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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BROWN AND WHITE EGGS?

The primary difference between brown and white eggs is the colour of the eggshell, which is determined by the breed of the hen that lays them. Here are some key differences and similarities:

Differences:

1. Eggshell Color – White eggs come from hens with white feathers and white earlobes, while brown eggs come from hens with red or brown feathers and red earlobes.

2. Price – Brown eggs are often more expensive than white eggs because the hens that lay them (like Rhode Island Reds) tend to be larger and require more feed.

3. Perceived Quality – Some people believe brown eggs are healthier or more natural, but this is a misconception.

Similarities:

1. Nutritional Value – Both brown and white eggs have nearly identical nutrition, containing the same amount of protein, fat, and vitamins.

2. Taste and Cooking – There is no significant difference in taste or cooking performance. However, diet can slightly influence yolk color and flavour.

3. Shell Thickness – Some believe brown eggs have thicker shells, but shell thickness depends on the hen’s age, not egg colour. Younger hens lay eggs with thicker shells.

So, the choice between brown and white eggs mostly comes down to personal preference and cost rather than any real nutritional or taste difference.

One of the largest and most successful fast-food chains in the world

McDonald's

The story of McDonald's is quite interesting.

The McDonald Brothers (Founders): Richard and Maurice McDonald originally opened McDonald's Bar-B-Q in 1940 in San Bernardino, California. It was a typical drive-in restaurant of the time. But in 1948, they revamped the restaurant into a fast-food model, eliminating carhops and streamlining their menu to focus on just a few items: burgers, fries, and shakes.

They introduced the "Speedee Service System", which worked like an assembly line, allowing them to serve food much faster than traditional restaurants. This system became the foundation of modern fast food.

Ray Kroc (The Man Who Built McDonald's Empire): In 1954, Ray Kroc, a traveling milkshake machine salesman, discovered the McDonald brothers' restaurant when they ordered several of his Multimixer machines. He was impressed by their efficiency and saw a huge business opportunity.

Kroc convinced the brothers to let him franchise McDonald's under their name. By 1955, he opened the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois. Over time, he expanded aggressively, eventually buying out the McDonald brothers for $2.7 million in 1961.

McDonald's Today: After Kroc took over, he turned McDonald's into a global fast-food empire with:

The Golden Arches logo

The Ronald McDonald mascot

A focus on franchising

Strict consistency in food quality and service

Today, McDonald's is one of the largest and most successful fast-food chains in the world, serving millions of customers in over 100 countries.

So, while the McDonald brothers started it, it was Ray Kroc who made it what it is today!

Did you know

HOW WAS THE WORD "NEWS" DERIVED?

The word news comes from the late Middle English period (14th–15th century) and is derived from the plural form of new, meaning "new things" or "new occurrences." It was influenced by the Old French word nouvelles, which also means "new things" or "tidings."

There is a common but incorrect myth that news is an acronym for "North, East, West, South," suggesting it represents information from all directions. However, this is not true; the word simply evolved from the idea of reporting new events.

The word news has an interesting linguistic evolution:

1. Early Usage: The concept of reporting new events dates back to ancient civilizations. The Romans had the Acta Diurna, a daily gazette, and in China, the government circulated official reports called dibao as early as the Tang Dynasty. The word news itself first appeared in English in the 14th century, referring to "new things" or "fresh information."

2. Language Influence: It comes from the Middle English newes, which was the plural of new. The Old French nouvelles (meaning "new things" or "tidings") also played a role in shaping its meaning. Similar words exist in other languages: Spanish (noticias), German (Nachrichten), and Italian (notizie), all referring to updates or reports.

3. Misconception About NEWS as an Acronym: Some people believe news stands for "North, East, West, South," implying worldwide coverage. This is a false etymology; news simply refers to fresh or recent events.

4. Printed and Broadcast News: The first English-language newspaper appeared in the early 17th century. Over time, the meaning of news expanded to refer specifically to information disseminated via print, radio, television, and later, digital media.

So, the word news originally just meant "new things" but evolved into the concept of organized reporting over time.

Best bread in the world

BUTTER GARLIC NAAN

Indian food is making headlines again! This time, it's all about the bread. A super popular food guide called TasteAtlas just announced the “Top 100 Breads in the World", and butter garlic naan from India took the NUMBER ONE spot! Can you believe it? 

Amritsari kulcha

The number two spot was secured by another Indian bread - the Amritsari kulcha. Seven more Indian breads were in the top 50, like parotta, paratha, bhatura - so many delicious options. Breads from Türkiye, Malaysia, and Colombia also made the top 5, showing that there's awesome bread all over the world.

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WHY DO CATS AND DOGS HAVE WHISKERS?

Dogs and cats have whiskers (also called vibrissae) because they serve as highly sensitive sensory tools that help them navigate their environment. Here’s why they are important:

For Cats:

1. Enhanced Navigation – Whiskers detect air currents and help cats sense objects even in the dark.

2. Measuring Spaces – They help cats judge whether they can fit through tight spaces.

3. Protection – Whiskers detect potential dangers near their face, like sharp objects.

4. Communication and Mood Indicator – A cat's whisker position can signal emotions like curiosity or fear.

For Dogs:

1. Sensing the Environment – Whiskers help detect nearby objects and changes in airflow.

2. Protecting Their Face – They act as an early warning system to prevent bumps or injuries.

3. Enhancing Hunting and Play – Dogs use whiskers to detect small movements, especially useful for hunting breeds.

4. Emotional Expression – Whiskers move depending on the dog's mood, similar to cats.

In both animals, whiskers are deeply rooted in nerve endings, making them extremely sensitive. That’s why trimming or pulling them can be uncomfortable or even disorienting.

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WHY IS SUGAR WATER STICKY?

Sugar water is sticky because sugar molecules have a strong affinity for water molecules, forming hydrogen bonds between them. When sugar dissolves in water, the individual sugar molecules become surrounded by water molecules, creating a sticky solution. This stickiness arises from the cohesive forces between the water molecules and the adhesive forces between the water molecules and the sugar molecules. As a result, when sugar water comes into contact with surfaces, the adhesive forces cause it to cling to those surfaces, producing the sensation of stickiness. The more concentrated the sugar solution, the stickier it tends to be due to the increased number of sugar molecules available to form bonds with water molecules.

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WHY DOES HITTING EQUIPMENT SOMETIMES FIX IT?

This phenomenon is known as percussive maintenance. It temporarily works by restoring broken connections or loose contacts in electronic devices. A gentle tap can re-establish these connections momentarily, but the issue will likely return unless fixed properly, such as by soldering. For remote controls, corroded batteries are often the culprit, as oxidized metals block energy flow. Hitting may briefly improve contact, but replacing the batteries is the real solution. However, frequent or forceful hits can damage your device further, making it less reliable over time. 

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WHY ARE RAILWAY TRACKS ALWAYS LAID ON GRAVEL?

Ever noticed the rough gravel under railway tracks and wondered why it’s there? Well, it’s not just for looks! The gravel, called ballast, plays a crucial role in keeping the tracks stable. It evenly spreads the heavy weight of trains, preventing the tracks from sinking into the ground. It also helps with drainage, allowing rainwater to pass through so that the tracks don’t get damaged. Plus, it absorbs vibrations from moving trains, making rides smoother and reducing noise. Without gravel, tracks would shift, wear out faster, and become unsafe. So, next time you see a train zooming by, you’ll know the secret beneath its tracks!

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WHY DO WE SCRATCH WHEN A PART OF OUR BODY ITCHES?

We have all experienced itching at some point or the other in our lives. You may even feel this rather unpleasant sensation at the very moment. 

An itch, known also by its Latin name Pruritus, is a sensation to which your body wants you to respond with scratching. You may either feel an intense desire to scratch or simply have an involuntary reaction - a scratching reflex. 

Itch signals are received by the same part of the brain that receives pain signals. 

It is believed that about 5% of our pain nerves are preset to send itch signals. Itching is one of our defense mechanisms in many ways like tickling and pain itself. 

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WHY ARE CHOCOLATES PACKED IN METALLIC FOIL?

Chocolates are often packed in metallic foil for a couple of yummy reasons! First, the foil helps keep the chocolates fresh by protecting them from things like air and light that can make them go bad. Just like how you might put your favourite cookies in a jar to keep them tasty, chocolate needs a little wrapper to stay delicious. 

Second, the shiny foil makes the chocolate look extra special and fancy. It’s like giving the chocolates a shiny outfit! This makes them more appealing when you see them in the store or get them as a gift. Plus, the foil helps keep the chocolate from melting too quickly in your hands, so you can enjoy it without making a sticky mess. 

So, next time you unwrap chocolate with that crinkly sound, remember that the foil is like a superhero cape, protecting and presenting your sweet treat in the most delightful way!

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WHY DOESN'T  THE CHOCOLATE IN THE  CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES MELT?

Chocolate melts when heated, but when you bake chocolate chip cookies, you don't end up with a gooey mess.

Why? Cooking chocolate tends to have less cocoa butter than eating chocolate, which raises the cooking chocolate's  melting temperature and makes it more difficult to melt. 

However, the chocolate will still melt in the oven. The chocolate chips in your cookies are simply held in shape by the surrounding cookie mixture. When the cookies cool, the chips solidify again, so it looks as if they never melted. 

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WHY DO OLD BATTERIES LEAK?

Batteries generate electricity through chemical reactions that move electrons between terminals. In alkaline batteries, a gel called potassium hydroxide conducts electricity. Over time, as the battery works, hydrogen gas builds up inside the sealed casing, increasing pressure. This can create tiny cracks in the metal, causing potassium hydroxide to leak.

When exposed to air, it reacts with carbon dioxide, forming a crust of potassium carbonate, which is harmless. However, potassium hydroxide itself can irritate the skin. To safely dispose the leaking batteries, place them in a plastic bag and take them to a recycling center. Proper disposal prevents environmental harm and keeps everyone safe.

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HOW LOUD IS A SUPERSONIC PLANE?

Supersonic planes, like the Concorde or modern supersonic jets, create a sonic boom while flying faster than the speed of sound (about 767 mph or 1,235 km/h). The sonic boom is a thunder-like noise resulting from shockwaves produced by the aircraft. The loudness of a supersonic plane depends on various factors, including altitude and distance from the flight path. At ground level, a sonic boom can reach around 120 decibels, similar to a thunderclap. However, advancements in aerodynamics aim to minimise these disturbances. Newer supersonic planes incorporate design features to lessen the intensity of sonic booms, considering environmental impact and comfort.

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HOW DO ANTS PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE ANTHILL?

Have you ever noticed large mounds standing out in your backyard, even with water all around them? Did you know that's an anthill or the home of all the ants together? That's amazing, isn’t it?

Ants are known for their remarkable resilience and adaptability. They are quite adept at surviving the most challenging conditions. When caught in a heavy downpour, it can seem like they have no chance of survival. However, the crafty bugs are safe and dry in their subterranean home. 

The ant fortresses have a number of defence systems. The first is the anthill that sits right on top of the nest. The mounds are usually made with special kinds of dirt or sand that absorbs water and dries quickly. Water hitting the convex dirt tends to bead and run off the side. 

Ants tend to burrow at least a foot underground and have an intricate system of tunnels that work like storm-water drains. When heavy rain leads to rainwater entering the tunnel, it rarely penetrates that deep into the soil. The tunnels channel water away from the colony. 

With this clever tunnelling, ants also trap air in various chambers throughout the mound, and entrances to chambers come from below, preventing rainwater from coming in. 

Some ant species dig their anthills extremely deep. The deepest anthill on record belongs to the leafcutter ant, which can be as much as 26feet deep. While that's pretty extreme, many species of ants avoid heavy rain by hiding beneath it. 

Deepest leafcutter anthill 

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WHY DO MEDICINES COME IN DIFFERENT FORM?

Medicine is given in different forms because of the necessity for convenience or speed. It can be given by mouth (orally) in the form of tablets, capsules or draughts. It can be inhaled in the form of gases, fine aerosols, or very rarely, exceedingly fine powder. Injections of medicines are given subcutaneously (beneath the skin), intramuscularly or intravenously. Sometimes solid implants in the form of tablets may be placed subcutaneously. Injections may also be given in the spine or brain. 

Medicines can be given through the rectum as solids or enemas. Finally, they are solutions, powders, creams and ointments which are placed locally on the skin. 

Convenient medicines are those which can be taken or administered easily by the patient himself. Oral medicines and inhalation are convenient and a great deal of research is carried out to make these more palatable. 

Manufacturers prefer oral preparations because they can be attractively coloured and flavoured and made impressively mysterious in size and shape. They can also be code-stamped or named for identification. Injections have to be sterile and kept in appropriate containers and are therefore relatively expensive. 

Gypsum crystal

DESERT ROSE

The desert rose is neither soft nor fragrant. In fact, it is not a flower at all but a gypsum crystal. Do you know what gypsum is? It is a mineral used in the creation of concrete, sheet-rock and plaster of paris. In the desert, gypsum crystals are found in sand dunes. The grains of sand interfere with the growth of crystals and the result is that the crystals are formed in the shape of petals. Desert Rose gypsum is found in many locations around the world and specimens found in different places can look radically different, but all of them are without doubt delicate beauties born of the earth. 

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