Did you know that in the last 60 years more than a hundred spacecraft have landed on the Moon? Geologists from the University of Kansas, US have expressed concern about the ways in which humans can have a negative impact on the Moon, such as leaving junk on the surface.
It’s estimated that humans have left around 226,800 kg of waste on the Moon surface. That is more than twice as heavy as a Blue Whale, the largest animal on Earth today. Scientists have said that some measures should be put in place to prevent more damage.
For the first time ever, government officials from all around the world have agreed to a deal that requires all the countries to work to end the use of fossil fuels. This deal was finally agreed to at the climate talks in Dubai. The countries have agreed to move away from the use of petrol, oil, and coal. This is the first time ever in 30 years of COP climate summits, that the countries have agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. The deal was approved by almost 200 countries. COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber said that the deal is a “historic package” of measures that offers a “robust plan” to keep the target of capping global temperatures at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, within reach. The transition would be in a way that makes sure that the world will net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050.
X.com
One of the important questions at COP28 was whether countries would agree to stop producing fossil fuels (called a “phase-out”), or would simply agree to produce less (a “phase-down”). More than 100 countries, including the US and the EU, were pushing for a phase-out. However, Saudi Arabia, China, and India fought against this idea. These countries either depend heavily on fossil fuels, or on the money they make by selling them. Because of this disagreement, the final deal doesn’t mention a phase-out or a phase-down. Instead, it calls for “transitioning [slowly changing away from fossil fuels”.
bloomberg.com
The new agreement isn’t a law, but it does guide countries on the actions they should take to tackle the climate crisis. Countries now need to create their own plans for how they will cut greenhouse gas emissions over the next 12 years.
This new deal is a huge disappointment to many people who had hoped for a stronger position. But it’s also the first time a COP have meeting has mentioned moving away from fossil fuels.
The dance form of Garba was recently added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. According to UNESCO, the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help show the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance. The dance form is widely popular in Gujarat and different parts of the country during the Navratri festival. “The age-old tradition of devotion to Goddess Mother in the form of Garba is alive and growing.
Garba which has become the identity of Gujarat has been approved by UNESCO under its intangible cultural heritage list”, said Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
In the mid 1800s, the advent calendars started in Germany, when people marked the countdown to Christmas with chalk marks on doors or by lighting a candle. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that paper calendars were made and the idea spread around the world. Initially, advent calendars were illustrated with images from the Bible. Advent calendars are used from December 1 until Christmas Day.
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Did You Know?
Advent is a Latin word meaning “the coming”. It was officially established by the church in the 6th century.
Carolling is an ancient practice of dancing or singing songs of praise and happiness.
Thousands of years ago in Europe, carols were written and sung during all four seasons. Originally Pagans (non-religious people or those that believe in more than one God) sang carols to celebrate the winter solstice around December 22, but then early Christians took over the practice and began to sing Christian songs at this time of year.
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The earliest recorded Christmas hymns can be traced to 4th century Rome. These hymns were in Latin and some of them are still sung in churches. Subsequently, centuries later in the 1800s, carols written in English became popular.
Why Are Stockings Hung In Christmas?
According to legend, St. Nicholas, a bishop known for his kindness and generosity, had discovered a family that was struggling financially and he decided to deliver them an extravagant gift. On Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas tossed three bags of gold coins down the family’s chimney, where they landed in the socks that were hung above the fireplace to dry.
bustle.comjournalnow.com
Why Are Bells Associated With Christmas?
Bells, whether sleigh bells, church bells or jingle bells, are a very important part of Christmas. The association of bells with Christmas is both symbolic and practical. Bells in both Pagan and Christian traditions supposedly ward off evil spirits. In addition, church bells are rung to signify an important event, such as Christ’s birthday, or even to let churchgoers know it’s time for service.
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Why Are Stars Used As Tree Toppers?
According to legend, stars on the top of the Christmas tree represent the Star of Bethlehem. Christians believe that the Star of Bethlehem guided the Three Wise Men to find baby Jesus.
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Why Are Candy Canes Associated With Christmas?
In 1670, a German choirmaster (a person who leads a choir) in Cologne, Germany asked a local sweet shop to make sweets (in the shape of a shepherd’s hook) for the children at his church to keep them quiet during the long Christmas service.
lovetoknow.com
Why Are Christmas Crackers Shaped Like A Giant Sweet?
Taking inspiration from the French bon bon, Tom Smith in 1847 in London, invented the Christmas crackers. His rival confectioners in London started copying his bon bon. This led him to create a bigger packaging and the addition of a message within. Eventually, the bon bon was dropped altogether and a token put in its place, leading to something which seems very much like the Christmas crackers we have today.
which.co.ukmirror.co.uk/
Did You Know?
Bon Bon was a sugared almond sweet wrapped in twisted tissue paper.
What Does Holly Symbolise?
There is nothing as Christmassy as a holly! However, long before holly got associated with Christmas, it was considered a lucky charm. Holly was used to ward off witches and bad spirits, especially at farms where there were fears of losing livestock to curses. Eventually, Holly got associated with Christianity. The spiky foliage represents the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ at the Easter crucifixion and the berries of his blood. Although Christ died at Easter, it became a tradition to bring sprigs into the house at Christmas.
blog.exoticflowers.com
How Did Tukey Appear On The Christmas Menu?
Initially, turkey was not a part of the traditional Christmas dinner. Turkey didn’t appear on the Christmas menu until Henry VIll of the UK introduced it in the 1500s.
thesun.co.uk
When Did Kids Start Leaving Milk And Cookies For Santa?
Since mediaeval times in Germany, during the Yule season children left out food at night in hopes of getting presents from a different white-bearded guy: Odin, the all-powerful Norse god who travelled on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.
qazmedia.kz
Who Started The Tradition Of Sending Christmas Cards?
In 1843, Sir Henry Cole was behind the first printed Christmas card. He asked John Callcott Horsley to design it. It had the words ‘A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year To You’ printed on it. About 1,000 cards were made and it cost a shilling, which was actually a lot of money at the time (5p in today’s money).
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How Did The Tradition Of Santa Claus Start?
The tradition of Santa Claus is said to come from St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop living in (what is now Türkiye in the 4th century AD. Nicholas had inherited a great deal of wealth and was known for giving it away to help the needy. When he was sainted, he became the protector of children.
The Dutch figure Sinterklass is also based on St. Nicholas. His legend evolved across northern Europe, and he finally assumed his now-familiar form.
