HOW TO DO WELL IN EXAMS

 Tips to score good marks 

Almost everyone faces examinations at one juncture or the other. A few people fare well whereas others perform only moderately well. Don't think that your ability is worse than them. If you start organising from today, you too can do well in the examinations. 

Here are some interesting tips that will help you to score good marks. There is no short cut to success. For this reason, you have to study well first of all. 

Never fear or hate exam: The first thing that you must remember is that exams are not conducted with the intention to catch you out. An exam is only meant to assess whether you have a concise understanding of the subject or not. So leave all your fears and free your mind before starting to study. You have to be confident and it is the most essential power you should have for attaining victory.

Prepare a good time table: Prepare a time table before starting to study. This should include all the subjects but may not be with equal priority. Tough subjects can be given more time and easier ones less but most importantly, some time shall be allotted for entertainment and also there should be sufficient intervals between each subject.

Select a proper atmosphere for studying: Study atmosphere has a very important role. Can anyone study well while watching TV? So select a place where you feel comfortable. That is where you feel relaxed and can concentrate. If possible, make a small notice board with self instructions. 

Organise study materials: Make the study zone neat. Pick up the specific book and notes you want to study for the particular session. Pick up the supportive materials like pencil or scale. Keep the books of other subjects away from your eyesight so that you won't be upset about the things you have to learn. 

Utilize golden hours: You have to identify your golden hours. It is a block of 3 to 4 hours in which you will find it more comfortable to concentrate. For most of you, it may be 3 am to 7 am when all the surroundings will be in silence. Some of you will be night birds who prefer 8 pm to 12 pm. Your concentration in the golden hours really counts. 

Sit straight: This is so important that you have to sit in a proper manner while studying. Don't study on bed or lying on a chair. Instead sit straight. Keep your spinal cord straight. And try to place your legs parallel to ground, a little bit raised from the ground. 

Make notes while studying: While studying make small notes so that you can remember all the points while doing revision. An ideal note shall include all important formulae and figures and also other important points. It will be a lot worth if you use this for the revision in the last one or two hours.

Sleep well and eat well: You have to sleep well. A sound sleep for 6 hours is ideal for energetic preparation. Even the night before the exam you have to sleep well, at least for 5 hours. And have your food as in your daily diet. Don't fast on the exam day. This will have reverse effect, so it's advisable to have food properly. And don't forget to have a glass of water before you go to bed. It's essential to keep your brain cells charged.

Present well: Presentation is the major factor that affects your marks. Teachers may not be able to read all you have written. Remember they are going through 30 to 40 papers. They will scan for points. So try to present answers in points. In essay answers don't forget to underline the important points. Your hand writing also affects your marks. Try to write neatly. And care shall be taken so that you manage time well and are able to attend all questions. If there is any question out of syllabus, you just attend it. Usually full marks are awarded for such questions.

Believe in you: The last but not the least is your self confidence. Recall your best things and have a positive self talk. A one minute prayer or meditation can give immense energy and peace to your mind. And it is much important that you are confident about what you can do and it will always produce pleasant results.

If you are serious in your studies for the next few months/years of your life, then the remaining part of your life will be fruitful. So start organising from this moment and try your best.

INDIAN FOLK ART

Patua Art

India, with its diverse cultures and traditions, holds a rich artistic heritage. Among the vibrant art forms, the world of Patua artists stands out, offering a captivating journey into storytelling through vivid colours and intricate details.

Patua artists are traditional artists found in India and Bangladesh, particularly in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. Also known as Chitrakar, meaning 'scroll painter' in Bengali, they have a fascinating history rooted in engraving metal idols, as Patua comes from the Bengali word Pota, meaning engraver.

Their origin dates back to around the 13th century, and despite many being followers of Islam, their traditional occupation involved painting Hindu idols. Patuas later became renowned for their beautiful scroll paintings, known as patras. These scrolls typically depict mangal stories, which are auspicious tales of Gods and Goddesses, mythological heroes and folk legends.

Patuas were not only chitrakars or artists, but also were traditionally travelling storytellers. They would visit villages accompanied by musical instruments unfurling their patras and singing stories. This served as a form of entertainment as well as education, taking myths, moral lessons and historical accounts to the local communities.

While traditional patras remain important, today’s Patua artists are adapting their skills to changing situations. They now create paintings on canvas and murals on walls. Their art showcases social issues, environmental concerns and modern stories alongside the age-old legends. Despite facing challenges like the decline of traditional storytelling and thereby the resultant economic hardships, their art gains recognition through exhibitions and support efforts.

Beyond being artists, Patuas are custodians of a rich cultural heritage, preserving traditions through their vibrant and captivating art. Exploring their work offers a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty and history of their unique artistic expression.

INCREDIBLE BENEFITS OF

 Carrots

 

Every time you consume something, you are either inviting a disease or preventing it. Hence, it is important to cultivate healthy eating habits that are sustainable.

Carrots are not only delicious vegetables but also a good source of several nutrients including beta carotene and fibre. In fact, carrots were first grown as medicine (and not as food).

Researchers are breeding carrots in different colours – including yellow, bright red and dark orange – to make them more appealing.

What are the health benefits of eating carrots? Keep reading to find out.

1. Helps to prevent cancer: Carrots contain numerous phytochemicals that are well-studied for their anti-cancer properties. A few of these compounds include beta-carotene and other carotenoids. These compounds promote immunity and activate certain proteins that inhibit cancer cells. 

2. Boosts eye health: Carrots have been regarded as the fool-proof traditional remedy to improve eyesight. Carrots are rich in lutein and lycopene which help maintain good eyesight and night vision. The high amount of vitamin A in it also helps boost a healthy eyesight.

3. Aids weight loss: The significant amount of dietary fiber in carrots plays an important role in maintaining good digestive health. Fibre takes the longest time to digest and thus promotes a feeling of fullness and prevents you from bingeing on other fatty foods.

4. Lowers blood pressure: Carrots lower the levels of bad cholesterol. Carrots are packed with potassium. Potassium helps relax the tension in your blood vessels and arteries, which enhances the blood circulation and brings down your rising BP. High blood pressure is linked to conditions like atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks. So load up on carrots for a step towards a healthier heart.

5. Boosts skin health: The juicy red wonders can help give your skin a radiant glow too. Apart from the beta carotene, lutein and lycopene, the high silicon content of the root can promote healthy skin and nails. To make the most of its nutrition, have them raw. 

6. Boosts immunity: Carrots are packed with various vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants such as vitamins B6 and K, potassium, phosphorous etc. which contribute to bone health, stronger nervous system and help improve brain power. The anti-oxidants, apart from helping the body against free radical damage, guard the body against harmful bacteria, viruses and inflammation. 

So what are you waiting for? Load up on carrots and make the most of their health benefits.

STORY TIME

Shine Bright In Your Own Way

A Samurai, who was known for his nobility, went to visit a monk for his advice. When the monk had finished his prayers, the Samurai asked, “Why do I feel so inferior? I have faced death many times and have defended those who are weak. Nevertheless, I felt that my life was unimportant upon seeing you meditating.”

“Wait. Once I have attended to all those who come to see me today, I shall answer you,” replied the monk. 

The Samurai spent the whole day sitting in the temple garden, watching the people go in and out in search of advice. He saw how the monk received them all with the same patience and illuminated smile on his face. At nightfall, when everyone had gone, he requested, “Now can you explain my dilemma to me?”

The master invited him inside and led him to his room. The full moon shone in the sky, and the atmosphere was one of profound tranquility. 

“Do you see the moon and how beautiful it is? It will cross the entire sky by daybreak, and tomorrow the sun will shine again, as always. But sunlight is much brighter and can show the details of the landscape around us: trees, mountains, clouds, etc. I have contemplated the two for years, yet have never heard the moon ask: ‘Why do I not shine like the sun?’ 

“Is this because the moon is inferior? Tell me, son.”

“Of course not,” answered the Samurai. 

“The moon and the sun are totally different things; each one has its own beauty and role. Therefore, you cannot compare the two.”

The monk replied, “Right. So you now know the answer. Understand that we are two different people, each persevering for what we believe in and making it possible to make the world a better place - each in our own different ways.”

A NATIONAL PARK WITH A RICH HISTORICAL PAST

Bandhavgarh National Park 

The Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, rich in scenic beauty and steeped in the mystique of centuries, offers a spectacular treat not only for nature lovers, but also for history and mythology enthusiasts.

Located in Umaria district on the north-eastern border of Madhya Pradesh, about 200 km from Jabalpur, the park is distinguished by the fact that though smaller in size than the state’s other national parks, it has the highest density of tiger population in India. Once the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Rewa, the area is also known as the ‘land of white tigers’. 

It was here that the white tiger was first spotted and introduced to the world in 1951 by Maharaja Martand Singh. He captured and domesticated a white tiger cub, naming it Mohan, and went on to breed more white tigers and export the cubs to distant countries. Hence, all the white tigers that can be found today in various zoos worldwide - trace their origin back to Mohan.

Bandhavgarh National Park is rich in history. Right in its midst stands the eponymous Bandhavgarh hill, where a 2000-year-old fort, believed to be built by the Gond kings, can be found. Successive dynasties have ruled from this fort. Legend has it that the hill was gifted by Ram to his younger brother, Lakshman, at a vantage point from where he could keep an eye on Lanka. Bandhav means ‘brother’ – hence the name ‘Bandhavgarh’, literally ‘Brother’s fort’.

Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968 and designated a tiger reserve in 1993. The vegetation in the park consists of deciduous forests, with the predominant species being the Sal tree (Shorea robusta), interspersed with dense clumps of bamboo throughout the reserve. The park has three core (central) zones –Tala, Magdhi, and Khitauli –which together cover an area of716 sq km. The oldest of these and the richest in terms of biodiversity is the Tala zone which is characterised by towering Sal forests, hillocks, and grasslands.

The highlights of this zone include the Bandhavgarh fort, the Chakradhara and Rajbhera meadows (which offer excellent wildlife sightings), and an ancient Vishnu statue known as Shesh Shaiya, at the feet of which originates the Charan Ganga river – the park’s lifeline. Magdhi zone consists of grassland and mixed forest cover, and has many natural watering holes where tigers gather. Khitauli is a dry to deciduous forest zone that is good for sighting the tiger, nilgai, four-horned antelope, and chinkara. Some twenty odd streams rise or flow through the reserve, ultimately joining theriver Son, an important southern tributary of the Ganga. 

Apart from the tiger for which it is famous, Bandhavgarh National Park is home to more than 22 species of mammals and 250 bird species. Animals spotted here include the common langur, rhesus macaque, Asiatic jackal, Bengal fox, sloth bear, striped hyena, Indian leopard, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, chinkara, and gaur. Birds observed include the painted sandgrouse, golden oriole, coppersmith barbet, redwattled lapwing, Alexandrine parakeet, white-throated kingfisher, painted francolin, Eurasian collared dove, lesser spotted eagle and Malabar pied hornbill.

NATIONAL TREE OF SOCOTRA ISLAND

 Dragon's blood tree

Do you know that there’s a tree that seems to ooze blood? It’s true! Welcome to Socotra Island, nestled in the Arabian Sea, where the extraordinary Dragon’s blood tree resides. This unique tree gets its name from the red sap it produces, resembling the colour of blood.

As you explore this unique part of Yemen, you’ll encounter these extraordinary trees with an upturned umbrella-shaped appearance and densely packed crowns. Their leaves are a rare sight, found only at the ends of the youngest branches and the leaves are shed every 3 or 4 years.

You might wonder if the blood-like sap is harmful, but fear not! The sap isn’t harmful to humans and has been used for centuries in Socotran and Yemeni medicine for treating wounds and skin conditions. Reaching a height of 20-30 meters, these majestic trees with long, narrow leaves growing in a spiral pattern have earned the title of the National Tree of Socotra Island. The tree is considered sacred and plays a crucial role in island ceremonies and rituals.

Despite its significance, it’s now a threatened species due to habitat loss, livestock grazing, and climate change. Socotra is a UNESCO world heritage site, and efforts are underway to protect its unique flora and fauna. These resilient trees, with a lifespan of up to 650 years, are challenged by habitat loss, livestock grazing, and the impact of climate change.

This captivating tale serves as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of safeguarding our planet’s natural wonders. Let’s unite in protecting the treasures that make our Earth extraordinary!

26 January

Republic day

 

The word Republic is used to denote that a country in which the supreme power is held by the people or their elected representatives (politicians) or by an elected or nominated President not by a permanent head like the King or queen of Britain. India is one of the important republican countries of the world. In India, the Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26th January with great pomp and pageant. The Republic Day is enthusiastically observed by citizens as one of the important national festivals of India. This national festival is also celebrated all over the country and all the administrative units like the capital cities, district headquarters, sub-divisions, panchayats and educational institutions with a lot of fervor. 

Why 26th January?

On the 26th day in January of 1950, which is one of the memorable days in Indian history, the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly sovereign state. On that day, the people of India finally realised the dream of numerous freedom fighters who fought for and sacrificed their lives for the independence of our motherland. The Republic Day is a national holiday of India to mark the adoption of the constitution of India and the transition of India from the British dominion to a republic on 26th January, 1950. It is always a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who dedicated their lives for the freedom movement and the succeeding wars. On the Republic Day, the independence pledge of nationalists is renewed. The Republic Day is without speeches. It is the only ceremony in which rhetoric is in the background and visuals are given priority. This national festival at Delhi and the state capitals revolves around the parade in which all the Defence, N.C.C., school children and cultural groups participate followed by a display of tableaux and folk dances. 

Salient features of the constitution: 

After a grand struggle, India achieved her long-cherished freedom on 15th August, 1947 from the British rule. The Independence Day, August 15th is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the world’s biggest democracy as a great national festival. India was governed by a constitution, which was framed by the Britishers previously. It was the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress at midnight of 31st December, 1929, the congress President Jawaharlal Nehru announced the congress policy that Complete Independence was the goal of India. It was to be ‘Complete freedom from British domination and imperialism´. In that historic session, Mahatma Gandhi also moved his famous resolution on ‘Purna Swaraj’. The resolution on Purna Swaraj was passed by the congress on the last day of the year 1929. The tricolour National flag, signifying independence, was unfurled by the Congress President Jawaharlal Nehru as the thunderous shouts of ‘Inquilab Zindabad´ or long live the resolution greeted the occasion from countless throats. The 26 January, 1930 was initially observed by nationalists as the day of Purna Swaraj or Complete Independence. The nationalists also took the independence pledge on that memorable day. The pledge declared ‘freedom as the inalienable right of the Indian people´ and criticised the foreign Government for ruling India. Arising out of Gandhi’s serious thought, a pledge had been taken that every year on January 26, the Republic Day would be celebrated and that the people would unceasingly strive for the establishment of a Sovereign, Democratic Republic of India. Although, India achieved its independence on August 15, 1947, it did not have a permanent constitution. A Constituent Assembly had been entrusted with the task of framing a new constitution for free India. On August 29, 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent Constitution with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the Chairman. A Draft constitution was prepared by the Committee and submitted to the Assembly on November 4, 1947. The Assembly met, in session open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on January 24, 1950. Two days later, the Constitution of India became the law of all the Indian lands. The constitution of India came into effect only on 26th January, 1950. Following the date January 26 ,1950, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the President of India. This was, in fact, a deliberate act signing the Constitution on 26th January, to mark and respect the freedom fighters who wanted 26th January as India’s initial Independence Day. Hence, India finally declared herself as a Republic State on 26th January,1950. 

Celebration of the republic Day at the national capital:

To mark the importance of the occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital New Delhi, from the Raisina hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace), along the Kartavya Path, past India Gate and on the Historic Red Fort. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air-force participate in the parade with their finery and official decorations even the horses of the cavalry are attractively caparisoned to suit the occasion. The President takes salute at an impressive parade. Then, he comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the fields and also the civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valour in different situations. The parade is followed by a spectacular tableau from different states of the country. The Parade is also an occasion for the display of India’s military strength and a number of arms, ammunitions, tanks and fighter aircrafts, some of them indigenously developed, are paraded. The latest war weapons move slowly by the saluting base. The band plays martial tunes. 

National Identity elements:

National Song: Vande Mataram,

Currency Symbol: ₹

National Anthem: Jana-Gana-Mana,

The National Flag: Tricolor

National Bird: Peacock

National Animal: Tiger

DO YOU KNOW

 How Many Time Zones Are There In The World?

     There are 24 time zones in the world. This signifies that the Earth is divided into 24 'slices', and each time zone moves on one hour from the previous time zone.

     Time Zone One is that of Greenwich and, Universal Time (UT) which serves as a reference to the whole world is calculated from this. 

     To the west of Greenwich (towards America) the time decreases; to the east (towards Asia and Australia) the time increases.

THE FIRST QUEEN WHO FOUGHT AGAINST THE BRITISH

Velu Nachiyar

Rani Velu Nachiyar was an 18th century Tamil Queen of Sivaganga estate in South India. She is regarded as the first queen who fought against the British colonial power in India. She is also credited as the first person to apply human bomb.

Velu Nachiyar was born on January 3, 1730 as a princess of Ramanathapuram. She was the daughter ofChellamuthu Sethupathy. Nachiyar was trained in martial arts like Valari,Silambam, horse riding and archery. She was a scholar in many languages and she had proficiency in languages like French, English and Urdu.

She married the king of Siva Gangai and they had a daughter - Vellachi Nachiar. When her husband Muthuvaduganatha Udaiyathevar was killed by a few British soldiers, she was drawn into battle. 

She escaped with her daughter, lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period she formed an army and sought an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. 

In 1780 Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British face-to-face and won the battle. When she came to know about the ammunition store of the British, she arranged for a suicide attack. A loyal follower of the queen, Kuyili drenched herself with ghee and then set herself on fire before jumping into armoury and blowing it up. Kuyili is regarded as the first suicide bomber in the world.

Nachiar was one of the few rulers who regained her kingdom from the British invaders and ruled it for 10 more years till she died on 25th December 1796.

FUSION OF ANCIENT FAITH AND MODERN SCIENCE

 Marvel of modern engineering: Ram Mandir of Ayodhya

     The construction of Ram Mandir, a grand structure is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama.

The temple is a marvel of modern engineering, designed not to just withstand the strongest earthquakes and most intense flooding, but endure for a millennium. 

Let's take a look at what went into constructing the grand temple.

Constructed by Larsen and Toubro with management by Tata Consulting Engineers Limited, the Ram Temple is a result of meticulous planning and innovative construction techniques.

The temple's design, inspired by traditional Nagara style architecture, incorporates 360 pillars and is made entirely of stone, moving away from the more modern iron, steel, or even cement.

This decision was made to enhance the structure's earthquake resistance, as stone has a longer lifespan and better durability compared to other materials.

One of the most significant scientific innovations in the temple's construction is its foundation. 

The temple is built on a 15-meter thick layer of rolled compacted concrete, which includes 56 layers of compacted concrete made from fly ash, dust, and chemicals.

This robust base is further reinforced by a 21-foot thick plinth of granite, designed to protect the temple from moisture. 

The foundation's pillars are likened to those supporting mammoth bridges over mighty rivers, ensuring the temple's robustness against seismic activity.

The construction process also involved unique challenges, such as maintaining the temperature of self-compacting concrete at 18 degrees below ambient temperature during pouring. 

To achieve this, on-site ice crushing plants were utilised, and the foundation was filled only at night to minimise the impact of external temperatures.  

These measures were part of the many innovations that marked the construction of the temple, which required the expertise of a team of 150 engineers and thousands of workers.

The temple's design is capable of enduring an earthquake of up to magnitude 6.5, and is projected not to need repairs for 1,000 years. The team measured historical earthquake intensity in the region stretching from Ayodhya to Nepal and simulated it in the laboratory to design a unique foundation for the temple.

Based on the advice of the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai, engineers dug the ground 15 meters removing the top soil, which is believed to be clayey. It was then filled with the re-engineered soil.

The re-engineered soil used for the foundation can solidify into stone within 14 days, with a total of 47 layers carefully laid during the construction process.

The Director of CISR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee praised the use of stone in the temple's construction, noting that it lasts longer than other materials and avoids the issue of rusting iron.

Engineers also looked into flooding records of the region and confirmed that the level on which the temple is being constructed is safe from any future flooding.

Furthermore, the temple features a unique noon reflection mechanism, designed by CBRI, which directs sunlight onto the idols' foreheads at noon during Ram Navami, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees.

The temple is a marvel of modern engineering, being designed not just to withstand the strongest earthquakes and most intense flooding, but to endure for a millennium.

The newly constructed structure is being hailed as the amalgamation of spirituality with scientific innovation.

In Ayodhya, a temple is rising, not just as a place of worship but as a fusion of ancient faith and modern science.

AMAZING INCA CITADEL ON A MOUNTAIN

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres above the sea level. It is located in the Cusco Region in Peru.

Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). It is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization.

Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary structures are the Inti Watana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. 

Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.

THE MASTER KEY TO SUCCESS

 Self-discipline

Your ability to develop the habit of self-discipline will contribute more to your success than any other quality of character.

Napoleon Hill, after interviewing 500 of the richest people in America, concluded saying, “Self-discipline is the master key to riches.”

Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do, what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like doing it or not.

There are 7 disciplines you can develop that will improve every area of your life. 

Goal Setting: Every morning, take 3 to 5 minutes to write out your top goals in the present tense. By writing out your 10 goals at the beginning of each day, you are stimulating your mind. Throughout the day, you will see opportunities and possibilities to move more rapidly towards your goals. 

Planning and Organising: Take a few minutes, preferably the night before to plan out every activity of the coming day. Always work from a list. Always think on paper. This is one of the most powerful and important disciplines of all for high performance. 

Priority Setting: The essence of all, time management, personal management and life management is contained in your ability to set proper priorities and use of your time. This is essential for high performance.

Concentration on your Highest-Value Activities: Your ability to work single-mindedly on your most important task will contribute as much to your success as any other discipline you can develop. 

Exercise and Proper Nutrition: Your health is more important than anything else. By disciplining yourself to exercise regularly and to eat carefully, you will promote the highest possible levels of health and fitness throughout your life. 

Learning and Growth: Your mind is like a muscle. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field. 

Time for Important People in your Life: Relationship is everything. Be sure that in climbing the ladder of success, you do not find it leaning against the wrong building. Make time for your relationship every day. 

Action Exercise: Begin today to practise self-discipline in every area of your life. Persist in this practice until self-discipline comes to you as automatically and as easily as breathing in and breathing out. Your future will be guaranteed.

MOST FASCINATING OBJECTS IN OUTER SPACE

Black holes

What is a black hole? 

Black holes are some of the strangest and most fascinating objects found in the outer space. They are objects of extreme density, with such strong gravitational attraction that they eat up everything around them including light. This can happen when a star is dying.

What gives them the enormous power?

Have you ever used vacuum cleaner in your home? When you do, watch closely because you will see the dirt and crumbs start moving towards the vacuum cleaner. A black hole is similar to a vacuum cleaner, cleaning up the debris that is left behind in the outer space. Instead of suction power, a black hole uses the power of gravity to pull things towards it.

How big are black holes?

Black holes can be big or small. Scientists think the smallest black holes are as small as just one atom. Another kind of black hole is called 'Stellar.' Its mass can be up to 20 times more than the mass of the Sun. Stellar black holes are made when the centre of a very big star falls in upon itself or collapses. The largest black holes are called 'supermassive.' These black holes have mass that is more than 1 million Suns put together have.. The supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy is called Sagittarius A. It has a mass equal to about 4 million Suns. 

Could a black hole destroy Earth?

Black holes do not go around in space, eating stars and planets. Earth will not fall into a black hole because no black hole is close enough to the solar system for Earth to do that. The Sun will never turn into a black hole. The Sun is not a big enough star to make a black hole.

The first image of a black hole: 

Since no light can get out, people can't see black holes. They are invisible. Space telescopes with special tools can help find black holes.

The Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-scale array of eight ground-based radio telescope forged through international collaboration, captured the image of the supermassive black hole in the centre of the galaxy M87 and its shadow.

This historic photo of a black hole, previously thought impossible to capture, was named ‘the top scientific breakthrough of 2019 by the journal Science.

WORLD'S WILDEST WHIRLPOOL

 Saltstraumen

Just 30 kilometers from the town of Bodo, you will find one of the most amazing places in Northern Norway. 

Saltstraumen in Norway is the world’s strongest whirlpool and the most powerful tidal current on earth. Every 6 hours when the tide changes you can play witness to an astonishing display of Mother Nature’s brute forces here at Saltstraumen. This is the world’s strongest maelstrom with 400 million cubic meters of water pushing through a narrow strait that separates the islands of Knaplundsoya and Straumsoya.

The strait spans 3 kilometers but is only 150 meters wide at the smallest point. When the tide changes, you can witness impressive surges as the water rushes to move between the massive Skjerstadfjord to the outer Saltfjord.

It is beyond mesmerising to watch as the water tries to move in or out, depending on the time of the day. Beautiful swirling whirlpools are created and water bubbles up in huge powerful pushes.

DISCOVERY OF THE FIRST MIRACLE DRUG

Insulin

In the spring of 1921, Frederick Banting moved into a 7-foot by 9-foot flat in Toronto, with little more than an idea.

Against the advice of his well-wishers, he left behind a struggling medical practice to pursue research at the University of Toronto. He had absolutely no research background nor expertise. However, he was certain he had an idea that could change diabetes treatment.

A Real Motivation: He had a real motivation. As a youngster, he’d watched his 14-year old friend, Jane, wither away and die from diabetes. This event shook him terribly and stayed with him as a motivator. His persistence paid off and his research idea proved to be true, leading to the discovery of insulin, the first true miracle drug.

Insulin: Diabetes is a disease that restricts the body’s ability to produce or to use insulin. Insulin is produced in the pancreas of healthy individuals and is crucial for the regulation of blood sugar (glucose specifically) levels. In Banting's days, no one had ever heard of insulin or knew where it came from or what it did. Banting’s hypothesis was that a specific part of the pancreas produced a substance that could treat diabetes.

Research Involving Dogs: Banting began working in the laboratory of J.J.R. Macleod at the University of Toronto. Despite everyone’s lack of belief, he set out to test his idea of deriving a secretion from a particular area of the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans. Banting and his assistant, Charles Best, began operating on 10 dogs. After repeated trials, the results were stunning, although temporary.

Coining The Drug: Banting and Best coined the term “isletin” for their extract. Excited, they added a chemist to their team and began producing more 'isletin' so that they could perform larger trials. The University at this point renamed it “insulin”.

Human Testing: Banting now turned his attention towards human testing. But first, they tested it on themselves to convince themselves of its safety. In January of 1922, they tested their solution on their first human patient – a 14 year old boy. The young boy showed immediate improvement. Further testing confirmed its effectiveness, and diabetes finally had a life-saving treatment.

Mass Production: Building on this success, Banting reached back into his childhood once again, and used his farm upbringing to switch his studies to cattle, which were readily available in great quantities.

This allowed for mass production of insulin, resulting in millions of lives saved and countless lives enhanced.

Later Years: In 1941, during WW I, Banting decided to fly to England to conduct a few operational tests with the British medical services. His flight crashed en-route to his destination and Banting succumbed to injuries. His brilliant career as a lifesaving scientist ended all too soon at the age of 49.

With the countless honours and symbolic awards he achieved, he, in fact, went on to gift the greatest and the most priceless prize to humanity in the form of ‘insulin’ that is saving lives even today.

CHEMICALS VITAL FOR LIFE

 Vitamins

     Vitamins are organic compounds that are vital for life. Vitamins are essential for the maintenance of good health and the prevention of a number of diseases. They are found in a wide variety of foods. A balanced diet should provide you with the adequate quantities of vitamins you need. 

There are 13 major vitamins: A,C,D,E,K and 8 varieties of B.

Vitamin A (retinol)

Benefits : Vitamin A prevents eye problems, promotes a healthy immune system. It is essential for the growth of cells. It keeps the skin healthy.

Sources : Good sources of vitamin A are milk, eggs, liver, fortified cereals, vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin and fruits such as papayas and mangos. 

Vitamin B complex: The complex of B vitamins includes the group of substances: 

B1, B2, B3: The body requires relatively small amounts of vitamins B1(thiamin), B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin). 

B6, B12: Vitamins B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamins) are vital nutrients in a range of activities such as cell repair, digestion and protection of the immune system. 

B5, B7, B9: Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is involved in the oxidation of fatty acids and carbohydrates. Vitamin B7 (biotin) plays a key role in the metabolism of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. Viamin B9 (folic acid) is needed for normal cell division, especially at times of rapid growth. 

Sources : The best dietary sources of the B vitamins are: milk, eggs, fish, animal products, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, bananas, potatoes, dried apricots, dates and figs, cheese, yoghurt, nuts and pulses, brown rice, wheat germ and wholegrain cereals.

Vitamin C (Ascorbate)

Benefits : Vitamin C is essential for healthy bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels. It helps the body absorb iron, aids in the healing of wounds and contributes to brain function.

Sources : You'll find high levels of vitamin C in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, guava, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and spinach.

Vitamin D (calciferol)

Benefits : Vitamin D strengthens bones because it helps the body absorb bone-building calcium.

Sources : This vitamin is unique — your body manufactures it when you get sunlight on your skin! You can also get vitamin D from egg yolk, oily fish and fortified foods like milk, soy milk and orange juice.

Vitamin E

Benefits: Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage. It is also important for the health of red blood cells.

Sources: Vitamin E is found in many foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and whole grains.

Vitamin K

Benefits: Vitamin K is involved in the blood clotting process and in the maintenance of strong bones. It is found in small quantities in meat, most vegetables and wholegrain cereals.

Sources: Diets rich in fatty and sugary foods can adversely change the balance of the gut flora, as can the additives and pesticides that are often a part of modern food production.

DO YOU KNOW

What makes the sound when we crack our knuckles?

Your joints, including those in your knuckles, are surrounded by a membrane called the synovial membrane. Inside this membrane is synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant and shock absorber so that your bones don’t grind together when you move.

When you 'crack' your knuckles or any other joint, it expands the space between your bones, creating negative pressure that draws synovial fluid into the new gap.

This influx of synovial fluid is what causes the popping sound and feeling when you crack a knuckle. If you continually crack your knuckles, it may cause some injuries.

FREEDOM FROM FEAR

   FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real 

    When a motivational guru was addressing the students of a leading school, a girl asked this question : “Sir, I am always afraid of exams. How can I overcome exam fear?”

     He reverted to her with another question : “Which is the best way to eat an elephant? Is it as a whole or one spoon at a time?" 

     After some thought, she replied, "Of course, one spoon at a time!”

     The guru said, "None of us would actually want to eat an elephant, but it gives a metaphorical picture of how we can get things done without feeling frightened!”

     He added, “Sometimes, the whole thing just looks too big to be tackled. But when you break it into smaller tasks, it becomes achievable. If you make a plan of preparation and adhere to it strictly, exam will be a cake walk for you.” 

    The girl thanked the guru for giving a paradigm shift in her views about exams.

     There are many types of fears like exam fear, stage fear, fear of criticism, fear of rejection, fear of failure etc. In fearful situations, the heart beats quickly, the body might begin to perspire, and "butterflies" in the stomach soon follow.

     But most of our fears are myths. If you analyze, 90 percent of your past fears which threatened you at those times passed away just like a mist.

     The word FEAR itself is an acronym with the expansion “False Evidence Appearing Real.”

     The future belongs to the risk takers, not to the security seekers. The moment you are armed with a plan of attack, you become capable of conquering any adventurous task.

     You are a born genius. You are a success material. Hence throw away all types of fears and become an adventurous person from today.

A TRUE WONDER OF NATURE

Bird Migration 

     Bird migration is one of the most astonishing feats in nature. Some birds fly thousands of kilometers non-stop braving rough weather and other hazards! Their strength and bravery are to be admired and respected.

     For centuries the study of bird migration has been riddled with mystery and unanswered questions: Where do birds go? How far do they fly? Why do birds fly in V formation? Scientists are tapping new technologies to find the answers.

What is Migration? Migration is the movement of a bird or an animal from one region to another. This happens at regular periods of time, and during a particular season. Somebirds migrate across oceans, mountains and the equator.

Why do birds migrate? The reasons are complex and not fully understood. But a simple explanation is food and a safe place to breed. Birds migrate to a warmer climate in the winter to avoid losing their food supply under snow and ice.

How fast do migratory birds fly? Great Snipe is the fastest migratory bird ever discovered. Scientists found that the birds fly non-stop over a distance of around 7000 km from Sweden to Central Africa at a phenomenal speed of 100km per hour.

How high do birds fly? The highest honours go to a Ruppell’s griffon vulture. Alas, while cruising over the Ivory Coast at an altitude of 37,900 feet in 1975, this poor soul was sucked into a jet engine. That’s one high and mighty trip.

What’s the record for the longest migration on the planet? The Arctic Tern (Sterna Paradisaea) is an elegant flyer performing an annual long-distance migration between the Arctic and the Antarctica and back. The longest journey recorded for the Tern was 81,600 km. The Arctic Tern has the longest annual migration of all the animals in the world. When added up over a lifetime, the total journey for the bird is the equivalent of three trips to the moon and back.

How long do migratory birds fly non-stop? Some birds fly for several days in a row without stopping, sleeping or eating! The Bar-tailed Godwit was named the ‘endurance champion of the animal kingdom’ after it completed a nine-day non-stop 11,000 kilometer flight across the Pacific Ocean.

How do birds find their way? Navigation is complicated because it requires three things: birds must know their current location, their destination and the direction they must take to get there. Birds acquire directional information from five primary sources: (1) topographic features like hills, rivers and buildings (2) stars (3) sun (4) Earth’s magnetic field and (5) odours. 

     When the sky is cloudy and birds cannot see the sun or stars, they rely on their sense for the Earth’s magnetic field. They are sensitive to the angle at which lines of magnetic force meet the Earth’s surface, which changes at different latitudes. Some birds that were captured, shipped to areas outside of their flyway, and released have still been able to reorient themselves and fly to their original destination! 

Why do birds fly in V formation?

    One of the joys of the changing seasons is watching migratory birds make their journey in the impressive V formation. Migratory birds take advantage of each other’s wingtip vortices by flying in a V formation. It helps all other birds except the leader to fly easily in the up-wash from the wing of the bird ahead.

     The first bird in the pointing tip of V has to work the hardest since it flies through undisturbed air. When the lead bird is tired, it will move out of the lead position and fall back into one of the lines of the V. Another bird will rapidly move forward to take the lead position to maintain the V formation.

How do the birds prepare themselves for migration? The endurance displayed by the migratory birds is amazing. Eating right and gaining endurance seems to be the buzzword of birds prior to migration, according to the latest research.

     Tiny Sandpiper which migrates 3000 km with 3 days of non-stop flight has an amazing feat of endurance among the small birds. Just before the onset of migration, the sandpipers start eating mud shrimp. Mud Shrimp is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Within a short period of two weeks this frantic eating doubles the sandpiper’s bodyweight.

     Bird migration is one of nature’s greatest miracles. It is fun to observe these tiny creatures and to know about their bravery and stamina. The epic flights of migratory birds connect us all - crossing our borders, cultures and lives.

VISIONARY AND PHILOSOPHER

Swami Vivekananda 

     Swami Vivekananda (12 Jan 1863 ~ 4 Jul 1902)  was born Narendranath Datta in Kolkata to Bhubaneswari Devi and Vishwanath, an attorney at Calcutta High Court. His grandfather, Durgacharan was a Sanskrit and Persian scholar who left family and became a monk at the age of twenty five. 

     The progressive, rational attitude of his father and, religious and spiritual nature of his mother shaped his thinking and personality. He was an avid reader of a wide range of subjects: philosophy, religion, history, social science, art and literature.

     He read Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. He was trained in Indian classical music and regularly participated in physical exercise and sports. He displayed an amazing capacity for memory.

     He learnt Western logic, Western philosophy & European history at General Assembly's Institution (now Scottish Church College). In 1884, he completed Bachelor of Arts degree.

     He studied works of David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Baruch Spinoza, Georg W. F. Hegel, Arthur Schopenhauer, Auguste Comte, John Stuart Mill and Charles Darwin. He became fascinated with evolutionism of Herbert Spencer and corresponded with him, translating his book 'Education' into Bengali.

     At university, he was connected to Western philosophy, Christianity and science. Social reform became focus of his thought. He joined Brahmo Samaj, dedicated to eliminating child marriage and to spread education among women and lower castes. He became disciple of Ramakrishna.

     He initially saw Ramakrishna's ecstasies and visions as 'hallucinations'. As member of Brahmo Samaj, he opposed idol worship, polytheism and Ramakrishna's worship of Kali. He tested Ramakrishna, who faced his arguments asking him to 'Try to see the truth from all angles'.

     His father's death in 1884 left the family bankrupt; creditors began demanding repayment of loans and relatives threatened to evict the family from their ancestral home. He unsuccessfully tried to find work and questioned God's existence, but found solace in Ramakrishna.

     In 1885, Ramakrishna developed throat cancer. He and other disciples took care of him during his last days. Ramakrishna asked him to care of other disciples and told them to see Narendra as their leader. Ramakrishna died on 16 August 1886.

     In December 1886, he and eight other monks went to Antpur and took formal monastic vows. He then took the name Swami Vivekananda. In 1888, he left the monastery as a Parivrajaka - a wandering monk. His possessions were a kamandalu (water pot), staff and two favourite books: Bhagavad Gita and The Imitation of Christ.

He travelled extensively in India for 5 years, visiting centres of learning and acquainting himself with diverse religious traditions and social patterns. Living on bhiksha (alms), he travelled on foot and by railway (with tickets bought by admirers)

     During his travels he met and stayed with Indians from all religions and walks of life: scholars, dewans, rajas, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, low-caste workers and government officials.

     Stressing on universal and humanistic side of Vedas and belief in service rather than dogma, he attempted to infuse vigour into Hindu thought, placing less emphasis on prevailing pacifism and presenting Hindu spirituality to the West. He was an activating force in movement to promote Vedanta philosophy (one of six schools of Indian philosophy) in US and England.

     In 1893 he appeared in Chicago as spokesman for Hinduism at World’s Parliament of Religions and captivated audience by calling them 'Sisters & brothers of America'. Later he lectured throughout US and England.

     On return to India with a small group of Western disciples in 1897, he founded Ramakrishna Mission at monastery of Belur Math on Ganges River near Kolkata. Self-perfection and service were his ideals. He adapted and made relevant to 20th century, highest ideals of Vedantic religion and although he lived only two years into that century, he left a mark after his early exit before turning 40 years.

     A powerful orator and writer in English and Bengali, his published works were compiled from lectures. His main work, Raja Yoga is of talks delivered in New York. He was singer, painter & poet. He blended humour with his teachings & his language was lucid.

     Bartaman Bharat (Present Day India) is a Bengali essay published in March 1899, reprinted as book in 1905 and compiled into 4th volume of 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda'. In this essay he urged readers to honour and treat every Indian as a brother irrespective of poverty, religion or caste.

     National Youth Day in India is observed on his birth anniversary. 11 September (day of speech at Parliament of Religions) is celebrated as World Brotherhood Day.