DO YOU KNOW

How telecommunication connects the world?

 

Have you ever wondered how you can talk to your friends who live far away? Or how you can send a message to someone on your phone? It’s all thanks to telecommunication. 

When we want to communicate with someone, we use devices like phones, computers and tablets. These devices send and receive messages through the internet, which is a global network of connected computers. The internet helps us send and receive messages, pictures and videos quickly and easily. 

The internet uses special pathways called "server routes" to deliver messages to the right person. It’s like sending a secret message through a network of invisible roads. The internet's advance routing system ensures that messages reach their destination quickly and efficiently. This complex system allows us to communicate with anyone in the world, no matter where they are. 

The magic of telecommunication has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are in the world. Whether far or near, we can still communicate with each other. 

MAKE WINNING A HABIT

Motivating words of Vincent Thomas Lombardi

 

The man of goals, Vincent Thomas Lombardi, is widely considered to be the greatest football coach of all times. Throughout his 15 seasons as a coach, his teams never experienced a losing season. He is one of the best coaches in history. The speech titled "No. 1" by Vincent Lombardi serves as a motivational source that can be implemented in both our personal and professional lives.

"What it takes to be #1" is a practical guide written by the renowned coach Vincent Lombardi. For all students, business leaders or those who aspire to leadership, it provides a blueprint for success. 

His impressive thoughts... 

According to Vincent Lombardi, "Winning is not a sometime thing. It’s an all time thing. It actually means that you're willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else. You don't win occasionally.... but you win all the time. Make winning a habit."

Vincent Lombardi's strategical approach to win every time... 

With strong will, he states, "There is no room for second place. There is only one place in my game, and that’s first place. It is and always has been a winners zeal to be first in anything they do, and to win, and to win, and to win."

Each time a football player takes the pitch, he must start from the ground up, beginning with the soles of his feet and working his way up to his head. He has to use every inch of himself. 

Some guys play with their heads. That’s O.K. More importantly, you must play with your heart and every fibre of your body." 

Vince's suggestive Organisational Techniques... "Making a football team is similar to managing any other type of organisation such as an army, a political party or a business. The principles remain unchanged. The objective is to emerge victorious by outperforming the opponent. 

It is a fact of life that men have a competitive nature, and the games that are the most competitive tend to attract the most competitive men. The goal is to achieve victory through fair and just means, adhering to the established regulations - but ultimately to emerge as the winner."

His staunch belief... 

"I have faith in the existence of God and in the inherent goodness of humanity. I strongly believe that the most significant moment for any person, where they achieve the highest level of satisfaction, is when they have put in their utmost effort towards a noble purpose and are left drained on the battlefield, having emerged victorious."

MOST EXPENSIVE COFFEE

Kopi Luwak

The world’s most expensive coffee is not one coated with gold shavings or anything conventionally fanciful as one might imagine: in fact, it has a ludicrous source. Kopi Luwak, a famously infamous Indonesian coffee, is this coffee. What makes this coffee so fanciful? It is made from the beans of coffee cherries that have been eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet!

History of this coffee: The history of Kopi Luwak dates back to the early 18th century. This is when Dutch colonizers introduced coffee cultivation to the Indonesian archipelago, particularly in Sumatra and Java. The native population were tasked with harvesting the beans, but were not coffee drinkers themselves. However due to the low wages paid to them, they were forced to find a way to supplement their income. The Indonesian farmers' solution for this was to collect the droppings of the civet, a small cat-like creature that lived in the coffee plantations and ate ripe coffee cherries. These mammals, the Asian palm civet, excreted coffee beans after eating the cherries, and farmers processed the beans found within them. The locals were also prohibited from harvesting coffee seeds for themselves, so began using civet coffee for local coffee brewing as well. Over time, the unique taste of the coffee produced by this method became highly valued by coffee connoisseurs leading to its rise in popularity. 

But why would people drink poop coffee? Civet cats eat only the best and ripest cherries, which means the harvesters end up with some of the best beans on the plantation. The civet coffee beans are also altered by the enzymes in the digestive system. Passing through the digestive tract, the coffee beans are completely stripped of its fruity exterior, thus ending up ensuring that mold does not occur on the beans and preparing it directly for dry roasting after thorough washing. This process ends up producing a smoother cup of coffee. 

How expensive is it? Kopi Luwak is one of the rarest coffees in the world, partly due to the limited supply, as the process of collecting and processing the beans is time-consuming and labour-intensive. In addition, the unique flavour profile of the coffee, which is said to be smoother and less bitter than traditional coffee, is highly sought after. Hence, Kopi Luwak coffee is 20-60 times more expensive than the average coffee! However, the production of Kopi Luwak coffee has come under the fire due to concerns about animal welfare. Civets in captivity are often force-fed with coffee cherries, thus leading to their health problems as well as a decrease in the quality of coffee. In response to these concerns, some coffee producers have begun to focus on sustainable and ethical production methods. This means the cultivators allow their civets to roam freely and naturally consume the coffee cherries. They also develop systems to ensure that the animals are not mistreated or exploited in the production process. 

How does one drink Kopi Luwak coffee? Kopi Luwak coffee can be consumed both black or with creamer/milk and sugar. However, more sophisticated ways of brewing this coffee include using a French press, a drip coffee maker or a traditional Indonesian coffee pot, Jebena. 

The rich history and unique production process of the Kopi Luwak coffee makes it one of the most sought-after  and expensive coffees in the world. Whether consumed black or with milk and sugar, Kopi Luwak remains a beloved and intriguing coffee that continues to captivate the palates of coffee lovers around the world. In India it is produced in Kodagu (Coorg) district, Karnataka. 

INDIA POST

History of Indian Postal Services 

There are many mentions of sending letters by pigeons etc. in the ancient and medieval texts. It is believed that Emperor Chandragupta Maurya who ruled the country between 321 - 297 B.C., was the first to introduce a form of postal communication to dispatch confidential reports to distant places in the empire. It is mentioned in Chanakya's Arthashastra. 

One of the earliest record mentioned about postal service in India is found in the writings of a famous traveller from Morocco, Ibn Battuta (during Delhi sultanate times, 14th century). He mentioned: 

"In India the postal system is of two kinds. The horsepost, called uluq, is run by royal horses stationed at a distance of every four miles. The footpost has three stations per mile; it is called dawa that is one third of a mile...."

The modern postal services were developed by British East India Company. In 1688, they opened a post office in Mumbai (then Bombay) followed by similar ones in Calcutta (Kolkata) and Madras (Chennai). Lord Clive further expanded the services and Warren Hastings opened it for general public. 

The first adhesive postage stamps in Asia were issued in the Indian district of Scinde in July 1852. It was known as 'Scinde dawk'. (Price - 0.5anna)

On 1st October 1854, the first all India stamp was issued. 

Post-independence, India’s first postal stamp was issued on 21st November 1947. It depicted the picture of national flag of India and slogan 'Jai Hind'.

Mahatma Gandhi was the first person whose picture was depicted on free India’s stamp (1948). 

One year later, post started a series depicting India’s rich cultural heritage.

The world’s first official airmail flight took place in India on 18 February 1911, a journey of 18kms. Henri Pequet, a French pilot, carried about 15 kilograms of mail across the Ganges from Allahabad to Naini. 

India Post inaugurated a floating post office in August 2011 at Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir. 

World’s highest post office is located in Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh, India (height is 4,700m)

First post office outside India - Dakshin Gangotri, Antarctica in 1983.

By the late 18th century, a global postal service was established. But it was very slow and complicated. Universal Postal Union (UPU) started on 9th October 1874 in Switzerland. This opened the gate for an efficient modern postal service. In 1948, the UPU became an agency of the United Nations. From 1969, every 9th October is celebrated as 'World Post Day'. The idea was proposed by an Indian, Anand Mohan Narula.

DO YOU KNOW

What is a Mud Lion?

Also called yardangs, mud lions form in deserts where conditions are hot and dry. When winds full of sands blow forcefully in one direction against rock, the rock is abraded over a period of time, sometimes hundreds of years, into fantastic shapes. Yardang is Turkic for 'steep bank'.

Soft rock such as limestone and sandstone lend themselves better to scouring by sand, but rock made of harder materials can also form mud lions. 

Mud lions are also seen in clusters or in a long ridge. Though the name suggests animal shape, a yardang can resemble a human figure or a building-like structure. 

In Africa, especially in the Egyptian desert, there are numerous yardangs. In fact, historians think that the Sphinx of Giza might have begun as a mud lion which inspired sculptors to carve it further into its present form!

Elsewhere in the world, these weird structures can be seen in North American national parks located in desert areas. Some of the mud lions are so battered by wind that they have tunnels bored into them!

NIO

National Institute of Oceanography

The National Institute of Oceanography, founded on 1 January 1966 as one of 38 constituent laboratories of the CSIR, is a self-governing research organisation in India that conducts scientific research and studies on the unique oceanographic features of the northern Indian Ocean. It is headquartered in Goa and has regional offices in Kochi, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam.

History: By the 1950s, oceanographers all over the world realised that, while progress had been made in describing and understanding the observed features of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Indian Ocean remained largely unexplored. It was critical to address fundamental oceanographic issues related to the northern Indian Ocean's monsoonal cycles, chemical properties of the water column, abundance and distribution of food resources such as fish productivity, and understanding the geology of the Indian Ocean through sea bed mapping and sampling.

These are important not only to the global community of researchers, but also to the large population that lives in the countries surrounding the Indian Ocean in general, and the North Indian Ocean in particular. As a result, the international community of oceanographers organised the International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) from 1959 to 1965 to describe and understand the basic features of the Indian Ocean. This expedition was enthusiastically supported by the Government of India. As the IIOE approached its conclusion, the government decided that the Indians who had participated in the expedition needed an institution where they could build on the oceanographic research skills they had learned during the expedition. The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) was founded as a result of these considerations. Dr. N.K. Panikkar, Padma Shri, was appointed director of this institute, a position he held until his retirement in May 1973.

Today, the institute employs approximately 170 scientists (sanctioned strength is 200), 120 of whom hold Ph.D.'s, 210 technical and support staff, and 120 administrative staff. The faculty and staff are spread across four campuses: Goa, Mumbai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam. The main campus is in Dona Paula, Goa, where approximately 80% of the employees work.

Research contribution: A project on polymetallic nodules, which has been funded by the Government of India for over 25 years, is an example of the institute's dual role. By the late 1970s, the government had determined that the country's mineral resources of strategic importance needed to be expanded. NIO was tasked with exploring the oceans for this purpose. NIO recovered polymetallic nodules from a depth of 4,800 meters in the western Indian Ocean on 26 January 1981, using its first research vessel, RV Gaveshani, which was purchased in 1976.

Subsequently, work by NIO researchers helped India to gain the status of "Pioneer Investor" from the International Sea Bed Authority. While this research was aimed at placing the country in a strategically enhanced position, it also provided the institute an opportunity to study the marine geology and geophysics of the Indian Ocean. Some of the issues they addressed are the following: Evolution of the Indian tectonic plates and its implications; determination of the time when the Himalayas started rising leading to monsoonal climate of the Indian subcontinent; nature of mid-ocean ridges (where new crusts form); characteristics of marine sedimentary facies; the role of rivers on the Indian subcontinent in marine sediment budget and paleoclimatic evolution as archived in the sediment cores.

During the first decade and a half of its founding, besides developing its main campus at Goa, a major project taken up by the institute was organising the first Indian Expedition to Antarctica in 1981. This project, together with exploration for polymetallic nodules, established close ties between NIO and the then Department of Ocean Development and subsequently the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. These ties helped the institute to grow while the government expanded the infrastructure for ocean research, technology and services in the country.

Since the early 1980s, an important theme for basic research in the institute has been, and continues to be, understanding oceanographic implications of the special characteristics of the North Indian basin, which has some unique features: the basin is strictly tropical, with the Asian landmass restricting it south of about 25 degrees N; it is a relatively small basin when compared to the North/South Atlantic/Pacific and even the South Indian Ocean and, of course, there is the seasonality imposed by the monsoons. In the figure above red areas represent areas with elevation of a few kilometers. The presence of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas influences the monsoons.

NIO's scientists have made handsome contributions to understanding the implications of these special features through observations and analyses. The former have included ship-based observations, time-series data collected with moored instruments and satellite data. ORV Sagar Kanya, which was acquired by the Government of India for use by oceanographic research institutions in India, has been playing a major role in these observations.

As noted earlier, an important theme of research at NIO has been understanding the oceanography of the North Indian Ocean – a tropical and small basin driven by strongly seasonal winds. The uppermost 200 m (oceans are on average about 4000 m deep) form the most active portion of the ocean. Here, major currents are forced by winds, and primary producers (microscopic plants that drift with currents) set the stage for intricate interactions that go across the traditional boundaries between disciplines, leading to a new discipline, biogeochemistry of the oceans. Some of NIO's most cited research contributions have been about two aspects of the upper layer: its circulation and biogeochemistry. Currents in this layer are driven by winds. As these are periodic over the North Indian Ocean, so are the currents, in striking contrast to other tropical regions of the world. The link between the winds and currents, however, is rather intricate. NIO researchers played a leading role in defining the nature of seasonality in the currents over the basin in general, and along the coast of India in particular. Subsequent analysis and model studies showed that the circulation of the North Indian Ocean needs to be looked at holistically across the basin because the winds at a location influence not only the local current, but affect the current at remote locations at a later time owing to the propagation of large-scale waves. For example, it is now known that the winds along the Indian east coast significantly affect the seasonal cycle of the current off the Indian west coast.

By restricting the North Indian Ocean to south of 25° N, the Asian landmass prevents the basin from having access to the sub-tropical convergence zone, a region that usually occurs at a latitude of about 40° and is an important supplier of oxygen to the ocean. Not having access to such a regime, the North Indian Ocean is starved of oxygen. Another reason why oxygen is low is the consequence of high concentration of the primary producers of the region. When these plants and zooplankton that feed on them die and sink they get microbially degraded, thus consuming oxygen. NIO researchers have played a major role in answering critical questions concerning the processes that go on in this basin with lower than normal oxygen levels. Some of the questions that have been addressed are the following: Does the monsoon cycle lead to other seasonal cycles, such as that of biological production and flux of sinking particles? What are the special features of biogeochemistry of the ocean regime with low oxygen? How do the biogeochemical processes (denitrification, for example) that characterize this system work? What are the physical processes that sustain high productivity in the region? How does the monsoon cycle influence temporal evolution of ecosystems in the region?

The research contributions (journal publications, reports, books, etc.) from the institute that provide details about the contributions mentioned above are available from the NIO website, www.nio.org.

Intellectual property: NIO possesses about 50 patents, 60% of which are related to marine biotechnology research. Organisms in the marine environment carry molecules that could be useful in the development of new drugs and other healthcare products. This is a new area of study for NIO researchers. Their research has resulted in research papers and intellectual property for the institute.

Marine instrumentation is another area of research for which the institute has received patents. The Maya AUV is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by the institute.

Services: NIO researchers have undertaken a number of projects in service of the industry in India. One of the first projects taken up by NIO on acquiring its research vessel RV Gaveshani was demarcation of a pipeline for carrying oil from India's first offshore oil field at Bombay High. This project was undertaken at the request of India's public sector organisation, the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC). Since then, NIO has carried out a number of projects for India's public sector undertakings and private enterprises. The list of NIO's clientele includes major petroleum companies and ports. NIO's services have been used in the development of coastal areas by Bharuch Eco-Aqua Infrastructure Ltd., Ankleshwar, and Coastal Marine Construction & Engineering Ltd., Mumbai. NIO's services have also been sought by central and state governments. Sponsored and consultancy projects taken up by NIO include Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Coastal Zone Management, Resource Surveys, Biofouling & Corrosion studies, and development of marine instruments.

A problem that has been worrying governments around the world during recent years is the transfer of organisms from one port to another located far away owing to transfer of water used by ships for ballast. Such transfer has been shown to lead sometimes to uncontrolled growth of organisms alien to the local ecology, which can then wipe out local fisheries. NIO scientists have played a major role in spreading awareness of the problem in India. In recognition of their efforts, the directorate General of Shipping, Government of India, has sought NIO's help to develop plans for ballast water management in major Indian ports.

Facilities for research

The NIO Data Centre (NIODC) acquires, processes, formats and stores data generated by the institute (from about 1000 cruises during 1973 to 2009) in a database for easy and efficient retrieval and supply to end users.

The library of the institute has a collection of over 35,000 books and bound volumes of journals is almost certainly the largest such collection in the country in the field of oceanography. Besides the print collection, the library has on-line access to over 3,000 journals either by direct subscription or as a part of a consortium. Participation of the library in international programmes has made this library a source of information about Indian oceanographic studies for the rest of the world and also to network with other, larger libraries to access documents not available in its holdings.

Research at the institute is supported by a large number of well-equipped laboratories on its campuses and by the seagoing capability offered by its ships. To support its multi-disciplinary ocean research programmes, the institute plans to maintain a fleet of three research vessels. The smallest of these is the 23 m long coastal research vessel CRV Sagar Sukti. The recently acquired 56.5 m long RV Sindhu Sankalp serves primarily on the continental margins, but it is capable of open-sea voyages. NIO's 80 m long research vessel RV Sindhu Sadhana, which will be capable of full open-sea studies, was constructed at the ABG Shipyard, Surat. It was joined the institute during 2011–12.

The institute has, over time, developed the capability of deploying and retrieving instruments hoisted over moorings in depths from 5 to 5,000 m. These instruments record time-series data during the period of deployment, which can be as long as two years.

Opportunities to pursue research and doctoral studies: To support its varied activities, NIO uses the services of limited-tenure staff, including doctoral students, project assistants and post-doctoral fellows. Their numbers have grown significantly with the growth in research programmes. The largest increase has been in the number of project assistants since CSIR introduced the "Project Assistant Scheme" to tap the services of fresh graduates for enhancing the productivity of its institutions. Hired regularly through walk-in interviews, the fresh graduates are permitted by this scheme to gain hands-on exposure to oceanographic research. The graduates also have the option of becoming doctoral students through the Senior Research Fellow scheme of the Human Resource Development Group (HRDG) of CSIR. A number of universities have recognized NIO as a centre for doctoral research and about 50 scientists from amongst its staff are at present recognized by these universities as doctoral research guides. With the establishment of the Academy for Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR's institutions are poised to take major initiatives in advanced education in the country. NIO's Research Council has recommended that the institute take steps to start a school of oceanography as early as possible to address the problem of shortage of advanced manpower in ocean sciences in the country. The number of Junior Research Fellows, qualified through NET (i.e., the National Eligibility Test, conducted by CSIR), Senior Research Fellows (selected by HRDG, CSIR) and Project Assistants who are enrolled for Ph.D. in the institute is now 80. Accommodation to doctoral students is usually provided on the institute's residential campus.

ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE POSSESSIONS

Gold Jewellery

For many eons, human beings have used jewellery to enhance their beauty. Through the course of history, jewellery has been made out of animal bones and claws, mud, ceramics, precious metals, glass, gems and stones. Let’s look at the some of the different styles of jewellery found in India. 

History of jewellery: Jewellery dates back to almost 75,000 years ago when it was made from animal hide and reeds and decorated with animal and fish teeth, bones, shells, berries, pebbles, feathers, tusks and antlers. When humans discovered metals like silver, gold, platinum, titanium, brass and iron and also about their positive effects on the human body, they started making metal jewellery. 

Significance of jewellery: With human evolution, jewellery moved from being mere pieces of beauty to status symbols and objects of financial security. People started wearing jewellery as fashion accessories to express themselves. Pieces of jewellery also became heirlooms that were passed on from generation to generation and down the family tree. Jewellery continues to be one of the most valuable possessions owned by mankind. 

Jewellery of India: According to archeological evidence, the first use of jewellery in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. People used sharp stones to create jewellery using the technique of polychromy-painting stone beads in different colours. When the Mughals invaded India, they brought with them the technique of gemstone setting and introduced Indians to the use of gems and metals in jewellery making. Their designs were detailed and royal and this made jewellery accessible to only a few, making it a symbol of social status in India. 

Diamonds: Diamonds are one of the few stones that find universal appeal in jewellery. Diamonds were first discovered by Indians in 400 B.C. Their refracting powers made them unique and valuable. Hindus believe that diamonds were created when lightning struck and the first diamond was presented by Lord Krishna to Radha to complement her beauty. Hence they are considered lucky and believed to have curing powers. Diamonds are also considered to protect wearers from evil spirits. Indians also became skilled at the technique of diamond drilling (used to extract diamonds from earth), which they taught the world. The first use of diamonds in jewellery was in 1074 A.D., when the queen of Hungary demanded a diamond in her crown.

Filigree: The process of making this type of jewellery involves joining really thin silver wires together to shape a piece of jewellery. These pieces are not engraved, carved or moulded and thus require high technicality and patience to create. This style is very popular in the eastern states of India. 

Navratna: Navratna jewellery originated in India and is still considered to be religiously significant. The pieces are made using nine gems - diamond, ruby, yellow and blue sapphire, emerald, coral, pearl, hessonite and cat's eye. These jewels are believed to have supernatural powers as they are all connected to celestial bodies. Due to this belief, many people wear this type of jewellery as lucky charms just like kings did in the ancient times. 

Meenakari: Meenakari is the Persian art of colouring the surface of metals by fusing brilliant colours. The art was brought to Varanasi by Persian enamellists around the early 17th century during the Mughal era. Images of Gods or animal figures are engraved on the metal, which are then filled with coloured enamel. This technique makes the piece of jewellery unique. The rising demand for this type of jewellery makes it expensive. 

Jadau: Jadau is made by embedding stones or crystals in gold. The technique to make this style of jewellery was brought to India by the Mughals. This type of jewellery is found in North India and is popular amongst brides. 

Kundan: Kundan originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and is very similar to jadau as it is made using the technique of embedding. However, in this form, craftsmen embed glass or uncut diamonds, instead of gems, in gold. The content of gold is less as craftsmen focus on showcasing the coloured glass or diamonds. The process of making this jewellery is time consuming and requires detailing, which is why it is quite expensive. 

Ivory jewellery: Jewellery made by carving ivory (derived from elephant tusks) is called ivory jewellery. Usually, bangles and thick necklaces were made from ivory as the raw material (tusks) is not malleable. However, using elephant tusks is now banned and craftsmen create the ivory look from hard plastic. 

Pachchikam: Pachchikam jewellery has numerous theories surrounding its origin. Some believe it was created by Europeans and reached India through trade and others believe it was originally created in India. This type of jewellery is very similar to Kundan as both use uncut diamonds and coloured glass. However, this style is a lot more delicate. Unlike Kundan, only silver is used as a base for this jewellery, making it reasonably priced. 

Thewa: Thewa is a special art of jewellery making, which involves fusing a layer of intricately carved 23 carat gold or silver on molten coloured glass. This style dates back to the Mughal era. The word 'thewa' originates from Rajasthan and literally means 'setting'.