The Weather Woman of India

ANNA MANI 

Anna Mani,  often hailed as the Weather Woman of India, was a visionary physicist and meteorologist whose pioneering work reshaped India's scientific landscape. Born in 1918 in Travancore, now part of Kerala, she grew up with an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for learning. This passion led her to pursue physics and chemistry at Presidency College in Madras, where she studied under the renowned scientist C. V. Raman. Her academic brilliance and determination paved the way for a career that would leave an indelible mark on India's meteorological advancements.

At a time when India relied heavily on foreign technology for weather forecasting, Mani recognised the urgent need for self-reliance. She dedicated herself to developing indigenous weather instruments, ensuring that India could independently monitor its own climate and predict weather patterns with precision. Her contributions were instrumental in strengthening India's disaster preparedness, particularly in a country prone to monsoons, cyclones, and extreme weather conditions. Thanks to her relentless efforts, India emerged as a global leader in meteorology, reducing its dependence on external expertise.

But her ambitions stretched far beyond weather forecasting. Mani had an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and played a crucial role in monitoring the ozone layer. Long before climate change became a widely recognised issue, her research helped scientists better understand ozone depletion and its impact on global warming, making her a pioneer in India's fight against environmental challenges. She was ahead of her time, foreseeing the significance of atmospheric studies and their implications for future generations.

Breaking barriers in a male-dominated scientific community, she rose to become the Deputy Director General of the Indian Meteorological Department. Her leadership not only advanced India's scientific capabilities, but also served as a beacon of inspiration for young women aspiring to enter the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In a society where a few women pursued careers in science, Mani defied expectations and proved that talent and perseverance could shatter even the most rigid glass ceilings.

Her legacy continues to inspire countless scientists, researchers, and environmentalists in India and beyond. Anna Mani was not just a scientist, she was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a force of nature. Her life's work stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and an unyielding belief in scientific progress. Even today, as India advances in climate science and meteorology, her contributions remain foundational, reminding us that passion and dedication can change the course of history.

Do you know

WHY DO CATS AND DOGS HAVE WHISKERS?

Dogs and cats have whiskers (also called vibrissae) because they serve as highly sensitive sensory tools that help them navigate their environment. Here’s why they are important:

For Cats:

1. Enhanced Navigation – Whiskers detect air currents and help cats sense objects even in the dark.

2. Measuring Spaces – They help cats judge whether they can fit through tight spaces.

3. Protection – Whiskers detect potential dangers near their face, like sharp objects.

4. Communication and Mood Indicator – A cat's whisker position can signal emotions like curiosity or fear.

For Dogs:

1. Sensing the Environment – Whiskers help detect nearby objects and changes in airflow.

2. Protecting Their Face – They act as an early warning system to prevent bumps or injuries.

3. Enhancing Hunting and Play – Dogs use whiskers to detect small movements, especially useful for hunting breeds.

4. Emotional Expression – Whiskers move depending on the dog's mood, similar to cats.

In both animals, whiskers are deeply rooted in nerve endings, making them extremely sensitive. That’s why trimming or pulling them can be uncomfortable or even disorienting.

The memory whiz

VISHVAA RAJAKUMAR

Vishvaa Rajakumar is a 20-year-old memory athlete from Puducherry, India, who has garnered international acclaim for his exceptional cognitive abilities. In February 2025, he secured victory at the Memory League World Championship by memorizing 80 random digits in just 13.50 seconds and accurately recalling 30 images in 8.40 seconds. Imagine trying to remember a HUGE string of numbers, like when you're trying to memorise a super long password.

A student at the Manakula Vinayagar Institute of Technology in Puducherry, Rajakumar began his journey in memory sports in 2021. His rapid ascent in the field was highlighted by a significant win at the 2023 Asian Oceanian Open, marking his first major tournament victory. 

His secret? He uses something called the “Memory Palace" technique, which is like creating a virtual house in your mind and placing the things you need to remember in different rooms. It's like making a mental treasure hunt!

Appropriately called, "method of loci," an ancient memorisation technique that involves associating information with specific locations in a familiar setting, such as a house. This method enhances recall by leveraging spatial memory. 

Beyond his competitive achievements, Rajakumar emphasizes the importance of hydration for optimal brain function, noting that staying hydrated significantly aids cognitive performance. He also says that staying hydrated is super important for your brain.

His accomplishments have not only brought him personal recognition but have also spotlighted India's growing presence in the global memory sports arena.

Now, Vishvaa Rajakumar wants to become a memory trainer and open a memory school in India. He wants to teach everyone his awesome memory tricks! Think of him as a superhero for your brain!

A timeless symbol of beauty and renewal

CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN 

Introduction: Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are one of Japan’s most famous natural phenomena, attracting millions of visitors each year. These delicate pink and white flowers bloom in spring, creating breathtaking landscapes and marking the beginning of a new season. The tradition of hanami (flower viewing) has been a cherished Japanese custom for centuries, symbolising the transient nature of life.

Sakura flowers 

The Cultural Significance of Sakura: Sakura holds profound cultural importance in Japan:

Symbol of Impermanence: The brief yet stunning bloom of cherry blossoms represents the Buddhist concept of mono no aware—the awareness of the fleeting nature of life.

Influence on Art and Literature: Many classical Japanese poems, haiku, and artworks depict sakura as a metaphor for beauty, nostalgia, and the passage of time.

Historical Connections: Samurai and kamikaze pilots saw sakura as a symbol of honour and sacrifice, as their lives were short yet meaningful.

Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan:

1. Tokyo – Ueno Park and Chidorigafuchi: Ueno Park hosts spectacular hanami parties under ancient sakura trees. Chidorigafuchi offers stunning views with cherry blossoms lining the Imperial Palace moat.

2. Kyoto – Maruyama Park and Philosopher’s Path: Maruyama Park’s illuminated sakura at night creates a magical atmosphere. The Philosopher’s Path is perfect for a peaceful, picturesque stroll.

3. Osaka – Osaka Castle Park: Over 4,000 cherry trees bloom around the historic Osaka Castle.

4. Hokkaido – Goryokaku Park: Located in northern Japan, this park blooms later in the season, extending sakura viewing opportunities.

The Hanami Experience: Hanami is a cherished tradition where families, friends, and colleagues gather under cherry trees for picnics. Popular foods during hanami include bento boxes, sakura mochi (sweet rice cakes), and sake. Night-time hanami (yozakura) is another enchanting experience, with illuminated cherry trees creating a dreamlike setting.

The Science Behind Sakura Blooming: Cherry blossoms typically bloom between late March and early April, depending on the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency closely monitors and forecasts the sakura season. Climate change has been affecting bloom times, leading to earlier flowering in recent years.

Conclusion: Cherry blossoms are more than just beautiful flowers; they embody Japan’s deep appreciation for nature, tradition, and the fleeting moments of life. Whether you visit for hanami or simply admire the blossoms from afar, sakura season in Japan remains a magical and unforgettable experience.

Words we speak can shape the lives we lead

THE POWER OF AFFIRMATIONS 

Affirmations—positive statements repeated to reinforce self-belief—have gained widespread recognition in both spiritual and psychological circles. 

Rooted in ancient traditions and modern cognitive science, affirmations work on the principle that thoughts influence emotions, behaviour and even physical well-being.

Neuroscientists suggest that repeating affirmations can rewire the brain through neuroplasticity, strengthening positive thought patterns. 

A study in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience has found that self-affirmation activates the brain’s reward centres, reducing stress and increasing resilience. This aligns with spiritual teachings that emphasise the power of spoken words to manifest reality, such as in Hindu and Buddhist mantra practices or Christian declarations of faith.

Psychologists also note that affirmations help shift negative self-talk. By replacing limiting beliefs with empowering statements, individuals cultivate confidence and motivation. 

Some powerful affirmations include:

“I am worthy of love and success.”

“I attract positivity and abundance into my life.”

“I am strong, resilient and capable of achieving my goals.”

“Every challenge I face, helps me grow and improve.”

Whether used for healing or inner peace, affirmations serve as a simple yet profound tool—reminding us that the words we speak can shape the lives we lead.

The underground town of the world

COOBER PEDY

In the middle of the remote South Australian desert lies the small town of Coober Pedy, which houses strange underground residences and other facilities.

Coober Pedy is the world's only underground town where settlers live underground to escape the scorching summer heat as daytime temperatures touch a whooping 125°F or 51°C. Their homes, carved into caves, hills, and disused mine shafts maintain a comfortable year-round temperature of 23°C or 73°F.

A small mining town with a population of just under 2,000, Coober Pedy is the 'Opal capital of the world' that has been supplying the world's gem-quality opal since it was founded in 1915. In this waterless environment, not much activity happens above ground. Instead, the community exists inside some 1,500 underground residences seamlessly integrated into the desert's rugged terrain.

An average cave home at 8 to 22 feet below ground level with modern amenities, bedrooms, living area, kitchen and bathroom can be excavated out of the rock for pretty much the same price as building a house above surface. The homes have 40 inch thick support pillars and natural air shafts for ventilation. However, there is no sewage in underground Coober Pedy, so kitchens and bathrooms are always situated above ground, as the front rooms, which make the entrance of the house.

Every time you drill in Coober Pedy, you always have a chance to strike it rich. A local hotel opened in the town found opal worth $360,000 while digging out its rooms. Digging a simple rack into your wall could unexpectedly yield enough Opal to fill it with all the expensive things your heart desires.

In the 1980s, when the first underground hotel was built, Coober Pedy began attracting curious tourists. Now, it boasts a wide network of underground bars, shops, museums, and churches.

A folktale from West Bengal

FISH IN THE FIRE 

One day, in a certain village, a Wife felt a very strong urge to eat fresh fish. When she expressed her wish to her Husband, he went to the market and bought three fish. The Wife happily cleaned and cooked them.

When they sat down to eat, the Husband said, "Considering that I am the Lord and Master of the house, I will have two fish."

The Wife retorted, saying, "No, you shall not. I am not a servant that I will be content with one fish."

The Husband lost his temper and said, "I bought the fish from the bazaar. So, I should get two fish for all the trouble I took."

Not to be outdone, the Wife said, "Don't I deserve two fish for all the trouble I went through to cook them?"

The quarrel went on until the Husband suggested, "Let us keep a bet. Whoever speaks first will have to eat one fish."

They went to bed silently without touching the meal. The whole day passed, but neither of them moved or uttered a single word. The neighbours, wondering if something was the matter, knocked at the door again and again, but in vain.

Finally, they broke open the door and entered the house only to find the couple lying down. They shook them, but as neither of them uttered a sound, the neighbours thought that they were dead and carried them off to the crematorium.

The pyre was set up and the Husband was laid first, followed by his wife. Just as someone was about to light the pyre, the Husband jumped up yelling, "You win! I will eat one fish!!" 

His wife promptly sat up and said, matter-of-factly, "And I will eat the other two."

😄😁😂