LITTLE STUDS ON JEANS

Rivets

 

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

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

A TRADITIONAL GOAN DELICACY

Patoleo

Pataleo, a traditional Goan delicacy, is a sweet and savoury dish that holds a special place in the hearts and palates of Goans. Made primarily during monsoon season on festivals such as Nag Panchami, Chaturthi and also on Feasts, this steamed dish is a labour of love, reflecting Goa's rich culinary heritage. 

The key ingredient in Patoleo is turmeric leaves, which lend a distinct aroma and flavour to the dish. The filling consists of a sweet and sticky mixture of coconut, jaggery and rice flour, often flavoured with cardamom or other spices. The mixture is carefully wrapped in the turmeric leaves, creating small, rectangular parcels. 

After being neatly folded, these parcels are steamed to perfection, resulting in a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Patoleo is a testament to Goa's cultural diversity and the influence of Konkani traditions on its cuisines. It is equally relished by all, irrespective of religion and culture. It’s not a dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that connects generations and preserves the unique flavours of Goa's past.

AMAZING ANIMAL WORLD

The Volcano Snail

In the depths of the Indian Ocean, where sea water is heated by underlying magma reaching 750 degree Fahrenheit or more, a snail wanders around in its shell made of iron. This is the scaly-foot snail, also known as the Volcano snail, and it’s perhaps one of the most absurd creatures in the world. 

First discovered in 2001, the Volcano snail is endemic to three known hydrothermal vent fields along the deep-sea ridges in the Indian Ocean. Down there, magma is pouring out from under the ground and bringing toxins with it, leaving almost no room for oxygen. This is an extremely tough environment, which is why the Volcanic snail has evolved amazing features to adapt and thrive. 

There's no food since it's three kilometers below the surface, which is why the snail has evolved to live primarily on bacteria, meaning that the snail isn’t eating food but instead relying on microbes for sustenance. 

The snail has evolved a special gut where bacteria live and produce food. They break down the chemicals that leak from the volcanic vents, creating food in the process. Besides food, these bacteria also help keep the snail alive in extremely hot conditions 

The Volcano snail draws iron sulphide from its environment to develop a suit of armour to protect its soft parts. It’s the only known organism to incorporate metals into its skeleton, both into its shell and into the hundreds of external scales. Another cool fact about the Volcano snail is its big heart, which is approximately four percent of its body volume. This makes it the largest heart relative to body size in the entire animal kingdom, helping the snail to live in an oxygen-lacking environment. Thus, scientists have associated the snail with a big-hearted knight in shining armour. 

Sadly, the Volcano snail is on the verge of extinction. In 2019, it was listed as endangered. Their existence is continuously under threat due to deep-sea mining operations interfering with their habitat. 

DO YOU KNOW

What is the origin of the term ‘piggybank’?

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

DO YOU KNOW

What are crocodile tears?

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

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

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

LAND OF RISING SUN

 Japan

Hello, young explorers! Have you ever heard Japan being called the “Land of the Rising Sun”? It’s a fascinating nickname, isn’t it? Today, we are going to dive into the history, culture, and geography of Japan to understand why it has this special title. So, let’s embark on this journey together and uncover the secrets behind Japan’s famous name!

The Geographical Explanation: Japan is located in East Asia, and it’s one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise every day. If you look at a map, you’ll see that Japan is east of China and Korea, stretching out into the Pacific Ocean. Because of its position, the sun rises in Japan before it rises in many other parts of the world. This geographical fact is a big part of why Japan is called the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

Historical Background: The name “Land of the Rising Sun” isn’t just about geography, though. It has deep historical roots. Long ago, China was a powerful and influential country in East Asia. The Chinese called Japan “Rìběn” (日本), which means “origin of the sun” or “sun’s origin,” because Japan is to the east of China, where the sun rises. Over time, this term evolved and spread, becoming a key part of how Japan is identified.

In the 8th century, Japanese emissaries to China started using the name “Nihon” or “Nippon” (日本) to describe their country. This name is still used today and directly translates to “origin of the sun,” reinforcing the idea of Japan as the place where the sun rises.

Cultural Significance: Japan’s association with the rising sun goes beyond geography and history; it is deeply embedded in its culture and national identity. The Japanese flag, known as the Nisshoki or Hinomaru, features a red circle in the centre, representing the sun. This simple yet powerful design symbolises the importance of the sun in Japanese culture.

In Japanese mythology, the sun goddess Amaterasu is a central figure. She is considered the ancestor of the imperial family and one of the most important deities in Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. According to legend, Amaterasu brought light to the world, and her descendants became the rulers of Japan. This myth further ties Japan’s identity to the rising sun.   

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• The Modern Perspective: Today, the nickname “Land of the Rising Sun” continues to be a source of pride for the Japanese people. It symbolises Japan’s unique position in the world, its rich cultural heritage, and its forward-looking outlook. The rising sun represents hope, renewal, and a bright future, which are values that resonate deeply in Japanese society.

Fun Facts About Japan

Now that we know why Japan is called the “Land of the Rising Sun,” let’s explore some fun facts about this amazing country!

Mount Fuji: Japan is home to Mount Fuji, an iconic and sacred mountain that is also an active volcano. It is the highest peak in Japan and a popular destination for hikers and tourists.

Cherry Blossoms: Every spring, Japan celebrates the cherry blossom season, known as “Sakura.” The blooming of cherry trees is a beautiful sight, attracting people from all over the world to witness the stunning pink and white flowers.

Technology and Tradition: Japan is famous for its advanced technology and futuristic cities. However, it also values traditional arts and crafts, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and sumo wrestling.

Delicious Cuisine: Japanese food is loved globally. Sushi, ramen, tempura, and sashimi are just a few examples of the delicious dishes that originate from Japan.

Politeness and Respect: Japanese culture places a high value on politeness and respect. Bowing is a common greeting, and there are many customs related to showing respect to others.

Anime and Manga: Japan is the birthplace of anime and manga, which are popular forms of entertainment enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

Conclusion: Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. Its nickname is a reflection of its geographical position, historical significance, and cultural heritage. From the stunning sunrise over Mount Fuji to the ancient myths of the sun goddess Amaterasu, Japan’s connection to the rising sun is a fascinating story that continues to inspire people around the world.

GREATEST PACE BOWLER OF INDIA

Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev (born January 6, 1959, Chandigarh, India) Indian cricketer and the greatest pace bowler in his country’s history. He is the only cricketer to have scored over 5,000 runs and taken more than 400 wickets in Test (international match) cricket.

Dev made his debut in first-class cricket playing for his state, Haryana. He joined the Indian national team for a 1978–79 Test series against Pakistan. Although his tally of seven wickets over three matches in a losing effort was not the most spectacular of debuts, Dev played with great energy, possessing an impressive outswinger delivery and an aggressiveness that Indian cricket had not seen in a long while. In fact, Dev was India’s first genuine fast bowler, and he went on to lead the country’s bowling attack for the next two decades. He ended his Test career with a record 434 wickets in 131 Test matches (a record that was broken in 2000 by Jamaica’s Courtney Walsh), including 23 five-wicket matches. In one-day internationals, he took 253 wickets over 225 games.

Dev also made a mark as a hard-hitting middle-order batsman. In a 1978–79 Test series against the West Indies, he not only took seven wickets in the fourth Test but also scored 126 runs in the fifth Test to help India win the series. His attacking game, peppered often with huge boundaries (hits that cross the boundary of the field), helped him score 5,248 runs in 131 Tests (including eight centuries [100 runs in a single innings]) and 3,783 runs in 225 one-day internationals (with one century).

Dev was made the captain of the Indian national team in 1983. As a leader, he downplayed strategy and led by example. This was best seen in the 1983 Prudential Cup, when he almost single-handedly helped India defeat Zimbabwe with a 175 not out (his 175 runs were a career high). However, inconsistent performances led to his being relieved of the captaincy soon after the victory. He was even dropped from the side briefly in 1984. Nevertheless, Dev played several match-winning innings for India. The most famous of these include his “5 for 28” (taking five wickets while conceding only 28 runs) against Australia to give India victory in the 1981 Melbourne Test; taking nine wickets against the West Indies in 1983; scoring 119 off of 138 balls to save India from a Test defeat against Australia in 1986; and slamming four consecutive sixes (balls that pass the boundary without ever touching the playing field) against England in 1990. He became only the second player in cricket history to claim 400 wickets, and in 1994 he broke Richard Hadlee’s record of 431 wickets.

Dev retired in 1994 and had a brief but unsuccessful 10-month spell as the coach of the Indian national team from October 1999 to August 2000. In 1999 he was implicated in a match-fixing controversy that led to his coaching departure, but he was later cleared of all charges after an investigation conducted by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation. He was chairman of India’s National Cricket Academy from 2006 to 2007 but was forced out when he became an executive in the privately funded upstart India Cricket League (ICL). He left the ICL in 2012 and returned to the good graces of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body of Indian cricket. Kapil Dev was the greatest pace bowler India has produced, and their greatest fast-bowling allrounder. If he had played at any other time - not when Imran Khan, Ian Botham and Richard Hadlee were contemporaries - he would surely have been recognised as the best allrounder in the world. In any case he did enough to be voted India’s Cricketer of the Century during 2002, ahead of Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. His greatest feats were to lead India almost jauntily, and by his all-round example, to the 1983 World Cup, and to take the world-record aggregate of Test wickets from Hadlee. It was the stamina of the marathon runner that took him finally to 431 wickets and only a yard beyond.

He might not have been quite the bowling equal of Imran, Hadlee or Botham at his best, and his strike rate was less than four wickets per Test, but he was still outstanding in his accuracy and ability to swing the ball, usually away from right-handers. And he could hit a ball even more brilliantly than he bowled it, with uncomplicated flair.

Kapil had a rather ordinary stint as India’s coach for 10 months between October 1999 and August 2000. At the height of the match-fixing allegation by Manoj Prabhakar - a charge that was subsequently dismissed - Kapil resigned as coach. Hurt by the betting controversy, he announced that he was leaving the game. However, he returned from a significantly quiet period when Wisden named him their Indian Cricketer of the Century. He won, and then returned to cricket as a bowling consultant and served as chairman of National Cricket Academy for two years. In May 2007, Kapil joined the breakaway Indian Cricket League, which led to his removal from the NCA.