Kids News - Articles with 400-600 Words

With a population of over 1.2 billion, the South Asian country of India is not only the world's largest democracy, but also, the third largest economic power. It is therefore hard to believe that from 1850-1947, this powerhouse had been a British colony. Though there had been some isolated regional struggles for independence, it was a seemingly insignificant 'March To The Sea' protest organized 83 years ago by civil rights leader Mohandas Gandhi, that instigated a countrywide nationalist movement. This eventually, led to the birth of India as an independent nation....

In February 2013, US multimillionaire Dennis Tito announced that his non-profit organization, Inspiration Mars Foundation, was planning to sponsor two 'qualified' people for a flyby to Mars in 2018. While one would think that an announcement this ambitious from a man whose closest encounter with Space has been as the first paying guest of the International Space Station would arouse some skepticism, such is not the case....

Asian countries seem to have the most fun when it comes to celebrations. This was amply demonstrated last week when Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Burma ushered in their cultural New Year, with a giant, free-for-all, water fight!...

Given that it has been over 20 years since the body of Otzi the Iceman was found, one would think that scientists had discovered all they could, about this Neanderthal who inhabited the earth some 5,300 years ago. Turns out the one thing they had not examined was his teeth, and what they discovered, would make any dentist cringe!...

After being slammed by severe winter storms, some areas of the East Coast of the United States are now getting ready for another onslaught - This time, from the millions of cicadas that are about to emerge from the ground for the final three months of their lives....

Though the inventor's original reason for creating bubble wrap to use as textured wallpaper or greenhouse insulator never quite took off, many other unexpected uses ranging from an advent-like calendar to a dancing mat, sure have. However, none come even close to what Toronto-based artist Bradley Hart is using it for - A canvas upon which to create stunning portraits and landscape mosaics!...

On April 8th, 2013, the world mourned the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who passed away after suffering from a stroke at the age of 87. Besides being the country's longest serving leader (1979 to 1990) in the 20th century, she was the first woman to lead a Western democracy. During her 11-year reign, the strong-willed woman, who was nicknamed 'Iron Lady' by leaders of the former Soviet Union, made some hard-charging decisions for which she was loved and loathed in equal measures....

April 15th, marks the 101st anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Dubbed 'The ship of dreams', the luxury cruise liner was like no other. Considered an engineering marvel, the 11-story structure was not only the largest ship to ever grace the seas, but also, one that featured unrivaled grandeur and amenities. It is therefore not surprising that the sinking of the 50,000-ton behemoth within days after its launch, continues to capture the interest of people across all ages, even today....

Though April 1st, better known as April Fool's Day, is technically not a holiday, it is highly anticipated each year, especially by people who like to pull pranks. The origin of this tradition is a little sketchy. Some believe that the light-hearted fun began in 1582, when the Julian calendar (which began the New Year in April), was replaced with today's Gregorian calendar. Others maintain that it was a way to mark the change of seasons. No matter how it all started, the day can be a lot of fun!...