The Junior Age

Month: May 2025

World Environment Day 2025: Young Heroes, It’s Time to Save our Planet!

World Environment Day 2025 is celebrated on June 5th! This isn’t just any day-it’s a global rally to protect our planet, and you are the stars of the show. In 2025, the theme is #BeatPlasticPollution, focusing on stopping the harmful effects of plastic waste on our environment. The Republic of Korea will host the global celebrations.

Also Watch full video Fascinating Facts About Marine Turtles

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The big deal about World Environment Day

Imagine a day when the world throws a party for nature, with millions of people-from children in Mumbai to scientists in Tokyo-joining hands to keep Earth thriving. The World Environment Day celebrations are led by the United Nations Environment Programme (“UNEP”) and has been held annually since 1973. It has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. Each year, it tackles a mega-issue, and in 2025, we’re battling plastic pollution, the sneaky enemy clogging our oceans and forests.

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Why does this matter to you?

Because our planet is your playground, and plastic is trashing it! A 2025 study warns that over 50% of children born today could face wild climate challenges like floods or wildfires if we don’t act. By diving into World Environment Day, you’re joining a global squad to keep Earth awesome for your future adventures-think hiking, swimming, or stargazing without plastic in the way!

Plastic Pollution: The villain we must defeat

Picture a dolphin tangled in a plastic net or a beach buried under bottles. Not cool, right? Plastic pollution is a massive problem because it never vanishes-it just breaks into tiny bits that haunt our planet for centuries.

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Here’s the latest scoop from 2025 research:

  • Mountain of Trash: Humans churn out 400 million tons of plastic yearly, but only 9% is recycled. The rest piles up in landfills or floats in rivers.
  • Sneaky Danger: Microplastics-those teeny plastic bits-are in our food, water, and even our bodies! They harm animals and could affect your health.
  • Wildlife SOS: Plastic kills over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine animals annually, choking their homes like a sci-fi monster.

 

Why 2025 is a game-changer?

This year, World Environment Day is bursting with bold moves. The theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, champions a circular economy-think reusing and recycling like nature’s pros (ever seen how leaves become soil?). UNEP’s 2025 campaign, calls for a plastic-free future. Here’s what’s making waves:

  • Kid Power Unleashed: Across India, schools are hosting eco-fests from May 22 to June 5, with games, skits, and clean-up challenges. Win prizes for being the ultimate eco-warrior!
  • India’s Leadership: States like Kerala and Maharashtra are banning single-use plastics, creating plastic-free zones. You’re part of a winning team!
  • Science Rocks: Innovators are crafting clever ways of getting rid of plastics and also finding alternatives to plastic!

 

World Environment Day 2025: Mind-blowing Facts

Want to wow your friends? Drop these 2025 facts about plastic and the environment:

  • Forever Plastic: A plastic straw lasts 200 years longer than a dinosaur’s reign!
  • Ocean Takeover: By 2050, plastic could outweigh fish in the sea. Let’s not let that happen!
  • Kid Genius: A 13-year-old from Delhi built a plastic-collection bot in 2024, proving kids can outsmart pollution!
  • Your mission: Be an Eco-superstar

No cape? No problem! You can save the planet with smarts and spirit. Here are battle-tested ideas for you, inspired by World Environment Day 2025:

 

Ditch the Plastic

  • Rock a reusable water bottle-be-dazzle it with stickers for extra swagger.
  • Skip plastic straws; try stainless steel ones. They’re like ninja gear for sipping!

Recycle Like a Boss

  • Sort trash at home-plastic goes in the blue bin, not the black one. Start a school recycling squad.
  • Make it a contest: who’s the recycling king or queen?

Unleash Your Creativity

  • Transform plastic lids into funky coasters or planters. Paint them neon for a pop!
  • Design posters for your school’s World Environment Day bash.

Join the Fight

  • Sign up or organise for a clean-up drive. Be the hero your park needs!
  • Share your eco-wins online. Tag your friends to join the green revolution!

Spread the Word

Watch UNEP’s kid-friendly videos about plastic’s impact on animals.

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Gujarat’s Asiatic Lions roar louder population reaches 891

Did you know that the only place in the whole world where you can find wild Asiatic lions is in Gujarat, India? We have some great news for wildlife lovers! In May 2025, Gujarat conducted its 16th Asiatic Lion Census, revealing a remarkable increase in the lion population. The number of Asiatic lions has risen from 674 in 2020 to 891, marking a 32% growth over five years. This achievement highlights the success of conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these majestic creatures.

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How was the census conducted?

The census took place from May 10 to 13, covering 35,000 square kilometers across 11 districts in Gujarat. Approximately 3,000 volunteers, including forest officers and local residents, participated in the survey. For the first time, the census incorparated closed-circuit television surveillance alongside traditional methods to ensure accurate counting.

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International Big Cat Alliance

Where are the Lions now?

Asiatic lions are naturally found only in the Gir National Park and its surrounding areas. However, the latest census shows that lions have expanded their territory. with over half of the population now residing outside the Gir forest. They have been spotted in various districts, including Amreli Bhavnagar, and Rajkot. This expansion signifies a healthy and growing lion population.

International Big Cat Alliance

What did they find?

  • There are 196 male lions, 330 females, 140 teenagers (called sub-adults), and 4 225 cubs. 
  • The lion population has grown by 217 since the last big count in 2020, which is awesome news for these endangered animals. 
  • The very first lion census happened way back in 1936, and since then, the numbers have been going up and up, thanks to lots of hard work to protect them.
International Big Cat Alliance

Why is this important?

The increase in the Asiatic lion population is a testament to the effectiveness of conservation programs and the dedication of forest officials and communities. It also emphasizes the need for continued efforts to protect wildlife habitats and promote human-wildlife coexistence. As the lion population grows, it’s essential to address challenges such as habitat expansion and potential conflicts with human settlements.

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All About Marine Turtles: History and Conservation

Sea turtles or marine turtles are reptiles with webbed feet, a streamlined body, and hard shells that protect them from predators. Turtles belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world. Turtles were around even 200 million years ago and lived alongside the dinosaurs. This makes them older than snakes, crocodiles, and alligators.

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  • Habitat:  Shallow coastal waters, bays, lagoons, estuaries and occasionally the open ocean
  • Average Lifespan: 50 years or more
  • Diet: Varies from carnivore to omnivore
  • Largest Species: Leatherback
  • Smallest Species: Kemp’s ridley
  • IUCN Red List Status: From Threatened to Endangered

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Interesting facts about the Marine Turtle:

  1. Sea turtles rarely leave the ocean, except to lay eggs in the sand. However, they can migrate long distances. 
  1. There are seven species of marine or sea turtles. Six of them are threatened or endangered. 
  1. Surrounding temperatures play a big role in determining the sex of a baby sea turtle. During incubation, warmer temperatures (above 85°F) result in more female hatchlings, while cooler temperatures (below 85°F) produce more males.
  1. Their shells are made up of over 50 bones fused together. They literally wear their bones on the outside. Turtle bones are light and spongy, which helps them float.
  1. Marine turtles do not have teeth. They have beak-like mouths. 
  1. The Kemp’s ridley can weigh up to 40kg, whereas a leatherback turtles can weigh around 500kg. 
  1. Sea turtles can hold their breath underwater for a very long time. Some sea turtles species can hold their breath underwater for up to five hours! 
  1. Unlike a land turtle, sea turtle cannot retract its limbs, head or neck under its shell. 
  1. Sea turtles play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem of the ocean. By grazing on seagrass beds they maintain productive coral reefs and they also transport essential nutrients from oceans to beaches.

Also Watch full video Fascinating Facts About Marine Turtles

Fun and Easy Screen-Free Weekend Activities for Kids

In today’s digital world, children are spending more time than ever glued to screens. While technology has its place, too much screen time can impact sleep, behavior, and creativity. That’s why many parents are now embracing screen-free weekends—a time to unplug, reconnect, and encourage active, imaginative play.

This article is packed with fun, affordable, and engaging screen-free weekend activities to help your kids explore, learn, and bond with family—no devices required.

Encouraging Inquisitive Minds To Explore The World Around Themselves WITH INFORMATION CARDS

Why Go Screen-Free on Weekends?

Going screen-free, even for just two days a week, offers a variety of benefits for kids:

  • Improves focus and attention span
  • Promotes creativity and independent thinking
  • Enhances physical activity
  • Strengthens family relationships
  • Reduces stress and anxiety

Ready to power down? Here are plenty of screen-free ideas to keep your weekend lively and full of fun!

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Indoor Screen-Free Activities for Kids

1. Build a Fort

Let your kids transform the living room with blankets, cushions, and chairs. Fort-building sparks imagination and keeps them entertained for hours.

2. DIY Crafts and Art Projects

Set up a craft station with paper, glue, scissors, and paint. Projects like paper plate masks, friendship bracelets, or homemade greeting cards are creative and rewarding.

3. Family Board Game or Puzzle Night

Board games are a great way to build critical thinking and social skills. Try classics like Uno, Monopoly, or Scrabble, or pick age-appropriate puzzles for quiet fun.

4. Indoor Treasure Hunt

Create clues and hide small prizes around the house. It’s a fun way to keep kids moving and thinking.

5. Cook or Bake Together

Get kids involved in the kitchen by letting them measure, stir, or decorate. Try simple recipes like homemade pizza, cookies, or fruit salad.

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Outdoor Screen-Free Activities for Kids

6. Backyard Camping

Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and tell stories under the stars. If you don’t have a yard, create a similar experience at a nearby park.

7. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Give your child a list of things to find in nature (e.g., pinecone, feather, red leaf). This boosts observation skills and encourages exploration.

8. Visit a Local Park or Nature Trail

A walk in nature helps clear the mind and gets the body moving. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!

9. DIY Obstacle Course

Use cones, ropes, or pool noodles to create a fun challenge in your yard. Add jumping, crawling, and balancing tasks to get them moving.

10. Gardening Together

Let kids dig, plant seeds, and water the plants. Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and a love of nature.

Also read Top Summer Camps in Delhi NCR for Kids

Social & Community-Based Activities

11. Library Visit

Libraries often host storytime sessions, crafts, or reading challenges. It’s a great place for quiet screen-free enrichment.

12. Volunteer as a Family

Help at a local food bank, clean a park, or walk dogs from a shelter. Volunteering teaches empathy and community spirit.

13. Host a Playdate or Game Night

Invite friends over for classic games, relay races, or arts and crafts. No screens required—just good old-fashioned fun.

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Quiet Time and Mindful Activities

14. Journaling or Drawing

Give your child a blank notebook and some colored pens. Journaling encourages self-reflection, and drawing boosts creativity.

15. Storytelling or Reading Aloud

Let kids choose a book and read aloud together, or make up your own bedtime stories. It’s bonding and brain-boosting all at once.

Tips to Make Screen-Free Weekends a Success

  • Plan Ahead: Make a list of activities and gather materials before the weekend starts.
  • Set Expectations: Let your kids know the plan and get their input to increase buy-in.
  • Be a Role Model: Limit your own screen use to encourage your child to do the same.
  • Create a Routine: Start with a few hours screen-free, then gradually expand to full weekends.

While screens have their place, weekends are a great opportunity to reconnect with your kids and spark creativity in new ways. These screen-free weekend activities offer your family a chance to slow down, engage fully, and make meaningful memories—one fun idea at a time.

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Everything You Need to Know About Khelo India Youth Games 2025

The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is a major national sporting event that started on May 4 and will end on May 15, across multiple locations in Bihar and New Delhi. Over 5,000 young athletes from various states and union territories of India participated in 27 different sports disciplines, including athletics, gymnastics, shooting, and esports (as a demonstration event). Athletes compete to win medals, and each medal contributes points to their respective state or union territory’s overall tally. The state or union territory with the highest number of gold medals at the conclusion of the games is declared the over- all winner. The Khelo India Youth Games serve as a significant platform to identify and nurture young sporting talent, promoting sports development and encouraging a culture of athletic excellence throughout India.

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The official mascot of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is Gajasimha. Gajasimha is a mythical creature combining the power of an elephant and the heart of a lion, inspired by ancient temple sculptures from the Pala dynasty period in Nalanda and Bodh Gaya. It symbolises strength, wisdom, endurance, and fearless leadership, representing the spirit of young athletes competing in the games.

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Khelo India Youth Games 2025 medal tally

What is the Khelo India initiative?

The Khelo India initiative is a national program launched by the Government of India in 2017-18 to promote sports and fitness across the country, especially at the grassroots level. Its main goal is to improve India’s sports culture by identifying talented young athletes, organising structured competitions, and developing sports infrastructure nationwide.

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