The Alpha Bet

The Bollywood industry has a lot of money to spare, we’re all aware. While actors make their millions, they each have a garage full of cars to show off the money they make, the latest being SRK, who has added to his collection of wheels, a brand new Range Rover SUV.

I wouldn’t blame them for owning more than they need, ‘cause it’d be a waste having so much money, right? Not like all that money for charity makes sense. Pfft. Here’s a list of most expensive vehicles owned by our favourites.

(Images sourced from Getty and Yogen Shah)

The badsaah was spotted in his brand new Range Rover last night, looking suitably pleased with himself. 

All of his cars have 555 in the license plate, and this one is no different. The number is said to be of personal significant, so much so that he requires his associates to have similar numbers too.

Shah Rukh Khan, the proud owner of the Bugatti Veyron, priced at 12 crores. Completing more than 20 years since his debut film in Bollywood surely qualifies him to purchase the fastest production car in the world.

Aamir Khan owns the specially built bomb-proof Mercedes S600 luxury sedan costing a whopping 10 crore. His purchase seems logical after the recent threats against him.

Amitabh Bachchan is rumoured to have the highest number of cars amongst his counterparts. The Rolls Royce Phantom being one of them, costing a whopping 3.5 crore.

Sanjay Dutt, known to be a big fan of sports cars owns a Ferrari 599 GTB worth over 3 crores. His days post his jail time seem to be looking good for the veteran actor.

Ranbir Kapoor, also known to have a gorgeous collection of cars and bikes, owns the Audi R8 priced at 2 crores. The actor’s leading role in Wake Up Sid, Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year, Rockstar and Barfi are seen as part of his success profile.

John Abraham, the brand ambassador of Yamaha and whose success stories include Madras Cafe and Dhoom 1, is the proud owner of a Lamborghini Gallardo, priced at 2 crores.

Priyanka Chopra, former Miss World, has come a long way in her career. Bollywood surely adores her, and her roles in movies have always been admirable. He car collection includes a Rolls Royce worth 2 crores.

Hrithik Roshan, the star of Krrish series and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara, is the owner of several luxury cars, the Jaguar XJ being one of them, priced at close to 2 crores.

Ajay Devgn, a huge fan of sports cars, is the owner of the first Maserati Quattroporte in India, worth 1.4 crores.

It’s amazing to see how the youth is becoming more and more aware of the different laws out there and are less hesitant to raise their voice when they know the law will back them up. 

This 71st Independence Day, we ask you, do you know about few of the most bizarre laws out there that make little or absolutely no sense? 

Some of them are funny because they’re totally redundant now, but some of them make us question the state of mind of the people who wrote and passed them. Well, why don’t you decide?

(Images: Getty and Social Media)

Can you think of some absurd laws that have not been scrapped in India? 

1. In Delhi, if you don’t alert the authorities of a locust attack by beating a drum, you’re liable to a fine of Rs.50.

Let’s break this down. First, you’re absolutely meant to alert the authorities of a locust attack. But wait, you can’t just tell them, you’ve got to get the groove on with that drum. Hmmm.  East Punjab Agriculture Pests, Diseases and Noxious Weeds Act, 1949, we need to talk.

2. If you find more than Rs.10 just lying around, you’re committing an illegal act by not reporting it.

The  Treasure Trove Act of 1878 says all treasure belongs to the queen. So its only fair for them to ask you to report any money you find lying around, to the authorities. But, please don’t disturb them if its only Rs.10, they’ve got some serious things to take care of than to worry about ten rupees. 

3. Flying a kite without a permit is illegal.

If you’ve seen the Makar Sankranti skies in the North, you’d know how serious people there are about this whole kite flying thing. Little do they know, the Indian Aircraft Act of 1934, which says you need a permit to fly a plane, also dictates you to get one if you need to fly a kite.

4. Its illegal for more than ten couples to dance on the same stage together.

According to the Licensing and Controlling Places of Amusement (other than Cinemas), 1960, the law has the right to either reduce the number of people dancing on stage, or completely shut down the whole program. Next time you plan a kickass Bollywood dance number for your friend’s sangeet, its possible for it to not go as planned.

5. Its illegal to get your ears or teeth treated by the roadside vendors.

Chapter V, Section 49 of the Dentist Act of 1948 swears to keep these roadside vendors out of business. But, this particular law is important and makes a lot of sense. Most of these roadside vendors don’t have the medical knowledge to perform such surgeries and might lead to serious injuries.

6. Attempting suicide is illegal.

According to the now recanted Section 309 of the IPC, any attempt to suicide was punishable under the law. So, if you try to kill yourself, but somehow survive, you can get jailed for it. But if you succeed, then it’s all cool. Lot of people are aware of this law due to the highly popularized arrest of Irom Sharmila for her hunger strike against AFSPA, which has been going on for more than 15 years, now.

7. Its illegal for factories to not have spittoons for the workers.

This is a perfect example of the law focussing on the least important issues. While workers are dying to get help for their basic demands of less hectic work schedules and bare minimum salary, Section 20 of The Factories Act of 1948 will get them spittoons so its easy for them to spit while working. So bizzare.

8. Prostitution is legal in India, but pimping isn’t.

It is perfectly OK for Chandramukhi to get it going with Devdas for money, but if someone tries to pimp Chandramukhi or someone approaches a pimp to get to Chandramukhi, they’re in deep shit.

9. It is illegal for factories to employ women employees for night shifts.

According to the Factories Act of 1948, factories cannot have women working late night. With the number of late night rape cases increasing in the country, we wonder if this law should actually be paid attention to.

10. Oral sex is illegal in India.

So many countries with so many strange laws, most of which we’ve all heard of. India isn’t far behind, though, when it comes to having some downright outdated or silly laws on the planet. 

Most of which won’t impact everyone in the country, but you still have to think about it and go, “Hmm.” Maybe followed by a facepalm. 

This 71st Independence Day, here’s a list of a few of those weird Indian laws that you should know, lest you find yourself laughing your way to lockup at some point.

Kite Runners beware. The Aircraft Act, 1934 declares negligent kite flying as an offense punishable with two years of prison or a fine of Rs 10 lakh. According to the Act, kites are considered as an aircraft and the same laws that apply for planes are applied for flying kites as well. So in a nation that holds events for kite flying, remember, it’s all under “expert supervision”. Never thought kite flying would have a disclaimer attached, didya? 

Public celebrations. Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act, 1911 states it is illegal for more than 10 couples to dance together on a dance floor. According to a law formulated in1911, no public meeting or discussion of any subject likely to cause disturbance or public excitement or for the exhibition or distribution of any writing or printed matter relating to any such subject is punishable. In case, to hold such a meeting, a written notice of the intention, time and place of such meeting has to be acknowledged to the District Magistrate or the Commissioner of Police at least three days prior to the event.

More than two kids. This applies only to Kerala. Like China, there is a law here prohibiting families from having more than two children. A little more lenient on the form of punishment than China, thankfully, parents are slapped with only a fine in case they do go ahead and have a third child.

Women are not adulterers. This funky law of Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code was drafted during the 1860s under British rule when men used to have more than one wife and women had little rights. Although, if you look at it, it almost seems like women have more rights in this regard. According to the law, a man can be jailed for cheating on his spouse but women can basically be with any number of non-husbands as they want without any legal action being taken against them.

The Indian Post Office is the be all and end all of delivery. According to the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, it is illegal to send letters through any other service apart from the Indian Post Office. Realizing that we don’t really send handwritten letters anymore for whatever reason, imagine one day all our online deliveries, express posts and official documents just relying on snail mail. Federal Express my ass!

Drums are to be beaten to drive away locusts. The East Punjab Agricultural Pests, Diseases, and Noxious Weeds Act, 1949 requires citizens of Delhi to get out on the street and go crazy showing off their percussion skills in order to ward off locusts. So next time someone tells you to keep it down in the middle of the night, claim to have seen a locust flying about. It’s your duty to create a racket in the interest of public safety. Good on you!

Andhra Pradesh’s Motor Vehicle Department. The Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1914 pretty much states that the most important qualification one needs in order to be an inspector in Andhra Pradesh is to have good teeth. Go figure. When was the last time you saw one of these guys smile? I mean, really smile. Remember, though, they all must have some killer incisors hiding behind that frown.

Male Adoption. The Indian Majority Act, 1875 allows men to be able to adopt a child at the age of 18. Remember what you were doing at 18? I’m guessing nothing responsible, and probably a bunch of stuff that’s actually illegal – drinking, skipping voting day, promising everyone who smiled at you that you’d marry them – Well, all you’re legally allowed to do at 18, however, is adopt a child. Wow. Apparently it’s too much responsibility to be able to get married and share a toast at your wedding at that age, but if you feel like looking after delicate human life you can go right ahead. However…

Gender specific adoption. The Hindu Adoptions And Maintenance Act, 1956 makes it illegal to adopt a child of the same sex as one you already have. So in case you want to start off early in life and go all Genghis Khan, grow your own army and take over the world, be warned, the system is trying its best to make it really hard for you to do that.

Varying legal drinking ages. Indian Alcohol Laws are pretty cool! Every state has its own take on when a human being is mature enough to handle his/her booze. Again, most states think you’re old enough to vote for a government, but not old enough to handle a drink. But fret not, just drive down to a neighboring state and you’ll probably be seasoned enough to sit with the big boys. Let’s be honest, though, do they really even bother at clubs and pubs anymore?

Suicide…Attempts. Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code states you’re your useless self will be locked up for a year if you fail to kill yourself as you planned to. Overlooking the fact that they don’t give enough importance to physiological counselling and eliminating the root causes for mental diseases, the Indian government believes that putting you through a walk of shame in handcuffs, a trial and then a year in prison is a good way to punish you if you don’t value your life and sadly want to end it all. That is, if you don’t succeed at it. Geez!

Climate change is real and terrifyingly in our faces almost every day. However, a hot debate rages on about what is causing it and how best to avert disaster. Here are some of the more serious predictions of the future if this phenomenon goes unchecked.

(Image Source: Unsplash)

2014 was one of the world’s hottest years. The average global temperature was one of the highest since record keeping began in 1880. The average temperature surpassed the previous records in 2005 and 2010 by 0.07 degrees. Hot spots include the western United States, eastern Russia into western Alaska, parts of the interior of South America, and most of Europe stretching into northern Africa.

(Image Source: Tookapic)

Welcome to the scary scenario of rampant consumerism. If the whole world lived the way citizens of the United States do, it would take five whole planets to provide enough resources for everyone! Just five countries in the world create more than 50% of the global CO2 emissions. In 2010, the world produced nearly 34 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel burning, cement production, and gas flaring. Many countries have set carbon reduction pledges for 2020; however, it is projected that those pledges will still result in the planet becoming 3℃ warmer.

(Image Source: Jaymantri)

The Arctic region may have its first completely ice-free summer by 2040. In less than 30 years, the Arctic may no longer have any ice; Researchers have been using computer models to simulate climate change, specifically to analyse how global warming could impact sea ice. According to new studies, if greenhouse gasses continue to get pumped into the atmosphere at the rate that they are today, the majority of the Arctic basin will be sans ice in 24 years.

(Image Source: Snufkin/Pexels)

Such dramatic changes can only mean doom and disaster for much of the world's flora and fauna. More than a million species face potential extinction as a result of disappearing habitats, changing ecosystems, and acidifying oceans. The first to go will likely be the species that are highly specialized in what they eat or where they live. For example, koalas, or the many varieties of animals and plants that live only on isolated mountaintops.

(Image Source: Unsplash)

Average global sea level is expected to rise 7 – 23 inches before the end of this century. This is especially dangerous because half of the world’s population lives within 60km of the sea, and 75% of all large cities are located on the coast. The apocalyptic scenarios shown in movies like 2012 and Deep Impact don't seem so far-fetched now, do they?

(Image Source: Littlevisuals)

The effects of climate change will be irreversible after a point, according to a large body of scientists. The effects of climate change may be felt for hundreds, and possibly thousands, of years to come, running the risk of damaging critical ecosystems and diminishing the diversity of life on Earth.

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In The Bulletin, science writer Dawn Stover lists the likely ramifications of global warming: "The melting of snow and ice will expose darker patches of water and land that absorb more of the sun’s radiation, accelerating global warming and the retreat of ice sheets and glaciers. Scientists agree that the Western Antarctic Ice Sheet has already gone into an unstoppable decline. Currents that transport heat within the oceans will be disrupted. Ocean acidification will continue to rise, with unknown effects on marine life. Thawing permafrost and sea beds will release methane, a greenhouse gas. Droughts predicted to be the worst in 1,000 years will trigger vegetation changes and wildfires, releasing carbon. Species unable to adapt quickly to a changing climate will go extinct. Coastal communities will be submerged, creating a humanitarian crisis."

The normal dinner and drinks is so passé! Presenting ten theme restaurants which will not only stimulate your taste buds but also leave you entertained, enchanted and enraptured!

(Image Source: Unsplash)

 Dialogue in the Dark, Hyderabad

Ever wonder how blind people experience the world? Now you get to have a taste of their everyday life by experiencing food in absolute darkness. This is a unique dining concept where the entire cafe is masked by absolute darkness and the customers learn much about the lives of the visually impaired.

(Image Source: Pietro Yeng/Pexels)

 Ohri's Eatmor 70mm, Hyderabad

This is a haven for movie lovers. This restaurant tries to recreate the feel of large-screen cinema - the walls and ceilings are decorated with pictures of film stars and the retro ambience promises to set you up for an unforgettable experience.

(Image Source: German Federal Archive/Wiki Commons)

 Cross Cafe, Mumbai

Talk about courting controversy! This Nazi-propaganda (yes, Nazi!) themed restaurant was originally named Hitler's Cross and after severe criticism was changed to its current name. The managers said in an interview, "We wanted to be different. This is one name that will stay in people's minds ... we want to tell people we are different in the way he was different."

(Image Source: Pixabay)

 NASA, Bangalore

Inviting all science nerds and space geeks! This pub has sadly been closed currently, but it deserves a mention on this list. The place was modelled like a spaceship and the waiters at this pub wore spacesuits and looked like astronauts. We hope something like this opens up once more to entertain enthusiasts!

(Image Source: energepic energepic/Pexels)

 The Bar Stock Exchange, Mumbai

Here, the prices of drinks rise and fall according to demand. You know, like the stock market. People can buy drinks for prices as low as their cost price when the 'market' opens and at zero-hour. The prices of drinks keep changing according to their popularity. The more popular a drink is, the more it costs. This is bound to be a rush just like rising the economic roller-coaster!

(Image Source: Unsplash)

 Tihar Food Court, Delhi

Tihar Jail is South Asia's largest prison complex and is famous today for its rehabilitation efforts. One such initiative is establishing a food court where convicts are employed as waiters and staff at the restaurant. The food and the polite, efficient service has been praised by many. Another such restaurant is the Kaidi Kitchen in Chennai.

(Image Source: Negativespace)

 Hijackk Cafe, Ahmedabad

Everyone loves an adventure, and for many of us it can serve to stimulate our appetite. In this venture, customers are taken for a tour of Ahmedabad on a bus where they can enjoy food as well. Their tag line is "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" They have a branch in Chennai too now.

(Image Source: Lifeofpix)

 New Lucky Restaurant, Ahmedabad

How would you like to dine with the dead? Owner of this strange restaurant, Krishnan Kutti, did something not many businessmen can attempt - He decided to operate his restaurant in a space which was a graveyard. What's more, he kept the graves and set up the restaurant around them! You would think this would put people off, but apparently the crowd which pours in to enjoy the yummy repast is never disappointed.

(Image Source: Markus Spiske/Pexels)

 Nature's Toilet Cafe, Ahmedabad

Another challenge for the masses! This cafe is India's first ever toilet-themed restaurant. It has a 'toilet garden' with more than twenty lavatories and urinals which date as far back as the 1950s.

(Image Source: US Library of Congress/Wiki Commons)

 21 Fahrenheit, Mumbai

Given that there are billions of us humans on Earth, it isn't surprising to find a huge variety in beliefs, customs and perspectives. But certain people in history held such strong, extreme convictions that they led themselves and the people who believed in them to tragedy. Let us know about some terrifying cults and learn from their errors.

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 Matamoros Human Sacrifice Cult

In March 1989, a student named Mark Kilroy went missing while on spring break, somewhere near the Mexican border. Four weeks later, parts of his body was found, terrifying all those who witnessed it. As People reported at the time, his brain was found first: "It turned up in a black cauldron, and it had been boiled in blood over an open fire along with a turtle shell, a horseshoe, a spinal column and other human bones" There had been other bodies, "victims [who] had been slashed, beaten, shot, hanged or boiled alive, the only commonality to their deaths the ritual mutilations that followed." The apparent reason for these horrific murders were that the cult members, who were also drug smugglers, believed that human sacrifice would somehow magically protect them from being caught by the police, and even make them bulletproof.

(Image Source: Nefermaat/Wiki Commons)

 Order of the Solar Temple

This group was formed in 1984 by Joseph Di Mambro and Luc Jouret and had followers in many countries including Switzerland, France, and Canada. The was initially benign but over time, the group’s beliefs shifted away from New Age spiritualism and became increasingly doomsday-focused and paranoid. Its fortunes decline in the 1990s - there were high-profile defections, gun charges, and allegations of sexual misconduct. In 1994, the group, based on its belief that members would need to ascend to a different spiritual plane in order to survive the environmental apocalypse and be reborn on a planet orbiting the Sirius, the Dog Star, reportedly set fire to two of its buildings in Switzerland, with around 48 people in it.

(Image Source: Mkfairdpm/Wiki Commons)

 Heaven’s Gate

In 1997, the Hale-Bopp Comet blazed a spectacular sight in the night sky. While its appearance thrilled many, it also brought tragedy to 39 people. This cult, called Heaven’s Gate, had taken up residence in a California mansion. The dead included leader and prophet Marshall Applewhite. The group, had supported itself via a successful computing business front. Their main belief was that the Hale-Bopp comet would bring with it a UFO that would rescue them ahead of the imminent end times. The catch? That one must leave this Earlthly body on the day the comet traversed the sky.

According to Salon: "In three waves, members ingested a poisonous mixture of barbiturates and alcohol, and as their breath slowed and bodies shut down, they asphyxiated under plastic bags that they had tied over their heads. Members followed guidelines they had researched several years earlier, and laid down their earthly lives in what can only be called ritual precision and attention to detail."

(Image Source: Abasaa/Wiki Commons)

 Aum Shinrikyo

This apocalyptic Japanese cult carried out a horrifying nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway system in 1995. Twelve people died and thousands were injured. The teachings of this group are such: "Asahara (the founder) preached that the end of the world was near and that Aum followers would be the only people to survive the apocalypse, which he predicted would occur in 1996 or between 1999 and 2003. Aum accumulated great wealth from operating electronic businesses and restaurants ... [he] recruited young, smart university students and graduates, often from elite families, who sought a more meaningful existence."

At the time of the attack, the group actually had tens of thousands of followers in Japan and Russia.

(Image Source: California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitations/Wiki Commons)

 The Manson Family

This was actually a quasi-commune led by murder-conspirator and infamous psychopath Charles Manson. It started in California in the late 1960s and the psychotic preachings of Charles Manson inspired this counterculture cult that eventually ended with the infamous Labianca-Tate killing spree in August of 1969. The 2004 movie Helter Skelter is inspired by Manson and his 'family'.

(Image Source: Nancy Wong/Wiki Commons)

 Jim Jones and Jonestown

"Jonestown" was the informal name for the Peoples Temple Agricultural Project formed by the Peoples Temple, an American religious organization under the leadership of Jim Jones, in North-western Guyana. On November 18, 1978, 918 people were found dead in the remote commune. All but two had died from apparent cyanide poisoning. This event was termed as "revolutionary suicide" by Jones and some members on an audio tape of the event and in prior discussions. This incident has inspired a 2013 movie called The Sacrament.

When it comes to life hacks, we all could stand to learn from each other. And who better to advise us on thriving than those who are already living it king size? Presenting ten quotes on life and living by famous Indian actors...

(Image Source: Arushi Dayal/Wiki Commons)

 Katrina Kaif, on self-love: "Find and protect your identity as a woman. Love yourself first, and then you'll find someone who will love you."

  (Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

Arjun Rampal, on attitude: "Your attitude is more important than stylish clothes. This comes from believing in yourself. This attitude can define your life."

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 Ranveer Singh, on labels and defining one's identity: "This Casanova tag, or flirt - I have a problem with it. Because when you tag someone, you are defining them and limiting them. It's like putting them in a box. And I don't subscribe to it."

(Image Source: Salah Ghrissi/Wiki Commons)

Shah Rukh Khan, on dealing with haters: “Sometimes you need to let people feel important by disliking you. It’s their little happiness.”

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 Deepika Padukone, on mental health: "People talk about physical fitness, but mental health is equally important. I see people suffering, and their families feel a sense of shame about it, which doesn't help. One needs support and understanding."

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 Hrithik Roshan, on consistency: “The only time to take the step towards change is now. Even if they’re baby steps, start today! Consistency is important because you must make time to work on your goals. Even if there is little you can do, you must!”

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 Arjun Kapoor, on fitness goals: "The first thing people need to realize is that it's not going to happen overnight. If you need to lose a lot of weight, there is no quick fix."

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 R. Madhavan, on coping with failure: “Don’t waste too much time analysing what went wrong. Reliving your failures only chips away at your confidence.”

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 Prateik Babbar, on the basics of health: “Sleep, exercise and diet are equally important. Of these, most of us ignore sleep, and hence we fail to reach our goals.”

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 John Abraham, on self-love and self-care: “If you can’t love yourself, you are in trouble. It is not about being arrogant. It is about spending time on yourself.”

Check out these internationally famous people who have Indian roots!

(Image Source: Carl Lender/Flickr)

Freddie Mercury

Remember the uber-famous rock band Queen? It's lead vocalist Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara. His parents were Parsis from Gujarat and he spent most of his childhood in India.

(Image Source: U.S. Embassy London/Flickr)

Sir Ben Kingsley

This award winning actor who starred in Gandhi is actually half Indian. He was born Krishna Bhanji, from a father of Gujarati descent and an English mother.

(Image Source: Eva Rinaldi/Flickr)

Nicki Minaj

This will come as a surprise to many! Rapper and Grammy award winner Nicki Minaj was born in Trinidad to a half Indian and half Trinidadian father. So that makes her one fourth Indian!

(Image Source: Genevieve/Flickr)

Hannah Simone

This Canadian actress came into fame and fortune through the hugely successful American sitcom New Girl, for which she even won a Teen Choice Award award. She, like the character she plays in New Girl (named Cecelia Parekh), is of Indian origin; her father is Indian.

(Image Source: Montclair Film Festival/Flickr)

Sakina Jaffrey

People who are hooked onto the taut American drama series House of Cards will recognize actress Sakina Jaffrey, daughter of Indian actor Saeed Jaffrey.

(Image Source: Nightscream/Wiki Commons)

Erick Avari

You may have seen this actor in supporting roles in blockbusters like The Mummy and Independence Day. He was born in Darjeeling to Parsi parents.

(Image Source: RideTheLightning728/Wiki Commons)

Tony Kanal

When one thinks of the rock band No Doubt, one thinks first of Gwen Stefani. However, the bassist of this popular millenial band Tony Kanal was born to Indian parents who moved to London.

(Image Source: Dominick D/Flickr)

Many other notable celebs of international fame are comedian Mindy Kaling, actor Kal Penn, and stand-up comedian Russell Peters have their roots in India.

Sexual consent is a simple enough concept on paper. But why does it seem so hard to understand and educate across the breadth of the country? Part of the answer lies in deeply-entrenched patriarchy, rigid beliefs, cultural factors and lack of awareness. Here are some admirable efforts by institutions and individuals to spread more awareness on sexual consent.

(Image Source: Tiia Monto/Wiki Commons)

From questioning the character of victims of sexual violence to protests against installation of condom vending machines, most of the country seems to be living in denial - denial about people having sex. When we're determined not to look at reality with respect to this simple fact (people, young or old, men or women, married or unmarried, Indian culture or Western, have sex!) one might wonder how we are expected to understand the concept of consent.

(Image Source: Charlotte Cooper/Flickr)

TARSHI (Talking About Reproductive and Sexual Health Issues) is an NGO which believes that all people have the right to sexual well-being and to a self-affirming and enjoyable sexuality. This venture has a quarterly magazine of the same name with articles which spread awareness and foster discussion about sex, sexuality, consent and empowerment. Check out their campaign along with Youth Ki Awaaz, called #TalkSexuality.

(Image Source: Ali Naqi/Pexels)

In a country where marriage is regarded as a highly respected (almost worshipped) institution, it is a crying shame that marital rape is not considered illegal. RICE Institute (Research Institute for Compassionate Economics), a non-profit research organization on the poor population of India, presented stark facts in this interview to help people overcome denial and face the grim reality of sexual violence in India. Their report said, “Most incidence of sexual violence, however, were committed by husbands of the survivors: the number of women who experienced sexual violence by husbands was 40 times the number of women who experienced sexual violence by non-intimate perpetrators.”

(Image Source: Daniel Villafruela/Wiki Commons)

However, the question of sexual consent and rape gets murkier when it comes under the legal eye. Many people are hesitant to support making marital rape illegal for fear of it being abused. For instance, Save Indian Family Foundation is a men's rights group has opposed efforts to criminalize marital rape in India, arguing that "No relationship will work if these laws are enforced."

(Image Source: شہاب/Wiki Commons)

AALI (Association for Advocacy and Legal Initiatives) is a women’s rights organization based in Uttar Pradesh which looks into the legal aspects of topics like right to choice of partner, domestic violence and sexual offences. According to AALI’s research in six states – Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, "infringements on a woman’s right to choice are not limited to any specific region or cultural ideology. The manifestation and magnitude of the violations, however, differ from region to region and based on various socio-economic attributes such as caste, class, religion, age, and marital status. A woman who exercises her right to choice in Kerala, for example, is more likely to face economic and emotional abuses, while a woman in Haryana who acts similarly is more likely to face physical and violent opposition from her family and community." Seems like a high cost for saying No, right?

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Western countries, especially the US and UK seem to also face grave problems when it comes to consent. On the other hand, they have also encouraged initiatives to spread awareness and create a dialogue on consent related issues. Notable among these are projects like The Consensual Project and KnowNo (the latter also has a cool quiz to test how well you understand consent!).

(Image Source: AnnaER/Pixabay)

One way to help ourselves and each other understand consent is to re-acquaint them with sex and love without the side-dish of violence, and with a dash of mutual respect. Agents of Ishq is a multi-media project about sex, love and desire, does just that. About why they do what they do, they say, "Because we wanted to create many, many positive conversations about, love, sex and desire. We are often asked to speak about moral policing, sexuality, violence. And this is what we have heard in discussions: people want a place to talk about sex and love honestly, without feeling un-cool or ashamed about their confusions. We began to wonder – where is the good stuff and the helpful stuff about sex for Indians? Didn’t seem to be much. So we decided to make some."

(Image Source: Agents of Ishq/Youtube (Screenshot))

A striking feature in the Indian film industry is that actors never seem to age while there is a small age window for actresses outside of which she is only viable for sister/mother roles. Thankfully, this ageist, sexist trend is on the decline and actors are being paired in a more age-appropriate way. But the following instances of actresses cast as mother as well as lover to the same actors will amuse you.

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 How can an actress transition from a lover figure to a mother figure in just five years? In Bollywood, very easily apparently. Although Waheeda Rehman is senior to Amitabh Bachchan in terms of her entry into Bollywood, this beautiful star played his lover in Dharma (1973) and later his mother in Trishul (1978).

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 The same can be said of Sharmila Tagore who played wife to Amitabh Bachchan in Faraar (1975) and then his mother in Desh Premee (1982).

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 Some actresses age to become naturals at playing maternal roles. But their male peers take much longer to segue into paternal parts. Case in point: Actress Rakhee (of the "Mere bete aayenge" fame) played Amitabh Bachchan's love interest in the 1978 movie Kasme Vaade and then his mother in Shakti (1982).

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

 I'll bet this titbit surprises you! At the tender age of 13, actress Sridevi played her first leading role in the Tamil movie Moondru Mudichu (1976) where she played stepmother to none other than the superstar Rajnikant. And she has played his love interest in Chaalbaaz (1989)!

(Image Source: bollywood501/Wiki Commons)

 This story is of a real life couple - actors Sunil Dutt and Nargis. Nargis played his mother in the 1957 super hit Mother India, and has also played his love interest in Yaadein (1964). Interestingly, Sunil Dutt was smitten with Nargis while shooting for Mother India and even saved her from a fire, and eventually they fell in love with each other and married a year later. If that isn't a true Bollywood fairy-tale romance, I don't know what is!

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

It's the 21st century, a time of modernity and liberalism. But despite the progress made by the rest of the nation, our laws don't always keep up! Here are the 7 strangest and most outdated laws that exist in India today.

The Alcohol Delivery Paradox

Here’s a trivia question for you – in which city in India is it illegal for booze shops to deliver alcohol to your house?

Answer – Delhi.

Here’s another trivia question for you – in which city in India is it perfectly legal for a supermarket to deliver alcohol to your house?

Answer – Also Delhi.

Is your mind swimming in confusion yet? That’s just the first of some really strange laws that India has passed – and continues to act on!

The Dental Recruitment

Apparently, if you want to build a career as a motor vehicle inspector in Andhra Pradesh, your biggest worry isn’t your understanding of automobiles. It’s the state of your teeth. Yes, you read that right – people with substandard teeth are not allowed to become motor vehicle inspectors there!

Section 377

Section 377 is a more serious law than most others on this list – however, it bears mentioning as in a modern and liberal age where most people recognise the right of people to love whomsoever they wish, this is one outdated and discriminatory law against LGBT people. It was even struck down once a few years back, but then got reinstated as only the Supreme Court has the right to repeal this act.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

No Knives Allowed

What’s an armyman to do if his rifle runs out of ammunition? Fight hand-to-hand, apparently, unless he belongs to the Naga regiment, in which case he is allowed to use a knife to defend and attack.  

Only Daddy-Long-Legs May Fly

Ever dreamed of becoming a pilot in the air force? Better get an inch-tape and measure your legs, then. Only candidates with a particular leg length are permitted to enter this hallowed career path – the rest, no matter what their qualifications, must simply stay on the ground.

Let The British Spy!

Meet the Indian Telegraph Act (1885). A relic of the British Era, this act basically permits the British to read every telegram sent in the country, and then use the information to come down heavy on rebellions. Useless, in this age of email and text messages, but somehow still existing!

Sick in a Hotel? Go to Jail!

What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a dish? A few hundred rupees? Or maybe a couple thousand, if you were eating at a 5-star and it was a really exotic plate of sushi. But for all you gourmands out there, if you ever want to make a truly fancy meal at home, here’s a list of some of the costliest food items in the world!

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

1. Saffron

When your mom gave you kesar-doodh as a child during winters, did you know that you were drinking milk made from one of the most expensive foods in the world? We’re betting not! Harvested from the Saffron Crocus flower that only blooms once a year, saffron retails for anywhere between 70k INR to 7 lakh INR per kg.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

2. Kobe Beef

Of all the cuts of beef, Kobe is considered to be a true delicacy. The reason it is so expensive is that it is taken from one specific breed of cattle in the entire world – Tajima cows in Japan – and the cattle must be raised according to certain guidelines. Renowned for its balanced taste and fatty texture, kobe beef sells for upwards of 10k INR per pound.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

3. White Truffles

Truffles in general rank high among the list of expensive food items across the globe. But even among them, white truffles take the cake for rarity, flavor and price. Available only in the Alba region of Italy, these truffles sell at anywhere between 4-7 lakh INR per pound.

(Image courtesy: Amazon UK)

4. Caviar

Like truffles, caviar is a food that is exclusive to the tables of the rich and famous. Caviar is basically the roe or eggs of the sturgeon, a type of fish. And the caviar harvested from albino Beluga sturgeons that breed in the Caspian Sea is extremely precious and prized by gourmands across the world, due to the rarity of the fish, and also its rapidly declining population. Want a kilo in your pantry? Be prepared to shell out a cool 23 lakh INR for it!

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

5. Kopi Luwak Coffee

Who would have thought that the half-eaten food of a small animal would be a prized brand of coffee around the world? But that’s exactly what Kopi luwak is – coffee that contains coffee cherries that have been semi-digested by palm civets. The process of digestion improves the flavor of the coffee and gives it its high value – between 7-20k INR per pound.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

6. Ayam Cemani Chicken

An expensive chicken? Surely not! But indeed, Ayam Cemani chickens, from Indonesia, are a prized culinary delicacy for the simple fact that they are all-black – from their feathers, even to their internal organs. A single Ayam Cemani chicken can sell for about 1 lakh 30 thousand INR!

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

7. Hop Shoots

Meet the most expensive vegetable in the world. Hops are generally used by breweries to make beer, and as such are not expensive, or even consumed my humans at all. But there is one part of the plant is not used by breweries – the very tip of the shoot, and this has slowly come to be a delicacy in many places. Although hop shoots are not known for tasting great, the fact that harvesting them requires an unusual degree of manual labor means that they can easily command a selling price of about 60k INR per kg.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

8. Yubari Melons

Yubari king melons are a rare type of melon that grows in a small town called Yubari in Japan. It does not grow naturally, being a hybrid of two other types of cantaloupes. Due to the difficulty of growing it in greenhouses, it is usually given as a status symbol gift in Japan. The price? Approximately 8lakh INR per melon.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

9. Bird’s Nest

This is one food item that is as strange as it is exotic. Primarily eaten in China, bird’s nest refers to the actual nest of the swiftlet, and is built by the bird using its own saliva. It is usually turned into soup, for consumption only at the most expensive gourmet restaurants, and can cost anywhere between 1.5 to 7 lakh INR per kilo.

(Image courtesy: DesignLimitedEdition.com)

10. Moose House Cheese

When we see Bollywood stars on screen, their chemistry with each often leads to relationship rumours. When such relationships are confirmed, fans are usually delighted to see their favourite stars together and happy! But it doesn’t always work out, as these infamous Bollywood golden couple breakups show!

(Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons - Bollywood Hungama/BollywoodHungama)

Salman-Aishwarya

This Bollywood dream couple was purportedly totally in love – but then came the allegations of domestic abuse, possessiveness, and scary behaviour from Salman on the sets of Aishwarya’s movies. And then Salman was jailed for running over homeless people sleeping on the pavement when driving drunk, which seemed to put the clincher on their relationship for good.

(Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons - Bollywood Hungama/BollywoodHungama)

Abhishek-Karishma

Karishma Kapoor danced her way into the Bachchan family scion’s heart when he met her at Shweta Nanda’s wedding. They got engaged, and everything was set for the Bollywood wedding of a lifetime, but for mysterious reasons that no one knows to date, the wedding was called off almost last minute!

(Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons - Bollywood Hungama/BollywoodHungama)

Abhishek-Rani

Abhishek and Rani became close as they had made several movies together, and soon this couple was the buzz of Bollywood, with even wedding rumours surrounding them! However, it’s rumoured that when they were filming Bunty Aur Babli, Aishwarya Rai swooped in and stole the Bachchan baby’s heart during the song Kajrare, and soon, Abhishek and Rani were no longer together.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Shahid-Kareena

This golden couple became the nation’s darling after Jab We Met was released to rave reviews. They had been together for several years already up till that point, with Kareena even becoming a vegetarian for Shahid! However, the relationship was not meant to be, and sadly, they broke up right before the release of Jab We Met.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Ranbir-Deepika

This was one of the most high-profile couples to emerge from Bollywood is recent years. All looked great for these two beautiful stars, but then rumours surfaced that Ranbir’s mother was not in favour of the relationship – and true enough, a breakup followed shortly after.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Hrithik-Suzanne

By all accounts, this was a fairytale relationship, with India’s heartthrob Hrithik remaining faithful to his longtime non-celebrity girlfriend Suzanne Roshan even after he became a superstar. However, despite having two kids together, their marriage did not last due to rumours of infidelity.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons - BollywoodHungama/BollywoodHungama)

Saif-Amrita

Planning your next vacation, and crowded tourist packages aren’t your style? Then take a look at these gorgeous, yet underrated, travel destinations in India that will blow your mind away!

1. Majuli Island

How does the largest river island in India sound as a getaway? Nestled in the Brahmaputra’s flowing waters, Majuli island is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a haven of natural beauty and lush greenery. And if you’re a history buff, you can immerse yourself in one or all of the 20 or so ancient Vaishnavite monasteries that still exist there to this day.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

2. Spiti

Close to popular hiking and biking destination Ladakh is one of nature’s untouched jewels. Spiti lies near the mountain Kunzum La and is perhaps one of India’s most beautiful destinations. Remote in every possible way, this is the perfect place to go for some much needed rest, relaxation, and quietude.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

3. Hampi

Hampi has recently been gaining some attention from international and domestic travelers, so make your way there before it’s too late! This charming archeological site is the remains of what was once the capital city of the mighty Vijayanagar empire. You can rent a bike, cycle, or just hike your way over 4 square kilometres of ancient ruins, each of which comes with its own story.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

4. Bandhavgarh

Due to its relative proximity to the more famous Kanha and Pench national parks, Bandhavgarh is not as often frequented. But this lush jungle in Madhya Pradesh is one of the most populous tiger reserves in India, and home to Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian bisons, and even wolves. Due to an increase in mining around the forest, however, the tiger population is slowly declining – so it’s best to cross this one off your holiday list as soon as possible!

(Image courtesy: Bandhavgarhnationalpark.com)

5. Kalpa

If forests and beaches aren’t your thing, and you don’t feel like hiking to a place as remote as Spiti, then Kalpa might be just the place for you. This absolutely stunning village in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, boasts spectacular sunrises, and a number of vineyards and apple orchards where you can spend your days in quiet relaxation.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

6. Backwaters of Alleppey

Kerala has quickly become one of the hottest tourist destinations in India. But among all the beauties this state holds within its bounds, the backwaters of Alleppey are perhaps one of the most charming, and yet less frequented. Also called Venice of the East, Alleppey looks like it has emerged from a storybook, with its network of lakes and lagoons on which houseboats float by as miniature idylls. If you are looking for a few days living in a comfortable boat in the middle of a lagoon while you experience local life, then this is the place for you!

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

7. Pithoragarh

Nestled in the Himalayas, Pithoragarh district is a beautiful destination for those looking to spend a week taking in some fresh air, natural beauty, and history. Simultaneously home to a glacier, gorgeous valleys, a fort, temples, trekking routes and river rafting, and Pithoragarh has that rare quality – something to suit everyone!

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

8. Sikkim

Are you looking to spend a week in paradise? Pack your bags and head straight to Sikkim. This small state perched north of West Bengal is home to some of the loveliest hill stations in India. A place of cultural as well as scenic beauty, perhaps Sikkim’s greatest claim to fame is that it stands on the border between India and Tibet. It offers views of the Kanchenjunga, flowering valleys, exotic local cuisine, and yak rides!

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

9. Ranikhet

The best way to describe Ranikhet would be to call it a true retreat. It is a quiet military hill station in Uttarakhand, with an abundance of scenic beauty to recommend it. Long walks through lush green hills, gardens, local markets, and a relaxed atmosphere – if a restful time is what you want, then to Ranikhet you must go.

(Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

10. Coorg

Forget the coffee plantations of Kerala and the tea plantations of Darjeeling – Coorg is where the discerning Indian traveler must head for a weekend spent relaxing in a homestay at a coffee or spice plantation. This quaint hill-station in the south of India offers both a quiet time for those wanting just that, and long nature treks for the more active tourist as well.

Travel should be a pleasure – but far too often, we find ourselves grappling with last-minute problems before leaving, or seemingly minor hitches once we get to our destination. These problems, if they start piling up, tend to spoil the trip for you and for everyone involved. So here are some of our favourite travel hacks that will help you ensure smooth sailing all through!

1. Browse in Stealth Mode

Travel planning starts when you go to book your tickets. But did you know that travel booking websites track your movements across the internet and hike up prices of flights and other modes of transportation accordingly? Save yourself some big bucks in transport fees by browsing for tickets in private or incognito mode on your browser.

2. Flights Later, Tickets First!

Are you planning to travel to a festival or sports events that is ticketed? Usually people tend to blow their money on flight tickets first and buy event tickets last. But it makes far more financial sense to do the opposite, as flight tickets stay cheap relatively close to your travel date – but if you hunt around, you can get early bird deals on event tickets that will save you more money in the long run.

3. Hunt for Coupons

That’s right, airfare discounts are not seasonal affairs. Many airlines offer coupons and run contests that give you discounts on tickets. Some thorough Googling and following of airlines’ social media accounts can land you a great surprise deal on transportation!

(Image courtesy: Couponunia.com)

4. Get Insured

These days, before travelling to many foreign locations, buying travel insurance has been made compulsory. However, it is a wise move to do this when travelling domestically or to visa-on-arrival destinations as well. That last thing you need is to have your trip held up because of mislaid baggage, or lose all your savings because you had to seek medical care in a foreign land. Plus, it’s a little-known fact that travel insurance usually also offers some coverage towards your home’s security while you’re away. And what trip is better than one where you don’t have to worry about your precious belongings left behind at home?

(Image courtesy: Inspiredtraveller.in)

5. Roll, Don’t Fold

Time to start packing! A smooth trip is one where you don’t have to worry about 5 different bags everywhere you go. And the easiest way to accomplish this is to pack light and pack smart. Save much-needed suitcase space by carrying wrinkle-free clothes, and rolling them instead of folding them. You’ll be surprised at how compact your clothes get when you pack them this way!

6. Always Use ATMs

Never, ever get your money exchanged at an airport desk or a money changing counter of any sort. Always use an ATM or a bank directly to get your currency converted – you’ll get a much better rate at these locations.

7. Call Your Bank

If you’re planning on using cards instead of cash, be sure to call your bank several times before you leave, to let them know that you’re going to be heading out on a trip. That should save you the nasty surprise of having your cards blocked at random when you’re abroad, leaving you stranded without access to necessary funds.

8. Get Offline Maps

Even if you get an international SIM card, you may not always have access to the internet on your phone when you’re travelling. So it’s best to go onto Google Maps well in advance and save the routes for places you know you’re going to visit. That way you can access them offline and avoid the dangers of getting lost in a strange place where you may not speak the language and get help in case you go down the wrong route.

9. Go Citywide

Many cities, especially those that are tourist hotspots, offer citywide access passes that you can use to travel on trains, buses, and even visit several major landmarks. As you pay a bulk amount on these passes, you often end up saving money, as well as time since you don’t have to get in line at every place to buy individual tickets.

10. Buy a Power Bank

Have you ever been stuck somewhere because your phone’s battery went out of charge? Imagine this happening to you on an overnight flight or in a remote hiking trail, or in the middle of an unfamiliar city! Something like that is sure to mess up your trip and leave you shaken. Avoid this by investing in a good quality power bank that you can use as a backup on-the-go.

Shakespeare intended his timeless Romeo and Juliet to be a story about the folly of love, and about how things don't always work out. Sadly, these Bollywood couples met the same fate, despite undeniable chemistry and probably unconditional love. 

(Image Source: Georges Biard/Wiki Commons)

Think of starry relationships gone bad and the Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai debacle comes first to mind. These two incredibly good-looking actors met on the sets of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and, for a while, were the hottest couple in tinsel town. Soon however, the rosy surface cracked to reveal an ugly and disturbing details. While he accused her of cheating on him with her co-star Vivek Oberoi, she cited instances of abuse.

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

This jodi sizzled both on and off screen in the 90s. Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon were the 'It' couple to be cast together in action movies. However, rumours of his dalliances with almost every one of his co-stars was more than Raveena could bear and she supposedly ended the relationship in 1996. While Raveena went on to tie the knot with distributor Anil Thadani, Akshay flitted from fling to fling before settling down with actress Twinkle Khanna.

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

Ah, Jab We Met! This movie not only ignited the spirits of many, many young men and women in the cities, heartlands and hinterlands of India, it also marked the high point of the romance between Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor. Though the reasons for this split are not known, the two stars continue to be amicable towards each other. Kareena Kapoor became a begum after wedding her Tashan co-star Saif Ali Khan and is now expecting their first child. Shahid went on to marry his girlfriend Mira Rajput last year.

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

Talk about a good-looking couple! The jodi of fellow models and actors John Abraham and Bipasha Basu can be likened to Ken and Barbie. This duo dated for ten years before breaking up, mainly due to John's unwillingness to commit to the relationship further. Both of them went on to marry and settle down with their partners.

(Image Source: Filmi Tadka/Wiki Commons)

Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma are budding superstars and powerhouse actors today, but they were fledgling actors with crackling on-and-off-screen chemistry when they debuted in Band Baaja Baaraat. They split up soon enough, but are reportedly good friends today. On the other side, actors Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor dated for a while, to their fans delight, but broke up for reasons unknown, leading to the current super-jodi of Ranveer and Deepika!

(Image Source: Cineplot/Wiki Commons)

In the 1960 magnum opus Mughal-E-Azam, Dilip Kumar played a wayward prince who falls in love with a court dancer played by Madhubala. The couple fell madly in love with each other and were expected to tie the knot until Dilip Kumar called it off. He allegedly wanted her to quit acting after marriage, and she refused. Dilip Kumar went on to marry actress Saira Bano and Madhubala married the famous singer Kishore Kumar and sadly died young, at the age of 36.

(Image Source: Bollywood Hungama/Wiki Commons)

Over the past few centuries, mankind has witnessed the extinction of many species of flora and fauna. While we had the good luck to see a variety of real-life animals growing up, but our children might miss out on seeing these animals in the flesh.

(Image Source: International Rhino Foundation/Flickr)

The Sumatran Rhino is arguably the oldest rhinocerous species, living on Earth for millions of years. Sadly, fewer than 100 remain now and only 9 in captivity. This animal, like many others has fallen victim of human greed and illegal poaching.

(Image Source: Phuongcacanh/Wiki Commons)

What is amazing and scary about the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle is that as of today probably not one animal exists in the wild. The last wild sighting of this amphibian was in 1998. Considered to be the largest fresh-water turtle in the world, only 3 animals (in captivity) seem to be left on the planet!

(Image Source: Paula Olson/Wiki Commons)

The Vaquita is a species of intelligent porpoise inhabiting the gulf of California. Thanks to toxicity, habitat changes and years of commercial fishing only 60 animals remain as of today.

(Image Source: Richard Bartz/Wiki Commons)

The Northern Bald Ibis is a migratory bird which was once found all over the Middle East and Europe. Today, it is limited to one natural breeding population in Morocco.

(Image Source: WikiImages/Pixabay)

Pygmy Three Toed Sloths inhabit a small island in Panama and are considered critically endangered with only 79 according to the latest census.

(Image Source: Jason Pratt/Flickr)

The Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat is a native of Queensland and in the 1970s faced near extinction with a frightening population of 30. However, serious conversation efforts have increased the number to 200 today.

(Image Source: FLMNH Ichtyology /Wiki Commons)

The mere name can strike fear into our hearts - Megamouth Shark. This 18ft long shark was discovered only in 1976, and so far, only 61 specimens found. We are not sure if this is because of a critically decreased population or the intensely private nature of the animal.

(Image Source: AlbertHerring/Wiki Commons)

The Florida Panther might evoke images of a certain US national hockey team, but it is a real animal species whose numbers are critically dwindling. Due to hunting and habitat loss, only 20 mature ones remained in 1970. Cross-breeding with another cougar species helped a bit and today there are 180 of these animals in the wild.

(Image Source: Su Neko/Flickr)

The Hainan Black Crested Gibbon lives in Hainan island, China and is considered the world's rarest primate. While in the 1950s, about 2000 gibbons were found to exist, fewer than 30 remain now. Deforestation can be seen as the main culprit for this tragedy.

(Image Source: Gene Carl Feldman/Wiki Commons)