ASTROPHYSICS

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August 31, 2017

Astrophysics is a branch of space science that applies the laws of physics and chemistry to explain the birth, life and death of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae and other objects in the universe. It has two sibling sciences, astronomy and cosmology, and the lines between them blur.

‘It all began with Newton’

While astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, theoretical astrophysics began with Isaac Newton. Prior to Newton, astronomers described the motions of heavenly bodies using complex mathematical models without a physical basis. Newton showed that a single theory simultaneously explains the orbits of moons and planets in space and the trajectory of a cannonball on Earth. This added to the body of evidence for the (then) startling conclusion that the heavens and Earth are subject to the same physical laws.

Current Missions

ASTROPHYSICS The Astrophysics current missions include three of the Great Observatories originally planned in the 1980s and launched over the past 25 years. The current suite of operational Great Observatories includes the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope. Additionally, the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope explores the high-energy end of the spectrum. Innovative Explorer missions, such as the Swift Gamma-ray Explorer and NuSTAR, as well as Mission of Opportunity NICER, complement the Astrophysics strategic missions. SOFIA, an airborne observatory for infrared astronomy, is in its operational phase and the Kepler mission is now actively engaged in K2 extended mission operations. All of the missions together account for much of humanity’s accumulated knowledge of the heavens. Many of these missions have achieved their prime science goals, but continue to produce spectacular results in their extended operations.

Milestones in Astrophysics

                 Since, the only way we interact with distant objects is by observing the radiation they emit, much of astrophysics has to do with deducing theories that explain the mechanisms that produce this radiation, and provide ideas for how to extract the most information from it. The first idea about the nature of stars emerged in the mid-19th century from the blossoming science of spectral analysis, which means observing the specific frequencies of light that particular substances absorb and emit when heated. Spectral analysis remains essential to the triumvirate of space sciences, both guiding and testing new theories.

                    Early spectroscopy provided the first evidence that stars contain substances also present on Earth. Spectroscopy revealed that some nebulae are purely gaseous, while some contain stars. This later helped cement the idea that some nebulae were not nebulae at all — they were other galaxies!

                    In the early 1920s, Cecilia Payne discovered, using spectroscopy, that stars are predominantly hydrogen (at least until their old age). The spectra of stars also allowed astrophysicists to determine the speed at which they move toward or away from Earth. Just like the sound a vehicle emits is different moving toward us or away from us, because of the Doppler shift, the spectra of stars will change in the same way. In the 1930s, by combining the Doppler shift and Einstein’s theory of general relativity, Edwin Hubble provided solid evidence that the universe is expanding. This is also predicted by Einstein’s theory, and together forms the basis of the Big Bang Theory.

Social Media: Reason Behind Rise In Communal and Political Conflict?

By

Soumya Ranjan

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August 16, 2017

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Modern Keyboard With Colored Social Network Buttons. — BELCHATOW POLAND - MAY 02 2013: Modern white keyboard with colored social network buttons.

There was a time when people didn’t have any photographic tool like a camera. That was the period of history when the painters became famous and their paintings were the only proof of each and every historical happening. That was also the period when communication was not that easy. It was a tough period in order to keep a tab on the day to day happenings all over the world. But at last, it was in the late 20^th century, social media came into existence.

Sixdegrees.com is considered as the first ever social media website. After that, Yahoo Messanger in 1999, Skype in 2003, Facebook in 2004, YouTube in 2005, Twitter in 2006, Instagram in 2010 and Snapchat in 2011 came into the market. With the passing years, all these social media sites came up with many interesting features, from limiting it to chatting, to photo sharing and many more features.

Needless to say, social media is a revolutionary work done, which is facilitating trillions of people all over the world. Social media has its own set of benefits, which is known to everyone. It has made our life easier. Our thoughts and ideas are easily spread through social media. The contribution of the internet and social media has eased almost everything.

Even sitting in our home, we are able to communicate with our relatives through Skype. Through social media only, we are able to discover various places, their people, their culture, their lifestyle and many such things. We are now able to sign online petitions for many social and political causes. Social media, in short, is providing each and every individual a direct chance to speak his or her own views in every matter. There are many aspiring singers, dancers and stand up comedians, who have gained success through the use of social media only.

There are some countries, with social media restrictions. Like, in Pakistan, YouTube is banned. In China, they have restriction over everything. They have their own news agencies and social media platforms. They have banned the use of Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Literally, they are cut short of the world.

Being a social media user, we all have come across the word ‘trending’. The trending matters spread in such a way that, every person comes across that at some point of time. Like the video of Dhinchak Pooja, which was a completely useless song, was viewed by millions! These trends don’t affect much or can be said, doesn’t affect at all. Just imagine, if there is a leak of some government document or someone tries to spread hatred in the name of religion or community, what will be the situation? Certainly, we will get motivated and influenced very easily and spread it all over. And this will be just because of the position social media has created in our daily life.

It will not take second to spread a hate speech of a leader or an organization. People are so blind that they don’t even think of verifying the matter. Recently, there was an incident in Baduria, Paraganas dist. West Bengal. BJP and the right Hindutva forces were trying to spread communal hatred (as alleged by Trinamool Congress), by making public statements and social media posts. Video clip of the riot surfaced causing anger in the public. But the video that surfaced was actually of Comilla in Bangladesh and was wrongly claimed to be of Baduria, only to spread panic.

This was not it. A person posted a picture from some Bhojpuri film, where a woman is assaulted by lascivious men. The person captioned the post, “Baduria! The honor of Hindu woman is under attack. Those Hindu friends who are still with Trinamool Congress, are you Hindu?” The person was later arrested, but the damage was done. Not only the general public but also two BJP leaders shared a post in this connection. One of them posted a picture of 2002 Gujarat Riots and captioned Baduria Riots!

This incident shows how a situation, that shouldn’t have even aroused, caused a riot at Baduria. This is not the only incident, there are several such incidents in India and across the globe. People are so easily manipulated that they are not even thinking twice before spreading such wrong information, creating chaos and disturbance all over the world. The most disappointing thing is that the wrong news is spread not only by people but also by news agencies and political leaders.

Not every person has access to social media. If a person comes across such news, he or she wouldn’t be able to verify it in any way and many people believe it blindly. In a way, social media has blinded and bound the public from having deep insight about anything.

It’s not only about the case of spreading riots. Global terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda use social media for recruitment. One more threat, hacking, it has become so easy that it can create a situation of war. Suppose, for example, the website of Indian Government gets hacked and the information is circulated that India is going to attack China in next 24 hours, then there is a serious possibility that the Chinese Army is found gathering next to McMohan Line. Everyone is well aware of the kind of problem India will face if this type of incident happens.

Nowadays, the social media is becoming dangerously unsafe day by day. If a person sitting at Islamabad can mobilize a crowd in Lucknow, then one can imagine what other things are possible, how much destruction it can do with some fake image or video across the globe!

Last year, the German Parliament passed a law that punishes with a fine of 50 Million Euros on social media sites, like, Facebook and YouTube, if they fail to remove hateful posts within a time limit. The rule is applicable for all those sites with more than 2 million users in a country. Strong laws, like this, only can safeguard our globe from the people who are spreading hatred. What we need to do is coming up with new ideas, in order to hinder the spreading of anything abusive or promoting religious or communal conflicts.

Social media is the best gift for our generation. It’s our responsibility to use it for information and fun only. There is no fun in spreading false rumors, and even if we come across such kinds of stuff, it’s our duty to report it.

Yes! We are provided with ‘Right of Freedom of Speech’, that doesn’t provide a license to spread hatred of any manner. Therefore, it’s very important to understand our rights and act with accord to it.

Thank You!

Bullying: vulnerable spots on bully

By

Alisha Aggarwal

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August 15, 2017

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Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious,lasting problems.

In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:

An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.

Types of Bullying

There are three types of bullying:

Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. Verbal bullying includes:
- Teasing
- Name-calling
- Inappropriate sexual comments
- Taunting
- Threatening to cause harm
Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Social bullying includes:
- Leaving someone out on purpose
- Telling other children not to be friends with someone
- Spreading rumors about someone
- Embarrassing someone in public
Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Physical bullying includes:
- Hitting/kicking/pinching
- Spitting
- Tripping/pushing
- Taking or breaking someone’s things
- Making mean or rude hand gestures

Effects of Bullying

Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. It is important to talk to kids to determine whether bullying—or something else—is a concern.

Kids Who are Bullied

Kids who are bullied can experience negative physical, school, and mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:

Depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood.
Health complaints
Decreased academic achievement—GPA and standardized test scores—and school participation. They are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.

Kids Who Bully Others

Kids who bully others
can also engage in violent and other risky behaviors into adulthood. Kids who bully are more likely to:

Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults
Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school
Engage in early sexual activity
Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults
Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults

The Relationship between Bullying and Suicide

Media reports often link bullying with suicide. However, most youth who are bullied do not have thoughts of suicide or engage in suicidal behaviors.

Although kids who are bullied are at risk of suicide, bullying alone is not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, problems at home, and trauma history. Additionally, specific groups have an increased risk of suicide, including American Indian and Alaskan Native, Asian American, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. This risk can be increased further when these kids are not supported by parents, peers, and schools. Bullying can make an unsupportive situation worse.

Respond to Bullying

How you respond can make an impact on bullying over time. Find out what you can do to stop it on the spot and support the kids involved.

Stop Bullying on the Spot

When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. There are simple steps adults can take to stop bullying on the spot and keep kids safe.

Do:

Intervene immediately. It is ok to get another adult to help.
Separate the kids involved.
Make sure everyone is safe.
Meet any immediate medical or mental health needs.
Stay calm. Reassure the kids involved, including bystanders.
Model respectful behavior when you intervene.

Avoid these common mistakes:

Don’t ignore it. Don’t think kids can work it out without adult help.
Don’t immediately try to sort out the facts.
Don’t force other kids to say publicly what they saw.
Don’t question the children involved in front of other kids.
Don’t talk to the kids involved together, only separately.
Don’t make the kids involved apologize or patch up relations on the spot.

Support Kids Who are Bullied

Listen and focus on the child. Learn what’s been going on and show you want to help.

Assure the child that bullying is not their fault.

Know that kids who are bullied may struggle with talking about it. Consider referring them to a school counselor, psychologist, or other mental health service.

Give advice about what to do. This may involve role-playing and thinking through how the child might react if the bullying occurs again.

Indian Independence: Are We Really Independent?

By

Soumya Ranjan

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August 14, 2017

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Loud music of ‘Vande Mataram’ being played all over the streets, children with plastic flags in their hands, dressed in school uniforms, excited to watch cultural programs. The only national holiday when our nationality arises, the celebration of India’s Independence Day.India is celebrating it’s 71

India is celebrating its 71^st Independence Day; we are now independent for 70 years. We are aware of the historical dominance of the East India Company upon India for over 200 years. Indeed, we feel fortunate that our forefathers fought hard to get independence and gift this free life to their upcoming generations.

India has been long ruled by foreign invaders, prominent are The Mughals, who ruled for almost Three Centuries and The East India Company, who not only ruled over our nation but also exploited its citizens and resources to the fullest.

The main challenge before independence was the formation of Constituent Assembly. India desperately needed a Constitution in order to rule and regulate an independent India and also it was sort of pre-requisite demand needed to be looked for before England permitted independence. The making of a perfect constitution was not possible at that short period of time. It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to complete the making of Indian Constitution. Now it’s been 67 years of the formation of Constitution with 101 amendments.

For 71 years, it’s like a practice to celebrate the Independence Day every year. But it seems like we are celebrating the day only for the sake of respect towards our country. But, do we really feel independent in our country? Is child marriage completely abolished? Do the girls, working late night, returning to home, feel independent, feel safe? Is India corruption free? Does the dominant Hindu population accept the Muslim population whole heartedly? Is India able to provide daily food and health facilities to its every resident? Are our politicians trustworthy enough? Is there no conflict between the Upper and Lower castes?

Answers to all these questions might stand at a huge no. 70 years gone, and it’s the high time to question ourselves and to our society. Each and every individual living in India must perform his or her due work without any haste. We have to leave our human greed behind in order to gain independence for India in a true sense.

China has been threatening India for war since long due to its standoff in the Doklam region of Bhutan. Everyone knows that war brings hues and cries. But a super power like China wouldn’t flinch to attack the Indian Army at any moment. It’s a serious threat to Indian Government as well as its citizens. A single war can affect both countries economically and it will be a huge blow for India, mainly. It’s not for the first time that India is involved in a war with its neighbors. The most prominent are 1962 Sino- Indian War, 1965 Indo- Pak War, 1971 Indo-Pak War during Bangladesh Liberation and 1999 Kargil War.

Logically, we cannot fight a superpower like China with so many conflicts within ourselves. Being divided internally, we can’t fight with anyone. Therefore, firstly, we need to clean up each and every problem, small or big, whatever that may be. It is obvious that it will take a very long time, may be decades. But, what can we do is start from point zero. Not a single problem should be left out. For now, main problems needed to overcome should be the safety of women, communal harmony and elimination of corruption. These three prospects can make our country’s condition better in order to fight external conflicts.

If we analyze 70 years of Indian independence, clearly, we have achieved many things in various fields. Our country is the largest country with the multi party system. India has become the fastest growing economy in the world. India has been able to create a special position of its own in the world. From being the member of UN to being grouped in G-20, it’s a huge achievement. Today, India has gained a special position in global politics as it has become one of the strongest countries both politically and economically.

India got independence only due to the independent mindset of our great forefathers. India, a country in making is in its very way to touch prosperity and success. It is our duty, as its citizen, to fulfill the dreams of our great leaders, which they saw for India as an independent nation. The only thing required to fulfill their dreams is to keep working for the nation selflessly.

Neem Tree: “The Free Tree Of India”

By

Aaliya Thahseen

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August 14, 2017

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Neem Tree, which is known as ‘Azadirachta Indica’ in terms of botany, is known as the “Free Tree of India”. This is because of its name being derived from ‘Azad’ which means free and ‘dirachta’ meaning tree. It belongs to the Mahagony family Meliaceae and is generally found in the Indian subcontinent, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Srilanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh. It typically grows in tropical and subtropical regions around the height of 50-60 feet and hardly goes up to 120 feet. It is an evergreen tree and its fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, and barks are being used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, insect repellents and medicinal cures.

Neem as a Medicine

In India, the leaves of Neem are dried and placed in cupboards in order to prevent the insects eating the clothes and placed in tins so to save rice from insects. They are also dried and burnt so as to keep mosquitoes away in tropical regions. Neem has a tradition in India to treat various viral diseases. According to doctors, a paste made with Neem leaves and applied on infected areas can cure chicken pox, small pox, and burns. This happens due to the absorbing nature of Neem leaves which absorbs the virus protecting the unaffected cells to be affected by this virus. Ayurveda and Siddha practitioners believe that Neem leaves are Anthelmintic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antidiabetic, contraceptive, and sedative.

It is a major component in Ayurvedic medicines and is prescribed mainly for skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, etc. The oil made from Neem leaves is used for healthy and blackening of hair, to improve functionary of the liver, to detoxify the blood and balance blood sugar levels. Powdered Neem leaves mixed with water in order to obtain paste can cure various eye diseases when applied on eyes.

Neem leaves improve the function of the respiratory system, immune system and improve digestive health

by removing unwanted toxins in the blood. One should know that Neem leaves do not directly attack insects on the crop but act as an antifeedant, repellant protecting the crop from being damaged. Neem oil is used for preparing cosmetics such as soap, shampoo, balms, and creams. The Neem tree is also of great importance due to its anti-desertification property and as a good carbon dioxide sink. It is also used in India for cosmetic purposes such as facial cream, nail polish and many more.

Neem’s association with Festivals of India

In the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka it is very famous for their use in ‘Uggadi Pachhadi’, which is made on ‘Ugadi’ day. During ‘Gudi Padva’, which is the New year in the state of Maharashtra, the ancient.

The practice of drinking a small quantity of Neem juice or paste on that day before celebrating it is found to be done. In the southern state of India, Tamil Nadu during the summer months, the ‘Mariamman temple festival’ is a thousand-year-old tradition. The Neem leaves and flowers are the major parts of the Mariamman festival. The statue of the goddess Mariamman is garlanded with Neem leaves and flowers. In Odisha, the famous Jagannath temple’ deities are made up of Neem heartwood along with some other essential oils and powders. Neem was also declared as the ‘National Tree of Hyderabad’.

Generation Gap

By

Alisha Aggarwal

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August 13, 2017

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bridge the gap — most com on problem in the world

The generation gap means the difference between the attitude or lack of understanding between the young and old. This generation gap has always been there but now it has reached an explosive stage.

The values and the patterns of life have changed altogether. The world has left dictatorship and autocracy far behind. Now are the days democracy, freedom and equal rights. Inordinate authority is no longer tolerated. Everyone likes to live and behave in its own way. This attitude has widened the generation gap to a very wide extent.

Generation gap refers to differences in actions, beliefs, interests, and opinions that exist between individuals from different generations. So, what causes these differences?

Causes

One factor that has heavily influenced generation gaps is the accelerating rate of change in society. In the 1800s, developments in society were slow. As a result, two or three generations lived lifestyles that were very similar to each other. There weren’t many differences across generations. However, given technological and social advances that have taken place in the 20th and 21st centuries, the lifestyles of individuals even one generation apart are drastically different from each other.

Another factor that has influenced the generation gap is the increased mobility of society. In earlier generations, society was not very mobile. Most people stayed in the same area or country. There was little contact with people outside of one’s general area. Access to information from other cultures was limited. However, with the increasing advances of technology, people began to be introduced to new things.

This attitude destroying the family life completely. The elders look after the children and make all the sacrifices to bring them up. Naturally they feel that they have a right over them. They have certain expectations from them. The children on the other hand when grow up, want complete freedom of their thoughts and actions. Unfortunately their thoughts and behavior are dramatically contrast to the expectations of the elders. They revolt when they try to impose any kind of check on them.

How to cope with the generation gap?

Make friendship with them instead of being rude parents. Let them express all their feelings to you. This will help in both the ways.
In fact, there are no global standards of attitudes. Different people may have different attitudes.
The world is a smart world today, being smart enough to cope up with the modern world will help parents to be equal with the younger generations.
Know that the age of your kids is more than a number. As they grow on passing through ages, their thinking pattern changes; the way they look at the world change; the way they express feelings change.
Never make your child feeling ashamed of the parents. If he expresses his desires on the look or behavior or his/her parents, be ready to change for him/her, but of course reasonably.

Consequences

The family breaks and disintegrates. Though in India, we are yet in initial stages but the gaps has started appearing and will wider day by day, if the optimistic efforts are not put into bridge them. Hence the need of the hour is to sit and find a commons affecting both the generations.

Dogs: Making Things Better Since Forever

By

Karuna Sharma

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August 12, 2017

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So, you already know what makes you happy when you are sad or stresses out. Is it a Dog ? Oh! Yes. Dogs can make your rough days so better and they are the ones you can cuddle with any time of the day. Whenever you’re feeling little ‘blah’ ,there they are wagging their tails and trying to make you happy. They are the best of friends.

To make your day a bit more pleasant,here are these little ones trying to cheer you up all over.

1. Hey, are you talking to me ?

2. Just check your letter box. The fur ball is waiting .

3. But, let me get some sleep first.

4. Aye, you look cute.

5. But wait, let me cuddle first .

6. I didn’t eat your paint colours.

7. Hello. Can you smile ?

8. Come on ! Let’s go cycling.

9. Are you going somewhere without me ?

10. Let me see what’s going on outside .

11. Who is this new doggo here ?

12. Where you taking us? We’re sleepy.

My day just got so better. What about yours ?

WHEN YOU DEFINE ”LOVE” AS ”CALCUTT”

By

Aresyn Shaw

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August 10, 2017

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