DO YOU KNOW

What is done with retired ships?

Like all machines, ships too become old and have to be retired from service. So what happens to a vessel after it has finished serving its employers?

Ships go through a process called ship-breaking. In this process, ships are disposed off by breaking down for either a source of parts, which can be sold for re-use, or the extraction of raw materials, chiefly scrap. The steel from the ship can be recycled for use in the manufacturing of new products which lowers the demand for mined iron ore and reduces energy use in the steelmaking process. Many other fittings can also be reused. 

At present, the Alang Ship Breaking Yard in Gujarat is one of the largest ship-breaking yards in the world. It has claimed to have scrapped more than half the ships of the world. 

Established in 1982-83, in the Gulf of Khambhat, in Gujarat, it consists of 153 ship-breaking yards spread over 14 kilometers along the coast and employs close to 40,000 people. Alang is currently equipped to recycle 400 to 450 ships a year. On an average it has been producing 3.5million tonnes of steel annually from recycling about 200 ships. 

Decommissioned ships are towed and beached at the shore which resembles a yard. They are then dismantled by the labourers almost manually, which is tedious and extremely hazardous, since the vessels generally carry explosive or inflammable materials like oil and gas. The bow or the front portion of the vessel is dismantled first. This provides ventilation within the vessel for dismantling the remaining hazardous parts. The materials are then sold as scrap. 

If the ship is not broken, it might be used for other purposes. Naval ships may be converted into museums or used for research. They may also be sunk as artificial reefs or as targets during naval exercises. 

JEWEL OF INDIA

"Ratan" Tata 

"I am not a person who believes in fate. I believe in hard work. "

Ratan Tata (1937 - 2024)

On October 9, 2024, Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 89, due to age related health issues in Mumbai. He was one of the most-known businessman in India. He was the former Chairman and the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata group. He was the most influential industrialist in the country and has left behind a legacy that has significantly shaped the landscape of Indian industry. Ratan Tata was an excellent leader and was known for his many acts of kindness. He helped a lot of people and had a great passion for animals. 

Who was Ratan Tata?

Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Navsari, Gujarat to Soonoo and Naval Tata. However, he was brought up by his grandmother Navajbai R. Tata. He was born in a prominent and rich family. His great-grandfather was Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. 

After attending school in Bombay, Ratan Tata finished high school in New York City in 1955. He then studied at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, where he earned a B.S. (1962) in architecture before returning to India to work. 

Tata Group Leadership

 

Ratan Tata served as the Chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 to 2012 and 2016-2017. Under his leadership, the Tata Group expanded globally and diversified its business interests. Under his leadership, Tata Group also launched several successful projects, including the Tata Nano, which aimed to create an affordable car for the masses. 

He expanded the Tata Group by acquiring international companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Steel. 

Giving back to society 

Ratan Tata believed in helping people and giving back to society. He has donated a lot of money to help schools, hospitals, poor people and communities. He loved animals and supported many animal welfare organisations. 

Awards

 

Ratan Tata has received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2008 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2014, two of India’s highest civilian honours. 

Mentorship 

After retiring, he has been active in mentoring young entrepreneurs and investing in startups through Ratan Tata Trust and other initiatives. After his retirement in 2012, he played the role of an investor, mentor and guiding light for many startups. Some startups he invested in include Snapdeal, FirstCry, Ola and CureFit.

What can we learn from Ratan Tata?

There are many valuable life lessons we can learn from Ratan Tata. Here are a few lessons:

Humility: Despite his great success, Ratan Tata was known for being humble and down-to-earth. This teaches us to be grounded and respectful to everyone despite our success. 

Generosity and Giving Back: Ratan Tata has always given back to society through his numerous charitable initiatives. This shows us that true success means helping others and improving the world around us. 

Hard Work and Dedication: His success came from dedication and perseverance, showing us that effort pays off. 

Resilience: Ratan Tata also faced many challenging situations and setbacks in his career. This teaches us that we need to be determined and constantly persevere and understand that failures are a part of the journey to success. 

Integrity: Ratan Tata was well known for his honesty and strong moral values. This shows that it is always important to do the right thing, even when it's difficult. Always standing up for the right thing, ensures respect and success. 

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.