The man who survived two nuclear bombs

TSUTOMU YAMAGUCHI 

Can someone survive not one, but two nuclear bomb attacks? Yes! A Japanese man named Tsutomu Yamaguchi did precisely that—and lived to tell the story.

In 1945, during World War II, the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Yamaguchi was there on a work trip. He was badly burned but survived the blast.

The very next day, he returned home to Nagasaki—just in time for the second atomic bomb to fall! Amazingly, he survived that explosion too, even though it caused more injuries. Yamaguchi was one of the very few people officially recognised as a double survivor.

Even after going through so much, he lived a long life and became a peace speaker, talking about the horrors of nuclear war. He wanted the world to learn how dangerous these bombs are and why we should never use them again.

Tsutomu Yamaguchi’s story is one of incredible survival and courage, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of working towards peace.

The World’s First AI Minister

DIELLA 

In the age of artificial intelligence, where machines can think, learn, and even talk like humans, a small European nation — Albania — has made history.

In September 2025, Albania appointed Diella, an artificial intelligence (AI) system, as a government minister. This bold move made her the first AI minister in the world, marking a new chapter in how technology and governance can work together.

Who is Diella?

The name Diella means “sun” in the Albanian language — symbolising light, clarity, and transparency.

She was first launched in January 2025 as a virtual assistant on the country’s digital platform e-Albania, which provides citizens access to government services online.

At the start, Diella helped people: fill out forms, download certificates, solve technical issues, and access official documents easily.

Her ability to serve thousands of citizens quickly and accurately impressed the government and led to her promotion.

Becoming a Minister

In September 2025, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama appointed Diella as the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Her most important task is to oversee public tenders and government contracts — areas where corruption has often been a problem.

The Prime Minister said Diella’s goal is to make these processes “100% corruption-free.”

By analysing data and patterns, she ensures that public funds are used properly and fairly, without human bias or interference.

How Does Diella Work?

Diella functions as a virtual cabinet member, powered by advanced algorithms, natural language processing, and data analytics. She doesn’t have a human body — instead, she appears as a digital avatar on screens and interacts through speech and text.

So far, she has:

● Processed over 36,000 digital documents,

● Helped deliver around 1,000 government services, and

● Assisted citizens on the e-Albania platform with 24/7 availability.

Unlike humans, she never gets tired, takes breaks, or has personal interests — which makes her highly efficient.

Why did Albania create an AI Minister?

Albania has been working hard to fight corruption and improve transparency. The government believes that AI can help remove human weaknesses like bias, bribery, and favouritism from decision-making.

By giving Diella a ministerial role, Albania hopes to: Build public trust, speed up services, reduce human errors, and align with European Union standards for transparent governance.

It’s also a symbolic step showing Albania’s determination to become a digital pioneer in Europe.

 Challenges and Concerns

Although Diella’s appointment is groundbreaking, it raises many serious questions:

● Can an AI really lead? AI lacks emotions, empathy, and moral judgment — qualities that human leaders use in complex situations.

● Who is responsible if something goes wrong? If Diella makes a mistake or is manipulated, should the blame fall on her programmers, the AI agency, or the government?

● Is it constitutional? Some experts argue that giving an official government title to a non-human might conflict with legal definitions of a minister.

Transparency: For Diella to ensure fairness, her own systems and data must also be open to public scrutiny.

Thus, while her appointment is exciting, it also demands strong ethical and legal safeguards.

A New Era of Governance: Diella’s appointment marks a historic experiment in using artificial intelligence for public administration.

If successful, it could open the door for similar AI systems to assist in education, healthcare, environmental planning, and economic management in the future.

However, experts agree that AI should assist humans, not replace them. The best results come when technology and human wisdom work together.

Did You Know?

● AI stands for Artificial Intelligence — machines that can think and learn like humans.

● Diella means sun — representing clarity, fairness, and enlightenment.

● She is completely virtual, existing only on screens with a computer-generated face and voice.

● Albania is the first country in the world to include an AI system in its national cabinet.

● Diella’s main promise: all public tenders will be 100% corruption-free.

Moral Takeaway: Technology becomes truly powerful when it is used with honesty and for the greater good.

Diella’s story shows how innovation can shine light on transparency and truth — but also reminds us that machines, no matter how smart, must always be guided by human values and wisdom.

Conclusion: The appointment of Diella marks a bold step into the future — where technology and governance come together to create a more transparent and efficient system. By giving an AI system a ministerial role, Albania has shown how innovation can be used to fight corruption and serve citizens better.

However, this experiment also reminds us that while machines can process data and make fair decisions, they cannot replace the human values of empathy, judgment, and responsibility. The real success of Diella will depend on how wisely humans use her abilities.

As the world watches this groundbreaking experiment unfold, Diella stands as a symbol of hope, honesty, and progress — showing that the power of technology, when guided by ethics and purpose, can truly help build a brighter future.

A recipe for perseverance and success

 KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN (KFC)

When you see the smiling face of Colonel Sanders on a bucket of KFC chicken, you might just think of tasty fried food — but behind that logo lies one of the most remarkable true stories of perseverance, failure, and late success in business history.

The story of Harland David Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), teaches us that it is never too late to chase your dreams — and that every failure can be a step toward success.

🍗 Early life and Struggles: Harland Sanders was born on September 9, 1890, in Henryville, Indiana, USA, into a poor farming family. His father died when Harland was just six years old, leaving his mother to work long hours to support the family. As the eldest child, Sanders took responsibility for cooking and caring for his younger siblings — a skill that would later shape his destiny.

But school wasn’t easy for him. He often clashed with teachers and dropped out by the seventh grade, at age 12. Over the years, he worked in a string of different jobs — as a farmhand, streetcar conductor, railroad fireman, insurance salesman, and even a ferryboat operator. However, he lost most of these jobs due to bad luck or disagreements with employers.

By his mid-30s, Sanders had already faced more failures than most people face in a lifetime — but he refused to give up.

🍗 The birth of his passion: In the early 1930s, during the Great Depression, Sanders began operating a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he also served meals to travellers. Word quickly spread about his delicious home-cooked dishes, especially his fried chicken.

He kept experimenting with spices and cooking techniques until he perfected his famous recipe — a blend of 11 herbs and spices, the exact ingredients of which remain a secret to this day. To make cooking faster, he also developed a unique pressure-frying technique, which allowed the chicken to cook quickly while staying crispy on the outside and tender inside.

By 1935, his food had gained so much popularity that the Governor of Kentucky awarded him the honorary title of “Colonel” — a title that would stick with him for life.

🍗 Setbacks and starting over: Despite his growing reputation, Sanders faced another major setback in the 1950s. A new interstate highway was built, bypassing Corbin, and traffic to his restaurant dropped drastically. At the age of 65, he was forced to sell his restaurant at a loss, leaving him with little more than his savings and his secret recipe.

For most people, this would have been the end. But not for Colonel Sanders.

At an age when most people retire, he decided to start over — determined to share his chicken recipe with the world.

🍗 Rejection after rejection: Armed with nothing but a few cooking utensils and his recipe, Sanders hit the road in his old car. He travelled across the United States, visiting restaurants, cooking for owners, and offering them a franchise deal — if they liked his chicken, they could sell it in their restaurant, and he would receive a small commission for every chicken sold.

He was rejected over 1,000 times before someone finally agreed to partner with him. Most restaurant owners laughed at the idea of paying for a recipe from a retired man. But Sanders persisted. His unwavering belief in his chicken eventually paid off when Pete Harman, a restaurant owner in Salt Lake City, Utah, agreed to franchise his recipe.

Together, they opened the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet in 1952. Harman also came up with the brand’s famous tagline — “It’s Finger-Lickin’ Good!”

🍗 Rise to fame: By the early 1960s, KFC had become one of America’s fastest-growing food chains. Colonel Sanders, dressed in his trademark white suit and black string tie, became not only the brand’s face but also its living symbol of quality and care.

In 1964, at the age of 73, Sanders sold the company to a group of investors for $2 million, though he continued to serve as its ambassador and spokesperson. Under new management, KFC expanded rapidly, reaching over 600 franchises within the next few years and soon spreading internationally to Canada, the UK, Mexico, and beyond.

🍗 Legacy and life lessons: Colonel Sanders passed away in 1980 at the age of 90, but his legacy continues to live on through the global success of KFC, which now operates in more than 150 countries and serves millions of customers every day.

His life is a shining example of how persistence, resilience, and self-belief can turn even the hardest failures into lasting success. From losing jobs and businesses to being rejected hundreds of times, Sanders proved that age is no barrier and that determination can overcome almost anything.

🍗 Did You Know? 

🐥The original handwritten “11 herbs and spices” recipe is kept in a vault at KFC headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.

🐤Colonel Sanders received more than 1,000 rejections before finding his first franchise partner.

🐥 KFC was the first American fast-food chain to open in China (in 1987) — and is now one of the most popular restaurants there.

🐤The Colonel’s famous white suit became his personal trademark — he was even buried wearing it.

🍗 Conclusion: Colonel Harland Sanders’ story isn’t just about fried chicken — it’s about never giving up, no matter how many times you fail. He began his greatest success story at an age when most people stop dreaming. His journey from a poor farm boy to a global business icon continues to inspire millions to follow their passions, no matter the obstacles.

So, the next time you enjoy a crispy piece of KFC chicken, remember: it’s not just a recipe — it’s the taste of courage, persistence, and the power of believing in yourself.

The World’s Smelliest Bloom

CORPSE FLOWER 

(Amorphophallus titanum) 

Among the countless wonders of the plant world, few are as extraordinary — or as notorious — as the Corpse Flower, scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum. Famous for its enormous size and foul smell resembling rotting flesh, this rare species from Indonesia’s rainforests continues to fascinate botanists, researchers, and nature lovers worldwide.

Origin and Discovery

The Corpse Flower is native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. It was first discovered in 1878 by Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari, who was astonished by its immense bloom. Belonging to the Araceae family, the same as calla lilies and peace lilies, Amorphophallus titanum stands apart as one of the largest flowering structures on Earth.

A Botanical Giant

The plant’s magnificent bloom can reach a height of up to 3 metres (10 feet). What appears to be a single flower is actually a huge inflorescence — a cluster of many small flowers grouped on a tall, central spike called the spadix. Surrounding this is a large, petal-like structure known as the spathe, which opens dramatically to reveal a deep reddish-purple interior resembling raw meat.

Beneath the soil lies a massive tuber, sometimes weighing over 100 kilograms, storing energy during the long years between blooms.

The Science of the Stench

The Corpse Flower’s signature trait — its stench of decay — is not accidental. The smell mimics that of rotting flesh, produced by a complex mix of volatile organic compounds such as dimethyl trisulfide, trimethylamine, and isovaleric acid.

This odour attracts carrion beetles and flesh flies, insects that normally feed on dead animals. Deceived by the smell, these insects enter the flower and unknowingly help in pollination, transferring pollen between blooms.

Another fascinating feature is thermogenesis — the spadix heats up to about human body temperature. This helps vaporise the scent molecules, spreading the odour farther to lure more pollinators.

A Rare and Short-Lived Spectacle

The Corpse Flower is famous not only for its smell but also for its rarity. It can take 7 to 10 years to bloom for the first time, and even then, each bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours before collapsing.

Between blooms, the plant produces a single, enormous leaf that looks like a small tree — sometimes up to 6 metres tall. This leaf performs photosynthesis, storing food in the underground tuber to support the next spectacular flowering event.

Ecological Importance

In its native habitat, Amorphophallus titanum plays an important ecological role. Its unusual pollination strategy highlights the diverse adaptations plants evolve to survive and reproduce in tropical ecosystems. Sadly, due to deforestation and habitat loss in Sumatra, this species is now considered threatened in the wild, making its cultivation in botanical gardens vital for conservation and study.

Did You Know? 🌿

The Corpse Flower’s heat helps mimic the temperature of decomposing meat, enhancing its deception.

Its tuber is one of the largest in the plant kingdom.

It is often confused with Rafflesia arnoldii, another Sumatran giant, which produces the largest single flower, while A. titanum produces the largest inflorescence.

The first bloom outside Indonesia occurred in 1889 at Kew Gardens, London, under the care of botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker.

Conclusion

The Corpse Flower may offend the nose, but it captures the imagination of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its enormous size, rare blooming cycle, and ingenious pollination strategy reveal the incredible adaptability of life. More than just a curiosity, Amorphophallus titanum stands as a symbol of nature’s creativity — a reminder that even the strangest forms of life have an essential role in the web of biodiversity.

Connecting the World

CELEBRATING WORLD POST DAY 2025

Every year on 9 October, the world pauses to honour a service that quietly connects humanity — the postal system. World Post Day commemorates the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874, in Bern, Switzerland, a milestone that revolutionised how letters, parcels, and messages travel across nations.

The Genesis of Global Communication: Before the creation of the UPU, sending a letter internationally was slow, costly, and complicated, governed by multiple bilateral agreements. The formation of the UPU introduced a visionary idea — one single postal territory for the smooth and reciprocal exchange of mail among countries.

By standardising postal rates, weights, and delivery rules, the UPU made global communication affordable and efficient. In 1969, during its Tokyo Congress, the UPU officially declared 9 October as World Post Day, aiming to raise awareness about the essential role of the postal sector in connecting people and promoting global development.

Purpose and Significance:

World Post Day serves several important purposes:

🌍 To highlight how postal services connect people, businesses, and nations

💡 To showcase how posts are evolving with e-commerce, logistics, and financial services

📬 To promote innovation and reform in national postal systems

✉️ To encourage public engagement through exhibitions, open houses, and letter-writing competitions

The day reminds us that postal services are not merely about delivering mail—they are about bridging distances and fostering human connection.

Theme for 2025: “#PostForPeople: Local Service. Global Reach.”

The 2025 theme — #PostForPeople: Local Service. Global Reach — emphasises how postal services remain deeply rooted in local communities while extending their network worldwide.

In many countries, especially in rural or remote areas, the post office is often the only public service available. It acts as a gateway to the digital economy, providing essential financial and government services to people who might otherwise be left out.

Through this theme, the UPU reaffirms that the post is not just about mail—it is about people, linking local lives to global possibilities.

Post in the Modern Era: More Than Just Mail

While digital communication dominates today, the postal service continues to play an indispensable role. Its functions have expanded far beyond letters and stamps:

E-Commerce Backbone: Postal services form the world’s largest logistics and delivery network, ensuring that goods reach customers even in the most remote areas.

Financial Inclusion: In developing and rural regions, post offices provide banking, insurance, and pension services, helping bridge the economic divide.

Emergency Lifeline: During crises or natural disasters, the postal network becomes a lifeline, delivering medicine, aid, and relief supplies where other systems cannot reach.

This adaptability has made the postal system a pillar of reliability, inclusion, and trust in modern society.

How World Post Day is celebrated: Across more than 150 countries, World Post Day is marked with enthusiasm and creativity:

🕊️ Release of special stamps and commemorative postal covers

🏛️ Open days at post offices, sorting centres, and postal museums

🖋️ International Letter-Writing Competitions for youth (ages 9–15), encouraging expression through handwritten letters

📢 Awareness campaigns in schools, media, and communities

🎖️ Recognition ceremonies honouring dedicated postal workers

These celebrations serve to educate, inspire, and remind the world of the unseen efforts behind every delivered letter or package.

Honouring the Postal Worker: At the heart of this global network are over 4.6 million postal workers who, through dedication and determination, ensure that communication never stops. From bustling cities to isolated villages, they deliver not just mail, but hope, connection, and continuity.

World Post Day is also their day — a moment to appreciate their contribution to keeping the world connected, no matter the distance or difficulty.

Looking Ahead: As we celebrate World Post Day 2025 under the banner #PostForPeople: Local Service. Global Reach, we are reminded that the post is much more than an institution — it is a living bridge between people, cultures, and economies.

In an age defined by digital communication, the humble postal service continues to stand for trust, connection, and service to humanity — proving that even in a fast-changing world, some traditions still deliver.

Do you know

WHY DO CATS LICK THEIR FUR?

Cats lick their fur mainly for grooming and self-care. This behaviour is natural and serves several important purposes:

1. Cleaning Themselves:

Cats lick their fur to remove dirt, dust, loose hair, and parasites. Their tongue has tiny, hook-like structures (called papillae) that help clean and untangle their fur effectively.

2. Regulating Body Temperature:

Cats don’t sweat like humans do. By licking their fur, they spread saliva that evaporates and helps cool their body, especially in hot weather.

3. Distributing Natural Oils:

Licking spreads the natural oils produced by their skin, keeping their coat smooth, shiny, and waterproof.

4. Comfort and Stress Relief:

Grooming also has a calming effect. Cats often lick themselves when they’re anxious, nervous, or trying to relax — it’s a self-soothing behaviour.

5. Scent Marking:

Cats have scent glands on their skin. By grooming, they spread their own scent, which makes them feel secure and reinforces their identity.

6. Social Bonding:

When cats lick each other (a behaviour called allogrooming), it helps strengthen social bonds within a group.

In short, cats lick their fur not just to stay clean, but also to stay cool, comfortable, and emotionally balanced. 🐱

Science meets Art

KALEIDOSCOPE 

Have you ever looked through a kaleidoscope and been amazed by the colorful patterns dancing before your eyes? A kaleidoscope is more than just a toy — it’s a wonderful example of science and art coming together to create magic!

What is a Kaleidoscope?

A kaleidoscope is a tube-shaped instrument that shows beautiful, changing patterns of colours and shapes when you look inside it. The word kaleidoscope comes from three Greek words — kalos (beautiful), eidos (form), and skopein (to look at). So, it literally means “to look at beautiful forms.”

How does it work?

Inside a kaleidoscope, there are:

Two or more mirrors placed at an angle, usually 60° or 45°.

Small colorful objects like bits of glass, beads, or plastic pieces.

A transparent cover at one end and an eyepiece at the other.

When you hold the kaleidoscope up to the light and slowly rotate it, the small pieces move and the mirrors reflect them again and again. These reflections form symmetrical, colorful patterns that change every time you turn the tube — no two designs are ever the same!

Science in Art

The kaleidoscope beautifully demonstrates the principle of reflection of light. The mirrors inside reflect the image of the colorful pieces multiple times, creating repeating patterns. It’s like watching nature paint with light!

Artists and designers often use kaleidoscopes to get new pattern ideas for fabrics, wallpapers, jewellery, and even digital art. So, a simple childhood toy also inspires creativity in the grown-up world.

Fun Fact!

Did you know the kaleidoscope was invented in 1816 by a Scottish scientist named Sir David Brewster? He was studying light and reflection when he accidentally discovered this amazing invention!

World’s Largest Kaleidoscope Examples

1. Earth Tower / Nagoya City Pavilion, Japan

Located in Nagoya, Japan.

It’s about 47 meters tall and projects a kaleidoscopic image roughly 40 m across. 

This was recorded by Guinness World Records as the “largest kaleidoscope.” 

2. Kaatskill Kaleidoscope, Mount Tremper, New York, USA

This is a walk-in kaleidoscope housed in a converted grain silo. 

It’s 60 feet (≈ 17–18 m) in height, with big mirrors inside; visitors lie back to look up into the reflections. 

Which one is really “Largest”?

The Nagoya Earth Tower is recorded by Guinness World Records as the “largest kaleidoscope” in terms of its size and projected image. 

The Kaatskill Kaleidoscope is often called the “world’s largest walk-in kaleidoscope,” and many sources refer to it as the largest in terms of a kaleidoscope you can enter. 

The Wonder Never Ends

A kaleidoscope reminds us that beauty is everywhere, even in simple reflections. Every twist brings a new pattern — just like life, full of endless colours and surprises. So next time you hold a kaleidoscope, remember — you’re not just playing with a toy, you’re exploring the science of light and the magic of imagination!

From the pages of History

QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT

About

● It was a very intense and violent nationwide resistance against the British Raj which started on 8th August 1942, on the legendary call of “Do or Die” by Mahatma Gandhi from Bombay’s Gowalia Tank Maidan.

● Also known as “August Kranti”, it proved to be a turning point in the Indian Freedom Struggle.

Reasons: 

● The British unilaterally dragged India into World War II without taking the Indian Leadership into confidence.

● Economic hardships faced by Indian masses due to the war.

● Reverses faced by the British from the Japanese forces in South East Asia and the war escalating upto the Indian borders at Burma.

● Rising national sentiments and the demand of complete independence by the Indian National Congress.

Immediate Cause:

● Failure of Cripps Mission (March 1942): It failed to pacify the Congress Leadership by offering a post-war dominion status.

● Gandhi termed it a “post-dated cheque on a crashing bank.”

Series of Events:

● On July 14, 1942, the Congress Working Committee met at Wardha and decided to launch a mass civil disobedience movement under the leadership of Gandhi.

● An All India Congress Committee meeting was called at Bombay where on 8th August 1942 the Congress passed the “Quit India Resolution”.

Government Response:

● On the 8th and 9th of August 1942, the government arrested all the prominent leaders of Congress and it was declared an illegal organisation.

● Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in Aga Khan Palace, Poona.

● Nehru, Patel, Abul Kalam Azad, and many other leaders were imprisoned in the Ahmednagar Fort.

Public Response:

● The immediate arrest of all big Congress leaders made it a Leaderless Movement.

● Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the Triclour at Bombay's Gowalia Tank Maidan on 9th August, 1942.

● Usha Mehta ran an underground radio station also called the Secret Congress Radio.

● The movement spread across the country, especially in rural areas. Protests, strikes, and uprisings took place in various regions and it turned violent at many places.

● Revolutionary activities were widespread along with attacks on government buildings and machinery.

● Jaiprakash Nararayan escaped from Hazaribagh jail and formed “Azad Dasta”, a revolutionary organisation at the Bihar-Nepal Border. Ram Manohar Lohia also ran an underground radio for this organisation during the movement.

Brutal Suppression:

● The British resorted to all sorts of measures with means available at their end including mass fines, flogging at public events, arrest, detention, martial laws, public firing and thus curbed the movement with a heavy hand, though underground activities continued.

Limitations:

● Chaotic and sporadic in nature: Due to the absence of central leadership, a nationwide coordination was missing.

● Failed to achieve its immediate objective: Independence ultimately came much later in 1947 under different circumstances along with partition.

● Absence of a united political front: Muslim League, Communist Party of India, Hindu Mahasabha along with B. R. Ambedkar and Periyar were against the Movement.

● Communal divide: Muslim participation in the movement was even lower than the CDM. Jinnah appealed to Muslims to join the armed forces.

Achievements:

● Loss of British Morality: The use of brutal might on the general public at such a large scale lead to the Loss of British Moral Right to rule India anymore.

● Fear in British Aristocracy: It convinced the British Authority that India cannot be ruled further on colonial norms.

Do You Know?

The term ‘Quit India’ was termed by Yusuf Meherally, who also coined the term 'Simon Go-Back'.

The Game of Flying Fun and Fair Play

ULTIMATE FRISBEE 

🌟 Introduction

Imagine a sport that mixes the running of football, the passing of basketball, and the teamwork of soccer — but with a flying disc instead of a ball! That’s Ultimate Frisbee, often simply called Ultimate. It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is loved for its energy, excitement, and emphasis on fair play.

⚙️ What Is Ultimate Frisbee?

Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc. Two teams compete to score points by catching the disc in the opponent’s end zone. What makes Ultimate unique is that players cannot run with the disc — they must pass it to move it forward.

🏃‍♂️ How to Play

Each team has seven players on the field.

The game starts with a “pull”, which is like a kickoff — one team throws the disc to the other.

Players pass the disc from one to another, trying to reach the end zone to score.

If the disc is dropped, intercepted, or goes out of bounds, the other team gains possession.

The first team to reach the set number of points (usually 15) wins!

🧭 The Field

An Ultimate Frisbee field looks similar to a football field but slightly smaller. It has:

A playing area in the middle

Two end zones at each end (where points are scored)

Standard size: 100 meters long and 37 meters wide

🤝 Spirit of the Game

Ultimate Frisbee is special because it has no referees!

Instead, it is guided by the idea of “Spirit of the Game.”

This means players must show:

Honesty in calling fouls,

Respect toward teammates and opponents, and

Good sportsmanship at all times.

Winning is important — but playing fair is even more important!

💡 Basic Rules to Remember

1. You cannot run while holding the disc.

2. You have 10 seconds to throw the disc.

3. If the disc is dropped or intercepted, it’s a turnover.

4. A point is scored when the disc is caught in the end zone.

5. Substitutions can be made after a point or during an injury timeout.

⚡ Skills and Techniques

To play Ultimate well, players learn a few key throws:

Backhand: The most common throw, like tossing a regular Frisbee.

Forehand (Flick): A quick side throw using wrist action.

Hammer: A high overhead throw that curves down.

Players also practice jumping, catching, sprinting, and defensive marking to stop opponents’ passes.

🌍 A Short History

Ultimate Frisbee began in 1968 at Columbia High School in New Jersey, USA.

From a simple student game, it spread across colleges and countries.

Today, it’s played worldwide, with official tournaments organised by the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF).

It is even featured in the World Games — a major international sports event!

🇮🇳 Ultimate Frisbee in India

Ultimate Frisbee has taken off in India over the past two decades and continues to grow in popularity.

🌱 Beginnings

The game was introduced around 2004–2005 by expats and students who had played abroad. It soon caught on in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Auroville, where young people started forming teams and playing regularly.

🏢 Governing Body

The sport is managed by the Ultimate Players Association of India (UPAI), which promotes Ultimate across the country through tournaments, workshops, and youth programmes. UPAI is also a member of the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF).

🏆 Major Indian Tournaments

Indian National Ultimate Championships (INUC) – the country’s biggest tournament.

Chennai Heat, Mumbai Ultimate Open, Bangalore Ultimate Open, and the Auroville Hat Tournament – popular national events that attract players from all over India.

🌍 India on the World Stage

India has proudly represented itself at Asian-Oceanic and World Ultimate Championships. Both men’s and women’s teams have earned praise for their sportsmanship and spirited play.

🏫 In Schools and Colleges

Many schools and universities in India have started Ultimate Frisbee clubs and use the sport to teach students about teamwork, respect, and fair play.

🌈 Fun Fact

Ultimate is also played on beaches, especially in places like Goa and Chennai, making it not just a sport but a joyful community activity that brings people together.

🏆 Major Competitions

WFDF World Ultimate Championships (held every 4 years)

World Games

National and College Championships in many countries

💪 Benefits of Playing Ultimate

Ultimate Frisbee is not only fun but also great for your health! It helps you:

Build stamina, strength, and coordination

Learn teamwork and communication

Develop honesty and leadership

Stay fit while having lots of fun

🎯 Fun Facts

● The disc used in Ultimate usually weighs 175 grams.

● Players often play barefoot on beaches in Beach Ultimate.

● Ultimate is one of the few sports that values “fair play” as much as victory!

💬 Did You Know?

⭐ The term “Frisbee” comes from the Frisbie Pie Company — students used to throw its pie tins before the plastic disc was invented!

⭐ Ultimate Frisbee is played in more than 100 countries around the world.

⭐ There’s even a professional Ultimate league in the United States.

⭐ The first-ever World Championship was held in 1983 in Sweden.

⭐ In India, Ultimate is taught in schools to promote honesty, teamwork, and self-officiation.

🌈 Conclusion

Ultimate Frisbee is more than just a game — it’s a lesson in teamwork, respect, and fairness. Whether played on grass, sand, or indoors, it teaches players to compete with spirit and integrity. So next time you see a flying disc, grab it, gather your friends, and enjoy the thrill of Ultimate Frisbee — the game where fun and fairness fly together!

Do you know

WHO ARE ANGLO-INDIANS?

Anglo-Indians are a distinct community that originated during the British colonial period in India. The term generally refers to people of mixed Indian and British ancestry, as well as, historically, to British people who lived and worked in India. Over time, however, the meaning has evolved.

Here’s a detailed explanation:

🏛️ Historical Background

During the British rule in India (roughly 1600s–1947), many British men who worked for the East India Company, the British Army, or in administration married or had families with Indian women. Their children, born of these unions, formed a unique cultural group—the Anglo-Indians.

Initially, they were known by various terms such as Eurasians or Indo-Britons, but the Government of India Act of 1935 officially defined "Anglo-Indian" as:

> “A person whose father or any of whose other male ancestors in the male line is or was of European descent but who is domiciled within the territory of India and is or was born of parents habitually resident therein.”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cultural Identity

Anglo-Indians developed a culture that blended Indian and British influences:

Language: English is their mother tongue.

Religion: Most are Christians, mainly belonging to Roman Catholic, Protestant, or Anglican denominations.

Lifestyle: Their food, clothing, music, and social customs mix Western and Indian traditions.

Education and Employment: Many Anglo-Indians worked in railways, postal services, teaching, and nursing — sectors established during the British Raj.

🇮🇳 After Indian Independence (1947)

After 1947, the Anglo-Indian community faced uncertainty about their identity and place in independent India. Some migrated to countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, while others remained in India.

The Indian Constitution recognised the community’s contribution:

Reserved seats: Two members of the Anglo-Indian community were nominated to the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) and one to certain State Legislative Assemblies to ensure representation.

These seats were abolished in 2020 through the 104th Constitutional Amendment.

🌏 Present Scenario

Today, Anglo-Indians continue to live across India—in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai—and abroad.

They are known for their hospitality, good command of English, music, and community spirit.

In Summary: Anglo-Indians are a community of mixed Indian and British descent with a unique culture, language, and identity that bridges the East and the West.

First Friday of October

WORLD SMILE DAY 

Introduction: A smile is a universal language. It costs nothing but has the power to brighten lives, spread hope, and build connections across cultures. Every year, on the first Friday of October, the world pauses for a collective moment of cheer to celebrate World Smile Day. Far more than a celebration of happiness, it is a global call to kindness, reminding us of the profound impact that even a small act of goodwill can create.

This year, 2025, World Smile Day is observed, today, October 3.

The Origin of the Iconic Smiley: World Smile Day has a heartwarming history tied to one of the most recognisable icons: the yellow smiley face.

This symbol was created in 1963 by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts. Tasked by an insurance company to design something to boost employee morale after difficult mergers, Ball drew a simple yellow circle with two oval eyes and an imperfect arc for a smile. He completed it in less than ten minutes, earned just $45, and never trademarked it.

Over time, the smiley face became a global phenomenon, appearing on buttons, posters, and merchandise. Yet Ball grew worried that its true meaning—simple goodwill and cheer—was being overshadowed by commercialisation. To bring back its essence, he established World Smile Day in 1999, with a motto that remains timeless:

“Do an act of kindness – help one person smile.”

A Day Devoted to Kindness: Harvey Ball envisioned a day when everyone would commit to making others smile. The power of a smile, as he described, is that it transcends politics, geography, and religion. It is a universal bridge of positivity.

After Ball’s passing in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honour his legacy. The foundation continues to sponsor World Smile Day and supports many charitable causes, particularly those benefiting children.

Why World Smile Day Matters:

Promotes Positivity: In stressful times, a smile serves as a ray of hope.

Breaks Barriers: Smiles unite people across cultures and languages.

Encourages Kindness: Even small acts—helping a stranger, cheering up a friend—spread joy.

Improves Health: Research shows smiling lowers stress, boosts immunity, and enhances well-being.

How to Celebrate World Smile Day:

The beauty of World Smile Day is in its simplicity. You don’t need wealth or fame—just a sincere heart. Here are ways to celebrate:

Perform Random Acts of Kindness: Pay for someone’s coffee, leave a kind note, or hold the door.

Share Your Smile: Offer a genuine smile to everyone—family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers.

Volunteer or Donate: Support a cause close to your heart, especially children’s charities in line with Harvey Ball’s vision.

Start a Smile Chain: Encourage others to do an act of kindness and challenge them to pass it on, creating a ripple effect.

Conclusion: In a world often filled with complexity and challenges, World Smile Day serves as a powerful reminder of the simple good we all can share. Harvey Ball’s little yellow smile has grown into a symbol of kindness, positivity, and hope.

This October 3rd, that is today, let us celebrate not just with a grin, but with actions that inspire smiles in others. After all, a genuine smile may be one of the most impactful forces for good in the world.