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Antinatalism: Questioning the Ethics of Bringing New Life into a Troubled World

In February 2019, a man named Raphael Samuel in Mumbai wanted to take his parents to court. He was unhappy about being born, and he believed it was his parents’ decision, not his own. While this may sound surprising, it raises some thought-provoking questions.

Samuel’s case was based on a concept called antinatalism. In today’s world, there are many injustices and problems. Society faces challenges socially and financially. This led Samuel to contemplate whether it’s necessary to bring a new life into this troubled world.

The core idea of antinatalism is the choice not to bring a new life into the world. The world is grappling with issues like wars, ethnic conflicts, climate change, corruption, irregularities, injustice, and crime. The Earth’s growing population is straining its natural resources.

In such a situation, Samuel questioned whether it’s fair to bring a newborn into this world. The concept of antinatalism has ancient roots, and author David Benatar, in one of his books, argues that no one should be born into this world.

His reasoning is that the experiences a child will go through after birth are often filled with suffering and difficulties. He suggests that it might have been better if humanity had never existed, given the pollution, greed, and intolerance that have turned the world into a challenging place.

Overpopulation has long been a concern, with some fearing that it would lead to problems in distributing food and resources fairly. Even the current Secretary-General of the United Nations has expressed concerns about this issue. Some advocate for strict birth control measures to manage the world’s population.

However, there are differing opinions about whether the current state of the world fully aligns with the concept of antinatalism. It’s natural that not everyone will agree with this idea, but the core concept remains: the main idea of antinatalism is to refrain from bringing new life into the world.

November 5, 2023
Against All Odds: The Remarkable Tale of José Alvarenga’s Sea Ordeal

Throughout history, people have undertaken perilous sea voyages, sometimes with tragic outcomes, while others miraculously return home. One such astonishing tale is that mexican fisherman José Salvador Alvarenga.

In November 2012, Jose embarked on a fishing expedition from the Mexican coast, using a motorized dinghy. His plan was to fish continuously for 30 hours at sea and then return home to rest for a whole week. He set out on his journey, accompanied by a less experienced companion. Initially, they ventured about 150 meters away from the shore, equipped with an icebox, fishing nets, and other gear.

However, their peaceful fishing trip quickly turned into a nightmare as the weather took a drastic turn. By noon, the sea grew tumultuous, and a ferocious storm descended upon them. Confronted with the violent tempest, the two men were filled with dread. Adding to their predicament, the boat’s engine sustained damage due to the cyclone. The storm raged for approximately five harrowing days.

Once the tempest had subsided, the boat had drifted several kilometers from the shore. They now found themselves running low on essential supplies, including food and water. The sweltering daytime heat and the biting cold of the nights made their situation increasingly dire. Luckily, there was a brief spell of rain, and they collected rainwater to quench their thirst.

After enduring this ordeal for a grueling 11 days, they finally managed to secure sustenance. But how did they obtain food? They resorted to catching turtles and fish, a necessary but difficult task that forced them to eat their catch raw.

Tragically, Jose Alvada’s companion succumbed to the harsh sea conditions a few days later, unable to withstand the ordeal. Alone in his fight for survival, Jose desperately signaled for passing ships, but none came to his rescue. And so, he embarked on an arduous solitary struggle for survival, lasting an additional eight months.

It wasn’t until January 30, 2014, that Jose Alvada finally reached the coast. He had spent an astonishing 438 days adrift at sea, covering more than 6,700 miles during his ordeal. His remarkable story now holds the record for the longest time spent alone at sea after being caught in a storm.

November 4, 2023
1984: Our Current Era Echoing George Orwell’s Dystopian World!

George Orwell, a famous English writer, penned his novel “1984” in the harsh cold of Scotland in 1948. This book, although set in 1948, is aptly titled “1984.” Orwell’s creation continued to impact readers well after its publication, and it gained renewed interest during Donald Trump’s inauguration in the United States and the Russia-Ukraine conflict due to striking parallels with contemporary events.

One fascinating aspect of “1984” is its history of bans in various countries, including Belarus and the former Soviet Union. Paradoxically, these prohibitions sparked increased interest and underground circulation of the book in the very places it was banned. Orwell’s work has left an indelible mark on rebellion, cinema, television, debates, and our understanding of war.

People have faced incarceration merely for possessing or reading “1984.” The book’s themes resonate profoundly with the current times, offering insights into how truth can be distorted in the realm of politics.

George Orwell envisioned a dystopian world in Oceania, where citizens live under constant surveillance, dissent is forbidden, and crimes are redefined by the regime. Speaking out against the ruling class is punishable by severe measures. Fear and mistrust pervade society, and people are manipulated and coerced into conforming to prescribed ideologies.

The ruling party’s goal is absolute allegiance, maintaining a facade of loyalty in the fabricated state. “1984” parallels the perpetual state of war maintained for the sake of peace, mirroring reality in many contemporary nations.

Orwell underscored the harrowing consequences people endure to sustain power. In his book, the state exerts immense control over its citizens’ beliefs and actions. He introduced the concept of the “telescreen” for surveillance, akin to modern surveillance technologies. Orwell’s vision from 1948 remains eerily relevant in many countries today.

November 4, 2023
Environmental Impact on Crocodile Habitats in Indonesia

Saltwater crocodiles are known for their frightening characteristics, such as their deadly attacks, causing around 1,000 human fatalities each year. Surprisingly, the country with the highest number of these incidents is Indonesia, where approximately 1,000 crocodile attacks occurred in the last decade.

In this ten-year span, 450 individuals tragically lost their lives due to these attacks, and many more suffered injuries or disfigurement. This issue is particularly prevalent in the Sumatra island region of Indonesia, where extensive mining activities have led to deforestation and environmental degradation.

These disturbances to the natural habitat of crocodiles have forced them to seek refuge near mining sites, often in close proximity to human settlements. Consequently, human-crocodile confrontations and attacks have been on the rise. In response to these incidents, local residents have hunted and killed crocodiles. However, a more sustainable and responsible approach would be to involve conservationists in managing crocodile populations.

Illegitimate wildlife trade further exacerbates the problem, resulting in the deaths of many crocodiles. Each year, approximately 100,000 crocodiles are killed for their valuable skin and meat. Saltwater crocodiles, known as the world’s largest reptiles, can weigh up to a remarkable 1,000 kilograms.

Although they are called “saltwater” crocodiles, these predators can survive in both fresh and saltwater environments. They boast a remarkable lifespan of over 70 years. Their jaw strength is unparalleled, exceeding that of other formidable predators like hippos and sharks. For these reasons, saltwater crocodiles are recognized as one of the most dangerous creatures in the world.

In terms of diet, crocodiles exhibit remarkable versatility. They prey on various animals, including crabs, fish, buffaloes, and even humans. However, it’s essential to note that crocodiles typically don’t initiate attacks on humans unless they perceive a threat to their territory or themselves.

November 4, 2023
Luxury Underground Living: Coober Pedy’s Unique Hotel

Coober Pedy in South Australia holds some intriguing surprises for visitors. Situated in the desert, this unique place boasts underground cities complete with houses, supermarkets, hotels, and shops, where you can actually live. Among these underground marvels, you’ll discover a luxurious hotel that’s bound to astonish you.

This underground hotel offers all the amenities that travelers seek in a hotel. It features billiard tables, pool games, comfortable beds, and even cooking facilities. However, staying there for one night will set you back about twelve thousand rupees.

Surprisingly, the climate in this region is quite accommodating for underground living. Even though you’re residing beneath the Earth’s surface, there’s no need for air conditioning or coolers. The underground houses maintain a moderate temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. During the winter months, a heater is required, but it’s not much of a hassle.

Now, you might be wondering why an entire city is constructed underground. The answer lies in the presence of opal mines in this area of Australia. Opal is a special and highly prized gem known worldwide.

Coober Pedy has earned the title of the “Opal Capital of the World” due to the abundance of opal mines. Opal mining commenced in full swing in 1915, and in response to the challenging weather conditions, people started inhabiting these abandoned mines.

Additionally, there’s a Hybrid Energy Power Plant in the vicinity, which supplies 70% of the city’s electricity needs. This unique power plant piques the interest of tourists, as does the extraordinary lifestyle of the residents in this underground city.

One more fascinating tidbit to note is that a Hollywood movie was filmed in Coober Pedy back in 2000. So, if you ever embark on a trip to Australia, be sure to include a visit to this remarkable underground city on your itinerary. You’re in for some truly incredible experiences.

November 4, 2023
The Future of Water Desalination: The Role of Light in Evaporation

In recent years, scientists have discovered that water in certain conditions can evaporate at a higher rate than what could be explained by heat alone. A team of researchers at MIT has made a surprising conclusion: under specific conditions, light can cause water to evaporate directly at the water-air interface, even more efficiently than heat. This phenomenon has been named the “photomolecular effect.” The discovery could have implications for various applications, including solar-powered desalination, climate modeling, and evaporative cooling processes.

Evaporation is a common process that happens all around us, from sweat evaporating from our skin to morning dew evaporating in the sunlight. Researchers had found that water held in a hydrogel was evaporating at rates much higher than expected based on the heat it was receiving. The excess evaporation could double, triple, or more the theoretical maximum rate based on thermal energy. After conducting experiments, MIT researchers concluded that light at the interface where water meets air can cause evaporation directly without the need for heat.

The discovery has potential applications in solar-powered desalination, climate modeling, and evaporative cooling processes. In desalination, the researchers aim to improve the efficiency of the evaporation side of the process, which can lead to higher water production from solar desalination. This advancement could potentially make desalination cheaper.

The researchers found that the photomolecular effect works by light knocking bundles of water molecules loose from the water’s surface. They tested the effect with different colors of light and found that it peaked at a particular wavelength of green light, indicating that it was light itself, not heat, causing the evaporation. While water does not absorb much light on its own, it becomes a strong absorber when combined with a hydrogel, allowing it to harness the energy of solar photons efficiently and exceed the thermal limit.

The photomolecular effect could also have applications in evaporative cooling processes, offering a highly efficient solar cooling system. Overall, the discovery of this phenomenon could lead to significant advancements in various fields and technologies.

November 3, 2023
Mohenjodaro: An Ancient Wonder of Urban Planning

In ancient times, rivers and sources of fresh water were vital for creating civilizations and settlements. One such remarkable civilization is the Harappan civilization, centered around the town of Mohenjodaro in the Indus basin. This article will provide you with easy-to-understand information about this ancient civilization.

The study of this civilization and its settlements has been ongoing since its discovery, but various challenges have hindered our understanding. In 1904, Lord Curzon, the Governor of British India, took the initiative to rekindle research in this area.

The Harappan civilization is often considered one of the world’s most mysterious civilizations because many of its key aspects remain unknown. The fertile soil in the Indus basin and the presence of the Saraswati River were instrumental in the development of Mohenjodaro.

At its peak, this civilization covered an area of up to 1 million square kilometers. The town of Mohenjodaro was a testament to their advanced and organized way of life. Remarkably, this civilization lasted for approximately 2,000 years without any historical records of warfare or invasions by external forces.

After the departure of its inhabitants, Mohenjodaro remained concealed from the public eye for a long time. Scientists believe that the town’s residents left due to climate changes or earthquakes that led to the drying up of the Saraswati River, upon which they heavily relied.

The civilization’s strong dependence on the Saraswati River meant that its inhabitants were forced to abandon their homeland due to the river’s depletion. Mohenjodaro had several distinctive characteristics, including the absence of royal palaces or places of religious worship.

Rather than being governed by a king or a royal family, the town was managed by a representative council. There was no presence of priests or any evidence of religious discrimination, highlighting the civilization’s modern and equitable social structure.

Cleanliness was highly emphasized by the town’s residents, who had large private baths, brick-walled houses, modern toilets, and an effective sewage system. Fresh water was readily available to the inhabitants.

Their expertise in seamanship allowed them to engage in trade across the Arabian Sea, reaching Oman. The town’s population is estimated to have reached up to 100,000 people, showcasing a level of foresight rarely seen in other ancient civilizations.

November 3, 2023
New Zealand’s Unique Geography and Population Distribution

The country we know as New Zealand is famous for its cricket and meat exports. It’s a safe and welcoming place for people to live, even though 7% of the UK population chooses not to call it home. Surprisingly, a whopping 80% of New Zealand’s land remains untouched.

Most New Zealanders, about 70%, live in the northern part of the country, and out of those, 50% reside in Auckland. New Zealand was first discovered by the Maori people. This island nation is quite far from the Earth’s mainland. People began settling in New Zealand during the time of Genghis Khan’s rule.

Back then, there was a need for an island with abundant water and fish, and New Zealand, surrounded by mountains, caught the eye of those in search of a new home. The island was rich in fish, animals, and fruits. Due to its isolation from the rest of the world, the Maori people enjoyed a long period of peace.

In 1840, a treaty was signed between Britain and the Maori, making New Zealand a part of the British Empire. But developing modern cities or settlements in the vast, empty areas of New Zealand is an immense challenge. The landscape is a patchwork of hills and valleys with very little flat land, making it difficult to build roads and communities.

This is why most of the population chooses to live in the northern regions. After World War II, immigration policies were relaxed to address a population crisis. While Auckland is a bustling and relatively affordable city, the government encourages people to settle in the empty regions by offering various incentives and financial aid.

New Zealand is renowned for its agriculture-based companies, especially those that export meat. The fertile green lands are perfect for raising sheep, cows, and goats. With a high number of livestock, New Zealand earns approximately fifty billion dollars through meat and fur exports.

November 2, 2023
From IPL to Cricket World Cup: What is waiting for Shubman Gill?

Shubman Gill, a rising star in Indian cricket, had an exceptional season in the latest Indian Premier League (IPL). He scored a remarkable 890 runs with an average of 59.33 and an impressive strike rate of 157.80. Gill is considered a crucial part of India’s batting lineup and has drawn comparisons to legendary Indian cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli.

Sachin Tendulkar, one of cricket’s all-time greats, watched Gill’s performances in the IPL and was captivated by his batting. Tendulkar praised Gill’s outstanding season, particularly highlighting his two centuries and his remarkable consistency. He commended Gill’s temperament, hunger for runs, and tactical running between the wickets.

With India on the verge of reaching the semi-finals of the upcoming Cricket World Cup, fans are eager to witness Gill’s batting prowess in crucial matches. Tendulkar believes that when Gill shines, no bowler can stop him, as evident from his IPL performances.

Gill’s batting technique is marked by unique features. His distinctive footwork, where he takes two steps forward with the stamp guard when facing a bowler, allows him to gauge the length of the delivery effectively. This approach enables him to decide how to play the ball without worrying much about his footwork.

In addition to his cricketing talent, Shubman Gill has showcased his versatility by lending his voice in the Indian version of the popular Spiderman movie. This has earned him the nickname “Spiderman Gill” among fans.

Renowned cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle drew comparisons between Gill’s batting style and that of former Pakistani cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq. Gill’s ability to analyze a delivery closely resembles the skills of the Pakistani batting legend. As the Cricket World Cup approaches, fans are hopeful that Gill’s extraordinary talent will help India achieve their dream of winning the tournament.

November 1, 2023
Exploring the Multiverse: A Concept from Hollywood to Physics

The multiverse is a concept known from Hollywood movies and physics. It can be puzzling for those encountering it for the first time. We usually think that each person in our universe is unique. However, the multiverse idea challenges this belief. It suggests there’s someone exactly like you somewhere in the universe, but their life might be different.

There are Earth-like planets, and it’s possible for every human to have one duplicate. Scientists find this idea intriguing. It has the potential to change the way we understand space.

In the early days of studying the universe, many questions were unanswered. For example, scientists like Alan Guth used the inflation theory to explain the universe’s expansion. According to this theory, the universe expands, creating more universes, similar to the Big Bang. This process continues indefinitely.

Dark energy holds many mysteries. Initially, it was thought that the universe’s expansion might stop, but it keeps expanding. Accepting the multiverse concept could help solve some of these mysteries.

In the field of physics, the multiverse relates to dark energy, string theory, and eternal inflation. Currently, it exists mainly as a mathematical concept. Whether it exists in reality can only be determined through observation.

October 30, 2023