Metaverse To Be A Gateway To Cybercrimes, Says Interpol
After its rocking presence in the gaming world, Metaverse got its huge break as “Meta” by Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg introduced a whole new world of possibilities through Meta. Web 3.0 has arrived, yet it is only in its infancy. We may anticipate a lot of new virtual worlds shortly as businesses start to embrace a fusion of our physical and digital reality. Life in the metaverse has its dangers, even while exploring uncharted digital realms with snazzy equipment and sensors sounds like fun. The metaverse has emerged over the past few years as significant businesses work to create a virtual future that includes augmented reality and virtual reality. In the context of the virtual world, it alludes to the next-generation platforms that include our everyday lives and goes beyond e-commerce to have work, education, entertainment, socializing, and much more. With Great Data Comes Great Threats The amount of data being created and leaked will skyrocket as more and more users participate in activities in this metaverse. We are already dealing with zettabytes of data when you add the data from IoT smart devices, autonomous vehicles, always-on mobile phones, and virtual reality equipment. Megaverse of Dangers In Metaverse The international police organization Interpol stated that it was ready for the possibility that online immersive settings, or the “metaverse,” might both invent new types of cybercrime and enable existing crime to be committed on a greater scale. According to Madan Oberoi, Interpol’s executive director for technology and innovation, member nations have expressed worry about how to prepare for potential metaverse crime. When augmented reality and virtual reality are included, fraud and phishing techniques may alter. He stated that concerns over child safety were also there. In the actual world, virtual reality might make it easier to commit crimes. Metaverse What once was just a way to bring gaming to life, now can be a portal for cybercrimes. Transformation of metaverse- from gaming to commercialization. Everything about the journey.
Elon Musk Completes $44 Billion Deal to Own Twitter
After months of waffling, lawsuits, verbal mudslinging, and a narrow escape from a full-fledged trial. Elon Musk has finally fulfilled his $44 billion purchase of Twitter. On October 26, the Tesla CEO was seen entering the Twitter headquarters with a sink, in keeping with his nature as a self-presentation artist. He captioned a video of the action he tweeted with “let that sink in!” The deal, which was first announced in April, encountered numerous roadblocks along the way, including Musk’s concerns about the number of spam bots on Twitter, and Twitter’s use of a poison pill to prevent the takeover. According to a letter from Musk’s attorneys to Twitter’s lawyers, Musk proposed resuming the deal earlier this month at the originally agreed-upon price of $44 billion, or $54.20 per share. At market close, Twitter’s share price was $53.70, while Musk’s preferred cryptocurrency, dogecoin (DOGE), which he has suggested could be used for certain payments at Twitter, was trading down 2.3% at 00:43 UTC, after rising 16% in the run-up to the deal’s completion. Is Donald Trump coming back on Twitter? Elon Musk now refers to himself as “Chief Twit.” In a letter to Twitter advertisers, the new company owner made it clear that his free speech mantra has limits: “Twitter obviously cannot become a free-for-all hellscape, where anything can be said with no consequences!” He also implies that some moderation will remain: “In addition to adhering to the laws of the land, our platform must be warm and welcoming to all, where you can choose your desired experience.” However, Musk did not provide any details on how he would accomplish this, despite promising to reopen Twitter to previously lifetime-banned accounts. There are concerns that more lenient free speech policies will allow people who have been banned for hate speech or disinformation to return to the platform. Along with Mr. Trump, this could include political extremists, QAnon supporters, and Covid-19 denialists. In response to Mr. Musk’s letter, Thierry Breton, the EU commissioner for the internal market, tweeted, “In Europe, the bird will fly by our EU rules,” implying that regulators will be tough on any relaxation of Twitter’s policies Firing key persons as the first move One of his first actions as new owner concerned personnel, as he fired Twitter executive Parag Agrawal and other company leaders. Elon Musk had the fired executives, specifically Agrawal and Ned Segal, who were in charge of Twitter’s finances, escorted off the premises. Elon Musk also fired policy chief Vijaya Gadde, which appears to be in line with the billionaire’s desire to make Twitter less moderated.
Stranger-Danger? It’s Omegle With Strangers Now!
In the age of social media, there doesn’t go a few days without a new app or trend showing up. Social Media is a hub for all bored, lazy, and even work-savvy people. Anything your heart wishes for, Social Media will bring it to you arranged on a golden plate. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook aren’t the only social media anymore. There are new ways to enter the world of social media, ways that people even a mere decade ago couldn’t have imagined. Apps like Omegle chat have revolutionized social media with new and newer methods. In the last 5-6 years, BeReal, Tumblr, Omegle, and many more have emerged. All have their approach, but the primary purpose is the same- communicating with people and expanding social circles. Centering the conversation Omegle was launched in 2009. What is Omegle? Omegle became extremely well-known when no one expected it. Children flocked to this 13-year-old site during the epidemic because of TikTok influencers, oblivious to the risks already present. The key selling point of Omegle is the idea of conversing with strangers online, yet this idea is not original. When you stop to think about it, most of us always interact with strangers on websites encouraging discourse, debate, or responses. Users can randomly communicate with other users on the free, anonymous website Omegle. Users in a pairing converse with one another via text or video call. Users don’t have to pay to create an account. As a result, age verification is absent. Just a smartphone or laptop with a strong internet connection will do. Users have the option of using chat. Five choices are available on Omegle: video, text, moderated, unmoderated, and spy chat. Users over 18 can utilize the restricted content, and monitored chat alternatives. Accounts over the age of 18 may also utilize the unmoderated chat. The content is mature and gives users an option to spy on communication that is currently taking place between other users. How TikTok Helped Omegle? Having been launched in 2009, the app slowly took farewell from being in the limelight. The basic concept could have been more appealing to people. Then came the revolution that is Tiktok. Tiktok gave a new life to songs and fashion trends. Popular TikTokers started going on Omegle and hosting giveaways by joining random chats. This motivated teens specifically to join this app and start their Omegle journey. The app gained even more popularity when celebrities started using app and interacting with their fans. This went ahead and became a challenge on TikTok under hashtags like #omeglechat and #omegleprank where people posted screen-recorded snippets of them pranking, chatting, or joking with random strangers online. More than 9.4 billion people have seen “Omegle”-tagged videos on TikTok alone. Privacy No More Private Studies have found that teens and young children make up the majority of Omegle users. In a similar vein, teens make up a more significant portion of social networking app users. For enjoyable online interaction, they use Omegle. Some people use it to meet people and talk about issues they feel uncomfortable discussing with their close friends and relatives. Others claim the fact that the website is uncensored as justification for offensive information. Omegle has threats of its own. No matter how much the app claims to be safe and encrypted and other policies, there are online predators everywhere to break each one of those policies. As there is no monitoring and surveillance of the content being shared or requested, there is no restriction on the content. There is pornographic and inappropriate content shared daily on that app. Along with predators and sexual content, violence is another risk for Omegle. Children are quite likely to be exposed to the website’s violence. Even adults and children have not yet learned to cope with violence. Omegle exposes children to violent material at a young age, which can lead to fear, trauma, and sadness. Apps and services like Omegle expose children to texts, videos, and images that can be emotionally scarring to them. Cyberbullying can have long-term effects The exchange of inappropriate content can lead to blackmail and threats. People have to deal with the fear of the receiver exposing the said content. Exposing (Literally) “Omegle Porn” is another popular issue and is a threat to young people using the app. Some accounts trick young users into exposing themselves on video chats. Some even say “Omegle is just for the genitalia.” The app has its separate section for sharing pornographic content in, at times exchange for money. The accounts interact with youngsters and ask them to engage in activities like dancing or strip tease while portraying it as something to do for fun when they are out there fulfilling some weird fantasies and motives. This parent came out to speak about the experience their kid went through. The statements make one question where mankind is heading. She told the BBC: “My daughter had seen some videos go viral on TikTok about people being on this Omegle, so she explored this site and there’s no log-in or age restrictions or anything.” “These people were saying she was beautiful, hot, sexy. She told them she was only eight years old and they were OK with that. She witnessed a man masturbating and another man wanted to play truth or dare with her.” “He was asking her to shake her bum, and take off her top and trousers, which she thankfully did not do.” The thing is, there are only so many parents or guardians who can do to protect their youngsters from these apps. Nor can the blame be passed to the youth, who are just looking for escape in their leisure time. The hungry predators who want to jump on every boat that sailed off as lighthearted and innocent are to be blamed. Apps like Omegle are corrupted by their twisted strategies and plans to trap others.
World’s Largest 170-Carat Pure Pink Diamond Found In South-Africa
The earth we live on still has so many secrets to unveil kept deep inside of it. Secrets about precious gems, lifestyle and building techniques of our ancestors, and so on. According to a report, miners from Angola in Central Africa have uncovered a rare, pure pink diamond that is thought to be the largest one to have been found in 300 years. The Lulo Mine in the nation’s diamond-rich northeast is home to a 170-carat pink diamond known as The Lulo Rose, one of the largest pink diamonds ever unearthed, according to a statement from the Lucapa Diamond Company. The Angolan government, also a part of the mine, praised the “historical” discovery of the Type IIa diamond, one of the most uncommon and pure varieties of natural stones. The greatest diamond discovery in Angola—the 404-carat “4th February Stone” in 2016—was made in the Lulo concession, a 3,000 square kilometer area around 600 kilometers from the country’s capital Luanda. Why Is It Pink? No. Valentine’s Day is not for another three months. Victoria from the Museum claims that this stone’s pink color is the consequence of high temperatures and non-isotropic stress after the rock was formed in the soil. To understand the Lulo Rose’s actual value, cutting and polishing would be necessary, a process that can cause a stone to lose 50% of its weight. The Angolan State Diamond Marketing Company will offer it for sale through an international tender. The diamond will be sold at an international auction, probably for a remarkable amount.According to Diamantino Azevedo, minister of mineral resources for Angola, “This record and spectacular pink diamond recovered from Lulo continues to showcase Angola as an important player on the world stage.”
“New Omicron Variants BF.7 & BA.5.1.7 Are Extremely Contagious” – China Reports
In March 2020, the world saw one of the worst pandemics it has ever witnessed- COVID-19. Two years later, COVID cases are still recorded all over. The only difference is- both the fear and intensity of the virus have decreased. Or has it? On 4th October 2022, BF.7 was detected in Yantai and Shaoguan City in China. Less than a week after it was initially discovered in Northwest China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the new Omicron variant BF.7 has spread to more provinces in China. Two extremely transmissible subvariants of Omicron, BF.7 and BA.5.1.7, were discovered in different Chinese provinces. Both subvariants spread quickly and are quite contagious. Two types are “extremely contagious,” according to Li Shujian, deputy director of a Chinese disease prevention and control center, and are very easy to evade prior immunization. Keep an Eye Out for the Symptoms Constant coughing, headaches, chest pain, changes in sense of smell, hearing loss, and shaking are among the symptoms of the BF.7 subvariant. The majority of the symptoms are similar to diseases brought on by other Omicron subvariants. One also shouldn’t ignore the additional COVID symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, sore throat, and exhaustion. Mask use and hand sanitization should be promoted and practiced. Is This a Threat to the World? There is definitely a noticeable pattern in the new variant detection and the start of the pandemic two years back. So should we take the masks, gloves, and sanitizer guns back out? According to a report in the Chinese media, BF.7 has improved immunity evasion capabilities compared to its recurrent parent since it is a subvariant of the main COVID variant, Omicron. The Omicron variant and its subvariants have the capacity to bypass immunity. The BF.7 subvariant is rapidly expanding outside of China in Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, and England. White House COVID-19 Data Director Dr. Cyrus Shahpar took to Twitter and said “Slow growth in emerging sub-variants (e.g. BA.2.75, BA.4.6, BF.7) and expect more in weeks ahead. Bottom line: These are all Omicron & we have a new bivalent dose that increases protection against all of them. Get one now to have a safer fall and winter!” Whether this turns out to be a minor hit or something unfathomable, we as citizens should keep in mind the safety precautions issued before and adhere to them. These reports strongly hint that this pandemic isn’t over yet.
Twitter Blue is No More Free, Have to Pay $8 per Month
After finally owning Twitter, it seems like he has taken on his mind to change almost everything about the micro-blogging platform. After changing and firing the entire employee base, Elon Musk has introduced another upgrade to the app, giving his employees an ultimatum. Twitter Blue is Elon’s upgraded way for people to have verified accounts. But there’s a catch- Twitter is planning to charge approximately $8 for the new Twitter Blue Subscription. What Is Twitter Blue? In 2021, Twitter Blue was introduced, giving users exclusive access to premium features like the ability to edit, undo tweets, and have access to ad-free articles. According to the article, users would now have to subscribe to Twitter Blue in order to have a Twitter blue check. What’s So New About Blue? When one comes across a tweet and observes the trademark Twitter blue check on it, it is deemed to be more authentic in terms of the information it is presenting. Your account must be well-known and active in order to be verified. Anyone can currently apply for Twitter Verification. The website divides well-known accounts into various categories. Now, under the new rules and regulations, not only to-be verified accounts will have to pay an additional subscription fee of $8, the existing verified accounts have to as well. The users will have a 90-day period to either subscribe or lose their verification. Through a recent tweet, Elon made it clear that he plans on completely revamping the verification process. Also, the fact that Elon has given an ultimatum for his employees to launch this feature by the first week of November, or they can pack up their stuff and leave. What are your views on the hefty and rapid steps Elon Musk is taking after spending mere 3 days as the owner of Twitter? Secretly hoping for an Edit Button on Twitter.
“What Are The Odds?”- The Secrets Behind Coincidences
Ever happened that you decided last minute to wear a shirt, and you step outside and the sky is in the shades of your shirt? Or you were randomly thinking about someone, and they approached you out of the blue! Or you saw this reel of Ramen and your best friend in the evening says “Let us go have Ramen.” Coincidences! All sweet little coincidences! Coincidences feel like a cheeky little surprise by the Universe. We all experience these little moments and honestly, they bring us joy! Plasters a smile on our faces for the rest of the day. The weirdest coincidences will happen and we will be left to think “How did that even happen” all day. Scholars, Spiritualists, and Normal people, all have thought about and tried to apply some logic to coincidences. To have something to back up the crazy experience. Although the question “What are the odds?” has become synonymous with coincidences, they are more than just unexpected events. Despite the variety of experiences in the boat marked “coincidences,” we are tempted to gather them for reasons that go beyond mere oddity. No Coincidences In Opinions If you throw the question “What do you think about…?” there will be at least 7-8 different explanations, theories, and analogies of the same concept. The concept of coincidences is no different. Some have an opinion that these little moments are a sign or message from above- a warning of some sort. If we think hard enough, we will find some connection or message hidden. On the other hand, some believe that they are just us connecting two dots subconsciously. It is our mind that leads us from point A to point B forming a connection. “The world is so unpredictable. Things happen suddenly, unexpectedly. We want to feel we are in control of our existence. In some ways, we are, and in some ways, we’re not. We are ruled by the forces of chance and coincidence.” – Paul Auster Scientifically Speaking Because everything has a scientific point of view, many researchers and mega minds have tried to find a meaning behind coincidences. Today’s experts think coincidences have no deeper significance. However, we all experience them and tend to give these amazing combinations of events a profound meaning. According to a study by mathematicians Diaconis and Mosteller, Coincidences are “a surprising concurrence of events, perceived as meaningfully related, with no apparent causal connection”. Similarly, another study describes it as “Extremely improbable events are commonplace but humans aren’t great at reasoning objectively about probability as they go about their everyday lives.” The Everything Happens For A Reason Theory The universe is one big system. It runs on its plans and pathways taking all of us together. The things happening in our lives- finding a long-lost pen, seeing someone on the road, noticing a stranger, and more. Every incident that happens to us, big or small, is a part of the universe’s plan and all we do is simply walk on it. That’s the theory in an instant. Every day we’ve spent, and every mountain we have climbed led us to this particular moment in our lives. What crosses people about this theory is that it leaves no room for free will and being in control of one’s own life. It is disheartening to some to know that whatever decisions they take in life, whatever paths they choose, were already decided. And whatever their life becomes, good or bad, it is bound already. Universe Sending Messages Many people think that these connections promote psychological development and change, allowing you to individuate and become who you are. They think that coincidences convey personal messages to them. People who are more interested in statistics tend to believe that coincidences are simply unexpected but predictable happenings that stand out because they surprise us. Both explanations absolve us of responsibility: either unusual forces are at work, or the cosmos is acting irrationally. Even with all these explanations, coincidences stay a mystery for most people. The Unus Mundus The power of synchronicity caused meaningful coincidences. They may be seen as glimmers of the unus mundus, or “one world.” Another one of Carl Jung’s concepts. The idea that reality has an underlying structure and order, a network that connects everything and everyone, is known as the unus mundus theory. For Jung, synchronicity included ESP, telepathy, and ghosts in addition to coincidences. And current study indicates that those who believe in the supernatural are also more prone to experience frequent coincidences. This is the problem with trying to explain coincidences in a way that goes deeper than chance: it can easily drift into the paranormal. “It is such a complex matter we live within, it is impossible to track logic and decision making really, so therefore each choice can actually only be seen as coincidence.” – Alva Noto In the end, you choose what you want to believe in. Whether you want to believe it is the universe giving you signs for the future, or they are just subconscious. But you will surely notice even more coincidences now, after reading about coincidences. Happy exploring!
Vaping Vs Smoking – The New and Newer Ways of Addiction
They say the media or cinema is explicitly the mirror of society. Whatever is shown on screen, has its roots in the real world. If we take a glance at the newest series or movies, there are two things extremely common. Sensual content and some kind of alcohol abuse- particularly smoking or vaping. It’s time for another battle- Vaping vs Smoking. Smoking, and its later cousin Vaping, has increasingly grown popular among youth. Even after countless warnings, the rise in the usage of vapes is alarming. The real question is, why is it so appealing to youth? What is Vaping? An electronic cigarette, often known as a “vape,” is a device that warms a liquid to produce vapor that you inhale. Vape Pens, e-cigarettes (like JUUL), and hookahs are a few examples of vaping equipment. There are still several health hazards associated with vaping, although it seems to be a healthier option than smoking cigarettes. The aerosol that is inhaled when using a vaping device often contains nicotine (though not always), flavorings, and other substances. They can resemble Cig-a-likes, cigars, pipes, or even everyday objects like pens or USB memory sticks. The Battle Of Lungs- Vaping Vs Smoking Many individuals feel that vaping is safer than smoking, but this isn’t always true, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Vaping may be dangerous, according to growing data. Both smoking and vaping are harmful to people’s health. The evidence that is currently available suggests that smoking is more dangerous than vaping. This does not imply that vaping is secure, though. Nicotine, which is known to delay brain development in fetuses, young children, and teenagers, can be found in high concentrations in e-cigarettes. Additionally, vaping releases harmful substances like diacetyl, chemicals that cause cancer, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Contrary to vaping, which is relatively new, allegations that smoking is harmful to human health are thoroughly supported by years of research. About 480,000 persons have lost of lives due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) every year in the United States. There are more than 7,000 compounds in second-hand smoke. Around 70 of these hazardous substances are cancer-causing. While containing fewer toxins than cigarettes, according to the AHA, vaping liquids are not completely safe. The difference between smoking and vaping is that smoking delivers nicotine by burning tobacco, which can cause smoking-related illnesses, and vaping can deliver nicotine by heating a liquid in a much less harmful way. Reaching The Target There are public service announcements, posters, and protests everywhere about smoking or vaping side effects everywhere. There is a slim chance of someone saying they haven’t ever come across such warnings. So the real question is, how do these vape pens or other smoking techniques reach their targets? What makes these vapes so appealing that young people can’t seem to keep their hands off these nicotine bombs? E-cigarette businesses boosted their investment from $6.4 million to $115 million between 2011 and 2014. E-cigarette use among high school students rose from 2% to 13% within the same period. Youth e-cigarette use may be increasing due to exposure to e-cigarette marketing. Roughly 69% of high school and middle school kids have seen advertisements for e-cigarettes in retail stores, online, in magazines and newspapers, or on TV and in movies. These ads connect vapes and smoking in general to features and feeling appealing to youth. Emotions are the correct way to get to the hearts of young people. These ads associate vapes with a strong emotional appeal like happiness, friendships, good college life, success, and even “being cool.” What happens is young people are exposed to these commercials and ads and cigarette companies take advantage of their impressionable minds. Instilling the idea that one can achieve certain things with the use of these vapes. They will be popular and they will have a bigger social circle. Vaping As An Aid To Quitting? Many are under an impression that vapes provide a lesser percentage of nicotine while giving the same burn one would feel through cigarettes. While e-cigarette companies frequently promote their products as an effective way to stop smoking, the FDA does not accept this claim (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). E-cigarettes have not been approved as a smoking cessation aid because insufficient data is demonstrating their efficacy in assisting smokers to quit. A survey discovered that 80% of smokers who switched to e-cigarettes as a start to quitting smoking continue to use them even a year later. In other words, the decision to transition to e-cigarettes is simply an attempt to replace the addiction with a behavior that is seen as more fashionable. Quitting Cigarettes If you are someone going through or want to start the process of quitting, you should know that it is never too late. No addiction is stronger than your willpower. You can approach resources for help and can achieve your goals in no time! “Replacing the smoke on your face with a smile today will replace illness in your life with happiness tomorrow. Quit now. Eliminate tobacco from your life before it kills you! We need to burn calories daily, not tobacco!”
The Invention That Could Make 3D Glasses a Thing of The Past
3D movies allow our imaginations to run wild, resulting in visuals that are almost tangible. “3D” now provides more distinctive and interesting experiences than ever before. But who invented the term and where did they originate from? The ingenuity and epoch of 3D While the usage of 3D technology is becoming increasingly popular, they have really been around for quite some time. Charles Wheatstone invented the stereoscope in 1838, based on the concepts of stereopsis, or the capacity to detect depth. It was a large machine that resembled a flat board with mirrors or lenses protruding from it, yet it was a technological marvel for its day. While most people believe that 3D movies were invented in the last 40 or 50 years, you may be surprised to learn that the first 3D film was released in 1922. Since then, 3D technology has shifted in and out of favor every few years. The biggest boost in 3D popularity came from James Cameron’s Avatar film. With the explosion of popularity in the twenty-first century, 3D technology appears to be here to stay, with nearly every movie available in both digital and 3D in most theatres. Hate 3D glasses but love 3D effects? Watching films in 3D has become a regular part of our movie-going experience, thanks to high-profile blockbusters like Avatar and Gravity—and for good reason, as 3D adds depth and excitement that traditional filming cannot match. Unfortunately, the 3D experience can also bring about headaches, both literal and metaphorical. Attempting to fit 3D glasses over your eyes may be difficult, painful, and impracticable for many individuals This prototype might have us saying Sayonara to 3D glasses! Do you dislike 3D glasses yet enjoy 3D effects? One Disney innovation might be the answer you’ve been looking for! We’ve looked at some of Disney’s most astounding technology, including patents that suggest what the parks’ future may look like. But now we’re looking at a unique patent that might add 3D effects to your park experience in a whole new way. In 2022, we got to examine Disney’s application, which they dubbed a “continuation” of a previous patent submitted in 2020. The invention relates to showing 3D graphics in a physical set in order to create an AR or VR-like experience WITHOUT the usage of glasses. In discussing the necessity for the invention, Disney mentions a variety of situations in which it is “desirable” to produce visual presentations to engage viewers. They point out that at a theme park, for example, there may be rides or walk-through experiences where people are amused by a virtual impact. However, the set or experience might be improved if they could make a display with 3D pictures, and it would be even better if that display could be done without requiring the guest to wear any type of special equipment. This is all about developing a visual effect system that enables the generation of virtual pictures that are observable from particular eye boxes, according to Disney’s continuation of its prior patent. All of this would be linked to a system that could track the viewers’ gaze. Essentially, it might allow virtual pictures (such as those seen with 3D glasses) to be retroreflected to specific places, eliminating the need for 3D spectacles. To get things perfect, the visitor would be positioned (maybe on a ride vehicle seat or in a certain standing point), and eye or face location sensors would establish the location of the viewers’ eyes After determining where the viewers’ eyes are, the system will project left and right pictures of an AR item, and the guest will see the AR object with the correct dimensions for where their eyes are, while simultaneously observing the actual space. So, given the right vantage point, the actual area would be supplemented with virtual items! To make things work, the system includes a projection screen and a beamsplitter.
700 Years Old Mexican Architecture Supports Sustainable Agriculture
All over the world, we see ancient architecture and whole civilizations intact and in their best form. Compared to architecture today, that leads to leaks, cracks, and dents within 2-3 years of construction. The techniques used by our ancestors were way more sturdy, durable, and sustainable than the ones we rely on today. One such example is the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, Mexico. The Aztec Empire undertook a vast land reclamation operation in the 14th century that left behind these man-made island farms. The farms still provide food for Mexico City’s population today. Hundreds of tourists swarm Xochimilco’s canals every weekend to see a flashy show of sombreros, food, music, and art. But most are unaware of the ancient engineering marvel as they go alongside the chinampas, often known as “floating gardens.” A Dive Into The Past According to mythology, the Aztecs were delighted by an extraordinary sight on Lake Texcoco when they first arrived in the Valley of Mexico in 1325 AD. On the swampy margins of the lake, sat an eagle with a serpent in its beak perched on a prickly pear cactus. The nomadic tribe made the decision to establish themselves and create their capital city here. It was known as Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs used chinampas to build floating gardens that could be used for agriculture, animal rearing, and hunting for animals and food in areas farther from the city center. They connected islands in Tenochtitlan’s city center using bridges and boardwalks. The Aztecs were able to support their expanding empire because of their inventive method of farming on water. Beneficial To Sustainable Architecture The Chinampas, also a World Heritage Site, are still productive and environmentally sound. These man-made island farms are effective and self-sufficient. They make up one of the most prolific agricultural systems in the entire globe. This is due to the soil being continually improved by fine lake sediments, plant debris, and animal waste. The ahuejote fences around each island also serve as organic trellises for vine crops. Furthermore, shield the chinampa from wind and pests, and prevent erosion. They had an incredible ability to grow up to seven different crops yearly. Early in the 16th century, Aztec chinamperos produced 13 times as much food as dryland farmers. “Chinampas are like giant sponges; you don’t need to water them, yet they can be productive all year long.” said Lucio Usobiaga, founder of Arca Tierra. Present Scenario The remaining islands were still farmed on a small scale, but the market for chinampa agricultural products drastically decreased. People started switching to purchasing more affordable substitutes from big wholesale markets that got their produce from outside of Mexico City. The families of chinamperos began looking for better employment options in downtown Mexico City even though tourism on Xochimilco’s canals did generate some additional cash. Local organizations played a significant role in connecting chinamperos with potential customers by developing online portals. Through this clients could conveniently obtain fresh veggies, free-range eggs, and chinampa honey. During the pandemic, Chinamperos coordinated with initiatives like Comidas Solidarias to give meals to patients, medical personnel, and needy families. Seven hundred years after they were first built, Xochimilco’s chinampas are feeding and sustaining Mexico City in uncertain times and unfavorable environments.