Do you know

What is a GI Tag?

India is a land of rich traditions, unique cultures, and region-specific products. From the aroma of Darjeeling Tea to the elegance of Kanchipuram Silk Sarees, many Indian products owe their special identity to the place where they are produced. To protect such uniqueness, the concept of the GI tag was introduced.

What is a GI Tag?

A GI tag, or Geographical Indication tag, is a sign used on products that originate from a specific geographical area and possess distinct qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are essentially linked to that place.

In simple words, a GI tag tells us that:

● The product comes from a particular region

● Its quality or fame is due to that geographical location

● It cannot be authentically produced elsewhere in the same manner

Meaning of Geographical Indication

The term Geographical Indication refers to a name or sign used on goods that corresponds to a specific location. The uniqueness may arise due to:

● Climate

● Soil

● Traditional methods of production

● Skills passed down through generations

Both natural factors and human skills play an important role in defining a GI product.

Examples of GI-Tagged Products in India

India has hundreds of GI-tagged products. Some well-known examples include:

● Darjeeling Tea – West Bengal

● Basmati Rice – Indo-Gangetic Plains

● Alphonso Mango – Maharashtra

● Kanchipuram Silk Sarees – Tamil Nadu

● Kolhapuri Chappals – Maharashtra and Karnataka

● Mysore Sandalwood – Karnataka

Each of these products carries the legacy and culture of its region.

Types of Products Eligible for a GI Tag

GI tags can be given to various categories of goods, such as:

1. Agricultural products – rice, tea, coffee, fruits, spices

2. Handicrafts – textiles, metal crafts, pottery, jewellery

3. Food items – sweets, snacks, traditional dishes

4. Manufactured goods – region-specific tools or products

GI Tag in India: Legal Framework

In India, GI tags are granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

The official GI Registry is located in Chennai.

Once registered, the product receives legal protection against misuse and imitation.

Why is a GI Tag Important?

The GI tag serves multiple purposes:

✔ Protects traditional knowledge and heritage

✔ Prevents misuse and duplication of famous regional names

✔ Ensures quality and authenticity for consumers

✔ Provides economic benefits to local farmers and artisans

✔ Promotes rural development and exports

✔ Enhances India’s cultural identity at the global level

Duration and Renewal of GI Tag

A GI tag is valid for 10 years.

It can be renewed indefinitely as long as the product continues to maintain its unique characteristics.

Do You Know?

🌱 Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to receive a GI tag in 2004.

🧵 GI tags are not owned by individuals but by communities or associations of producers.

🌍 GI tags are recognised internationally under the TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Conclusion: The GI tag is much more than a legal label—it is a tool to protect India’s cultural heritage, empower local communities, and preserve traditional skills. By recognising and supporting GI-tagged products, we contribute to the protection of regional identities and sustainable development.

As consumers, being aware of GI tags helps us choose authentic products and appreciate the rich diversity that India offers.

Do you know

WHAT MAKES A PLANET?

Pluto 

Astronomers have always been fascinated by planets and eagerly search for them across the universe. However, what may come as a surprise is that defining a planet is not as simple or straightforward as it seems. Even today, scientists continue to debate what truly qualifies an object to be called a planet.

Origin of the Word ‘Planet’: The word planet comes from the Greek term planētes asteres, which means “wandering stars.” Ancient astronomers noticed that some bright objects in the night sky did not remain fixed like stars but moved slowly across the sky. These wandering lights were later identified as planets.

Early Attempts to Define a Planet: Over the years, astronomers have suggested various definitions of a planet based on different characteristics, such as:

● Size and mass

● Internal activity

● Shape and roundness

● Whether it orbits a star

As scientific knowledge advanced and new celestial bodies were discovered, the need for a clear and official definition became more important.

The IAU Definition (2006): In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) introduced an official definition of a planet. Although widely used today, it is not universally accepted by all astronomers.

According to the IAU, for an object in our Solar System to be called a planet, it must meet three conditions:

1. It must orbit the Sun.

2. It must be massive enough for its own gravity to make it nearly spherical in shape.

3. It must have cleared its orbital neighbourhood, meaning it must gravitationally dominate its region of space and remove or control other objects of comparable size.

Why Pluto Lost Its Planet Status: Pluto satisfied the first two conditions—it orbits the Sun and is nearly spherical. However, it failed the third condition. Pluto shares its orbit with many other objects in the Kuiper Belt and does not dominate its region of space.

As a result, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet, a decision that sparked widespread debate and public emotion.

Why the Definition Is Controversial: Despite its official status, the IAU definition has several problems and critics.

Orbital neighbourhoods are not always clear.

Earth and Jupiter both share their orbits with asteroids and smaller rocky bodies. By strict interpretation, they may not have fully cleared their zones either.

Neptune’s influence raises questions.

Some scientists argue that if Neptune had completely cleared its orbit, Pluto would not be found where it is today.

Distance from the Sun matters.

Planets farther from the Sun move more slowly and need to be much more massive to clear their orbital paths. This means a planet like Earth might not qualify as a planet if it were located in the outer Solar System.

Different stars, different outcomes.

Two identical planets orbiting two different stars could be classified differently due to variations in gravitational influence.

Intrinsic Properties vs Orbital Dynamics: Many astronomers believe the definition relies too heavily on orbital behaviour and not enough on a planet’s intrinsic properties, such as:

● Composition

● Internal structure

● Geological activity

They argue that a planet should be defined by what it is, not just where and how it moves.

Conclusion: The question “What makes a planet?” remains one of the most intriguing debates in modern astronomy. While the IAU definition provides a useful framework, it is not perfect and continues to be questioned. Pluto’s reclassification reminds us that science evolves with new discoveries, and definitions may change as our understanding of the universe deepens.

In astronomy, as in all sciences, asking questions is just as important as finding answers.

Do You Know?

● Pluto was considered the ninth planet for over 75 years before being reclassified.

● There are thousands of exoplanets discovered outside our Solar System, many of which challenge traditional definitions. 

Nature’s Most Surprising Parenting Strategy

WHY DOES THE CUCKOO BIRD LAY ITS EGGS IN THE CROW’S NEST?

In the world of birds, every species is known for its unique habits — some are skilled nest builders, some migrate thousands of kilometres, and some are known for their melodious songs. But among all these marvels of nature, the cuckoo stands out for a habit that surprises almost everyone: it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, especially the crow.

This unusual behaviour may seem strange at first, but when we observe nature closely, we find that it is a clever, well-designed survival strategy. The cuckoo’s way of parenting is the result of thousands of years of evolution, which has shaped it into one of the most successful “tricksters” of the bird world.

Let us explore this fascinating natural phenomenon in detail.

🌿 The Cuckoo: A Bird With a Beautiful Voice and an Unusual Habit

The cuckoo is known for its sweet and clear call that announces the arrival of spring. However, unlike many other birds, the cuckoo does not build nests, does not incubate its eggs, and does not raise its chicks. Instead, it depends entirely on other birds — known as “host birds” — to do the job.

In India, the house crow is one of the cuckoo’s most common host birds.

But why does the cuckoo choose such an unusual method? The answer lies in the way its body, behaviour, and survival needs have developed over time.

🌿 Brood Parasitism – Nature’s Clever Strategy

The habit of laying eggs in another bird’s nest is scientifically called brood parasitism. In this strategy, one bird relies on another to hatch and raise its young.

Interestingly, the cuckoo is not the only bird that follows this method — some species of cowbirds, honeyguides, and African cuckoos do the same. But the cuckoo is the most well-known and skilled brood parasite in the world.

🌿 Why the Cuckoo Chooses the Crow

1. Crows Are Excellent Parents: Crows are extremely careful and protective about their nests. They defend their eggs and chicks from predators like snakes, cats, and bigger birds. When the cuckoo places its egg in a crow’s nest, it benefits from this strong protection. A crow will sit on the eggs faithfully, keep the nest clean, and feed the chicks regularly — unaware that one of the babies is not its own.

2. The Cuckoo Saves Time and Energy: Building a nest requires days of work. Incubating eggs requires the mother bird to sit continuously for many hours. After hatching, feeding chicks becomes a full-time job. The cuckoo avoids all this labour. By leaving its eggs in someone else’s nest, it frees itself from the duty of parenting. As a result:

●The female cuckoo can lay more eggs in a season

● Both parents can spend more time searching for food

● The adult cuckoos remain agile, migratory, and energetic

● This boosts their chances of survival.

3. The Cuckoo’s Egg Mimics the Crow’s Egg: One of the most astonishing facts about the cuckoo is that its egg looks very similar to the crow’s egg in colour, pattern, and size. This is not an accident — it is the result of evolution. If the egg looked very different, the crow might reject it. But because of this mimicry, the cuckoo egg goes unnoticed. The crow incubates it along with its own eggs. This is nature’s brilliant camouflage.

4. The Cuckoo Chick Hatches Earlier and Grows Faster: The cuckoo’s egg usually hatches a little earlier than the crow’s eggs. As soon as it hatches, the cuckoo chick grows at an extraordinary speed. A crow parent feeds whichever chick opens its beak widest — and the cuckoo chick is always stronger, bigger, and louder. As a result:

● It gets more food

● It grows faster

● It soon dominates the nest

● This ensures its survival even in a crowded nest.

5. The Cuckoo Has Evolved for This Lifestyle: Over many generations, cuckoos have developed bodies and instincts that suit brood parasitism:

● Their claws are not designed for building nests

● Their bodies are light, built for long flights

● Their instincts guide them to drop eggs quickly and fly away

●Their chicks are biologically programmed to grow rapidly

All of this makes “parenting by proxy” the best survival strategy for the cuckoo.

🌿 A Strategy That Works: Though the cuckoo’s behaviour may seem selfish, it is important to understand that this is not a conscious trick. Birds do not think in human ways. Everything they do is controlled by nature, genetics, and instinct. The cuckoo lays its eggs in another bird’s nest because this method helps its species survive generation after generation. And the crow raises the cuckoo chick because it is simply following its natural instinct to care for anything that hatches in its nest. In the end, both birds are part of the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

✨ Do You Know?

● A female cuckoo can lay 20–25 eggs in a breeding season.

● Different species of cuckoos mimic the eggs of different host birds.

● Cuckoo chicks sometimes push the host’s eggs or chicks out of the nest — an instinct they are born with.

● Ancient poets often described the cuckoo as the “harbinger of spring” because of its melodious call.

🌿 Conclusion

The cuckoo’s habit of laying its eggs in the crow’s nest is one of nature’s most fascinating strategies for survival. It shows us how every species, big or small, adapts to its surroundings in extraordinary ways. What may appear strange to us is actually a finely tuned behaviour crafted by evolution over thousands of years.

In the great story of nature, every creature has its own path — and the cuckoo’s path is one of cleverness, adaptation, and remarkable survival.

Do you know

WHY DOES MELTED CHEESE STRETCH SO FAR?

Cheese pulls have become a favourite moment in every pizza, sandwich, and pasta video. But have you ever wondered why melted cheese forms such long, silky strands instead of simply breaking apart? The secret lies in the science of how cheese is built.

The Protein Network Inside Cheese: Cheese contains special proteins called casein. These proteins are arranged in a network, a bit like tiny interconnected chains. When cheese is heated, this network loosens and becomes flexible. Instead of breaking, the chains slide over each other, allowing the cheese to stretch easily.

Role of Fat: Cheese also contains fat, which melts when heated. This melted fat acts like a natural lubricant between the proteins. It makes the cheese smooth and elastic, helping it stretch without tearing.

Perfect Temperature for Stretch: Temperature plays a key role in achieving that perfect cheese pull. If the cheese is not hot enough, the proteins remain firm and won’t stretch much. If it becomes too hot, the proteins can break apart, and the cheese may turn oily. The ideal melting range for stretchy cheese like mozzarella is around 50–60°C.

Importance of Moisture: Cheeses with higher moisture—such as mozzarella—stretch better because their protein networks are softer and more flexible. Drier, aged cheeses like parmesan or cheddar melt differently and do not stretch as much.

Why Mozzarella Stretches the Best: Mozzarella is made using a special method called pasta filata, in which the curds are heated and stretched repeatedly. This process aligns the proteins in long fibres, creating the perfect structure for producing those long, impressive cheese strands.

Do You Know?

● Mozzarella was originally made from buffalo milk, which gives an even richer stretch than cow’s milk mozzarella.

● The world’s cheesiest pizza pull recorded was over 6 feet long during a food festival demonstration.

● Not all cheeses melt! Paneer and halloumi hold their shape because their proteins don’t loosen when heated.

● The “stringiness” you see is actually long strands of casein proteins flowing smoothly when warmed.

Do you know

WHY ARE JEANS CALLED “JEAN'S”?

Jeans are one of the most common and comfortable clothes we wear today. But have you ever wondered how they got their name? The story of jeans is actually very interesting and begins in Europe many centuries ago.

The Origin of the Name

The word “jeans” comes from the name of a place — Genoa, a city in Italy. Long ago, around the 1500s, the sailors in Genoa needed strong clothes that would not tear easily. They wore trousers made from a tough cotton fabric.

The French, who traded with these sailors, called the people from Genoa “Gênes” (pronounced like jeans). Slowly, this name began to be used for the trousers made from that fabric.

How Jeans Became Popular

Even though the name came from Italy, jeans became world-famous in the United States. In the 1800s, a man named Levi Strauss made strong trousers for workers during the Gold Rush. These trousers were made from another strong fabric called denim.

Did you know?

The word denim also comes from French — “de Nîmes”, meaning from the city of Nîmes.

Jeans Today

From sailors to workers to students, jeans have become a part of everyone’s wardrobe. They are comfortable, stylish, and available in many designs and colours.

In Short

The name jeans comes from Genoa (Gênes) in Italy.

Denim, the fabric used for jeans, came from Nîmes in France.

Jeans became popular because they were strong and long-lasting.

When the sky opens up

CLOUDBURSTS

Cloudbursts are among the most sudden and destructive weather events in the world. Within minutes, they can turn calm landscapes into roaring streams, triggering flash floods, landslides, and large-scale damage—especially in mountainous regions like the Himalayas. Understanding how they form and how we can stay safe is essential in today’s changing climate.

What Is a Cloudburst?

A cloudburst is an extreme and sudden rainfall event, where a huge amount of precipitation falls over a small area in a very short time. It may also be accompanied by thunder, lightning, or hail.

Such intense rainfall overwhelms the ground’s ability to absorb water, leading to instant flooding.

Do You Know?

The term “cloudburst” comes from the old belief that clouds burst like water-filled balloons. Although this idea is scientifically incorrect, the name still continues to be used.

How Do Cloudbursts Occur?

Cloudbursts happen due to a combination of atmospheric conditions:

1. Sudden Condensation

A large amount of moisture rapidly condenses in the atmosphere.

2. Strong Upward Air Currents

Powerful vertical winds hold the condensed water droplets at high altitudes for some time.

When these upward currents suddenly weaken, the accumulated water falls all at once—causing a cloudburst.

3. Orographic Effect

They are most common in hilly regions when moisture-laden winds hit mountain slopes, rise rapidly, cool, and condense suddenly.

4. Mixing of Air Masses

Sometimes, warm moist air collides with cooler air, triggering rapid condensation that leads to intense rainfall.

Why Are Cloudbursts Increasing?

● Strong Updrafts

Vertical air currents can trap huge amounts of water which fall suddenly when the wind weakens.

● Climate Change

A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. As global temperatures rise, cloudbursts are becoming more frequent and more intense.

Recent Cloudburst Incidents (2025)

● Several cloudbursts have hit the Himalayan foothills in recent months, causing flash floods and heavy loss of life and property:

● Uttarakhand (August 5, 2025) – Cloudburst over the Kheer Ganga River triggered floods in Dharali village.

● Kullu, Himachal Pradesh (August 9, 2025) – A cloudburst in the Sharod Nala area caused water levels in Barogi Nala to rise sharply.

● Kishtwar, J&K (August 14, 2025) – A massive cloudburst struck Chashoti village, killing more than 46 people.

● Kathua, J&K (August 17, 2025) – Cloudburst and landslides in Jodh Ghati and Bagra villages claimed seven lives.

These incidents highlight the urgent need for better forecasting and preparedness.

Government Initiatives

India has taken several steps to improve disaster preparedness and response:

● Mausam App (IMD)

Provides quick weather updates and warnings.

● Disaster Management Act, 2005

Offers a legal framework for managing disasters.

● National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

A trained force dedicated to disaster rescue and relief.

● National Policy on Disaster Management (2009)

Aims to manage disasters through prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.

● Sendai Framework

India has committed to reducing disaster risks under this global framework.

● National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Guides states in preparing climate action plans; all 34 States/UTs have developed their SAPCCs.

Way Forward

1. Improve Forecasting Systems

Investment in advanced radars, satellites, and ground sensors is essential for accurate, hyperlocal warnings.

2. Restore Ecosystems

Afforestation, watershed development, and strict land-use regulation help slopes absorb rainfall naturally.

3. Build Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure

Roads, bridges, and buildings must be designed to withstand extreme weather.

4. Promote Research

More studies on cloudburst formation, climate impact, and local vulnerability will help predict them better.

5. Strengthen Community Preparedness

Regular drills, school training, and awareness programmes can save lives during sudden disasters.

Conclusion: Cloudbursts are natural events, but their increasing frequency is linked to climate change and environmental degradation. By improving forecasting, planning responsibly, and strengthening community awareness, we can reduce the damage they cause. Understanding cloudbursts is an important step in creating safer and more resilient communities—especially in the fragile Himalayan region.

Do you know

WHY DO BODY PARTS “FALL ASLEEP ”?

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and realised your arm feels numb and tingly? Or maybe your foot “fell asleep” after sitting cross-legged for too long? Don’t worry—your body parts aren’t actually taking a nap! The phrase “falling asleep” is just an expression people use to describe a temporary loss of sensation caused by pressure on the nerves.

What Really Happens

Your nerves are like tiny electrical wires that carry messages between your brain and body. They tell your muscles to move and help you feel sensations like touch, pain, and temperature.

When you sit or sleep in an awkward position—say, resting your head on your arm or keeping your legs crossed for a long time—you may accidentally press down on one or more nerves. This pressure “squishes” them and slows or blocks the signals they’re trying to send.

It’s a bit like stepping on a garden hose: while your foot is on the hose, water stops flowing. Once you move your foot away, the water gushes out again. Similarly, when you shift position and take the pressure off your nerves, the messages start flowing again.

The “Pins and Needles” Feeling

As the nerve signals return, you may feel a strange tingling sensation often described as “pins and needles.” This happens because the nerves are “waking up” and trying to get back to normal. The sensation may last a few seconds or a couple of minutes, but it’s harmless and goes away on its own.

Why It Happens More Often in Some People

While everyone experiences this from time to time, some people may feel it more often:

If they have poor posture or sit in one position for too long.

If they have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or nerve disorders, which can make nerves more sensitive.

If circulation is temporarily reduced, since nerves also depend on a steady blood supply to function properly.

How to “Wake Up” a Sleeping Limb

If your arm or leg has fallen asleep, you can help it recover faster by:

Changing your position to remove pressure from the nerve.

Gently moving or shaking the limb to improve blood flow.

Stretching slowly, which helps the nerves and muscles get back to normal function.

Avoid slapping or hitting the area—gentle movement works best!

When to See a Doctor

Occasional tingling or numbness is normal, but if you notice that the sensation happens very often, lasts for a long time, or comes with pain or weakness, it could be a sign of an underlying problem with your nerves or blood circulation. In such cases, it’s best to talk to a doctor.

A Fun Thought

Next time your foot “falls asleep,” think of it as your nerves taking a short break after being squished. Give them a little shake, and they’ll be “wide awake” again in no time!

The Land of 800 Languages

PAPUA NEW GUINEA 

When it comes to languages, no country on Earth can match Papua New Guinea. Though small in size, this island nation in the Pacific Ocean holds the title of being the most linguistically diverse country in the world.

🗣️ A Nation of Voices:

Papua New Guinea is home to around 839 living languages — nearly 12% of all the world’s languages!

Most of these are indigenous tribal languages, each spoken by a small group of people living in mountain valleys, rainforests, or islands.

Languages in Papua New Guinea often differ so greatly that two neighbouring villages may not understand each other’s speech.

Yet, this diversity is also what makes the country’s culture so rich and colourful.

🇵🇬 Official Languages:

Despite the huge variety of native tongues, the country recognises three official languages:

● English – used in schools, government, and formal communication.

● Tok Pisin – a creole language that mixes English words with local grammar; widely spoken across the country.

● Hiri Motu – an older regional language once used for trade along the southern coast.

Among these, Tok Pisin is the most commonly spoken and understood by the majority of people.

🪶 The Challenge of Preservation:

Many of Papua New Guinea’s languages are spoken by fewer than 1,000 people.

As younger generations move to cities and use more English or Tok Pisin, some ancient languages are slowly disappearing.

Linguists around the world are working to record and preserve them before they are lost forever.

🌈 A Treasure of Diversity:

Every language carries unique stories, songs, and traditions.

Papua New Guinea reminds us that language is not just a tool for communication — it is a bridge to culture, history, and identity.

🌏 Quick Facts:

🗣️ Number of living languages: Around 839

🇵🇬 Country with the highest linguistic diversity in the world

🌍 Home to 12% of the world’s languages

👥 Many languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers

📚 Most people are multilingual, using 3–4 languages daily

🏝️ The island of New Guinea (shared by Papua New Guinea and Indonesia) has over 1,000 languages in total!

🥁 In remote areas, people once used “talking drums” and flute tunes to communicate messages.

📖 Some Papuan languages have no written form, existing only through oral tradition.

🎶 Many songs, myths, and stories are passed down in unique village dialects.

🌈 A Thought to Remember

“Each language is like a world of its own — when one disappears, a piece of human history fades away.”

Do you know

WHY IS @ IMPORTANT IN AN EMAIL ADDRESS?

The @ symbol is essential in an email address because it separates the user's name from the domain name, clearly identifying both who the message is for and where it should be sent.

Here's what it does:

Format of an email address:

username@domain.com

Before the @ → the username (or local part): This identifies the individual or mailbox (e.g., jane.doe).

After the @ → the domain name: This tells the email system which server or service to send the message to (e.g., gmail.com, yahoo.co.uk).

Why it's important:

1. Routing the email:

The @ helps mail servers know where to deliver the message. The domain (after the @) tells the system which server to contact. Without it, the message would have nowhere to go.

2. Standards and protocols:

Email systems are based on protocols like SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), which rely on the @ symbol as part of the standard format defined in technical specifications (like RFC 5322).

3. Human readability:

The @ is easy to read and understand—it literally means "at". For example, jane@company.com is read as "Jane at company dot com".

Fun fact:

The use of @ in email addresses was introduced by Ray Tomlinson in 1971, when he created the first networked email system. He chose @ because it wasn’t commonly used in usernames and logically represented being at a location (server/domain).

Do you know

HOW HOLLYWOOD GOT ITS NAME 

When we hear the word Hollywood, we immediately think of glittering stars, glamorous movies, and the heart of the world’s film industry. But long before it became the centre of cinema, Hollywood was just a quiet stretch of land in California with farms and orange groves. The story of how it got its name is both charming and fascinating.

A peaceful beginning: In 1887, a real estate developer named Harvey Henderson Wilcox and his wife Daeida Wilcox bought land near Los Angeles. Their dream was to create a calm and pleasant residential community, far from the noise of the growing city.

How the name was chosen: The credit for the name “Hollywood” goes to Daeida Wilcox. During a train journey, she met a woman who mentioned her summer home near Chicago, which was called Hollywood. Daeida found the name graceful and musical. She liked the idea so much that she decided to give their new settlement the same name.

According to some, Daeida said that “holly” represented a type of plant known for its beauty, and “wood” symbolised a peaceful forest — together meaning “a beautiful place among the holly trees.”

From farms to films: The name Hollywood officially appeared on a map in 1887, marking the start of a small town that would later make history. In the early 1900s, filmmakers began moving to the area because of its sunny weather and variety of landscapes. Soon, the peaceful farmland turned into a bustling centre for movie-making.

A name known around the world: Over the years, Hollywood became a symbol of dreams, creativity, and fame. What started as a quiet residential idea by the Wilcoxes became the shining heart of the global entertainment industry.

Conclusion: The name Hollywood carries with it a story of inspiration and transformation. Chosen for its beauty and charm, it went on to represent the magic of cinema and the spirit of imagination that continues to inspire people around the world.

Did You Know?

● The famous Hollywood Sign originally read “Hollywoodland” when it was built in 1923 to advertise a housing project.

● The last four letters — “land” — were removed in 1949, leaving the iconic word Hollywood we see today.

● Hollywood became part of Los Angeles in 1910, paving the way for its rise as the world’s movie capital.

Do you know

WHY DO CATS LICK THEIR FUR?

Cats lick their fur mainly for grooming and self-care. This behaviour is natural and serves several important purposes:

1. Cleaning Themselves:

Cats lick their fur to remove dirt, dust, loose hair, and parasites. Their tongue has tiny, hook-like structures (called papillae) that help clean and untangle their fur effectively.

2. Regulating Body Temperature:

Cats don’t sweat like humans do. By licking their fur, they spread saliva that evaporates and helps cool their body, especially in hot weather.

3. Distributing Natural Oils:

Licking spreads the natural oils produced by their skin, keeping their coat smooth, shiny, and waterproof.

4. Comfort and Stress Relief:

Grooming also has a calming effect. Cats often lick themselves when they’re anxious, nervous, or trying to relax — it’s a self-soothing behaviour.

5. Scent Marking:

Cats have scent glands on their skin. By grooming, they spread their own scent, which makes them feel secure and reinforces their identity.

6. Social Bonding:

When cats lick each other (a behaviour called allogrooming), it helps strengthen social bonds within a group.

In short, cats lick their fur not just to stay clean, but also to stay cool, comfortable, and emotionally balanced. 🐱

Do you know

WHO ARE ANGLO-INDIANS?

Anglo-Indians are a distinct community that originated during the British colonial period in India. The term generally refers to people of mixed Indian and British ancestry, as well as, historically, to British people who lived and worked in India. Over time, however, the meaning has evolved.

Here’s a detailed explanation:

🏛️ Historical Background

During the British rule in India (roughly 1600s–1947), many British men who worked for the East India Company, the British Army, or in administration married or had families with Indian women. Their children, born of these unions, formed a unique cultural group—the Anglo-Indians.

Initially, they were known by various terms such as Eurasians or Indo-Britons, but the Government of India Act of 1935 officially defined "Anglo-Indian" as:

> “A person whose father or any of whose other male ancestors in the male line is or was of European descent but who is domiciled within the territory of India and is or was born of parents habitually resident therein.”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cultural Identity

Anglo-Indians developed a culture that blended Indian and British influences:

Language: English is their mother tongue.

Religion: Most are Christians, mainly belonging to Roman Catholic, Protestant, or Anglican denominations.

Lifestyle: Their food, clothing, music, and social customs mix Western and Indian traditions.

Education and Employment: Many Anglo-Indians worked in railways, postal services, teaching, and nursing — sectors established during the British Raj.

🇮🇳 After Indian Independence (1947)

After 1947, the Anglo-Indian community faced uncertainty about their identity and place in independent India. Some migrated to countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, while others remained in India.

The Indian Constitution recognised the community’s contribution:

Reserved seats: Two members of the Anglo-Indian community were nominated to the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) and one to certain State Legislative Assemblies to ensure representation.

These seats were abolished in 2020 through the 104th Constitutional Amendment.

🌏 Present Scenario

Today, Anglo-Indians continue to live across India—in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai—and abroad.

They are known for their hospitality, good command of English, music, and community spirit.

In Summary: Anglo-Indians are a community of mixed Indian and British descent with a unique culture, language, and identity that bridges the East and the West.

Do you know

HOW DOES 3D PRINTING WORK?

3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital design. Here’s how it works step by step:

🖥 1. Design the Model

A 3D model is created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software or downloaded from online libraries.

The design file is saved in a format like .STL or .OBJ.

🪡 2. Slicing the Model

The 3D model is imported into slicing software, which cuts the model into thin horizontal layers.

The slicer also generates instructions, called G-code, that tell the printer exactly where and how to move.

🖨 3. Printing the Object

The 3D printer reads the G-code and starts building the object layer by layer.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), the most common method, melts plastic filament and extrudes it through a heated nozzle. Other methods include:

Stereolithography (SLA): Uses UV light to harden liquid resin.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): Uses a laser to fuse powdered material.

🔧 4. Layer-by-Layer Construction

Each layer is deposited or cured on top of the previous one, bonding together until the full shape is formed.

The printer bed or the nozzle may move in the X, Y, and Z directions to achieve the final structure.

✨ 5. Post-Processing

The finished print may need cleaning, curing, sanding, or painting for a smooth and polished look.

📦 Applications of 3D Printing

● Prototyping and Manufacturing: Engineers 

● create prototypes quickly and cheaply.

●Medicine: Prosthetics, implants, and even bio-printing tissues.

●Education and Art: Students and artists bring creative projects to life.

● Construction: Large-scale printers build houses and bridges.

🌱 Advantages

● Customisation of designs.

●Reduced waste compared to traditional manufacturing.

● Faster production for small batches or unique items.

Do you know

WHY CAN'T WE REMEMBER BEING BABIES?

Have you ever wondered why none of us can recall our very first years of life? We all went through countless experiences as infants—our first laugh, the first time we crawled, or the first toy we held—but those moments remain locked away from our conscious memory. This mysterious gap in memory is called infantile amnesia, and scientists have been curious about it for decades.

There are several reasons why we can’t remember our babyhood:

1. Brain Development

The hippocampus, a part of the brain crucial for forming long-term, explicit memories, is still developing in the first few years of life.

Babies do learn and remember things, but these memories are often implicit (skills, habits, emotional responses) rather than explicit (clear, story-like memories).

2. Language Development

Memories are easier to form and recall once we have words to describe experiences.

Since infants don’t yet have a developed vocabulary, they can’t encode events in a way that matches how we recall them later in life.

3. Sense of Self

Autobiographical memory (the kind where we remember personal life events) depends on having a concept of “self”.

Babies don’t fully recognise themselves as separate, enduring individuals until around age 2. Without that sense of self, experiences aren’t stored as “my memories.”

4. Memory Storage and Forgetting

Early memories may be stored differently and later become inaccessible as the brain reorganises during childhood.

Neural pruning (the brain trimming unused connections) might also wipe out or reshape early memories.

5. Emotional Encoding

Babies do form emotional bonds and associations (for example, recognising a caregiver’s face or feeling soothed by a lullaby).

These are remembered in a more emotional, bodily sense rather than as clear, retrievable stories.

So, while we can’t recall being babies in the way we remember school or birthdays, our earliest years still shape us profoundly—through attachments, habits, and emotional patterns.