India’s first frozen zoo

PADMAJA NAIDU HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK 

Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has established India’s first “Frozen Zoo”. This facility is designed to store the genetic material of various Himalayan species at extremely low temperatures. 

The “Frozen Zoo” is like a super-safe vault for preserving animal DNA at very cold temperatures. Scientists collect tiny pieces of tissue from animals (even ones that have passed away), and then they store these samples in a special lab. 

This helps save the genetic blueprints of these endangered animals. Well, lots of amazing animals, like red pandas, gorals, mishmi takins, and snow leopards, are in danger of disappearing forever. 

By freezing their DNA, we can protect their genetic variety and maybe even bring them back from the brink of extinction one day! This Frozen Zoo is a collaboration between the zoo and Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.

What is a Frozen Zoo?

A frozen zoo is a genetic cryobank that stores genetic material (like DNA, sperm, eggs, and embryos) from animals that are typically endangered and are on the verge of extinction. The genetic material is stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at extremely low temperatures (-196°C) for long-term preservation. 

Did you know?

There are very few frozen zoos in the world. The first one was set up in 1975 by Kurt Benirschke at the Institute for Conservation Research in San Diego. Today, it holds over 8,400 samples from 800 species.

Cape Town's most colourful neighbourhood

BO KAAP

Bo Kaap is a vibrant and historically rich neighbourhood located on the slopes of Signal Hill in Cape Town, South Africa. 

History: Bo-Kaap dates back to the 1760s when many of the houses were leased to freed slaves, known as the Cape Malays. These people were brought to the Cape from Southeast Asia (mostly Indonesia and Malaysia) by the Dutch.

Cultural significance: It's one of the oldest residential areas in Cape Town and has strong ties to Islamic heritage—many of the early residents were Muslim and contributed to the establishment of mosques and Islamic schools.

Architecture: The area is renowned for its cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses in a variety of bold colours.

The houses reflect Cape Dutch and Georgian architectural styles with Islamic influences, showcasing unique wooden details, ornate doors, and flat roofs.

Culture and Community: 

Bo-Kaap is a center of Cape Malay culture, known for its:

Cuisine: Dishes like bobotie, samosas, and koeksisters.

Music and dance: Traditional Ghoema music and the annual Cape Minstrel Carnival.

Religious life: Home to the Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Africa (built in 1794).

Tourism: Bo-Kaap is a popular tourist destination for walking tours, visiting the Bo-Kaap Museum, photography of its colorful homes and street scenes and experiencing Cape Malay cooking through food tours and classes.

Marvels of ancient engineering

THE GREAT PYRAMIDS OF GIZA 

Standing proudly on the sands of Egypt for over 4,500 years, the Great Pyramids of Giza are one of the most iconic symbols of human history. These incredible structures were built as tombs for the pharaohs and are a testament to the ingenuity, skill and determination of ancient Egyptian civilisation. How were these massive monuments constructed with such precision, and what secrets do they still hold?

The Engineering Wonder: The largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, originally stood at an astonishing height of 146 metres (now slightly shorter due to erosion). It was built using over 2 million limestone blocks, each weighing between 2 and 15 tons. Ancient engineers used ramps, levers and sheer manpower to move and position these massive stones. The pyramids were not just architectural achievements; they were also designed with astronomical precision. The Great Pyramid is aligned almost perfectly with the cardinal points of the compass and was constructed to reflect significant celestial events. This alignment demonstrates the Egyptians' advanced understanding of mathematics and astronomy.

The Purpose and Legacy: The pyramids served as monumental tombs to honour and protect the pharaohs in the afterlife. The chambers inside were filled with treasures, food and artifacts to support their journey beyonddeath. While many of these treasures were lost to grave robbers over the centuries, the pyramid themselves remain as enduring legacies of a civilisation that continues to fascinate and inspire. The Great Pyramids of Giza are more than just ancient tombs – they are monuments to human ambition, skill and the desire to reach for the stars. Despite centuries of study, these architectural wonders continue to hold secrets that spark curiosity and awe. They remind us of the incredible achievements of those who came before us and the mysteries that still lie waiting to be unravelled. The Great Pyramid’s base is so precisely aligned that its error margin is less than 0.05%. Contrary to popular belief, many pyramid builders were not slaves but skilled labourers who were well-fed and respected for their work.

Hidden Chambers: Researchers have recently discovered a mysterious void inside the Great Pyramid using advanced scanning technology, but its purpose remains unknown.

The Wet Sand Theory: This theory builds on ancient depictions and modern experiments showing that wetting the sand in front of sledges reduces friction, making it easier to transport heavy stones. Workers might have used water to harden the sand, allowing them to drag massive stones across desert terrain with less effort.

Internal Spiral Ramps: Proposed by French architect Jean-Pierre Houdin, this theory suggests the pyramids were built using internal spiral ramps rather than external ones. The internal ramps, hidden within the structure, would have been used to move stones up to higher levels.

The Great Pyramids of Giza are more than just ancient tombs – they are monuments to human ambition, skill and the desire to reach for the stars. Despite centuries of study, these architectural wonders continue to hold secrets that spark curiosity and awe. They remind us of the incredible achievements of those who came before us and the mysteries that still lie waiting to be unravelled.

Smallest country in the world

VATICAN CITY 

The smallest country in the world by both area and population is Vatican City.

Area: About 0.49 square kilometers (0.19 square miles).

Population: Around 800 people.

It's an independent city-state entirely surrounded by Rome, Italy, and serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Political Status: Vatican City is an independent sovereign state, established in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy.

It is the spiritual headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope, the spiritual leader of Catholics worldwide.

Government: It’s an absolute monarchy — the Pope holds full executive, legislative, and judicial powers. The Pope is also the head of state.

Language and Currency:

Official Language: Latin (used in official documents), but Italian is commonly spoken.

Currency: Euro (€), even though Vatican City is not a member of the EU.

Major Landmarks:

St. Peter's Basilica – One of the largest churches in the world, built over the tomb of Saint Peter.

St. Peter's Square – Famous for its grand open space and events led by the Pope.

The Vatican Museums – Home to vast collections of art and historical artifacts, including the Sistine Chapel, which has Michelangelo’s famous ceiling.

Population: Around 800 residents, but only about half are Vatican citizens. Citizens include the Pope, cardinals, Swiss Guards (who protect the Pope), and other officials.

Interesting Facts:

Vatican City has its own radio station, post office, newspaper, and even an astronomical observatory.

It has no airport or railway system, but there’s a heliport and a small railway track used occasionally.

The Vatican issues its own passports, license plates, and stamps.

The underground town of the world

COOBER PEDY

In the middle of the remote South Australian desert lies the small town of Coober Pedy, which houses strange underground residences and other facilities.

Coober Pedy is the world's only underground town where settlers live underground to escape the scorching summer heat as daytime temperatures touch a whooping 125°F or 51°C. Their homes, carved into caves, hills, and disused mine shafts maintain a comfortable year-round temperature of 23°C or 73°F.

A small mining town with a population of just under 2,000, Coober Pedy is the 'Opal capital of the world' that has been supplying the world's gem-quality opal since it was founded in 1915. In this waterless environment, not much activity happens above ground. Instead, the community exists inside some 1,500 underground residences seamlessly integrated into the desert's rugged terrain.

An average cave home at 8 to 22 feet below ground level with modern amenities, bedrooms, living area, kitchen and bathroom can be excavated out of the rock for pretty much the same price as building a house above surface. The homes have 40 inch thick support pillars and natural air shafts for ventilation. However, there is no sewage in underground Coober Pedy, so kitchens and bathrooms are always situated above ground, as the front rooms, which make the entrance of the house.

Every time you drill in Coober Pedy, you always have a chance to strike it rich. A local hotel opened in the town found opal worth $360,000 while digging out its rooms. Digging a simple rack into your wall could unexpectedly yield enough Opal to fill it with all the expensive things your heart desires.

In the 1980s, when the first underground hotel was built, Coober Pedy began attracting curious tourists. Now, it boasts a wide network of underground bars, shops, museums, and churches.

Great River

MAHANADI 

One of the most important rivers of east-central India is the Mahanadi, which drains an area of about 1,32,100sq km and has a total length of 900 km. The Mahanadi, whose name translates to ‘Great River’, flows through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha before ending its journey in the Bay of Bengal. The 26-km-long Hirakud Dam – the world’s longest earthen dam and one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects started after India’s independence – stands across this river.

The Mahanadi rises from the wild mountainous region of Bastar, about 40 km southeast of Raipur. As several mountain streams combine to form the river, its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, but the closest source is tracked to a point 6 km from Pharsiya village near Sihawa town in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh. For the first 100 km of its course, the Mahanadi trickles down as a small stream, with a valley width of only 500–600m, flowing northward past Raipur. On reaching the town of Sheorinarayan, it receives its first big tributary, the Shivnath. For the rest of its voyage the river flows eastward. It is joined by two more tributaries – the Jonkand Hasdeo – before entering Odisha near Sambalpur. By this time it has covered about half of its total length. About 10 km from Sambalpur, the Mahanadi is dammed by the Hirakud Dam, a composite structure of earth, concrete, and masonry spanning two hills, the Laxmidungri and Chandilidungri, and forming Asia’s largest artificial lake. 

Before the construction of the dam, the Mahanadi was notorious for its devastating floods that earned it the name of ‘Sorrow of Orissa’. However, the dam has reduced this problem to a great extent, with a network of canals, barrages and checkdams keeping the river well in control. As the river continues on its course, it is joined by several lesser streams including the Ib, Ong, and Tel. Skirting the boundaries of the Boudh district, it forces its way through a series of rapids between peaks and ledges till it arrives at Dholpur,Odisha. The rapids end here, and the river continues on its path to the Eastern Ghats, coursing its way through the 64-km-long Satkosia Gorge. It then joins the Odisha plains near Naraj, 14 km south of Cuttack, where it pours down between two hills that are a mile apart. Here, a barrage has been built to control the river’s flow into Cuttack.

Just before entering Cuttack, the river produces a distributary (the opposite of a tributary: a stream flowing away from a river) known as the Kathjori. The Kathjori splits up into numerous streams after entering the Puri district, and all of them flow into the Bay of Bengal. TheMahanadi itself flows eastward through the Cuttack district and enters the Bay of Bengal through multiple channels at False Point near Paradeep in Kendrapara district. 

The Mahanadi contributes much of the resources and facilitates for industrial development from east-central India to the east coast. The water potential of Mahanadi makes it the second largest in India after Godavari. Considered as the lifeline of east-central India, the Mahanadi River justifies its name given as the ‘Great (maha) River (nadi).

Do you know 

● The specific shape of the course of the Mahanadi River is geographically termed the ‘Horseshoe’ shape.

● Chilka Lake in Orissa gets over 60% of its inland flow from the Mahanadi River. It is a famous wetland site and a favourite visiting place for migratory birds.

Mountains of Seven Colours

THE RAINBOW MOUNTAINS OF PERU 

The Rainbow Mountains of Peru, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), are a stunning natural wonder located in the Andes Mountains near Cusco. Their vibrant colours come from the sedimentary mineral layers that have been exposed over time due to erosion.

How Were the Rainbow Mountains Formed?

The colours of Vinicunca come from mineral deposits in the rock layers, exposed over thousands of years due to erosion. Each colour represents a different mineral:

Red: Iron oxide (rust)

Yellow: Iron sulphide 

Green: Chlorite (rich in magnesium and copper)

Brown and Purple: Manganese and claystone

White: Quartz and sandstone

Key Facts about the Rainbow Mountains:

Altitude: Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level

Location: Around 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Cusco

Vinicunca was covered by ice until about 2015 when climate change and melting ice revealed its colorful layers!

The tallest statue in the world

THE STATUE OF UNITY

Imagine stacking 200 elephants on top of each other—it’s crazy, right? Well, that’s how tall the Statue of Unity is! It is 182 metres (597 feet) tall, making it the tallest statue in the world.

Located in Gujarat, this statue is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. It was built in just four years with over 3,000 workers and 250 engineers working day and night. The most exciting part? You can go inside the statue and reach a viewing gallery 135 metres high, from where you get a breathtaking view of the Narmada River!

Did you know? The statue is so tall that if you stand at its feet and look up, it feels like you’re staring at a skyscraper!

History

SHOELACES 

The history of shoelaces goes back thousands of years. Here’s an overview of how they evolved:

Ancient Origins (Prehistoric Times - 1000s BCE)

The oldest known evidence of shoelaces comes from the Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy found in the Alps. His shoes were made of leather and grass, fastened with primitive laces.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used leather straps to secure sandals, a concept similar to shoelaces.

Medieval & Renaissance Period (500 CE - 1600s)

Shoelaces became more common as shoes evolved. They were typically made from leather, hemp, or other natural fibers.

By the Middle Ages, shoes featured holes (eyelets) through which laces were threaded, much like modern designs.

Industrial Revolution & 19th Century (1700s - 1800s)

Shoelaces became standardized with the mass production of shoes.

In 1790, Harvey Kennedy is often credited with "inventing" the modern shoelace and aglet (the small plastic or metal tip on laces), though laces existed long before.

20th & 21st Century (1900s - Present)

Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester replaced leather and cotton for durability.

Elastic and Velcro closures emerged, but shoelaces remained dominant in most footwear.

Today, shoelaces come in various styles, materials, and even self-tightening versions, like Nike’s self-lacing sneakers (2016) inspired by Back to the Future.

Unusual architecture

THE BASKET BUILDING 

The Basket Building in Ohio was an iconic structure in Newark, Ohio, designed to resemble a giant picnic basket. It was originally the headquarters of the Longaberger Company, a famous handcrafted basket manufacturer.

Key Facts:

Built: 1997

Height: 7 stories (approximately 180,000 square feet)

Design: Modeled after the Longaberger Medium Market Basket, complete with two massive handles on top.

Architects: NBBJ and Korda Nemeth Engineering

Closure: The Longaberger Company faced financial struggles, and the building was abandoned in 2014.

Current Status: In 2017, it was sold, and renovations began to turn it into a luxury hotel.

As of February 2025, the Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, remains unoccupied. Originally constructed in 1997 as the headquarters for the Longaberger Company, the seven-story structure was designed to mimic the company's signature woven basket. After the company vacated the premises in 2016 due to financial difficulties, the building has seen various ownership changes and proposed redevelopment plans.

In December 2017, developer Steve Coon purchased the building for $1.2 million, intending to convert it into a luxury hotel. However, by January 2021, these plans were abandoned, and the property was listed for sale at $6.5 million. As of October 2022, the building remained empty, with no confirmed redevelopment plans. 

Despite its vacancy, the Basket Building continues to attract attention for its unique architecture and stands as a notable landmark in Ohio.

Twin town

KODINHI 

Kodinhi, a small village in the Malappuram district of Kerala, India, is famously known as the "Twin Town" due to its unusually high number of twin births. The village has an astonishingly high twin birth rate, much higher than the global average.

Unusual Twin Phenomenon: Kodinhi reportedly has more than 450 pairs of twins among a population of about 2,000 families.

Higher Twin Rate Than Normal: While the global twin birth rate is around 4-16 per 1,000 births, Kodinhi's rate is estimated to be around 42 per 1,000 births.

No Clear Scientific Explanation: Despite studies, researchers have not found a definite reason for this phenomenon. Genetic, dietary, and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

Twins and More Twins: Even women who marry outside Kodinhi tend to have twins at a higher rate, suggesting a genetic link.

Attracts Global Attention: Scientists from India and abroad have studied Kodinhi, but the mystery remains unsolved.

A similar phenomenon of a large number of twin births within a small isolated community has been observed in Brazil. 

Huangshan China

THE BRIDGE OF IMMORTALS 

The Bridge of Immortals is a breathtaking and world-famous bridge located in the Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) region of China. It is renowned for its dramatic setting, perched high among the peaks and cliffs of the Huangshan Mountains, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Key Features of the Bridge of Immortals:

Location: Huangshan (Yellow Mountains), Anhui Province, China.

Height: Approximately 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) above sea level.

Construction: The bridge is made of stone and connects two massive rock formations, making it appear as if it's floating in the sky.

Tourist Attraction: Due to its breathtaking views and thrilling height, it is a popular destination for hikers and adventure seekers.

Although it is one of the world's most awe-inspiring bridges, the highest bridge in the world in terms of structure height is the Beipanjiang Bridge in China, which spans 565 meters (1,854 feet) above a river gorge.

Haunted doll

ANNABELLE 

The real Annabelle doll is a well-known case of alleged paranormal activity, made famous by Ed and Lorraine Warren, two well-known paranormal investigators.

Background and Origin: The Annabelle doll is a Raggedy Ann doll, not the porcelain version shown in movies. In the 1970s, two college roommates, Donna and Angie, received the doll as a gift. Strange occurrences began happening: the doll seemed to move on its own, appearing in different places and positions. Handwritten messages reading “Help us” were reportedly found around their apartment. One of their friends, Lou, had a disturbing encounter where he claimed the doll attacked him, leaving claw-like scratches on his body.

Involvement of the Warrens: The roommates contacted a psychic medium, who told them that the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle Higgins who had died nearby. The Warrens investigated and determined that the entity was not a child’s spirit but a malevolent demonic force using the doll as a conduit. To prevent further harm, the Warrens took the doll and placed it in their Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut.

Annabelle’s Current Location: Annabelle is kept in a wooden glass case at the Warren’s Occult Museum. A sign on the case reads: “WARNING: POSITIVELY DO NOT OPEN.” Visitors and museum staff claim that the doll’s presence still causes strange occurrences. There are stories of visitors mocking the doll and later suffering tragic accidents.

Skepticism and Belief: Many believe the Annabelle story is exaggerated or fabricated to build the Warrens' paranormal reputation. Others claim that while the story may have been dramatised, something unexplained could have been happening. Whether real or not, Annabelle remains one of the most infamous haunted objects in paranormal history. 

Annabelle in Pop Culture: The doll inspired the "Annabelle" movie series, part of The Conjuring Universe. Unlike the real Annabelle, the movie version is a creepy porcelain doll with an unsettling smile. The movies fictionalise her origins and activity, making her a central horror icon.

An Accidental Genius

A STICKY STORY OF POST-IT NOTES 

Ever wondered about everyday things that turned out to be accidental strokes of genius? Well, let’s dive into the quirky tale of Post-it Notes – those handy, sticky pals that found their way into our lives in the most unexpected way.

Once upon a time, in a 3M lab in 1968, a scientist named Dr. Spencer Silver was working on a super-strong adhesive that could be used in aircraft construction. But guess what? He didn’t quite get what he wanted. Instead, he accidentally created a not-so-sticky adhesive.

Fast forward to a few years later, another 3M employee named Art Fry was singing in his church choir. He got frustrated when his bookmarks kept falling out of his hymn book. That’s when the light bulb went off in his head. He remembered Dr. Silver’s not-so-sticky adhesive!

Art took some of that magic not-so-sticky stuff, applied it to paper, and just like that – the Post-it Note was born! They were perfect for sticking things together without leaving a mess behind. The accidental genius of Dr. Silver’s not-so-sticky glue turned out to be a game-changer.

These colourful squares soon found their way onto desks, notebooks and fridges all around the world. People loved them for leaving messages, jotting down quick ideas and making colourful reminders.

What makes Post-it Notes quirky and cool is that they started as a ‘whoops’ moment in a lab. It just goes to show that sometimes, the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for them. Imagine a world without these sticky wonders – pretty dull, right?

So, the next time you’re jotting down notes on a Post-it, remember the accidental brilliance behind it. It’s a reminder that genius can pop up in the most unexpected places, turning a not-so-sticky situation into a colourful burst of creativity!

Hotel

GIRAFFE MANOR 

Giraffe Manor is a very special hotel in Kenya, Africa. It’s not like normal hotels because wild animals, especially giraffes, surround it! At Giraffe Manor, giraffes often peek their long necks into the hotels to say hello. 

The giraffes live in the nearby forests and sometimes visit the hotel to eat treats from the guests. They have big, floppy ears and long, soft necks that help them reach tall trees. Guests at Giraffe Manor can feed the giraffes, take pictures, and even have giraffes join them for breakfast!

Giraffe Manor is a fun and magical place where humans and giraffes live together. People from all over the world come to see these amazing animals and learn about them. It is a place where dreams and wildlife come together!

History

WHY IS THE RED FORT AT DELHI SELECTED FOR THE INDEPENDENCE CEREMONY?

The Red Fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was the seat of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, when he was declared the Emperor of Hindustan during the 1857 uprising against the British. 

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, head of the exiled Azad Hind Sena, wished to hoist the flag of free India from the Red Fort. 

It was therefore, in a symbolic meeting of past on the ramparts of the Red Fort, that on 15th August, 1947, India ushered in a new dawn and the promise of a new beginning. 

Famous structure

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in the Australian city of Sydney. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, finally opening in 1973 after a long gestation starting with his competition-winning design in 1957. Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour, in 2003.

The Sydney Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007. It is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings and one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world. 

The Sydney Opera House is situated on Bonnelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It sits at the northeastern tip of the Sydney central business district (the CBD), surrounded on three sides by the harbour (Sydney Cove and Farm Cove) and neighboured by the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

Contrary to its name, the building houses multiple performance venues. As one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people, the Sydney Opera House provides a venue for many performing arts companies including the four key resident companies Opera Australia,  The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and presents a wide range of productions on its own account. It is also one of the most popular visitor attractions in Australia, with more than seven million people visiting the site each year, 300,000 of whom take a guided tour.

Other facilities: The building also houses a recording studio, cafes, restaurants and bars and retail outlets. Guided tours are available to the public, including a frequent tour of the front-of-house spaces, and a daily backstage tour which takes visitors backstage to see areas normally reserved for performers and crew members. 

THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF KASHMIR

Didda 

Whenever a throne was up for grabs, there was always intense competition among the youngsters of royal families as one had to be better than others to be a king. To be a queen, one had to be really extraordinary because one faced even greater challenges than a king. One such extraordinary personality was Didda of Kashmir who ruled for over 50 years despite being lame. 

Didda was born to the Lohara Dynasty, which ruled the area around modern-day Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. She suffered from a birth disability that caused her to limp and this led to her facing ridicule from the elders and other children in the palace.  Her only support was a maid called Valaga who helped her move around. Didda was an exceptionally gifted and determined child. She used to participate in races despite her disability. She was very intelligent and a good orator. Despite her good qualities, nobody wanted to marry a lame girl. Finally, she was married to Kshemagupta, the king of Kashmir. 

After her marriage, Didda realised that Kshemagupta neglected the affairs of the state and administration was in disarray. She started to get involved in the matters of the court. In this, she faced stiff resistance from the courtiers including the prime minister, whose daughter was Kshemagupta's first wife. Despite the resistance, Didda gained so much power that the coins issued at the time were in her and Kshemagupta's joint name. 

After Kshemagupta's sudden death, the courtiers put pressure on Didda to commit sati along with the other queens. She had to make preparations for this but at the last moment, she avoided death by having a trusted minister make petitions to save her for the sake of her minor son. She also got her son Abhimanyu, crowned as king. Didda governed the state as a regent. When a series of revolts broke out in the kingdom, Didda put them down with great ruthlessness. Though Didda personally led her troops with great bravery, the uprisings never completely died out because most of the state officials could not accept being ruled by a woman, that too a lame one. 

After Abhimanyu came of age, he was encouraged by the courtiers and his newly married wife to rise against Didda. Eventually, he forced Didda out of the palace and she renounced the world. Abhimanyu died shortly afterwards, and the kingdom one again descended into chaos. Didda came back to take up the command of the state and became a regent for her grandson Bhimagupta. She worked hard to put the administration of the state back on track. When three of her grandsons including Bhimagupta died in quick succession, some started accusing Didda of practising witchcraft and causing these deaths. 

Didda was old by now and her biggest concern was finding her successor. She devised a novel method to choose the person who would be required to perform the difficult task of ruling Kashmir after her. She assembled all the princes she was considering and put a heap of fruits in their arms as they could. Naturally, this caused a competition among the princes to gather the most fruits. In this confusion, Didda's brother's son Sangramraja gathered the most fruits without getting into fights like the other princes. When Didda asked him how he managed it, he explained that he caused the other princes to fight among themselves and while they were busy, he simply picked up most of the fruits. A pleased Didda promptly appointed him her successor and ensured a peaceful transition after her. 

Kashmir's history before and after Didda is a tale of endless treachery, deceit and ruthlessness. Kings were crowned and deposed in quick succession. The populace also suffered greatly under corrupt officials. Didda's reign of more than 50 years stands out as a period of stability amidst several anarchy. She was a sound administrator and a courageous general who led her troops from the front. Above all, she was a survivor who never gave up even when the odds seemed totally against her.

THE LAND OF BLACK MAGIC

Mayong

Mayong, a quaint village in the Morigaon district of Assam, is a sacred destination steeped in mysticism and history. Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River and near Kaziranga National Park, Mayong is famously referred to as the ‘Land of Black Magic’. The village finds mentions in epics like the Mahabharata, where it is said that Bhima, one of the Pandavas, acquired extraordinary strength through tantric practices performed in this region. 

The name Mayong has various interpretations. One belief attributes it to the Sanskrit word maya, meaning ‘illusion’ or ‘magic’, symbolising the village’s association with mystical practices. Another suggests that ma-yong in the Dimasa language means ‘elephant’, reflecting the region’s historical significance as an elephant habitat. 

For centuries, Mayong was renowned as a hub of sorcery and tantra. The Mayong Central Museum and Emporium preserves ancient manuscripts and ritual tools, while local legends speak of spells for healing and supernatural feats. Visitors are drawn not only by its mysterious past but also by the serene beauty of its Brahmaputra-fed landscapes and proximity to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

MEXICO'S BLUE HOLE

Taam Ja

The world's deepest blue hole (marine sinkhole) lies off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It's at least 420m (1,378ft) deep, but explorers still haven't found its bottom.

Known as 'Taam Ja', or 'deep water' in the Mayan language, it was discovered more than 20 years ago by a local diver, but it wasn't until 2021 that scientists attempted to measure its depth. Using an echo sounder to bounce sound waves off the bottom of the hole, they estimated Taam Ja' was 275m (902ft) deep.

But another expedition in 2023 used a device called a conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) profiler, with sensors that measure water pressure, to estimate its depth. This returned a reading of 420m (1,378ft), but they're not sure it reached the bottom.

Blue holes are naturally occurring caverns on the sea floor, with vertical walls. They're usually found in coastal regions where the bedrock is made of soft, soluble rock, such as limestone. This is gradually eroded, causing the rock above to collapse. Although usually only a few tens of metres deep, blue holes sometimes connect to underwater cave systems.

With poor water circulation, blue holes are low in oxygen deep down. This makes it hard for organisms to survive, but some microbes thrive there, consuming sulphur-based compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide. Other small creatures - including shelled single-celled organisms called foraminifera and tiny worm-like creatures called nematodes - have also been found living in blue holes. Scientists are keen to explore Taam Ja' to find out what creatures live in its dark blue waters.