Zero

THE STORY OF SHUNYA 

You've probably heard people say that Aryabhatta invented zero, but the truth is that he contributed significantly to formalising the use of the symbol in mathematical notation.

But have you ever wondered—if zero didn’t exist before him, how did people in Ramayana’s time count Ravana’s ten heads? Let’s dive into the fascinating story of zero and clear up some common myths!

1. Zero as a Placeholder vs. Zero as a Number

The distinction is crucial. Ancient civilisations used placeholders in numeral systems before zero became an abstract concept:

Babylonians (circa 300 BCE) used a placeholder symbol in cuneiform for empty positions in their base-60 number system.

Mayan civilisation (circa 4th century CE) used a shell-shaped glyph as zero in their vigesimal (base-20) system.

However, these were not used as numbers in their own right, which is where Indian mathematicians went a step further.

2. Brahmagupta, the First to Define Zero as a Number: While Aryabhatta used a place-value system that implied zero, it was Brahmagupta (7th century CE) who: 

Defined zero as a number, not just a placeholder.

Formulated rules involving zero in calculations (e.g., a - a = 0; a × 0 = 0).

He used a dot (.) beneath numbers to denote zero, called “shunya”, meaning void or emptiness.

3. Philosophical depth of ‘Shunya’ in Indian Thought: The idea of emptiness or void is deeply philosophical in India—rooted in Buddhism and Vedanta:

In Buddhism, śūnyatā (emptiness) represents the absence of inherent existence.

In Vedanta, the idea of “neti neti” (not this, not that) aligns with a concept that goes beyond form, just like zero goes beyond quantity.

So, zero wasn’t merely a mathematical utility—it reflected deep metaphysical insights.

4. Decimal System and Zero’s Role: The decimal system was in use during Vedic times. The Indian numeral system was revolutionary:

It allowed for efficient calculation, positional value, and the use of large numbers with compact notation.

5. Cultural Legacy: Indian numerals (including the zero) were transmitted to Europe by Arab scholars around the 12th century. That’s why it’s sometimes called the “Arabic numeral system” in the West, even though it’s Indian in origin.

6. Zero in Other Contexts: Depending on context, zero plays different roles:

In set theory: Zero is the cardinality of an empty set.

In coordinate geometry: It’s the origin point.

In thermodynamics: It relates to absolute zero.

In computing: Binary systems use 0 and 1 as foundational.

Conclusion: Zero wasn’t needed to count in ancient times—it was needed for efficient notation and abstract calculation.

The symbol for zero is a tool, not a necessity for all counting systems.

Aryabhatta’s genius lay in using a place-value system, but Brahmagupta truly defined zero mathematically.

Zero as a concept is as much philosophical as it is mathematical.

India’s role in the evolution of zero and the decimal system is foundational to modern mathematics.

Career in Aviation

INDIA'S SOARING SKIES: HOW AIR INDIA AND THE AVIATION SECTOR ARE TAKING OFF 

In recent years, India’s aviation sector has witnessed a transformation that is nothing short of remarkable. A significant catalyst for this change was the government's decision in 2019 to sell its debt-ridden national carrier, Air India, to the Tata Group. With a legacy of excellence in business, the Tata Group has now taken on the ambitious mission to revive Air India and position it as a world-class airline.

Air India's Big Plans for the Future: Currently operating with 113 aircraft, Air India has placed one of the world’s largest aircraft orders to expand its fleet. The goal? To connect India with more global destinations through direct flights and make India a major hub for international air travel. This expansion will not only make air travel more accessible within the country but also help passengers save time with quicker routes to distant locations.

Why Airbus and Boeing?

Air India chose to buy aircraft from Airbus and Boeing — the world’s two biggest airplane manufacturers. Airbus is based in Europe, while Boeing is from the United States. Together, they produce about 90% of the world's passenger aircraft. Since there are no other companies that make large commercial planes at scale, these two remain the only practical choices. By partnering with them, Air India ensures it receives reliable, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced planes.

Can India Build Its Own Planes?

India currently does not have a company that builds large commercial aircraft. However, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a government-owned aerospace giant, is taking early steps. HAL has mostly built fighter jets and helicopters for the Indian Air Force, but now it’s shifting attention to civil aviation. Its small 19-seater aircraft, the Hindustan 228, has already been approved. Along with the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), HAL is working on the Indian Regional Jet (IRJ), a 70-100 seater aircraft meant for short-haul travel.

Private Indian companies are also contributing by manufacturing airplane parts like wings, seats, and components. That’s why Boeing and Airbus say their aircraft are partly ‘Made in India.’ With enough investment and research, India could one day build large passenger aircraft too.

The Growth of India's Aviation Sector: India’s skies are busier than ever. In 2013, the country had about 400 airplanes. By 2022, that number had jumped to 700 — and the count is rising rapidly. India plans to add 100 to 110 new planes every year.

The government is also focusing on improving airport infrastructure. Under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, India plans to build 100 new airports by 2024. The scheme aims to make flying affordable and accessible to the common citizen, connecting small towns with major cities. By 2025, India is expected to become the third-largest aviation market in the world, behind only the US and China.

New Jobs and Career Opportunities: With the expansion of Air India and other airlines like IndiGo, the aviation sector is going to need a large workforce. Air India alone will need at least 6,500 new pilots, along with thousands of cabin crew members, ground staff, and maintenance engineers. Air India’s CEO has even invited Indian pilots working abroad to return home and join the airline.

Other airlines are also expanding. IndiGo, India’s largest airline, ordered 300 aircraft in 2019 and will require even more skilled professionals. This opens up a wide range of job opportunities in areas such as:

Piloting and cabin crew

Aircraft engineering and maintenance

Airport management

Air traffic control

Aerospace research and manufacturing

How Can You Prepare for a Career in Aviation?

If you dream of flying planes, meeting new people, or designing next-generation aircraft, this is a great time to enter the aviation industry. Here’s how you can start:

Aerospace Engineering: Courses are available at top institutions like IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, and NITs. You can specialise in designing, building, and testing aircraft and spacecraft.

Pilot Training: Prestigious institutes like Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), and Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics offer world-class pilot training programs.

Cabin Crew & Ground Services: Schools like the Indian Aviation Academy (Delhi) and Centre for Civil Aviation Training provide professional training in hospitality, safety, and customer service.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME): AME colleges across India train students to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft to meet global safety standards.

India's aviation sector is reaching new heights — and it's only the beginning. With new aircraft, new airports, and a growing demand for air travel, the industry is set to become a powerhouse. Whether you want to fly high as a pilot, innovate as an engineer, or serve with a smile as cabin crew, the sky is truly the limit.

If you're passionate about technology, travel, or teamwork, the aviation world awaits you.

How to Reclaim Unclaimed Money from Banks in India

FORGOTTEN WEALTH 

Imagine someone forgetting about a piggy bank full of money and leaving it untouched for years. Surprisingly, something similar is happening in India today. A massive amount of money is lying idle in banks as unclaimed deposits. Recently, the Finance Minister shared that government banks have moved ₹45,000 crore of unclaimed money to a special fund managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

What Are Unclaimed Deposits?

People deposit money in banks to keep it safe and earn some extra income through interest. However, there are times when people move to a new city or country and forget about their old accounts. In other cases, a person may pass away and their family might not even know the account exists. If an account remains untouched for 10 years, the money in it is marked as unclaimed.

What Happens to Unclaimed Deposits?

According to RBI rules, if a bank account is inactive for more than 10 years, the bank must transfer the money to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF), managed by the RBI. This ensures the money is protected and cannot be used by banks for other purposes.

But don’t worry — if someone remembers an old account, they can still reclaim their money. All they need to do is visit the concerned bank with proper identification. The bank will then request the RBI to release the funds from DEAF, and the money will be returned to the rightful owner.

How does DEAF help?

Besides keeping unclaimed money safe, DEAF also funds educational efforts. The RBI uses a portion of this money to organise workshops, events, and share useful financial information. These initiatives help people make smarter decisions about saving and banking.

How to Check for Unclaimed Money

To make things easier, the RBI has launched an online portal called UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access Information). People can sign up and search for unclaimed deposits by entering details like name, bank name, and date of birth. This portal helps users identify forgotten accounts and start the process of reclaiming their money.

Why this matters

This initiative is important because a huge amount of money is simply lying unused in old bank accounts. By checking and claiming this money, people can put it to better use — whether it’s for education, medical needs, or daily expenses. The government and banks are actively working to make the process simple and accessible for everyone.

About the RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the country’s central bank. It ensures the smooth functioning of all other banks, prints currency, controls inflation, and safeguards the nation’s financial system. It also sets rules to ensure fair treatment of customers by banks.

In summary, if you or your family ever had a bank account that you’ve forgotten about, now is a good time to check. Your forgotten money is waiting to be claimed — safely kept by the RBI until you come for it.

Do you know

WHAT DO DIFFERENT NUMBER PLATE COLOURS MEAN IN INDIA?

In India, vehicle number plates are more than just identification numbers—they also reveal the type of vehicle, its ownership, and its purpose. From private cars to electric bikes, diplomats’ vehicles to military trucks, the colour and format of a number plate carries important meaning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding all types of vehicle number plates used across India.

1. White Number Plate (Black Text) – Private Vehicles

Used for: Private vehicles owned by individuals.

Purpose: Non-commercial, personal use only.

Example: Personal cars, bikes.

Note: These vehicles cannot be used to carry passengers or goods for payment.

2. Yellow Number Plate (Black Text) – Commercial Vehicles

Used for: Vehicles used for commercial purposes.

Purpose: Transport of goods or passengers for hire.

Example: Taxis, trucks, buses, delivery vans.

3. Black Number Plate (Yellow Text) – Rental Vehicles

Used for: Self-drive rental vehicles.

Purpose: Commercial use, but driven by private individuals.

Example: Rental cars and bikes from companies like Zoomcar or Bounce.

4. Green Number Plate – Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Used for: Fully electric vehicles.

Purpose: Promotes zero-emission transport.

Text Colour:

Private EVs: White text on green background.

Commercial EVs: Yellow text on green background.

Example: Electric cars, electric scooters, e-rickshaws.

Note: Hybrid vehicles are not eligible for green plates.

5. Red Number Plate (White Text) – Temporary Registration

Used for: Newly purchased vehicles awaiting permanent registration.

Validity: Typically up to 30 days.

Issued by: Dealers or Regional Transport Offices (RTO).

Note: Not to be confused with red plates used by dignitaries.

6. Red Number Plate with Emblem – Government Dignitaries

Used for: The President of India, state Governors, and similar high offices.

Features: No numbers; instead, the Emblem of India is displayed.

Note: The Prime Minister uses a regular white plate.

7. Blue Number Plate (White Text) – Foreign Diplomats

Used for: Vehicles of foreign diplomats and embassy officials.

Format: Country code (not Indian state code) + unique number.

Example: CD (Corps Diplomatique) or CC (Consular Corps) markings.

Purpose: Identification and diplomatic immunity.

8. Military Number Plates – Defence Forces

Used for: Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force vehicles.

Format: Two-digit year of purchase → Broad Arrow symbol → serial number (e.g., 21↔458329).

Background: Typically black with white text.

Symbol: The Broad Arrow (↔) indicates military/government property.

Note: Not registered with the RTO; governed by the Ministry of Defence.

Conclusion: Number plates in India are thoughtfully colour-coded to ensure quick recognition of a vehicle’s category, use, and ownership. Understanding these differences not only aids in identifying vehicles on the road but also reflects how India is adapting to changes like electric mobility and organised transport systems. Whether you're a driver, student, or enthusiast, knowing what each plate colour signifies can be both useful and fascinating!

When the heart is humble

GOD'S GRACE IS ENOUGH 

In life, we often face challenges where our own strength feels insufficient. At such times, we turn to God for help. But what kind of help does God give? Does He solve our problems directly, or does He empower us to solve them ourselves? In such situations, God’s grace works and humility is the key to receiving it.

What is Grace?

The word grace means kindness or favour. In the Bible, it comes from the Hebrew word channun. In Hinduism, the closest word is Kripa, meaning divine mercy or blessings.

The Bible teaches two important things about grace:

“Let us confidently come to the throne of Grace, so we may receive mercy and help in times of need.” (Hebrews)

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James)

These lines tell us that God’s grace is available, but it comes especially to those who are humble.

God’s Grace Doesn’t Mean Doing Our Work

When we face problems, we often pray to God for solutions. But grace doesn’t mean God will magically do our work. Instead, grace might give us strength, remove fear, guide us, or awaken enthusiasm within us. In short, grace helps us help ourselves.

A powerful example of grace and humility comes from this story from the Mahabharat. When peace talks between the Pandavas and Kauravas failed, war was about to begin. Both sides wanted Lord Krishna's support.

Duryodhan and Arjun both went to Dwaraka to ask for Krishna's help. Duryodhan arrived first and, while Krishna was sleeping, sat near his head on a luxurious seat — a sign of pride. Arjun arrived later and quietly stood near Krishna’s feet — a sign of respect and humility.

When Krishna woke up, he saw Arjun first and gave him the first choice. Krishna offered two options:

1. His powerful army

2. Himself, unarmed and not fighting

Duryodhan chose the army, thinking it would ensure victory. Arjun chose Krishna, happy just to have his guidance, even if Krishna wouldn't fight.

What Happened Next?

Though Duryodhan had a massive army and great warriors like Bhishma, Drona, and Karna, he was defeated in the war. The Pandavas had fewer soldiers, but they had something greater — Krishna’s grace.

At every critical moment, Krishna guided them — helping them overcome Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and Jayadratha. His wisdom and presence made all the difference.

The Moral of the Story

This story teaches us an important lesson:

Pride leads to downfall, but humility invites divine support.

Arjun’s humility won him God’s grace, which was far more powerful than any army. Duryodhan’s pride blinded him, and despite all his strength, he lost everything.

In our own lives, we may not fight wars, but we do face struggles. When we remain humble and open-hearted, God’s grace can guide us, strengthen us, and lead us to victory — even when the odds seem against us. Remember: Grace is enough — when the heart is humble.

A cosmic visionary and voice of science

Dr. JAYANT NARLIKAR (1938–2025)

“A communicator of science leaves behind a huge void.”

On 20 May 2025, India bid farewell to one of its most brilliant minds — Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, an internationally renowned astrophysicist, prolific science writer, and passionate science communicator. Revered for his contributions to cosmology and for bringing science closer to the common citizen, Dr. Narlikar’s legacy transcends generations and disciplines.

Early Life and Education: Born on 19 July 1938 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Jayant Narlikar was destined for a life of scholarship and inquiry. His father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a noted mathematician and physicist who served as Head of the Mathematics Department at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). His mother, Sumati Narlikar, was a scholar of Sanskrit, and his maternal uncle, V. S. Huzurbazar, was a renowned statistician — making his upbringing steeped in intellectual rigor and curiosity.

He completed his early education at Central Hindu College, Varanasi, and earned his BSc from BHU in 1957. He then proceeded to Cambridge University to study mathematics at Fitzwilliam College, following in his father's footsteps. At Cambridge, he quickly distinguished himself — graduating in 1959 as Senior Wrangler, the title awarded to the top mathematics undergraduate.

Academic Excellence and Research Career: While at Cambridge, he earned the Tyson Medal for Astronomy (1960) and Smith’s Prize (1962) during his doctoral work. Under the mentorship of the legendary astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, he completed his PhD in 1963. Together, they developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of conformal gravity, which offered a Machian alternative to Einstein's general relativity. The theory proposed that a particle's mass is influenced by the distribution of mass throughout the universe — an idea with deep philosophical and scientific implications.

Dr. Narlikar also earned a master's degree in astronomy and astrophysics in 1964 and remained a Fellow at King’s College, Cambridge until 1972. He was a founding member of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy, established by Hoyle in 1966.

Return to India and Institutional Leadership: In 1972, Dr. Narlikar returned to India, joining the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, where he led the Theoretical Astrophysics Group. In 1988, he became the Founder-Director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, a premier institution that nurtures academic collaboration among Indian universities.

His role in building India’s scientific infrastructure was pivotal. He chaired the Advisory Group for NCERT Textbooks in Science and Mathematics, ensuring high-quality science education for millions of students across the country.

Scientific Contributions and Collaborations: Dr. Narlikar’s research spanned quantum cosmology, Mach’s principle, and action-at-a-distance theories. He explored alternative models of the universe that challenged the dominant Big Bang paradigm. His work was foundational in opening new perspectives in cosmology and promoting scientific pluralism.

He also collaborated on an intriguing study that isolated microorganisms from stratospheric air samples at 41 km altitude, opening discussions about panspermia — the possibility that life exists beyond Earth.

He served as President of the Cosmology Commission of the International Astronomical Union (1994–1997) and was a founding member of the World Cultural Council in 1981.

Awards and Recognition: 

Dr. Narlikar received numerous prestigious awards and honours:

Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan (India's third and second highest civilian honours)

Maharashtra Bhushan Award

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award

M. P. Birla Award for excellence in astronomy

Prix Jules Janssen by the French Astronomical Society

Atmaram Award (Central Hindi Directorate)

Indira Gandhi Award (Indian National Science Academy)

Kalinga Prize by UNESCO (1996) for popularising science

He was a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, the Indian Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences, India, as well as the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). He was also an Associate of the Royal Astronomical Society of London.

Science Communicator and Writer: Beyond the lab and lecture hall, Dr. Narlikar was a passionate science communicator. He authored numerous popular science books, essays, and articles, making complex concepts accessible to lay readers in English, Marathi, and Hindi.

He appeared in radio and television programmes, and even featured in Carl Sagan's acclaimed documentary series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, where his work on alternative cosmologies was highlighted.

He also wrote science fiction and stories for children, using narrative to ignite curiosity and imagination. His Marathi autobiography, Chaar Nagarantale Maze Vishva ("My World of Four Cities"), won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014.

Legacy: Dr. Jayant Narlikar will be remembered not just as a pioneering scientist, but as a bridge between science and society. Through his rigorous scholarship and unwavering commitment to public understanding of science, he shaped minds and institutions alike.

He leaves behind a universe enriched by his vision — and a void that will be deeply felt in India and the global scientific community.

“We are made of star-stuff,” Carl Sagan once said. In Dr. Jayant Narlikar, the stars gifted us a rare mind — one that sought answers beyond the known, and brought the cosmos a little closer to Earth.

Game of hand gestures

THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS (Stone, Paper, Scissors)

Have you ever been in an argument that could only be settled with a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS)? You’re definitely not alone. This simple hand game has been used to make decisions, settle scores, and even determine tournament outcomes for over 2,000 years! Today, it’s played by children and adults alike, all around the world. But where did this clever little game begin?

Ancient Beginnings: The Chinese Roots

The earliest known version of Rock, Paper, Scissors can be traced back to ancient China, around 206 BCE, during the Han Dynasty. The game was called “shoushiling”, meaning “hand command.” Unlike today’s version, the hand gestures represented animals:

The thumb was a frog

The little finger was a slug

The index finger was a snake

Just like modern RPS, the animals followed a non-linear pattern where no one gesture dominated all the others—making it a fair way to settle disagreements.

The Japanese Twist: Jan-Ken

The game made its way to Japan in the 17th century, where it evolved into “Jan-Ken.” This version is much closer to what we know today. Instead of animals, Jan-Ken used the now-familiar:

Guu (Rock)

Paa (Paper)

Choki (Scissors)

Jan-Ken became deeply embedded in Japanese culture and was used in games, decisions, and even TV game shows. It’s still incredibly popular in Japan today.

Going Global: Rock, Paper, Scissors Takes Over

By the early 20th century, the game had spread beyond Asia and become popular across Europe and eventually North America. It was around this time that the name “Rock, Paper, Scissors” became widely used in English-speaking countries.

Today, it's hard to find a country where the game isn’t known. There’s even an official World Rock Paper Scissors Association, and in 2002, a World RPS Championship was held in Toronto, attracting players from all over the globe!

Fun Facts and Variations

Strategic Thinking: Believe it or not, there are strategies to this “random” game! Studies show people tend to start with Rock, so leading with Paper might give you an edge. Experienced players look for patterns and psychological tendencies in their opponents.

Cultural Variants: Around the world, the game takes on different forms. Some versions swap in gestures like water, fire, well, dragon, or lightning. For example, Indonesia has a version using elephant, man, and ant!

Pop Culture Fame: The game even got a fun twist in The Big Bang Theory with “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock,” which added two more gestures to spice things up.

Serious Business: In 2005, a Japanese businessman used Rock, Paper, Scissors to choose which auction house would handle a multi-million-dollar art collection. That’s how seriously some people take it!

A Simple Game with a Rich History

What makes Rock, Paper, Scissors so special is its simplicity. No equipment, no setup—just your hands and a moment of decision. But behind those quick gestures is a history stretching across continents, cultures, and centuries.

So the next time you play a round, remember: you’re taking part in a global tradition that’s more than just child’s play—it's a tiny, timeless piece of human history.