Questions

In flowering plants one sperm nucleus fertilizes the egg and the other sperm nucleus fuses with two other nuclei found within the ovule, thus forming triploid endosperm.

Hence, double fertilization is unique to flowering plants.

The Sumerians were the first to evolve a proper system of writing called cuneiform. The script is wedge-shaped. Henry Rawlinson a British officer, deciphered the cuneiform script. He discovered by chance an inscription known as the behistun inscription. Relentless work of almost 12 years by Henry Rawlinson on this inscription, he managed to decipher the cuneiform script.

The World Thalassaemia Day (WTD) is observed every year on May 8 to spread awareness about this deadly disease and the importance of blood donation and how it helps the millions of people suffering from Thalassemia worldwide. Thalassemia is genetic blood disorders characterised by reduction in the synthesis or absence of haemoglobin in the body. According to a WHO report, more than 90% patients with thalassaemia in western countries lead a normal life, whereas in India, roughly half of all patients die before reaching adulthood. Approx 3.9% of India’s population is a carrier for thalassemia. The 2017 theme ‘Together for Humanity’ highlights the need for unity and the efforts that are required to fight this fatal disease.