Strange Facts

• Onions have no flavor. They just have smell.
• No less than 15 billion cigarettes are smoked worldwide every day.
• Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
• It’s not just humans who are right or left handed. Even dogs and cats are that way.
• A Tibetan monk had invented the French ticker.
• The human heart beats over 100,000 times a day
• One burns more calories sleeping than by watching TV.
• Some of the Nazi SS uniforms were designed by Hugo Boss.
• A snail can slide over a razor blade without being hurt by producing slime that helps it slide harmlessly.
• Human fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster than toenails.
• Next time you see polar bears with transparent and fluffy fur; do give a thought to the fact that they actually have black skin.
• The blue whale can produce the loudest sound of any animal. You can detect the noise over 800 kilometres away.
• A chameleon can see in two different directions at the same time
• The total weight of skin for an average adult human is 6 pounds.
• A snail can sleep for three years.
• Cats have over 100 vocal sounds whereas dogs have just 10.
• Twitchers are defined as people who chase rare birds.
• The word "Checkmate" in chess comes from the Persian phrase "Shah Mat," which means "the king (shah) is dead (mat)."
• There are some types of frogs who are frozen solid then thawed and still continue living.
• There is only one mammal who cannot jump and that is Elephant.
• If you think coffee beans are beans then you are mistaken. They are actually fruit pits.
• The people in Bali only have one of four names: Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut.
• Human’s eyes have the capability of detecting an astonishing 10 million colors.
• There are more pyramids in Peru than in Egypt.
• Moderate dancing burns 250 to 300 calories an hour.
• Infants spend more time dreaming than adults do.
• Horses can't vomit and pigs can't look up in the sky.
• The first product to have a bar code scanned was Wrigley's gum.

The First’s In India

Puneeta Arora (Commandant, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune) became the first woman to reach the rank of Lt. General in the Indian army.

Sonali Banerjee is India's First woman Merchant Navy Officer.

Bachhendri Pal is first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest.

Mithali Raj (August 2002 playing against England) is the first Indian woman cricketer to score double century.

Dr. Manmohan Singh is the first Sikh Prime Minister of India.

Bula Chaudhury has the distinction of being the first Indian to cross seven important seas by swimming Mrs. Meera Sahib Fatima Biwi is the first woman Judge in Supreme Court.

Leela Seth is the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court.

Kalpana Chawla is the first Indian woman (now U.S citizen) to go in space.

Mrs. Ranjana Kumar is the first woman Chairman and Managing Director of NABARD.Karnam Malleshwari is the first Indian weightlifter to win bronze medal in Olympics (Sydney, in 2000).

Vishwanathan Anand is the First Indian World Chess Champion.

The News Today (Launched on Jan. 3, 2001) is India's first paperless Newspaper.

Anju Bobby George (Aug. 2003) is the first Indian lady to win a medal in World Athletic Championship.

G. M. C. Balyogi is the first Dalit Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

Ms. Kiran Bedi is the first Indian to be appointed as United Nations Civilian Police Advisor.

K. J. Udeshi (appointed on June 10, 2003) is the first woman to be appointed Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India.

Rahul Dravid (playing test against Pakistan in Pakistan, April 2004) became the first Indian cricketer to make double centuries five times.

Smt. Roopa Misra was the first Orissa woman to top I.A.S. (2003)

Kanchan C. Bhattacharya (DGP Uttaranchal) became the first woman Director General of Police of a State.

Krishna Kant is the first Vice-President of India to die in harness

Sania Mirza (2003) is the first Indian girl to register a win in a Wimbledon tournament. 

with from references children site

Animal General Knowledge Facts

Animal kingdom is very fascinating. There are so many interesting facts about animal world that common people are not aware of. Let’s share some of the interesting facts that you will be pleased to know.

Flutterby was the original name for butterfly.

The Earth has no less than over 12,00,000 species of animals, 3,00,000 species of plants & 1,00,000 other species.

The swan has over 25,000 feathers in its body.

A jellyfish is 95 percent water.

Only one bird can rotate its head to 270 degrees and that is owl.

All polar bears are left handed

Sticking out its tongue is not possible for crocodile.

A cow gives nearly 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime

Elephant teeth can weigh as much as 9 pounds.

A cheetah does not roar like a lion; instead it purrs like a cat (meow)

No two zebras have stripes that are exactly alike.

Crane sleeps standing on one leg.

There are more than 50 different kinds of kangaroos.

A butterfly has 6 Legs & 2 Pair of Wings & has 12,000 eyes.

The dangerous Sharks cannot see. In fact, they are very sensitive to sound.

Human birth control pill also works on gorillas.

Ants don’t sleep.

If there is one breed of dog that bites humans more than any other breed then it is German Shepherds.

A cat sees about six times better than a human at night because of the tapetum lucidum , a layer of extra reflecting cells which absorb light.

Grizzly bears are the ones whose brown fur is tipped with lighter-colored hairs.

Goliath frog is the largest frog in the world.

A cheetah can run 76 kilometres per hour (46 miles per hour)

Kiwis are the only birds, which hunt by sense of smell.

Countries In Africa

Africa is the second largest continent in the world after Asia. No less than 6 percent of the Earth’s total surface area is covered by Africa. The continent has total 53 countries and houses most number of people after Asia. There are numerous island groups in the continent. Africa is known for great many cultures and numerous tribes. It is also rich with wide variety of wildlife. One of the most primitive continents, Africa has a special place in the history of mankind.

• Mozambique (Republic of Mozambique)
• Namibia (Republic of Namibia)
• Benin (Republic of Benin)
• Botswana (Republic of Botswana)
• Western Sahara (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic)
• Zambia (Republic of Zambia)
• Cameroon (Republic of Cameroon)
• Cape Verde (Republic of Cape Verde)
• Comoros (Union of the Comoros)
• Côte d'Ivoire (Republic of Côte d'Ivoire)
• Djibouti (Republic of Djibouti)
• Egypt (Arab Republic of Egypt)
• Algeria (People's Democratic Republic of Algeria)
• Angola (Republic of Angola)
• Ethiopia (Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia)
• Gabon (Gabonese Republic)
• Gambia (Republic of The Gambia)
• Ghana (Republic of Ghana)
• Guinea (Republic of Guinea)
• Guinea-Bissau (Republic of Guinea-Bissau)
• Liberia (Republic of Liberia)
• Libya (Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya)
• Madagascar (Republic of Madagascar)
• Malawi (Republic of Malawi)
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi (Republic of Burundi)
• Mali (Republic of Mali)
• Mauritania (Islamic Republic of Mauritania)
• Mauritius (Republic of Mauritius)
• Morocco (Kingdom of Morocco)
• Niger (Republic of Niger)
• Tanzania (United Republic of Tanzania)
• Togo (Togolese Republic)
• Nigeria (Federal Republic of Nigeria)
• Republic of the Congo (Republic of the Congo)
• Rwanda (Republic of Rwanda)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Senegal (Republic of Senegal)
• Seychelles (Republic of Seychelles)
• Sierra Leone (Republic of Sierra Leone)
• Somalia (Somali Republic)
• South Africa (Republic of South Africa)
• Sudan (Republic of Sudan)
• Central African Republic (Central African Republic)
• Chad (Republic of Chad)
• Swaziland (Kingdom of Swaziland)
• Tunisia (Tunisian Republic)
• Uganda (Republic of Uganda)
• Zimbabwe (Republic of Zimbabwe)
• Kenya (Republic of Kenya)
• Lesotho (Kingdom of Lesotho)
• Equatorial Guinea (Republic of Equatorial Guinea)
• Eritrea (State of Eritrea)

Interesting Facts That One Should Know

General knowledge is a fascinating concept. We get to know so many different things about the capital. Right from capitals, cultures, music, movies to politics and astronomy, even sky is not the limit. Garnering knowledge is one way to feel good about self. It also gives you more weightage in social gatherings. When you are aware of things happening around you, you get better perspective and make rational opinion. So, let’s join hands in knowing some of the interesting facts about the world.

What is South America's highest mountain range? - The Andes

In which continent is the Sahara desert? - Africa

Of which country is Khartoum the capital? - Sudan.

Name the two longest rivers in the world:- Amazon and Nile

Which ocean is to the east of Africa? - Indian Ocean

Which is bigger, a lake or an ocean? - An ocean

What is the capital city of Norway? - Oslo

What is the capital city of New Zealand? - Wellington

What is the biggest state in the U.S.A.? - Alaska

Which country has the biggest land area? - Russia

What natural phenomena are measured by the 'Richter scale'? - Earthquakes

Which two oceans does the Panama Canal link? - Atlantic and Pacific

What is the line of latitude 23.5 degrees north of the equator called? - Tropic of Cancer

Who named the Pacific Ocean? - Ferdinad Magellan

Which country is called "Land Of White Elephants'? - Thailand

In which part of the world is the River Snake? - USA

Which is the tallest race in the world? - Tutsis, average height 185 cm

Where are the Ajanta caves? - Maharashtra in India

In which country is Mount Everest? - Nepal

Which continent has the biggest population? - Asia

What is the capital of Fiji? - Suva

In which country is the world's highest waterfall? - Venezuela

Which country has the most people? - China

What is the capital city of Kenya? - Nairobi

Which are the lowest and highest points in United States? - Death Valley in southern California is the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet below sea level. The highest point in the contiguous 48 states is also in California: Mount Whitney, which is 14,491 feet above sea level.

Which town in the world is situated at a highest altitude? - Wenchan in Tibet at an altitude of 5100 M.

Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture is also termed as Traditional Oriental Medicine because of its amazing benefits and usefulness. We need to understand the concept of acupuncture. Basically, in every part of living world, a physical energy force known as Qi exists. This Qi flows in channels of humans and that is ably reflected by acupuncture. There are Qi meridians in body that work in sync with blood and nerve system. These channels of energy in the body have own names based on human organs.

It is a very popular mode of treatment in many parts of the world. It demands understanding of human organs and flow of energy. Acupuncture is a combined tool of acupuncture, herbology and several other healing arts. Normally, people associate acupuncture with crystals, herbs, needles and magnets. These things are not necessarily used all the times by the practitioner. These modalities are complete units in themselves.

The most common modality of acupuncture is needles. In case of problems, the stainless needles are placed in appropriate points around the body. According to treatment, the size and length of needle varies from 1/5 of an inch to 3 inches. This is slightly painful but much lesser than hypodermic syringes that we all are scared of. However, the pain subsides within few seconds. You might feel a slight heat sensation. The usual parts of the body that are used for needles insertion are, heard, abdomen, arms, ears or legs. The vibrations produced by the needles go a long way in improving the patient’s condition.

Western Astrology

Our previous article talked about Indian Astrology and explained how it works. Now, we will focus on Western astrology that is widely prevalent in western countries. Its origin is traced to great ancient culture of Mesopotamia. It is said to be originated there and later on spread to other parts of the world. Egypt played a great role in development of western astrology. From Egypt, it moved to the historical land of Greece and there is witnessed the incorporation of new concepts.

Ptolemy was a Greek astrologer and astronomer and he is credited with introducing western astrological tradition. He wrote a book named ‘Tetrabiblos’ which contained foundations of the western astrological tradition. His theory took time of birth of a person in consideration and derived horoscope. Western astrology works on a different pattern than our own Indian astrology. According to them, different times witness different position of the cosmic bodies and that affects how our lives pan out.

Later on, western astrology moved to Middle-East and Arab and Persian scholars helped in reviving and refining western astrology and sent it to Europe. Astrology played a major role in European society. In medieval Europe, no function or policy announcement was performed without consulting astrologers. Western astrology is made up of twelve signs and further subdivided into four basic elements, Fire, Earth, Air and Water. The twelve zodiac signs represent twelve basic personality types.

Facts About Drinks

There are quite a good number of misconceptions about food and drinks. Few of them have existed since several years. This article will try to clear few facts about drink and food habits. These myths have been debunked by qualified dietitians.

Many people believe that milk is more fattening than juice. People who prefer milk instead of juice tend to gain more weight. But let me clear one thing. A glass that contains one percent milk contains far less calories than a glass of juice. It might come as a surprise to many of us but a glass of fruit juice has almost 120 kilocalories whereas two percent milk in a glass will give you just 10 kilocalories. Also the fact that milk has more nutrients like potassium, protein, vitamin D and calcium signifies what should be our priority. Juice has mostly some vitamins and sugar.

Many people believe that coffee is the main source of caffeine. Infact quite a large number of people have quit drinking coffee because of caffeine and heart connection. But how many of us know that even a can of pop, tea and canned drinks contains caffeine. Drinks like Red Bull and Jolt possess as much caffeine as coffee. Also take note of the fact that having coffee in small to moderate amount is not at all harmful for health. Though on exception is for pregnant women and people having high blood pressure as they need to reduce their coffee intake.

Interesting History Facts

The year 1848 is also known as the year of revolution in European history.
George VI was the King of England before Queen Elizabeth II. The period was 1936 to 52.
Mrs. Sirimavo Bandara Naike was the first woman prime minister of a country. The country in question was Sri Lanka.
Ever wondered what’s the designation provided to the President of India? – its The Supreme Executive and Forcers Commander of Nation.
History books often mention famous peacock throne that was used by a king. The king was originally Shah Jahan of Mughal Era but later on Na dir Shah got hold of this throne.
Korea is also known by the name ‘the Land of Morning Calm’.
One of the greatest kings of history Alexander the Great died in BC 323 at the young age of just 33. The all conquering king died while returning back from India.
Duke William of Normandy is the name that finished the hundred years of the Anglo Saxon rule in England in 1066
Indian National Congress was the name of the organization founded by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa to agitate for the rights of the Indians there.
Diet House of Representative holds all the aces when it comes to having complete legislative authority in Japan
One of the most famous historical lines “Government of the people, by the people and for the people” was give by- renowned USA president Abraham Lincoln
Hague is the place where International Court of Justice is located.
Ferdinand Magellan was the first explorer to circumnavigate the world. However many people confuse this fact with the name of Vasco Degama.
May 24th is also known as common wealth day.
Nepal is one of those care countries that do not have a rectangular national flag.
France gifted USA the statue of Liberty in New York. The name of the sculptor was Frederick Augusta Bartholdi.

Science Facts

The sun is the nearest star.
Between the two, Gold and Silver, gold is the heavier one.
H20 also refers to water
A butterfly has six legs.
The planet Neptune has a moon named Triton.
Photosynthesis is the name of the process for which plants need CO2, water and sunlight.
Stephen Hawking is credited to have written the famous book, ‘A Brief History of Time’
The symbol Zn symbolizes chemical element Zinc.
The brain contains the elemnt cerebrum.
Ornithology refers to study of birds.
Sir J J Thomson discovered electron.
Thigh bone is the longest bone in the human body.
At – 40 c temperature both the Centigrade and Fahrenheit show the same reading, i.e., (-) 40c equals (-) 40 F
Benjamin Franklin invented the bifocal lens.
Ever wondered why we never feel pain while cutting our nails? Because nails are not connected with blood vessels.
Swiss bio- chemist Friedrich Miescher discovered DNA in 1868.
Llama is found in only one continent, Antarctica.
Quasar is the name of the brightest object discovered in the universe.
Tungsten is the name of the element that is used in electric lamp filaments.
Adrenaline is the name of hormone that contains blood pressure in the human body.
A nucleus of carbon contains six number of protons and neutrons each.
Pluto revolves most slowly around the sun.
Argon gas is filled in electric bulbs.
The fear of death is called Bath phobia.
Max Plaock gave us Quantum theory.
Dimitri Mendeleeva formulated periodic table of elements.
Charles Robert Darwin is considered as the father of modern Biology.

Facts about Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the world’s top wonders as declared on the basis of world-wide poll. People from all over the voted for this renowned site located in the country of Peru (Latin America). Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site. It is also one of the most popular tourist sites in world. Machu Picchu has been granted status of one of the most endangered sites in the world by World Monuments Fund. It is said that original residents of this place died within 100 years of its establishment because of spread of small pox.

• Machu Picchu is located at a very high altitude of 2,400 meters (7,875 ft) above sea level. The erstwhile Inca Empire used this historical place as its proud symbol. That explains why this is also called as "The Lost City of the Incas".
• Built around 1460, but later on abandoned.
• Situated on a mountain ridge, Machu Picchu looks through Urubamba River.
• It was discovered by an American Historian named Hiram Bingham in 1911.
• 1981 saw declaration of Machu Picchu as a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary.
• UNESCO gave it the status of World Heritage Site in 1983.
• Machu Picchu is built of approximately 140 structures.
• The Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana and Room of the Three Windows constitute the primary buildings of the structure.
• Polished dry stone walls in the traditional Inca style have bene used to create the structure.
• National Geographic Society is credited to make this place popular by publishing one complete issue dedicating Machu Picchu in 1913.
• Machu Picchu is one of the most popular toiurist destinations in the world.
• Intihuatana stone is said to be built as a calendar or astronomical clock.
  

Facts About Indian Railways

The word general knowledge has huge connotations on multiple layers. It is a term that covers everything on the planet and even celestial space. Let’s know some interesting facts about widely used Indian railways. Indian railways service is lifeline for normal Indians. Indian railways have continued to exist since more than 150 years and have served Indians faithfully. With passage of time, many new services have been introduced by Indian railways which have helped it to become even more efficient and commendable. Indian railways are the largest railway network in Asia and that’s no mean feat.

Indian railways employ more than 1.6 million people and thus becoming the largest utility employer in the world. It is also the largest railway system under one management. Other facts about Indian railways;

• More than 7,500 railway stations.
  First passenger train traveled between Bombay and Thane on 16th April 1853.
  Parsik Tunnel is the first rail tunnel.
  Dapoorie Viaduct is the first railway bridge ever created.
  Calcutta Metro was the first underground railway.
  Fleet of 7800 locomotives
  Total 40,000 coaches.
  Total wagon number stands to 3,26,000.
  National Rail Museum establishment took place in 1977.
  In 1986, First Computerized Reservation System started in New Delhi.
  Sri Venkatanarasimharajuvariapeta in Tamil Nadu is the longest station name.
  Run of First Electric Train took place on 3rd Feb 1925 between Bombay VT and Kurla
  Ib in Orissa is the shortest station name.
  Toilets in train were set up in 1891 for 1st Class & for lower classes it was in 1907.
  Kerala Express has the distinction of longest run for a daily train. It covers approximately 3100 Km in 42 hours.
  Himsagar Express has the longest run time of 75 hours.
  Trivandrum Rajdhani has longest non-stop run of 528 km.
  Kharagpur is the longest railway platform in the world.
  Longest tunnel is between Khandala and Monkey hill on Konkan Railway of 6.5 km.
  Approximately 14,000 trains run daily on Indian Railway network.
  Siliguri Railway Station has the all the three gauges.
  Howrah-Amritsar Express has maximum number of halts with 115 halts.