Lord Byron, also known as George Gordon Byron and 6th Baron Byron, was a famous English poet. He was known to enjoy adventure. He was extremely fond of exercise and sports. He loved swimming and once swam from Sestos in Modern Gallipoli in European Turkey to Abydos in Upper Egypt. He mastered a wide variety of …
What does the word ‘engineer’ mean?
The root of the word ‘engineer’ lies in the Latin word ingenium, meaning ‘innate quality of mental power’ or cleverness. In olden days, the engineers were required to be extremely skilful and inventive as they devised various levers, pulleys and other machines that helped in the civil and military development of any society. Engineer, as a verb, …
Who co-discovered Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution?
The theory of evolution states that species evolved as a result of natural selection, and could adapt to harsh conditions. This theory was put forth simultaneously by the two English naturalists Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.
Which eminent personality died the same day as Mahatma Gandhi?
Orville Wright is considered as the ‘father of modern aviation’. Together with his brother Wilbur, he invented the first airplane. He developed flight technology for the United States Army. Mahatma Gandhi, an international figure symbolizing peace, the Father of the Indian Nation, ushered in the Indian independence through non-violent means. Both Orville Wright and Mahatma Gandhi died …
What is ‘Triskaidekaphobia’?
‘Triskaidekaphobia’ is a word that arises from the greek tris meaning three, and deka meaning ten, i.e. thirteen, and phobia meaning fear. Triskaidekaphobia thus means the fear of the ‘number thirteen’. In western culture, the number thirteen is often associated with ill luck. Many hotels in the western countries have no thirteenth floor, and many streets are avoided being given the number …
Origin of the sport of ‘badminton’
Badminton is a popular sport played with lightweight racquets and a shuttlecock. It is said to have been originated in Poona, now Pune, where the British army officers picked it up in the 1860s. The sport was called Poona. It was introduced in England in about 1873 at the country estate of the Duke of Beaufort …