DO YOU KNOW

 What is an Alpha City?

It is a city which plays major role in the economy of the country and is a hub of international business. It has a stock exchange and major financial institutions. Many international companies have their offices in an Alpha City. It has advanced banking and real estate sectors. It has a port and container facilities. It has a well equipped international airport and a well maintained public transit system comprising trains, buses and other transport. It has renowned universities and educational institutions. It has centres of media and communication for global networks. 

Alpha cities are major cultural centres and popular tourist destinations. They have a tremendous political and social clout and influence global affairs significantly. 

Also called a global city or world city, it is a familiar name all over the world. People can easily associate the name with its landmarks, country etc.

London and New York are ranked Alpha ++ cities as they are vastly connected to the global economy. Mumbai is ranked as Alpha + city on par with Tokyo, Dubai and Singapore. 

The second and third ranking cities are Beta and Gamma cities.

MARINE MAMMALS

 Whales 

Whales are large marine animals that are found in every ocean of the world. Whales do not have gills like other fishes. They have lungs and breathe when they come to the surface of the water through the blowhole located on top of their head. 

Whales also produce milk to feed their young ones. 

There are two kinds of whales, baleen and toothed whales. Baleen whales have large plates in their mouth, which they use to trap food. Toothed whales have sharp teeth, which they use to catch their prey.

A group of whales is called a pod. A baby whale is called a calf. Whales have a thick layer of fat on their body called blubber that keeps them warm in cold waters. A whale's lifespan is around 80 to 90 years on average. But some species live for over 100 years. Whales feed on 🦈,octopuses 🐙, shrimp 🍤, mackerel and many other smaller marine creatures. 

Whale habits:

1) Baleen whales swim with their mouths open. The plates in their mouths have bristles that help them trap food as they swim. 

2) Some whale species like humpback whales migrate from one place to another during certain seasons of the year. 

3) Many species of toothed whales travel in groups to protect themselves from predators and to search for food. 

4) Whales produce a variety of sounds to communicate with each other, including whistles and clicks. 

5) Certain whale species like blue whales 🐳 and humpback 🐋 whales, produce loud melodious sounds that resemble songs. 

Types of whales:

Blue whale 

Bow head whale 

Sperm whale 

Humpback whale 

Did you know?

The blue whale is the largest animal known to have lived. It can grow to more than 100 feet in length and can weigh upto 2,00,000 kilograms!

MARCH 3

World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day celebrated on 3rd each year, is a special time to honour the incredible diversity of animals around the world. This day is like a big birthday party for all the creatures that roam the Earth, from the tiniest insects to the majestic elephants. We celebrate their uniqueness and the important roles they play in keeping our planet healthy. 

World Wildlife Day teaches us about the significance of protecting animals and their own habitats. Just like how we have homes, animals have their own special places to live. Sadly, some are in danger because of people cutting down forests or hunting them for their fur and horns. On this day, we learn how to be good friends with the animals by understanding their needs and working together to make sure they have safe and happy homes for many birthdays to come. 

TRAFFIC ON THE COMMUNICATION HIGHWAY

 Why do people stutter?

Stuttering is when someone has trouble speaking smoothly, and their words may repeat or get stuck. It happens because of a mix of factors. For most, it's not about being nervous or unsure; it's more like a hiccup in the brain's communication with the mouth. 

Imagine your brain is like a control centre, sending messages to different parts of your body. When people stutter, there might be a little miscommunication between the brain and the muscles used for speaking. It’s bit like a traffic jam on the communication highway. 

Sometimes, It’s just a phase and can improve on its own. Other times, it might be due to a combination of genetics (family history), how the brain is wired, and maybe a bit of stress. The good news is that many people who stutter find ways to speak more smoothly with the help of speech therapy, where they learn techniques to make the traffic in their communication highway flow better.

THE GIFT

 A vision for future

The leader of a tribe, encamped at the base of a mountain, was dying. The chief summoned his three sons and said, "I am dying and one of you must succeed me as the head of our tribe. I want each of you to climb our holy mountain and bring back something beautiful. The one whose gift is most outstanding will succeed me."

After several days the sons returned. The first brought his father a flower which grew near the summit and was extremely rare and beautiful. The second son brought his father a stone which was colourful, smooth, and round, having been polished by rain and sandy winds. 

The third son's hand was empty. He said, "Father, I have brought nothing back to show you. As I stood on top of the holy mountain, I saw that on the other side was a beautiful and fertile land filled with green pastures and a crystal lake. And I have a  vision of where our tribe could go for a better life. I was so overwhelmed by what I saw and by what I was thinking that I could not bring anything back."

And the father said, "You shall be our tribe's new leader, for you have brought back the most precious thing of all - the gift of a vision for better future."

SYMBOL OF NATION'S AVIATION JOURNEY

 Air India 

Air India, India’s flag carrier, has not just been an airline but a symbol of the nation's aviation journey. Its history, like the flight paths it covers, is marked with highs and lows, reflecting the dynamic nature of the aviation industry. 

Air India had its humble beginning during the British Raj in 1932 as Tata Airlines, founded by J.R.D. Tata. It started with a single-engine  de Havilland Puss Moth, connecting Karachi to Mumbai. Post-independence, Air India became the nation's pride. The introduction of the iconic "Maharaja" as its mascot in 1946 added a touch of regality to the airline's image, symbolising grace and hospitality.

In 1953, the Indian government nationalised Air India making it the national carrier. Over the years, it expanded its routes globally, becoming one of the pioneers in long-haul International flights. Despite its initial successes, Air India faced financial challenges. Increased competition, operational inefficiencies, and changing market dynamics contributed to its financial woes. 

In 2021, the government announced the sale of Air India back to the Tata Group, marking a historic moment as the airline returned to its roots. The acquisition included Air India, Air India Express, and Air India SATS. 

As of today, Air India is charting its course under the Tata Group's leadership. The airline is undergoing restructuring to enhance operational efficiency and financial stability. 

FEBRUARY 28

 National Science Day

National Science Day is observed in India every year on February 28 to commemorate Sir C. V. Raman’s ground breaking discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ on that day, in 1928. This significant achievement earned him the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930, making him the first Asian to receive this honour. Sir C. V. Raman’s ability to find science in ordinary things revitalised scientific curiosity in India.

The celebration of National Science Day emphasises the importance of science in our lives. Activities such as speeches, radio programs, TV shows, science movies, exhibitions, debates, quiz competitions, and lectures are organised in schools and colleges to highlight the role of science in creating better systems and improving our understanding of the living world.

Sir Raman’s ’s advice –– “Ask the right questions, and Nature will open the doors to her secrets” –– serves as an inspiration for future scientists. As we celebrate this special day, let us foster a scientific mindset and encourage curiosity, striving to be the future discoverers of new scientific wonders.