Do you know

WHY DO SHELLFISH TURN RED WHEN COOKED?

Shellfish include crustaceans like prawns, crayfish, crabs, and lobsters; molluscs like clams, scallops, oysters, and mussels; and even some echinoderms like sea urchins. However, not all shellfish turn red when cooked—this phenomenon is mainly observed in crustaceans such as shrimp and lobster.

These animals have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton, which contains a pigment known as astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, a class of organic pigments responsible for bright red, orange, and yellow hues in nature. In live crustaceans, this red pigment is tightly bound to specific proteins (like crustacyanin), forming a complex that gives the shell its bluish, greenish, or greyish colour.

When crustaceans are cooked, heat breaks down these protein-pigment complexes. The protein denatures and unfolds, releasing the free astaxanthin, which is naturally a vibrant red-orange. This chemical reaction explains the striking transformation in colour when these shellfish are boiled, steamed, or grilled.

Interestingly, astaxanthin is not just about colour—it also acts as a powerful antioxidant. In the wild, crustaceans obtain it from algae and plankton, which are rich in carotenoids. In aquaculture, it is sometimes supplemented in their diet to enhance their colouration.

Also, not all crustaceans follow this pattern. For example, a rare genetic mutation can lead to albino lobsters, which lack pigment entirely and do not change colour when cooked. Such lobsters are extremely rare—about one in 100 million!

So, the next time you see a bright red lobster on your plate, remember that it's the astaxanthin revealing its true colours once the protein camouflage is gone!

Celebrating Our Blue Heart

WORLD OCEAN DAY 2025 🌊

Date: June 8 

Theme: "Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us"

Today, June 8th, we come together to celebrate World Ocean Day, a global reminder of the incredible role oceans play in our lives — and why they need our protection now more than ever.

🌍 Why Do We Celebrate World Ocean Day?

World Ocean Day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, but it became an officially recognised international day by the United Nations in 2008. Since then, it has grown into a worldwide movement to inspire action for ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

🌟 2025 Theme: "Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us"

This year’s theme invites us to marvel at the ocean’s mystery, beauty, and power — while reminding us that our very survival depends on healthy oceans. The ocean sustains life in more ways than we often realise.

🌊 Why the Ocean Matters More Than We Know

The Earth is often called the Blue Planet, and here’s why the ocean deserves our respect and care:

🔹 The Ocean is Our Planet’s Lungs

It produces over 50% of the oxygen we breathe, thanks to tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton.

🔹 A Home to Life

From playful dolphins to the deep-sea creatures, the ocean is the largest habitat on Earth and supports millions of species.

🔹 A Natural Climate Shield

The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide and distributes heat through currents, helping to keep our climate stable.

🔹 Feeding and Supporting Humanity

It provides food to billions of people and jobs in sectors like fishing, shipping, tourism, and science.

🚨 The Ocean in Crisis: Why We Must Act

Unfortunately, the ocean is in serious trouble.

Here’s what threatens it:

Climate Change – warming waters, sea level rise, and acidification

Plastic Pollution – 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year

Overfishing – marine species are disappearing faster than they can recover

Habitat Destruction – coral reefs and mangroves are vanishing due to human interference

If we don’t act now, we risk losing the very system that supports all life on Earth.

💙 How YOU Can Make a Difference

Even students and young people can be ocean heroes! Here’s how you can help:

✅ Refuse Single-Use Plastic

Use cloth bags, reusable bottles, and avoid plastic straws.

✅ Choose Sustainable Seafood

Encourage your family to buy responsibly sourced fish and avoid endangered species.

✅ Join or Lead a Cleanup Drive

Be part of beach or river cleanups – your actions matter more than you think!

✅ Be a Voice for the Ocean

Create posters, write blogs, or do school presentations to raise awareness.

✅ Save Energy

Turn off lights, ride a bicycle, or plant trees – everything is connected to ocean health.

✅ Learn More

Watch documentaries like Blue Planet or Mission Blue to explore the ocean’s wonders.

🐳 Amazing Ocean Fact Corner

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth.

Coral reefs support 25% of marine life, even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor.

The blue whale is the largest animal to ever live — even larger than dinosaurs!

🌐 Final Thought: Let's Sustain What Sustains Us

World Ocean Day is not just about celebrating the ocean; it’s about protecting it. As future leaders, explorers, scientists, and artists, you have the power to bring change.

Let’s honour our connection to the ocean by learning, caring, and acting — not just today, but every day. Because when we protect the ocean, we are really protecting ourselves.

🌊 “No blue, no green. No ocean, no us.” – Dr. Sylvia Earle

A Story of Strength, Struggle, and Success

NEVER GIVE UP💪

🌱 "Falling down is not failure. Refusing to rise again is."

One day, a loving father took his son to a famous wrestling coach. He wanted his child to become strong and determined. The boy trained hard every day for three months. Then one day, the father came to watch the practice. But what he saw shocked him!

His son was being thrown to the ground again and again by a strong, experienced wrestler. The boy fell more than twenty times in just one session! The father was upset. He ran to the coach and said, “Why are you letting my son get beaten like this?”

The coach smiled and said,

“Yes, your son fell down twenty times… but did you see? He got up all twenty times! That’s what matters. He is learning not to give up. He is becoming a fighter.”

That is called resilience — the power to get back up, no matter how many times life pushes you down.

🔫 The Real-Life Hero: Karoly Takacs

Now let’s meet someone who showed this spirit in real life.

Karoly Takacs was a champion shooter from Hungary. He dreamed of winning an Olympic gold medal. But one day, during a training session, a terrible accident happened — a grenade exploded in his hand. Sadly, it was his right hand, the one he used for shooting.

People thought his career was over. They felt sorry for him. But Karoly didn’t want sympathy. Instead, he quietly started training with his left hand. Day and night, he practiced in secret, learning everything from scratch.

Then came more bad news:

The 1940 Olympics were cancelled due to World War II.

So were the 1944 Olympics.

By the time the 1948 Olympics arrived, Karoly was considered too old. Other athletes joked and asked, “Did you come to watch the matches and cheer us on?”

He smiled and said:

“No, I have come to compete… and to win.”

And guess what? He did just that! 💥

Karoly Takacs won the gold medal in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics — using only his left hand!

🏆 A Quote to Remember

Just like Karoly, many great people believe in this powerful quote by Confucius:

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

🌟 Moral: Life will challenge you. You may face failures, disappointments, or even laughter from others. But what matters most is: Do you get back up?

So, the next time you fall — in sports, in studies, or in any goal — remember Karoly Takacs. Get up. Try again. Never give up.

Bouncing back is more important than the win.

Because that’s how champions are made. 💫

A Sky-High Marvel That Connects Hearts and Valleys

CHENAB RAILWAY BRIDGE

“Some bridges don’t just connect land. They connect dreams, determination, and destiny.”

One such awe-inspiring structure now stands proudly over the mighty Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir — the Chenab Railway Bridge. It’s not just any bridge; it’s the world’s highest railway arch bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it’s capturing the imagination of people across India and beyond.

What Makes This Bridge So Special?

🏆 World Record Holder

Soaring 359 meters above the riverbed (that’s 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower!), this steel arch bridge is now the highest railway bridge in the world. It connects the villages of Bakkal and Kauri in Reasi district and forms a vital link in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

🚂 Part of a Bigger Vision – The USBRL Project

The USBRL is a game-changing railway project designed to connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India by rail — a long-awaited dream now becoming a reality. The project includes:

272 km of track

36 tunnels (totaling 119 km)

943 bridges

And at the heart of it all is the Chenab Bridge, the crown jewel.

🔧A Marvel of Modern Engineering

Building this bridge wasn’t easy. Engineers battled rugged Himalayan terrain, freezing winters, and steep cliffs. Yet, they accomplished what once seemed impossible.

Here are some mind-blowing facts:

Length: 1,315 meters (4,314 feet)

Steel used: 28,660 metric tonnes

Concrete used: 66,000 cubic meters

Bolts and cables: Stretched over 84 km

Design: A two-ribbed steel arch with prefabricated trusses

Safety: Blast-proof (thanks to DRDO), earthquake-resistant (up to magnitude 8), and can withstand winds up to 266 km/h

And yes — it’s built to last 120 years!

🛠️ Construction Challenges? 

From transporting materials to working at dangerous heights, the project demanded precision, patience, and persistence. Cranes had to operate on narrow slopes, and workers faced constant risks in extreme weather. Despite all that, the arch was successfully joined in April 2021, the deck was completed in 2022, and the first train trial ran in March 2024.

💼 More Than a Bridge – A Gateway to Growth

The Chenab Bridge isn’t just about trains; it’s about transformation.

Here's how:

Strategic Importance: Ends a 70-year wait for direct train service to Kashmir

Economic Growth: Boosts trade and connectivity

Tourism: PM Modi said it could become as popular as the Eiffel Tower!

Jobs: Increases employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir

To celebrate this engineering wonder, a museum, amphitheater, and viewpoint park have also been built near the bridge site.

🎓 Why Students Should Know About It

This bridge is a living textbook — a real-world example of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in action. It shows that with the right vision and teamwork, no mountain is too high.

Whether you're a budding engineer, a geography enthusiast, or just curious about the world, the Chenab Bridge is a story of innovation, inspiration, and Indian ingenuity.

🏁 In Conclusion

The Chenab Railway Bridge stands as a symbol of India’s engineering courage and a promise of progress. It proves that when we dream big and build boldly, we create structures that not only stand tall — but also make the nation proud 🛤️✨

Ending Plastic Pollution

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2025

Every year on June 5th, the world comes together to celebrate World Environment Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging action for the protection of our environment. In 2025, the spotlight is on a growing menace—plastic pollution. The theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, urges individuals, communities, and nations to take a stand against the flood of plastic waste choking our planet.

🌱 Why Do We Celebrate World Environment Day?

World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the United Nations and is celebrated annually to promote environmental awareness and inspire global action. It reminds us that we all share the same planet and have a role in protecting it for future generations.

Each year, a different country hosts the event. For 2025, the Republic of Korea is the global host, with main celebrations being held in Jeju Province, an island known for its natural beauty and commitment to sustainability.

🚯 Theme 2025: "Ending Plastic Pollution"

Plastic is everywhere—from shopping bags to water bottles and food wrappers. While plastic is convenient, it has become a serious threat to our environment. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in oceans, rivers, and landfills, harming wildlife and even entering our food chain through microplastics.

The 2025 campaign, under the banner #BeatPlasticPollution, calls for:

Reducing single-use plastics

Improving waste management

Recycling and reusing materials

Innovating in product design and packaging

Educating people about plastic’s harmful effects

🐢 Why Is It Important?

Plastic pollution affects:

Marine Life: Turtles, fish, and seabirds often mistake plastic for food.

Human Health: Microplastics have been found in water, food, and even in our blood.

Natural Beauty: Beaches, forests, and rivers are increasingly littered with plastic waste.

🌍 What Can We Do?

Even small actions can make a big difference! Here’s how you can contribute:

✅ Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag

✅ Say no to plastic straws and cutlery

✅ Participate in local clean-up drives

✅ Segregate waste at home and school

✅ Spread awareness among friends and family

🇮🇳 India and the Fight Against Plastic

In India, plastic pollution is a major concern, especially in coastal areas like Mumbai, Chennai, and Goa. Fortunately, many cities and schools are joining hands through beach clean-ups, plastic bans, and environmental awareness campaigns. You too can be a part of this change!

🌸 Conclusion

World Environment Day 2025 is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. Let us pledge to reduce plastic use, protect our ecosystems, and live in harmony with nature. After all, a cleaner planet begins with us. Let’s join hands and say together: “Beat Plastic Pollution!”

A superfood across centuries

POTATO 

From humble beginnings as a root vegetable in the Andes to its current status as a global superfood, the potato has journeyed across time, continents, and cultures—earning its place on our plates and even in outer space. 

🌱 The Roots

Before the potato became a staple in households worldwide, it lived a quiet life underground in Peru and Bolivia, where it was first domesticated over 7,000 years ago. The indigenous people relied on it as a starchy staple and lovingly referred to it as "famine food" due to its filling nature.

From there, it travelled to Europe in the 1500s, and then to India, where it seamlessly adapted to regional cuisines.

🇮🇳 The Indian Journey

Though potatoes are now integral to Indian cuisine, they only arrived through the Portuguese in the 17th century and were popularised further by the British.

Today, the potato rules Indian kitchens—from aloo parathas and samosas to vadas and sabzis. In regions like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, it even became a cash crop for farmers.

🧠🥦 The Nutrient Ninja

Despite its tag as "poor man's food," the potato is a nutritional powerhouse:

⚡ Carbohydrates for energy

🍊 Vitamin C to boost immunity

🧠 Vitamin B6 for brain health

❤️ Potassium for heart function

🧵 Fiber for better digestion

It keeps you full, nourished, and energised —making it a true superfood.

📊 Potato Facts:

📌 Canadian Saying: French Canadians say “as useful as a peeled potato” to describe something useless!

🌎 Global Rank: 4th most important food crop in the world

🌸 Cultural Role: Symbol of fertility in the Andes

🍽️ Cooking Styles: Boiled, fried, mashed, baked, grilled

🥇 Top Indian Producer: Uttar Pradesh

🌏 Tale of Two Titans

India is the world’s second-largest potato producer, yielding over 96 million tonnes every year.

🥇 1st: China

🥈 2nd: India

🥉 3rd: Russia

🚀 Space-Age Superfood

Yes, potatoes have been to space!

🥔 In 1995, they became the first vegetable grown in space.

🔬 Later, scientists mimicked Martian soil and climate in Peru and successfully grew them—proving potatoes can support life on Mars!

🆘 Europe’s Lifesaver

During the 18th and 19th centuries, potatoes saved millions from famine in Europe.

But over-dependence led to tragedy—like the Great Irish Famine (1845–1849), caused by potato blight ☠️.

🧪 More Than Just Food

Potatoes are multifunctional beyond your kitchen:

♻️ Biodegradable plastics

🧵 Textile adhesives

🍸 Alcoholic beverages

🐄 Animal feed

✅ Their starch is becoming a sustainable industrial material too!

🌏 World Potato Day is observed on May 30 every year.

It celebrates the importance of the potato as a global food crop and highlights its role in food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. The day is recognised by many agricultural and food organisations, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

✅ Conclusion

From royal courts to roadside carts, from famine fields to Mars labs, the potato is a story of resilience, adaptability, and innovation.

So the next time you enjoy a crisp fry 🍟 or a spicy curry 🍛, remember—this humble tuber has travelled far and wide to reach your plate.

Power of prayer

THE BEGGAR'S BLESSING 

"Don't be proud that we are feeding others. Who knows, perhaps we ourselves are eating because of the fate of others." These wise words echoed in the heart of Pratik, a restaurant owner whose breakfast spot was renowned for its delicious offerings and bustling morning crowd.

Every day, amidst the lively chatter and clatter of plates, a quiet man would slip in. He'd discreetly take a plate of breakfast, eat it, and then vanish without a trace, leaving no payment behind. Pratik, though aware of this, never confronted him. He simply observed, a silent understanding passing between them.

The restaurant's popularity soared, attracting new patrons, including a sharp-eyed businessman. After enjoying the breakfast for a few days, he noticed the peculiar routine of the silent eater. Concerned about the potential loss to the restaurant, he approached Pratik, who was busy navigating the morning rush.

"Sir, I have something important to tell you," the businessman began. Pratik, ever polite, requested him to wait until the crowd thinned. The businessman, eager to expose what he perceived as a deception, patiently waited.

Once the customers dwindled, he approached Pratik again. "Sir, a man comes here every morning, eats breakfast, and leaves without paying. I've seen him do it for a week straight! You're losing money!"

Pratik listened, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Sir, you're not the first to tell me this," he said calmly. "Many have. And that crowd you see every morning? It's because of him."

The businessman was stunned. "What are you talking about? The man causing you losses is responsible for your success?"

"Yes," Pratik affirmed. "The first time someone pointed him out, I followed him. He wasn't a thief, sir. He's a beggar at the nearby signal. I never insulted him, never chased him away, never scolded him. I just let him be."

One day, Pratik witnessed something extraordinary. The beggar stood outside the restaurant, hands folded, looking up at the sky. He was praying, "Oh God, please let this restaurant be crowded, so I can slip in, eat my fill, and leave without paying."

Pratik's voice softened. "The crowd that comes here, sir, it comes because of his prayer. He comes in that crowd, eats his breakfast, and leaves."

The businessman's eyes widened in understanding. He realised that sometimes, blessings come in the most unexpected forms, and gratitude can yield far more than material gain.

This story serves as a powerful reminder that we often feel we achieve success on our own. However, countless times, it's the prayers and blessings of others that work wonders in our lives. So, value everyone, harbour love in your heart, and always show gratitude to those around you and to God. Remember, your hard work, combined with divine blessings and the love of your dear ones, can make you an inspiration to the world.