Everybody sayin’ itmiddle east‘, whether it’s in a book or on television. But no one paid attention to why it was ‘East or West’. There is a history behind it that is important to know when this particular phrase is spoken at a high level. This term was popular during the British Empire. As reports suggest, this phrase was first used in 1902 by an American naval strategist, Alfred Thayer Mahan. That time. He described the land between India and the Persian Gulf as the ‘Middle East’. What happened was, Europe centered the map, measuring identity by distance from London. In this Eurocentric worldview the “Middle” East was strategically located between the Near East (Balkans) and the Far East (China and Japan).

The man behind the name ‘Middle East’: Alfred Thayer Mahan

Right after that day in 1902, when Alfred Thayer Mahan popularized the phrase ‘Middle East’, it became a global headline. He did this because he wanted to describe the land between India and the Suez Canal that the British Navy had to control to protect its empire. Currently, many scholars and popular political leaders debate about the phrase ‘Middle East’.

Why does India officially use the term ‘?west asia‘

according to Middle East Institute (MEI)Former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was the first to suggest naming it ‘West Asia’, indicating that the term is geographical and does not depend on London as the center of the map. By using ‘West Asia’, India places the region precisely within the Asian continent. This policy was established to promote Asian solidarity and to view the region through a post-colonial lens rather than a British strategy.

How the Phrase ‘Middle East’ Changed During World War II

According to Britannica and meiIn 1939 the definition of this word expanded significantly. The British established the phrase ‘Middle East’ in Cairo, which accounted for a vast region stretching from North Africa to Iraq. Because this military command was so successful and its reports were published around the world, the term “Middle East” began to be used by the general public to describe the entire region, eventually completely replacing the older “Near East” in American and British English.

What is the change from ‘Middle East’ to ‘MENA’

As soon as India favored the term ‘West Asia’, globally people started adopting the acronym ‘MENA’, which stands for Middle East and North Africa. According to Britannica and world bankThis shift recognizes that the cultural and economic nexus of the region extends from the Sinai Peninsula to Africa. By using ‘MENA’, organizations attempt to move beyond the colonial ‘middle’ label while recognizing the interconnected nature of the modern Arab world. However, like the phrase coined by Alfred Thayer Mahan, even ‘MENA’ is criticized for being a ‘Western-centric’ group that prioritizes trade and security over local indigenous identity.Ultimately, the phrase ‘Middle East’ is a colonial map still in transition. While the label remains a global standard, the rise of ‘West Asia’ and ‘MENA’ signals a shift towards geographical sovereignty.

Sometimes things become strange when we look at something for a long time and it suddenly disappears. Eventually, the same thing happened with the land bridge connecting Britain and Europe. Thousands of years ago, Britain and Europe were connected by a bridge, Doggerland. A variety of different natural environments existed across this large area; Many animals and plants can be found in abundance. Humans were present in this area for thousands of years; They hunted animals and built shelters in locations that would prove to be the most successful in the British Isles.According to reports, this ‘lost world’ began to disappear around 8,200 years ago, at the conclusion of the last ice age, as melting ice caused sea levels to rise upward, resulting in vast areas of marshy land drowning the forest. About 8,200 years ago, an exceptionally large submarine landslide occurred off the northern coast of Europe, resulting in a massive tsunami that affected many parts of the region, flooding all but a few areas that were still above water.

Why is Doggerland a climate warning for our future?

Understanding the extinction history of Doggerland is an important aspect of the potential adaptation of modern coastal communities to the effects of global warming in the present day. As noted in Smithsonian Magazine, it is estimated that sea levels rose about 6 feet every 100 years following the warming period at the end of the last ice age. according to University of SheffieldThe early Doggerlanders moved to the altitude without difficulty; The population density and developed infrastructure of our current coastal populations today would severely limit their migration potential. As scientists study submerged peat and sediment layers in the North Sea, new models are being created to determine how rapidly our own coastlines could change. This ‘lost world’ shows that when the climate changes dramatically, the entire map of the world can be completely changed in just a few generations.

can this happen today

The answer is yes. by current climate models ipcc There are suggestions that sea levels could potentially rise by several meters by 2300, echoing the same pattern that submerged Doggerland several years earlier.

Can anyone go to Doggerland?

Although it is not possible to walk on Doggerland, the remains of Doggerland can be examined through artifacts and other remains of this lost land that are located around the world. Doggerland consists of land that lies 15-40 meters below the North Sea and is surrounded by the dangerous and dirty waters of this sea. National Museum of AntiquitiesWhich is located in the Netherlands, contains an extensive collection of artifacts, such as mammoth teeth, flint tools, and other unique objects that were recovered from the seabed in the North Sea.Additionally, people can visit Doggerland in digital format University of Bradford is creating a series of 3D reconstructions that accurately depict the ancient hills, rivers and other parts of Doggerland that have been submerged beneath the sea for thousands of years.

Overseas Friends of BJP UK has written to the High Commissioner of India in London expressing serious concern over the disturbances during the Holi/Holika Dahan celebrations in Harrow on 3 March 2026. In Harrow, a brawl broke out between Muslim youths and Hindus during a Holika bonfire ceremony when three teenagers forcibly turned off the music at the event.

Addressing that incident, OFBJPUK requested a thorough investigation, accountability for those responsible and appropriate diplomatic engagement to ensure robust security for cultural and religious gatherings of the Indian diaspora in the UK. “We also request that the broader issue of security of Hindu temples, religious gatherings and community institutions in the United Kingdom be discussed with the UK Government. Although security assistance has been provided to some religious institutions, Hindu community members believe that comparable protection and funding for Hindu temples and community organizations facing hate incidents is limited. The issue has become particularly sensitive following earlier tensions affecting Hindu communities in the Midlands and parts of Leicester.” “It would also be valuable if the High Commission could engage with local Indian residents, businesses and community organizations in Harrow to help restore trust. Overseas Friends of BJP stands ready to work with the UK High Commission and diaspora organizations to facilitate peace meetings, dialogue and constructive community engagement to ensure lasting security and harmony for the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom. Our collective objective is to ensure that cultural festivals like Holi continue to be celebrated peacefully and the Indian diaspora remains safe, respected and confident.”

What happened that day?

A Holika event organized by the International Siddharshrama Shakti Center at the Harrow Civic Center car park turned tense when a group of youths allegedly disrupted the celebrations. The Holika Dahan Sabha, which was attended by about 1,000 people including the local mayor and councilors, began around 7 pm with prayers and the ceremonial lighting of the Holika fire.According to the centre’s founder Shri Rajarajeshwar Guruji, three teenagers came at around 8.30 pm and uprooted the wires of the sound system, causing damage to the speakers. A few minutes later, they reportedly returned with 15–20 other men, some of whom were wearing balaclavas and one was carrying a sword. They allegedly threw beer cans and glass bottles into the fire and clashed with security personnel before fleeing when police sirens sounded.The violence led to the arrest of a 14-year-old boy.

Nestled in the sun-drenched plains of the province of Alicante, the quaint Spanish city of Villena guards a secret that connects earth and sky. In 1963, workers excavating a gravel pit came across the Villena Treasure, which contained more than 60 Bronze Age artefacts weighing about 10 kg each, mostly gleaming gold bowls, bracelets and bottles. What makes this discovery truly extraordinary is that two of the pieces, an iron bracelet and a sword hilt pommel, were made from meteorite iron, a rare metal that fell from space about a million years ago. This collection, dating back to 1400-1200 BC, long before iron smelting was known on Earth, indicates ancient people’s awe of cosmic gifts. Today, these treasures shine in the Archaeological Museum of Villena, attracting visitors to contemplate how Bronze Age artisans transformed stardust into jewellery.

The Treasure of Villena: one of the richest prehistoric gold deposits in Europe

The Treasure of Villena is one of the richest prehistoric gold finds in Europe, second only to the royal tombs of Mycenae in Greece. Meteorite iron discovered in Villena treasure by archaeologists? Discovered by researchers Salvador Rovira-Llorens, Martina Renzi and Ignacio Monteiro-Ruiz from the National Archaeological Museum, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (Saudi Arabia) and the Institute of History of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and José María Soler García on a dry riverbed, it includes 59 gold objects, three silver bottles, an amber-gold button and those enigmatic iron fragments. No nearby sites match its style, leading to debate over its origin, perhaps a ritual offering or elite burial goods. Experts marvel at the craftsmanship: the intricate gold work on the vessels, imitating leather pouches, shows advanced skills for the Late Bronze Age. “These two pieces of iron had very high value,” said Ignacio Monteiro-Ruiz of the Institute of History at the Spanish Research Council. Before settling down the group visited museums in Spain, a testament to its cultural importance.

Meteorite iron in ancient spain

The scientific investigation published in the journal Archeology revealed the origin of space. Mass spectrometry by Salvador Rovira-Llorens of Spain’s National Archaeological Museum, Martina Renzi of Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and Ignacio Monteiro-Ruiz showed high nickel levels, which, unlike earthly iron, is a hallmark of meteorites. The corroded C-shaped bracelet and gold-decorated pommel predate the Iron Age by centuries, proving that the ancients worked this ‘sky iron’. “Who built them and where these materials were obtained are still questions that have yet to be answered,” Monteiro-Ruiz said, unraveling the mystery. Meteorites likely crashing nearby were noticed by sky-observation communities, who valued the metal’s extraterrestrial luster for status symbols. This pushes back evidence of meteoric iron use in Iberia, challenging the timeline of early metallurgy.

Villena remains the guardian of the cosmic heritage

Villena only adds charm to the story. This small town of 35,000 boasts a medieval center featuring the 12th-century Atalaya Castle, which was built by the Almohad Empire as a Muslim refuge. Wander its streets for Renaissance architecture and festivities, but the Archaeological Museum is the star display with treasures amid Bronze Age equipment. For history lovers, Villena uniquely combines the past and the universe. Coming here feels like stepping into a story where ancient Spaniards turned stardust into eternity. Plan a trip to the heart of Alicante – cosmic treasure awaits in this unassuming gem.

For the first time, scientists have filmed high-speed video of a phenomenon where trees release electrical flashes by generating sparks during a thunderstorm. The results of a study published in geophysical research paper show that tree branches can emit a faint blue light known as corona discharge, thanks to sensors and cameras deployed in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Corona is formed when a storm’s very strong electric field ionizes the air near the sharp edges of leaves on a tree. Sailors have been observing this glow on ship masts for hundreds of years. This observation is important for atmospheric scientists, as the findings indicate that forest areas may have a greater impact on Earth’s electrical balance and greenhouse gas composition than previously thought.

How do trees emit electrical flashes without catching fire?

The blue light at the tops of trees is the result of a phenomenon called corona discharge, which is different from a lightning strike or wildfire. The electric field of a storm is so large that it can strip electrons from air molecules. Due to this, electricity is emitted into the air in the form of plasma. Unlike lightning, which is extremely hot and large discharge, corona discharge is ‘cold’ lightning. according to science newsBecause this form of lightning is less strong and less widespread, it accumulates at the brightest points on a tree, such as the tips of pine needles and leaves, causing the tree to emit a faint glow. However, this lightning will not cause actual burning or any other type of damage to the tree.

Why do glowing trees matter for the climate?

Apart from looking beautiful with their bright blue glow, the electrical discharge from corona discharge around the tips of trees has a huge impact on air quality.According to research done by Penn State UniversityThe electrical discharge generated by corona discharge at the tips of trees also produces large amounts of free hydroxyl. Hydroxyl acts as the major cleaning agent for our atmosphere. Hydroxyl radicals are also very reactive and are used to decompose many pollutants and greenhouse gases, such as methane, which would otherwise contribute to global warming.

Why do some trees shine brighter than others?

After storms, different species are known to respond differently. According to a recent study conducted by scientists published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. This research has confirmed that the relative size of the tree canopy is responsible for producing greater or lesser amounts of ‘ghost’ light as it ages. Evergreen trees participate most actively in generating this electrical phenomenon. The pointed, needle-like leaf-shaped tips of conifers make excellently efficient natural ‘conductors’, allowing upward-produced electric fields to become highly concentrated at the tip of their pointed vine and more easily (and many times more often) than upward-produced electric flashes, producing blue light.

Imagine a vast underground palace, filled with treasures and guarded by an army of stone warriors, sealed away for more than two millennia. It is the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who unified the country in 221 BC and pursued immortality until his death in 210 BC. According to the BBC, it was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near Xi’an, at the site of the famous Terracotta Army, thousands of life-size clay soldiers ready for battle. Yet, despite this astonishing discovery, archaeologists have never penetrated the emperor’s inner tomb. The whispers of deadly nets, rivers of poisonous mercury, and the fragile wonders within keep them at bay. It’s a mysterious mystery that combines ancient ingenuity with modern caution, raising questions about preservation versus curiosity in archaeology.

Are there deadly traps and mercury rivers in China? qin shi huang tomb

Ancient texts paint a dire picture of the tomb’s security. The historian Sima Qian in his Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) describes crossbows to fire at intruders and mechanically flowing mercury to mimic China’s great rivers such as the Yangtze and the Yellow River. Sima Qian wrote, “Craftsmen were ordered to make crossbows and arrows to shoot at anyone who entered the tomb. Mercury was used to simulate the Hundred Rivers,” as also cited in historical accounts of the tomb’s construction.

Image Credit: Canva

Modern science supports these claims. A 2020 study published in Nature found unusually high levels of mercury in the soil around the grave mound, far higher than normal concentrations. Ground penetrating radar has revealed vast chambers and cavities beneath the 76 meter high pyramid-shaped mound, suggesting the complex “underground palace” described by Sima Qian. While some doubt that the traps are still working after 2,200 years, the mercury alone poses a risk of instability; If disturbed, it can rapidly evaporate, poisoning the air. The head of the team, archaeologist Duan Qingbo of the Shaanxi Provincial Archaeological Institute, confirmed the high mercury density emitted from the tomb during geological surveys. Duan told China Daily in 2006, “We found in a survey that the mercury concentration in the cemetery area of ​​Cunshihuang is exceptionally higher than that in the perimeter area.” These findings explain why experts proceed with caution; Opening a tomb may present dangers that we cannot fully anticipate.

Conservation risk of opening the emperor’s tomb

The Terracotta Army issues a stern warning. When first exposed to air in the 1970s, the Warriors’ vibrant paint, once brightly colored, faded within minutes. “When the Terracotta Army was uncovered in the 1970s, its bright colors faded within minutes of exposure to air,” the report on the site’s excavation challenges said. Inside the sealed central chamber, artifacts may be perfectly preserved in their pristine equilibrium, but sunlight, oxygen, and moisture can quickly destroy them.This was emphasized by Zhang Bai, Deputy Director of China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH), at the 15th ICOMOS Assembly in Xi’an in 2005. “These cultural relics have been buried for more than 2,000 years and have achieved a state of equilibrium. If they are excavated improperly… they will quickly deteriorate,” Zhang said, citing an example where excavated ivory turned into powder in just two hours. SACH policy strictly limits excavations to cases of natural hazards, robberies or national needs, also disallowing nearby graves to avoid damaging the main site.Duan Qingbo reiterates this warning: “It is not the right time to open the tomb at this time, as many things remain unknown.” Recently non-invasive techniques such as remote sensing have revealed symmetrical stairs and wooden structures that have never been mentioned in records, proving that we still lack a complete understanding. To proceed hastily without guaranteed safety technology would be archaeological vandalism.

Official stance on China’s closed emperor’s tomb

As the World Intellectual Property Organization suggests, China’s cultural heritage laws prioritize “protection first”. The Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage of the People’s Republic of China allows excavations only in severe circumstances, a principle SACH maintains for the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Even proposals for tourism or seismic protection were rejected in the 1990s.Michel Patzet, then president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), supported this at the same Xi’an gathering: “Let Qianshihuang and its underground palace continue their deep sleep.” The political and moral layers add weight. Qin Shi Huang unified China, but through cruel methods and disrupting his comfort could spark cultural debate. The site’s World Heritage status since 1987 demands global standards of care.Today, the focus remains on the outer pits: more than 8,000 unique soldiers, chariots, and even the possible royal tomb of the recently excavated Prince Gao. These provide insight without jeopardizing the original. As Duan notes, the tomb’s ancient drainage system has kept its contents intact for millennia. Why gamble now?In the end, it is not cowardice to refuse to open this 2,200-year-old wonder; This is intelligence. By sealing off Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, archaeologists are honoring his legacy while waiting for technology that can truly unlock its secrets safely. Future generations may one day enter it, but for now, the Emperor’s eternal guardians stand watch, their secret intact.

Dubai confirms four-day Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday for public and private sector employees / Image: File

The Human Resources Department of the Government of Dubai announced Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday for Dubai’s public sector employees, confirming four days of holiday for government employees. The break will begin on Thursday, March 19 and government offices will reopen on Monday, March 23, offering four days off for public sector workers. The announcement comes as UAE residents prepare to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan and one of the most important festivals of the Islamic calendar.

Dubai Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday dates confirmed

Dubai authorities confirmed that government workers will observe the Eid Al Fitr holiday from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, with official working hours resuming on Monday, March 23.The four-day holiday is in line with the UAE’s federal holiday schedule for Eid Al Fitr, which traditionally marks the end of Ramadan, the fasting month celebrated by Muslims around the world.Public sector institutions across Dubai and the wider UAE will therefore remain closed during this period as employees celebrate the occasion with family gatherings, prayers and festivities.

Eid al Fitr 2026 holidays for private sector

Along with the public sector announcement, officials had earlier confirmed the holiday schedule for private sector employees in the UAE.Private sector workers will get paid leave from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21. However, if Ramzan lasts for 30 days, this leave could be extended till Sunday, March 22, giving workers a long weekend.This structure ensures that employees in both the public and private sectors enjoy equal leave periods while maintaining operational continuity for businesses across the country.

prompt salary to employees

In a move that will bring additional happiness to thousands of families, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has issued a special directive regarding monthly salaries. To ensure that families can shop for Eid gifts and prepare for feasts without financial stress, the government will pay March salaries early on March 17, 2026.This gesture allows workers to settle their Zakat Al Fitr early and avoid last-minute crowds at malls and traditional markets, making preparation for the holidays easier for everyone.

How to plan your four-day Eid Al Fitr in Dubai?

With four consecutive days off, the Eid holiday offers UAE residents a rare opportunity to pause, celebrate and refresh. For many families, this is the perfect time to get away from the routine, whether that means traveling, exploring a city or simply spending meaningful time with loved ones.One of the most popular ways for residents to celebrate the long weekend is by planning a short getaway. Hotels and resorts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah usually offer special Eid packages, which include festive brunches, family entertainment and beach activities. These quick getaways allow residents to enjoy the vacation experience without the hassle of international travel.Others prefer to make the most of the vibrant atmosphere of Eid by exploring UAE attractions and celebrations. Shopping malls, theme parks and cultural venues often host fireworks, live performances and festive markets during the holidays, creating a lively atmosphere for families and visitors.

looking ahead

Eid al Fitr is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. The festival marks the end of a month of fasting, contemplation and charity during Ramadan.Throughout the UAE, the holiday is celebrated with special Eid prayers, family gatherings, festive meals and charity functions, while shopping malls, entertainment venues and tourist attractions typically see increased visitor numbers during the long weekend.For many residents, the Eid holidays are also an occasion for short vacations, travel plans and family reunions, making it one of the busiest festivals of the year in the country.

Humans are very curious to study the mysteries of the Moon, and hence scientists all over the world are trying their best to reach a place that can give them an ideal study to read the unknown facts about the Moon. The race to the moon continues in the US and China as their scientists look for ways to get their astronauts to the moon. The south pole of the Moon is considered one of the important sites for landing and is ideal for scientific research. Aitken Basin – The south pole of the Moon is the largest structure in the entire area. According to the study, China is aiming to conduct its first lunar mission by sending its astronauts to the Moon by the end of 2030.

Why is the South Pole the front line of the US-China moon race?

The US-China moon race is not just about landing and waving their nation’s flags, but it is about uncovering unknown secrets from the moon. The South Pole is considered to be the best place for observation purposes. There is a wonderful place near this pole which is known as Rimai Bode. A new paper in nature astronomy Has called this area ‘Geological Museum’. It does not include the frozen craters or shadowed craters found at the poles. Instead of polar craters formed during volcanic eruptions, the area has many polar crater-like features. Rimai Bode consists of volcanic plains, ancient highlands and river-like lava flow valleys, all in one place.Studies say the ‘scientific gold’ value at this location comes from the presence of pyroclastic deposits (tiny volcanic glass beads formed during volcanic eruptions three billion years ago). The tiny volcanic glass beads are like time capsules because they contain water and chemicals formed deep in the moon during volcanic activity. The lunar lander on China’s planned 2030 lander mission could resolve many unanswered questions about the formation of both the Moon and the Earth, and provide a more detailed picture of the Moon’s history than the polar lander, which is easier to study.

How will China actually surface?

A ‘phased’ method will be used by China instead of an all-in-one launch vehicle for a successful landing on the Moon by 2030, as NASA did with the Apollo programme. CMSA Two separate Long March 10 rockets will be sent to accomplish the mission, as both the manned spacecraft, Mengzhu (Dream Vessel), and the lander, Lanyu (Embrace the Moon), will have separate launches, according to the official CMSA mission profile. After a successful simultaneous landing in lunar orbit, the astronauts will be transferred to a lunar lander for final descent to the lunar surface.

What is ‘Tansuo’ Rover and how does it help?

China is currently working on the Tansuo crew rover, which will enable astronauts to continue exploring the Moon’s rugged terrain. According to a statement issued by Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA)The rover will accommodate 2 astronauts traveling on gray lunar soil.The rover will incorporate banking technology to maintain its stability when driving over slippery lunar regolith and steep slopes. It will also be a mobile laboratory for the Taikonauts, and each of them will be able to travel up to 10 km from their lunar lander to obtain ‘scientific gold’ – volcanic glass beads and other mineral samples that could change our understanding of the history of the Solar System.