Protecting Canada’s ‘Blue’ Forest

Forest of Blue


World's Largest Carbon Storehouse


Precious Water Reserves


Boreal Impact on Global Climate and Food Supply


Earth's Largest Freshwater Ecosystem


Iconic Threatened Species


Moose in Boreal Forest


Boreal Forest


Boreal Forest


Map of intact forests of the world

Top 10 Most Powerful Countries In The World

A number of surveys have said that the following countries are the most powerful today:

1. The United States of America

This country is the largest economy today and has the strongest army as well as a very powerful democracy. It is also said to be a superpower and its media is very influential as well. It has built itself and its power ever since it gained independence and is only getting more powerful. The country controls international relations and is a part of a number of influential bodies.

2. Russian Federation

The Russian Federation has the second most powerful army and controls a number of states in the Central Asian area. It has a very large population and immense world area. These factors allow it to stay independent and prevent external forces from meddling in the political, economic and financial issues of the country. Because of its size, Russia has the resources to become a superpower.

3. Peoples Republic of China

Peoples Republic of China is said to have the 4th largest GNP in the world. It has gained supremacy only recently over Britain and France. It has a large army and immense potential to become the most powerful country in the world.

4. France

France is a part of the UN Security Council and is said to be the fifth most powerful country in the world. It is a great nuclear power and influences many African nations. The French have a large army which helps in maintaining law and order. It is a G7 economy and part of the European Union.

5. Britain

Britain is part of the UN Security Council as well. It has powerful nuclear weapons and the democracy is considered to be the most stable as well. As a G7 economy and as a leading country in areas like music, films and media, the country has immense influence when it comes to world politics. It is a part of the European Union as well

6. Japan

Japan has an extremely large economy and is a leading democratic power. The population of the country is large but since the competition is intense, it features below USA, China, France and Britain.

7. India

India is very populous and has a well-known democracy which gains its power from the detailed Constitution of India. The economy is growing at a staggering rate and the nuclear weapons are becoming more and more powerful.

8. Germany

Germany has the third largest economy in the world and features in the list of the most powerful European Union members. However, it was greatly affected during the two World Wars which hampered its influence over the world.

9. Pakistan

Pakistan has a very large Muslim population and powerful nuclear weapons. It is a united country but since it spends a hefty sum on military dictatorship, it has not become truly powerful. In addition to that, even though it has good resources, the battles with India have made the country very weak in these terms as well. Therefore, if it can replenish these resources and find a way to balance its political standing, it will be able to become more powerful.

10. Brazil

The Republic of Brazil is very large and is part of Latin America. It is said to hold the largest Portuguese speaking population in the world. In addition to that, the media of the country is quite stable and its relations with the rest of the world are quite secure.

Bangalore city created in Canada for Mission Impossible-4

Crew of the popular action film series Mission Impossible are working on their 4th film Mission Impossible-4 (Ghost Protocol) in which the recreated a Bangalore street setup in Vancouver (Canada) for hero Tom Cruise to run through. It couldn't have been easy for Hollywood to build an Indian street in Canada but the pictures speak about their dedication and how well this task was completed.

Apart from Tom Cruise, Anil Kapoor is another notable actor in the movie is who became star through his performance in Slumdog Millionaire movie. 

Take a look at these pictures of Bangalore street in Vancouver:

Top 10 Dangerous Mountains to climb

Climbing a mountain is one of the best experiences to have in a lifetime. Being higher up than any soul around for miles and miles is a great experience which everybody should try and enjoy. The tiresome climb will all vanish away in the few moments that you are atop the behemoth of rock which towers above its contemporaries and give you a feeling nothing short of being royalty in your own right. 

10. Damavand in Iran

The Damavand is a part of the Elburz range and is one of the most amazing mountain ranges to climb. The mountains are laced with many hot springs which let out an endless supply of steam which come from a dormant volcano. One of the most exquisite climbs at around 5800 meters above sea level, this one is not to be missed.

9. Annapurna in Nepal

The Annapurna is one of the best scenic views that you will find anywhere in the world. The geological diversity that the mountains offer is one to be experienced as you span a section of the great Himalayas which are the highest places on the planet. The sun rises over the mountains and shows off all its grandeur.

8. Denali in Alaska

This Mountain is one of the finest you will ever climb if you do. This giant is the highest peak in North America and stand at around 6200 meters. The ascent offers many challenges but is completely worth it as the horizon keeps changing into many beautiful forms most people only get to see on wallpaper.

7. Citlaltepetl and Iztaacihuatl in Mexico

The two volcanoes stand together to offer the nature’s greatness in its best forms. The twin peaks are a treat to climb and a treat to watch too. The snow capped mountains look like a woman sleeping from afar and is also known as the Sleeping Woman. A relatively easy climb as compared to some others, this one should give you a good boost if you are looking for one.

6. Mount Elbrus

This Russian giant is the watchtower in between Europe and Asia. The climb can get very difficult in some areas as the terrain changes a lot over in some parts. The challenging terrain however is all worth it once you get to see entire countries as you go higher.

5. The Matterhorn

This Mountain is in the Alps in Switzerland and is very well known to climbers. It is the modern day Mecca of the sport of climbing and has a lot of traditional climbs that you can hop along with to the top. The mountain offers the unique experience to be able to climb a huge inverted rock shaped like a cone or a pyramid.

4. Mount Everest

This is the highest place to be. Mount Everest or Sagarmatha as it is known to the locals in Nepal was climbed for the first time in 1953 and since then thousands of people have climbed this mountain. The south face of the mountain is known to be easy to climb and should be a treat to climb too as it offers many amazing views along the ascent.

3. The Andes

The Andes in Peru is one for the geologist. The climbs are all laced with great biodiversity and the views make it all the more better. The Inca trails also fall along the range and are a bonus with the climb if you decide to do it. Incredible river valleys pleasure you all along the way as you walk into a different world in our world.

2. Kilimanjaro

The flat top mountain is the highest on the African continent and offers a unique experience. One of the most exotic climbs is made up of volcanic terrain and the mountain is very big if you consider how large the top is once you get to it. The climb has many different ecosystems all along its way and you will definitely enjoy this one.

1. Mount Khuiten

This is a mountain that is very easy to get lost on. Not because the climb is difficult in any way or not because there are any confusing trails but the views that it offers are so amazingly beautiful. Easily one of the most serene rendezvous with nature this mountain in the Atlai Range in Mongolia is an easy climb as compared to some others on the list but is certainly one of the best.

Lost City of Argentina

 

Epekuen is a lost city in Argentina. Its construction began in 1920 on the shore of the lagoon hot springs, and it was intended for the tourist paradise of rest. Now Epekuena not on any map, and none of the tourist trail, since it was completely destroyed by flood; and wiped off the face of the earth.

This is another proof of how magnificent force of nature.

Rs.1500 Indian iPad launching in June 2011

The Sakshat tablet, which was once launched as the 1500 Rupee laptop will be launched sometime in June 2011. This has been termed the "Indian iPad".

While the Indian media is huffing up the desi-pride angle with talks of "Indian-iPad". there's very little for a complete tablet experience. And there's nothing desi about it; the tablet is made by Canadian firm Datawind Ltd.

The7-inch touchscreen tablet features a inbuilt keyboard, video conferencing facility, multimedia content, Wi-Fi, USB port, 32GB hard drive and a 2GB RAM. There's support for Open Office, SciLab and Internet browsing.

10,000 Sakshat tablets will be shipped to IIT Rajasthan by June-end, following by the launch of over 90,000 tablet units in the next 4 months.

Specifications of Sakshat Tablet:- QWERTY keyboard, mouse and a minimum display of 7” colour LCD/TFT (touchscreen optional)- 2 USB 2.0 ports and USB hosts- Three hours batteryless device- SD card slot (8GB expandable memory)- Support to connect LCD projector- Support for external hard disk drive (Minimum 32 GB)- Ethernet port- WLAN- 80% shock resistant
While the tablets will be priced at Rs 2,200, there are reports of plans for later subsidies of 50%. The 1500 Rupee tablet might go for Rs. 1100, and has been developed as a part of the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology to bring together 25,000 colleges and 400 universities in the Asian subcontinent in an e-learning initiative.