Popular packaging material

BUBBLE WRAP 

Bubble Wrap was invented in 1957 by engineers Alfred W. Fielding and Marc Chavannes. Interestingly, it was originally intended to be a textured wallpaper. The two inventors sealed two shower curtains together, trapping air bubbles inside, but the idea didn’t catch on as wallpaper.

Evolution of Bubble Wrap:

1. Failed Wallpaper Idea (1957) – Fielding and Chavannes tried marketing it as a new type of wallpaper, but it didn’t sell well.

2. Greenhouse Insulation (Late 1950s) – They attempted to use it as insulation for greenhouses, but it wasn’t widely adopted.

3. Protective Packaging (1960) – IBM changed everything when they needed a way to safely ship their new 1401 computer. They adopted Bubble Wrap as protective packaging, and its real purpose was born.

4. Sealed Air Corporation (1960) – The inventors founded Sealed Air Corporation, which became a leader in protective packaging.

How Bubble Wrap is Made: Bubble Wrap is made from polyethylene plastic, which starts as small resin pellets. These pellets are melted down, formed into a thin film, and then air is trapped between two layers to create the bubbles. The size and thickness of the bubbles vary depending on the type of Bubble Wrap needed.

Types of Bubble Wrap

1. Standard Bubble Wrap – Small bubbles for general protection.

2. Large Bubble Wrap – Bigger bubbles for cushioning fragile items.

3. Anti-Static Bubble Wrap – Designed for electronics to prevent static electricity.

4. Self-Adhesive Bubble Wrap – Sticks to surfaces without tape.

5. Biodegradable Bubble Wrap – More eco-friendly and decomposes faster than traditional plastic.

Uses of Bubble Wrap

Packaging – Protects fragile items during shipping.

Insulation – Helps retain heat in windows or greenhouses.

Stress Relief – Popping the bubbles is fun and therapeutic!

Arts and Crafts – Used in paintings, decorations, and even costumes.

Medical Use – Can provide cushioning for injured areas or act as padding for medical shipments.

Interesting Facts

● Bubble Wrap was almost called "Air Cap".

●There’s an official Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, celebrated on the last Monday of January.

●A non-poppable version was introduced in 2015 to reduce shipping bulk.

●Despite its original failure as wallpaper, Bubble Wrap became one of the most popular and satisfying packaging materials worldwide!

●The largest sheet of Bubble Wrap recorded was 8,891 square feet (set in 2015).

● NASA uses Bubble Wrap to insulate equipment in space.

●Over 240,000 miles of Bubble Wrap are produced every year—enough to wrap around the Earth 10 times!

56 types of food items

CHHAPPAN BHOG 

It is a common practice in Hinduism to offer food to idols of God. This is called bhog. While bhog is offered to all deities, the one offered to Sri Krishna is unique because it contains 56 types of food items. This is popularly called ‘chhappan bhog’, where chhappan means fifty-six. While different sources give a different list of what the individual dishes should be, they are all unanimous on the number 56. There is a story behind this.

When Sri Krishna was a young cowherd in Vrindavana, the residents used to celebrate a festival towards the end of the rainy season to honour Indra. He was the God of the clouds and of the waters. He sent clouds laden with moisture from which rain fell on the earth, helping grains and grasses grow, on which humans and cows survived. The cowherds used to hold this festival to thank Indra for the rains.

Krishna argued that they were cowherds, not cultivators of land or merchants. Their only wealth was cows, which grazed on the Govardhana Mountain. Thus, a proper divinity to be worshipped by cowherds would be Govardhana. What did cowherds have to do with Indra? The people of Vrindavana agreed wholeheartedly and offered worship to Govardhana and circumambulated it. Indra became extremely angry at the lack of worship for him. He sent down large clouds and a fearsome storm to Vrindavana. Lightning flashed, thunder roared, and an incessant rain poured. The cows and cowherds of Vrindavana became greatly oppressed by the rain. Soon, there was flooding everywhere, and if nothing was done quickly, the people and cows would drown. Krishna lifted the Govardhana Mountain in one hand and asked all the cowherds to enter beneath it, with their cows, for shelter from the rain. For seven days and nights, the rain poured, but the cowherds happily sang songs in the shade of the mountain. On the eighth day, Indra accepted defeat and ceased the rain.

In those days, time of the day used to be measured in praharas, with one prahara being equal to three hours. There used to be eight praharas in a day. Mother Yashoda used to feed Krishna every prahara, so he used to have eight meals a day. Krishna had stood lifting the mountain for seven days, making a total of 56 praharas. During this time, he did not eat or drink anything. To compensate for that, Indra offered 56 types of food for Krishna to placate him. Some stories say that Mother Yashoda fed 56 types of food to Krishna after he put the mountain down. Since then, Sri Krishna has always been offered a chhappan bhog.

Life is like a sport

LIVE LIFE SPORTINGLY 

Wanting to play is a natural trait; we can see it in every child. Children are more their original selves when they play than when they study. They wait for every chance to play with their mates, unmindful of even eating or sleeping. There is so much cheer and joy when children run about, trying to catch and evade. There is never a need to force children to play because playing is joy, and who doesn’t want joy?

Sports, as a formalised platform to play, happened as the human civilisation evolved, and several games and their structures came about. While we know the thrill of playing a sport and the thrill of watching people play, there are several intricacies that the field of sports can reveal to us as life’s lessons. The field in which a game is played is akin to the field of life.There are teams of which some people favour us on our side and several others oppose us on the other side. This is similar to how different people interact with us differently in our lives at different times. Not everyone is a friend all the time; not everyone is a foe all the time. Different people relate with us in different ways in the field of life too, and their ways and behaviours towards us vary from time to time.

There are wicketkeepers, goalkeepers, catchers, and counter-attackers who constantly target our moves and try to prevent us from reaching our goals. Even in the sport of life, we face several challenges, both inside and outside, that elude us and hinder our progress.

There are dolly catches and the most difficult catches. Sometimes, we get the ‘golden ducks’, and other times, we last on the field till the game calls it a day. Sometimes, we are the tail-enders, and other times, we are the openers. Sometimes there are those slower balls that seem promising but end up deceiving us, and many times we may also be skittled out soon. Oftentimes, we may receive the jaffa (the unplayable ball), which is difficult to handle, and other times, we may be playing the same to someone, making it difficult for them to handle. Beamers and bouncers could be coming our way, too.

There are moments of victory when we least expect it and moments of failure despite our efforts. We are sometimes blamed, and other times praised. We are sometimes the star, and other times, we are no one. There are times when an opponent becomes a friend, and a  friend turns out to be less friendly.

At the end of it all, when the game ends, we shake hands with each other, looking eye to eye, knowing well that it was just a game and that everyone played their parts to perfection, giving their all and sweating their body. The happiness of our opponent in our loss and their desperation to bring an end to our game, in fact, made our game more interesting and made us strive to do our very best. It wouldn’t be half as interesting if there were no opponents to play with us. A game is a game only when there is a melange of all kinds of experiences, and none of it comes our way without a reason, and none of it is hence a bad experience.

Everything that happens throughout, all the time, is helping us in our progress and journey. It is with this understanding that we must look at the game of life. Loss and gain, pain and pleasure, betrayal and trust, friendship and animosity, judgements and acceptance, love and hatred—all these opposites do exist all the time. But remember, the ones who love you and the ones who don’t as much are both helping you. In fact, the person who criticises you and condemns you is playing an important part in your progress because he is playing the bad cop and pushing you beyond your comfort zone.

Here is how you can sport life: 

#Be aware that ‘Life is a game’. Everyone is just playing their role. 

#Be alert and keep your focus on the lessons you can derive from every situation and every person.

#Your mind can be your friend or enemy. Always befriend your mind and gradually master it.

#You are here for a purpose. Focus on your goal without getting distracted. 

#Do not hanker after fame, wealth, positions, possessions, reputation and remarks. They come and go.

#Delve into your true self and be yourself. This is your true worth.

#Your treasure is within you. Derive strength from within and blossom from within.

#Thank everyone, every situation, everything—everything has been carefully orchestrated to help you.

#Smile and take it easy. Unburden yourself of excessive thinking and analysis, negativities and notions, prejudices and plans.

#Never give up. You must finish the game that you have started even if you are to lose.

#Correct yourself before trying to correct others.

#There is a message in life’s every turn, and it is for you to catch it, contemplate on it, and take corrective action. Be a good sport in life, just like you would aspire to be on the game field. Play the game of life out of passion for life and living, learn and grow, be wise and keep an observant eye on life’s positive sides. 

Have a good playtime on the field of games and life, too!

The backbone of civilizations

ROADS

We drive on them, walk, watch parades, and run marathons on them, yet we spare them little thought, and take them for granted. When they are closed for repairs however, or rendered impassable because of floods, landslides, or potholes, we miss our roads very much indeed.

From the earliest times, one of the strongest indicators of a society’s development has been the presence or absence of a road system. The people of the over 5000 year old ancient Indus Valley Civilization, constructed wide, straight roads, paved with stone, in a grid formation with a drainage system that ran along their sides.

It’s not really known when and how the very first roads came into existence. Early roads or dirt tracks were probably formed when people and animals walked over the same paths repeatedly, as they hunted for food and water. Eventually, as groups of people started living in small communities, these early footpaths probably turned into better defined routes.

After the wheel was invented about 7000 years ago, larger, heavier loads began to be transported in carts that trundled along the rough dirt roads. However, the limitations of these roads soon became apparent. As soon as it started raining, the roads turned into muddy bogs where the wooden wheels got stuck into. Thus, the need for paved roads was born out of sheer necessity. The people of the ancient city of Babylon paved their roads with asphalt, a sticky, black, naturally occurring substance, between 625 and 604 B.C. The world’s finest road builders were undoubtedly the ancient Romans, who, at the height of the Roman Empire, built and maintained about 80,000 kilometres of complex, superbly built roads.

These covered all of the north of England, a large part of Western Europe, spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, and circled and crisscrossed the entire Mediterranean area. The roads built by these champion road builders, were usually perfectly straight. This was because Roman roads were meant primarily to move armies of soldiers along, and winding roads with bends in them not only took longer to navigate, but also provided robbers and enemies with perfect hiding places.

Roman roads were always built a little higher at the centre, and tapered off to ditches at the sides, to allow rainwater to drain away, leaving the road free from mud. Whenever a Roman Emperor conquered a new territory, roads would immediately be built to link it with the rest of the Roman Empire. 

The Romans built their roads very intelligently – they generally used material that was available locally, and when they had to build across boggy ground. Roman engineers put down bundles of sticks and sheepskins as foundations, to stop the road from sinking. Below the Temple of Saturn in Rome, Emperor Augustus placed a ‘golden milestone’ ‘Millarium Aureum,’ which recorded the distances that separated his capital, Rome, from the principal cities of his Empire.

There were ‘miliaria’ or milestones, on all principal roads too – they had the name of the emperor inscribed on them, and indicated to travellers how many miles away they were from Rome. This is the origin of the famous proverb ‘All roads lead to Rome’, which means that there are different ways to achieve the same results.

Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire, and the road network was constructed and maintained to connect every province of the empire to this nerve centre. There were post houses, where horses could be changed, and inns every fifteen to twenty kilometres on Roman roads. Though the Romans did not have maps, they had an ‘itinerarium’ which listed the structures along the course of each Roman road. This allowed travellers to plan their routes in advance.

Roman roads were constructed by Roman soldiers or legionnaires who were well disciplined, extremely tough, highly trained, and ruthless. They did their work with dedication and efficiency, which is why Roman roads still exist in many parts of Europe, 2000 years after the empire ended! In England, many existing roads are the original ones built by the Romans, re-touched and re-done numerous times. Roman soldiers made prisoners of war and slaves do hard manual labour on roads. Roman emperors wanted to make sure that their soldiers were always fit and occupied, even when there were no military campaigns; so building and maintaining forts and roads was a routine part of a soldier’s duties. Roman roads were not free – tolls were collected at towns along the course of the road.

The Incas, who lived more than seven centuries ago, were also prodigious road builders, and built over 22,000 kilometres of roads during their rule. Since the wheel had not been invented during their time, they lived in one of the world’s most precipitous and difficult terrains, high up in the Andes Mountains. 

Inca roads were completely different from other roads. Though some Inca roads were four to five metres wide, some were so steep that walls had to be built at their sides to prevent travelers from falling off them!

Ordinary people needed special permission to travel on the roads in the Inca Empire, which were meant mainly for the use of the army, government officials, and a 24-hour messenger service which was organized rather like a superbly co-ordinated relay race. Messengers lived in small huts located about eight hundred metres apart on the major roads. Trained to run at high speeds, a messenger would repeat his message at the next hut, where another messenger would be waiting to sprint to the next hut ahead. In this way, news traveled at 240 kilometres a day! News was always conveyed verbally through messengers running on roads, as the Incas had no written script to write things down. Since their terrain was full of tall cliffs, mighty rivers, and deep gorges, the Incas built amazing, hand-woven bridges called chacas to cross them. These unique bridges lasted as long as 500 years, and were held in very high regard by the Incas. The punishment for tampering with such a bridge was death. The hanging or suspension bridge was undoubtedly the Incas’ masterpiece. These bridges were built from huge cables fashioned from woven reed that were replaced every two years. An Incan bridge over 75 metres long, built in 1350, lasted until 1890! 

The Incas employed bridgekeepers or ‘chacacamayocs’ at every bridge, and they were responsible not only for maintaining and administering the bridge, but also for collecting tolls, and helping frightened travelers across. Sadly, it was their superbly constructed roads that led to the downfall of the Incas. Invading Spanish explorers used the Incas’ own roads to move armies and weapons deep into their empire, to eventually conquer, and subjugate the Incas. Roads had great importance in ancient India. Under the Mauryans, the entire subcontinent was criss-crossed with roads. A royal highway connecting Taxila and Pataliputra was built - a road, which survives to this day as the Grand Trunk Road.

The Greek diplomat, Megasthenes, who spent 15years in Chandragupta Maurya’s court, wrote in his account of the Mauryan kingdom that a ‘Ministry of Public Works’, with an army of officials was responsible for the construction, marking, and maintenance of the roads and rest houses. The numerous spies of Emperor Ashoka Maurya, disguised as common traders, entered and exited from his capital through an elaborate system of tunnels that lay under the city’s main roads. 

Some ancient roads have had a great influence on the course of human history. The Silk Road, more than 6000 kilometres long, is not one single road, but a historical trade route that stretched westward from China across Asia’s deserts and mountain ranges through the Middle East, until it reached the Mediterranean Sea. 

This ancient international trade route was as plendid cultural bridge, linking the cultures of China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greece, and Rome. It was called the Silk Road because silk, which was made only in China in ancient times, was the item most coveted by traders who traversed this route.

Four great ancient Chinese inventions - paper making, printing, gunpowder, and the compass, as well as the skills of silkworm breeding and silk spinning were transmitted to the West through the Silk Road. Many products from the West flowed into China through this route, including grapes, clovers, walnuts, carrots, peppers, beans, spinach, cucumbers, pomegranates, rare animals, and jewellery. Chinese porcelains and lacquers were sent to the West as well. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism reached China through the Silk Road. The Silk Road, a forum for the spreading of knowledge, ideas, culture and religion for over 3,000 years, had a far reaching effect on world civilization.

The Khyber Pass, an ancient mountain pass that connects Afghanistan and Pakistan, which is an integral part of the Silk Road, has great historic importance. 

It was through the biting cold of this pass that invaders like Alexander the Great, Mahmud Ghazni, and Muhammed Ghori swept into the Indian subcontinent. Zahiruddin Babur made use of this pass to establish a mighty Mughal Empire that ruled India for more than three centuries. 

Throughout history, roads have been used as a metaphor for life’s journey. Living our lives is rather like traversing a long road. Sometimes, we have smooth stretches that we travel along with ease, but occasionally, we encounter twists, turns, and bends of difficulty. There are times when our road is divided, and we have to decide which way we will turn. We sometimes meet narrow passes of opportunity on life’s road, when we have to make the difficult choice between security or adventure, as we move towards achieving our goals.

Do you know:

● The ancient Chinese living in mountainous regions over rivers and gorges dug holes in rocky cliffs, rammed thick wooden or iron pegs into them, and placed wooden boards on the pegs to make narrow, plank roads.

● The native Indians, original inhabitants of the North American continent, followed the walkways created by migratory animals. These became their paths or trails. By the time European explorers arrived on the continent, there were many networks of trails, and the Europeans built roads on them.

● The petroleum company that introduced an improved quality petrol called ‘Speed’ is Bharat Petroleum. 

● One of the reasons why Napoleon Bonaparte failed to conquer Russia when he invaded it in 1812 with 6,00,000 men, was because the country had such poor roads. The army could only advance at a snail’s pace in very bad weather, and this took its toll on the French soldiers.

● The longest road in the world is the Pan-American Highway. It is a network of roads that stretches from Alaska to Argentina. It is over 25,000 miles long.

● Asphalt is a sticky, black material that is made from oil and sand. It is a very good material for roads, because it is durable and it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

● Roads made from recycled car tyres were first built in the USA in the 1960s. These environmentally friendly, rubber roads make less noise.

● The most beautiful road in the world is said to be the Great Ocean Road in Australia. It winds along the coast of Victoria and it is known for its scenic views.

A popular folktale from Goa

THE LEGEND OF THE COCONUT TREE 

A long time ago, in a small Goan village near the sea, there lived a young boy named Prakash. He was an orphan and lived with his kind-hearted grandmother. They were poor, surviving on the little food they could gather.

One day, while walking along the shore, Prakash saw a beautiful fish struggling in a fisherman’s net. It had golden scales that shimmered under the sun. Feeling pity, Prakash begged the fisherman to let it go. The fisherman laughed and said, “Why waste a good catch?” But when the fish spoke in a human voice, saying, “Please set me free, and I will reward you,” the fisherman got scared and ran away, leaving the fish with Prakash.

Prakash gently released the fish into the water. Before disappearing into the waves, the fish said, “Thank you, kind boy. In return, I grant you a wish.”

Prakash thought for a moment and wished for a tree that would provide food for his grandmother and the whole village. The fish smiled and said, “Go home and plant this seed.” A small golden seed floated toward Prakash.

He rushed home and planted it near his hut. Within days, the seed sprouted into a tall, majestic tree— the first coconut tree. It had sweet water inside, strong wood, and nutritious fruit. The villagers rejoiced, calling it a miracle tree. They learned to use every part of it— the leaves for shelter, the husk for fire, and the fruit for food.

Since then, the coconut tree has been known as the “Tree of Life” in Goa, a gift from the sea, always reminding people of Prakash’s kindness.

FIRST FULLY ORGANIC STATE OF INDIA

LAND OF FLOWER, SIKKIM 

Sikkim is now the first fully organic state of India. With a population of around six lakhs, the state known as the Land of Flower, also known for its Organic initiative too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the official announcement during his maiden visit to the state of Sikkim.

Around 12 years ago, in 2003, the then Pawan Chamling led government took this decision through a declaration in the legislative assembly. And the journey began.

Sikkim became the first fully organic state in India in 2016. The state achieved this milestone by converting all its agricultural land to organic farming, following a decade-long effort that began in 2003. The government implemented strict policies to phase out chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices instead.

100% Organic Farming: Sikkim banned the sale and use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring that all its agricultural produce is organic.

Sustainable Agriculture: The state adopted eco-friendly techniques, such as composting and crop rotation, to maintain soil fertility and environmental health.

Recognition: In 2018, Sikkim received the prestigious Future Policy Gold Award from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its pioneering organic farming policies.

Economic and Tourism Boost: The organic movement has enhanced Sikkim's agribusiness, improved farmers’ incomes, and attracted eco-tourism.

Over the years around 75000 hectares of land has been converted into certified organic farms following the guidelines as prescribed by National Programme for Organic Production. 

Organic cultivation doesn't involve the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. It helps to maintain a harmonious balance among the various complex ecosystems. 

Also it has improved the quality of the soil which further improves the standards of the crops produced there. Within 1.24 million tonnes of organic production in the country around 80000 million is supplied by Sikkim alone.

Sikkim’s achievement serves as a model for other states and countries aiming for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

Twin town

KODINHI 

Kodinhi, a small village in the Malappuram district of Kerala, India, is famously known as the "Twin Town" due to its unusually high number of twin births. The village has an astonishingly high twin birth rate, much higher than the global average.

Unusual Twin Phenomenon: Kodinhi reportedly has more than 450 pairs of twins among a population of about 2,000 families.

Higher Twin Rate Than Normal: While the global twin birth rate is around 4-16 per 1,000 births, Kodinhi's rate is estimated to be around 42 per 1,000 births.

No Clear Scientific Explanation: Despite studies, researchers have not found a definite reason for this phenomenon. Genetic, dietary, and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

Twins and More Twins: Even women who marry outside Kodinhi tend to have twins at a higher rate, suggesting a genetic link.

Attracts Global Attention: Scientists from India and abroad have studied Kodinhi, but the mystery remains unsolved.

A similar phenomenon of a large number of twin births within a small isolated community has been observed in Brazil. 

Huangshan China

THE BRIDGE OF IMMORTALS 

The Bridge of Immortals is a breathtaking and world-famous bridge located in the Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) region of China. It is renowned for its dramatic setting, perched high among the peaks and cliffs of the Huangshan Mountains, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Key Features of the Bridge of Immortals:

Location: Huangshan (Yellow Mountains), Anhui Province, China.

Height: Approximately 1,600 meters (5,249 feet) above sea level.

Construction: The bridge is made of stone and connects two massive rock formations, making it appear as if it's floating in the sky.

Tourist Attraction: Due to its breathtaking views and thrilling height, it is a popular destination for hikers and adventure seekers.

Although it is one of the world's most awe-inspiring bridges, the highest bridge in the world in terms of structure height is the Beipanjiang Bridge in China, which spans 565 meters (1,854 feet) above a river gorge.

Haunted doll

ANNABELLE 

The real Annabelle doll is a well-known case of alleged paranormal activity, made famous by Ed and Lorraine Warren, two well-known paranormal investigators.

Background and Origin: The Annabelle doll is a Raggedy Ann doll, not the porcelain version shown in movies. In the 1970s, two college roommates, Donna and Angie, received the doll as a gift. Strange occurrences began happening: the doll seemed to move on its own, appearing in different places and positions. Handwritten messages reading “Help us” were reportedly found around their apartment. One of their friends, Lou, had a disturbing encounter where he claimed the doll attacked him, leaving claw-like scratches on his body.

Involvement of the Warrens: The roommates contacted a psychic medium, who told them that the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle Higgins who had died nearby. The Warrens investigated and determined that the entity was not a child’s spirit but a malevolent demonic force using the doll as a conduit. To prevent further harm, the Warrens took the doll and placed it in their Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut.

Annabelle’s Current Location: Annabelle is kept in a wooden glass case at the Warren’s Occult Museum. A sign on the case reads: “WARNING: POSITIVELY DO NOT OPEN.” Visitors and museum staff claim that the doll’s presence still causes strange occurrences. There are stories of visitors mocking the doll and later suffering tragic accidents.

Skepticism and Belief: Many believe the Annabelle story is exaggerated or fabricated to build the Warrens' paranormal reputation. Others claim that while the story may have been dramatised, something unexplained could have been happening. Whether real or not, Annabelle remains one of the most infamous haunted objects in paranormal history. 

Annabelle in Pop Culture: The doll inspired the "Annabelle" movie series, part of The Conjuring Universe. Unlike the real Annabelle, the movie version is a creepy porcelain doll with an unsettling smile. The movies fictionalise her origins and activity, making her a central horror icon.

Brand that made mobile phones popular by connecting people

NOKIA 

Nokia is the brand that played a pivotal role in making mobile phones popular by connecting people. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nokia became the leading mobile phone manufacturer, making significant strides in revolutionising personal communication. With its user-friendly interface, durable design, and long-lasting battery life, Nokia's mobile phones became a household staple globally. 

Their iconic slogan, "Connecting People", perfectly captured the essence of what mobile phones were becoming: tools for individuals to stay in touch with loved ones, business contacts, and the world at large. 

Nokia's commitment to accessibility and communication made mobile phones essential for everyday life. Their innovations in features like text messaging, mobile gaming, and mobile internet paved the way for the evolution of smartphones. 

Nokia’s impact on mobile communication is undeniable. It wasn’t just about making phones; it was about shaping how people interacted with technology. Their sturdy designs, legendary battery life, and innovations like Snake (one of the earliest mobile games) made them iconic.

Even though Nokia couldn’t keep up with the smartphone revolution, their influence lingers—many still fondly remember models like the 3310 or 1100, known for their near-indestructibility. And now, with some modern Nokia-branded smartphones, they’re still trying to make a comeback.

Although Nokia eventually lost its dominant position with the rise of touchscreen smartphones, it remains remembered for making mobile phones a ubiquitous part of modern society.

May there be plentiful of rice

ANNAM BAHU KURVITA

 

Rice was probably domesticated first in the Yangtze Basin in China around 7000 BCE. In the subcontinent, it is said to have been domesticated along the Ganga by 6000 BCE. By 3500 BCE, it spread to Southeast Asia.

Today, the grain is a staple for 65% of India's population. Its production, processing, and trading is a major employer across the country. There is a wondrous variety of rice cultivators too. For example, in the Kuttanad region of Kerala, it's uniquely cultivated below the sea level. It's also a global staple with a bigger market than wheat and hence is important for food security everywhere.

The cultivation and sanctity of rice is as old as Indian culture. Sita in the Rigveda means furrow. In the Ramayana, the childless Janaka finds a baby in the furrow and names her Sita. Ahalya created by Brahma means 'unploughed'. Rabindranath Tagore suggested that Rama's release of Ahalya from a stone probably refers to the reclamation of uncultivated land.

The plough was so sacred that kings made pacts by swearing on the plough, according to Kautilya. The Atharva Veda describes rice as a healing balm, the "sons of heaven who never die". The Taittiriya Upanishad says the Supreme Being or Purusha is formed of rice and that all that is born comes from, lives on land and merges into rice. The Mahabharata says there is no gift greater than rice, while the Bhagavad Gita reaffirms that all beings are formed of rice. Krishna gifts Draupadi an Akshaya Paatra, a bowl of limitless rice. 

Rice is symbolic of prosperity whose goddess is Lakshmi. Annapurna, holding a bowl of rice in one hand and a spoon in the other is the goddess of Kashi on the Ganga and worshipped all over the country. In Bengal, she is depicted as providing rice to Shiva and his assistants. Annalakshmi, created by Vishnu to ensure that humanity does not suffer from hunger, holds a sheaf of paddy in one hand and a rice bowl and spoon like Annapurna. Dhanyalakshmi has many arms and holds several sheaves of paddy and other grains. There are also local rice deities all over India. 

Ponni Amman is celebrated in northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh, depicted as a head placed on earth, which is her body. In Manipur, there is Phouoibi or lady of the paddy, for the Meitei people. Rice is also associated with male deities. Taittiriya Aranyaka describes Annadevata, the rice god, as the progenitor. According to Shatapatha Brahmana, rice originated from the body of Indra. 

Not just India, almost every East Asian country has a unique legend about how rice came to their land; communities in most of these countries pray to a benevolent rice deity. Dewi Shri, a Southeast Asian name for Sridevi or Lakshmi, is a Balinese, Javanese, and Sudanese Hindu goddess of rice and fertility, still widely worshipped in parts of Indonesia. She is two-armed, holding a spring of paddy in one hand, with the other in a gesture of giving. The stories of Dewi Shri are associated with the mythical origin of the rice plant. All useful plants essential for humans are said to have come from Dewi Shri's body. Traditional Javanese homes have a small shrine called pasrean or the place of Sri. Worshippers offer food and prayers to her so that she may grant the family health and prosperity.

Inari is a Japanese Shinto deity identified with the Buddhist Dakiniten who rides a white fox and protects rice cultivation. Mae Posop is the rice goddess of Thailand, a mother figure who provides food and is worshipped with offerings to ancestral shrines, the spirit of the land, or monks. In Laos, the story goes that when a farmer trapped a golden fish, the fish king gave rice to humans in exchange. Guanyin, the Chinese Avalokiteshvara, sent her dog down to earth during a great flood with rice clinging to its tail, which led her to be worshipped as a rice goddess.  Rice is such a vital staple in many societies that it's no surprise it has inspired so many legends.

Inari, Mae Posop, and Guanyin’s connection to rice all highlight the idea of divine beings ensuring food security and prosperity. The Laotian fish king story is interesting because it suggests a different origin—rice as a gift from an underwater realm. It’s similar to how some cultures see food as a divine exchange rather than just an agricultural product.

Rice is a part of living tradition. Many myths, oral histories, and ceremonies relate to it. From birth to death, all rituals in an Indian's life is associated with rice. As the prayer goes, 'Annam Bahu Kurvita', or may the rice be plentiful, for it's essential for our survival. Rice is a sacred thread woven through every stage of life. The phrase Annam Bahu Kurvita reflects the deep reverence for food in Indian traditions, where rice is more than sustenance; it’s a blessing, an offering, and a symbol of prosperity.

It’s fascinating how rice appears in everything from birth ceremonies (Annaprashan, the first feeding of rice) to wedding rituals and even funerary rites. The connection between rice and life itself shows how essential it is—not just physically but spiritually.

A Rocket-Fueled Milestone

ISRO's 1OOth LAUNCH 

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (“ISRO"), just celebrated a super cool achievement: they've launched their 100th mission! That's like hitting a century in cricket – a huge milestone! It's a proud moment for India and a giant leap for its space journey! That's the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, and it carried a very special passenger : the NVS-02 navigation satellite. Think of it as a high-tech messenger, sent to help us find our way around! This rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh. This 100th launch is a big deal. It shows how far India has come in space exploration. ISRO has been working hard for years, sending rockets and satellites into space to learn more about our universe and help us here on Earth. ISRO shared the exciting news on social media, saying it's a “proud milestone for India's space journey". ISRO is also planning more missions, more discoveries, and more incredible journeys into space. They're reaching for the stars, and taking India with them!

A day to show love and appreciation to everyone who makes our lives brighter

VALENTINE'S DAY 

When we think of Valentine’s Day, images of heart-shaped cards, chocolates and roses often come to mind. But do you know that this day of love is about so much more than just that? Valentine’s Day is a beautiful reminder to show love and appreciation to everyone who makes our lives brighter—our family, friends and those special people who support us in every step of the way.

Think about your parents, who work so hard to provide all comforts for you and cheer you on through life’s ups and downs. How about your grandparents? Their life stories and wisdom can make you smile even on the gloomiest days. Don’t forget your siblings—whether you share inside jokes or friendly rivalries, they make your life unforgettable. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to remind your family how much they mean to you.

Friendship: The Heartbeat of Fun

What would life be without friends? They’re the ones who turn ordinary moments into lifelong memories. Whether they’ve stood by you during tough times or made you laugh until your stomach hurt, Valentine’s Day is the perfect chance to let them know how much you appreciate their friendship.

Sweet Ways to Spread Love

You don’t need grand gestures to make someone feel special—small acts of kindness can mean the world! Here are some simple yet thoughtful ideas:• 

Write a heartfelt note: A few genuine words can brighten someone’s day. 

Plan a fun surprise: Organise a picnic, movie night or a painting session with friends. 

Share a home-cooked treat: Make your loved ones’ favourite dishes as a special surprise.

Make Memories That Last

Valentine’s Day is also about creating moments that you’ll treasure forever. Spend time helping your parents with their chores or reminisce about old family stories. If you’re with friends, go on an adventure—whether it’s a bike ride, a baking session or a themed party at home, the possibilities are endless.

A Celebration of All Kinds of Love:

No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember that Valentine’s Day is about love in all its wonderful forms. So, whether you’re spending it with your family, friends or even treating yourself to some well-deserved self-care, make it a day filled with joy and connection.

Happy Valentine’s Day—celebrate love, laughter and all the special bonds that make life meaningful!

The story behind the popular game of numbers

SUDOKU, FUN WITH NUMBERS 

When you open the puzzles page in a newspaper, have you ever wondered about those blank grids with a few scattered numbers? They're Sudoku puzzles - a global craze!

In this game, you fill in the grid with singular, unique numbers. That’s where the name comes from: su means number and doku means single. Though the name is Japanese, the puzzle was actually created by American architect Howard Garns in 1979. He called it Number Place, but it didn't gain much popularity in the US. Japanese publishers discovered it in the 1980s, renamed it Sudoku, and by 1984, it was a sensation in Japan. 

Twenty years later, Hong Kong judge Wayne Gould came across Sudoku during a visit to Tokyo. He introduced it to The Times in London in 2004, sparkling a worldwide craze. By 2005, newspapers across Europe, India, and beyond had embraced Sudoku, and the puzzle's popularity has only grown since. 

Sudoku is simple but addictive. A classic puzzle features a grid of 9 large boxes, each divided into a 3X3 grid. Your task is to fill in the empty cells so that:

1. Each horizontal row contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repetition. 

2. Each vertical column contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repetition. 

3. Each 3X3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repetition. 

It's not about Math - just logic and patience. With practice, you'll get better at spotting patterns and solving puzzles step by step. 

The fun doesn't stop there! You can swap numbers for letters, symbols or pictures and still follow the same rules. Modern variants, like jigsaw Sudoku or the tricky killer Sudoku, make it more exciting. 

Remember, every Sudoku puzzle is a test of logic, persistence and problem-solving. Ready to give it a try?

Do you know

WHY DO OLD BATTERIES LEAK?

Batteries generate electricity through chemical reactions that move electrons between terminals. In alkaline batteries, a gel called potassium hydroxide conducts electricity. Over time, as the battery works, hydrogen gas builds up inside the sealed casing, increasing pressure. This can create tiny cracks in the metal, causing potassium hydroxide to leak.

When exposed to air, it reacts with carbon dioxide, forming a crust of potassium carbonate, which is harmless. However, potassium hydroxide itself can irritate the skin. To safely dispose the leaking batteries, place them in a plastic bag and take them to a recycling center. Proper disposal prevents environmental harm and keeps everyone safe.

An Accidental Genius

A STICKY STORY OF POST-IT NOTES 

Ever wondered about everyday things that turned out to be accidental strokes of genius? Well, let’s dive into the quirky tale of Post-it Notes – those handy, sticky pals that found their way into our lives in the most unexpected way.

Once upon a time, in a 3M lab in 1968, a scientist named Dr. Spencer Silver was working on a super-strong adhesive that could be used in aircraft construction. But guess what? He didn’t quite get what he wanted. Instead, he accidentally created a not-so-sticky adhesive.

Fast forward to a few years later, another 3M employee named Art Fry was singing in his church choir. He got frustrated when his bookmarks kept falling out of his hymn book. That’s when the light bulb went off in his head. He remembered Dr. Silver’s not-so-sticky adhesive!

Art took some of that magic not-so-sticky stuff, applied it to paper, and just like that – the Post-it Note was born! They were perfect for sticking things together without leaving a mess behind. The accidental genius of Dr. Silver’s not-so-sticky glue turned out to be a game-changer.

These colourful squares soon found their way onto desks, notebooks and fridges all around the world. People loved them for leaving messages, jotting down quick ideas and making colourful reminders.

What makes Post-it Notes quirky and cool is that they started as a ‘whoops’ moment in a lab. It just goes to show that sometimes, the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for them. Imagine a world without these sticky wonders – pretty dull, right?

So, the next time you’re jotting down notes on a Post-it, remember the accidental brilliance behind it. It’s a reminder that genius can pop up in the most unexpected places, turning a not-so-sticky situation into a colourful burst of creativity!

The best method for setting priorities

A-B-C-D-E

All successful people focus their time and energy on their work of highest value. Good performance is about the capacity to focus and concentrate on the job of top priority. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by too many things to do and too little time in which to do them, sit down, take a deep breath, and list all those tasks you need to accomplish.

The best method for setting priorities is the A-B-C-D-E Method.

“A” stands for “very important”, something you must do. It is going to decide your success or failure.

“B” stands for “important”, something you should do. This is not as important as your ‘A’ tasks.

“C” stands for things that are “nice to do”, but which are not as important as ‘A’ or ‘B’ tasks.

“D” stands for “delegate.” You can assign this task to someone else who can do the job instead of you.

“E” stands for “eliminate, whenever possible.” You should eliminate every single activity you possibly can, to free up your time.

When you use the A-B-C-D-E method, you can very easily sort out what is important and unimportant. This then will make us be focused on those items on your list that are most essential for you to do.

Do you know

HOW LOUD IS A SUPERSONIC PLANE?

Supersonic planes, like the Concorde or modern supersonic jets, create a sonic boom while flying faster than the speed of sound (about 767 mph or 1,235 km/h). The sonic boom is a thunder-like noise resulting from shockwaves produced by the aircraft. The loudness of a supersonic plane depends on various factors, including altitude and distance from the flight path. At ground level, a sonic boom can reach around 120 decibels, similar to a thunderclap. However, advancements in aerodynamics aim to minimise these disturbances. Newer supersonic planes incorporate design features to lessen the intensity of sonic booms, considering environmental impact and comfort.

A Creative Career Path

CHOREOGRAPHY

Are you passionate about dance and love to move to the rhythm of music? Have you ever thought about becoming a choreographer? It’s a fun and fulfilling career option for kids who have a flair for creativity and enjoy working with dancers.

Choreographers are like the directors of dance. They create dance routines and movements that tell a story or convey emotions. Whether it’s for a stage performance, a music video or a movie, choreographers play a crucial role in bringing dance to life.

To become a choreographer, you don’t necessarily need formal education, but it’s helpful to have a strong background in dance. Many choreographers start by giving dance classes from a young age and continue to refine their skills over time. Some also pursue degrees in dance or performing arts to deepen their understanding of movement and choreography techniques.

A typical day for a choreographer involves a lot of creativity and collaboration. They might start by brainstorming ideas for a new dance piece, then work with dancers to teach them the choreography. They also spend time rehearsing and refining the routine until it’s perfect. In addition to working with dancers, choreographers often collaborate with music composers, costume designers and stage directors to bring their vision to life.

While choreography can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is finding work consistently, especially when starting out. Competition can be tough, and it may take time to build a reputation and establish yourself in the industry. Additionally, choreographers often face pressure to come up with fresh and innovative ideas, which can sometimes lead to creative blocks.

Despite the challenges, being a choreographer offers endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Whether you dream of choreographing Broadway shows, music videos for your favourite artists or dance routines for movies, pursuing a career in choreography can lead to a lifetime of exciting opportunities.

So, if you’re passionate about dance and love to express yourself through movement, consider exploring choreography as a career option. Who knows? You might just be the next big name in the world of dance!

Six powerful teachers

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW

Knowing the answers will help you in school. Knowing how to ask questions will help you in life.- Warren Berger

Questioning, a life skill: Questioning is the ability to organise our thinking around what we don’t know. This is an essential skill today. Doubting the existence of something is always a good habit, as in doing so, we are led to question, and by questioning, we arrive at the truth.

Questioning is the fountainhead of knowledge. In the early days, people wondered as to who created the world and arrived at the simplified explanation that one was created by a supernatural being. But as more people searched further for the how and why, more civilised our society got. We questioned why some animals resemble some others, and got the answer that all animals have evolved from a common ancestor. We proved that we are not created but we have evolved over 3.5 billion years. All the knowledge we possess is the product of questioning. Questioning is not the exclusive right of the police detectives, it is a universal skill. Your calibre of questions is assessed more critically than the answers provided by parents, teachers and friends.

Six teachers: Questioning gives you answers that will make you resourceful in science, maths, geography and even in various languages. WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW are the six powerful teachers.

For instance, have you ever taken time to observe your surroundings or the sky? Especially in the twilight and night sky, have you noticed the four stars in the early evening sky? Have you wondered what they are? Indeed , these are not stars, they are planets, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. You know that the brightest one is Venus, but have you questioned why Venus is so bright? And have ever wondered what that red planet is? The red one is Mars, and it appears red as it has iron oxide on its surface.

Questioning can lead to understanding delightful facts about our world, and it can be a source of much wonder and joy, giving us contentment and pride. This curiosity further motivates you to ask more questions, which is where we summon our six teachers.

The art of questioning: The art of questioning can be mastered with practice. You may just listen to the questioning of well-known personalities on television. Questions must be constructed and asked logically in such a way that the motive of what you want to know is communicated to the person being questioned. One must also question keeping in mind niceties and the sensitive nature of certain information and questions.

Basic questions: Questioning has changed the history of humankind. Concepts like gravity, earth’s rotation on its orbit and revolution around the sun were all the answers arrived at by people who relentlessly asked questions about it and sought answers. Similarly, if you begin questioning your life too can change. Some of the life changing questions that you should ask are: Who am I? Am I related with people around me? What do I want to do and get from my life? How can I contribute to my world, school or my house? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Where am I? and Where do I want to reach? Such questions will help you to change the course if necessary and keep you on the right course.

Question everything: He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. If you question everything, you will not believe in many things that you believe in today. Questioning is the mother of knowledge. Never stop questioning.