DO YOU KNOW

How our hands work?

Our hands are complex feats of biological engineering.

The palm of the hand is made up of five bones called metacarpals. In between are the interossei muscles, and on each side of the palm are bulging muscle groups called the hypothenar (near the little finger) and the thenar (near the thumb). These work to cup the hand and to move the thumb in and out so that it can grip. The bones belonging to the fore and middle fingers don’t move much, but the ones connected to the little and ring fingers and the thumb are much more mobile.

The fingers themselves are made up of bones called phalanges – three for each finger and two for the thumb. They are connected to muscles in the forearm by tendons that run through the wrist. The flexor tendons run up on the underside through a space called the carpal tunnel – they bend the fingers. The extensor tendons come across the top of the wrist – they pull the fingers straight.

All of this movement is controlled by three nerves: the median, radial and ulnar. The median nerve supplies the thumb, the index and middle fingers, half of the ring finger and the palm of the hand. The ulnar feeds the other half of the ring finger and the little finger, and the radial looks after the thumb and the back of the hand.

POPULAR CARTOON CHARACTER

Elsa

Elsa, the enchanting and powerful character from Disney’s "Frozen", has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Introduced in the 2013 animated film Elsa is the Snow Queen of Arendelle. Her magical ability to create ice and snow inadvertently plunges her kingdom into eternal winter. Voiced by Idina Menzel, Elsa embarks on a journey of self-discovery, embracing her powers and learning to control them. Her anthem, "Let It Go", became a global sensation, symbolising empowerment and freedom. 

Elsa's character resonates with audiences for her strength, resilience, and the message of self-acceptance. She challenges traditional princess stereotypes, emphasising the importance of love between sisters Elsa and Anna.  This iconic character has become a symbol of empowerment, inspiring countless fans to embrace their uniqueness and let their inner strength shine. 

ARE YOU AWARE?

Why do all Indian mobiles start with +91?

Indian mobile numbers start with +91 because +91 is the international dialling code assigned to India. This code is used to identify a specific country or region when making international phone calls. When you dial +91 before an Indian mobile number, it tells the phone network that you are trying to call someone in India. 

The use of International dialling code allows for efficient and organised global communication. Each country is assigned a unique code to ensure that calls are routed to the correct destination. In India, +91 has been designated as its country code. 

The practice is not unique to India; every country has its international dialling code. It simplifies the process of making international calls and ensures that the calls reach the intended recipients in the correct country. So when you see +91 before an Indian mobile number, it’s a part of the global system that facilitates international communication. 

WEAVING LEGACY, EMPOWERING ARTISANS

Indian Handloom 

India’s handloom sector is a living testament to the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Rooted in tradition, the art of handloom weaving has been passed down through generations, embodying the diverse cultural ethos of various regions. From the intricate Banarasi silks of Varanasi to the vibrant Phulkari from Punjab, Indian handlooms represent a confluence of history, artistry, and sustainability. This heritage not only showcases India’s craftsmanship but also provides livelihoods to over 35 lakh artisans.

10th National Handloom Day: A Tribute to Weavers

The 7th of August holds a special place in India’s history, marking the beginning of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905. This movement, which encouraged the use of indigenous products, played a crucial role in promoting the handloom industry. In recognition of this legacy, the Government of India, in 2015, declared August 7th as National Handloom Day. This day is dedicated to honouring the handloom weaving community and highlighting their contribution to the socioeconomic fabric of the nation. National Handloom Day, resolves to protect and promote our handloom heritage and to make it stronger than ever.

Initiatives Empowering Weavers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making every effort to promote handloom and support the weavers who uphold this rich tradition. Under his 5F Vision—Farm to Fibre to Fabric to Fashion to Foreign—the handloom sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Initiatives such as the Design Resource Centres are providing weavers, manufacturers, and designers with access to extensive design repositories, fostering innovation and driving excellence in the craft. Moreover, handloom villages located in popular tourist destinations like Kanihama in Jammu & Kashmir and Sharan in Himachal Pradesh are creating new opportunities for tourism and handloom sales, allowing visitors to take home a piece of India’s vibrant weaving tradition.

THE LANGUAGE OF NUMBERS

Sanskrit 

Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, is revered not only for its literary and philosophical richness but also for its profound influence on mathematics. The term ‘ganita,’ which means mathematics, originates from the Sanskrit root ‘gana,’ signifying ‘to count’ or ‘to enumerate.’ This connection underscores the deep relationship between Sanskrit and the development of mathematical thought in India.

Mathematical Foundations in Vedic Period: The seeds of mathematical inquiry were sown as early as the Vedic period. The Vedas, foundational scriptures of Indian knowledge, contain references to numbers, arithmetic progressions, and geometry. The intricate designs of Vedic altars, which required precise mathematical calculations, are evidence of this early engagement with mathematical concepts.

Pioneering Mathematicians: Indian mathematicians such as Aryabhata and Brahmagupta later elevated these early concepts to unprecedented heights. Aryabhata’s Aryabhatiya is a landmark work that covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Brahmagupta’s Brahma-sphutasiddhanta expanded on these ideas, introducing quadratic equations and the concept of zero. 

Interplay of Language and Logic in Sanskrit Mathematics: The precision and conciseness of Sanskrit make it an ideal language for expressing complex mathematical ideas. The structure of Sanskrit grammar, with its patterns and symmetries, mirrors the underlying principles of mathematics. This linguistic framework enabled Indian scholars to articulate sophisticated mathematical concepts with clarity and elegance.

India’s Mathematical Contributions: India’s contributions to global mathematics are unparalleled, particularly the concept of zero, known as ‘shunya’ in Sanskrit, meaning void. This numeral revolutionized mathematics and introduced the concept of infinity. India also pioneered the decimal system, algebra, algorithms, square and cube roots, centuries before these ideas reached the rest of the world.

As we seek to revitalize Sanskrit today, it is crucial to recognize its invaluable role in the history of mathematics. By studying ancient Sanskrit texts, we not only honor the intellectual brilliance of our ancestors but also gain new insights into contemporary mathematical challenges. The deep connection between Sanskrit and mathematics offers a unique perspective on the evolution of human knowledge and innovation.

A SPOOKY CELEBRATION

Halloween

Halloween is a fun and spooky holiday celebrated on the night of October 31st. It’s a time when children and adults dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and have lots of fun with eerie decorations. But do you know where Halloween comes from and why we celebrate it? Let’s dive into the world of Halloween and find out!

The Origins of Halloween: 

Halloween has a fascinating history that dates back over 2,000 years. Its roots can be traced to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. They would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off evil spirits.

Trick-or-Treating:
One of the most exciting parts of Halloween for kids is trick-or-treating. Children dress up in costumes and visit houses in their neighbourhood, knocking on doors and shouting, “Trick or Treat!” People give them sweets and treats to prevent any tricks from being played on them. It’s all in good fun, and kids often collect a big bag of candy on Halloween night.

Spooky Decorations:
Halloween wouldn’t be the same without creepy decorations. Houses and gardens are adorned with carved pumpkins, also known as Jack-o’-Lanterns. These are pumpkins with scary faces lit up from the inside by a candle or a light. They are said to ward off evil spirits and add a spooky atmosphere to the celebration.

Dressing Up in Costumes:
Another exciting aspect of Halloween is choosing and wearing costumes. Children and adults love to transform themselves into spooky or funny characters. You can be anything you like, from a ghost to a superhero or even your favourite movie character. It’s a chance to let your imagination run wild!

Haunted Houses and Ghost Stories:
You might hear spooky ghost stories and tales of haunted places as Halloween approaches. Many people enjoy visiting haunted houses for a good scare. Some even believe that on Halloween, the spirits of the dead return to visit their old homes.

Halloween Around the World:
While Halloween is most popular in the United States, it’s celebrated in various forms in many countries. In India, for example, there are similar traditions during the days of the dead, and people light lamps and candles to honour their ancestors.

In Conclusion:

Halloween is a spooktacular holiday filled with fun and excitement. It has ancient origins, and today, it’s a time for children and adults to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and enjoy spooky decorations. Whether you believe in ghosts or enjoy the sweet treats, Halloween is a time to celebrate with friends and family.

VR

Virtual Reality 

Virtual Reality is an exciting technology that allows individuals to explore new environments, play games and learn in a completely immersive manner. It offers an interactive and educational experience that is both enjoyable and engaging. 

In 1968, Ivan Sutherland and his student, Bob Sproull, created first AR/VR mounted display connected to a computer, also known as the Ultimate Display. 

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is computer-generated 3D environment that enables users to explore and interact with scenes and objects that appear to be real. Software is used to produce games, sounds and other sensations that create the illusion that the person is physically present in that environment. 

How does VR work?

VR headsets are wearable devices that track sensory information. When wearing a VR handset, your natural field of view is replaced with a computer-generated one. The headset projects a 360-degree digital environment that can be explored and navigated. Various electronic components such as display screens, 3D graphics and sound cards and process accelerator cards, enhance the content produced using cameras, motion sensors, infrared LEDs and speakers. The future of virtual reality is moving towards multisensory experiences, aiming for greater realism to enhance user immersion. 

Types of Virtual Reality 

● Non-immersive VR: Non-immersive interaction in the virtual environment is indirect, users do not experience the sensation of being physically present. The user remains aware of their physical surroundings while simultaneously accessing a 3D simulated environment through a computer screen. Control over the digital environment is achieved using devices like a keyboard, mouse, joystick and other peripherals. Examples of non-immersive VR include video games or websites that enable users to design room decor. 

● Semi-immersive VR: Interaction in the semi-immersive virtual environment is partial. Users feel as if they are in a different reality when focused on the digital image, yet remain connected to their physical surroundings. This set up involves a large concave screen, a projection system, a monitor and glasses or handsets with high-end computer graphics. An example of semi-immersive virtual reality is a flight simulator used by airlines and militaries to train pilots. 

● Fully-immersive VR: Fully-immersive VR completely envelopes the user in a simulated 3D world. This type of VR incorporates sight, sound and sometimes touch. Users wear specialised equipment such as helmets, goggles or glasses, a head-mounted display (HMD) and gloves, effectively disconnecting them from the physical world. Although fully-immersive VR technology is still in its early stages, it has already made significant advancements in the gaming industry. 

Applications of Virtual Reality 

● Training: VR provides an active experience during training, offering more than just passive information absorption. It proves particularly beneficial in areas requiring high-risk or highly specialised skills, such as training firefighters, police officers, soldiers and surgeons. 

● Education: Students can grasp complex concepts, subjects or theories better. VR enhances memory retention, recall, hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. For instance, a history teacher might use VR to illustrate life in ancient Greece or China. 

● Entertainment: VR has had a profound impact on the gaming industry, offering gamers a chance to navigate challenges in a virtual world alongside virtual characters. The film and television sectors are also exploring ways to provide viewers with immersive experiences. Virtual tourism enables people to virtually experience distant locations, going beyond mere pictures. 

● Healthcare and Medicine: VR enables doctors to practise various surgeries in a virtual space using haptic controllers with VR software guiding surgeons through necessary steps. VR can also be used to explain surgical procedures to patients. 

● Real Estate and Interiors: VR allows home buyers to virtually tour properties, architects to showcase detailed 3D plans and homeowners to preview remodelled homes. This offers an accurate feel for scale, depth and spatial awareness. 

● Engineering: VR engineering involves using 3D modelling tools and visualisation techniques during the design phase. Engineers can view projects in 3D, gaining better understanding and identifying potential risks before implementation. This also provides a safe environment for design adjustments.