Jornais pelo Mundo

February 01, 2025 

The largest waterfall in the world called the Denmark Strait Cataract stands at a height of 11,500ft and is situated in the Arctic Circle. This waterfall, found underwater between Iceland and Greenland, surpasses the height of the tallest waterfall on land, called the Angel Falls in Venezuela. As this huge natural marvel is situated underwater, it is entirely out of sight. It has a width of 480kms and is believed to have come into existence in the last Ice Age. Though it is not visible, this waterfall affects the Earth’s climate, ocean circulation and environment. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
The Niagara Falls, situated in North America, comprises three waterfalls—the Bridal Veil Falls, the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. 

February 01, 2025 

New research shows that Stonehenge, which is among the most popular structures in the world, was an emblem of unity among the inhabitants of ancient Britain. Historians have been uncertain about the reason for the construction of Stonehenge, which is located in Wiltshire in England. However, recent findings indicate that the stones used to build the structure, which is believed to be close to 5,000 years old, came from areas as distant as Wales and Scotland. This suggests that the monument was constructed with the involvement of inhabitants of various areas of Britain, signifying unity and cooperation. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
The monument’s stones possess acoustic properties. When struck, they produce a loud, clanging sound. 

January 16, 2025 

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience Museum was inaugurated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in December. 
• The museum, located in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, will become a centre for community participation and will showcase India’s rich geological history. 
• The museum houses two galleries that provide visitors with knowledge on the process of evolution and the Earth’s geological features. 
• It exhibits rare fossils, rocks, other geological elements and interactive models of natural events. 
• With cutting-edge features and unique displays, the museum will offer an advanced educational experience and insightful information. 

January 16, 2025 

The Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is among France’s most magnificent architectural structures, reopened to visitors on December 7 after a fire that broke out in 2019 forced its closure. The fire, which is believed to have been caused by accident, destroyed several parts of the iconic cathedral including its roof. Following the cathedral’s destruction, several skilled engineers and professionals worked to renovate the structure, restoring elaborate features and reviving its historic grandeur. Located in Paris, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is an important historic structure in France and used to attract millions of visitors annually before it was destroyed by the 2019 fire. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
The building of the original Notre-Dame Cathedral spanned approximately 200 years. 

January 16, 2025 

With four mounds already designated as protected, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has classified two additional mounds at the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi in Haryana as protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Rakhigarhi, located in Hisar district in Haryana, is among the largest Harappan sites and is believed to be more than 5,000 years old. As per the new move by ASI, 40.26 acres of the two mounds have been given protected status, which will help preserve the area and facilitate further exploration. However, as this area is inhabited by locals, the government will have to secure the land and compensate its residents. 

Watch this video to learn about the Harappan civilisation 

January 16, 2025 

A 3D printing company in Michigan, USA, named Accel Digital Solutions has created a 3D-printed ball for pickleball that produces a lower sound volume as compared to the traditional ball used in the sport. The ball has been made using a thermoplastic elastomer and produces a gentle sound, contributing to decreased sound levels. The ball has been developed to offer more flexibility as compared to the traditional ball used in the sport. This sound-absorbing ball is set to decrease the sound on pickleball courts and the company will upgrade its features with the help of inputs from customers. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
Pickleball, which is a popular sport in North America, was invented by three men named Bill Bell, Joel Pritchard and Barney McCallum in Washington, USA, in 1965. 

January 01, 2025 

Toy company Lego has collaborated with Formula 1 (F1) to create products inspired by F1 racing, catering to people of all age groups. The new products showcasing the 10 F1 teams will mark the 75th anniversary of F1 and will be available across all of Lego’s product lines including Lego City, Lego Collectibles, Lego Speed Champions and Lego Duplo. Through these products, which are set to launch this year, the companies wish to educate and engage fans with the finer aspects of F1. The product designs will help fans understand the technical features of the sport and replicate racing scenarios. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
More than 4 billion Lego minifigures, tiny plastic figures made from Lego parts, exist globally. 

January 01, 2025 

A dinosaur fossil that was sold for $44.6 million, making it the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever auctioned, has been exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, USA. The fossil, belonging to a stegosaurus, is 150 million years old and was acquired by a billionaire named Kenneth C Griffin at an auction in July 2024. The dinosaur called Apex, measuring 27ft in length and 11ft in height, has been loaned to the museum by Griffin for a period of four years. This will give scientists a chance to study the fossil and allow the public to view it. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
The plate-like structures on the stegosaurus’ body are believed to have served various purposes such as heat absorption and offering protection against predators. 

January 01, 2025 

To put a check on illegal wildlife smuggling activities, a non-profit organisation based in Tanzania named APOPO has trained African giant pouched rats to smell and identify wildlife items such as pangolin scales and elephant tusks that are being illegally traded. The rats are equipped with a vest with a tiny ball affixed to it. When a rat identifies a particular scent, it is trained to tug on the ball, which gives rise to a beeping noise. This signals the creatures’ handler of the detected item. If successful, this training could help keep animals such as pangolins and elephants safe. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
African giant pouched rats can attain a length of around 3ft and are the world’s largest rats. 

December 16, 2024 

Scientists at New York University (NYU), USA, have found that memories are not just stored in brain cells but also in cells located in other body parts. For their study, scientists introduced cells from kidney and nerve tissues to numerous chemical signal sequences, replicating the way brain cells experience and process the receipt of new information. Scientists noted that this procedure led to the activation of a memory gene, which is also responsible for memory formation in the brain. This study shows that just like neurons in the brain, cells in nerve and kidney tissues can retain memories. This study could initiate the development of new techniques to address disorders related to memory. 

DID YOU KNOW? 
Physical activity including exercising enhances brain health and memory.