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Friday 10 November 2017

Chart 425 - Yogasana 3

Yogasana Chart
Yogasana 3 Chart

Spectrum Chart - 425 : Yogasana 3

  1. Parsva Bakasana - This pose is an advanced variation of the arm balance. Practicing this pose can be a great way to build focus and concentration.
  2. Nirlamba Parsvakonasana - This asana is a standing yoga pose that stretches and strengthens your entire body. This pose opens up the shoulders and chest.
  3. Visvamitrasana - Visvamitrasana is a complex asana. It’s an arm balance, hip opener, shoulder opener, hamstring stretch and twist, all in one.
  4. Hanumanasana - This asana is commonly known as "the splits." This pose is an advanced leg stretch and hip-opener.
  5. Purvottanasana - This asana is an intermediate back-bending yoga pose that builds strength and flexibility. This pose simultaneously strengthens and stretches your shoulders.
  6. Halasana - This asana is an inverted yoga posture that stretches the spine and shoulders while rejuvenating the nervous system. This pose opens the neck, shoulders, and back.
  7. Parivrtta Parsvakonasana - This asana is a deep, standing twist that challenges your balance and strengthens your legs and core. This pose stretches, tones, and strengthens the entire body, inside and out.
  8. Pavanamuktasana - In this asana body is positioned in a supine position. This asana massages the organs of the abdomen and also eases tension that occurs in the area of the belly and lower back.
  9. Janusirsasana - This asana is a deep, forward bend that calms the mind and relieves stress.
  10. Virbhadrasana 3 - This asana is an intermediate balancing pose in yoga. This standing posture creates stability throughout your entire body by integrating all of the muscles throughout your core, arms and legs.
  11. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - This asana is a beginning backbend pose that helps to open the chest and stretch the thighs. When you’re in the pose, your arms and legs create a “locked bridge” with your body.
  12. Kumbhakasana - This asana is basically aimed at strengthening the core of the individual as well as the arms, the abdominal muscles and the spine.
  13. Supta Padangusthasana - This asana is a hamstring stretch that helps to open the hips and reduce low back pain & develops patience. This pose tones abdominal muscles.
  14. Trianga Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana - This asana is a seated pose with a forward bend. This pose stretches the hamstring muscle & also tones the digestive organs.
  15. Parivrtta Paschimottanasana - This asana is a seated forward bend with a twist that stretches the spine and back of the legs.
  16. Adho Mukha Svanasana - This asana is a variation of the popular inverted pose. It adds a deeper stretch to the hamstrings while enhancing detoxification, balance, and full-body coordination.

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Thursday 9 November 2017

Chart 200 – India

India Chart
India Chart

Spectrum Chart - 200 : India

  1. Father of the Nation : Gandhiji - Mahatma Gandhi is known as the Father of the Nation. Employing nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. His birthday, 2 October, is commemorated as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday and world-wide as the International Day of Nonviolence.
  2. 1st Prime Minister of India : Jawaharlal Nehru - Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India and a central figure in Indian politics before and after independence. He emerged as the paramount leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and ruled India from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death in 1964.
  3. 1st President of India : Dr. Rajendra Prasad - Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of the Republic of India. An Indian political leader, lawyer by training, Prasad joined the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement.
  4. National Emblem : Sarnath Lion Capital - The National Emblem of India has been taken from the Sarnath Lion capital erected by Ashoka. The national emblem of India was adapted by the Government of India on 26th January 1950. The National emblem of India is the official seal of the President of India and Central and State Governments. The National emblem is used only for official purposes and commands highest respect and loyalty. It is also a symbol of independent India's identity and sovereignty.
  5. National Flag : Tricolour - Flag of The Republic of India has three colours, which are placed horizontally. At the top is saffron, which signifies sacrifice and patriotism. In the middle is white, which stands for peach & truth. At the bottom is green, which stands for life and prosperity. In the middle of the white is a blue wheel, which is called the Ashoka Chakra. It has 24 spokes and it stands for progress. The flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya.
  6. Indian Currency : Rupee - Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India. It is named after the silver coin, rupiya, first issued by Sultan Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. The Indian rupee symbol is'₹'. Reserve Bank of India manages currency in India.
  7. National Bird : Peacock - Peacock, which is a symbol of grace, joy, beauty and love is the national bird of India. Peacock occupies a respectable position in Indian culture and is protected not only by religious sentiments but also by parliamentary statute. The Indian peacock is a colourful, swan-sized bird with a fan-shaped crest of feathers on its head, a white patch under the eye and a long-slender neck.
  8. National Flower : Lotus - Lotus is the National flower of India. The Lotus symbolizes spirituality, fruitfulness, wealth, knowledge and illumination. Lotus even after growing in murky water it is untouched by its impurity. The lotus symbolizes purity of heart and mind. The National Flower 'Lotus' or water lily is an aquatic plant of Nymphaea species with broad floating leaves and bright aromatic flowers that grow only in shallow waters.
  9. National Animal : Royal Bengal Tiger - Royal Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India. As the national animal of India, tiger symbolizes India's wildlife wealth. The rare combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has earned the tiger great respect and high esteem. India is home to nearly half of the total population of tigers.
  10. National River : Ganga – River Ganga is a trans-boundary river of Asia which flows through the nations of India and Bangladesh. It is the national river of India. Ganga originates in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and flows south and east through the Gangetic Plain of North India into Bangladesh, where it empties into the Bay of Bengal. Ganga is the most sacred river to Hindus.
  11. National Tree : Banyan Tree - The national tree of India, banyan is a very huge structure, long and deep roots and branches symbolize the country's unity. One can find banyan trees in throughout the nation. The huge sized tree acts as a shield, protects from hot sun. This is the reason why the tree is planted near homes, temples, villages and roadsides.
  12. National Aquatic Animals : Gangetic River Dolphin - Ganges river dolphin has been recognised by the government of India as its National Aquatic Animal. Ganges river dolphin is primarily found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers and their tributaries in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
  13. National Fruit : Mango - Mango is often termed as “The king of the fruits", is the national fruit of India. Langra, Dussheri, Chausa, Tota, Safadi, Alphonso are types of mangoes which are generally found in of India. Mango is seasonal fruit, available in the summer season.
  14. National Reptile : King Cobra - King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world is also the national reptile of India. An adult king cobra can grow up to 18 feet long. King cobra lives throughout India & in some parts of the south and the east of Asia. It is known around the world for its dangerous venom. The venom from a bite can be deadly. The snake can kill a man with a single bite.
  15. Indian Army - Indian Army is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security and unity, defending the nation from external aggression and threats and maintaining peace and security within its borders. It conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances.
  16. Indian Air Force - Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. It is the world's fourth largest air force. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict. IAF provides close air support to the Indian Army troops in the battlefield and also provides strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. IAF also provides infantry and artillery transportation or secondary Airlift for the Indian Army.
  17. Indian Navy - Indian Navy is the naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces. Indian Navy is the fifth largest in the world. It played an important role in India's victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. The primary objective of the navy is to secure the nation's maritime borders, India also uses its navy to enhance its international relations through joint exercises, port visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief.

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Chart 138 – Fishes

Fishes Chart
Fishes Chart

Spectrum Chart - 138 : Fishes

  1. Angelfish – Angelfish are found on shallow reefs in the tropical Atlantic, Indian and mostly western Pacific oceans. With their bright colours and deep, laterally compressed bodies, angelfishes are some of the more conspicuous residents of the reef.
  2. Guppy – Guppy is one of the most popular freshwater fish species. Guppies are popular aquarium kept fish because of their inexpensive needs and beautiful colour ranges.
  3. Unicorn Fish - Unicorn fish roam in groups feeding on algae. They can grow to around 51-61cm.
  4. Squirrel Fish - Squirrel fish is a large-eyed, colourful, tropical reef fish. Squirrel fish are carnivorous and nocturnal, hiding by day among the reefs.
  5. Piranha – Piranha are native to warm lowland streams and lakes in South America. Piranhas are opportunistic carnivores (flesh-eaters). They eat aquatic and land animals that are in the water. Most species of piranha never grow larger than 60 cm long.
  6. Parrot Fish – Parrot fishes are very colourful. They are found in coral reefs, rocky coasts and sea grass beds and play a significant role in bio erosion. Parrot fishes range to a length of about 4 feet and weight of about 20 kilograms.
  7. Loach - Loach are elongated freshwater fishes. Loaches are usually nocturnal fishes that inhabit in both still and flowing waters. Loaches are popular aquarium fishes.
  8. Siamese Fighting Fish - Siamese Fighting Fish is a freshwater tropical fish commonly kept in aquariums. The fish, elongated and slender, grows to a length of about 6.5 cm. Red and Blue are the most common colours in siamese fighting fish.
  9. Striped Surgeon fish - Striped Surgeon fish's head and body are covered with black-edged, blue and yellow stripes. Striped Surgeon fish is a popular aquarium species but a large tank is necessary because the species grows to 38 cm in length.
  10. Gold Fish - Goldfish are a most common species of domesticated fish. Goldfish is omnivorous, feeding on plants and small animals. Pet goldfish have been known to live 25 years, the average life span, however, is much shorter.
  11. Clown Fish – Clown fish are best known for its striking orange and white coloration. Clown fishes habitat usually is a coral reefs. clown fishes can grow up and reach 18 cm.
  12. Butterfly Fish - Butterfly fishes are found among tropical reefs around the world but are concentrated in the Indo-Pacific oceanic region. Butterfly fishes mostly range from 12 to 22 cm in length.
  13. Trout - Trouts are fresh water fish. They live in clear streams, rivers and lakes in America, Europe and Asia. Trout are an important food source for humans and wildlife including brown bears, eagles and other animals. They are classified as oily fish.
  14. Porcupinefish - Porcupinefish are medium- to large-sized fish. Porcupinefish have the ability to inflate their bodies by swallowing water or air. This increase in size & reduces the range of potential predators to those with much bigger mouths. A second defense mechanism is provided by the sharp spines, which radiate outwards when the fish is inflated.
  15. Tuna – Tuna is a saltwater finfish. Tuna's dorsal side is metallic dark blue, while the ventral side or underside, is silvery or whitish. Tuna is an important commercial fish.
  16. Sergeant Major - Sergeant major is a species of damselfish. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean. Normally they grow up to 15 cm. They are popular aquarium fish.
  17. Rainbow Fish – Rainbow fish are a family of small, colourful, freshwater fish found in northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea region. Rainbowfish are usually less than 12 cm in length, with some species are less than 6 cm. Rainbow fish are popular aquarium fish.
  18. Clown Triggerfish - Clown Triggerfish is a small sized fish. Its body has a stock appearance, oval shape and compressed laterally. The head is large and represents approximately one third of the body length. The mouth is small, terminal and has strong teeth.
  19. Mandarin Fish - Mandarin fish is species of temperate perch native to the Amur River basin and other rivers in China. Its back is yellow, green or brown, with many irregular black spots and patches. It has a big mouth and small round scales. Mandarin fish is very popular as food in China.
  20. Sockeye Salmon - Sockeye salmon is ananadromous species of salmon found in the Northern Pacific Ocean and rivers discharging into it. They can grow up to 84 cm in length and weigh 2.3 to 7 kg. Two distinguishing features are their long, serrated gill rakers that range from 30 to 40 in number, and their lack of a spot on their tail or back.
  21. Sunfish – Sunfish are a family of freshwater ray-finned fish. They are native only to North America. Sizes of most are in the 20 to 30 cm range. Sunfish are carnivorous fishes that feed on other fishes and aquatic invertebrates.
  22. Frogfish - Frogfishes are found in almost all tropical and subtropical oceans and seas around the world. Frogfishes have a stocky appearance, Ranging from 2.5–38 cm long, their plump, high-backed, unstreamlined body is scaleless and bare, often covered with bumpy, bifurcated spinules.
  23. Tang - Tang is one of the most popular fish families for saltwater hobbyists. There many colour varieties of tangs along with many different temperaments and eating habits.
  24. Sail Fish – Sailfish are predominantly blue to grey in colour and have a characteristic erectile dorsal fin known as a sail, which often stretches the entire length of the back. Another notable characteristic is the elongated bill.
  25. Shark - There are more than 350 different kinds of sharks. Sharks come in many different shapes and sizes, but most are long and thin, with powerful jaws. Their teeth are constantly replaced throughout their lives.

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Chart 133 - Sea Animals

Sea Animals Chart
Sea Animals Chart

Spectrum Chart - 133 : Sea Animals

  1. Whale Shark – The Whale Shark, is a large filter feeding shark, and is the largest shark in the world, reaching lengths of up to 12 metres long and weighing as much as 47,000 pounds. The Whale shark has a very wide distribution, found in all tropical and warm temperate seas. The life span of the whale shark ranges from 60 to 100 years.
  1. Shark - There are more than 350 different kinds of sharks. Sharks come in many different shapes and sizes, but most are long and thin, with powerful jaws. Their teeth are constantly replaced throughout their lives.
  1. Humpback Whale – Humpback Whale is a large baleen whale with long flippers and a knobbly head. They can be found in every ocean. They can grow to 15–16 m (49–52 ft) long and weigh up to 40 metric tons. The male humpback whale is known to sing for up to 22 hours at a time. Their lifespan ranges from 45 to 100 years.
  1. Blue Whale - Blue Whale is a marine mammal belonging to the baleen whales. At 30 metres (98 ft) in length and up to 173 tonnes in weight, it is the largest extant animal and is the heaviest known to have existed. Blue whale's body is long and slender. Blue whales feed almost exclusively on krill, an adult blue whale can eat up to 40 million krill in a day.
  1. Dugong - Dugong is a large mammal that lives its whole life in the sea. They are sometimes called "sea cows" as they eat large amounts of sea grass. Dugong can grow to about 3m (10ft) long and weigh as much as 400 kg. They only come to the surface to breathe and they never come up on the land. The dugong can live for up to 70 years of age.
  1. Killer Whale - Killer Whales are cetaceans. They are the largest dolphins in the world, called 'whales' because of their size. Orca's have mostly black skin with white patches.They are found in all the world's oceans, from the cold of the Arctic to the tropical seas.
  1. Seal - Seal is of web-footed aquatic mammals that live chiefly in cold seas. Seals are carnivores, eating mainly fish, though some also consume squid, other mollusks, and crustaceans. Seals have been hunted for their meat, hides, oil and fur.
  1. Dolphin – Dolphins are aquatic marine mammals part of the toothed whales. Dolphins are from 1.5 to 4 metres long. Although dolphins are widespread, most species prefer the warmer waters of the tropic zones. Dolphins feed largely on fish and squid. Dolphins are often regarded as one of Earth's most intelligent animals.
  1. Elephant Seal - Elephant Seal is a huge seal of the genus Mirounga. The elephant seal is the largest amphibious animal. There are two species, one in each hemisphere. The southern elephant seal, is found in Antarctic waters, while the northern elephant seal lives on islands of California and Mexico.
  1. Fin Whale - Fin whale is also called finback whale, razorback whale or common rorqual, a slender baleen whale, second in size to the blue whale. The fin whale is 18–27 metres (59–89 feet) long, with short baleen and has 56–100 grooves along its throat and chest. It is found worldwide in all the oceans.
  1. Walrus – A walrus is a marine mammal, the only species of the family Odobenidae. They live in the cold northern seas around North America & Europe. The most famous thing about walruses are their tusks. Even though they are called tusks, they are actually teeth growing out of their mouth. Walruses can change colour depending on how warm they are. They are usually different kinds of brown, but as they get warmer, their skin can turn pink.
  1. Sea Otter - Sea Otter is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Adult sea otters typically weigh between 14 and 45 kg. Sea otters have about 26,000 to 165,000 hairs per square centimeters of skin. They have a rich fur for which humans hunted them almost to extinction.

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Chart 131 - Sea Creatures

Sea Creatures Charts contains images of water creatures
Sea Creatures Chart

Spectrum Chart - 131 : Sea Creatures

  1. Lobster – Lobsters are large crustaceans that live in the sea. They form the family of Nephropidae, which is sometimes also called Homaridae. Lobsters are an economically important type of seafood. Lobsters usually move slowly by walking on the bottom of the sea floor.
  1. Puffer Fish – Pufferfish is a family of Tetraodontidae , with about 100 species. They are called the pufferfish because when they are threatened, they puffs up to about twice their normal size by gulping water. Pufferfish are generally believed to be the second-most poisonous vertebrates in the world, after the golden poison frog.
  1. Octopus – Octopus is a genus of cephalopod mollusc in the order Octopoda. They have two eyes and four pairs of arms with suckers. They have a hard beak, with the mouth at the center point of the arms.Octopus have no internal or external skeleton.
  1. Hermit Crab - Hermit crab is a type of crab that does not have a hard shell.The hermit crab is a crustacean, but it is very different from other crustaceans. While most crustaceans are covered from head to tail with a hard exoskeleton, the hermit crab is missing part of its exoskeleton. Hermit crabs are omnivores and scavengers. They eatworms, plankton and organic debris.
  1. Crab – Crabs are in the phylum Crustacea. They are decapods (having ten legs). Their short body is covered by a thick exoskeleton. Crabs have short tails. Crabs are omnivores, they eat almost anything they find. They will eat molluscs, other crustaceans, worms, fungi and bacteria. Crabs are prepared and eaten all over the world as food.
  1. Sea Horse – Seahorse is the name given to 54 species of small marine fishes in the genus Hippocampus. They are called 'seahorses' because their head looks like that of a horse. They live in tropical oceans. Seahorses rely on camouflage to avoid detection. Seahorses range in size from 1.5 to 35.5 cm.
  1. Thorny Oyster - Thorny Oyster is a member of the clam family. Thorny Oyster's shell is shaped much like a scallop's shell. In the wild Thorny Oysters are commonly found on rocks, coral reefs, submerged wrecks and sea walls.
  1. Sea Squirt - Sea squirts are a subphylum of the Chordates. They are filter feeders, living mainly from plankton. Sea squirts are rounded or cylindrical animals ranging from about 0.5 to 10 cm in size. One end of the body is always firmly fixed to rock, coral or some similar solid surface.
  1. Sea Cucumber - Sea cucumbers are echinoderms from the class Holothuroidea. They are marine animals with a leathery skin and an elongated body containing a single, branched gonad. Sea cucumbers are found on the sea floor worldwide. The sea cucumbers are named after their resemblance to the fruit of the cucumber plant.
  1. Jelly Fish – Jellyfish are animals of the phylum Cnidaria. They have soft bell-shaped body and long, stinging, venomous tentacles that they use to catch their prey, usually small plankton animals or small crustaceans or tiny fish. Some jellyfish hunt other jellyfish. A jellyfish is 97% water.
  1. Crown Conch - Crown conch, is a species of sea snail. The shell of this species is extremely variable in terms of the degree of spiny ornamentation. Some shells are much smoother than others. These snails cane as large as about 5 in (12 cm) long.
  1. Star Fish - Starfish are marine invertebrates. They typically have a central disc and five arms, though some species have a larger number of arms. There are over 1500 different species of starfish. Starfish, like many sea creatures, are able to regenerate (grow back) parts of their bodies.
  1. Sea Anemone - Sea anemones are a group of water-dwelling, predatory animals of the order Actiniaria. A sea anemone is a sessile polyp attached at the bottom to the surface beneath it by an adhesive foot, called a basal disc, with a column-shaped body ending in an oral disc. They can have from a few tens to a few hundred tentacles.
  1. Prawn – Prawn is a common name, used for large swimming crustaceans or shrimp. Prawns are found in calmer waters were the prawns can nest in the water plants to lay their eggs. Prawns does tend to prefer the warmer waters in the tropics but some species of prawn are found in the Northern Hemisphere also.
  1. Nudibranch – Nudibranchs are a widespread and successful group of marine Gastropod molluscs. The name means 'naked gills'. They are shelless and uncoiled Gastropods, famous for their brilliant colours. There are more than 3000 known species. Most nudibranchs are carnivorous.
  1. Snail – A snail is a common name for a kind of mollusc. Snails are invertebrates, means animals with no backbones. The shell on the snail helps protect it and also reduces the loss of water by evaporation. Shells have many different shapes, sizes, and colours. Snails do not breathe through their mouths, instead they have a breathing hole under their shells.
  1. Cowrie - Cowrie, are marine snails of the family Cypraeidae. They are found chiefly in tropical regions. There are about 200 different species of cowrie. Cowries were used as a currency in Africa. Cowry shells are sometimes used in a way similar to dice for board games.
  1. Shrimp - Shrimp are widespread and abundant. They can be found feeding near the seafloor on most coasts, as well as in rivers and lakes. Many shrimp species are caught to be eaten as food. They play important roles in the food chain and are important food sources for larger animals from fish to whales.
  1. Eel – An eel is any fish belonging to the order Anguilliformes. They have long and narrow bodies like snake. Adult eels can be as short as 10 cm or as long as 3 m. It depends on their species. The large eels can weigh up to 65 kg. Eels have fewer fins than other fish. They do not have all the belly and chest fins.
  1. Squid – Squid are cephalopods of the order Teuthida, which comprises around 304 species. Squid have eight arms arranged in pairs and two, usually longer, tentacles with suckers. Squid are strong swimmers and certain species can "fly" for short distances out of the water. Most squid are no more than 60 centimetres long, although the giant squid may reach 13 metres (43 ft).

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Friday 29 September 2017

Chart 717 - Creatures of Water, Air & Land

Creatures of Water, Air & Land Chart
Creatures of Water, Air & Land Chart

Spectrum Chart - 717 : Creatures of Water, Air & Land

1. Tadpole – A tadpole is the larval stage in the life cycle of an amphibian, particularly that of a frog or toad. They are usually wholly aquatic, though some species have tadpoles that are terrestrial. As they grow they undergo metamorphosis, during which process they grow limbs, develop lungs and reabsorb the tail.

2. Tortoise - Tortoises is a land-dwelling reptile. Tortoises have a hard outer shell to protect them from predators.The tortoise's shell can range in size from a few centimetres to a couple of metres, depending on the species of tortoise. Tortoises have one of the longest lifespans of any animal, some individuals are known to have lived longer than 150 years.

3. Frog - Frogs are a diverse and largely carnivorous group of short-bodied, tailless amphibians composing the order Anura. Frog have long hind legs, elongated ankle bones, webbed toes, no claws, large eyes and a smooth or warty skin. Like other amphibians, oxygen can pass through their highly permeable skins.

4. Crocodile - Crocodiles are large aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Crocodiles live in rivers, lakes & dams. Their colours range from brown to grey and have different patterns covering them. They have sharp claws and teeth. They can hold their breath for a maximum of about two hours underwater.

5. Fish - Fish are vertebrates which live in water and respire with gills. They lack limbs with digits (fingers & toes). Most kinds of fish have bones. Some kinds of fish, such as sharks and rays, do not have real bones they are known as cartilaginous fish. Some people keep fish as pets. Goldfish and Siamese Fighting Fish are popular types of pet fish.

6. Snake – Snakes are reptiles. They are part of the order Squamata. They don't have legs, voice, ears and eyelids. Despite this, snakes are successful carnivores. They have a long, slender body and are very mobile in their own way. Most of them live in the tropics. Very few snake species live beyond the Tropic of Cancer or Tropic of Capricorn. Most snakes are nonvenomous. Those that have venom use it mainly to kill and subdue prey rather than for self-defense.

7. Shrimp - Shrimp are widespread and abundant. They can be found feeding near the seafloor on most coasts, as well as in rivers and lakes. Many shrimp species are caught to be eaten as food. They play important roles in the food chain and are important food sources for larger animals from fish to whales.

8. Crab - Crabs are in the phylum Crustacea. They are decapods (having ten legs). Their short body is covered by a thick exoskeleton. Crabs have short tails. Crabs are omnivores, they eat almost anything they find. They will eat molluscs, other crustaceans, worms, fungi and bacteria. Crabs are prepared and eaten all over the world as food.

9. Slug - Slug is a mollusk that belongs to the class Gastropod. There are thousands of species of slugs that can be found all over the world. Slugs can reach ¼ inch to 10 inches in length, depending on the species. Slug spends majority of time in the cool, moist underground tunnels. It emerges at night to feed on leaves, seed sprouts, roots and decaying vegetation.

10. Snail - A snail is a common name for a kind of mollusc. Snails are invertebrates, means animals with no backbones. The shell on the snail helps protect it and also reduces the loss of water by evaporation. Shells have many different shapes, sizes, and colours. Snails do not breathe through their mouths, instead they have a breathing hole under their shells.

11. Honey Bee – A honey bee is any bee that is a member of the genus Apis. They produce and store honey and make perennial, colonial nests from wax. Honey bee is the only insect able to produce food that will be eaten by humans. Honey bees live in highly organized society composed of worker bees, drones and queen. Each type of honey bee can be easily recognized because it has specific appearance, body coloration and function.

12. House Fly - House Fly, is the most familiar species of nonbiting muscoid fly, found in the vicinity of human habitations throughout the world. It is often a carrier of diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery etc.

13. Bumble Bee – Bumble bees are a group of social and semi-social bees, of the genus Bombus. Bumblebees usually live in temperate regions. Majority of bumblebees inhabits forests, meadows and gardens. Entire body of a bumblebee is covered with tiny hairs and alternately arranged yellow and black bands. Bumblebees have rounded body with 2 pairs of membranous wings and 3 pairs of legs. Legs are designed for gathering of pollen.

14. Ant - Ant is a type of social insect. There are more than 12,000 species of ants. Ants have large head, elbowed antennae, strong jaws, narrow waist and three pairs of legs. Only queen and males of some species of ants have wings.

15. Millipede - Millipedes are a very long type of arthropod. Millipedes are segmented. Most have between 20 to over 100 segments and have flattened bodies. Except for the first few segments, each segment has 2 pairs of legs. Most millipedes are poisonous.

16. Centipede - Centipede is an arthropod with many legs. Centipedes are predators. They hunt during the night, they are nocturnal. Some centipedes are venomous, though none can kill a human. They have between 5 and 173 segments, but only one pair of legs per segment. There may be 8,000 species of centipedes in the world.

17. Earthworm - An earthworm is an invertebrate animal with a long, stretchy body and no legs. It is a type of annelid. Earthworm is a reddish brown in colour, with a pointed posterior and anterior end. Earthworms have no lungs and absorb oxygen directly through their skin. Earthworm's diet is decaying matter, leaf litter, microbial fungi and other microscopic organisms.

18. Sea Snake - Sea snakes can be found in the Indian and Pacific Ocean. There are around 60 species of sea snakes that differ in size, colour, type of diet and habitat. Sea snakes are carnivores. Their diet mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, mollusks and eggs of various sea creatures. Venom of sea snakes is very strong. They use it to kill their prey and to protect themselves.

19. Scorpion - Scorpion belongs to group called arachnids. There are 1200 species of scorpions that can be found all over the planet. Scorpions use pincers to grab its prey. Venom is used both for attack and for defence. Scorpions are carnivores. They usually feed on insects. Scorpions do not drink much water and they can survive very long time without water.

20. Silkworm – Silkworm is the larva or caterpillar of the domesticated silk moth, Bombyx mori. It is an economically important insect, being a primary producer of silk. A silkworm's preferred food is white mulberry leaves.

21. Caterpillar - A caterpillar is a young butterfly or moth that has just hatched out of its egg. A caterpillar is a kind of larva. Caterpillars usually have three pairs of small, but noticeable, true legs at the front and up to 5 pairs of fleshy false legs at the back. Most caterpillars are shades of green or brown and are relatively hairless.

22. Butterfly – A butterfly is a usually day-flying insect of the order Lepidoptera. The life of butterflies is closely connected to flowering plants, which their larvae (caterpillars) feed on and their adults feed and lay their eggs on. They have a long-lasting history of co-evolution with flowering plants. Butterflies are distributed worldwide except Antarctica, totalling some 18,500 species.

23. Bed Bug – A bedbug is a small, elusive, parasitic insect of the family Cimicidae. They live by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The name 'bed bug' is used as the bug likes to live in houses and especially in beds or other areas where people may sleep. Bedbugs are mainly active at night and can feed without people noticing. They leave a small itchy bite, like a mosquito.

24. Mosquito – A mosquito is a type of fly. It is the common name of a family of flies in the order Diptera. Mosquito is one of the most dangerous insects in the world. There are over 3000 species of mosquitoes that can be found all over the world. Mosquitoes transmit numerous dangerous diseases that kill millions of people each year.

25. Grasshopper - Grasshopper is an insect that belongs to the order Orthoptera. Grasshoppers can be found in the temperate forests, tropical rain forests, meadows, areas near the ponds and streams, rocky areas and even deserts. Size of grasshopper depends on the species. Smallest grasshoppers are only 0.5 inches long. Larger species can grow to 5 inches in length. Colour of the body provides camouflage and it depends on the habitat. Grasshopper can be green, brown, greyish and ochre in colour.

26. Cockroach - The cockroach is one of the most commonly known pests to humans of the insects world but plays a vital role in the ecosystem ingesting decomposing materials. Most cockroaches are omnivores. They are tough, and hard to kill. A cockroach can live for two weeks without a head.

27. Spider – Spiders are air-breathing arthropods. They have eight legs and chelicerae with fangs that inject venom. Most make silk. Almost all spiders are predators and most eat insects. They catch their prey in several ways. Some build a spider web and some use a thread of silk that they throw at the insect.

28. Pangolin - Pangolin is odd-looking animal that belongs to the group of anteaters. Pangolin body is covered with hard, brown scales made of keratin. Scales cover every piece of their body except forehead, belly and the inner side of their legs. Pangolins have five toes on each foot. Pangolins are insectivores. Pangolins can eat up to 70 million insects per night.

29. Porcupine - Porcupines are rodents. They live in America, Africa, Europe and Asia. They can live in deserts, grasslands or forests. Body of the porcupine is covered with sharp spines or quills. Some porcupines have up to 30,000 quills on their body. They are herbivorous animals. They like to eat leaves, stem, bark, fruit. Porcupines can live 15-18 years.

30. Mongoose - Mongooses are weasel-like creatures that belong to the group of Carnivores. There are 33 mongoose species, they live in Europe, Asia and Africa. Mongooses like rocky areas, but they can be found in forests and semi-aquatic areas. They have grayish or brown fur, and some of them have striped coat and ringed tail.

31. Squirrel – Squirrels are a family of rodents that includes marmots and chipmunks. Many kinds of squirrels live in trees, so they often find nuts. Most squirrels are omnivores, they eat anything they find. They eat seeds, berries and pine cones too. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia and Africa and have been introduced to Australia.

32. Mouse – A mouse is a rodent, which is a kind of mammal. It has a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail and a high breeding rate. The best known mouse species is the common house mouse. It is also a popular pet.

33. Rat – Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents of the superfamily Muroidea. Rats are typically distinguished from mice by their size. Usually rats are bigger than mice. Rats are omnivores, they eat lots of different types of food. There are about 56 different species of rats. The best known rats are the black rat and the brown rat.

34. Wall Lizard / House Gecko - House geckos is a genus of the family of common geckos, Gekkonidae. It has about 90 described species. They are found in all the tropical regions of the world, extending into the subtropical parts of Africa and Europe. They are typically known as house geckos, due to their readiness to adapt to and coexist with humans. Many kinds of geckos can walk on walls, windows and ceilings. They can do this because they have special toe pads.

35. Chameleon - Chameleon is a type of lizard. There are around 160 species of chameleons. chameleons are known for their ability to change the colour of their skin. Chameleon's tongue is propelled by incredible speed: it takes 0.07 seconds for tongue to reach the victim, it eat locusts, grasshoppers, crickets, mantis and stick insects.

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Chart 713 - World Heritage Sites of India - 1

Contains images of Indian World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Sites of India - 1

Spectrum Chart - 713 : World Heritage Sites of India - 1

1. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra - The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour.The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Elephanta caves were declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

2. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi - Qutub Minar at 120 meters, is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Qutub Minar, along with the ancient and medieval monuments surrounding it, form the Qutub Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of Qutub Minar was commissioned by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate in 1199 AD.

3. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat - Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is situated in Panchmahal district in Gujarat, India. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 as a cultural site. There is a concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties cradled in an impressive landscape which includes prehistoric (chalcolithic) sites, a hill fortress of an early Hindu capital, and remains of the 16th-century capital of the state of Gujarat.

4. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu – The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, in Tamil Nadu were built by the Pallava kings in the 7th and 8th centuries. These monuments have been carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast. The temple town has approximately forty monuments, including the largest open-air bas-relief in the world. It was inscribed under the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984.

5. Kaziranga National Park, Assam - Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of the state of Assam. The sanctuary, which hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses, is a World Heritage Site. Kaziranga is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo and swamp deer.

6. Hill Forts of Rajasthan :
(A) Chittorgarh Fort - Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. It is a World Heritage Site. The fort, popularly known as Chittor, was the capital of Mewar and is today situated in Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh Fort is stated that the fort was constructed by the Mauryans during the 7th century AD.

(B) Kumbhalgarh - Kumbhalgarh Fort is a Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand district near Udaipur of Rajasthan state in western India. It is a World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Built during the course of the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar.

(C) Ranthambore Fort - Ranthambore Fort lies within the Ranthambore National Park, near the town of Sawai Madhopur, the park being the former hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur until the time of India's Independence. It is a formidable fort having been a focal point of the historical developments of Rajasthan. Ranthambore Fort, along with 5 other forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan in 2013.

(D) Amber Fort - Amber Fort, is located in Amer, a town with an area of 4 sq. km located 11 km from Jaipur. Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in the Jaipur area. Amber Fort is known for its artistic Hindu style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake. Amber fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

(E) Jaisalmer Fort - Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest fortifications in the world. It is a World Heritage Site. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill and has been the scene of many battles. The fort is 1,500 ft long and 750 ft wide and is built on a hill that raises above a height of 250 ft above the surrounding country side. The basement of the fort has a 15 ft tall wall forming a double line of defence.

7. Great Stupa of Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh - The Buddhist vihara at Sanchi, famous for its Great Stupa, is located at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Its nucleus was a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha.

8. Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka – The Group of Monuments at Hampi comprise a sombre but ostentatious Hampi town, on the banks of the river Tungabhadra in Karnataka. Hampi subsumes the ruins of Vijayanagara, which was the former capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi, as an important Hindu religious centre, has the Virupaksha Temple and several other monuments, which are part of the cultural heritage site inscribed under the UNESCO World Heritage List.

9. Great Living Chola Temples :
(A) Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple - Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture built by the Chola dynasty. It was built by Rajendra Chola I and completed in 1035 AD.

(B) Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur - Brihadeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Tamil architecture during the Chola period. Built by Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 CE, the temple turned 1000 years old. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples".

(C) Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram - Airavatesvara Temple is a Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture located in the town of Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple, built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Red Fort Complex, Delhi - Red Fort complex was the residence of the Mughal emperor of India for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums. Constructed in 1648 by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace of his fortified capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Red Fort Complex.

Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh - Khajuraho Group of Monuments attributed to the Chandela dynasty. The ensemble of monuments that have survived belong to the Hindu and Jain Religious practices with striking fusion of sculpture and architecture; the best example of this outstanding feature is seen in the Kandariya Temple. It was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, a cultural property on October 15, 1982 for its unique original artistic creation and proof of the Chandela Culture that existed prior to the Muslim invasion of India in the early 12th century.

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Monday 6 March 2017

Chart 712 - Digestive System

Digestive System Chart
Digestive System Chart

Spectrum Chart - 712 : Digestive System

1. Tongue - The tongue is the fleshy muscle inside the mouth. A tongue lets us taste because the top of the tongue is made mostly of taste buds. It also helps the process of mastication by mixing food with saliva. It is very flexible, so it also helps us eat and talk. The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body.

2. Mouth - Mouth is an opening in the face is the first part of the alimentary canal (digestive system). It is the place where the chewing of food occurs. The mouth has teeth to help chew the food. Mouth also plays a significant role in communication. The tongue, lips and jaw, which are parts of the mouth, are needed to produce the range of sounds included in human language.

3. Liver - The liver is an organ in the abdomen. It is part of the gastrointestinal system. The liver is a gland and plays a major role in metabolism with numerous functions in the human body, including regulation of glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production and detoxification.

4. Stomach - Stomach is part of the digestive system. The stomach is the third stage in the digestive process. It holds food after ingestion. Food in the stomach then passes through to the small intestine where most of the food's nutrition are absorbed.

5. Large Intestine - Large intestine is the last part of the gastrointestinal tract and of the digestive system. It connects the small intestine to the rectum and anus. It is about 1.5 meters long or 5 feet. Water is absorbed here and the remaining waste material is stored as faeces before being removed by defecation.

6. Rectum – Rectum is a part of the large intestine which forms a part of the gastrointestinal system. The rectum ends in the anus which is the end of the gastrointestinal system. It is where faeces or stools are stored temporarily before coming out of the anus.

7. Salivary Gland – The salivary glands make saliva. Saliva keeps the mouth and other parts of the digestive system wet and slippery. They also help break down the food when you are chewing. This helps food go down the throat to the stomach.

8. Digestive System - Digestive system consists of organs like tongue, salivary glands, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food we eat into smaller components so that nutrients can be easily absorbed by the body and the waste discarded.

9. Pharynx – The pharynx is an organ in the back of the throat. As such, it is part of the gastrointestinal system. It comes after the mouth and before the esophagus. Food and air go through the pharynx. The pharynx keeps food and liquids out of the lungs.

10. Esophagus – The esophagus, commonly known as the food pipe or gullet, is an organ through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. The esophagus is lined with muscle. This muscle pushes food down into the stomach. The esophagus can contract or expand to allow for the passage of food.

11. Gallbladder - Gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ in your abdomen. It stores about 50 ml of acidic liquid (bile) until the body needs it for digestion. That liquid helps digest fat. The gallbladder is about 7-10 cm long in humans. It is dark green in colour because of the bile in it. It is connected to the liver and the duodenum by the biliary tract. Humans can live without a gallbladder. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

12. Pancreas - Pancreas is an organ that makes hormones and enzymes to help digestion. The pancreas helps break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The pancreas is behind the stomach and is on the left side of the human body. The pancreas belongs to two systems of the body: the digestive system for its role in breaking down nutrients and the endocrine system for producing hormones.

13. Small Intestine - Small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine and is where most of the end absorption of food takes place. The small intestine has three distinct regions – the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.

14. Spleen - The spleen is an organ in vertebrates. The spleen is part of the lymphatic system. In people, it is on the left side of the body, under the heart. The spleen helps fight infections and keeps the blood cells healthy.

15. Anus – The anus is the opening in the human body that is between the buttocks. It is at the end of the gastrointestinal system, where faeces or stool comes out of the body. The anus passes through the pelvic floor. The anus is surrounded by muscles. The top and bottom of the anus are surrounded by the internal and external anal sphincters, two muscular rings which control defeaecation.

16. Parotid Gland – The parotid gland is a major salivary gland, they are present on either side of the mouth and in front of both ears. Each parotid is wrapped around the mandibular ramus and secretes serous saliva through the parotid duct into the mouth, to facilitate mastication and swallowing and to begin the digestion of starches.

17. Submandibular Gland - The paired submandibular glands are major salivary glands located beneath the floor of the mouth. They each weigh about 15 grams and contribute some 60–67% of unstimulated saliva secretion; on stimulation their contribution decreases in proportion as the parotid secretion rises to 50%.

18. Sublingual Gland - The paired sublingual glands are major salivary glands in the mouth. They are the smallest, most diffuse, and the only unencapsulated major salivary glands. They provide only 3-5% of the total salivary volume.

19. Appendix – The appendix is a blind ended tube connected to the cecum. The appendix has no function in humans, but it can cause diseases like appendicitis. The human appendix averages 9 cm in length but can range from 2 to 20 cm. The appendix is usually located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, near the right hip bone. The base of the appendix is located 2 cm beneath the ileocecal valve that separates the large intestine from the small intestine.

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Thursday 2 March 2017

Chart 700 - Festivals of Maharashtra

Festivals of Maharashtra Chart
Festivals of Maharashtra Chart

Spectrum Chart - 700 : Festivals of Maharashtra

1. Shivaji Jayanti - Shivaji Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the first king of Maratha Empire. It is celebrated with traditional fervour across Maharashtra.

2. Gokulashtami - Gokulashtami is the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. On this day night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples. In many places, the popular event of “Dahi Handi”,also takes place.

3. Bhau Beej - Bhau Beej is the ceremony performed by Hindus, generally, on the second day of Diwali. It is celebrated among brothers and sisters and is similar to Raksha Bandhan, except there is no tying of rakhi involved.

4. Diwali - Diwali is also termed as “Festival of Lights”, as on this day every people, especially Hindus, lighten up their houses with lights including candles and diyas. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama. He returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after spending 14 years in forest.

5. Dussehra - People celebrate Dussehra festival to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. It signifies the victory of good over the evil. People go to see the famous folk play of Ram Leela. The story of Lord Rama is shown in the play. It is a great time to enjoy and take inspiration from virtuous acts of Rama.

6. Navratri - Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means 'nine nights'. During Navratri festival, in most of the cities of Gujarat & West India people gather and perform Dandiya & Garba dance. Garba is performed before Aarti as devotional performances in the honour of the Goddess, while Dandiya is performed after Aarti.

7. Narali Poornima - Narali poornima is the day of fishermen this festival signifies retreating monsoon and the commencement of their fishing activity. Narali poornima is observed on Shravan Purnima, the Full moon day in Sawan month.

8. Makar Sankranti - On the day of Makar Sankranti, people worship the Sun God. This festival is marked with prosperity and abundance. On this day, freshly harvested cereals and foods are cooked.
People celebrate this festival with flying kites.

9. Nag Panchami - Nag Panchami is a traditional worship of snakes or serpents observed by Hindus throughout India. The worship is offered on the fifth day of bright half of Lunar month of Shravan, according to the Hindu calendar.

10. Ganesh Chaturthi - Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesh, is celebrated in August-September. Ganesh made of unbaked clay are worshipped on this day in every house. A special sweet called Modak is prepared on this occassion. To mark the end of the festivities, the clay idols of Lord Ganesh are immersed in water.

11. Maharashtra Day - Maharashtra Day is a state holiday in the Indian state of Maharashtra, commemorating the formation of the state of Maharashtra from the division of the Bombay State on 1 May 1960. Maharashtra Day is commonly associated with parades and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history and traditions of Maharashtra.

12. Raksha Bandhan - The beautiful relation of a brother and a sister is celebrated in the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Traditionally, girls tie a string of thread on the wrist of her brother. This thread of love reminds the brother of his responsibility to always take care, support and protect his sister under all circumstances.

13. Ashadi Ekadashi - Ashadhi Ekadashi is more of a religious procession festival and is celebrated during the months of June- July. On this day people go walking in huge processions to Pandharpur singing the Abhangas (chanting hymns) of Saint Tukaram and Saint Dnyaneshwar to see their God Vitthal.

14. Pola – Pola is a bull-worshipping festival celebrated by farmers mainly in Maharashtra. On the day of Pola, the bulls are first given a bath and then decorated with ornaments and shawls. Their horns are painted and their necks are adorned with garlands of flowers. Then, they are worshipped by their owners. Pola is the main festival of the farmers of the Maharashtra.

15. Vat Poornima - The festival of Vat Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Jyeshtha (May–June) on the Hindu calendar. Women observe a fast and tie threads around a banyan tree and pray for the well being of their husband.

16. Mahashivratri - Maha means “great”, Ratri means “night” and Shiva refers to “Lord Shiva”. The marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on this day. There is a tradition of offering a holy bath to the “Shiva Lingam”. People celebrate this festival by fasting, offering sweets to god, etc.

17. Gudi Padwa - Gudi Padwa is the festival that augments the new year and is usually celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaita according to the lunar calendar.

18. Ambedkar Jayanti - Ambedkar Jayanti is an annual festival observed on 14 April to commemorate the memory of B. R. Ambedkar. It marks Ambedkar's birthday in 1891 and is a public holiday throughout India. It is celebrated throughout the world especially by Dalits who embraced Buddhism after his example. In India, large numbers of people visit local statues commemorating Ambedkar in procession with lot of fanfare.

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Chart 699 - Cities of Maharashtra

Cities of Maharashtra Chart
Cities of Maharashtra Chart

Spectrum Chart - 699 : Cities of Maharashtra

1. Sangli – Sangli is a city and the district headquarters of Sangli District. It is known as the Turmeric City of Maharashtra due to its production and trade of the spice. Sangli is situated on the banks of river Krishna and houses many sugar factories. The Ganesha Temple of Sangli is a historical landmark of the city and is visited by thousands of pilgrims.

2. Dhule – Dhule is one of the very few well-planned cities in India. Dhule is widely known across the country for its architecture and urban design. The town planning of this city was done by Sir M.Visvesvaraya. Dhule is largely emerging as one of the biggest upcoming hubs of textile, edible oil and power-loom across the state.

3. Aurangabad – Aurangabad is a city in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. The city is a tourism hub, surrounded by many historical monuments, including the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki. The City was founded in 1610 by Malik Amber. Aurangabad is Tourism Capital of Maharashtra.

4. Ahmednagar – Ahmednagar is a city in Ahmednagar District in the state of Maharashtra. Ahmednagar takes its name from Ahmad Nizam Shah I, who founded the town in 1494 on the site of a battlefield. Ahmednagar has several dozen buildings and sites from the Nizam Shahi period. Ahmednagar Fort, once considered almost impregnable, was used by the British to house Jawaharlal Nehru and other Indian Nationalists before Indian independence.

5. Akola – Akola is a city in Vidarbha region in the state of Maharashtra in central India. Akola has very good grain market, oil mills, dal (pulses) mills & is known for production of cotton. The IT sector is also growing at a fast pace. Akola, called as Cotton City, is known for its cotton production and is the largest cotton-producing district in India.

6. Jalgaon – Jalgaon is in the north of the Maharashtra state in Jalgaon District, which is located on the northern Deccan Plateau. Located within the productive, irrigated agricultural region of Khandesh. Jalgaon is often known as the "Banana Capital" of India. Jalgaon district produces more than 16% of India's bananas and thus 3% of world banana production. Jalgaon is an industry centre in drip irrigation, pipe manufacturing, fruit processing, pulse milling, biofertiliser production, green and solar energy, mattress manufacturing and printing of educational books.

7. Kolhapur - Kolhapur is a city in the Panchganga River Basin. It is the district headquarters of Kolhapur district. The city has a textile manufacturing sector, particularly known for the Kolhapuri chappal. The city has become the primary centre for the Marathi film industry. Kolhapur plays host to many film festivals, including the Kolhapur International Film Festival.

8. Amravati - Amravati is the administrative headquarters of the Amravati district. It is also the headquarters of the "Amravati Division" which is one of the six divisions of the state. Among the historical landmarks in the city are the temples of Amba, Shri Krishna and Shri Venkateshwara. Amravati is growing as an industrial centre, with cotton mills leading the way.

9. Mumbai – Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India and the ninth most populous agglomeration in the world, with an estimated city population of 18.4 million. Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. It is also one of the world's top ten centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow, generating 6.16% of India's GDP. Mumbai's business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a higher standard of living, attract migrants from all over India, making the city a melting pot of many communities and cultures.

10. Nagpur - Nagpur is the winter capital and the third largest city of Maharashtra and the largest city in Vidarbha Region. Nagpur is located at the exact centre of the Indian peninsula. The city has a Zero Mile stone locating the geographical centre of India. It is famous for the Nagpur Orange and is known as the "Orange City" for being a major trade centre of oranges cultivated in the region.

11. Nashik – Nashik is a city in the northwest region of Maharashtra in India and is the administrative headquarter of the Nashik District and Nashik Division. The city is situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats mountains on the banks of the river Godavari. Nashik hosts one of the largest religious gatherings in the world known as Maha Kumbh. Nashik has been described as "The Wine Capital of India". There are 22 wineries in Nashik, out of 46 wineries throughout India total.

12. Navi Mumbai - Navi Mumbai is a planned township of Mumbai off the west coast of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Navi Mumbai is situated across two districts namely Thane and Raigad. Navi Mumbai has a good public transportation system. Various MNCs have their offices/branches across the city making it an active business hub. Navi Mumbai has the largest container terminal in India, Jawaharlal Nehru Port at Nhava Sheva near Uran.

13. Thane - Thane is a city in the state of Maharashtra in Konkan Division. Thane is a part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Thane was the terminus for the first ever passenger train in Asia. On 16 April 1853, the passenger train service was inaugurated between Colaba and Thane. Covering a distance of 34 km.

14. Latur – Latur is a city in the Marathwada region in the Maharashtra. The city is a tourist hub, surrounded by many historical monuments, including the Kharosa Caves. The city is a major sugarcane and edible oils, soyabean, grapes and mango production centre. The Latur region is known as the "Sugar Belt of India". This region houses over eleven large sugar factories.

15. Ratnagiri – Ratnagiri is a port city on the Arabian Sea coast in Ratnagiri District in the southwestern part of Maharashtra, India. The district is a part of Konkan division of Maharashtra. Fertile alluvial valleys in the region produce abundant rice, coconuts, cashew nuts and fruits, "Hāpus" (Alphonso) mangoes being one of the main fruits. Fishing is an important industry in Ratnagiri.

16. Nanded - Nanded is also headquarters of Nanded district and second largest city in Marathwada region. Nanded is located on the banks of Godavari river. Nanded has been a major place for Sikh pilgrimage. 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh made Nanded as his permanent abode and passed Guruship to Guru Granth Sahib before his death in Nanded.

17. Pune – Pune is the 9th most populous city in India and the second largest in the state of Maharashtra. Pune is considered the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city is also known for its manufacturing and automobile industries, as well as for research institutes of information technology (IT), education, management and training, which attracts students and professionals from India, South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

18. Pandharpur – Pandharpur is the most popular pilgrimage city on the banks of Bhima river in Solapur district, Maharashtra. Pandharpur is located on the banks of the Bhima river. The Vithoba temple attracts about a million Hindu pilgrims during the major yatra in the month of Ashadh (June–July).

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Chart 694 - Flightless Birds

Flightless Birds Chart
Flightless Birds Chart

Spectrum Chart - 694 : Flightless Birds

1. Emu - Emus are soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds with long necks and legs. It is native to Australia. It is also the second tallest bird in the world, after ostrich. Emu is an omnivore. It likes to eat caterpillars, large insects, small lizards, rodents, flowers, seed, buds and shoots. Emu is a fast running bird. It can reach 30 miles per hour. Emu can survive between 5 and 10 years in the wild.

2. Ostrich - Ostrich is a large flightless bird that lives in Africa. They are the largest living bird species and have the biggest eggs of all living birds. Ostriches do not fly, but can run faster than any other bird. Ostriches have long legs and a long neck, but they have a small head. Male ostriches can be 6 - 9 ft tall, while female ostriches are 5.5 - 6.5 ft tall.

3. Rhea – Rheas are large, flightless birds with grey-brown plumage, long legs and long necks, native to South America. Rhea consumes both meat and plants. Different kind of seeds, fruits, roots, plants, lizards, insects, reptiles and rodents are normal part of rhea's diet. Rhea is kept on farms because of its meat, eggs and skin. Maximum lifespan of the rhea in the wild is 15 years.

4. Penguin - Penguins are sea-birds in the family Spheniscidae. All penguins have a white belly and a dark (mostly black) back. Penguins cannot fly, but they can swim very well. Penguins live only in the Southern Hemisphere of the world: Antarctica, New Zealand, southern Australia, South Africa and South America.

5. Cassowary – Cassowaries are a kind of large birds which cannot fly.There are three species of cassowary that can be found in New Guinea and northeastern parts of Australia. Cassowary lives in wet tropical rainforests, lowland and highland dense forests. Cassowary is an omnivore. It usually eats different types of fruit, seeds, shoots, fungi, small invertebrates and insects. Cassowary can survive 12-19 years in the wild and between 40 and 50 in captivity.

6. Kiwi - Kiwi is a bird from New Zealand. Kiwi have a long beak and brown feathers. The feathers look like fur. Kiwis cannot fly, and their wings are so small that they cannot usually be seen. Kiwis cannot see well, but they can hear very well. They are the smallest ratite birds. Kiwis are nocturnal birds.They mostly eat invertebrates, like worms and insects.

7. Kagu - Kagu is a crested, long-legged, and bluish-grey bird endemic to the dense mountain forests of New Caledonia. It is a flightless birds. Kagu is exclusively carnivorous, feeding on a variety of animals with annelid worms, snails and lizards being amongst the most important prey items.

8. Takahe – Takahe is a flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand and belonging to the rail family. Takahe is mainly purple-blue in colour, with a greenish back and inner wings. It has a red frontal shield and red-based pink bill. The legs are pink.

9. Weka – A weka is a flightless bird in the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand. Weka occupy areas such as forests, sub-alpine grassland, sand dunes, rocky shores and modified semi-urban environments. They are omnivorous, with a diet comprising 30% animal foods and 70% plant foods. Weka are classed as a vulnerable species.

10. Steamer Duck - Steamer duck, is a flightless duck from South America. It belongs to the steamer duck genus Tachyeres. It inhabits the rocky coasts and coastal islands in southern Chile. It is a massively built waterfowl at 3.5–7 kg and 65–84 cm in length. The wingspan is 85–110 cm, the wings being too small to functionally allow the birds to take flight. Instead, the wings are used like paddles to help skim rapidly across the surface of the water.

11. Red Junglefowl - Red junglefowl is a flightless bird & a tropical member of the family Phasianidae. The red junglefowl was first domesticated at least five thousand years ago in Asia, since then it has spread around the world. They are omnivorous and feed on insects, seeds and fruits including those that are cultivated such as those of the oil palm.

12. Flightless Cormorant - Flightless cormorant also known as the Galapagos cormorant, is a cormorant native to the Galapagos Islands. The flightless cormorants look slightly like a duck, except for their short, stubby wings. The upper parts are blackish and the underparts are brown. The long beak is hooked at the tip and the eye is turquoise. All populations of this species are found within the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve.

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