DO YOU KNOW

 Why scientists experiment on mice?

     Most of us have watched cartoon Tom and Jerry. The mice have not just been used for entertainment but they have helped us in science also. Mice have a long history in medical research. In fact, they were the first mammalian species specifically domesticated to be used in laboratories. So why has this species been used for lab research? The reason behind this can be grouped into three categories:

1) Commercial reasons: Mice are relatively inexpensive and can be brought in large quantities from commercial producers. The cost of raising mice includes housing, food, time for maturing, reproduction etc. The mice are extremely cheap to be raised due to their small sizes.

2) Administrative reasons: Mice are small, easily housed and maintained, and adaptable to new surroundings. They also reproduce quickly and have a short life span of 2 - 3 years. So, several generations of mice can be observed in a relatively short period of time. These rodents are also generally mild-tempered and docile, making them easy for researchers to handle. The administrative protocols on mice are minimal when compared to other vertebrates.

3) Scientific reasons: Mice are biologically very similar to humans. They can be a good model for humans because of great similarities in the brain structure and functioning. They eat similar food, live around the same places and they even get many similar diseases to humans --- obesity and diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurological diseases just being few of them. Most of the mice used in medical trials are inbred or indigenous such that they are almost identical genetically, producing uniform results.

     So, the next time when you are taking some medicine, take a minute to thank mice for it.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT

 The White House

     Let's explore some facts about the White House, the historic residence and workplace of the President of the United States of America, symbolising American leadership and democracy.

1. Situated in the capital city of Washington, DC, the White House serves as the designated residence and workplace for the President of the United States.

2. The White House is made of white-painted sandstone, which gives it its distinctive appearance.

3. It has been the home of every US President since John Adams in 1800, except for George Washington, who never lived there.

4. The White House has a private movie theatre, bowling alley, and tennis court for the President and their family to enjoy.

5. The White House has a resident ghostly legend! It is believed that the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, haunts the buiding.

6. The White House has hosted some unique and unusual pets. President John Quincy Adams had an alligator that lived in the East Room bathroom. President Theodore Roosevelt had a small menagerie that included a snake, a bear, and a badger. President Woodrow Wilson had a flock of sheep to graze on the White House lawn during World War I, to save on mowing costs.

7. The white house has an Easter Egg Roll tradition. Every year, on the Monday following Easter Sunday, the White House hosts the Easter Egg Roll on its South Lawn. Children from across the country participate in egg-rolling races and enjoy various entertainment activities.

8. The White House has a secret underground tunnel system. These tunnels connect various buildings in the White House complex, allowing for secure movement of the President and staff between locations.

9. The White House has a room called the 'Lincoln Bedroom', named after President Abraham Lincoln. This room is known for its historical significance. It has been used as a guest room for visiting dignitaries and special guests.

10. The White House has its own music series called 'In Performance at the White House'. It is a concert series that highlights diverse musical performances and has featured renowned artists and musicians from various genres.

AN INSPIRING ANECDOTE FROM THE LIFE OF

King Bharat

     According to our ancient scriptures, three strong fetters of mind, keep the immortal soul (Atma), in perpetual bondage with this transitory world. They are: i) progeny, ii) wealth and iii) name-fame and recognition. Of these, the desire for name and fame is the subtlest, predominant and hard to get over.

    There is an inspiring anecdote in the annals of Jain history. Bharat, the first sovereign emperor of India, whose name this country bears, having conquered all the kingdoms of the sub-continent, finally reached Rishabhkoot mountain to hoist his victory flag and inscribe on victory pillar --- his name, bio-data and a brief description of this remarkable event. Thereby he wanted to satisfy his desire for name and immortalise his glory and fame.

     After reaching there, he looked around and found that there were already inscribed thousands of names of prominent peoples of yore, and there was no space left even to chisel a few letters of his own name, not to speak of the narration of his glorious achievements. 

     He thought --- why not erase someone's name engraved in its place? At his command, it was done so. 

     But no sooner than the task was completed, a ray of conscience flashed in his heart. The emperor thought, "Today I have erased someone's name, but tomorrow someone else may come and erase my name too. This is how, it is all merely a play of ego. The egoism in the form of desire to immortalise one's name, keeps people behaving in various strange ways. Nobody's name can remain immortal and indelible on the vast canvas of time and space."

     Thus, the desire for name and fame vanished forever from the heart and soul of the monarch.

HISTORY OF ONE OF THE OLDEST ARTS

 Pottery

     When humans had started to express their feelings, they did this through cave paintings and tally sticks. Evolution of modern human began with the formation of small groups and associated culture. Although very primitive in nature, they started exchanging between different groups. At that time, more sophistication came in their living. Pottery came in daily use for cooking and storage purpose. Survived for thousands of years, it is the most significant archeological evidence to study the development of human being.

     Earliest evidences of pottery vessels came from China (dated back to 18,000 BC), Russian far East (14,000 BC) and Japan (10,500 BC). Our ancestors started exploring and using the available resources nearby their settlements to make their lives easier. Pottery is a classical example of this. Clay was normally available and it was used to craft the vessels for storage. Two basic characteristics of clay made it useful in vessel preparation --- one, it can be molded and second, it can be hardened. When pit-firing was invented (around 29000 - 25000 BCE), the technique was used by the earliest humans to heat the vessels of clay and make the pit fired pottery.

     It is somewhat debatable as when the first use of pottery started in Indian subcontinent. The earliest evidence of pottery can be found in some early settlements at Lahuradewa in Uttar Pradesh, Sothi-Siswal sites and Indus Valley Civilisation.

     As the time advanced, potter's wheel got invented in Mesopotamia sometime between 6,000 and 4,000 BC. This invention revolutionized the way the potteries were made. Now-a-days more modern techniques have evolved and pottery art has spread across the world. In India, it has become a culture. You can now see different types of ceramic pottery with a glaze, painting and beautiful decorations. But credit for all this goes to that person, he or she, who never wrote his or her name on the first vessel made.

THE STORY OF A FARMER

Bad news, good news, who knows?

 

    A long time ago, there was a wise farmer. Every day, the farmer couldn't have cared for his crops and animals without the help of his faithful horse. 

     However, the horse managed to get away one day. Everyone in the community came to offer their sympathies. 

     "What bad news!" 

     But the farmer just shrugged and muttered, "Bad news. Good news. Who knows?"

     The locals did not know what they should think of him, but they decided to ignore him. 

     A few days later, while working outside in the afternoon, the farmer spotted his horse again. However, his horse wasn't alone. In fact that horse was the part of the herd. This resulted in farmer's acquisition of four more horses. Everyone in the town came by to express their complement to the farmer. "Wow, that's good news!"

     "Bad news. Good news. Who knows?" the farmer said.

     After a few weeks, the farmer's son came to visit and join in with the farm chores. The farmer's son fractured his leg while trying to tame one of the horses. The neighbours came by to offer their sympathies and say things like, "How horrible! What a shocking thing to happen! What bad news!" 

     Once again the farmer responded, "Bad news. Good news. Who knows?" 

     The farmer's sick son didn't get better even after a month. Because of his disability, he could not help his father in the field. 

     Suddenly, war broke out with a neighbouring country. The army stormed the town and enlisted every man of fighting age. The soldiers passed by the injured farmer's son lying on the floor and just left him there.

     Every resident of the town saw and said, "Wow! This is a miraculous stroke of luck. Wow, this is really a good news!"

     You already know now how the farmer must have responded.

FUEL OBTAINED FROM REMAINS OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Fossil Fuel 

     The world is dynamic; it is constantly moving and developing and to fuel this development, we require energy. Our primary source of energy is fossil fuels. The three main types of fossil fuels are petroleum, coal and natural gas. Fossil fuels are a cornerstone of our society and therefore, it is imperative to understand how they work.

     Humans extract fossil fuels from under the surface of the Earth and burn them to release usable energy. Fossil fuels are nothing but hydrocarbon-containing substances that are formed underground, from the remains of dead plants and animals.

History of Fossil Fuels: Thousands of years ago, ancient civilisations used petroleum in various ways. In ancient Babylon, petroleum in its natural form was used for construction and while building roads and walls. It was also used for lighting.

     The Romans used burning petroleum as a weapon in warfare. Some cultures such as the Persians, used petroleum for skin treatments as they believed it had therapeutic benefits. Native Americans would use it to glue arrows to shafts and knives to handles.

     Coal has been mined and used for more than 1,000 years. In the 15^th and 16^th centuries, the Europeans discovered that chimneys could be made from firebricks and started using coal to heat homes. But it wasn't until the middle of the 18^th century when the Industrial revolution began in Britain that coal, later oil and natural gas, became vital energy sources for industry and households in the UK and overseas.

The process: All the energy in fossil fuels originates from sun. Plants use solar energy for photosynthesis, which helps them to prepare food and grow. Animals eat plants and other animals and thus make use of the energy that had once come from the sun. Since both plants and animals are living beings, they contain carbon and hydrogen, which when burnt produce energy. 

     As dead plants and animals get buried underground, they are subjected to increased heat and pressure, which transfers them into fossils. As the heat increases, the fossil molecules break apart. The initial breakdown creates partial changes to their properties. But after millions of years underground, the fossils take on new properties.

Today, humans extract these resources through coal mining and the drilling of oil and gas wells on land and offshore. They are sought after because they contain stored energy in the form of hydrocarbons. 

     When burned, fossil fuels power machinery and provide electricity and fuel for transportation, which are essential to modern-day life. They also produce crucial ingredients that are used in the chemical industry.

Applications: Crude oil is found in underground areas called reservoirs and is used to make products such as gasoline and electricity. Crude oil is also used to produce transportation fuel for jets and other automobiles. The by-products of this process are used to produce chemicals, plastics, lubricants, tars, waxes and medicines. Many fertilisers and pesticides are also made from either crude oil or its by-products.

    Coal is used in the generation of electricity. It is also used in the steel industry, pharmaceutical industry, cement manufacturing and the manufacturing of paper. Products like dyes, aspirins, soaps, fibres, plastics and solvents contain coal or a coal by-product.

     Natural gas is used in cooking appliances like fuel stoves and for heating homes, water and buildings. It also provides electricity and is used in steel foundries, glass foundries, manufacturing hubs and aluminium smelters. It is used produce paints, fertilisers, plastics and dyes. It is also used in transportation as CNG or LNG.

Advantages: Fossil fuels can generate large amounts of energy. They are easily traceable, cost-effective, safe to transport and give us economically important by-products.

Disadvantages: Fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer and cause global warming. They are non-renewable. The combustion of fossil fuels makes the environment more acidic. This has led to unpredictable and harmful changes in the environment. Burning of fossil fuels causes air pollution. It also affects the fertility of soil and the quality of drinking water.

A HORSE IN THE SEA

Seahorse

     Have you seen the movie "Finding Nemo"? In the film, Nemo meets Sheldon and his friends in a school under the sea. Sheldon is a sea horse, a distinct and wonderful fish. Seahorses are very small marine fishes from a family named Hippocampus. Hippocampus is a Greek word derived from two different words --- "hippo" means horse and "kampos" means "sea monster". As the head of this fish looks like a horse hence named Seahorse. 

     There are almost 25-30 different types of seahorses spread from tropical and temperate coastal waters. Their size varies from 1.5 to 35.5cm. They have external protection in the form of a skeleton on their body which is called as armor. It protects them against the predators. They have a curled prehensile tail. Prehensile is the ability to grab or hold. Their tail helps them to grab or hold an object. Body of a seahorse is stretched over boney plates which are arranged in the form of rings across the body.

     The position of a seahorse while swimming is another distinct characteristic which makes them different from other fishes. They swim upright. They have dorsal black fins which are used to propel in the water. A fin flaps up to 35 times per second. The fins are located on the either side of the head. Normally neck is a body part which you can see in land animals. But very interestingly, a seahorse has a flexible and very well-defined neck.

     The abdomen of male seahorse is called as pouch. It is very similar to the kangaroo's pouch that carries the baby. The female seahorse deposits thousands of eggs in the male's pouch which is then carried by the male for 9 to 45 days until fully developed.

Some more facts:

* Seahorse is a very poor swimmer. H. Zosterae which is a dwarf seahorse is world's slowest moving fish. Its top speed is 5 feet per hour.

* Most often, seahorses swim in pairs with their tails linked together.

* To move up and down, seahorses adjust the air volume in their bladder.

* Planktons and tiny fish is their food. They almost eat constantly.

* Their lifespan is about 3 to 4 years.

* As they are very bad swimmers, they anchor themselves to coral or any such thing.

* Due to overfishing and destruction of their habitat, seahorses are endangered.

* In Chinese medicine their consumption is widespread.

HONOURING THE TRIUMPH OF GOOD OVER EVIL

 Durga Puja

     Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals, primarily in the eastern part of India, particularly West Bengal. The festival holds immense religious, cultural and social significance.

Worship of Goddess Durga: Durga Puja is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, who symbolises the divine feminine energy and is seen as the embodiment of Shakti or the supreme power. During this festival, she is honoured as the ultimate source of strength and protection.

Victory of good over evil: Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil, righteousness over unrighteousness, and the vanquishing of inner demons and vices.

Unity and community bonding: Durga Puja brings communities together. It is not just a religious event but a time for people to come together, irrespective of caste, creed or social status. Communities set up elaborate pandals (temporary structures) where the idol of Goddess Durga is placed, and people from all walks of life visit these pandals to offer prayers and enjoy cultural programmes.

Art and culture: Durga Puja is a celebration of art and culture. Elaborate idols of Goddess Durga are crafted, often with intricate details, and the artistic themes vary from year to year. The festival features a wide array of cultural performances, including music, dance, drama and poetry readings.

Festive atmosphere: The festival creates a vibrant and joyous atmosphere. The streets are adorned with deocorations, lights and colourful artwork. Processions with idols, music and dance performances make the atmosphere lively and celebratory.

Reverence for the female divine: Durga Puja underscores the significance of the feminine divine. It is a time to celebrate the power, grace and nurturing aspects of the goddess. Women in particular are honoured during this festival.

Prayer and devotion: Devotees visit the Puja pandal to offer prayers, seek blessings and perform rituals. They express their devotion to Goddess Durga and seek her protection and guidance.

Culmination of Navaratri: Durga Puja marks the culmination of the nine-night festival of Navaratri. Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to a different form of goddess, leading to the final celebration of Durga Puja on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami.

     Durga Puja is a time of cultural exuberance, religious fervour and social harmony. It transcends religious boundaries and has a special place in the hearts of people, not only for its religious significance but also for the sense of unity, creativity and festivity it brings to the community.

THE MODEST STATESMAN

 Lal Bahadur Shastri

     India's second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2 October 1904. His father died when he was 18 months old and he grew up at his grandfather's house. Since he was very slightly built, his grandpa affectionately called him 'Nanhe'. 

     One day, Nanhe and his friends were raiding a mango tree when they were surprised by the gardener. The gardener caught Nanhe and slapped him. 

     "Why did you slap me?" asked the boy. "Don't you know I have no father?"

     "That means you'll have to look after your mother and how can a thief do that?" asked the gardener. The gardener's words made the boy aware of his responsibilities and a change came over him. He grew up to be one of the leaders of our country.

     Shastri became Prime Minister at a time of turmoil. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had just died and war had erupted with Pakistan in 1965. The country was reeling under the drought. Quite a tough task for a new prime minister to handle.

     But he took it all in his stride. He inspired the people with his slogan, 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'. The Indo-Pakistan war would have continued but Russia intervened and both India and Pakistan agreed to sign the Tashkent Agreement on 11 January 1966. Just a few hours after signing the agreement, Shastri died of a massive heart attack.

     Shastri was awarded the 'Bharat Ratna' posthumously. His memeorial 'Vijay Ghat' in Delhi is a constant reminder of a great administrator and a fantastic human being.

A WALK TO REMEMBER

 Spacewalk

     When an astronaut steps out of the spacecraft in space, it is termed a spacewalk. It is technically known as extravehicular activity (EVA).

     The astronauts perform various tasks on a spacewalk. They conduct science experiments in space to study how the space environment affects the results. They repair satellites while they are in orbit. They also test new equipment.

     Astronauts wear pressurised spacesuits filled with oxygen. For the duration of the spacewalk, the astronaut is usually tethered i.e. he is anchored to the spacecraft with the help of a cable. For safety purposes, he also wears a backpack-like device called SAFER ( Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue). If the astronaut gets detached, SAFER uses small jet thrusters to help him move and return to the spacecraft.

     The first spacewalk was performed by Russian cosmonaut, Alexey Leonov, on March 18, 1965. It lasted 10 minutes. A few weeks later, Ed White became the first NASA astronaut to perform a 23 minute long spacewalk on June 3.

     Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Solovyev holds the world record for the most spacewalks and spent more than 82 hours outside in space.

     Peggy Whitson holds the record for the most number of spacewalks by a woman (ten). She also has the most spacewalk time for a woman (60 hours, 21 minutes) to her credit.

DIVINE VENGEANCE

The fall of Sybaris

     A sybarite is a person who is devoted to luxury and pleasure. The word is related to Sybaris, an ancient Greek city noted for its wealth and opulence in present-day southern Italy.

     In 720 B.C., the ancient Greeks founded the city as a colony near the present-day city of Terranova di Sibari in southern Italy. The inhabitants of Sybaris known as Sybarites, were very fortunate. Their land was extraordinarily fertile and their location by the sea brought them a lucrative trade. Living was easy in Sybaris, and over the time, the Sybarites became known all over the ancient world for their indulgence in pleasure and love of frivolous luxury. By the 6^th century, Sybaris had attained a degree of wealth and power which was unprecedented among Greek cities and which earned them the admiration of the rest of the Hellenic world.

     In 510 B.C., Sybaris was rocked by political dissensions. War broke out between Sybaris and Crotona. Although the Sybarite army was 300,000 strong and the Crotoniats were less than a third in number, the latter put the Sybarites to flight and pursued them to the gates of their city, which they then destroyed. The fall of Sybaris was viewed by many Greeks as a divine vengeance upon the Sybarites for their pride and arrogance, caused by their excessive prosperity.

DO YOU KNOW

 What is the maximum distance the human eye can see when unobstructed?

     Dust, water vapour and pollution in the air will rarely let you see more than 12 miles even on a clear day. 

     Often, the curvature of the Earth gets in the way first --- at sea level, for example, the horizon is only 2.9 miles away. 

     On the top of Mount Everest, you could theoretically see for 211 miles, but in practice cloud gets in the way. 

     For a truly unobstructed view, look up. 

     On a perfectly clear night with no Moon in the sky you can see the Andromeda galaxy, which is 2.25 million light years away.

HISTORICAL EVENT OF THE MONTH

 Battle of Buxar

     One of the decisive battles in the history of pre-independence India, the battle of Buxar took place on October 22, 1764 in Buxar, a town about 130 km west of Patna in present-day Bihar. It was fought by the combined armies of Mir Qasim, Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-Daulah, Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II on one side and the British East India Company's forces led by General Hector Munro on the other. 

     Although the allied army was numerically much stronger, comprising about 40,000 men as against the Company's army of about 7000, the differences of opinion between the allies as well as the British superiority in artillery turned the tide in favour of the British. The allied army was effectively routed. War casualities mounted to about 850 wounded or dead on the British side and 2000 to 5000 on the side of the three allies.  

     The war eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Allahabad in August 1765 between Shah Alam II and Robert Clive of the East India Company, according to which the Mughal Empire ceded property rights over Bengal, Bihar and Orissa to the British. The treaty thus enabled the British to establish their control in the eastern part of the country, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of British colonial rule over India that continued for the next two centuries.

GEMS MADE BY LIVING CREATURES

 Pearls

Meet the jewellery-making molluscs that turn irritating specks of dirt into stunning stones.

    Pearls are smooth shiny gems that are commonly seen on a long string decorating elegant necks. They have been used as a fashion accessory since at least the 5^th century BCE by the ancient Romans and Egyptians. But the process that creates these mesmerising gems isn't geological --- they are made by slow-moving marine and fresh water animals as a kind of symbol of their suffering. 

     Molluscs such as oysters, mussels and clams produce pearls as a byproduct of defence. They are made when these aquatic creatures attempt to rid their bodies of parasites, sharp pieces of shell matter or other debris that gets trapped inside their shells when they open them to feed. They secrete calcium carbonate, which is the core material that makes up a mollusc's shell, in a crystallised form when a irritant is present. It's called aragonite, and combines with protein fibres to coat smooth layers around the foreign object. The result is a creamy-coloured solid ball that serves as a barrier between the object and the soft internal tissue of the mollusc.

     Today, most pearls aren't harvested naturally. Instead, humans place a suitable irritant into an oyster to trigger this response and increase pearl production rates.

     Pearls are the only gems made by living creatures.

WHAT IS OZONE?

Is it good or bad?

     Ozone is a gas produced naturally by the action of ultraviolet rays from the sun on oxygen molecules, changing oxygen (O₂) to ozone (O₃) in Earth’s upper atmosphere (stratosphere) where it forms the ozone layer. The ozone molecules here absorb most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, thereby protecting living organisms on Earth. So ozone in the stratosphere plays a beneficial role; it is good for us. 

     Ozone is also found in the troposphere, the lowest region of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth’s surface to a height of about 6–10 kilometres. Tropospheric or ground level ozone is created when air containing pollutants emitted by cars, factories, refineries and other sources like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides chemically react in the presence of sunlight. 

     Ground level ozone is harmful to plants, animals and human health. Ozone reacts with molecules in the lining of the airways in the body. This can aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Even in otherwise healthy people, continuous exposure to even low-level concentration of ozone can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, irritation of the throat, and cough.Ozone’s harmful effect on living organisms is made use of to disinfect municipal drinking water in many European countries and elsewhere. Ozone introduced into the water destroys bacteria, viruses and fungi. It can also eliminate bad odour. Ozone is unstable and changes back to oxygen within a short time.

A PRAYER A DAY KEEPS FEAR AWAY

The Power of Prayer

     The fact remains that a human being, whoever he or she may be, is not really complete, perfect and strong. And there are times when one feels weak, does not know, is uncertain about the future and experiences fear. This happens in everyone's life. These are the moments when one turns the eyes up to God and prays. These may be very short and very rare or long and unending.

But it is true that human beings have limitations. We constantly go through pressures and stress, unexpected things keep happening. There are uncertainties about the future. There are moments when we are totally in doubt, totally rattled, and we seek help. It may be momentary but this is an inborn trait. An animal can only run away from the problem, get frightened, whereas a human being thinks. Somehow, that deep-seated belief is there in a human being, that there is something larger that is governing this universe. Even the worst atheist would not deny it. This entire universe, the way in which it functions, there has to be something behind it. Call it law, God, or anything else.

     So, when we are in a terrible condition, we resort to that feeling at that moment. But rather this should be cultivated consciously, so that during the day, we do shed our fears and worries for a little while. But we don't do it repeatedly during the day. We do it just once or few times a day. The Hindus do their Pooja, the Muslims do their Namaaz, the Christians go to church for prayers.

     Human being requires to pray regularly and if it is consciously done, it is better; otherwise, wrong thinking starts. One starts to think in extremes, gets terribly frightened. 

     A doctor, after examining a lady with his stethoscope, found some areas that were not responding, and feared that it might be tuberculosis. This statement took charge of her, she was so terribly frightened. When a friend went to see her, she had opened her entire wardrobe, examining each saree and putting it aside. Her friend asked her what she was doing. She said, "Now that I have tuberculosis, I am going to die one day. So, I am having a last look at my sarees." But her friend assured her. 

     She said, "But the diagnosis has not yet been confirmed. Even if it is confirmed there are medicines for it. So, who knows how many times more you will be using those sarees." 

     She had lost hope. This should not happen. Some little reassurance should come. Praying, not for hours, but periodically, the reassurance or the faith that there is something larger that governs this universe must be strengthened. 

SECOND LARGEST LAND MAMMAL BEHIND THE ELEPHANT

Rhinoceroses

     Rhinoceroses, commonly known as rhinos, have a huge body, large head, thick skin, short legs, hooved feet and short tail. All rhinoceroses have a horn on their snout and some species have two horns.

     There are five known species of rhinoceroses --- white, black, Javan, Sumatran and Indian. Rhinoceroses may live in grassy plains, thick forests or wetlands depending on their species. They are herbivores and feed on leaves, fruits and grass.  Rhinoceroses may be grey or brown in colour.

* A rhinoceros' horn is made of the same material that is found in our fingernails and hair.

* Most rhinoceros species have a hairless body. They have hair only at the end of their tail and on the tips of their ears.

* A rhinoceros may weigh between 500 and 2,500 kilograms and may be between 2.5 and 4 metres long. 

* Male rhinoceroses are called bulls and female rhinoceroses are called cows. Their young ones are called calves.

* Rhinoceroses bathe in mud. The muddy layer protects their skin from the sun and insect bites.

* Rhinoceroses use their horns to defend themselves against predators such as tigers and lions and to fight with other rhinoceroses.

* Most rhinoceros species are solitary, meaning they live alone. But some species, like the white rhinoceros, may live in pairs or groups.

* Rhinoceroses, especially males, are very territorial, meaning they defend their territory from intruders.

* Rhinoceroses mark their territory by urinating on trees or shrubs and scattering their dung in the region.

* Rhinoceroses are hunted for their horns, which some people believe have medicinal properties. As a result, there are less than 30,000 rhinoceroses in the world today.

A STORY FROM PANCHATANTRA

 Might is not always right

     A large herd of elephants lived by a pond deep in the forest. In the summer, the pond dried up and the elephants went in search of water.    

     After walking a long way, they found a big lake. The elephants rushed in excitement,trampling upon the many hares that lived in burrows around the lake. Unmindful of the distress and death that they had caused, the elephants had a good time splashing in the water. 

     When they left the lake to return home, the survivors got together and discussed their predicament. 

     “The elephants will come here every day. We have to do something to keep them away,” one of them said. He then came up with a plan. 

     The following day, the hare climbed up a hillock and waited. As expected, the elephants passed the hillock on the way to the lake.

     “Stop,” cried the hare. “You cannot go to the lake. It belongs to the Moon God. He looks after us. He is very angry that you have killed our folk. You have to apologise to him and go away.”

     The king elephant asked, “Where is your Moon God?” 

     The hare then took the elephant to the lake and showed the reflection of the moon on the water. 

     “See, he has come to console us.”

     The king elephant was awestruck. He bowed and apologised to the moon. He then left quietly with his herd.

DO YOU KNOW

 How henna stains skin?

     Henna is a type of dye that's derived from leaves of the henna tree. When left on the skin, henna paste temporarily stains the skin a reddish-organge colour. It's used around the world to decorate the skin with intricate pattern and body art, known as mehendi, for celebrations such as weddings, birthdays and on festive occasions.

     To produce a dye, the dried leaves of the henna tree are first pulverised into a powder and mixed with a combination of oils or an acidic solution such as lemon juice. The resulting paste known as red henna can then be applied to the skin or hair to alter its colour. The change in colour is due to dye molecules in the henna tree's leaves called lawsone. When lawsone comes into contact with skin cells, it latches onto a protein called keratin, which holds onto the dye until the skin cells are naturally exfoliated away. Once the henna paste is applied, it typically needs to sit on the skin for several hours for the lawsone to penetrate deep enough through the skin's cellular layers to stain for a few weeks.

     Another additive called p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), an ingredient in hair dye, has been added in recent years to create 'black henna' in some parts of the world. However, the use of PPD has been made illegal in many places, including the UK and EU, because it poses a risk of causing severe skin reactions.

How far into the skin can henna penetrate?

[1] Henna paste: Henna is applied directly to the skin so the lawsone molecules can penetrate skin cells and bind to keratin molecules.

[2] Stratum corneum: This is the outermost layer of the skin's epidermis, where keratin-carrying cells called keratinocytes rapidly reduce.

[3] Deep saturation: When applied to the thickest layer of skin, found on the back or on the hands, lawsone can penetrate 30 cell layers deep.

[4] Granular layer: Henna doesn't penetrate into the granular layer, which acts as the skin's impermeable barrier against water.

[5] Basal layer: The innermost layers of skin, where new protective keratinocytes are produced.

Ancient origins: The exact origins of henna are difficult to determine. There's evidence of the dye being used in early Babylonian civilisations from around 1894 to 539 BCE and during the time of ancient Egypt, between 3100 and 395 BCE. Henna was used to decorate the bodies of the deceased, and in some cases on the strips of linen wrappings used for mummification. Much like the keratin found in hair and nails, lawsone is resistant to decay and remains on the body after death. When archeologists examined the remains of the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, they discovered that his hair, while white at the point of his death, had been stained bright orange with henna.

FASCINATING FACTS

 Primitive reflexes in babies 

     This is one of the primitive reflexes that all newborn infants have, but are lost as they grow past six months old. Many of these reflexes are to protect the baby and carry a survival advantage, but some have no benefit. 

     In the swimming reflex, placing a baby face down in water will cause them to kick and paddle. The aim is to buy enough time until someone can come and help. It carries risks, however, since the baby may swallow large quantities of water or aspirate it into their lungs.

     Another example is the palmar grasp, where placing an object --- such as finger or toy --- into baby's palm will cause a strong grip.

BEAUTIFUL AND FRAGRANT

 Coral Jasmine

     The coral jasmine or night-flowering jasmine (Nyctanthes arbour-tristis) is a highly versatile plant that is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world as an ornamental and medicinal one.

     Though native to the sub-tropical Himalayan regions of India and Nepal, coral jasmine is found throughout India and South-East Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The tree holds special significance in Hindu mythology as it is believed to have made its appearance along with nectar when the ocean was churned by the devas and asuras. It's Sanskrit name, parijata, means 'descended from the sea'. It is regarded in Hindu mythology as a wish-fulfilling tree.

     A popular story from the puranas(ancient texts) goes that Krishna had brought the Parijat tree from Devaloka (heaven), gifted to his wife Satyabhama, who had insisted on having this tree in her garden. It was cleverly planted by Krishna at the end of Satyabhama's garden so that all the flowers fell in Rukmini's garden so both his queens were satisfied.

     The tree has fragrant flowers, which are offered in worship and strung into garlands. The coral jasmine is also prized for its many medicinal uses. 

     The tree is a small deciduous one growing to a height of 30 feet, with rough, flaky greyish bark. The leaves are opposite, about 4 inches long and 3 inches broad, dark green on their upper surface and light green and hairy beneath. The flowers which grow in clusters of two to seven, have a white corolla with five to eight lobes and a bright orange-red centre. They blossom in the evening, filling the air with a strong fragrance and fall off at daybreak. The fruit is a round or heart-shaped brown capsule, 2cm in diameter with two lobes, each containing a single seed.

     All the parts of the coral jasmine tree have been used by traditional and folk systems of medicine since time immemorial, to treat a wide range of ailments. Ayurvedic physician Sushruta prescribed a mixture of parijata bark, boiled with rice gruel and rock salt, for application in the eyes to treat various eye disorders. The bark, boiled with dry ginger and long pepper, is consumed for two days to cure malaria. About five grams of the bark are eaten with betel nut and betel leaf to get relief from too much of phlegm.

     The juice of the leaves, mixed with a little sugar is given to children to expel intestinal worms. The fresh leaf juice, mixed with honey is given for the treatment of chronic fever. A paste of the leaves with a little black pepper is swallowed with water to treat cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves is prescribed as a remedy for sciatica.

     A paste of the crushed leaves is used for external application to treat piles. A medicated oil is prepared by boiling the fresh leaves in mustard oil, is applied for skin problems. A decoction of the flowers is taken, up to a week, for gout. A paste made of the crushed seeds is applied to the scalp to halt hair fall and to obtain relief from lice. 

     The corolla tubes of the flowers yield a bright yellow-orange dye. This was used in the past to dye the robes of Buddhist monks. Coral jasmine essential oil is fragrant. It is an ingredient in the making of perfumes.

A TRIBUTE TO TEEN FREEDOM FIGHTER FROM ASSAM

Kanaklata Barua

Kanaklata Barua was born on 22 December 1924 to Krishna Kanta and Karneshwari Barua at Borangabari, Gohpur, Darrang district (now in Sonitpur District), Assam. She was also called Birbala, Kanka. She was nicknamed Kali because of her dark complexion. Her ancestors were ministers in the court of the Ahom kings.

Kanaklata Barua lost her mother when she was only five. Her father, a farmer and social worker, remarried but he died when she was thirteen. She studied at the local school till Class III but then dropped out to take care of her younger siblings Rajani Kanta Barua and Dibyalata Barua and to do household chores.

Freedom fighter Jyoti Prasad Agarwala established a group called the Mrityu Vahini (Death Squad) in Tezpur. Kanaklata Barua joined the Mrityu Bahini wing of the Gohpur sub division.

On 20 September 1942, the Mrityu Bahini decided to hoist the national flag at the Gohpur police station. A procession of unarmed villagers led by Kanaklata Barua started their march towards the police station. Kanaklata held the flag high, shouting slogans of freedom. The British police warned the procession of dire consequences if they proceeded further. Undeterred, the procession continued marching ahead.

It was then that the teenage Kanaklata said aloud these inspiring words, “𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏. 𝑶 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔! 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒑𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒖𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝑾𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒆𝒅. 𝑵𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒖𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕.”

Kanaklata was about to hoist the flag when the British shot at her. She died on the spot and attained Veergati. She was then only 17 years old.