THE DEVIL'S GOLD

Sulphur 

Has there ever been a chemical element more menacing than Sulphur? This shape-shifting substance can spark an explosion, brew a poison gas and concoct smells so horrible they send any nose fleeing. Yet without Sulphur there is no life. 

Represented by letter S in the periodic table, Sulphur is a non-metallic solid that is one of the few elements to occur in nature in pure form. It is the tenth most abundant element in the universe and about three percent of the earth's mass is made up of Sulphur (the equivalent of two times the size of our moon).

Sulphur is also the third most abundant element in the human body. It builds and repairs DNA and protects cells from damage. It helps the body break down, absorb and use food. Sulphur even provides strength and hydration to skin, tendons and ligaments. 

Sulphur or Sulfur? Both spellings of the word are correct. Sulfur is the American spelling and Sulphur, the British. 

Historically Sulphur has been known as "brimstone" or burning stone. As a solid and gas, Sulphur appears yellow. And when it burns it is with a blue flame. 

Some of the worst smells in the world can be traced back to Sulphur, even though Sulphur itself is odourless. It is when it gets together with other elements to form a compound, that things get pungent! Hydrogen sulphide is responsible for the distinct odour that is rotten egg. It is also the gas that is released when your food is digesting, causing those smelly burps! Mercaptans (composed of carbon, hydrogen and sulphur) give skunks their defensive stink. 

Sulphur also acts as a source of energy. Deep within dark Sulphur spring caves, bacteria draw energy from Sulphur compounds to make their own food. The walls of the caves are coated with slimy mats of bacteria scientists call 'snotties". These unusual stalactites drip sulphuric acid strong enough to burn skin or eat through clothing. 

Sulphur atoms are strongly attracted to other Sulphur atoms and when heated they form long chains that provide a plasticity that has been invaluable to industry. In the 19th century, Charles Goodyear added Sulphur to rubber tree sap to create a firm material he used to make the first tyres. The process was called "vulcanization" after Vulcan, the Roman God of fire. 

Sulphur's power has also been harnessed for more destructive means. It has been used to make gunpowder, pesticides and acids. It has also inadvertently led to such creations as "acid rain" caused by Sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. 

On the island of Java, Sulphur miners rise their lives for the "devil's gold". They descend into the bowels of an inactive volcano to chip chunks of Sulphur off stalactites, taking great care to avoid toxic yellow gases and electric blue flames. 

CRAB THAT DECORATES ITS BODY

The decorator crab

The decorator crab, as its name implies, is a species of crab that decorates its body. Its body teis covered with small, bristly hooks on which it hangs pieces of algae, sponges, coral polyps and anemones. The decoration provides it an excellent camouflage. The crab has to redecorate itself everytime it moults as the hooks get lost when the skin is shed. 

A species of decorator crab, Libinia dubia, covers itself with pieces of a poisonous brown algae that helps to deter predator fishes. This species does not adorn itself throughout life as other decorative crabs do. It stops as soon as its body grows too big to be eaten by predator fishes. 

The decorative crab is related to the hermit crab and is found in North America, from Alaska to Mexico. 

BIGGEST FESTIVAL OF LARGEST DEMOCRACY

 The 2024 Indian general election

The 2024 Indian general election has begun on April 19 and will continue until June 1, 2024. It will be the largest-ever election in the world, even bigger than the last general election of 2019. About 960 million eligible voters (out of a population of 1.4 billion) are expected to participate, which is more than the population of Europe. 

So, what iS a general election?

India is a democratic country run by an elected prime minister and other ministers. They are elected for a term of five years. After the term, elections are held to decide who should become the prime minister. These elections are called general elections. A general election is a huge event in India where people can vote to choose leaders who will make important decisions for the country. 

India follows a parliamentary form of government. This is different from a presidential form of government. In this form, people select members of parliament (MPs). These MPs in turn, decide who will become the prime minister. In the presidential form of government, people directly elect their president who runs the government. 

For the election, the country is divided into areas called constituencies or seats. India is divided into 543 constituencies. Each area votes for one person to represent them in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament. Some seats are reserved for people from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to make sure everyone has a chance to be represented. When an election happens for all the seats, it is called a general election. When it occurs only for a few seats, it is called a by-election.

The first general election was held way back in 1951–52. It was the first time Indians could vote after independence. The politicians belonging to the Indian National Congress (INC) won in most constituencies, which is why its leader, Jawaharlal Nehru, became the first elected prime minister. Since then, India has seen 17 general elections and 14 prime ministers. 

The contenders: 

The main players in the election are political parties. Think of them as teams, each with their own ideas on how to run the country. Currently, in India, there are two major parties – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the INC. There are also many smaller parties. Both BJP and INC have teamed up with these parties and formed alliances known as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A), respectively. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been in charge since 2014. People are curious to see if the BJP will continue their winning streak or if the INC will make a strong comeback. It’s really exciting to see what will happen next. 

Each party makes promises in a document called ‘manifesto’. They talk about how they will improve schools, hospitals and parks, and what they will do to make India a better place. BJP’s manifesto lies around a formula called ‘GYAN’ which focuses on four important groups – the poor (Garib), the youth (Yuva), farmers (Annadata) and women (Nari). They want to ensure that these groups have better lives with more opportunities. They will achieve this by building new schools, creating more jobs, helping farmers grow more crops, and making sure women can learn and work safely.

The Congress Party’s ‘manifesto’ involves a plan called ‘Nyay’, which means justice. They promise to take care of five important groups – the youth, women, farmers, workers and poor. They want to make sure these groups are happy and healthy.

Simultaneous State Assembly Elections: During the general election, four states – Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim – will also have their Legislative Assembly elections. 

How does Voting work?

Technology has changed elections a lot. We now have electronic voting machines (EVM) to vote instead of ballot papers. Voting is done at polling stations. People show their voter ID card and then secretly choose their favourite party on an EVM.

The entire election process is taken care of by an organisation called the Election Commission of India (ECI). The ECI is like the umpire who makes sure that elections are fair for everyone. They have a rule book called the Model Code of Conduct. This guides all political parties about what they can and cannot do during elections. For example, parties can ask people to vote but they cannot bribe them in cash or kind for votes. 

Who has Voting rights?

Any Indian citizen who is aged 18 or older has the right to vote. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from; if you are an adult, you can vote. Every vote is important because it’s a chance for the citizens to have a say in how India is run. 

India will now witness history in the making. Our voices matter, and our votes shape the destiny of our great nation. So, young citizens, pay attention to, discuss and learn about the democratic process. Because if you are 18 and above, you are the part of this incredible journey and if you below 18, you can be the messenger to spread awareness about this. You are the future of this country!

INDIAN BLACKBERRY

The Juicy Jamun

The glistening deep purple jamun, which leaves its characteristic stamp on the tongue and lips of the eater, is very popular in India. Children love the succulent sweetness of this fruit, which is also known as java plum and Indian blackberry. The jamun tree can be found all over India. 

The jamun is a hardy crop that can be grown under adverse soil and weather conditions. The tree is an evergreen that grows to a height of 30-40 feet. It can grow in many soils, but thrives best in deep loam and well-drained soils. It provides shade, and is often grown for its ornamental value. 

The jamun tree starts flowering from March to April. The flowers are fragrant and small. The fruits develop in a couple of months and are ready for picking by July-August. A well-grown tree yields 80 to 100kg of fruit. The fruit is oblong and oval-shaped, with a seed in the centre. Initially green incolour, it turns to deep red or bluish-black on maturity. It has a characteristic sweet-sour taste, and lends a purple tinge to the tongue when eaten.

The jamun can be eaten as it is, and also with salt. Further, it is processed to make varied products such as jams, jellies, preserves, and squashes. The ripe fruit is fermented to fabricate excellent quality wine, while the juice of the raw fruit is used to make vinegar. Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, the fruit is a boon for dieters and diabetics, as it contains absolutely no sucrose, and provides fewer calories in comparison with other fruits. Further, the fruit and its seed contain many medicinal properties. Research has proved that dried extracts of the seed, given to diabetics on a regular basis, help reduce the blood sugar level. The juice of the jamun is used in medicines to treat diarrhoea.

The other parts of the jamun tree also have various uses. The tree bark has high astringent properties, and is used as a mouthwash. It also finds use in dyeing and tanning processes. The leaves possess anti-bacterial properties and are used to make dental medicines. The wood of the jamun tree is extremely strong and has a unique water - resistant quality. So, it isused for sleeper planks on railway tracks.

* Jamun is a black plum that aids in skin care and weight loss, relieves stomach pain, and boosts immunity. It can be used in salads, desserts, juices, and smoothies.

* There is a good amount of vitamin C and other antioxidants in jamun, which can help to stimulate the production of white blood cells, and in turn, increase the strength of the immune system. 

* Regular consumption of jamun fruit or juice that contains notable levels of potassium, which is a vasodilator, may helpreduce your risk of highblood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks.

DO YOU KNOW

What are the floating dots that we see in our eyes?

Have you had this experience- you are outside in the sun, looking at the bright blue sky, and you suddenly notice white or transparent dots floating in your eyes! This phenomenon happens in our eyes, when red and white blood cells pass over the retina of our eye. The retina is like the film in a camera, lining the back of your eye and helping you see colours, shapes and details by turning light into electrical signals for your brain to understand. The red blood cells in the retina are invisible, because light from the sky ends up passing through them. However, white blood cells are bigger and more opaque (they are not invisible like the red blood cells). The light thus cannot pass through them. So, the floating dots that we think we see in the sky are actually our own white blood cells in our eyes!

TO BRING OUT THE BEST

Work with devotion and passion

When Valmiki completed his Ramayana, Narada wasn't impressed. 

"It is good, but Hanuman's is better", he said.

"Hanuman has written the Ramayana too!", Valmiki didn't like this at all, and wondered whose Ramayana was better.

So he set out to find Hanuman.

In Kadali-vana, grove of plantains, he found Ramayana inscribed on seven broad leaves of a banana tree.

He read it and found it to be perfect. The most exquisite choice of grammar and vocabulary, metre and melody. He couldn't help himself. He started to cry.

"Is it so bad?" asked Hanuman..

"No, it is so good", said Valmiki.

"Then why are you crying?" asked Hanuman.

"Because after reading your Ramayana no one will read my Ramayana." replied Valmiki.

Hearing this Hanuman simply tore up the seven banana leaves stating 

"Now no one will ever read Hanuman's Ramayana.'"

Valmiki was shocked to see this action of Hanuman and asked him why he did this.

Hanuman said, "You need your Ramayana more than I need mine. You wrote your Ramayana so that the world remembers Valmiki; I wrote my Ramayana so that I remember Ram."

At that moment he realised how he had been consumed by the desire for validation through his work.

He had not used the work to liberate himself from the fear of invalidation.

He had not appreciated the essence of Ram's tale to unknot his mind.

His Ramayana was a product of ambition; but Hanuman's Ramayana was a product of pure devotion and affection.

That's why Hanuman's Ramayana sounded so much better. 

That is when Valmiki realised that "Greater than Ram .... is the name of Ram!" 

There are people like Hanuman who don't want to be famous. They just do their jobs and fulfill their purpose.

There are many unsung "Hanumans" in our life too, our mother, father, friends, let's remember them and be grateful to all.

In this world, where everyone is highlighting his work and seeking validation, let us just do our karma (duty).

Our devotion, our passion bring out the best in us and thus in our work. Competition may bring success but if work and life becomes a race and battle to win, the work will loose its charm and passion, devotion will vanish eventually bringing losses and suffering. 

Be humble and the best version of yourself and do what you do with love, devotion and passion and success and love will fill your life.

FASCINATING STRUCTURES IN THE NATURAL WORLD

 Spider Webs 

Spider webs are some of the fascinating structures in the natural world. They are made by spiders using silk that they produce themselves, and they serve a variety of functions, from catching prey to providing shelter and protection. 

Spider silk is an incredible material, and scientists are studying it for potential applications in fields such as medicine and engineering. Spider silk is incredibly strong and flexible,  and some species of spider can produce silk that is stronger than steel yet much lighter. Spider silk is also biodegradable, making it an attractive alternative to synthetic materials. 

The structure of spider webs is also incredibly complex and varied. Different species of spiders create different types of webs, each suited to their specific needs. Some spiders create flat, sheet-like webs, while others create intricate, three-dimensional webs that can trap prey from all directions. 

Despite their incredible strength and complexity, spider webs are  not invincible. They can be damaged or destroyed by wind, rain or other environmental factors. However spiders can quickly rebuild their webs using their amazing silk producing abilities. 

In addition to their scientific significance, spider Webs are also a source of inspiration for artists and designers. The intricate patterns and structures of spider webs have been used in everything from fashion to architecture. 

Overall, Spider webs are fascinating and important part of the natural World. Learning about them can help us better understand the amazing abilities of these tiny, eight-legged creatures and their impact on our world. 

GREAT INFORMATION

 What happens when you flush a toilet?

When you flush a toilet, the waste and water in the bowl are pushed through a trap and into a drainpipe, which carries the waste away from your home and into the Municipal sewer system or septic tank. 

Once the waste enters the sewer system or septic tank, it goes through a series of treatment processes to remove impurities and make the water safe for reuse or discharge into the environment. The exact treatment process can vary depending on the location and type of treatment facility but typically involves several stages of filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection. 

In a Municipal sewer system, the wastewater is typically sent to a treatment plant, which undergoes a series of processes to remove solids and impurities. These processes may include screening, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, among others. Once the water has been treated, it may be released into a nearby waterway or used for irrigation or other purposes. 

In septic system, the wastewater flows into a septic tank, where solids are separated and broken down by bacteria. The liquid wastewater then flows out of the tank and into a drain field, which is further treated by the soil and vegetation before returning to the groundwater system.

Overall, the process of treating and managing wastewater is a crucial part of maintaining public health and protecting the environment. By properly disposing of sewage, we can help prevent the spread of disease, protect our water resources,  and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. 

APRIL 22

Earth Day 

The entire month of April is celebrated as Earth Month. During this month, people work to raise awareness about environmental issues, talk about the importance of protecting our planet, take action to address pressing environmental challenges and work towards promoting sustainability. The celebrations of Earth Month can be traced back to the first Earth Day, which was celebrated on April 22, 1970. 

On Earth Day, people engage in various activities to protect the environment, such as planting trees, cleaning up litter, and conserving energy. It’s a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and reflect on ways we can protect our planet for future generations. 

Earth Day reminds us of the importance of taking care of our Earth and encourages everyone to make small changes in their daily lives to reduce their impact on the environment. By working together, we can make a positive difference and create a healthier, more sustainable world for all living beings. 

Each year, the United Nations has a theme for Earth Day celebrations; this year's theme is Planet vs. Plastics. 

How is plastic destroying the planet?

* Plastic is not biodegradable. It only breaks down into microplastics that accumulate in ecosystems, posing a threat to wildlife. 

* Plastic pollution has contaminated every corner of the planet - from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountains. Microplastics have been found in soil, air, water sources, the food we eat and the air we breathe. 

* Animals become entangled in plastic debris, which leads to them suffocating and dying from internal injuries. 

* Many plastics contain harmful chemicals that are known to disrupt hormone systems and cause ailments. 

* Plastic pollution has wreaked havoc on ecosystems and threatened biodiversity. 

* The sheer volume of plastic waste generated globally overwhelms waste management systems, particularly in developing countries. Plastics cannot be destroyed and burning it leads to environmental pollution and health risks for nearby communities. 

Support the Earth Day theme:

# Do not accept plastic bags from shops and vendors. 

# Always carry a reusable bag, water bottle, straw and cutlery. 

# Take a part in a clean-up drive. 

WARRIOR ARTISTS OF ODISHA

Paika

The ancient kings of Odisha relied on the military prowess of the paika, an infantry class of warriors among their peasantry. As and when the need arose, the peasant soldiers were hired by the king to fight wars, defend territory or maintain law and order. Today, their martial traditions are kept alive in the form of Paika akhada.

Paika akhada means ‘warrior gymnasium’. In the past, the paika gurus not only trained the students on how to use force to control their body movements, but also taught them archery and swordfights.

Today, youths gather at the akhada after work to perform age-old physical exercises and practise swordfights. They also dance in choreographed moves with swords and shields to the rhythms of traditional drums. However, it is a dying art form. It is mainly performed in villages during festivals like Dussehra and other occasions. Dressed in vests and dhotis, the warrior dancers begin with slow moves. As the tempo increases, the dance moves get more and more vigorous and the men engage in mock combat.

Women have also joined their ranks in recent years, with young Sunita Behera forming the first all-woman Kalinga Kanya Paika Akhada Dal in Odisha in 2012. Behera hails from Khurda, the place where the Paikas rose in rebellion against the British East India Company in 1817. The group not only trains school and college girls in self defence, it also showcases their skills in martial arts, baton and sword fighting and military formations in various state and national-level events across the country.

DO YOU KNOW

 How are navy ships named?

In India, the Internal Nomenclature Committee (INC) at the Defence Ministry chooses the names of ships and submarines. Headed by the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, the INC has representatives from various government departments. Its recommendations require the approval of the Navy Chief while the names, crests and mottos of major war vessels require the President’s assent too.

Certain broad parameters are followed to ensure that the names of vessels of one type have some uniformity. For example, aircraft carriers are given suitable abstract names. India’s biggest aircraft carrier is INS Vikramaditya (meaning ‘Sun of Prowess’), thus named because of its suitability and because it was the title of many Indian rulers. Cruisers or destroyers are named after a state capital, a big city or a great historical warrior or king. Examples include INS Delhi and INS Ranjit. Frigates are named after a river, mountain range or weapon. The names of ships of the same class have the same initial letters. Examples include INS Sahyadri, INS Shivalik, INS Talwar and INS Teg (‘sabre’). Corvettes (small, fast warships) are named after personal arms like the INS Khukri, INS Kirpan and INS Khanjar, while multi-purpose patrol vessels are named after an island—for example, INS Car Nicobar and INS Kalpeni.

A HUNDRED-STRINGED LUTE

Santoor 

The Santoor is an ancient folk musical instrument that is believed to have originated in Iran and made its way from there to various countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. In India, it can be found in Kashmir, where it has been played for centuries as an indispensable accompaniment for the Sufi vocal music. Sufi mystics used it as an accompaniment for their hymns. It came to be known in Sanskrit as shat-tantri veena or hundred-stringed lute. This in due course became Santoor. 

A trapezoid-shaped instrument, the Santoor is basically a hollow box made of walnut wood with top and bottom boards of plywood and veneer and 72 metal strings, arranged in sets of 3 or 4, tied on nails and stretched over wooden bridges placed on the top board. The length and thickness of the strings vary according to the octave, and they are the thickest in the lower octave. A unique feature of Santoor is the way it is played - not by plucking the strings or drawing a bow across them as in the violin, but by striking them lightly using two light-weight wooden mallets, known as mezrab. The musician sits in a posture known as ardha-padmasana, keeps the instrument on his lap with the broad side closer to his body, holds the mallets between the index and middle fingers and thumb and uses them to strike the strings. 

Traditionally, the Santoor was played during festivities and celebrations. However, today it is emerging as a key element in North Indian classical concerts and music festivals. The credit for popularizing the instrument goes to Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, a master instrumentalist and India’s most famous Santoor exponent.

Other well-known names in the field include his son Rahul Sharma, Bhajan Sopori, and the late R. Visweswaran.

LEGEND ASSOCIATED WITH DUSSEHRA

Kautsa's Gurudakshina

     Kautsa, the young son of Devdatt, a Brahmin, was living in the city of Paithan. After completing education from Rishi Varatantu, he insisted on his Guru accepting Guru Dakshina. But Guru said, "Kautsa, to give 'Dakshina' in return for learning wisdom is not proper. Graduation of the disciple makes the Guru happy, and this is the real Guru Dakshina."

     Kautsa was not satisfied. He still felt it was his duty to give his Guru something. Finally the Guru said, "Alright,  if you insist on giving me Dakshina, give me 140 million gold coins. 10 million for each of the 14 sciences I have taught you." 

     Kautsa went to King Raghu. Raghuraja was an ancestor of Shri Rama, famous for his generosity. But just at that time, he had emptied all his coffers on the Brahmins, after performing the Vishvajit yajna (sacrifice). He asked Kautsa to give him three days time. 

     Raghuraja immediately left to get the gold coins from Indra Dev (king of Gods). Indra Dev summoned Kuber, the God of wealth. Indra Dev told Kuber, "Make a  rain of gold coins fall on Bidi leaf tree on the outskirts of Raghuraja's Ayodhya city."

     The rain of gold coins began to fall. King Raghu gave all the coins to Kautsa, and Kautsa hastened to offer the coins to Varatantu Rishi. Guru had asked only 140 million, so he gave the rest back to Kautsa. Kautsa was not interested in money. In those days honour was considered more valuable than wealth. He told the King to take the remaining gold coins back. But the King refused to take them back as Kings do not take back the daan (offering).  

    Finally Kautsa distributed the gold coins to the people of Ayodhya on the day of Ashwin Shukla Dashami (Dussehra). In remembrance of this event the custom is kept of looting the leaves of the "Bidi leaf tree" (Aaptyache paan) and people present each other these leaves as "sona" (gold).

STORY OF ALEXANDER AND THE SAGE

The passion of anger 

As Alexander began preparation to invade India, his wife approached him and asked him to bring a sage from India to her. For she knew that the Indian sage was very wise and knowledgeable person and she and her children could learn many things from him,

Alexander agreed. He conquered India and then found a sage whom he wanted take to his wife. But the sage refused to go with him. 

Alexander was furious. It was the first time somebody refused to obey him. He drew his sword out and told him that he was going to kill him.

To this the sage smiled and told, "Before you strike me, please listen to two things. First, you cannot kill me with that sword. Secondly, you are the slave of my slave."

Alexander was filled with rage, but he asked, "Why do you say that I cannot kill you?"

"With this sword you can only cut my body, but I am not the body alone. I am something else. And you cannot kill that."

"But why did you say that I am the slave of your slave?"

"I have, through my meditation and reflection, conquered the passion of anger. Now anger is my slave. Anger cannot rise in me without my permission. And then, you are filled with anger, and so you are the slave of anger which is my slave."

HEALTH BENEFITS

Boiled rice water 

 Drinking the water in which rice is cooked is really good as it can boost your energy levels. In India, farmers generally drink cooked rice water before they start their laborious work in the fields. They stay energetic throughout the day in spite of their hard work in the fields, thanks to rice water.

Most of us eat rice cooked in pressure cookers and electric cookers and that is the reason why we don’t have the habit of drinking cooked rice water. In fact, we don’t know the health benefits of boiled rice water. When rice is cooked in a pot along with water, the remaining water can be removed and consumed after the rice is cooked. That water is totally nutritious as the rice is boiled or cooked in it. 

Rice is consumed almost all over India and some parts of Asia. In fact, cooked rice water is used for beauty purposes. It is included in many skin care and hair care recipes. Some people use raw rice water whereas others recommend cooked rice water to get the benefits better. 

When rice gets cooked, it releases many of its nutrients into the water and that is the reason why that water should not be thrown away after the cooking process is over. 

Some of the health benefits of boiled rice water:

Prevents gastroenteritis: Rice water is said to prevent gastroenteritis. This is one of the health benefits of cooked rice water. Consuming rice water regularly is good for health.

Prevents cancer: Drinking cooked rice water regularly may also prevent certain types of cancer. This is one of the benefits of drinking cooked rice water.

Protection from sun: Rice water contains a substance called oryzanol. It helps withstand the UV rays from the sun. Use rice water internally and externally to help your skin take the sun’s heat.

Alzheimer’s: Although research has not yet confirmed this, there are some sources that say that cooked rice water has the ability to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. This is one of the benefits of drinking cooked rice water.

Constipation: Rice water is good in preventing constipation. When you are suffering from constipation, try drinking cooked rice water as a remedy.

Carbohydrates: Rice water can be a good source of carbohydrates. If you are looking for a healthy source of carbohydrates, try drinking rice water.

Body temperature: Rice water plays an important role in regulating the temperature levels of your body. It is advisable to drink some rice water to withstand the summer heat.

DO YOU KNOW

 What is a sting operation?

     A sting operation is a deceptive operation designed to catch a criminal in the act. Typically, the police lay a trap for the suspect wherein he/she is induced to commit a crime. Usually the  criminal act is recorded on a video camera so that the police can build a foolproof case against the offender. For example, an undercover police officer may approach a suspected drug dealer posing as a prospective buyer in order to catch him red-handed. Or the police may keep a bait car in an area where large-scale theft is happening. 

     Often a sting operation is carried out to expose corruption. It may, for example, expose a politician taking bribe, or a government official demanding money to do his duty. 

     In recent years many media houses have made effective use of stings to expose highly-placed corrupt persons. But sometimes the media is also accused of carrying out sensational sting operations in which innocent persons are victimised. Some people think it is unethical to tempt a person to commit a crime which he/she may not have otherwise committed. 

     In India too, we have had a number of stings carried out by journalists and activists. 

ARCHITECT OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1891-1956)

     Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, social reformer, politician, and architect of the Indian constitution, was born on April 14, 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, as the son of a Subhedar-Major in the British army. As he belonged to the Mahar community, considered untouchable, he faced caste discrimination all through his childhood. However, he was a brilliant student, and was determined to do well in his studies. After graduating from Bombay University, he managed to get a scholarship for higher studies in the U.S.A.

     On returning to India, Ambedkar obtained a high post with the Maharaja of Baroda because of his impressive academic record. However, he had to face much caste discrimination and humiliation from colleagues and subordinates. He resigned in disgust and returned to Bombay. 

     In 1920, Ambedkar went to London to train as a barrister. On his return, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (Outcastes' Welfare Association) for uplifting the downtrodden socially and politically. In 1927, he led the Mahad March at the Chowdar Tank at Colaba, near Bombay, to give the untouchables the right to draw water from the public tank which had hitherto been forbidden to them.

     In 1936, Ambedkar established a new political party called the Independent Labour Party, devoted to the cause of landless labourers. When the British government held provincial elections in 1937, he and many candidates of his party were elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly. 

     When India attained independence, Prime Minister Nehru invited Ambedkar to join his Cabinet as a Law Minister. The Constituent Assembly entrusted the job of drafting the Constitution to a committee and Ambedkar was elected as Chairman of this Drafting Committee. With his erudition and wisdom, he proved equal to his stupendous task. The Draft Constitution prepared by him was adopted on November 26, 1949.

     Disillusioned with the treatment he had received from caste Hindus, Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in October 1956. Two months later, he passed away. 

A PERSON WITH REMARKABLE TALENT AND INTELLIGENCE

Genius 

     A genius is an individual who has exceptional intellectual or creative abilities, talent, and skills that are significantly beyond what is seen in a normal person.

  They are individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields like arts, sciences, movies, or other areas of human endeavour. Famous examples of geniuses are Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Mozart, and others. But it's important to note that the definition of a genius can vary depending on cultural and social contexts. There is no objective or universally agreed standard for what constitutes a genius.

     Geniuses have shaped the world we live in today with their innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries. While their exceptional abilities may seem inborn, the habits of geniuses have played a crucial role in their success. Here are some of the most common habits that geniuses have that you can also incorporate into your daily life to unlock your inner genius.

Curiosity - This is a trait that is commonly associated with geniuses. They are always curious about the world around them and have an avid desire to learn and explore. They ask questions, challenge assumptions, and seek out new experiences. To develop your curiosity, start asking questions about the things that interest you. Read widely to expose yourself to different perspectives and ideas. Take up new hobbies and activities that challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone.

Persistence - They are known for their persistence and determination. They don't give up easily and easily put in the time and effort required to achieve their goals. To develop your persistence, set clear goals for yourself and create a plan to achieve them. Break them into smaller, achievable steps, and focus on making progress each day. When faced with obstacles or setbacks, don't give up. Instead, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Open-mindedness - They are open-minded and receptive to new ideas and perspectives. They consider viewpoints that are different from their own and are not afraid to challenge or cancel their own beliefs. To develop open mindedness, seek different viewpoints and perspectives. Listen to others without judgment and try to understand their point of view. Challenge your own beliefs and be open to changing your mind.

Creativity - They have the ability to think outside the box. They come up with innovative solutions to problems and see things from a different perspective. To develop your creativity, engage in activities that allow you to think creatively. Take up creative hobbies such as writing, painting, or music. Brainstorm ideas and challenge yourself to come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.

Focus - They focus intensely on a task or project for extended periods. They can shut out distractions and maintain their concentration, allowing them to achieve exceptional results. To develop your focus, eliminate distractions. 

In conclusion, while geniuses may seem like they possess unique talents that cannot be replicated, their success is also due to the habits and traits they develop over time. By incorporating these habits into your own life, you can also unlock your inner genius and achieve exceptional results. Remember to stay curious, persistent, open-minded, creative, and focused, and you will be well on your way to achieving greatness.

Some Famous Quotes

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration - Thomas Edison

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination - Albert Einstein

Genius is the ability to put into effect what is in your mind - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see - Arthur Schopenhauer 

Genius is the power of carrying the feelings of childhood into the powers of manhood - Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Genius is the capacity for productive reaction against one's training - Bernard Berenson

A genius is someone who sees the same thing in a different way - Unknown

The greatest genius will never be worth much if he pretends to draw exclusively from his own resources - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Genius is the art of taking pains- Thomas Carlyle

Genius is the ability to renew one's emotions in daily experience - Paul Cezanned

SOLDIERS' VILLAGE

Gahmar

    Located along the banks of the river Ganga in the Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh is Gahmar, famously known as ‘Soldiers’ Village’. Gahmar has a unique tradition of producing hundreds of soldiers who have served in the Indian Armed Forces with distinction right from the First World War to the Kargil War. 

     Every household in this village with a population of over a lakh, boasts at least three or more soldiers! The inhabitants of Gahmar include more than 12,000 military personnel serving in all the three branches of the Armed Forces. There are about 15,000 military veterans in the village. 

     Youngsters in the village take up training in earnest from a young age. Young boys and men can be seen getting up before sunrise and running barefoot along the riverfront and working out to increase their stamina. Tips from the veterans certainly come in handy. Now even the daughters of the village aspire to join the army. 

    Military service has also brought prosperity to Gahmar. This is evident by the number of ‘pucca’ houses in the village. This has been possible because of the armymen who send home money. 

DEVICE USED TO MEASURE BLOOD PRESSURE

Sphygmomanometer 

     A sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure. One of the most important men in the development of the sphygmomanometer was the Australian physician Karl Samuel Ritter Von Basch. The first clinically applicable sphygmomanometer was invented by him in 1881. Von Basch introduced the aneroid manometer, which uses a round dial that provides a pressure reading. 

     An improved version was introduced by Scipione Riva-Rocci's device in the USA, modernized it and popularised it within the medical community. In 1905, Russian physician Nikolai Korotkov discovered 'Korotkov Sounds' and included diastolic blood pressure measurement.

MORAL STORY

The Potato, the Egg, and the Coffee Beans 

A boy named John was upset. His father found him crying. 

When his father asked John why he was crying, he said that he had a lot of problems in his life. 

His father simply smiled and asked him to a potato, an egg, and some coffee beans. He placed them in three bowls.

He then asked John to feel their texture and then fill each bowl with water. 

John did as he had been told. His father then boiled all three bowls. 

Once the bowls had cooled down, John’s father asked him to feel the texture of the different food items again. 

John noticed that the potato had become soft and its skin was peeling off easily; the egg had become harder; the coffee beans had completely changed and filled the bowl of water with aroma and flavour. 

Moral of the story:

Life will always have problems and pressures, like the boiling water in the story. 

It's how you respond and react to these problems that counts the most.

SPICE THAT RESEMBLES NAIL

Clove

     Cloves are the unopened buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum) that are handpicked and dried until they are hard and dark brown in colour. They are about half an inch long and with their tapering stems, resemble nails in appearance. In fact, the word 'clove' is believed to have been derived from the Latin clavus meaning 'nail'.

     Cloves have a rich history of use as spice and medicine in Asia, dating back more than 2,000 years. Writings from the Han dynasty in China (207 BC) mention that courtiers were required to keep cloves in their mouths while talking to the emperor, to ensure that their breath did not smell offensive. 

     In India, the clove - known as laung in Hindi, lavang or lavanga in several other Indian languages, and grambu in Tamil and Malayalam - has been used since ancient times by Ayurvedic physicians to treat various respiratory and digestive ailments. 

     The clove is rich in traditionally recognised nutrients, being an excellent source of manganese, a very good source of vitamin K and dietary fibre, and a good source of iron, calcium and magnesium. In addition, clove oil contains a compound named eugenol, which has been proved to provide relief from pain. When the oil is applied topically, it relieves pain from rheumatism, arthritis and other inflammation based pain. 

     Clove oil is an active ingredient in several dental products such as mouthwashes, toothpastes and over-the-counter medicines for toothache relief. Traditional Chinese medicine makes use of cloves in remedies for nausea, diarrhoea, hiccups, fever, toothache and bad breath. 

     The clove, in whole and ground form, is a popular ingredient in Asian, African, Middle Eastern and European cuisines. The clove finds extensive use in Indian cuisine, and is used in the preparation of several spice mixtures, including garam masala, curry powders, and pickling spices. In the West, cloves have a traditional association with apple tarts, sauces, pies and puddings. 

LAUGHING GAS

Nitrous oxide 

     Nitrous oxide, (N₂O), laughing gas is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic (pain-numbing) and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. The gas gets its common name from the dreamy effect it creates and the giddy laughter it evokes, on inhalation. 

     A colourless, non-toxic and non-flammable gas at room temperature, nitrous oxide smells slightly sweet. It is emitted by bacteria, making it a natural part of the Earth’s atmosphere. Nitrogen fertilisers and animal waste cause bacteria to produce more nitrous oxide than usual. In terms of the concentration in the atmosphere, nitrous oxide comes fourth after water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane. It is a greenhouse gas, which means that it traps heat in the atmosphere, making the Earth warmer. 

     The gas was first synthesised by Joseph Priestly in 1772. However, the first medical experiments using the gas were conducted in 1794 by Thomas Beddoes and James Watt. Watt invented a device to produce the gas and another to inhale it while Beddoes suggested that inhaling the gas could help treat tuberculosis and other lung diseases. Humphry Davy was put in charge of monitoring experiments using the gas. It was Davy who first noted the gas' analgesic effects and published his findings in 1800. However, the world paid no heed. The gas was just popularly used to host 'laughing gas parties'. It was only in 1884, more than 40 years later, that Davy's findings were finally put to use and nitrous oxide was used as an anaesthetic. 

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN CURRENCY

 Rupee (₹)

     Sher Shah Suri was the person responsible for the Rupee. His version of Re 1 in 1540 AD weighed 11.5 grams of silver and was divided into 40 copper pieces or paisa. By the time the British East India Company entered the market in the 1600s, Sher Shah's silver rupee had already become the standard currency atleast in name. Despite many attempts to bring the Sterling Pound to India, the Rupee grew in popularity and was even exported as a currency to other British colonies. 

     And when the British government took over the company territories after the 1857 revolt, the Rupee became the official currency of colonial India, with the head of King George VI featuring prominently on banknotes and coins. In 1947, India became an independent nation. The currency kept its name but changed visually to account of the birth of this new nation. 

How is the Rupee made?

* There are 4 mints that produce legal tender in India. They are in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Noida. 

* Indian banknotes are made of a balsam wood pulp. Cotton fibres are added to pulp to make it more durable than regular paper. 

* The whole note is then infused with gelatin to give it extra strength. Using watermark technology, an image of Mahatma Gandhi is imprinted onto the sheet during making process. 

* Before the paper dries, a silver thread with holographic imagery is woven into it. The watermark and silver thread make the notes very difficult to replicate.

The Rupee symbol ₹

* The Rupee symbol is a recent development in the history of Indian currency. Until 2009, the word rupee on a banknote was shortened to 'Rs.' to represent Indian currency. The Indian government, Ministry of Finance held a competition for graphic designers to develop a symbol to represent the currency. 

* The winning graphic was a symbol that looks like the Devanagari 'Ra' as well as the English 'R'. The symbol was an instant success and soon became the standard representation of the rupee. 

The symbol was conceptualised and designed by D. Udaya Kumar, a post graduate in Design from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. 

* MRPs and advertisements quickly took to using it and in January 2012 the government issued coinage and banknotes that featured the symbol. 

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

The Ghost Car

Japan’s first Grand Prix since the Second World War was held at the Suzuka circuit. Most people felt that Masao Asano would win. His racing car was a white Austin Healy and its number was 42. The choice of the car number shocked the Japanese as it is considered inauspicious. The Arabic numerals for 42 translate as shi ni, closely related to the Japanese word shingu (‘to die’). But Asano did not care for these superstitions.

Unfortunately, in that race, Asano had an accident and died. The Japan Auto Federation (JAF), which controls the country’s motor sports, reviewed the accident and a few weeks later, banned the use of the number 42 on vehicles used for racing.

The second Grand Prix was held a year later and the JAF developed a new system for determining the running order of the racing drivers. Two teams of spotters took their places in the control tower and recorded the number of each car as it completed a circuit. During the race, the spotters would call out the numbers on the cars as they flashed by, without concentrating on any car number because there were too many cars and they were very speedy.

After the 25-lap race, when the two teams compared notes, they discovered that a car with the number 42 had completed 8 laps. Nobody could tell what kind of car it was or who the driver was.

The Unlucky Number: The Japanese are very superstitious about certain numbers. Four is considered an unlucky number in Japan because it sounds like shi meaning 'death'. This is why there are two readings for the number four — shi and yon. Whenever possible, people try to avoid using the deathly one. License plates  having the digits 42 which sounds like shini ('to die') are strictly avoided. Many housing complexes, hotels and hospitals skip the fourth floor. Forty-two is also said to be themost unlucky age for Japanese men.