Tiny Creatures with a Big Heart

SQUIRRELS 

Squirrels are among the most familiar and lovable animals found around us. Whether in forests, gardens, or city parks, these tiny mammals amaze us with their speed, agility, and playful nature. More than 200 species of squirrels live across the world, except in Australia.

A WORLD FULL OF SQUIRRELS 

Squirrels belong to the rodent family. Like all rodents, they have four front teeth that never stop growing. They keep these teeth trimmed by constantly gnawing on nuts, seeds, bark, and other food.

The African pygmy squirrel is the smallest squirrel in the world, measuring only about 13 cm (5 inches) from nose to tail. On the other hand, the colourful Indian giant squirrel can grow to almost 1 metre (3 feet) in length.

THREE AMAZING TYPES OF SQUIRRELS 

1. Tree Squirrels

Tree squirrels are the ones we see most often. They are excellent climbers and can leap gracefully from one branch to another. They feed on nuts, acorns, berries, flowers, bark, eggs, and sometimes even tree sap.

2. Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels live in burrows and tunnel systems underground. They eat roots, leaves, seeds, insects, and caterpillars. Since they have many predators, they use a whistling call to warn other squirrels when danger approaches.

3. Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels do not actually fly like birds. They glide through the air using flaps of skin stretched between their legs and body. A single glide can cover up to 46 metres (150 feet). They eat fruits, nuts, insects, and even baby birds.

BABY SQUIRRELS 

A mother squirrel usually gives birth to 2 to 8 babies at a time. Baby squirrels are born blind and completely depend on their mother for the first two to three months. Because mothers may have several litters in a year, squirrel populations remain healthy in many places.

THE SQUIRREL IN THE RAMAYANA 

Indian tradition has a beautiful story about squirrels in the Ramayana. When Lord Rama's Vanara army was building the bridge to Lanka, a tiny squirrel wanted to help. It carried small grains of sand and pebbles to the bridge. 

Lord Rama was touched by its devotion and gently stroked its back with his fingers. It is believed that the three stripes on the back of Indian squirrels are the marks of Lord Rama's loving touch.

DID YOU KNOW?

* There are more than 200 species of squirrels in the world.

* Squirrels' front teeth grow throughout their lives.

* Flying squirrels can glide up to 150 feet (46 metres).

* Australia is the only continent where squirrels are not naturally found.

AMAZING FACTS 

* Squirrels help forests grow by burying nuts and seeds, many of which later grow into trees.

* They use their bushy tails to balance while climbing and to keep warm during cold weather.

* Ground squirrels communicate with each other using whistles and alarm calls.

LET'S PROTECT SQUIRRELS 

Squirrels play an important role in nature by spreading seeds and maintaining healthy forests. We can help protect them by planting trees, avoiding litter, and keeping their natural habitats safe.

MORAL: No act of kindness is ever too small. Like the little squirrel in the Ramayana, every effort counts.

The Hidden Emotions of the Animal World

DO ANIMALS FEEL LOSS AND GRIEF?

Have you ever wondered whether animals cry, miss their loved ones, or feel sad when someone dies? For a long time, people believed that grief was a uniquely human emotion. However, scientists have now found many examples showing that animals, too, can experience the pain of losing a family member or a close companion.

Grief is a natural response to losing someone we love. In animals, it may not look exactly like human grief, but many species show clear signs of sadness, loneliness, and mourning after a loss.

HOW DO ANIMALS SHOW GRIEF?

Animals express grief in different ways. Some become quiet and stop eating, while others stay near the body of the dead animal or search for the missing companion for days.

●Elephants – The Gentle Mourners

Elephants are famous for their strong family bonds. When one elephant dies, other elephants gather around the body, gently touch it with their trunks, and sometimes remain there for hours. They have even been seen returning to the same place months later.

●Dolphins and Orcas

Mother dolphins and orcas have been observed carrying their dead babies on their backs or heads for several days. This touching behaviour suggests the deep bond between a mother and her calf.

●Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees live in close-knit groups. After the death of a group member, they often sit quietly, groom the body, and eat less for some time. Mothers have also been seen carrying the bodies of their dead infants for days.

●Dogs – Loyal Friends Forever

Dogs form deep emotional connections with humans and other animals. After losing an owner or a companion, many dogs become withdrawn, refuse food, or keep searching for the one who is gone.

●Crows Hold “Funerals”

Crows gather around a dead crow, calling loudly and staying together for some time. Scientists believe this behaviour helps them understand danger and also reflects their strong social nature.

WHY DO ANIMALS GRIEVE?

Animals that live in families or social groups develop close relationships. Losing a loved one can affect their behaviour and emotions, just as it affects humans.

Amazing Facts

* Elephants can recognise the bones of deceased elephants years later.

* Orca mothers have carried dead calves for over two weeks.

* Dogs may become depressed after losing a beloved owner.

* Crows gather in groups around a dead crow in a behaviour often called a “crow funeral.”

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2018, an orca named Tahlequah carried her dead calf for 17 days and travelled nearly 1,600 kilometres, becoming one of the most remarkable examples of animal grief ever recorded.

CONCLUSION 

Animals may not express grief in words, but their actions tell powerful stories of love, attachment, and loss. Their emotions remind us that compassion and family bonds are not unique to humans—they are shared by many living creatures on Earth.

A Wildlife Haven in Central India

KUNO NATIONAL PARK 

Kuno National Park, located in the Sheopur district of northern Madhya Pradesh, is one of India's most exciting wildlife destinations. Spread across 748 square kilometres, this beautiful park is filled with dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky hills, and the life-giving Kuno River, a tributary of the Chambal River. It is famous around the world for bringing the cheetah back to India after nearly 70 years.

A HISTORIC RETURN OF THE CHEETAH 

Kuno National Park has made history through Project Cheetah. The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952, but in 2022 India launched an ambitious conservation programme by bringing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno.

The project has been a major success. By February 2026, 24 cheetah cubs had been born in the park, and the cheetah population had grown to 35. Today, Kuno is the only national park in India where cheetahs live in the wild.

A PARK WITH A RICH HISTORY 

Kuno was first declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 with an area of 344.68 sq km. During the 1990s, it was selected as the best place to relocate the Asiatic lion from Gir National Park. To prepare for this, 24 villages were relocated outside the sanctuary.

Although the lion project did not happen, the sanctuary was upgraded to Kuno National Park in 2018, paving the way for the successful cheetah reintroduction.

FLORA: A RICH GREEN TREASURE 

Kuno's landscape is a mix of forests and open grasslands, making it ideal for large carnivores. The park is home to around 123 species of trees, along with shrubs, climbers, bamboo, and grasses.

Some important trees include:

●Kardhai (Anogeissus pendula) – a drought-resistant tree that turns green even with very little humidity.

●Khair (Acacia catechu) – an important tree of Central India's forests.

WILDLIFE OF KUNO 

Besides cheetahs, Kuno shelters many amazing animals, including:

●Chital (spotted deer)

●Sambar deer

●Nilgai

●Chinkara

●Blackbuck

●Sloth bear

●Indian leopard

●Indian wolf

●Dhole (wild dog)

●Hyena and jackal

Its diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife throughout the year.

BIRDS AND REPTILES 

Kuno is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 200 bird species recorded. Some of the most beautiful birds include the Indian paradise flycatcher, Indian golden oriole, crested serpent eagle, Egyptian vulture, and common crane.

The Kuno River is home to fascinating reptiles such as the gharial, mugger crocodile, and Indian softshell turtle.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kuno National Park is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.

How to Reach

Nearest town: Shivpuri (70 km)

By rail: Kota (214 km) and Shivpuri are well connected.

Nearest airport: Gwalior (about 160 km away)

AMAZING FACTS 

Kuno National Park is the first place in the world to successfully reintroduce cheetahs into a country where they had become extinct.

It is currently India's only home for wild cheetahs.

The park combines forests, grasslands, rivers, and rocky hills, creating a perfect habitat for many rare animals and birds.

DID YOU KNOW?

●The Kuno River, after which the park is named, plays a vital role in supporting its rich biodiversity and providing water to wildlife throughout the year.

●Kuno National Park is a shining example of India's commitment to wildlife conservation and the restoration of endangered species, making it a true jewel of Central India.

The Town Built on Books

HAY-ON-WYE 

Imagine a town where almost every building is filled with books. Welcome to Hay-on-Wye, a charming little town on the border of England and Wales, famous around the world as the “Town of Books.” For book lovers, it is nothing less than paradise!

A TINY TOWN WITH A BIG STORY 

Hay-on-Wye is home to fewer than 2,000 people, but it attracts visitors from all over the world because of its incredible collection of books. The town is filled with second-hand bookstores, and together they hold millions of books. One of its bookstores is considered the largest second-hand bookshop in the world, with shelves stretching for nearly 13 kilometres.

THE MAN WHO SAVED HAY 

The story of Hay-on-Wye’s fame began in 1977 with a colourful bookseller named Richard Booth (1938–2019). Seeing his hometown losing businesses and jobs, Booth decided to do something extraordinary.

On April Fools’ Day, he declared Hay-on-Wye an independent kingdom and crowned himself King of Hay. He even created passports, a national anthem, ambassadors, and a “navy” that patrolled the River Wye! It was a playful idea, but it brought worldwide attention to the town.

A BOOK LOVER’S PARADISE 

Richard Booth filled empty buildings, including Hay Castle, a chapel, and even an old cinema, with books. Soon, Hay-on-Wye became a treasure house for readers, selling more than one million books every year. Visitors could find everything from classic novels to rare and valuable books at affordable prices.

Booth even delivered books around town in a horse-drawn cart, supporting local craftsmen and promoting an eco-friendly way of life.

THE FAMOUS HAY FESTIVAL 

Since 1988, Hay-on-Wye has hosted the world-famous Hay Festival, one of the biggest literary festivals in the world. Writers, poets, scientists, artists, and readers gather here every year to celebrate books, ideas, and creativity. Thousands of visitors attend this exciting event.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Hay-on-Wye is known as the “World’s First Book Town.”

●The town has dozens of bookshops, most selling second-hand books.

●Visitors can even buy books from honesty bookshops, where books are left outdoors and people pay by dropping money into a box.

Amazing Facts

●Hay-on-Wye turned from a struggling rural town into a world-famous tourist destination because of books.

●Millions of books are bought and sold in the town every year.

●Richard Booth is remembered as the man who gave Hay-on-Wye a new life and made it famous across the globe.

CONCLUSION 

Hay-on-Wye proves that books have the power to transform a community. From a quiet town in decline, it became an international destination for readers and writers. It is a wonderful reminder that a love for books can bring people, culture, and prosperity together.

Do you know

WHAT IS GREENWASHING?

Have you ever seen a product labelled “eco-friendly,” “100% natural,” or “good for the planet”? Sometimes these claims are genuine—but sometimes they are simply a clever marketing trick. This is called greenwashing.

The Story Behind the Word

The term greenwashing was coined in the 1980s by American environmentalist Jay Westerveld. While visiting a beach resort in the Fiji Islands, he noticed a sign asking guests to reuse their towels to “help protect the environment.” However, the same resort was expanding its buildings and damaging the surrounding natural ecosystem. Jay realised that the towel campaign was more about saving money than saving nature, and he described this misleading behaviour as greenwashing.

What Does Greenwashing Mean?

Greenwashing is the practice of making a company, product, or service appear more environmentally friendly than it really is. Businesses use advertisements, labels, or marketing campaigns to create a “green” image, even while continuing practices that may harm the environment.

As more consumers choose sustainable products, some companies use greenwashing to attract customers and increase profits without making meaningful environmental changes.

Common Examples of Greenwashing

Companies may use greenwashing in several ways:

* Using vague terms such as “green,” “natural,” or “eco-friendly” without evidence.

* Highlighting one environmentally friendly feature while hiding other harmful impacts.

* Claiming they will reduce pollution or carbon emissions without a clear plan.

* Making small changes to packaging or ingredients and promoting the product as environmentally friendly.

Why Is Greenwashing Harmful?

Environmental activists believe greenwashing is not only dishonest but also harmful in the fight against climate change. It creates a false impression that companies are protecting the environment, which can distract people from real and effective solutions.

For example, a clothing brand may advertise garments made from recycled materials, but those clothes could still be produced in factories that release large amounts of pollution and greenhouse gases.

How Can Consumers Spot Greenwashing?

* Look for trusted environmental certifications.

* Be cautious of vague or exaggerated claims.

* Check whether the company provides clear evidence of its sustainability efforts.

* Learn about the company’s overall environmental practices, not just one product.

Did You Know?

The word greenwashing combines “green” (environmentally friendly) with “whitewashing”, which means hiding the truth or making something appear better than it really is.

Greenwashing reminds us that protecting the Earth is about genuine action—not just green words and attractive advertisements.

A wise fable about thinking before trusting advice

THE GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER 

A hungry old lion paced across the savannah, frustrated that he had not caught a single meal all night. Age had slowed him down, and he was no longer as swift or strong as he had once been.

Just then, he spotted a young goat happily munching on grass at the top of a steep, rocky hill.

The lion's eyes lit up with hope—but there was a problem. The cliff was too steep for him to climb. So, instead of using strength, he decided to use cunning.

"Why are you eating that dry grass up there, my friend?" the lion called out sweetly. "Can't you see the lush, green grass growing down here in the valley?"

The goat looked down and replied, "Yes, I can see it. It does look green and fresh."

"It is even better than it looks," said the lion. "The grass is soft, tender, and still covered with sparkling morning dew."

"That's true," said the goat calmly. "I can see the dew shining in the early sunlight."

The lion continued tempting him. "The sun is rising quickly. Soon the dew will disappear. Come down now and enjoy this delicious feast before it's too late!"

The goat remained silent for a moment. Then he smiled and answered wisely,

"I see the green grass. I see the sparkling dew. But I also see the eager eyes of a hungry lion waiting below."

The lion realised that the clever goat could not be fooled. Defeated, he turned away and went off in search of another prey.

Moral of the Story

Beware of advice from people who stand to benefit from your decision. Think carefully before following someone's suggestions, especially when they may have hidden motives.

Why Do Prices Keep Rising?

INFLATION 

Have you ever wondered why a chocolate bar, a bus ticket, or a plate of your favourite snacks costs more today than it did a few years ago? This gradual increase in the prices of goods and services is called inflation. It is one of the most important concepts in economics because it affects everyone—from schoolchildren buying stationery to families planning their monthly budget.

WHAT IS INFLATION?

Inflation is the general rise in the prices of goods and services across a country over time. As prices increase, the purchasing power of money decreases. In simple words, the same amount of money buys fewer things than it did before.

For example: If a notebook cost ₹50 last year but costs ₹55 this year, inflation has increased its price.

WHY DO PRICES GO UP?

Prices can rise for many reasons. Here are the three main causes of inflation:

1. Higher Cost of Making Things

Many products become expensive because the cost of producing them increases. Companies spend more on raw materials, fuel, electricity, transport, and wages.

For example, to make a Dairy Milk chocolate, manufacturers need milk solids, sugar, and cocoa. If these ingredients become costlier, the price of chocolate also goes up. Similarly, when fuel prices rise, transporting food, clothes, and other goods becomes more expensive, and that extra cost is passed on to customers.

2. Global Problems and Shortages

India imports many goods from other countries. Natural disasters, wars, and supply chain disruptions can increase prices worldwide.

A recent example is olive oil. During 2024–2025, olive oil prices doubled because countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey faced extreme heat and drought, which damaged olive crops. The ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict also affected olive farming in the region.

3. More Demand Than Supply

Imagine everyone in your class receives ₹500 and rushes to buy pizza, but the shop has only 15 pizzas. Since many people want the same item, the shopkeeper raises the price.

This is called high demand and low supply. It is also why governments do not simply print unlimited money—too much money chasing too few goods would make everything much more expensive.

HOW IS INFLATION MEASURED?

In India, inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Experts create a “basket” of everyday items such as rice, onions, milk, petrol, toothpaste, clothes, vegetables, and transport fares. They check the prices of these items every month. The percentage increase in the basket's total cost is called the inflation rate.

Example: If the basket cost ₹100 last year and ₹106 this year, the inflation rate is 6%.

HOW DOES INFLATION AFFECT US?

Inflation has both positive and negative effects.

●Positive Effects

Encourages people to spend and invest money.

Helps businesses grow when the economy is expanding.

Can lead to better wages and more jobs in some sectors.

●Negative Effects

Everyday essentials become more expensive.

Families need to spend more on food, transport, and household items.

Savings lose some of their purchasing power over time.

HOW CAN INFLATION BE CONTROLLED?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a major role in controlling inflation.

If prices rise too quickly, the RBI increases the repo rate—the interest rate at which it lends money to banks. Higher interest rates make loans more expensive, so people and businesses borrow and spend less. This helps slow down inflation.

The government also takes steps to control rising prices. For example, when onion prices increased because of poor harvests, the Government of India imported onions to increase supply and reduce prices.

IS INFLATION ALWAYS BAD?

No. A little inflation is actually good. It shows that people are buying goods, businesses are earning profits, and the economy is growing.

However, too much inflation makes basic necessities unaffordable. On the other hand, deflation—when prices stop rising or start falling—can also be harmful because people spend less, businesses earn less, and jobs may be lost.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF INFLATION?

Most countries aim for an inflation rate of about 2% to 4% each year. In India, the RBI targets 4% inflation, with an acceptable range of 2% to 6%. This is called optimal inflation, as it supports healthy economic growth without making prices rise too fast.

DID YOU KNOW?

●Around 2008, Zimbabwe experienced hyperinflation, where a loaf of bread cost about 100 billion Zimbabwean dollars.

●During hyperinflation, people sometimes carried wheelbarrows full of money just to buy basic items like bread and eggs.

●A small amount of inflation is considered a sign of a healthy and growing economy.

AMAZING FACTS 

●The word inflation comes from a Latin word meaning “to blow up” or “expand.”

●Food and fuel prices have a major influence on inflation because they are used every day.

●The prices of goods do not always rise equally—some items may become cheaper while others become much more expensive.

CONCLUSION 

Inflation is a natural part of every economy, but keeping it under control is essential. Understanding inflation helps us become smarter consumers, plan our spending wisely, save for the future, and appreciate how a balanced economy benefits everyone.