Based on size measurements

WORLD’S LARGEST FLOWER BOUQUET

The Ahmedabad International Flower Show is organised annually by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation and attracts millions of visitors every year. After winning the Guinness World Record for the Longest Flower Wall last year, Ahmedabad has once again earned a place in the Guinness World Records this year for the World’s Largest Flower Bouquet (based on size measurements). The award winning floral bouquet was 10.24m high and had a 10.84m radius.

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WHAT MAKES THE EAGLE SOAR AND NOT FLY?

'Soaring' here means a bird gliding without flapping its wings. This is mostly done by riding rising currents of warm air called 'thermals'. Eagles are very good at finding thermals or standing waves ( parcels of rising air). So, although they are descending through the air, that air column is rising faster than their descent speed, so they can stay aloft without having to work at it. Eagles can easily glide from one thermal to another - many hundreds of miles can be covered this way, with little effort other than by steering in the right direction. 

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WHY DOES ONE GET MOTION SICKNESS?

Motion sickness experienced by some while moving in a vehicle, results from a defence mechanism in the brain aiming to keep us safe. The balance-maintaining parts of the brain receive inputs from what we see and what we feel. In a moving car, our eyes signal to the brain that we are stationary, creating a sensory conflict as the brain senses the car’s motion. This mismatch triggers nausea as the brain perceives a potential issue. To alleviate this, fixate on a steady point in the distance, like the horizon, to minimize visual disruptions. Opening windows for fresh air can also help mitigate motion sickness. These simple strategies can ease discomfort and enhance travel experiences.

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 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POPCORN AND PUFFED RICE?

POPCORN 

You can pop corn with any heat source, but to puff rice you also need a pressure chamber. Popcorn is the only grain that can be ‘puffed’ at home because it has the right moisture content – 14 per cent – and a fragile hull. When the temperature of the kernel reaches 100 degrees Celsius, water starts to boil inside the starchy cells of the endosperm, causing them to expand. At 175 degrees Celsius, the superheated starchy material explodes through the hull of the kernel and instantly cools to form a chewy bubble. Grains of rice don’t contain enough moisture to pop under normal conditions. Instead, the rice must be heated in a pressure chamber at up to 14 kilograms per square centimetre. When the chamber is opened, the sudden change in pressure and volume causes the hot starch cells in the rice to expand rapidly, bursting through and puffing up like popcorn.

PUFFED RICE 

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WHAT IS WIRELESS CHARGING?

Have you ever wished your gadgets could charge without the hassle of plugging them in? Now, wireless charging without the need of cables or cords! This fantastic blend of science and convenience is making our lives easier and our gadgets more user-friendly. 

What is wireless charging? Wireless charging allows you to power your device without using a cable. Instead of plugging in your phone, tablet or any other gadget, you can simply place it on a special charging pad or stand. It’s like a wireless handshake between the pad and your device, transforming energy without a physical connection!

How does it work? The magic behind wireless charging is called electromagnetic induction. Inside the charging pad, a coil of wire generates an electromagnetic field when electricity flows through it. Your device, like a smartphone, has a similar coil Inside. When you place your device on the charging pad, the electromagnetic field transfers energy to the device’s coil, which then charges its battery. 

The future of wireless charging: The future looks bright for wireless charging. Scientists and engineers are working on making it even more powerful and efficient. Imagine a world where entire room or even outdoor spaces have wireless charging zones, and you can charge your devices just by being nearby!

● Believe it or not, some of the first gadgets to use wireless charging were electric toothbrushes!

● Wireless charging can help reduce e-waste by eliminating the need for multiple charging cables and connectors. 

● Wireless charging isn’t as new as you might think! The idea goes back over a century to a famous inventor named Nikola Tesla. In the late 1800s, Tesla demonstrated the ability to transfer electricity without wires. 

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Why is the foam of a shampoo always white irrespective of the colour of the shampoo?

To understand this better, let’s use an analogy. When a balloon is deflated, it is opaque with its colour very much visible. As we go on inflating the balloon, it becomes lighter in colour. If we continue to inflate the balloon without bursting it, there will come a point when it will become almost white. The same is the case with the bubbles that form in the foam of a shampoo. The pigments in the shampoo become so thin when mixed with water that the visible light gets scattered. The light rays get reflected in several directions after striking a surface (bubbles in this case) much like how the sky appears white or grey at times. Also the dye that is used in colouring a shampoo is highly diluted, which means that when further diluted with water, the colour becomes much lighter. 

The scattering of light in case of the foam happens as the light has to pass through several bubbles, which means several surfaces. The light spreads in multiple directions making it almost impossible for the human eye to detect colours. The same thing happens with soap bars, body washes, hand washes etc.

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How do self-driving cars detect other vehicles on the road?

Self driving cars use many sensors as a replacement for the driver’s sense of sight and hearing. Autonomous cars create and maintain a map of their surroundings based on a variety of sensors situated in different parts of the vehicle. Radar sensors monitor the position of nearby vehicles. Video cameras detect traffic lights, read road signs, track other vehicles, and look for pedestrians.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN NATURE CALLS AT 10,000 METRES HIGH?

How do aeroplane toilets work?

Aeroplane loos don’t work like your toilet at home, which uses water and gravity to move waste into the sewer system. Instead they use a strong vacuum, along with a blue chemical that cleans and removes smells every time you flush.

A stinky tank

This sucking system is very much like the vacuum cleaners people use at home to remove dirt and dust from their floors. This dirt and dust ends up in a container that you empty into a rubbish bin. Similarly, the waste and the blue cleaning fluid from the aeroplane’s lavatories ends up in an underfloor storage tank, at the very back of the plane’s cargo hold. With so many people on a plane needing to use the toilet, you can imagine how big this tank has to be.

The vacuum pressure system moves all the solid and liquid waste from the toilet along a plumbing pipe that connects to the storage tank. There is a valve on the storage tank that opens when the loo is flushed and snaps shut when the toilet is not in use. This prevents foul odours escaping from the tank. This, along with the blue chemicals, helps keep the stink down.

What happens when the plane lands?

Once the plane has touched down on the ground, a special truck comes to meet it. A large hose is plugged into the waste tank valve and sucks out all the poo and wee into a container on the back of the truck.

Once everything has been emptied from the aircraft, the truck is driven to a special area at the airport where the waste from all the aeroplanes goes. From here, all of this faecal matter (a posh way of saying “poo”) is emptied into the airport’s sewer system. Driving this truck is a very important – and delicate – job. It takes three days of training for operators to learn how to use it.

FAST-FLYING FAECES On some planes waste zips into the storage tank at speeds of up to 130 miles per hour.

Watch out for blue ice

It has been reported that sometimes the valve that allows the truck to connect to the aeroplane’s waste tank can leak a small amount of the waste and blue chemical. This happens more often on older planes. The outside temperature at a normal cruising altitude of 10,000 metres is around -56°C, so the chemical turns into what is known as “blue ice”.

This blue ice remains attached to the plane as long as the temperature remains below freezing. However, as the aeroplane descends the blue ice begins to thaw, and may even fall off. There have been several occasions reported in the news where people have witnessed this flying poo.

FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS On a long-haul flight, the onboard toilets may be flushed more than 1,000 times.

In-flight dumping

In case you were wondering, the captain of the plane doesn’t have a button to release all the poo and wee from the storage tank while the plane is flying. Any waste that might leak out of the plane would be totally accidental.

Some people do think that aeroplane contrails (the white lines aircraft sometimes leave behind them in the sky) are either a special mind-control chemical or the toilet waste. Neither is true. What you are actually seeing is water vapour from the engines turning into solid crystals of ice, and forming a thin cloud in the sky.

THE HOLE IN A LOLLIPOP STICK

Lollipop stick notch / Lollipop stick groove

The hole in the "lollipop stick notch" or :lollipop stick groove", serves a functional purpose during the candy-making process and enhances the eating experience for consumers. When lollipops are manufactured, the liquid candy mixture is poured into moulds, and the sticks are inserted into the mixture. The hole in the stick allows the candy to adhere and harden around it, securely holding the stick in place within the lollipop. 

For consumers, the hole in the stick offers a practical grip, making it easier and more comfortable to hold and enjoy the lollipop without the risk of it slipping or falling off the stick. It also prevents accidental swallowing of the stick as it creates an air passage while consuming the candy. 

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Why do people shrink as they get older?

As people age, it’s common to get shorter. This can start as early as in your 30s! By the time men reach 70, they can lose about an inch, while women may lose two inches. But why does this happen?

As we age, the cartilage between our joints wears out, and conditions like osteoporosis cause bones to weaken, making the spine shorter. Another condition called Sarcopenia leads to muscle loss, which can also make people shrink. 

By eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and staying active, older people can help keep their bones strong and slow down the shrinking process!

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What makes popcorn pop?

A popcorn kernel is actually a seed. At its centre is a tiny plant embryo, a life form in its earliest phase. The embryo is surrounded by a soft, starchy material that contains water. Surrounding the embryo is a hard shell. 

When the dried popcorn kernels are heated to 356 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius, the moisture inside the kernel turns to steam, the starches inside gelatinize, the steam builds up to an enormous pressure and then the corn POP! When the protective covering or hull ruptures, the starch and endosperm inside the hull expands into a foam which is soft and edible. 

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Why is there a hole in an elevator?

The hole in an elevator, often found at the top of the cab, serves an important safety feature known as an "emergency exit hatch" or "elevator escape hatch". In the event of an elevator malfunction or entrapment, this hatch provides a means of escape for passengers and elevator technicians. Rescue personnel can access the elevator car through this opening, allowing them to provide assistance or evacuate passengers safely. Moreover, the hatch facilitates maintenance work on the elevator's machinery and components, enabling technicians to reach crucial areas easily. 

The presence of the hole ensures that passengers and technicians can be rescued efficiently and enhances the overall safety and functionality of elevators. 

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Reason for side holes in sneakers 

The side holes, also known as "ventilation holes" or "perforations", in sneakers serve several important purposes. Firstly, they enhance breathability by allowing air to circulate inside the shoe, which helps keep the feet cool and comfortable, especially during physical activities. The whole also aid in moisture management, allowing sweat and moisture to escape from the shoe, reducing the chances of discomfort and odours.

Secondly, the side holes contribute to the overall design and aesthetics of the sneakers, adding a distinctive style element. Some sneaker designs utilise the side holes as part of their branding or visual appeal.

Overall, the side holes in sneakers play a significant role in providing better ventilation, comfort and performance, making them more suitable for active and everyday wear.

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What is done with retired ships?

Like all machines, ships too become old and have to be retired from service. So what happens to a vessel after it has finished serving its employers?

Ships go through a process called ship-breaking. In this process, ships are disposed off by breaking down for either a source of parts, which can be sold for re-use, or the extraction of raw materials, chiefly scrap. The steel from the ship can be recycled for use in the manufacturing of new products which lowers the demand for mined iron ore and reduces energy use in the steelmaking process. Many other fittings can also be reused. 

At present, the Alang Ship Breaking Yard in Gujarat is one of the largest ship-breaking yards in the world. It has claimed to have scrapped more than half the ships of the world. 

Established in 1982-83, in the Gulf of Khambhat, in Gujarat, it consists of 153 ship-breaking yards spread over 14 kilometers along the coast and employs close to 40,000 people. Alang is currently equipped to recycle 400 to 450 ships a year. On an average it has been producing 3.5million tonnes of steel annually from recycling about 200 ships. 

Decommissioned ships are towed and beached at the shore which resembles a yard. They are then dismantled by the labourers almost manually, which is tedious and extremely hazardous, since the vessels generally carry explosive or inflammable materials like oil and gas. The bow or the front portion of the vessel is dismantled first. This provides ventilation within the vessel for dismantling the remaining hazardous parts. The materials are then sold as scrap. 

If the ship is not broken, it might be used for other purposes. Naval ships may be converted into museums or used for research. They may also be sunk as artificial reefs or as targets during naval exercises. 

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How our hands work?

Our hands are complex feats of biological engineering.

The palm of the hand is made up of five bones called metacarpals. In between are the interossei muscles, and on each side of the palm are bulging muscle groups called the hypothenar (near the little finger) and the thenar (near the thumb). These work to cup the hand and to move the thumb in and out so that it can grip. The bones belonging to the fore and middle fingers don’t move much, but the ones connected to the little and ring fingers and the thumb are much more mobile.

The fingers themselves are made up of bones called phalanges – three for each finger and two for the thumb. They are connected to muscles in the forearm by tendons that run through the wrist. The flexor tendons run up on the underside through a space called the carpal tunnel – they bend the fingers. The extensor tendons come across the top of the wrist – they pull the fingers straight.

All of this movement is controlled by three nerves: the median, radial and ulnar. The median nerve supplies the thumb, the index and middle fingers, half of the ring finger and the palm of the hand. The ulnar feeds the other half of the ring finger and the little finger, and the radial looks after the thumb and the back of the hand.

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Why do all Indian mobiles start with +91?

Indian mobile numbers start with +91 because +91 is the international dialling code assigned to India. This code is used to identify a specific country or region when making international phone calls. When you dial +91 before an Indian mobile number, it tells the phone network that you are trying to call someone in India. 

The use of International dialling code allows for efficient and organised global communication. Each country is assigned a unique code to ensure that calls are routed to the correct destination. In India, +91 has been designated as its country code. 

The practice is not unique to India; every country has its international dialling code. It simplifies the process of making international calls and ensures that the calls reach the intended recipients in the correct country. So when you see +91 before an Indian mobile number, it’s a part of the global system that facilitates international communication. 

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Q. Ants don’t get hurt when they fall. Why?

A: The fall of a body is controlled mainly by the gravitational attraction of the earth. The strength of the gravitational force depends on the mass of the falling object. A heavier object is thus “attracted” more than a lighter object. This attractive force is opposed by an upward thrust, or resistance, that is offered by air on the falling body. The strength of the resistance depends among other things on the surface area of the object. If the surface area is greater, so is the resistance. When any object falls through the air, these two forces compete with each other. In the case of an ant, the force of gravity is almost completely balanced by the resistance offered by the air. Thus the ant is able to land safely. In fact, if there is a wind blowing, the ants may just float away. But if a cluster of ants or a sufficiently large ant is forcibly hurled at the ground, they will get hurt. This is how much we know from the laws and theories of physics about how ants fall through the air. Whether the ant actually gets hurt is another question entirely — and probably one that hasn’t been answered so far.

LITTLE STUDS ON JEANS

Rivets

 

The little studs on jeans, also known as "rivets", serve a functional purpose to reinforce and strengthen areas of the jeans that are subject to stress and wear. They are typically found near pockets, belt loops, and other stress points. The rivets prevent the fabric from tearing or fraying over time, especially in areas that experience frequent movement and tension. 

Originally designed in the late 1800s by Levi Strauss to improve the durability of workwear, rivets have become a standard feature in modern jeans. Apart from enhancing the jeans' longevity, rivets add a stylish and distinctive element to the overall design, making them a practical and fashionable addition to denim apparel.

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What is the origin of the term ‘piggybank’?

Nowadays, when you hear the word ‘piggy bank’, you immediately think of an object shaped like a pig, which parents give their children in order to encourage them to save money. Whenever a child receives money from the parents or relatives, they are expected to put it in the little bank. The curious among you may wonder why this ‘bank’ is shaped like a ‘pig’ — after all, this animal, is not known for its ability to save — it never stores food for winter. The only thing it does is eat. As you are probably aware, several centuries ago the dishes and utensils that we make use of today were made of clay, and not metal. In England, the clay that was used to make jugs, jars, plates, etc. was called ‘pygg’. Whenever a housewife managed to save some money, she used to put it in a ‘pygg jar’ which she called ‘pygg bank’ — meaning ‘clay bank’. Around the 18th century the spelling of the clay was changed to ‘pig’, and by the time the 19th century arrived, most people had forgotten that the word ‘pig’ in ‘pig bank’ referred to a type of clay and not the animal. 

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What are crocodile tears?

Crocodile tears is a phrase used to describe fake or insincere expressions of sadness. The term comes from an old myth that crocodiles cry while eating their prey. People once believed that crocodiles wept to lure in their victims or to show false remorse. However, this is not true. 

In reality, crocodiles do produce tears, but not because they are sad. Crocodile tears are a natural part of their body’s function to keep their eyes moist, especially when they are out of water for a long time. When crocodiles eat, their jaw muscles can press on the tear glands, causing them to release tears. This has nothing to do with emotions. 

Today, when someone says you are shedding "crocodile tears", it means they think you are pretending to be sad or sorry when you really are not. It’s a way to call out someone who is being insincere.