Author: Deshwale Science and Environment Desk

Ever noticed how most people naturally reach out with their right hand. Whether it’s shaking hands, writing, or even just opening a bottle, the world is built for right handed folks. So where does that leave lefties? Turns out only about 10 percent of the world’s population is left handed. That’s it. One in ten. And no, it’s not just a quirky twist of fate. There’s actual science behind it. Let’s start with the basics. Being left handed simply means your left hand is more dominant. It’s the one you rely on for tasks that require control, strength, or precision.…

In a bustling market, a stranger’s face feels oddly familiar. During a monsoon festival, you spot your mirror image briefly. Across crowded cities or quiet villages, lookalikes ignite curiosity worldwide. Have you ever mistaken someone for a loved one? Or seen your own features echoed in another? The mystery of doppelgängers captivates hearts everywhere. This journey into science’s answers unveils a shared human story. It blends genetics, culture, and wonder into one vibrant thread. How many lookalikes roam our planet’s vast mosaic? Let’s explore a phenomenon that binds us all. Picture weaving through a vibrant street fair, alive with music.…

Imagine a pit in the middle of a desert, burning with flames for over 50 years straight. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, it’s real, and it’s called the Darvaza Gas Crater, or the ‘Door to Hell,’ smack in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. This is not just a jaw-dropping tourist spot… it’s a blazing reminder of how one human mistake can mess with the environment and our resources. Let’s dive into its wild story and what it teaches us about climate change, sustainability, and owning up to our goof-ups. A mistake that’s still burning Back…

Monsoons gift India abundant rain, yet water scarcity looms. Rainwater harvesting captures nature’s bounty wisely. From Rajasthan’s ancient wisdom to Bengaluru’s modern systems, it’s transformative. This scholarly article explores its potential. It builds a resilient future for India. Traditional Wisdom: Rajasthan’s Johads Rajasthan’s johads are earthen dams catching monsoon rains. They recharge groundwater, sustaining villages. Farmers rely on them for crops. Johads revive arid lands each season. This ancient system inspires modern harvesting. Johads show community-driven water wisdom. They are India’s sustainable past. Tamil Nadu’s Temple Tanks Tamil Nadu’s temples house ancient rainwater tanks. These eris collect monsoon runoff for…

MoU to drive innovation in Indian languages, HealthTech, and Gen AI Samsung R&D Institute, Noida has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Madras. This partnership will drive research and development in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a special focus on Indian languages, HealthTech, and Generative AI. What’s in the Deal? The agreement covers: Samsung aims to strengthen its innovation ecosystem through this academic collaboration. It also aligns with national initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India.’ Why It Matters The collaboration looks to solve real-world challenges. It will also foster innovation in regional language integration for AI…

In a quiet neighbourhood in Lucknow, a young boy once looked up at the sky, wondering if he’d ever get close to the stars. Today, that same boy, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is preparing for a mission that will place him among the few Indians to have ventured into space. On 19 June 2025, he will become India’s first astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), flying aboard the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). This moment is not just a milestone for Indian spaceflight, it is a testament to the power of dreams, discipline and destiny. A Childhood Rooted…

Monsoons drench India, igniting life in its ecosystems. Rains unveil nature’s spectacle. Forests, wetlands, and fields burst with biodiversity. From fireflies to rare orchids, life thrives. This scholarly article explores monsoon’s ecological magic. It echoes the squirrel and earthworm narratives. India’s rainy season is a biodiversity symphony. Western Ghats: A Rainy Haven The Western Ghats pulse with life during monsoons. Rainforests awaken, teeming with unique species. Frogs like the Malabar gliding frog breed now. Their vibrant calls fill misty valleys. Rare plants, like impatiens flowers, bloom vividly. Monsoons nurture this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot. The Ghats are India’s rainy jewel. Fireflies:…

Squirrels scamper through trees, their bushy tails flicking with purpose. These creatures are familiar yet extraordinary. Far from mere playful rodents, squirrels in nature’s tapestry are vital eco-engineers. Their small actions ripple across ecosystems, shaping forests and sustaining life. This article unveils their remarkable contributions with scholarly insight, highlighting the often-overlooked role of squirrels in nature’s tapestry. Seed Dispersers: Nature’s Gardeners Squirrels hoard nuts and seeds, burying them for winter feasts. Many caches are forgotten, left to sprout in fertile soil. Oaks, chestnuts, and pines rise from these overlooked treasures. This accidental planting regenerates forests, ensuring their longevity. In India’s…

The sky has always been a canvas of dreams for India, a nation that gazes upward with ambition and pride. From the ancient astronomers of Ujjain to the modern rockets of ISRO, the cosmos has whispered promises of greatness to every Indian heart. Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Group Captain from Lucknow, embodies this celestial yearning. He is not just an astronaut preparing to soar to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Axiom-4 mission. He is a symbol of India’s relentless pursuit of the stars, a bridge between the grounded dreams of a billion people and the infinite possibilities of…

On World Environment Day 2025, coal and lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) launched a nationwide campaign focused on afforestation and plastic elimination. Events were organised across nearly 350 locations in 11 coal/lignite-bearing states as part of a mega environmental initiative. The plantation drive, titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” aimed to honour nature by planting thousands of saplings in mining and barren lands. This year’s theme “One Nation, One Mission – End Plastic Pollution” was actively promoted alongside the plantation campaign. The PSUs took steps to eliminate single-use plastic from their offices and encouraged local communities to do the same.…