The wide ocean, with its surface covering more than 70%, is one of the parts of the Earth that remain mostly unexplored. This hermitage is home to innumerable living creatures, of which many are yet to be found. Each year, researchers uncover some new species of animals, provoking our minds beyond the imaginable. Here are 10 of the most captivating recently discovered marine dwellers:
T. Sponge (Advhena magnifica)
Picture the environment of the deep sea known as the “Forest of the Weird”. This is the location where explorers came across the E.T. Sponge; a white, bulbous creature with two dots positioned on a long elongated stem. Its weird, extraordinary form symbolizes the mysterious beauty that is usually found on the ocean floor.
Fighting Elvis Worms (genus Stygohadal)
This worm’s ferocious-sounding name is perfectly accurate. These creatures have found their habitat in the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the earth’s ocean depths. They attack using their sharp jaws that are combined with strong bites for survival in these extreme conditions.
Tardigrades, also referred to as water bears, boast of their resilience. This new species is the smallest member of the Tardigrada phylum that has so far been discovered in such a vast space as the ocean depths. TARDIS is an affectionate name given by the character, which represents the possibility of enormous things dwelling in the smallest forms.
Patrick Sea Star (Attenborough yıldız)
This sea star, being named after the beloved cartoon character for its similarity, is adorned with knobby arms and is usually found in the Aegean Sea. This exciting finding is yet another example of efforts to classify the amazing richness among starfish types.
Blobfish (Psychrolutes marinus
Despite its not being the most outstanding looking, it serves as a fine specimen of adaptation. Its gelatinous body allows it to sustain the extreme pressure of the abyssal area.
Creatures of Myths and Legend
Monster tales about the abyssal predators have been captivating our imagination for centuries. Some of these stories are the source of truth, real beings that were discovered in the sea showing similarities to legendary beasts.
Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis)
It is a jet-black cephalopod which lives in the twilight zone of the ocean where the sunlight hardly penetrates. Given the bioluminescent red spots and filaments that can be retracted, this animal could easily be mistaken for a character from a gothic novel, playing its role as a predator of any organic matter that falls into the sea.
Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstonii)
This jaw-dropping shark is the oldest, and looks prehistoric, with a pink, protruding snout and rows of razor-sharp serrated teeth. It is a living fossil. Living in the absolute depth of sea, its encounter is rare giving the aura of uniqueness to its presence.
A World of Concealment
Oceans are home to many different habitats which pose major challenges to the organisms who live there. While others do so by mimicking their environment, becoming nature camouflage specialists.
Flamboyant Cuttlefish (Thysanoteuthis flamboyant)
This marvelous cuttlefish is a resident of coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. When threatened it unravels its multi-color body with huge bio-luminescent organisms into a spectacular display that startles predators making it get away.
Transparent Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria japonica)
This transparent sea cucumber employs the strategy of near-invisibility to escape predators. Its entire body is almost transparent so that light can go through it without much bending.
Leafy Seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus)
Blending in perfectly, the leafy seadragon has leaves for disguise, each of which also has leafy protrusions. Such an approach makes it virtually indistinguishable from the kelp forest setting and therefore eludes potential predators.
Giants of the Deep
The fact that the ocean is so vast is a place for creatures that have spectacular size and are only recently being discovered.
Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni)
The colossal squid, a distinct type of giant squid, is assumed to be the world’s biggest invertebrate animal. They are believed to be over 45 feet in length; still, they mostly stay enigmatic and unstudied. Researchers are clinging to patches of DNA found in predators and camera images taken by submersibles to assemble their existence.
This list is just a small preview of the hidden treasures found in the deep parts of the ocean. New discoveries will continue to be made, and many species are entirely unknown. By keeping on our endeavors of exploring the ocean depths, a lot more bizarre creatures that we can never imagine to exist will keep on emerging, refining our knowledge of marine life and its diversity. The future world ocean exploration is captivating as much as the exotic worlds these discoveries unfold. It also reminds us that the Earth holds as the profound secrets as we would search among the stars.
Coffee – the key component of many people’s mornings and afternoons – has an illustrious heritage and varied genesis. From the misty mountains of Guatemala to the volcanic slopes of Indonesia, where particular places produce coffee beans cherished for their individuality and excellence. Let’s embark on a global coffee adventure, exploring the top 10 caffeine plantation areas:
Brazil: The Unchallenged Monarch
Brazil is the top producer in coffee, and this country manufactures as much as 2.65 million metric tons yearly. Brazil also provides original Arabica beans from the Cerrado region. They are known for their distinctive smooth, harmonious flavor with hints of honey and hazelnut, but not at all like the ‘in your face’ image associated sometimes with Brazilian coffee.
Vietnam: Robusta Champion
Vietnam is second to this only with 1.65 million metric tons per year. Here, Robusta reigns supreme. These beans are known for their rich flavor, more caffeine, and special ground-like aroma. Vietnamese coffee traditionally has a strong and creamy taste whether served hot or iced with sweetened condensed milk, which is the best way to begin the morning.
Colombia: The Peak Of Perfection
Colombian coffee is known synonymously with quality, providing 810,000 metric tonnes per annum. Grown at high altitudes, especially in the Andean region around Medellin, Colombian varietals are known for distinct acidity, full body, and pronounced flavors that can be nutty, chocolatey, and even citrusy or floral. Colombian Supremo types are highly appreciated for their standard quality and rich flavor.
Indonesia: A Coffee Archipelago
The existence of volcanic soil and diverse growing conditions across the Indonesian archipelago is the main factor for the country’s big coffee output, which is estimated at 660,000 metric tons per year. Each island has its own distinctive posture. Sumatran Mandheling, which grows in the rich volcanic soils of Sumatra, is known for its earthy, herbal cup, while the Sulawesi Toraja, produced in the mountainous Toraja region of Sulawesi, is loved for its full-bodied, almost winey flavor with a bit of spice.
Honduras: Beyond the Bean Belt
Honduran coffee production surpasses 580,000 metric tons. Honduras has not been a part of the top-notch bean belt based in Central America. However, in recent years, this has changed, and this country now has a reputation for producing Arabica beans of very high quality. The Copan Ruinas region in Honduras is a perfect example of the right climate and altitude, which leads to coffees with complex, well-balanced flavors having tones of chocolate, citrus, and caramel.
Ethiopia: The Origin of Coffee
Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee connoisseurs, is responsible for the yearly contribution of 384,000 metric tons. Known for its heirloom Arabica varieties with floral and fruity notes, Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, a variety from the southern highlands cherished by coffee lovers. This kind of bean has a bright acidity together with citrus and blueberry characters, and also a rather distinctive floral scent, which point to their ancient conventions.
India: A Land of Diversity in Coffee
While India has a production of 348,000 metric tons, the country extends beyond the ordinary cup of coffee, catering to a multitude of preferences. The Indian coffee varies from strong, chicory-infused South Indian filter coffee which is popular in the Karnataka and Kerala regions to unique monsooned Malabar beans that are exposed to the monsoon winds of the Malabar Coast. Indian coffee is certainly proof of the rich coffee culture in the country.
Uganda: A Rising Star
The coffee production in Uganda reaches a remarkable 288,000 metric tons a year. Although Robusta is a widespread variety, especially around Lake Victoria, specialty Arabica beans from the mountainous farming areas of Bugisu region are becoming known. Beans from this country brew a rich, velvety cup with flavors of chocolate and berries which is a nice advantage from this East African country.
Mexico: Shade-Grown Gems
Arabica bean from Mexico’s shade-grown Arabica beans, which are grown under the canopy of rainforests in Chiapas and Veracruz, produce 234,0000 metric tons each year. Renowned for its outstanding acidity, flavor notes of chocolate, spices, and slight smokiness, Mexican coffee offers a unique experience. Sometimes taken standalone as a brewed pour-over or a traditional “Cafe de Olla” mixed with cinnamon and cloves, Mexican coffee is an entree of adventure in every sip.
Guatemala: Volcanic Perfection
The last one is Guatemala producing 225,000 metric tons of coffee a year. Guatemalan Antigua coffee beans, from Antigua Valley, which is volcanic, are acclaimed for their high acidity, light citrus and chocolate notes, and smooth finish. Similarly, another Guatemalan location, Huehuetenango, which is well known, produces a full-bodied coffee with a touch of spice and a lot of stone fruits flavor. These high-altitude, shade-grown coffee beans are a witness to the fact that Guatemala takes the quality standards in its coffee production very seriously.
Hence, whenever you next brew a cup of coffee, take time to reflect on the location where coffee beans are grown. Whether it is from the giant plantations of Brazil to the little and precise farms of Ethiopia, every cup is a window to the farmer’s hard work, knowledge about the climate, and their struggles for the best cup of coffee. The world of coffee offers a diverse range of flavors and regions to satisfy any coffee lover.
From the ancient arenas to the modern marvels of today, stadiums have captivated our imaginations and served as vital hubs for sports and cultural events in our communities. Let’s dive into the top 10 biggest stadiums on a global scale, discussing their history, progression, and dimensions.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India (Capacity: 132,000): Introduced in 2020, this stadium bears the status of the world’s largest. Among its unique features is the modern roof looked like a lotus petals that combines luxurious facilities such as private boxes and club lounges. The stadium complex also provides an Olympic pool, an indoor cricket academy, and a museum on the history of cricket in India.
Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, Pyongyang, North Korea (Capacity: 114,000): which opened in 1989 is infamous for its enormous size and links to North Korean mass games, well-rehearsed and spectacular public events that can bring thousands of people together. The details of how the stadium will be used after these events are not entirely clear. However, beyond its enormous size, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is distinguished by its architectural features, such as 16 white marble-clad arches and a main roof supported by huge concrete pillars.
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA (Capacity: 107,601): The campus of Michigan called “The Big House” with the highest attendance record in college football. Constructed through many phases since 1927, this stadium is a perfect reflection of the continuous growth of the monstrous proportions of the US sports venues. The stadium’s horseshoe design provides an optimal view for the fans; also, its enormous size contributes to the electrifying football game atmosphere.
Beaver Stadium, State College, Pennsylvania, USA (Capacity: 106,572): Being the home ground to Penn State Nittany Lions football team, many reconstructions have been done since the beginning in 1909. Its intimidating atmosphere is lore among college football fans. Reflecting the historical importance of the area’s former beaver hunting grounds, the stadium is locally known as “Beaver Stadium.” It has limestone exterior and upper deck features latticework trimmings.
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, USA (Capacity: 102,780): Nicknamed “The Horseshoe” for its distinct horseshoe shape, Ohio Stadium functions as the center of the football universe of Ohio State Buckeyes fans. It was established back in 1922, and a number of important games were played there. Nowadays, it is one of the major stadiums for the college football games. The horseshoe nature of the stadium allows spectators from most angles to be close to the field, and the open-air concourses add a festive mood during the games.
Kyle Field, College Station, Texas, USA (Capacity: 102,733): The place where Texas A&M Aggies play football, Kyle Field, is typical of the magnanimity of college football stadiums in this country. Its famous Twelfth Man tradition – the name for a place where a designated group of students remains standing throughout the game to produce a constant din of support – gives the stadium the best energy. Kyle Field had a major expansion in 2015, including premium seating and a successful south end zone video board.
Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (Capacity: 102,321): This Legion Field boasts of its deafening crowd noise and is a fortress for LSU Tigers football team. Opened in 1924, it has undergone upgrades from time to time to maintain its status as one of the best college football venues. The stadium of LSU Tigers football team is commonly referred to as “Death Valley” for being a hostile place for opposing teams and the lower deck literally surrounds the field creating a very loud and menacing environment on game days.
Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA (Capacity: 101,915): Famously called “The Neyland Zoo” among the passionate fans, Neyland Stadium is a historic arena of University of Tennessee football. Completed in 1921, it has been repeatedly enlarged to accommodate a larger number of visitors. The stadium’s orange hue, reflecting the university colors, is quite a sight to behold, especially on night games when the entire arena lights up in orange.
Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas, USA (Capacity: 100,119): Being the home to the University of Texas Longhorns football team, this stadium is a very prominent structure on the Texas campus. It was opened in 1924, and the expansion and modernization of the stadium have kept it a central hub of college football games. The stadium’s design is Spanish Revival-style architecture, thus showing the local fashion. In 2009, the giant video board was installed on the south end zone, which consequently made the fans have an even better experience.
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico (Capacity: 87,523): Estadio Azteca, which is the largest stadium in Latin America. The stadium was opened in 1966; it was the venue for the FIFA World Cup finals of 1970 and 1986, making it the first to host two World Cup games. The Azteca as well is famous for its high altitude, and this is quite a challenge for most visitors. Its Aztec architecture brings a unique tone to the arena, and the raucous Mexican fans make the whole place ecstatic during games.
With the information above, we have come to the end of our tour of the 10 largest stadiums in the world. Such gigantic arenas represent our attachment to sports, spectacle, and the feeling of togetherness when we are supporting our favorite teams. With the advancement of stadium design and technology, it will be interesting to see how these giants will change and which new monsters will take over in the future.
The Indian fashion scene is a mosaic of international influences sewn together with unique homegrown styles. Whatever your style, be it fashion or classics, there is a clothing brand out there meant to be your fashion match. Here’s a peek into some of India’s most popular clothing brands and what makes them tick:
Global Giants
H&M and Zara: These international brands have enthralled the Indian market with their unique designs, competitive pricing, and myriad product portfolio. They provide a stream of new styles that enable fashionistas to stay in the loop of global trends with an Indian twist. Imagine trendy kurtas with a modern touch or stylish dresses with intricate embroidery.
Levis and Wrangler: Jeans aficionados swoon at these icons of American apparel. They offer you good quality jeans in many styles, from the straight cuts of the classics to the trendy ripped styles. While both Levi’s and Wrangler are associated with durability and classic appeal, respectively, the latter also appeals to the adventure-loving crowd.
Homegrown Heroes
Fabindia: This brand stands for all things Indian. Fabindia stocks a variety of cool, casual clothes made from natural materials like cotton and linen. Traditional Indian shapes and prints they follow make them the best choice for those who are looking for original pieces of clothing from India. Favorite styles are kurtas, palazzos, and flowy dresses with exquisite block print designs.
Manyavar: Manyavar is a recognized brand for ethnic menswear. They provide a wide range of sherwanis, kurtas, and dhotis made from extravagant fabrics and breathtaking designs. Manyavar has an extensive collection not only for special occasions or ceremonies but also for outfits for festive everyday wear, which have made them popular with modern Indian men.
Biba: This brand is home to ladies who are in love with fusion and trendy Indian ethnic fashion. Biba provides a range of kurtas, suits, lehengas, and sarees in vivacious colors and contemporary trends. Their intricate embellishments, embroidery, and fusion wear make them an obvious choice for those who like to get creative with their ethnic look.
These brands realize that fashion is about more than just clothes. H&M and Zara are famous for their accessories like statement jewelry and handbags that complement one’s look. The range of handmade footwear and eco-friendly bags by Fabindia meet the needs of those who prefer the earthy, sustainable style. Manyavar customers can find beautiful footwear and sophisticated headwear like safas and pagdis to match the ethnic dresses they sell. Biba features scarves, stoles, and clutches that are stylish, providing ethnic appeal, and the handbags allow a seamless transition from a party look to the more trendy everyday outfit.
Let’s explore some popular outfit choices associated with these brands
A Night Out with H&M or Zara: Let your inner Bollywood diva out with a shiny lehenga from Zara or a chic jumpsuit embellished with intricate beadwork from H&M. Accessorize the outfits with eye-catching earrings and a clutch to add some sparkle.
Denim Days with Levi’s or Wrangler: Levi’s iconic 501 jeans combined with a clean white shirt and loafers will always be a look that will never go out of fashion. If you are looking for a more relaxed look, Wrangler comes up with distressed boyfriend jeans which fit well with a graphic tee and sneakers.
Embracing Tradition with Fabindia: Whereas, Fabindia’s kurtas in the softest colors with block prints are perfect for daily activities. Match them with ballet flats or Kolhapuri chappals to give an Indian twist to the look. You can choose a delicate cotton saree with contrasting blouses to match your occasion and can add a touch of glamour to your overall look with beautiful silver jewelry.
The Manyavar Man: From Luxurious silk to buff Brocade, Vardaan’s rich fabric sherwani sets are bedecked with zardosi or chikankari work, making them every couple’s dream wedding ensemble. For festival or wedding dressing, a kurta pajama suit with a subtly embroidered Nehru jacket in deeper shades, like emerald green or royal blue, are extremely classy and beautiful.
Biba’s Fusion Flair: Biba’s lehengas with updated designs and vivid shades such as fuchsia or turquoise are ideal for meaningful events as they add a touch of glamour and exclusivity to the look. If you want to wear a trendy kurta but not dress up, try a kurta with embroidered details and pair it with fashionable flats or wedges. Biba also has a wide selection of indo-western outfits in which traditional Indian elements with western silhouettes merge to produce a perfect look suitable for the young and fashionable Indian woman who wants to give her look a new twist.
India’s fashion scene stretches out not just to these popular brands but also there are numerous indigenous brands too. These fashion houses enable aspirations of designers, for example, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Manish Malhotra, who also create pieces that are acclaimed for the international standards. In contrast, independent boutiques, stocked with one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, that represent the country are also available for more individualistic looks.
Over thousands of years, humanity has been intrigued with the idea of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. These astounding masterpieces stand for peak human achievement and the astonishing beauty of nature. Let us explore history and discover the top seven wonders of the past and today, trying to reveal the nature of these mysteries.
The Great Wall of China
A masterpiece of architecture, 13,000 miles long and running along the rugged Chinese terrain, the Great Wall has become the only surviving of the antiquity’s seven wonders. The roots of this style can be traced to the 7th century BC and it has progressed through numerous dynasties and eras. Mostly, constructed as a defense against invasions, particularly from the nomadic tribes coming from the north, the Wall shows the overall strength, wisdom and engineering ingenuity of the ancient Chinese. The wall is built using different materials, such as brick, stone, tamped earth, and wood. It uses strategically located watchtowers, battlements, and beacon towers along the whole fortification span. Walking along its ramparts, one can join the families of the soldiers throughout the generations tracing the steps that finally lead to understanding the pinnacle of China’s history as a sign of its strength.
The Colosseum, Rome
The colossal Colosseum, an iconic symbol of the power and the culture of the Roman Empire, is a marvel of engineering and entertainment. This monument, constructed in the 1st Century AD by the Flavian Dynasty, was largely used for gladiator fights, animal hunts and public executions, as a form of amusement and political promotion. The Colosseum which could accommodate up to 80,000 people was an incredible architectural feat of its time with lots of complicated features like the hypogeum, elevators, and trapdoors to make the grand performances a success. Nowadays, its well-worn facade provides a glimpse into the bloodthirsty and magnetic reality of ancient Roman banquets, while the restoration works to preserve the place for future generations.
Petra, Jordan
Carved from skillful artisanship and urban planning, Petra, the Rose-Red city, represents a unique masterpiece in Jordan. Established around 300 BC by the Nabataeans, it grew to be a very lively trade center, lying on the caravan routes connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. The city’s most well-known colorful building, Al-Khazneh, was used as a tomb and ceremonial temple. Its architecture and artistry demonstrate the Nabataeans’ high level of expertise. The Siq or a narrow corridor leading to the city reveals the Treasury to all visitors with its extraordinary architectural techniques, remarkable carving and the smart water distribution system that supports the city in the hot and dry setting.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Sprawled across the fertile Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Chichen Itza was a thriving Mayan city between the 6th and 13th centuries AD. Its major highlight, El Castillo, is the Temple of Kukulcan which is a magnificent step pyramid with astronomical significance and perfect symmetry. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the setting sun creates the southward shadow of a serpent descending from the sky representing the Mayans’ superior knowledge of the celestial appearances. The Ball Court, having its distinctive acoustics and incredible sculptures of ritualistic games and sacred ceremonies, allows a view of the Mayan civilization’s rich cultural heritage and religious customs.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Hidden behind the Andean mist, Machu Picchu is the symbol of not only the Incas’ architectural skills but also of their deep reverence for nature. Constructed on a mountain ridge in the 15th century AD overlooking the Urubamba River valley, the intricate stone masonry together with its mysterious setting generates a feeling of admiration and awe. Although Machu Picchu served as a royal palace and religious center, agricultural terraces, temples, and residential areas express the expertise of the Inca in engineering, agriculture, and urban planning. The Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, and until now it keeps amazing archaeologists and historians, as well as inviting visitors to see the lost world of the Incas and their complex civilization.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
The Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro with its arms spread out as a symbol of peace and hope. Its Art Deco architecture from 1931 flawlessly fits in with the surrounding area, offering spectacular views of the dynamic city as well as the ocean of Guanabara Bay. The statue having a height of 98 feet coming with a 26-foot pedestal is a symbol of Brazil and Christianity that has been attracting millions of visitors every year. A pilgrimage to this famous statue is a truly unforgettable experience, especially if you are a seeker of peace, inspiration and a stunning view of Rio’s picturesque skyline and lush nature.
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal of Agra, India, is more than a mere monument as it is love embodied in white marble. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and it displays the best of the Mughal-era Islamic architecture, with its elegance, symmetry, and lavish ornamentation. This construction took 20 years and included artisans from the entire empire and beyond, the Taj Mahal has a symmetrical plan, decorative marble inlay work, and a clean reflecting pool, which creates an enticing enchantment of light and shadow. Decorated with semi-precious stones and Quranic calligraphy, it is an immortal monument of love that continues to fascinate millions of people from all over the world.
The seven wonders, located in different parts of the globe, are the symbols of human imagination, firmness, and the never-ending search for wisdom and beauty. Each wonder gives us a peek into history, making us feel amazed and inspired, and helping us understand how much humans have accomplished over time.
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