babies blink so infrequently, but there are several theories.

Some researchers believe it is because an infant’s eye-opening is so much smaller than an adult’s. This smaller space requires less lubrication. Others believe it is because babies sleep much more than adults and tired eyes blink more. 

How Much Air Do You Breathe in a Day?

Take a deep breath—as deep as you can! Count in your head as you breathe in. Let’s do it together! Okay…1…2…3…4…Now let it out! Didn’t that feel great? Breathing deeply has a great effect on our bodies!

Have you ever wondered how much air we breathe every day? Scientists say we breathe in roughly 25 sextillion (that’s 25 followed by 21 zeros) molecules with every inhale. Since we already know we take about 17,000-30,000 breaths each day… that’s at least 425 septillion (24 zeros) molecules of air a day!

And that’s if we’re just sitting around all day. Any movement increases our air intake. Do you do chores? Have you ever played football? Do you go running? All of these activities increase the number of molecules you breathe each day.

In fact, we spend so much time breathing that most people don’t even think about it. When was the last time you stopped and paid attention to your breath? You may notice when you breathe hard during exercise, but that’s probably it. However, being mindful of your breath can have benefits for your health.

Do you think all breathing happens in your lungs? Not so! To breathe deeply, you need to use your diaphragm. That’s a muscle in your abdomen.  Breathing with just your lungs is called “shallow breathing,” and it causes increased anxiety and shortness of breath. Shallow breathing also stops the lowest part of your lungs from getting oxygen.

When you use your diaphragm, it’s called “deep breathing.” If you’re doing it right, your belly will rise and air will fill your lungs. Experts say it’s a good idea to spend a few minutes each day breathing deeply. It slows your heartbeat and stabilizes blood pressure. Deep breathing also helps lower feelings of stress.

Mindful breathing is great for when you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need to focus your attention. Do you have a big project for school? An important ball game? Are you trying to relax at the start of your vacation? Practicing mindful breathing can help you feel better about any of these events.

How are you breathing right now? When you inhale, what part of your body rises? If it’s your chest, you might want to pay attention. Breathe deeper until you’re using your diaphragm. After all, with all that air we’re breathing in each day, we might as well be using it to its full potential!

What Happens to Your Body When You’re Scared?

Imagine you’ve woken up in the middle of the night. You look at the clock: 3 a.m. You throw back the covers and sit up. A glass of water may help you get back to sleep. You head down the hallway to the kitchen. That’s when a sight stops you dead in your tracks.

What is that? Down the hall, in front of the window, is a dark figure. You can see its outline illuminated by the streetlight outside. It looks like a tall… person? Maybe. But something about it seems inhuman. And it’s so still. Does it see you?

Your heart races. Your palms sweat. There’s a knot in your stomach, and you feel tense all over. You move toward the light switch as your knees go weak. Your breath quickens as you summon up all your bravery. You flip the light on to see…

The coat rack! You forgot that a family member moved it in front of the window a few days ago. Whew! What a relief. There’s nothing to worry about, and you can drink your glass of water and get back to bed.

But that’s when you start to wonder. What just happened? Why did your body respond the way it did? How do your heart, hands, lungs, and knees know when you’re afraid?

People have studied the science behind fear for many years. Experts have found that humans have fear to thank for helping them survive as a species for thousands of years. How’s that? Well, in many cases, fear protects people. 

It all starts in the brain. When you see something that scares you, a part of your brain called the amygdala is alerted. The amygdala then communicates the fear to other parts of the brain.

Have you ever heard that all people have a fight-or-flight reaction to fear? That reaction is triggered by another part of the brain—the hippocampus. The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex work together to decide whether there is a real threat to your safety. Then, the hippocampus tells you how to respond. Once it interprets your fear, your brain sends out messages to the rest of your body.

At the same time, your brain tells other parts of your body to slow down. For example, when you’re afraid, your digestive organs slow their work. This helps your body preserve energy for the processes that are more essential for your safety.

Some people definitely like being scared more than others. In fact, many people would refuse to go into a haunted house, even though they know it’s not a real threat. And that’s okay! All people respond to fear in different ways. However your body responds to being afraid, remember it’s just trying to protect you.

What Body Parts Can We Live Without?

As a matter of fact, yes! And actually, there are many human body parts that are pretty unnecessary altogether. So why do we have them? In most cases, these body parts once served a purpose. But, as people evolved and became more advanced, the body parts became less useful.

One example is the tailbone. It starts as a tail—that’s right, an actual tail!-on the human embryo. As the embryo grows, though, the tail vertebrae fuse together and become the tailbone. Or at least, that’s usually what happens. Each year, a few human babies are born with very small tails still attached! In the distant past, tails may have helped human ancestors stay balanced. Today, the tailbone serves no known purpose for people.

Of course, the appendix is probably the best-known of all unnecessary human body parts. Or is it? For many years, doctors have called the appendix unnecessary because it doesn’t seem to serve any purpose—but it does cause problems like appendicitis! However, some experts today believe it may help the human immune system in some way. Could that be true? Possibly. But many people live without an appendix after having it removed, so people can certainly live without it.

If you’re like many kids, you probably pay close attention to your teeth. You brush them. You notice when new ones grow in. And you definitely get excited when your baby teeth fall out! One day soon, you might notice some large teeth growing in the very back of your mouth. These are your wisdom teeth. Do they make you wiser? Not necessarily! And they don’t do much else, either. Wisdom teeth are leftover from when primitive humans had to tear apart raw meat to eat. Today, they just take up room in your mouth.

Lots of other animals have unnecessary body parts, too. Did you know some snakes have leg bones? It’s true! And the blind tetra fish even have eyes—unnecessary ones, as tetra fish have been blind for thousands of years. 

How Did the Planets Get Their Names?

Do you ever look up at the night sky? Can you find the Big Dipper? How about Orion? If you look closely, you can see much more than stars at night. You’ll notice the Moon, of course (unless it’s a New Moon!). But you may also see comets or shooting stars. If you look in the right areas, you might even notice a few planets.

No telescope? No problem! The five planets closest to Earth can be seen with the naked eye. In fact, people have been staring up at Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn for thousands of years

Ancient Romans paid much attention to Earth’s neighbors. They noticed that each planet had different characteristics. They even mapped the planets’ movements. That’s how the Romans gave the planets their names.

The Romans named the planets after their gods. Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, has the shortest revolution. Since it appeared to move faster than the others, the Romans named it after the god that carried messages

Venus shines brightest in the night sky. That’s why the Romans gave it the name of their goddess of love and beauty. Mars was named after the Roman god of war. That’s because of its color—it’s also called the Red Planet!

On the other side of the asteroid belt, Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. That’s why the Romans gave it the name of the king of their gods. They then named the ringed planet Saturn for Jupiter’s father.

These names stuck. And the practice of naming objects in the sky after stories from mythology caught on, too. When William Herschel discovered Uranus in 1781, he wanted to name it for the English king, George III. However, others decided to call it Uranus. The name came from Ouranos, the Greek god of the sky and father of Saturn. 

Decades later, Johann Galle discovered the eighth planet. He wanted to name it for the astronomer Urbain Le Verrier. Instead, seeing the new planet’s blue tint, astronomers named it Neptune after the Roman god of the sea.

Back when there was a ninth planet, Pluto was named for the Roman god of the underworld. This was fitting. The former planet is the farthest world from the Sun. Today, Pluto is called a dwarf planet. 

Who gets to name the planets now? An organization called the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has had that honor since 1919. However, most scientists believe they’ve found all the planets in this solar system. Today, the IAU focuses on naming newly found moons, surface features, asteroids, and comets.

How about our Earth? You won’t find any Greek or Roman gods with that name! Instead, “Earth” came from Old English and Germanic words meaning “ground.” Pretty fitting, huh?

Would you like to help name the next rock found in space? You’re in luck! The IAU does take suggestions. So read up on your mythology and send your best ideas their way! What will you choose?

7 Pieces of Advice That Can Save Your Life in a Critical Situation.

Knowing some useful pieces of advice for different life situations can actually be quite helpful. Here are some ideas that can help you get out of a dangerous situation.

1. If somebody is trying to take you away by force, ‘lose’ some personal belongings on the spot.

2. If you are in an elevator with a known criminal, press the buttons for every floor. This will give you a chance to run away or signal someone. Also, it will baffle the criminal.

3. To understand whether a storm is coming, shake any drink and pour it into a glass. If the bubbles get spread to the side, the weather will be good. If the bubbles are located in the center, stormy weather is coming. 

4. If you suddenly get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, make small holes in the sides of the tire and stuff it with grass or thatch. Of course, after you get to a service station, you will have to throw the tire away but at least using this way, you can reach there. 

5. Stay focused during a plane’s takeoff and landing.

6. To quickly calm down while panicking, stretch your arms and breathe. 

7. Use your phone as a reflector when you cross the road in darkness.

Why Do Flamingos Stand On One Leg?

If you have ever driven past a salt pool near the coast in Africa, the Middle East or India, there is a good chance that you saw a “pat” of flamingos strutting and bobbing and puttering around, their vibrant pink feathers standing out starkly against the landscape. At first glance, there are plenty of strange things that stand out with these birds—their unusually long legs, their vibrant color, and their manic behavior in groups, swinging their beaks back and forth as though gossiping with their neighbors.

However, it doesn’t take long before you notice the most peculiar part—many of them will be standing on one leg, sometimes for hours at a time… even when they sleep! So… why do flamingos stand on one leg?

Over the years, there have been many ideas proposed as to why they would choose to alternate legs so often, rather than standing firm as humans do. Some experts suggested that it was a way of resting the muscles in one leg at a time, or perhaps as a way of conserving heat by bringing the leg closer to the body.

Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology recently found that the structure of the bones and joints supporting a flamingo’s legs are slightly illogical; they are less stable when both are in use. When a flamingo lifts one leg, its body weight is able to shift forward and balance perfectly on the locked leg beneath the body. The study found that it actually requires less effort to stand on one leg than it does to stand on two, making this the preferred position when a flamingo isn’t walking around, socializing or changing its feeding location. This is simply an easier stance for the flamingo to be stable, safe, and smart with its energy expenditure

Like various other creatures, such as sharks, dolphins, other aquatic mammals and birds that migrate long distances, flamingos can allow half their brain to fall asleep—a phenomenon called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep. Therefore, a flamingo can actually sleep while standing on one leg, while the portion of the brain controlling the raised leg rests. When the bird wants to give the other half of its brain a break, it can simply switch legs and settle comfortably back on its low-effort stand!

Due to this weird and almost supernatural traits, flamingos remain some of the most fascinating and eye-catching creatures in the world!

Why do you need to warm up before exercising ?

Every sports teacher or coach would ask you to do warm-up exercises before you actually start playing or performing strenuous activities. Most people seem to know the importance of warm-up and how it can prevent injuries. What is happening in your body when you slowly prepare it for more strenuous activity?

The short answer is that warming up increases the blood flow to muscles, allowing for an elevated amount of nutrients and oxygen. Warming up will also raise body temperature which helps you utilize oxygen better. Apart from blood flow and the temperature warm-up exercises also improves the lubrication in joints, allowing for better movement.

What is going on inside the body?

Let’s understand what gives your body the ability to deliver more oxygen and nutrients. Each heartbeat ejects approximately 70 ml of blood which means if your heart beats at 70 beats per minute you are circulating 4.9 liters of blood every minute. Higher the heart rate more blood will be circulated, which in turn increases the ability to supply more oxygen. During extreme exercises, as much as 30 liters of blood are pumped!

Studies have consistently shown that when you warm up, capillaries’ capacity to send nutrients and oxygen to cells improves. Also as body temperature rises, muscles became more elastic and able to elongate more.

What happens when we suddenly sprint to action?

When your muscles work hard they need more oxygen and nutrients. When there is not enough oxygen present, your body starts performing anaerobic metabolism which leads to the production of acid called Pyruvate (and subsequently lactic acid), which damages your cells. Also “cold” muscles are shorter and less elastic. So if you subject your muscles to a lot of stress they may snap or tear, somewhat analogous to how a cold rubber band will snap quicker than a warm one when stretched.

In general, the warm-up should involve mild, low-intensity cardiovascular exercise for 15-20 mins then follow up with stretching.

Share this article with your friends and help them understand the importance of warming up before exercise. 

Coronavirus – Facts vs Myths

It is very important to know the facts and myths surrounding the Coronavirus. Let us dive right into it without further ado.

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Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections

Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

How Does Soap Make You Clean?

Have you wondered, how soap makes you clean?

Does soap contain tiny organisms that eat dirt? Perhaps soap contains radioactive particles that kill dirt and grime? Could soap replace dirty skin cells with clean ones?

Actually, none of these theories pans out.

What soap does contain, however, does a very effective job of cleaning for several reasons. Soap molecules have two very different ends. One end of soap molecules love water – they are hydrophilic. The other end of soap molecules hate water – they are hydrophobic.

To make soap, sodium or potassium salts (hydrophilic) must be derived from fatty acids by combining them with an alkali (like potassium or sodium hydroxide –hydrophobic) in a process scientists call saponification.

This unique structure gives soap its cleaning power. When your hands are dirty, it’s usually because oils have attracted dirt molecules, causing them to stick to your hands.

When you wash your hands with soap, the hydrophobic ends of the soap molecules attract the oily dirt, forming a drop of oil surrounded by soap molecules with their hydrophilic ends sticking outward. When you rinse your hands, the hydrophilic ends of the soap molecules allow the suspended drops of oil to be washed away!

6 Ways to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

1.DIET

Following a diet rich in antioxidants is essential to supporting your immune system.
Choosing healthy fats (such as the omega-3 fatty acids available in oily fish, flaxseed, and krill oil) over saturated fats (found in meat and dairy products) is generally recommended by health authorities. As well, it may help increase your body’s production of compounds involved in regulating immunity. Drinking plenty of water helps cells operate efficiently and allows your body to process food and eliminate waste.
For an additional immune boost, try adding garlic (shown to possess virus-fighting and bacteria-killing properties) and ginger (a natural anti-inflammatory) to your meals on a regular basis.

2.EXERCISE

The good news is that regular moderate-intensity exercise confers several benefits to the immune system. A 2019 study shows that moderate exercise mobilizes immune system cells, helping the body defend itself against pathogens and cancer cell growth. Those who regularly engage in this type of exercise have fewer illnesses Regularly engaging in an intense, vigorous activity like running, on the other hand, may temporarily weaken your immune function and leave you more susceptible to viral infections.

3.STRESS REDUCTION

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on immunity, according to a landmark 2004 review of 293 studies with a total of 18,941 participants. The review suggests that while short-term exposure to stressors can rev up your immune defense, prolonged stress may wear down the immune system and increase your vulnerability to illness.
Addressing chronic stress is something you can take action on. To keep your stress in check, incorporate relaxing practice like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your daily routine

4.SLEEP

Another healthy habit vital to preventing sickness is getting a full eight hours of sleep each night, which may help regulate immune function.
A study of over 22,000 people found that those who slept less than six hours per night or who had a sleep disorder were more likely to have colds and other respiratory infections.

5.HYGIENE

Simply keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to ward off illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Make sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds using warm water and soap before preparing food or eating, as well as after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, or touching public surfaces.

6.HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Although scientists have yet to determine whether vitamin C can enhance immunity, there’s some evidence that this antioxidant can reduce cold incidence

FIFA 18 WORLD CUP

source:internet

This year the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be the 21st FIFA World Cup, a quadrennial international football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of FIFA. It is scheduled to take place in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018, after the country was awarded the hosting rights on 2 December 2010.

This will be the first World Cup held in Europe since the 2006 tournament in Germany, and the first ever to be held in Eastern Europe.

The final tournament will involve 32 national teams, which include 31 teams determined through qualifying competitions and the automatically qualified host team.

The winners of the World Cup will qualify for the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup.

source:internet

                                                 

Emoji

source:internet

Emoji are ideograms and smileys used in electronic messages and web pages. Emoji exist in various types, including facial expressions, common objects, places and types of weather, food and animals.The resemblance to the English words emotion and emoticon is purely coincidental.The ISO 15924 script code for emoji is Zsye.The world emoji day is on July 17.

The first emoji was created in 1999 in Japan by Shigetaka Kurita. He was part of the team working on NTT DoCoMo’s i-mode mobile Internet platform.

Characters of the movie”THE EMOJI MOVIE”

There was a movie on emoji “THE EMOJI MOVIE” that was released on 11 August 2017.On the right is the characters of the movie.

 

 

Ferruccio Lamborghini | Lamborghini

source:internet

Lamborghini my favourite car. The existence of this car company in the present happened only because of the story that took place in the past.the story goes like this…….!Ferrucio was originally a farmer who made tractors. His business was very successful and he was among the most wealthy in Italy. He owned Ferrari among other super cars. The Ferrari used to give him constant trouble. Being a mechanic, he tried to fix the problem and found out that his Ferrari had the same clutch as used in one of his tractors.

“All my Ferraris had clutch problems. When you drove normally, everything was fine. But when you were going hard, the clutch would slip under acceleration; it just wasn’t up to the job.”

Ferrucio went to the service guys regularly to have a clutch rebuilt or renewed, and every time, the car was taken away for several hours and he was not allowed to watch it being repaired. The problem with the clutch was never cured, so Ferrucio decided to talk to Enzo Ferrari. He had to wait for him a very long time.

‘Ferrari, your cars are rubbish!’ Ferrucio complained.Ferrari grew furious and said that “Lamborghini, you may be able to drive a tractor but you will never be able to handle a Ferrari Properly.’  This was the point when he finally decided to make a perfect car. Yes, Lamborghini.

Fouder: Ferruccio Lamborghini

Founded: May 1963, Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

CEO: Stefano Domenicali (15 Mar 2016)

 

First car: Lamborghini 350 GT

source:internet

Everyone Has a Story in Life!!!

A 24 year old boy seeing out from the train’s window shouted…

“Dad, look the trees are going behind!”

Dad smiled and a young couple sitting nearby, looked at the 24 year old’s childish behavior with pity, suddenly he again exclaimed…

“Dad, look the clouds are running with us!”

The couple couldn’t resist and said to the old man…

“Why don’t you take your son to a good doctor?” The old man smiled and said…“I did and we are just coming from the hospital, my son was blind from birth, he just got his eyes today.”

Every single person on the planet has a story. Don’t judge people before you truly know them. The truth might surprise you.

source:internet

“THE GREATEST” KING LEO

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini

source:internet

(born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a foward for Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Often considered the best player in the world and my favourite star.Messi has a record-tying five Ballon d’Or awards,four of which he won consecutively, and a record-tying four European Golden Shoe.He has spent his entire professional career with Barcelona, where he has won 31 trophies, including eight La Liga titles, four UEFA champions league titles, and six Copas del Rey. Both a prolific goalscorer and a creative playmaker, Messi holds the records for most official goals scored in La Liga(378),La Liga,season (50), a club football season in Europe(73), a calendar year (91), El Clasico(25), as well as those for most assists in La Liga (149) and the Copa America(11). He has scored over 600 senior career goals for club and country.

Born and raised in central Argentina, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child. At age 13, he relocated to Spain to join Barcelona, who agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Despite being injury-prone during his early career, he established himself as an integral player for the club within the next three years, finishing 2007 as a finalist for both the Ballond’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award, a feat he repeated the following year. At 22 years old, Messi won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award by record voting margins.

Three successful seasons followed, with Messi winning three consecutive FIFA Ballon d’Ors, including an unprecedented fourth. His personal best campaign statistically to date was the 2011–12 season, in which he set the La Liga and European records for most goals scored in a single season, while establishing himself as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer in official competitions in March 2012.Messi finished twice second for the Ballon d’Or behind CR-7, his perceived career rival. Messi regained his best form during the 2014–15 campaign, breaking the all-time goalscoring records in both La Liga and the Champions League in November 2014,and led Barcelona to a historic second treble.

source:internet