Two women have been taken into custody after climate activists spray-painted over <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/manuscript-containing-charles-darwin-autograph-up-for-auction-for-around-793000-527970" class="editor-rtfLink" rel="noopener">Charles Darwin&rsquo;s</a> grave inside Westminster Abbey. The group responsible, Just Stop Oil (JSO), said that the activists used spray chalk paint to write &ldquo;1.5 is dead&rdquo; on the memorial of the renowned naturalist, who is most famous for his groundbreaking work on evolution.
The activists were identified as Alyson Lee, 66, a retired teaching assistant from Derby, and Di Bligh, 77, a former chief executive of Reading Council, from Rode in Somerset. Speaking about the protest, Lee told reporters, &ldquo;We are trying to get the government to act on climate change. They are not doing enough.&rdquo;
Also read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-wildfires-what-caused-the-pacific-palisades-blaze-new-analysis-reveals-this-connection-8619175" class="editor-rtfLink" rel="noopener">Los Angeles wildfires: What caused the Pacific Palisades blaze? New analysis reveals THIS connection</a>
Bligh told local media, &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve done this because there&rsquo;s no hope for the world, really. We&rsquo;ve done it on Darwin&rsquo;s grave specifically because he would be turning in that grave because of the sixth mass extinction taking place now.&rdquo;
Lee added, &ldquo;I believe he would approve because he was a good scientist and he would be following the science, and he would be as upset as us with the government for ignoring the science.&rdquo;
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that two women had been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, adding the incident involved &ldquo;what is believed to be powdered paint at Westminster Abbey.&rdquo;
Also read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-us-ai-chip-export-rules-tighten-grip-on-china-beijing-calls-it-flagrant-violation-8619367" class="editor-rtfLink" rel="noopener">New US AI chip export rules tighten grip on China, Beijing calls it 'flagrant violation'</a>
A spokesperson for Westminster Abbey said that there was no anticipated permanent damage. They said, &ldquo;The abbey&rsquo;s conservators are taking immediate action to clean the memorial and do not anticipate that there will be any permanent damage. The police were called to the scene and dealt with the incident. The abbey remains open for visiting and worshipping.&rdquo;
This protest comes after the European Union&rsquo;s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) announced that last year was the warmest on record globally. It marked the first calendar year when the average global temperature exceeded 1.5&deg;C above pre-industrial levels.
Also read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/scientists-uncover-evidence-of-second-core-layer-beneath-earths-surface-8612662" class="editor-rtfLink" rel="noopener">Scientists uncover evidence of second core layer beneath Earth's surface</a>
The 1.5&deg;C threshold is a central target of the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global warming and prevent the most severe consequences of climate change.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending, Science & Tech: This protest comes after the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) announced that last year was the warmest on record globally.

Two women have been taken into custody after climate activists spray-painted over Charles Darwin’s grave inside Westminster Abbey. The group responsible, Just Stop Oil (JSO), said that the activists used spray chalk paint to write “1.5 is dead” on the memorial of the renowned naturalist, who is most famous for his groundbreaking work on evolution. The activists were identified as Alyson Lee, 66, a retired teaching assistant from Derby, and Di Bligh, 77, a former chief executive of Reading Council, from Rode in Somerset. Speaking about the protest, Lee told reporters, “We are trying to get the government to act on climate change. They are not doing enough.” Also read: Los Angeles wildfires: What caused the Pacific Palisades blaze? New analysis reveals THIS connection Bligh told local media, “We’ve done this because there’s no hope for the world, really. We’ve done it on Darwin’s grave specifically because he would be turning in that grave because of the sixth mass extinction taking place now.” Lee added, “I believe he would approve because he was a good scientist and he would be following the science, and he would be as upset as us with the government for ignoring the science.” The Metropolitan Police confirmed that two women had been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, adding the incident involved “what is believed to be powdered paint at Westminster Abbey.” Also read: New US AI chip export rules tighten grip on China, Beijing calls it 'flagrant violation' A spokesperson for Westminster Abbey said that there was no anticipated permanent damage. They said, “The abbey’s conservators are taking immediate action to clean the memorial and do not anticipate that there will be any permanent damage. The police were called to the scene and dealt with the incident. The abbey remains open for visiting and worshipping.” This protest comes after the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) announced that last year was the warmest on record globally. It marked the first calendar year when the average global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Also read: Scientists uncover evidence of second core layer beneath Earth's surface The 1.5°C threshold is a central target of the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global warming and prevent the most severe consequences of climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate protesters deface Darwin’s grave, spray ‘1.5 is dead’ over climate crisis

Charles Darwin is one of the most well-known scientists in the history of the field of evolution and his book - On the Origin of Species – is considered to be a pioneering text.

Over the years, the book has gained popularity around the world and according to a poll in 2015, it was voted the “most influential academic book ever written”.

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A rare manuscript of the well-known book is going up for auction in November this year and according to The Guardian, it will attract a price of somewhere between $601,000 and $793,000.

The manuscript was mistaken as a leaf, and it was finally recovered by the well-known auction house Sotheby’s. The manuscript, which is part of the third edition of the book, also features a signature from the author himself and as a result, it is quite rare considering his habit of constant revisions.

Hermann Kindt, the editor of the Autographic Mirror, confirmed back in the 1900s that the signature was completely authentic, and the certificate was accessed by Sotheby’s, the auction house said.

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“Charles Darwin’s revolutionary text On the Origin of Species succeeded in creating a Book of Genesis for the modern age and it would be difficult to overstate the seismic impact it had not only on 19th-century science and culture but also on subsequent thinkers and generations,” said Richard Austin, of Sotheby’s.

“We are proud to offer the most significant autograph manuscript by Darwin to come to auction, continuing Sotheby’s longstanding track record of offering the most important documents and artefacts in the history of thought.”

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Charles Darwin is one of the most well-known scientists in the history of the field of evolution and his book - On the Origin of Species – is considered to be a pioneering text.

Charles Darwin is one of the most well-known scientists in the history of the field of evolution and his book - On the Origin of Species – is considered to be a pioneering text. Over the years, the book has gained popularity around the world and according to a poll in 2015, it was voted the “most influential academic book ever written”. Also read | North and South Korea exchange warning fire at maritime border amid tensions A rare manuscript of the well-known book is going up for auction in November this year and according to The Guardian, it will attract a price of somewhere between $601,000 and $793,000. The manuscript was mistaken as a leaf, and it was finally recovered by the well-known auction house Sotheby’s. The manuscript, which is part of the third edition of the book, also features a signature from the author himself and as a result, it is quite rare considering his habit of constant revisions. Hermann Kindt, the editor of the Autographic Mirror, confirmed back in the 1900s that the signature was completely authentic, and the certificate was accessed by Sotheby’s, the auction house said. Also read | Blinken dismisses Russian claims of Ukraine planning to use ‘dirty bomb’ “Charles Darwin’s revolutionary text On the Origin of Species succeeded in creating a Book of Genesis for the modern age and it would be difficult to overstate the seismic impact it had not only on 19th-century science and culture but also on subsequent thinkers and generations,” said Richard Austin, of Sotheby’s. “We are proud to offer the most significant autograph manuscript by Darwin to come to auction, continuing Sotheby’s longstanding track record of offering the most important documents and artefacts in the history of thought.”

Manuscript containing Charles Darwin autograph up for auction for around $793,000

Using artificial intelligence, scientists have confirmed that birds are more colourful near the equator.

According to the study's author Christopher Cooney, ''We found that colourfulness was highest in birds from dense, closed forest habitats.''&nbsp;

"In vibrant rainforests, having colours that stand out from the crowd may help tropical species to distinguish themselves from others", he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-birds-eye-view-of-the-bastille-day-celebrations-236996/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, has confirmed previous suspicions that colour patterns of animals vary as per their latitude.</div>

The researchers have proved a theory proposed by biologists Charles Darwin, Alexander von Humboldt, and Alfred Russel Wallace in 1850.

After comparing the flora and fauna of northern Europe with the tropical region, they were all stunned.

As per German naturalist Humboldt, "The nearer we approach the tropics, the greater the increase in the variety of structure, grace of form, and a mixture of colours, as also in perpetual youth and vigour of organic life."

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To confirm the previous theory, researchers at the University of Sheffield studied more than 4,500 species of passerine birds. These included songbirds such as wrens, sparrows and blackbirds across the globe.

They used artificial intelligence to extract data from the pixels of three photographs taken from the collection of the Natural History Museum in Tring, Britain.

During their analysis, they identified the colour at 1,500 different parts of the plumage of each adult bird and ranked them on the level of intensity of the colour.

As the birds came closer to the equator their colour became brighter. While if they went farther it became duller due to the "luxuriant vegetation of the tropics."

This acted as a natural camouflage for the birds all year round. Meanwhile, the birds in the north had to adapt their plumage to handle bare trees every winter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Using artificial intelligence, scientists have confirmed that birds are more colourful near the equator. According to the study's author Christopher Cooney, ''We found that colourfulness was highest in birds from dense, closed forest habitats.

Using artificial intelligence, scientists have confirmed that birds are more colourful near the equator. According to the study's author Christopher Cooney, ''We found that colourfulness was highest in birds from dense, closed forest habitats.'' "In vibrant rainforests, having colours that stand out from the crowd may help tropical species to distinguish themselves from others", he added. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, has confirmed previous suspicions that colour patterns of animals vary as per their latitude. The researchers have proved a theory proposed by biologists Charles Darwin, Alexander von Humboldt, and Alfred Russel Wallace in 1850. After comparing the flora and fauna of northern Europe with the tropical region, they were all stunned. As per German naturalist Humboldt, "The nearer we approach the tropics, the greater the increase in the variety of structure, grace of form, and a mixture of colours, as also in perpetual youth and vigour of organic life." Also read | Study shows several bird species nesting and laying eggs almost a month early To confirm the previous theory, researchers at the University of Sheffield studied more than 4,500 species of passerine birds. These included songbirds such as wrens, sparrows and blackbirds across the globe. They used artificial intelligence to extract data from the pixels of three photographs taken from the collection of the Natural History Museum in Tring, Britain. During their analysis, they identified the colour at 1,500 different parts of the plumage of each adult bird and ranked them on the level of intensity of the colour. As the birds came closer to the equator their colour became brighter. While if they went farther it became duller due to the "luxuriant vegetation of the tropics." This acted as a natural camouflage for the birds all year round. Meanwhile, the birds in the north had to adapt their plumage to handle bare trees every winter. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists use artificial intelligence to confirm that birds are more colourful near equator

Charles Darwin gave his son Leonard a microscope. The microscope has remained in the family for nearly 200 years and now it is headed for auction. The instrument was designed by Charles Gould for the firm Cary around 1825. It is one of six surviving microscopes associated with the British naturalist

Darwin family microscope to be sold at auction at Christie's

The&nbsp;Ecuadoran Ministry of Environment has revealed that the&nbsp;famous rock formation off the&nbsp;Galapagos&nbsp;Islands known as Darwin's Arch has collapsed due to "natural erosion."

"The collapse of Darwin's Arch, the attractive natural bridge found less than a kilometre from the main area of Darwin Island, was reported," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry said its collapse was a "consequence of natural erosion" and images distributed by officials show that only the two stone supporting columns remain.&nbsp;

The formation, which is found in the northern part of the archipelago and named after the famous English biologist Charles Darwin, whose study of finches on the islands in the 19th century helped him describe the theory of evolution, is considered a premier diving location.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Galapagos&nbsp;Islands, some 600 miles (1,000 km) off the coast of Ecuador, contain unique flora and fauna not seen anywhere else on earth and are part of a biosphere reserve.&nbsp;

The archipelago, a World Heritage site, is made up of 234 islands, inlets and rocks. Four of them are home to some 30,000 people.&nbsp;

The Ecuadoran Ministry of Environment has revealed that the famous rock formation off the Galapagos Islands known as Darwin's Arch has collapsed due to "natural erosion.

The Ecuadoran Ministry of Environment has revealed that the famous rock formation off the Galapagos Islands known as Darwin's Arch has collapsed due to "natural erosion." "The collapse of Darwin's Arch, the attractive natural bridge found less than a kilometre from the main area of Darwin Island, was reported," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said its collapse was a "consequence of natural erosion" and images distributed by officials show that only the two stone supporting columns remain. The formation, which is found in the northern part of the archipelago and named after the famous English biologist Charles Darwin, whose study of finches on the islands in the 19th century helped him describe the theory of evolution, is considered a premier diving location. The Galapagos Islands, some 600 miles (1,000 km) off the coast of Ecuador, contain unique flora and fauna not seen anywhere else on earth and are part of a biosphere reserve. The archipelago, a World Heritage site, is made up of 234 islands, inlets and rocks. Four of them are home to some 30,000 people.

Galapagos Islands' iconic Darwin’s Arch collapses into sea

Two of the most prized notebooks of Charles Darwin have gone missing&nbsp;from the University of Cambridge's Library, the officials reported on Tuesday.

Some of Darwin's brilliant ideas and philosophies on evolution and one of his most famous "Tree of Life" sketch have reportedly been stolen. The treasure was worth a million of pounds, as per the officials.

One of the stolen notebooks also had a diagram that showed Darwin's&nbsp;several possibilities for the evolution of a species and later published a more developed illustration in his 1859 book "On the Origin of Species".

This said library contains nearly 10 million books,&nbsp;maps and manuscripts, and is famous for being one of the biggest Darwin archives.

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The objects were listed as missing in 2001 after they had moved the collection out of the Special Collections Strong Rooms for a photography project. A detailed search was carried out recently which has now concluded that the notebooks have gone missing — most probably stolen.

"Curators have concluded the notebooks... have likely been stolen," the library said in a statement.

The local police has been informed about the reported theft and the books have been listed in the list of Interpol's database of stolen artworks, called Psyche.

The University Librarian, Jessica Gardner, released a video statement appealing to the public to help. "It is deeply regretful to me that these notebooks remain missing despite numerous wide-scale searches over the last 20 years," she said, adding that the library has since massively improved its security systems.

"I would ask anyone who thinks they know of the notebooks' whereabouts to get in touch. Please help," she added.

Two of the most prized notebooks of Charles Darwin have gone missing from the University of Cambridge's Library, the officials reported on Tuesday. Some of Darwin's brilliant ideas and philosophies on evolution and one of his most famous "Tree of Life" sketch have reportedly been stolen.

Two of the most prized notebooks of Charles Darwin have gone missing from the University of Cambridge's Library, the officials reported on Tuesday. Some of Darwin's brilliant ideas and philosophies on evolution and one of his most famous "Tree of Life" sketch have reportedly been stolen. The treasure was worth a million of pounds, as per the officials. One of the stolen notebooks also had a diagram that showed Darwin's several possibilities for the evolution of a species and later published a more developed illustration in his 1859 book "On the Origin of Species". This said library contains nearly 10 million books, maps and manuscripts, and is famous for being one of the biggest Darwin archives. Also read| Buckingham Palace's picture gallery emptied out first time in 44 years The objects were listed as missing in 2001 after they had moved the collection out of the Special Collections Strong Rooms for a photography project. A detailed search was carried out recently which has now concluded that the notebooks have gone missing — most probably stolen. "Curators have concluded the notebooks... have likely been stolen," the library said in a statement. The local police has been informed about the reported theft and the books have been listed in the list of Interpol's database of stolen artworks, called Psyche. The University Librarian, Jessica Gardner, released a video statement appealing to the public to help. "It is deeply regretful to me that these notebooks remain missing despite numerous wide-scale searches over the last 20 years," she said, adding that the library has since massively improved its security systems. "I would ask anyone who thinks they know of the notebooks' whereabouts to get in touch. Please help," she added.

Charles Darwin's notebooks 'stolen' from Cambridge University worth millions

Job done, prolific Galapagos giant tortoise Diego is being released back into the wild after being credited by authorities with almost single-handedly saving his species from extinction.

The 100-year-old tortoise, who was recruited along with 14 other adults for a captive breeding program, will be returned to his native island of Espanola in March, the Galapagos National Parks service (PNG) said Friday.

"About 1,800 tortoises have been returned to Espanola and now with natural reproduction, we have approximately 2,000 tortoises," Jorge Carrion, the park's director, told AFP.

"This shows that they are able to grow, they are able to reproduce, they are able to develop," said Carrion.

Diego's contribution to the program on Santa Cruz Island was particularly noteworthy, with park rangers believing him responsible for being the patriarch of at least 40 percent of the 2,000-tortoise population.

Around 50 years ago, there were only two males and 12 females of Diego's species alive on Espanola, and they were too spread out to reproduce.

Diego was brought in from California's San Diego Zoo to join the breeding program which was set up in the mid-1960s to save his species, Chelonoidis hoodensis.

The PNG believes he was taken from the Galapagos in the first half of the 20th century by a scientific expedition.

Now, Diego is returning to his original home "almost eight decades after being extracted," the park service said, adding that he had lived at the San Diego Zoo for several decades.

"He's contributed a large percentage to the lineage that we are returning to Espanola," said Carrion.&nbsp;

"There's a feeling of happiness to have the possibility of returning that tortoise to his natural state."

Diego weighs about 80 kilograms (175 pounds), is nearly 90 centimeters (35 inches) long and 1.5 meters (five feet) tall, if he really stretches his legs and neck.

Before being returned to Espanola, tortoises must go through a quarantine period to avoid carrying seeds from plants that are not native to the island.

Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, were made famous by Charles Darwin's studies of their breathtaking biodiversity.

The story of Diego's prowess contrasts sharply with the sad tale of Lonesome George, a different type of Galapagos giant tortoise, who had refused for years to breed in captivity.&nbsp;

Hopes for his species, Chelonoidis Abingdon, faded when Lonesome George passed away in 2012 at more than 100 years old.

Job done, prolific Galapagos giant tortoise Diego is being released back into the wild after being credited by authorities with almost single-handedly saving his species from extinction.

Job done, prolific Galapagos giant tortoise Diego is being released back into the wild after being credited by authorities with almost single-handedly saving his species from extinction. The 100-year-old tortoise, who was recruited along with 14 other adults for a captive breeding program, will be returned to his native island of Espanola in March, the Galapagos National Parks service (PNG) said Friday. "About 1,800 tortoises have been returned to Espanola and now with natural reproduction, we have approximately 2,000 tortoises," Jorge Carrion, the park's director, told AFP. "This shows that they are able to grow, they are able to reproduce, they are able to develop," said Carrion. Diego's contribution to the program on Santa Cruz Island was particularly noteworthy, with park rangers believing him responsible for being the patriarch of at least 40 percent of the 2,000-tortoise population. Around 50 years ago, there were only two males and 12 females of Diego's species alive on Espanola, and they were too spread out to reproduce. Diego was brought in from California's San Diego Zoo to join the breeding program which was set up in the mid-1960s to save his species, Chelonoidis hoodensis. The PNG believes he was taken from the Galapagos in the first half of the 20th century by a scientific expedition. Now, Diego is returning to his original home "almost eight decades after being extracted," the park service said, adding that he had lived at the San Diego Zoo for several decades. "He's contributed a large percentage to the lineage that we are returning to Espanola," said Carrion. "There's a feeling of happiness to have the possibility of returning that tortoise to his natural state." Diego weighs about 80 kilograms (175 pounds), is nearly 90 centimeters (35 inches) long and 1.5 meters (five feet) tall, if he really stretches his legs and neck. Before being returned to Espanola, tortoises must go through a quarantine period to avoid carrying seeds from plants that are not native to the island. Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, were made famous by Charles Darwin's studies of their breathtaking biodiversity. The story of Diego's prowess contrasts sharply with the sad tale of Lonesome George, a different type of Galapagos giant tortoise, who had refused for years to breed in captivity. Hopes for his species, Chelonoidis Abingdon, faded when Lonesome George passed away in 2012 at more than 100 years old.

Meet giant tortoise Diego, whose sex drive helped in saving his species

Kauravas were born due to stem cell and test tube technologies and India also possessed knowledge about guided missiles thousands of years ago, claimed Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G Nageshwar Rao at the Indian Science Congress Friday.

He claimed the 'Dashavtar', ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, predate the Theory of Evolution given by English naturalist Charles Darwin.&nbsp;

At a presentation, Rao said Lord Rama used 'astras' and 'shastras' (weapons), while Lord Vishnu sent a Sudarshan Chakra to chase targets. After hitting them they would come back, he said.

This shows that the science of guided missiles is not new to India and it was present thousands of years ago, the vice chancellor said.&nbsp;

Rao also said the Ramayana states that Ravan didn't just have the Pushpak Viman, but had 24 types of aircraft of varying sizes and capacities. He also had several airports in Lanka and he used these aircraft for different purposes.&nbsp;

Rao said that as Darwin stated life started from water the first avatar of Lord Vishnu was also a fish (Matsya).

For the second avatar, he took shape of a tortoise (Kurma), an amphibious animal, the third avatar was a boar's head and a human body (Varaha), the fourth was the Narasimha avatar with the head of a lion and human body. He took on the human form of Vaman in the fifth avatar.&nbsp;

He questioned how Gandhari, the mother of Kauravas, could give birth to 100 children.

"Everybody wonders and nobody believes, how come Gandhari gave birth to 100 children. How is it humanly possible? Can a woman give birth to 100 children in one lifetime," he asked.&nbsp;

"But now we believe we have test tube babies. Again Mahabharat says, 100 eggs were fertilised and put into 100 earthen pots. Are they not test tube babies? Stem cell research in this country was present thousands of years ago. Today, we speak about stem cell research.&nbsp;

"We had hundreds of Kauravas from one mother because of stem cell research and test tube baby technology. It happened a few thousand years ago. This was science in this country," he said.&nbsp;

In another presentation, one Dr Kannan Krishnan, who claimed to be an Indian-born Australian national, sought to debunk Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity.

Aniket Sule, Reader at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, said stem cell research, test tube babies, guided missiles, aircraft were very advanced technologies and any civilisation which possessed them, must also possess many simpler technologies which are absolute must for these advanced ones.

"You need electricity, metallurgy, mechanics, propulsion etc. We don't see any evidence of these," he said. 
Sule noted that in the last few years, there has been an increasing trend of some people reinterpreting some poetic verses in old texts to extract any random meaning they want.&nbsp;

"That is exactly opposite of real research," Sule added.

He claimed the 'Dashavtar', ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, predate the Theory of Evolution given by English naturalist Charles Darwin.

Kauravas were born due to stem cell and test tube technologies and India also possessed knowledge about guided missiles thousands of years ago, claimed Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G Nageshwar Rao at the Indian Science Congress Friday. He claimed the 'Dashavtar', ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, predate the Theory of Evolution given by English naturalist Charles Darwin. At a presentation, Rao said Lord Rama used 'astras' and 'shastras' (weapons), while Lord Vishnu sent a Sudarshan Chakra to chase targets. After hitting them they would come back, he said. This shows that the science of guided missiles is not new to India and it was present thousands of years ago, the vice chancellor said. Rao also said the Ramayana states that Ravan didn't just have the Pushpak Viman, but had 24 types of aircraft of varying sizes and capacities. He also had several airports in Lanka and he used these aircraft for different purposes. Rao said that as Darwin stated life started from water the first avatar of Lord Vishnu was also a fish (Matsya). For the second avatar, he took shape of a tortoise (Kurma), an amphibious animal, the third avatar was a boar's head and a human body (Varaha), the fourth was the Narasimha avatar with the head of a lion and human body. He took on the human form of Vaman in the fifth avatar. He questioned how Gandhari, the mother of Kauravas, could give birth to 100 children. "Everybody wonders and nobody believes, how come Gandhari gave birth to 100 children. How is it humanly possible? Can a woman give birth to 100 children in one lifetime," he asked. "But now we believe we have test tube babies. Again Mahabharat says, 100 eggs were fertilised and put into 100 earthen pots. Are they not test tube babies? Stem cell research in this country was present thousands of years ago. Today, we speak about stem cell research. "We had hundreds of Kauravas from one mother because of stem cell research and test tube baby technology. It happened a few thousand years ago. This was science in this country," he said. In another presentation, one Dr Kannan Krishnan, who claimed to be an Indian-born Australian national, sought to debunk Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Aniket Sule, Reader at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, said stem cell research, test tube babies, guided missiles, aircraft were very advanced technologies and any civilisation which possessed them, must also possess many simpler technologies which are absolute must for these advanced ones. "You need electricity, metallurgy, mechanics, propulsion etc. We don't see any evidence of these," he said. Sule noted that in the last few years, there has been an increasing trend of some people reinterpreting some poetic verses in old texts to extract any random meaning they want. "That is exactly opposite of real research," Sule added.

Kauravas were test tube babies, ancient India knew about guided missiles: Andhra University VC

From a copy of his PhD thesis to his wheelchair, items belonging to Stephen Hawking are headed for auction, offering fans of the late British physicist famed for his work exploring the origins of the universe a chance to buy some of his possessions.

Known for his acclaimed research on black holes, the wheelchair-bound Hawking, who suffered from motor neurone disease and used an electronic voice synthesiser, died in March at the age of 76.

"On the Shoulders of Giants", which also features documents penned by Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein, will feature 22 lots from Hawking's estate, including one of five known copies of his PhD thesis, "Properties of expanding universes", estimated at 100,000-150,000 pounds ($127,480 - $191,220).

"Stephen Hawking was a huge personality worldwide. He had this amazing ability to connect with people," Thomas Venning, head of the Books and Manuscripts department at auction house Christie's London, told Reuters.

"The whole idea...was to provide something that was accessible to his admirers so that people could connect with him and remember his extraordinary story."

Also up for sale are a copy of Hawking's best-selling book "A Brief History of Time" signed with his thumb print, estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds, as well as awards and medals given to the scientist, priced at 10,000-15,000 pounds.

Other documents, an invitation for a reception for "Time Travellers" as well as a motorised wheelchair Hawking used, are also being sold in the Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 online auction.

It has already attracted interest from Asia, the Middle East, the United States and Australia, according to Venning.

"(Hawking) travelled across the world and he has fans in the US, he has fans in Asia," he said.

From a copy of his PhD thesis to his wheelchair, items belonging to Stephen Hawking are headed for auction, offering fans of the late British physicist famed for his work exploring the origins of the universe a chance to buy some of his possessions.

From a copy of his PhD thesis to his wheelchair, items belonging to Stephen Hawking are headed for auction, offering fans of the late British physicist famed for his work exploring the origins of the universe a chance to buy some of his possessions. Known for his acclaimed research on black holes, the wheelchair-bound Hawking, who suffered from motor neurone disease and used an electronic voice synthesiser, died in March at the age of 76. "On the Shoulders of Giants", which also features documents penned by Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein, will feature 22 lots from Hawking's estate, including one of five known copies of his PhD thesis, "Properties of expanding universes", estimated at 100,000-150,000 pounds ($127,480 - $191,220). "Stephen Hawking was a huge personality worldwide. He had this amazing ability to connect with people," Thomas Venning, head of the Books and Manuscripts department at auction house Christie's London, told Reuters. "The whole idea...was to provide something that was accessible to his admirers so that people could connect with him and remember his extraordinary story." Also up for sale are a copy of Hawking's best-selling book "A Brief History of Time" signed with his thumb print, estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds, as well as awards and medals given to the scientist, priced at 10,000-15,000 pounds. Other documents, an invitation for a reception for "Time Travellers" as well as a motorised wheelchair Hawking used, are also being sold in the Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 online auction. It has already attracted interest from Asia, the Middle East, the United States and Australia, according to Venning. "(Hawking) travelled across the world and he has fans in the US, he has fans in Asia," he said.

Stephen Hawking's thesis, wheelchair heading for auction

Union minister Satyapal Singh has claimed that Charles Darwin&#39;s theory of evolution of man was &quot;scientifically wrong&quot; and it needs to be changed in school and college curriculum.

Singh, the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, said our ancestors have nowhere mentioned that they saw an ape turning into a man.

&quot;Darwin&#39;s theory (of the evolution of humans) is scientifically wrong. It needs to change in school and college curriculum. Since the man is seen on Earth he has always been a man,&quot; he said while speaking to reporters yesterday here.

The IPS officer-turned-politician was in this central Maharashtra city to attend the &#39;All India Vaidik Sammelan.&#39;

&quot;Nobody, including our ancestors, in written or oral, has said they saw an ape turning into a man,&quot; he said.

&quot;No books we have read or the tales told to us by our grandparents had such a mention,&quot; the minister added.

Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution that states that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual&#39;s ability to compete, survive, and reproduce.

It was developed by Darwin, a 19th-century English naturalist, and others.

The IPS officer-turned-politician was in this central Maharashtra city to attend the 'All India Vaidik Sammelan'

Union minister Satyapal Singh has claimed that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution of man was "scientifically wrong" and it needs to be changed in school and college curriculum. Singh, the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, said our ancestors have nowhere mentioned that they saw an ape turning into a man. "Darwin's theory (of the evolution of humans) is scientifically wrong. It needs to change in school and college curriculum. Since the man is seen on Earth he has always been a man," he said while speaking to reporters yesterday here. The IPS officer-turned-politician was in this central Maharashtra city to attend the 'All India Vaidik Sammelan.' "Nobody, including our ancestors, in written or oral, has said they saw an ape turning into a man," he said. "No books we have read or the tales told to us by our grandparents had such a mention," the minister added. Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution that states that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce. It was developed by Darwin, a 19th-century English naturalist, and others.

Darwin was wrong, humans never evolved from apes: Union minister Satyapal Singh

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