National Science Day: A Celebration of Discovery and Innovation

What is it?

National Science Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of the scientific community and fostering a passion for science among the public. It is observed annually in India on February 28th.

Why We Celebrate

This specific date marks the anniversary of a momentous scientific discovery by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman. In 1928, on February 28th, he announced the discovery of the Raman effect, which revolutionized our understanding of light-matter interaction. This groundbreaking discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Asian scientist to receive the prestigious award in any scientific field.

History

The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) proposed the idea of National Science Day to the Government of India in 1986. Recognizing the importance of science in national development and progress, the government officially declared February 28th as National Science Day in the same year. Since then, it has become an annual event celebrated throughout the country.

How to Celebrate

National Science Day is a vibrant occasion marked by various activities across schools, colleges, universities, and research institutions. Some common ways to celebrate include:

  • Science exhibitions: Showcasing scientific concepts, experiments, and inventions to ignite curiosity and inspire young minds.
  • Science quizzes and competitions: Providing students with challenging and engaging opportunities to test their scientific knowledge and understanding.
  • Lectures and seminars: Renowned scientists and experts sharing their knowledge and research findings with the public.
  • Science film screenings: Creating awareness and interest in scientific concepts through documentaries and educational films.
  • Visits to science museums and research laboratories: Offering the public a firsthand glimpse into the world of scientific research and discovery.

Special Top Quotes:

  • “Science is not only a collection of facts;
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Maha Shivaratri: Celebrating the Night of Shiva

Date of Celebration in 2024: March 8th (Friday)

Why We Celebrate: Maha Shivaratri, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva, one of the supreme deities in Hinduism. It holds several significances:

  • Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: Many believe Maha Shivaratri marks the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing the union of the masculine and feminine energies.
  • Overcoming Darkness: The festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, both literally (occurring on the darkest night of the lunisolar month) and metaphorically, representing the victory of good over evil and ignorance.
  • Seeking Blessings: Devotees observe Maha Shivaratri by offering prayers and seeking blessings for spiritual growth, liberation, and fulfillment.

Top Quotes:

  • “On this auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, may the blessings of Lord Shiva shower upon you and your loved ones. May you find peace, happiness, and prosperity in life.”
  • “May the observance of Maha Shivaratri ignite the inner light of wisdom within you and guide you on the path of righteousness and self-realization.”
  • “Om Namah Shivaya” (a sacred mantra chanted during Maha Shivaratri, meaning “I bow to the eternal Shiva”)

How to Celebrate:

  • Fasting: Devotees often observe a day-long fast, consuming only water or fruits.
  • Puja (Worship): Devotees offer prayers and perform puja (worship rituals) to Lord Shiva, typically involving offerings of bel leaves, milk, and flowers.
  • Jagran (Staying Awake): Many devotees stay awake throughout the night, chanting mantras, singing hymns, and meditating.
  • Temple Visits: Devotees visit Shiva temples to participate in rituals, seek blessings, and experience the festive atmosphere.

In ancient times, there lived a hunter named Kushanda. One night, while out hunting, he accidentally … Read the rest

Diwali 2023: Things To Do This Diwali

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India and Hindus specifically. Hindus around the world eagerly wait for the Amavasya of Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. Since Amavasya is the darkest night, people celebrate the festival with lights. It is for this reason that Diwali is also called the festival of light.

Here’s the significance of Diwali in Hindu religion

1. Reception of Lord Ram in Ayodhya

When Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after completing their 14-year-long exile or vanvasa, the people of Ayodhya welcomed their favorite prince with lights. They lit earthen lamps on the road leading to Ayodhya to show their devotion to Lord Ram.

2. Victory of good over evil

Diwali is the celebration of the victory of good over evil. Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after killing the demon Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka. It strengthens our belief that truth always prevails. It proves that demons can be defeated by good deeds.

3. Appearance of Goddess Laxmi

Sagar Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) brought Goddess Laxmi to the world. And with the goddess came all wealth, prosperity, and happiness to make life happy and fulfilling on earth. On Diwali, Hindus welcome Goddess Laxmi to their homes and seek her blessings.

4. Diwali brings prosperity

Worshipping Goddess Laxmi brings prosperity to life. She is the goddess of financial power and for this reason, Diwali Puja becomes more important for businesses. In India and across the world, Hindu businessmen perform a special Puja on Diwali. Homeowners also perform Laxmi Puja at their homes.

5. Shopping

Shopping is also a way of celebrating Diwali. People buy new clothes, ornaments, sweets, and gifts for their family members, friends, associates, colleagues, neighbors, and everyone they know. In … Read the rest

Dhanteras 2023: Seek Blessings Of Goddess Lakshmi On This Dhanteras     

The 13th lunar day of the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar is called Dhanteras. In Hindi, “Dhan” means wealth, and “teras” means thirteenth. So, this day is celebrated as the day of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Also, it marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival that concludes on “Bhai Dooj”.

by Shalini Agrawal

Why We Celebrate Dhanteras?

Mythology relates Dhanteras to the churning of the cosmic ocean (Sagar Manthan) by Gods and Devils. All worldly things were emerging from Sagar Manthan and on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged to bless the world with wealth and prosperity. From that day, “Dhanteras” is celebrated to get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Another story relates Dhanteras to the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and health. Dhanvantari blesses devotees of health and well-being. People also worship Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, on Dhanteras. It is believed that celebrating Dhanteras brings wealth and prosperity.

How To Celebrate Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is celebrated by shopping for gold and silver ornaments and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari at their homes and offices. People buy new clothes, vehicles, properties, and other assets on this day and believe that buying goods will please Goddess Lakshmi and bring wealth and prosperity to their lives.

For Lakshmi Puja, people light earthen lamps in their homes, especially on their doors. It is to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. Also, they offer sweets to the goddess and seek her blessings. Since it is the beginning of Diwali, the festival of light, people light their homes with decorative lights.

Auspicious Time Of Lakshmi Puja On Dhanteras In Your City

New Delhi: 05:47 PM to 07:43 PM

Mumbai: 06:20 PM to 08:20 PM… Read the rest

Anzac Day: City Breakdown of Dawn Service Schedule & Timing

The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) men who fought in Gallipoli during World War I are remembered on ANZAC Day, which is observed as a national day of commemoration in both countries. Every year on April 25, the day is recognized, and a number of activities are held to commemorate it, such as dawn services, marches, and wreath-laying ceremonies.

The Last Post is usually played, there is a moment of silence, and wreaths are laid during ANZAC Day celebrations, which usually begin in the early morning. Dawn services are an important element of these events. These commemorative events take place all around Australia and New Zealand, as well as in other nations where ANZAC soldiers have served, such Turkey.

It is significant to note that depending on the region and the particular year, the specifics and preparations for ANZAC Day services might change. For the most precise and recent information, it is preferable to verify with authoritative sources.

Melbourne:

People who live in Melbourne can go to the yearly Dawn Service that takes place at the Shrine of Remembrance. It starts at 5:30 am.

After the service, there is an annual Anzac Day march that will starts at 9am on Princes Bridge. It goes to the Shrine of Remembrance, where there is another commemorative service.

Sydney:

The commemorative Anzac Day Dawn Service will commence at 4:20am at The Cenotaph located in Martin Place. No tickets will be necessary for members of the public wishing to attend the two designated areas on George Street and between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street. These areas will be open to the public until they reach their full capacity.

The Anzac Day march will commence at 9am along Elizabeth Street in … Read the rest

Jill Scott – Soulful Songstress and Grammy Award-Winning Artist

Jill Scott: A Soulful Songstress Who Touches Hearts and Minds

Jill Scott is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and actress known for her powerful voice, soulful melodies, and empowering lyrics. Born on April 4, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jill grew up in a family that valued music, literature, and education. Her father was a jazz musician and her mother was a teacher, which inspired her love for creativity and learning. Today, Jill is considered one of the most influential artists in the neo-soul and R&B genres, with a career spanning over two decades.

Early Life and Career

Jill Scott was raised by her mother and grandmother in North Philadelphia, where she attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls. After graduating, she enrolled at Temple University to study secondary education. However, she dropped out after three years to pursue her passion for music and poetry. In the early 2000s, Jill gained recognition for her collaborations with artists like The Roots and Will Smith. In 2000, she released her debut album, “Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1,” which was a critical and commercial success. The album featured hit songs like “A Long Walk” and “Gettin’ in the Way,” and earned Jill three Grammy nominations.

Musical Style and Themes

Jill Scott’s music is known for its fusion of jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop elements. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, self-acceptance, and social justice. She has been praised for her ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level, and for her empowering messages that inspire people to be their authentic selves. Jill’s music has been described as a “soulful therapy session,” as she uses her voice to heal and uplift her audience.

Social Media Presence

Jill Scott is … Read the rest

Who is Matt Hancock? A Comprehensive Look at the British Politician and Former Health Secretary

Matt Hancock is a British Conservative politician who has held a number of prominent positions in the UK government. Despite his high-profile roles, he has also been involved in a number of controversies throughout his career.

Early Life and Career

Matt Hancock was born in Chester, England in 1978. He attended Oxford University, where he earned a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). After graduating, he worked as an economist for the Bank of England and later for the Conservative Party.

Rising through the Ranks

In 2010, Hancock was elected to parliament as the Member of Parliament (MP) for West Suffolk. Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party, holding a number of key positions in the government.

Ministerial Roles

Hancock held a number of ministerial roles in the government, including Minister of State for Skills, Minister for the Cabinet Office, and Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In 2018, he was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, a position he held until his resignation in 2021.

Controversies

Despite his success in politics, Hancock has been involved in a number of controversies throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable:

COVID-19 Response

As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Hancock was responsible for the UK’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While he received some praise for his handling of the crisis, he was also criticized for a number of missteps, including a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers and a delayed response to the emergence of new variants of the virus.

Affair

In 2021, Hancock was embroiled in a scandal after he was caught on camera kissing an aide in his … Read the rest

Twitter’s Revenue Down By 40% Reports Platformer Reporter

Twitter has been losing its revenue since its takeover by billionaire Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO has employed many ways to make the micro-blogging website a fruitful business but he needs some more time to set the house in order.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Twitter’s revenue falls by 40% according to independent reports

Who Reported Twitter’s Falling Revenue?

Twitter’s Falling Revenue

The report is a tweet from a Platformer reporter’s Twitter account. It claims that the micro-blogging site has been losing its revenue faster and that the revenue has been down by 40% just a week before the billionaire owner’s first giant interest payment on the company is due at the end of January. The tweet was published on Tuesday.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3HaipGeRead the rest

Ukraine Beats Russia In Australian Open And Gets Its Flag Banned As Well

Taking cognizance of a complaint by the Ukraine ambassador to Australia, Tennis Australia banned the flags of Russia and Belarus at the ongoing Australian Open. Russian and Belarus players were already playing under a neutral flag but the audiences were allowed to bring the flags. But now there is a total ban on Russian and Belarus flags.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tennis Australia bans Russian and Belarus flags onsite at the tournament
• Earlier fans were allowed to bring the flags but couldn’t display
• On Monday, a Russian flag was sighted by the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia

What Action Did The Ukrainian Ambassador Demand On Sighting A Russian Flag In The Australian Open?

Ukraine Beats Russia In Australian Open And Gets Its Flag Banned

Russian and Belarus tennis players competed under a neutral flag but fans were allowed to bring them with the condition that the flags won’t be used for disruption. But on Monday, Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko called on Tennis Australia and demanded strict action against Russia and Belarus after seeing the red, white, and blue stripes of Russia at an ongoing match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on day one.

He demanded Tennis Australia enforce its ‘neutral flat policy’ with immediate effect. Last week he urged Tennis Australia to ban Russia and Belarus entirely. Belarus is – the latter for supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While Tennis Australia didn’t bar Russia and Belarus from the tournament, it barred their flags onsite.

Why Tennis Australia Didn’t Bar Russia And Belarus From The Tournament?

Last year Wimbledon barred Russian and Belarusian players but it stripped the tournament of its ranking points by tennis’s governing bodies.

What Happened To The Russia And Ukraine Match?

Ukrainian player Baindl won the match 7-5, 6-7, (8/10), … Read the rest

The US Begins Expanded Combat Training For Ukrainian Forces On German Soils

The US is providing expanded combat training to about 500 Ukrainian soldiers in Germany. The training started on Sunday and will continue for the next five to eight weeks. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the US wanted Ukrainian troops to fight the Russians and get back their land.

HIGHLIGHTS

• About 500 Ukrainian soldiers are taking expanded combat training in advanced weapons
• The objective of the training is to equip the Ukrainian forces with all incoming weapons and equipment

What Is Expanded Combat Training Of Ukrainian Forces?

US Begins Expanded Combat Training For Ukrainian Forces

The Ukrainian soldiers began their training on a full set of weapons and equipment in Grafenwoehr, Germany on Sunday. They will hone their skills including movement and coordination with their companies – and battalion-size units in battle. The training involves combined artillery, armor, and ground forces.

What Is The Objective Of The Training?

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is visiting the Grafenwoehr on Monday to see the Ukrainian forces being trained on advanced weapons. He said that the objective of the training was to equip the Ukrainian forces to counter any surge in Russian attacks and to get back the territory captured by Russia in the 11-month-old battle.

Milley said that the training was important, especially when the new weapons, artillery, tanks, and other vehicles were heading to Ukraine. He said that the training would help Ukrainian forces to use all incoming weapons and equipment. He said that the new forces would be ready to combat before the spring rains show up.

Source:- https://bit.ly/3XDjtrHRead the rest