Ranking the 5 Tallest Walls on Earth
Ancient stone walls, built for strength and protection, vary dramatically in scale. While most function as cities or military fortifications, the Great Wall of China dwarfs all others, spanning 21,000 km.
When we consider the monuments of the past that have become landmarks within our scenery, few images come to mind more vividly than those of massive stone walls looming across the horizon. Such constructions were designed to make an absolute statement in terms of strength, protection and eternity. When we imagine such ancient odds in competition with each other, we forget that we are dealing with two different leagues.When we talk about cities and even entire military fortifications in Europe, Asia and parts of the Middle East, all surrounded by massive stone walls, there is one particular engineering project from East Asia that stands out because of its scale – literally feeling like an achievement of planetary proportions. There is nothing else like it in the world because of its length.The scale divide: continental walls vs. city wallsThe numbers can help us appreciate the magnitude of these achievements only in terms of scale. Almost all long walls that survived throughout time served as city or military fortress circuits. These were designed to protect either a local area of people or an important hill position.According to an official survey documented by UNESCO World Heritage ConferenceThe true giants of history are classified not only by their height, but also by the total length of their surviving masonry. When we apply this standard, the gap between the top two places is so large that it is almost impossible to imagine. Here’s how the five most important living wall systems on the planet compare.1. the great wall of chinaThe Great Wall of China extends across the entire northern region of China and can be considered the most prominent ancient structure for defense. Most people think of just one section of the Great Wall – constructed during the Ming Dynasty – but in fact, there are moats, hills and walls built in different eras. The exact length of the wall, officially measured in China, is equal to 21,196 km.2. Kumbhalgarh Fort WallLocated in the Mewar Fort in Rajasthan, India, this wall is often affectionately called the Great Wall of India. It represents the pinnacle of Rajput military architecture. While it is clearly the runner-up on the world scale, its length is approximately 36 kilometers. This is a huge feat for a fortress, yet it is less than one percent of the length of the top slot.3. diyarbakir wallsThis basalt circuit in Türkiye is one of the most important surviving fortified lines in the Near East. Extending approximately 5.8 kilometres, the walls stood during the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras, serving as a dark, impressive reminder of the city’s strategic value for thousands of years.4. the stone wallsOften referred to as the European Great Wall, this 5.5 kilometer long limestone barrier in Croatia was built to protect the salt pans of the Republic of Ragusa. It is an amazing example of how a relatively small community can muster enough resources to wall off an entire peninsula to protect its “white gold”.
Modern measurement techniques, including satellite imagery, have revealed its true, immense length, highlighting its unique position among global defensive structures. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
5. the walls of avilaThe list includes the most complete medieval circuit of Spain. These walls, approximately 2.5 kilometers long, have 88 semi-circular towers and are so well preserved that they look like a movie set. They represent the standard for a fully fortified medieval European city.Why do modern measurement maps keep changing?If you think the Great Wall has “grown” in length since you were in school, you’re not entirely wrong. The way we measure these ancient giants has evolved significantly with technology. A comprehensive study conducted by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention regarding the Great Wall of China shows that for centuries, we counted only the standing stone sections.Today, researchers use aerial photography and satellite imagery to identify buried sections and natural barriers that were officially part of the defense line. This is why the officially recognized numbers have increased from thousands to hundreds of thousands.Furthermore, an article in National Geographic This explains why wall rankings can be defined differently. While some scholars choose to count only the continuous length of the walls, others consider the total length of the branches. By the same logic, a fort like Kumbhalgarh can be considered as the second longest continuous wall in the world, while it is much shorter than the Great Wall complex of China.In short, these walls represent much more than a pile of rocks. They stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Whether they were built to protect a Spanish city or to mark the perimeter of an entire empire, they symbolize the idea that when people chose to build permanent structures, they changed not only the scenery but also the maps.
Elina Svitolina wins Italian Open, Gael Monfils bursts with pride: What a woman
Elina Svitolina scripted one of the most emotional wins of her career after winning the 2026 Italian Open title in Rome, and no one looked prouder than her husband Gael Monfils. Moments after Svitolina’s stunning win, Monfils shared an emotional tribute on social media that instantly resonated with tennis fans around the world.
On Saturday, Svitolina defeated Coco Gauff in a thrilling three-set final, winning 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 and reclaiming the clay-court title after an eight-year wait. Monfils also praised Svitolina’s resilience and strength during her comeback journey after motherhood, saying that she continues to inspire her every day.
“Eight years. Eight years to get back on top of the Masters 1000. What a season, what a week, what a player. But above all, what a woman. An incredible mother to Skye, an extraordinary athlete, a soul like no other,” Monfils wrote.
“I’m so proud of you, my love. Of your strength, of your peace, of everything you quietly carry day after day. You inspire me every day. Enjoy it, soak it all in. You deserve every second of it. I love you,” Monfils said.
Svitolina’s victory in Rome marked a notable milestone in her career. After becoming a mother in 2022 and battling injuries in recent seasons, the Ukrainian has fully re-established herself among the top players on the WTA Tour. She also captured her first WTA 1000 title after giving birth to my daughter Ending an eight-year wait between their Rome crowns.
How did Svitolina beat Gauff?
Against Gauff, Svitolina started aggressively, using her movement and defensive skills to frustrate Gauff in long rallies before winning the opening set 6–4.
Gauff made a strong comeback in the second set and forced a tiebreak, where the American player raised her level and took the match to the deciding set. However, Svitolina completely dominated the third set with her consistency from the baseline and her ability to absorb pressure before counterattacking at the right time.
The title was historically significant for Svitolina. She became the Italian Open champion three times, having previously won the tournament in 2017 and 2018.
Her performance in Rome was exceptional, as she defeated top names including Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Gauff on her way to the title. In doing so, Svitolina became the oldest player to defeat three top-five opponents in a single WTA 1000 event since 1990, surpassing Serena Williams’ previous record.
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CBSE cuts paper revaluation fees
Under the revised structure, the fee for obtaining a scanned copy of the evaluated answer sheet has been reduced from Rs 700 to Rs 100 per subject. The verification fee has been reduced from Rs 500 to Rs 100, while the revaluation fee per question has been reduced from Rs 100 to Rs 25.The changes come after some students and teachers raised concerns over the use of OSM, a digital assessment method in which teachers evaluate scanned copies of answer sheets on a screen. The overall pass percentage of Class XII dropped from 88% to 85% this year, raising questions about whether the assessment process had affected the scores.Officials said CBSE first used OSM as a pilot project in 2014, but the system was not expanded due to limitations in scanning infrastructure, bandwidth and digital assessment capacity in the areas.According to the Education Ministry, CBSE implemented this system after improving digital infrastructure and large-scale examiner training. The board cited the need for greater standardization, reduction in total errors, and tighter security in evaluation processes.However, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar said there was “no direct link” between OSM and the decline in scores or passing percentage.Officials said students can apply for scanned copies of answer sheets between May 19 and May 22, while verification and revaluation applications can be submitted between May 26 and May 29.
Who is Kaitlyn Reigns? Dak Prescott sparks dating rumors with ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos’ former bridesmaid
Who is Kaitlyn Reigns? Dak Prescott sparks dating rumors with ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos’ former bridesmaid
(Image via Getty Images)
dak prescottThe Dallas Cowboys star quarterback stunned the entire league when his lavish wedding to Sarah Jane Ramos, the mother of his two daughters, was canceled at the last minute.As of now, Dak Prescott and his ex-fiancée have gone their separate ways, but rumor has it that the star player is now dating Sarah Jane Ramos’ former girlfriend Kaitlin Raines as they were recently spotted holding hands at a Pro Bull Riders event in Fort Worth.
All about Dak Prescott’s new romantic interest amid the annulment of his wedding to Sarah Jane Ramos
According to reports, Dak Prescott’s new romantic interest Kaitlyn Raines was born in Kingwood, Texas and attended the same college as the star player, Mississippi State University, even though she is three years younger than him.Although she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Caitlin Raines became a trainer in 2020 and now offers training sessions and appears to be affiliated with All Inspired, a Hyrock affiliated gym in Houston.Dallas Cowboys star player Dak Prescott and Kaitlyn Raines have been rumored to have been friends for a few years, but she was closer to his ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos.According to reports, before calling off her wedding with popular quarterback, Dak Prescott, Kaitlyn Raines was also involved in wedding festivities with Sarah Jane Ramos.Nearly two months ago, Sarah Jane Ramos and Dak Prescott informed their guests of the cancellation of their wedding with a mail that read, “As many of you know, our wedding is currently scheduled to take place on Friday, April 10, 2026 in Lake Como, Italy. It is with a heavy heart that we personally inform our attendees that we have made the very difficult decision to cancel our wedding. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.” And we welcome your prayers,” read the message obtained by TMZ.According to the New York Post, both Dak Prescott and Kaitlyn Raines have strongly denied dating each other and when contacted, they reportedly handed over the phone to the star player.Over the past few hours, Dak Prescott and Kaitlyn Raines have caused chaos after being spotted with a group of friends attending the Pro Bull Riders event in Fort Worth.The two were also seen holding hands together while they were part of a large group with several members of the Dallas Cowboys organization.At present, Sarah Jane Ramos is away from rumors.
Steve Jobs’ son Reed Jobs plans to invest in cancer startup
Apple co founder Steve Jobsis looking to expand investments in British healthcare startups through its oncology-focused venture firm as it pushes efforts to improve cancer treatment and early detection.Jobs, 34, runs Yosemite, a San Francisco-based venture firm that manages more than $1 billion in assets and backs companies developing cancer therapies, gene-editing technologies, radiopharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence tools for health care.Speaking during the Translational Research Summit organized by LifeArk in London, Jobs explained how his father’s battle with cancer focused his attention on oncology research and investment, reports The Guardian.“When I was a kid, I watched my father have cancer, and unfortunately that happens very often,” Jobs said at the summit.“And that really inspired me to try to change outcomes for other people.”Steve Jobs died in 2011 at the age of 56 after battling a rare form of pancreatic cancer.Jobs said that Yosemite is actively exploring opportunities in the UK and meeting with pharmaceutical companies, academics and researchers as part of its international investment plans.“As a firm, we invest in companies internationally, and we would love to see opportunities in the UK,” he said.Yosemite has invested in about 20 healthcare startups, including companies working on cancer vaccines, gene therapy and AI-powered drug development. The firm has also backed some UK-based companies that have not yet been publicly announced.The venture was launched in 2023 after it spun off from Emerson Collective, the investment and philanthropic organization founded by Jobs’ mother Laurene Powell Jobs.Yosemite is supported by several leading institutions and investors, including Amgen, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Jobs said he hoped that future advances in medicine would turn cancer into a disease that could be detected earlier and treated more effectively.“Many cancers these days are either diagnosed incidentally, because there are no good early biomarkers, or diagnosed only after they are metastatic and extremely advanced,” he said.“this is unacceptable.”He described immunotherapy as one of the most promising areas in cancer treatment in the coming decades.“I think this is one of the areas that will have the most potential for patients over the next few decades,” Jobs said.
Bengal BJP chief’s sarcastic invitation to Abhishek Banerjee for Falta re-polling
TMC The people of the state have ‘sent him into exile’ and sarcastically invited the party leader Abhishek Banerjee To campaign in the Falta constituency ahead of the re-polling on 21 May.Campaigning for BJP candidate Debanshu Panda, Bhattacharya questioned Banerjee’s absence from the campaign despite Falta being part of the Diamond Harbor Lok Sabha constituency represented by the TMC leader.“We are missing you a lot. Please come,” Bhattacharya said, apparently taking a dig at Banerjee.He said, “The golden household of the golden boys has collapsed. Those who promised to fight are now practicing shadow boxing at home.”The BJP leader alleged that the TMC leadership has disappeared from the public eye after the party’s electoral setback and claimed that the ruling party no longer has the same organizational strength.He said, “The police are not there, so the leaders are not there. There is no convoy, so there is no roar now. Please come to Falta and campaign. Our workers and the district leadership will welcome you with flowers and blowing conch shells.”Making fun of TMC after its election defeat, Bhattacharya said, “Someone once said that DJ will be played after the results. I had said that harmonium and Jal Tarang can also be played. Now all this is being played inside the houses.”A day earlier, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari had campaigned in Falta and claimed that re-polling would ‘re-establish voter rights where people have not been able to vote for 10 years.’Bhattacharya also said that BJP workers have continued their political fight in South 24 Parganas and Diamond Harbor despite alleged threats over the years.Expressing confidence about the repoll result, he said the BJP should aim for a victory margin of more than 1.25 lakh votes for candidate Debanshu Panda, higher than the one lakh margin earlier suggested by the official.The Bengal BJP chief also appealed to TMC workers to campaign freely without any fear.“Come out without any hesitation, organize rallies and meetings. There will be no attack from the BJP,” he said.In political outreach to minority communities, Bhattacharya said that BJP has no quarrel with the common minority citizens and claimed that the BJP government will create employment opportunities in South 24 Parganas.The Election Commission had canceled the Falta election on April 29 following allegations of massive irregularities, including claims of EVM tampering and voter intimidation.
Two EA-18 fighter planes collide in midair during Idaho Air Show; Video captures the crash
A man has been arrested after a van injured a pedestrian during a protest over the removal of flags in Birmingham
London: A man has been arrested after a van injured a pedestrian during a protest over the removal of flags in Birmingham
A man has been arrested in London after a van hit a pedestrian following an incident involving the removal of flags from lampposts in Birmingham. The incident occurred on Thursday night, in which a 30-year-old man suffered a broken leg, which required surgery. Police later detained a 44-year-old man at Euston station near the area where the “Unite the Kingdom” marcher had gathered. Separately, another person was arrested for encouraging attacks on a police officer.The Guardian report cites statements from West Midlands Police about the collision, the arrest and the ongoing investigation.The investigation is based on information provided by detectives that the driver of the van hit the pedestrian and fled the scene. Later the police was successful in recovering the vehicle from the adjacent Prince Road.According to a police spokesperson, “A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing injury following a collision between a van and a pedestrian in Stitchley on Thursday night. Met Police officers arrested the man in London this morning.” [Sat]And at the appropriate time our officers will interrogate him.”“The pedestrian, a man aged in his 30s, suffered leg injuries in the collision on Mayfield Road and is in hospital,” it said.Detailing the incident, the report said, “The van failed to stop at the scene but was recovered on nearby Prince’s Road and is now being investigated. We are looking at CCTV and social media footage as we work to identify the full circumstances of what happened.”The 30-year-old man is still hospitalized as a result of the accident. Officers urged anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 5802 of 14 May.
India, Netherlands form joint working group on clean energy
New Delhi: India and the Netherlands have formed a joint working group to accelerate New Delhi’s clean energy expansion through shared technology, expertise and finance, New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi said in a social media post.The minister said the joint working group will help create new opportunities for Indian industry, researchers and workers in green energy sectors.Several agreements were signed between the Indian delegation and the Netherlands during the visit of PM Narendra Modi to promote strategic relations and cooperation between the two countries.“India-Netherlands partnership gained new momentum during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Netherlands. Collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy transition will strengthen clean energy innovation, boost investment, create new economic opportunities and aid India’s emergence as a global green hydrogen hub. These results further strengthen India’s commitment to sustainable development, energy security and a clean future,” Joshi posted on X.The minister said the India-Netherlands Roadmap on Green Hydrogen will expand export markets for India to Europe and attract investment and technology for electrolyzers, storage and port infrastructure. He said this would also create high-skilled jobs and strengthen India’s position as a global green hydrogen hub.Joshi said the arrangement between NITI Aayog and the Netherlands on energy sector and energy transition projects will promote collaborative projects and industry partnerships, enhance energy security through diverse, cleaner and more reliable energy sources and create economic opportunities through green jobs, innovation and investment.
Monsoon is 2 months away, lack of coordination, blockage of drains has increased the risk of floods.
Gurgaon: with monsoon With less than a month to go, residents of Sector 31 fear another season of severe waterlogging and floods due to the lack of a functional drainage system in the area. He alleged that the area remains unsafe during heavy rains due to poor coordination among multiple agencies, clogged drains and delay in implementation of sanctioned projects.Residents said the situation is particularly serious in low-lying areas and areas along the highway, where rainwater accumulates due to blocked natural slopes and inadequate storm water drainage connectivity.“Most parts of Sector 31 either lack proper drainage network or the existing drains are in poor condition. Many drains are filled with silt and debris, while some stretches have been encroached upon. “Proper desilting has not been done for almost five years,” said BS Yadav, RWA president of Sector 31.Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, civic agencies have failed to execute sanctioned projects aimed at mitigating floods. Sudhir Yadav, a resident, said, “Every monsoon, the same roads and houses get submerged. Plans were earlier approved to increase green belt absorption areas to reduce rain water runoff, but the work was never executed.”Residents said damaged drains with broken lids and blocked channels at many places have made the situation worse. Residents said immediate desilting and repair works are needed to prevent flooding during the upcoming monsoon.Residents also blamed overlapping jurisdictions between civic bodies for the delay in resolution. “There are a lot of agencies involved – mcgGMDA, NHAI and HSVP – but no one takes ownership of the problem. Meetings were held earlier also and a tender for a sump and lifting system to divert excess rainwater was also approved, but the project never took off,” said Arvind Chadha, general secretary of the RWA.Meanwhile, MCG chief engineer Vijay Dhaka could not be reached for comment.