River Rejuvenation

The earth's crust is far from stable and it is not surprising that, in the course of a river's development, parts may be uplifted or depressed, giving rise to certain characteristics features associated with rejuvenation, i.e. being young again.
A negative movement occurs when there is an uplift of land or a fall in sea level. This will steepen the slope so that active down-cutting is renewed. A fall in sea level leaves the flood-plain at an increased altitude above the sea level. The river with its renewed vigour cuts into the former flood-plain, leaving behind terraces on both sides of the river. There is also a break in the graded profile of the river, often marked by a series of rapids. This point where the old and rejuvenated profile meet is called the Knick Point or Rejuvenated Head.

If rejuvenation occurs in the upper-course, the river valleys are deepened and steep-sided Gorges are formed. In the middle and lower course vertical corrasion replaces lateral corrasion and the existing meanders are vertically eroded by the rejuvenated stream. A distinct new inner trench is cut in the old valley, and the river develops a deep valley with entrenched or incised meanders. The best developed incised meanders are those of the River Colorado, U.S.A., where the uplift of 7,000 feet in the tertiary period renewed down-cutting to a fantastic depth. In some parts of the Grand canyon, the depth is almost a mile. It is 10 miles wide at the top and 300 miles long. Other examples are the River Moselle in Germany, the River Wear at Durham, England and the Wye Valley, Monmouthshire.
A positive movement occurs when there is a depression of land or a rise in sea level. This submerge the lands along the coast, `drown' the valleys and weaken the erosive power of the river. The flow is checked and large quantities of sediment will be dropped. The lower course of the river may be partly in the sea and features of deposition are shifted upwards to the middle course. The upper course is little affected when there is a rise in sea level. In many areas where the sea has risen this was probably caused by the release of water locked up in the ice masses during the Quaternary Ice Ages.
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Land and Sea Breezes and Monsoons

Land and sea breezes are, in fact, monsoons on a smaller scale. Both are basically caused by differential heating of land and sea, the former in a diurnal rhythm and the latter in a seasonal rhythm.
During the day, the land gets heated up much faster than the sea. Warm air rises forming a region of local low pressure. The sea remains comparatively cool with a higher pressure so a sea breeze blows in from sea to land. Its speed or strength is between 5-20 m.p.h. and it is generally stronger in tropical than temperate regions. Its influence does not normally exceed 15 miles from the coast. It is most deeply felt when one stands facing the sea in a coastal resort.
At night the reverse takes place. As the land cools down much faster than the sea, the cold and heavy air produces a region of local high pressure. The sea conserves its heat and remains quite warm. Its pressure is comparatively low. A land breeze thus blows out from land to sea. Fishermen in the tropics often take advantage of the out-going land breeze and sail out with it. They return the next morning with the in-coming sea breeze, complete with their catch.
In the same way, monsoon are caused. rapid heating in the hot summer over most parts of India for example induces heated air to rise. The South-West Monsoon from the surrounding ocean is attracted by the low pressure over the land and blows in, bringing torrential rain to the sub-continent.
Similarly, in winter when the land is cold, the surrounding seas remain comparatively warm. High pressure is created over Indo-Pakistan and the North-east Monsoon blows out from the continent into the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal.

The Tropical Marine Climate

This type of climate is experienced along the eastern coasts of tropical lands, receiving steady rainfall from the Trade Winds all the time. The rainfall is both orographic where the moist trades meet upland masses as in eastern Brazil, and convectional due to intense heating during the day and in summer. Its tendency is towards is towards a summer maximum as in monsoon lands, but without any distinct dry period. The rhythm of climate as experienced in Cairns, on the eastern coast of Queensland, under the constant influence of the South-east Trade Winds, and in summer also affected by the Tropical monsoons. Its wettest months are in January ( 15-8 inches), February ( 16-.4), March  !7.7) and April ( 12.1), which is summer in the southern hemisphere. Approximately 70% of the annual rainfall is concentrated in the four summer months. There is no month without any rainfall. The range of temperature is typical of the tropical latitudes with a maximum of 82 degree F, in January and a minimum of 70 degree F, in July a range of 12 degree F, for the year. Due to the steady influence of the trades, the Tropical Marine Climate is more favourable for habitation, but it is prone to severe tropical cyclones, hurricanes or typhoons.

Flowers and Their Meanings

• Azalea :- " Take care of yourself for me", temperance, fragile passion, first love.
• Chrysanthemum :- " You're a wonderful friend", Cheerfulness and rest.
• Daffodil :- Regard, unrequited love, " You're the only one".
• Daisy :- Innocence, loyal love, purity.
• Gladiolus :- " Give me a break" and "I' m really sincere " ( also the flower of the Gladiators ).
• Iris :- " Your friendship means so much to me", faith, hope, wisdom and valor.
• Tulip :- Perfect love.
• White Lilies :- Purity, majesty, virginity.
• Yellow Lilies :- "I' m walking on air".
  

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Interesting Flower Facts

• Gerbera Daisies :- These lively, festive flowers originated in Africa and are now cultivated in a dazzling array of cheerful colors.
• Gladioli :- Pliny the Elder, a Roman scientist of the first century A.D. named these stately flowers. Struck by the resemblance between the sheath of the flower and the weapon that was carried by roman soldiers, he called the flower `Gkadiolus' from the Latin word `Gladius' which means sword.
• Lilies :- These striking trumpet-shaped flowers are one of the oldest known to man and are thought to have originated in the orient. Throughout the ages, they have been popular motif in both secular and religious art.
• Snapdragons :- These old-fashioned favorites with the whimsical name are native to the Mediterranean. Their Latin name is Antirrhinum, meaning like a snout. Other common names for these flowers are calves' snouts, lion's lips, toad's mouth and rabbit's mouth.
• Tulips :- The Tulip, a symbol of life, love and immortality, actually dates back to the time of confucius. By the late 1600's in Holland, bulb prices often exceeded the price of precious metals. A single bulb is said to have sold for more that $ 2,000.

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere is made up of gases and vapour, and receives incoming solar energy from the sun giving rise to what we call climate. We actually live at the bottom of this indefinite layer of atmosphere where the air is densest. Higher up, the air thins out and it is still a matter of conjecture where the atmosphere ends. One estimate puts this limit at about 600 miles above sea level. The lowest layer, in which the weather is confined, is known as the Troposphere. It extends from the earth's surface for a height of 6 miles, and within temperature normally falls with increasing altitude. The climate elements such as temperature, precipitation, clouds, pressure and humidity within the troposphere account for the great variations in local climate and weather that play such a great part in our daily lives. From analyses taken in different parts of the globe, it is found that the lower part of the atmosphere contains a consistent proportions of certain gases : 78% of nitrogen, 21% of oxygen, 0.03 % of carbon dioxide and minute traces of argon, helium and other rare gases. In addition, it has an unpredictable proportion of water, existing either as a gas like water vapour, a liquid like rain, clouds and sleet or a solid like snow and hailstone, as well as other solid particles like smoke and dust. It is because of the variable water content of the atmosphere that we have such great contrasts in weather and climate over different parts of the world. If we were to live in a dry atmosphere, absolutely without water, there would be no weather and not even much climate.
Above the troposphere lies the Stratosphere or the upper layer of the atmosphere. It extends upwards for another 50 miles or even more. It is not only very cold, but cloudless, with extremely thin air and without dust, smoke or water vapour but there are marked seasonal temperature changes. Beyond the stratosphere is the ionosphere which goes several hundred miles up. It has electrically conducting layers which make short-wave radio transmission possible over long distances. Modern artificial satellites, launched in the upper strata of the atmosphere, as well as balloons are used to transmit back to earth information regarding the conditions of atmosphere.
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The Difference Between Weather and Climate

The term weather should not be confused with climate, though they are very closely related to each other in the study of meteorology and climatology. We don't hear people saying that the climate of the day is warm or cold, but we do talk of warm weather, a cold morning, a sunny afternoon, a rainy day or a chilly night. Any casual remarks about the atmospheric conditions of a certain place at a certain time are about weather. It is never static, and thus cannot be generalized. In the same country, even over a small area, the weather can vary tremendously. It may be sunny in one part of the district, but raining heavily a few miles away. Strong gales may be experienced along the coasts while the interior may be relatively calm. It is important to realise that any place can be subjected to haphazard changes in weather at any time.
When we speak of climate we mean the average atmospheric conditions of an area over a considerable time. For climate averages, a minimum period of 35 years is desirable. This involves the systematic observation, recording and processing of the various elements of climate such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, air pressure, winds, clouds and sunshine before any standardization of the climate means or averages can be arrived at. The climate of Malaysia is described as hot, wet, equatorial climate which is a summing up of the average everyday climate of the country throughout the year.
The degree of variability in the climate or weather of a country also differs. Generally speaking, the climate of temperate latitudes is far more variable than that of the tropics, The climate of the the British Isles is so changeable that many people have commented that ` Britain has no climate, only weather'. Conversely, the climate of Egypt is so static that it makes a good deal of sense when people say that ` Egypt has no weather, only climate'.
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Current affairs 31 - December - 2015

1)  The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of 69 Bridges including Approach Roads on the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa (TKK) road section of the Trilateral Highway in Myanmar. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. These bridges will be constructed at a cost of Rs.371.58 crore and shall impart all weather usability to the TKK road section.
2)  Union Government has unveiled National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) 2015-2020 to establish India as a world-class bio-manufacturing hub. It was unveiled by the Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi
3)  State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commissioned a 660 MW unit of Prayagraj Super Thermal Power Project at Bara town in Allahabad district of Uttar Pradesh. This is the first supercritical thermal unit to be commissioned in the state to achieve capacity addition on attaining full load. It is Greenfield thermal power project is owned by Prayagraj Power Generation Company Limited (PPGCL), a subsidiary company of Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited.
4)  India and Israel jointly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Barak 8 was successfully test fired from INS Kolkata. The firing trial of the LR SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries. This successful test marks a significant milestone in enhancing Indian Navy’s Anti Air Warfare capability and also India-Israel relations. About Barak 8 missile
5)  Eminent Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra on after a brief illness. He was 86. He was iconic Marathi poet best known for many poetry recitation programmes and for writing lyrics for many Marathi films.

Tropical Monsoon Forests

The natural vegetation of tropical monsoon lands depends on the amount of the summer rainfall. Trees are normally deciduous because of the market dry period, during which they shed their leaves to withstand the drought. Where the rainfall is heavy, e.g. in southern Burma, peninsular India, northern Australia and coastal regions with a tropical marine climate, the resultant vegetation is forest. The forests are more open and less luxuriant than the equatorial jungle and there are far fewer species. Most of the forests yield valuable timber, and are prized for their durable hardwood. Amongst these teak is the best known. Burma alone accounts for as much as three-quarters of the world's production. It is such a durable timber that it is extensively used for ship building, furniture and other constructional purposes. Other kinds of timber include sal, acacia and some varieties of eucalyptus in northern Australia. Together with the forests are bamboo thickets, which often grow to great heights.

With a decrease in rainfall in summer, the forests thin out into thorny scrubland or savanna with scattered trees and tall grass. In parts of the Indian sub-continent, rainfall is so deficient that semi-desert conditions are found. Monsoonal vegetation is thus most varied, ranging from forests to thickets, and from savanna to scrubland.

Climate Conditions in Tropical Monsoon Lands

The basic cause of monsoon climates is the difference in the rate of heating and cooling of land and sea. In the summer, when the sun is overhead at the tropic of Cancer, the great land masses of the northern hemisphere are heated. central Asia backed by the lofty Himalayan ranges is more than 15 degree F. hotter than its normal temperature and a region of intense low pressure is set up. The seas, which warm up much slower, remain comparatively cool. At the same time, the southern hemisphere experiences winter, and a region of high pressure is set up in the continental interior of Australia. Winds blow outwards as the South-East Monsoon, to Java, and after crossing the equator are drawn towards the continental low pressure area reaching the Indian sub-continent as the South-west Monsoon.

In the winter, conditions are reversed. The sun is overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn, central Asia is extremely cold, resulting in rapid cooling of the land. A region of high pressure is created with outblowing winds-the North-East Monsoon. On crossing the equator, the winds are attracted to the low pressure centre in Australia and arrive in northern Australia as the North-West Monsoon. In other parts of the world which experience a Tropical monsoon climate a similar seasonal reversal of wind directions occurs.

Types of Coral Reefs

There are three main types of coral reefs :-

1. Fringing reefs :- A fringing reef is a coralline platform lying close to the shore extending outwards from the mainland. It is sometimes separated from the shore by a shallow lagoon. It is widest when fringing a protruding headland but completely absent when facing the mouth of a stream. The outer edge grows rapidly because of the splashing waves that continuously renew the supply of fresh food. The reefs may be about a mile wide, lying just above the level of low water and sloping steeply downwards on the seaward side to a depth of about 100 feet.
2. Barrier reefs :- A barrier reef is separated from the coast by a much wider and deeper channel or lagoon. The reef is partially submerged. Where it lies above the water level and sand can accumulate on it, a little vegetation is possible. The barrier reefs have narrow gaps at several places to allow the water from the enclosed lagoon to return to the open ocean. Such gaps are very useful for shipping and provide the only entrances for ships to enter or leave the lagoon. the best known barrier reef is the Great barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is 1,200 miles long, separated from the coast by a channel 100 miles wide in places and over 200 feet deep.
3. Atolls :- Atolls are similar to barrier reefs except that they are circular in shape, enclosing a shallow lagoon without any land in the centre. The encircling ring is usually broken in a few places to allow the free flow of water. On the inside of the reefs, sand and limestone debris collect and palm trees like coconuts may grow. Such palm trees thrive well in the brackish water of the lagoons. The nuts fall into the water and are distributed widely by floating from one coral island to another. The calm waters are useful for fishing and canoeing. Some of the large atolls, e.g. Suvadiva in the Maldives, west of Ceylon, have a lagoon over 40 miles across. A number of them provide essential air bases for trans-Pacific aircraft.

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Coral Reefs

In tropical seas many kinds of coral animals and marine organisms such as coral polyps, calcareous algae, shell-forming creatures and lime-secreting plants line in a large colonies. Though they are very tiny creatures, their ability to secrete calcium carbonate within their tiny cells has given rise to a perculiar type of marine landforms. they exist in numerous species of many forms, colours and shapes. Under favourable conditions, they grow bin great profusion just below the water level. taking coral animals as a whole, the polyps are the most abundant and also the most important. each polyp resides in a tiny cup of coral and helps to form coral reefs. When they die, their limy skeletons are cemented into coralline limestone. There are also non-reef building species such as the `precious corals' of the Pacific Ocean and the `red coral' of the Mediterranean which mat survive in the colder and even the deeper waters. As a rule they thrive well only in the warmer tropical seas.
The reef-building corals survive best under the following conditions :-

• The water temperature must not fall below 68 degree F. This virtually limits the areal the tribution of corals to the tropical, and sub-tropical zones. Again they will not flourish where there are cold currents because of the upwelling of the cold water from the depths that cools the warm srface water. This explains why coral reefs are generally absent on the western coasts of the continents. On the other hand the warming effect of the warm currents e.g. the Gulf Stream, means that corals are found far to the north of the West Indies in the Atlantic Ocean. The Pacific  and the Indian Ocean, however have the most numerous coral reefs.
• The depth of the water should not exceed in fathoms or 180 feet, because beyond this depth sunlight is too faint for photosynthesis to take place. This is essential for the survival of the microscopic algae, on which the coral polyps depend. Shallow water of less than 100 feet is ideal. But there should always be plenty of water as polyps cannot survive far too long out of water.
• The water should be saltish and free from sediments. Corals therefore survive best in the moving ocean water well away from the silty coasts or muddy mouths of streams. The corals are best developed on the seaward side of the reef, where constantly moving waves, tides and currents maintain an abundant supply of cleat, oxygenated water. They also bring an adequate supply of food in the form of microscopic organisms. 

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The Circulation of the Pacific Ocean

The pattern of circulation in the Pacific is similar to that of the Atlantic except in Modifications which can be expected from the greater size and the more open nature of the Pacific.
The North Equatorial Current flows westwards with a compensating Equatorial Counter Current running in the opposite direction. Due to the greater expanse of the Pacific and the absence of an obstructing land mass the volume of water is very much greater than that of the Atlantic equatorial current. The North-East Trade winds blow the North Equatorial Current off the coasts of the Philippines and Formosa into the East China Sea as the Kuroshio or Kuro Siwo or japan Current. Its warm waters are carried polewards as the North Pacific Drift, keeping the ports of the Alaskan coasts ice-free in winters. The cold Bering Current or Alaskan Current creeps southwards from the narrow Bering Strait  and is joined by the Okhotsk Current to meet the warm Japan Current as the Oyashio, off Hokkaidi. The cold water eventually sinks beneath the warmer waters of the North pacific Drift. Part of it drifts eastwards as the cool Californian current along the coasts of the western U.S.A. and coalesces with the North Equatorial Current to complete the clockwise Circulation.
The current system of the South Pacific is the same as that of South Atlantic. The Sputh Equatorial Current, driven by the south-east Trade Winds, flows southwards along the coasts of Queensland as the east Australian Current, bringing warm equatorial waters into temperate waters. The current turns eastwards towards new Zealand under the full force of the Westerlies in the Tasman sea and merges with part of the cold West Wind Drift as the South Pacific Current. Obstructed by the tip of southern Chile, the current turns northwards along the western coasts of South America as the cold Humboldt or Peruvian current. The cold water Chilean and Peruvian coasts are practically rainless. The region is rich in microscope marine plants and animals that attract huge shoals of fish. Consequently, millions of seabirds gather here to feed on the fish. Their droppings completely whiten the coastal cliffs and islands, forming thick deposits of guano, a valuable source of fertilizer. The Peruvian Current eventually links up with the South Equatorial Current and completes the cycle of the currents in the South Pacific.
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The Movements of Ocean Currents

ocean currents are large masses of surface water that circulate in regular patterns around the oceans. Those that flow from equatorial regions polewards have a higher surface temperature and are warm currents. Those that flow from polewards regions equatorwards have a lower surface temperature and are cold currents. Their direction of movement is indicated by the arrows. But why should they follow such pattern? Some of the underlying factors are explained below :-

Ocean currents

• The planetary winds - Between the equator and the tropics blow the Trade Winds which move equatorial waters polewards and westwards and warm the eastern coasts of continents. For example the North-East Trade Winds move the North Equatorial Current and its derivatives, the Florida Current and the Gulf Stream Drift to warm the southern and eastern coasts of U.S.A. Similarly, the South-East Trade Winds drive the South Equatorial Current which warms the eastern coast of Brazil as the warm Brazilian Current. In the temperate latitudes blow the Westerlies. Though they are less reliable than the Trade Winds, they result in a north-easterly flow of water Gulf Stream is driven to the western coast of Europe as the North Atlantic Drift. In a similar manner, the Westerlies of the southern hemisphere drive  the West Wind Drift equatorwards as the Peruvian Current off southern Africa. The planetary winds are probably the dominant influence on the flow of ocean currents. The strongest evidence of prevailing winds on current flows is seen in the North Indian Ocean. Here the direction of the currents changes completely with the direction of the monsoon winds which come from the north-east in winter and south-west in summer.
• Temperatures - There is much difference in the temperature of ocean waters at the equator and at the poles. As warm water is lighter and rises, and cold water is denser and sinks, warm equatorial waters move slowly along the surface polewards,while the heavier cold waters of the polar regions creep slowly along the bottom of the sea equatorwards.
• Salinity - The salinity of ocean water varies from place to place. waters of high salinity are denser than waters of low salinity. Hence waters of low salinity flow on the surface of waters of high salinity while waters of high salinity flow at the bottom towards waters of low salinity. For example in the Mediterranean region, there is great difference in salinity between the waters of the open Atlantic and those of the partially enclosed Mediterranean Sea. the less saline water of the Atlantic flows on the surface into the Mediterranean, and this is compensated for by an outflow of denser bottom water from the Mediterranean.
• The Earth's rotation - The earth's rotation deflects freely moving objects, including ocean currents, to the right. In the northern hemisphere this is a clockwise direction ( e.g. the circulation of the Gulf Stream Drift and the Canaries Current). In the southern hemisphere it is an anti clockwise direction (e.g. the Brazilian Current and the West Drift).
• Land - A land mass always obstruct and diverts a current. For instance, the tip of southern Chile diverts part of the West Wind Drift northwards as the Peruvian Current. Similarly the `shoulder' of Brazil at Cape Sao Roque, divides the west-flowing equatorial currents into the Cayenne Current which flows north-westwards and the Brazilian Current which flows south-westwards.

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Converting Body Movement Into Electricity

The British Scientists have built a novel device that can convert body movement into electricity capable of powering small gadgets such as GPS trackers. It was created by researchers from the Universities of Cranfield, Liverpool and Salford. Designed to be worn on the  knees, it harnesses the energy produced when one walks. It could be used by the military to reduce the numbering of heavy batteries-- each weighing upto 10 kg -- that soldiers carry on foot patrol.
         The "energy harvester" is based on so-called piezoelectric materials that have long been used for making sonar sensors and ultrasound scanners and have become the focus of energy generation research in recent years. The device features an outer ring which rotates as the knee moves. It is fixed with 72 plectra that in turns move four energy- generating arms called bimorphs attached  to an inner hub. The vibrations generating the electricity. At the moment, The piece can harvest about 2 milliwatts of power. However, the researchers believed that the power output could exceed 30 milliwatts with a few enhancement, enough to run the latest GPS tracking devices.

A Lamp That Use Human Blood As Fuel

               An American designer named Mike Thompson has developed a lamp which runs on human blood. Much like the strange fuel source, the procedure for lighting the lamp is also out of the ordinary. To set it aglow, one has to break the top of the lamp off, cut oneself with jagged glass and let the blood pour inside it. The blood then  reacts with chemical inside, and sets the lamp alight.
              According to the designer, the lamp is an attempt to make people aware of ills of using too much energy. He says that when one uses this lamp, one is bound to ask him/herself the question: what if power came at a cost to the individual? He insists that just as losing too much blood can put one's life in danger, using too much energy can put the environment at risk.

How is Missile is different from a Bomb or Rocket?

BOMB

MISSILE

ROCKET

A missile is a rocket-propelled weapon designed to deliver an explosive warhead with accuracy and speed. A bomb is simply a warhead, and once released, is completely governed by the laws of ballistics, meaning that the only force that acts upon it after it is released is the force of gravity. If we attach any type of propulsion system to a bomb, it becomes a rocket. Because of its means of propulsion, a rocket can travel farther and faster than a bomb. If guided and control mechanism is attached to a rocket, it becomes a missile, which can be further classified into various ways. The classification can be based on origin and target, such as surface-to-surface missile (SSM), air-to-surface missile (ASM) etc. Ot it can be classified on the basis of the working principle - or of their purpose- like strategic and tactical missiles.

ARYABHATTA the first Indian satellite

Aryabhatta is the name of the first Indian satellite, launched on April 19, 1975. The 360-kg satellite was fabricated wholly by Indian scientists at Peenya, Banglore (now Bangaluru), in 26 months at a cost of Rs. 50 million.
                     The satellite was designated Aryabhatta after the fifth century astronomer and mathematician Aryabhatta of Kusumapura near Patlipura, now Patna , who laid the foundation of modern algebra, founder of zero, determined the parameter of the movements of various celestial bodies, calculated the diameter of the Earth and the Moon, and the importance of their movement around the Sun.

The Temperature of Ocean Water

Like land masses, oceans water varies in temperature from place to place both at the surface and at great depths. Since water warms up and cools down much more slowly than the land, the annual range of temperature in any part of the ocean is very much smaller. It is less than 10 degree F, for most of the open seas. Generally, the mean annual temperature of the surface ocean water decreases from about 70 degree F. in equatorial areas to 55 degree F. at latitudes 45 degree N and S, and drops almost to freezing-point at the poles. The reduction of temperature with latitude is however never constant, because of the interference by warm and cold currents, winds and air masses. Unlike the solid earth, ocean water is mobile and variations in temperature between different parts of the oceans can be expected. Water flowing out from the Arctic and Antarctica as cold currents, such as the Labrador Current off north-east Canada, tends to reduce the surface-water temperature. Ports of eastern Canada even at 45 degree N. are thus icebound for almost half the currents, such as the North Atlantic Drift, have their surface temperature raised. The Norwegian coast, even at latitudes 60 degree to 70 degree N. is ice free throughout the year!
The highest water temperatures are found in enclosed seas on the tropics, e.g. the Red sea which records a temperature of 85 degree to 100 degree F. The Arctic and Antarctic waters are so cold that their surface is permanently frozen as pack-ice down to a depth of several feet. In the warmer summer, parts of the ice break off as icebergs that both dilute the water and lower the surface temperature of surrounding ice-free seas.
The temperature  of the oceans also varies varity cally with increasing depth. It decreases rapidly for the first 200 fathoms, at the rate of 1 degree F. for every 10 fathoms, and then more slowly until a depth of 500 fathoms is reached. Beyond this, the drop is scarcely noticeable, less than 1 degree F. for every 100 fathoms. In the ocean deeps below 2,000 fathoms (12,000 feet), the water is uniformly cold, just a little above freezing-point. It is interesting to note that even in the deepest ocean trenches, more than 6 miles below the surface, the water never freezes. It is estimated that over 80% of all ocean waters have a temperature between 35 degree and 40 degree F.

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Current affairs 30 - December - 2015

1)  Haryana Government has decided to fix a minimum educational qualification for aspirant of contesting urban local bodies (ULB) elections in the state on the lines of panchayat polls. Decision in this regard was taken by state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh.
2)  Russia’s Rostech State Corporation has signed one billion US dollar deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters. These helicopters will be manufactured under make in India initiative and shall replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. This is the first Russian-Indian high-tech project implemented by the Indian government within the framework of the ‘Make in India’ programme with the help of Russia. Under this manufacturing deal Rostech State Corporation will organize in India the production of Russian Ka-226T and its modifications in around 200 units. It will also carry out maintenance, operation and repair of helicopters. This deal comes after an agreement was signed between the two countries on cooperation in the field of helicopter manufacturing during recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia. Kamov 226T light helicopters will be mainly used to move troops and equipment to high-altitude locations like Siachen. This work was earlier carried by outdated fleet of Cheetah and Chetak choppers which had claimed a number of lives in mishaps.
3)  Union Government has approved financial aid of Rs. 6,794 crore for three states—Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh affected by drought in year 2015 due to deficit rainfall. Of the total financial aid, government has approved Rs.3,100 crore for Maharashtra, Rs.1,672 crore for Chhattisgarh and Rs.2,022 crore for Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra, which had declared drought bout 15% of the state i.e. in more than 15,000 villages and had demanded Rs.4,003 crore in central assistance.
4)  Giorgi Kvirikashvili has been elected as the 12th Prime Minister of Georgia by the Parliament of the country. He was elected by the Parliament after then Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili had resigned from the post on December 29, 2015 without explaining his decision. The new government under the leadership of Giorgi Kvirikashvili was approved by Georgia’s Parliament by 86 votes to 28 against it. Now President Giorgi Margvelashvili will officially ratify this decision. Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili had served as Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister since July 2013 and Minister of Foreign Affairs since September 2015. He was also Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development from October 2012 till September 2015. Kvirikashvili’s new government has pledged to push ahead the ruling Georgian Dream coalition’s policy of seeking closer ties with the West by endorsing its full membership in the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and pursuing a pragmatic and peaceful policy towards Russia which was shattered by a brief 2008 war.

Factors Affecting Salinity of Oceans and Seas

The variations of salinity in the various sea and oceans is affected by the following factors :-

• The rate of evaporation - The water fringing the High Pressure Belts of the Trade Wing Deserts, between 20 degree and 30 degree N and S, have salinity because of the high rate of evaporation caused by high temperature and low humidity. The temperate oceans have lower salinity due to the lower temperature and a lower rate of evaporation.
• The amount of fresh water added by precipitation streams and icebergs - Salinity is lower than the average 35% in equatorial waters because of the heavy daily rainfall and high relative humidity. Oceans into which huge rivers like the Amazon, Congo, Ganges, Irrawaddy and Mekong frain, have much of their saltness diluted and have a lower salinity. The Baltic, Arctic and Antarctic waters have a salinity of less than 32% because of the colder climate with little evaporation and because much fresh water is added from the melting of icebergs, as well as by several large poleward-bound rivers, e.g. Ob, Lena, Yenisey, and Mackenzine.
• The degree of water mixing by currents - In wholly or partially enclosed seas such as the Caspian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea and Persian Gulf, the waters do not mix freely with the ocean water and they are not penetrated by ocean currents. Salinity is high, often over 37%. In areas of inland drainage without links with the oceans, continuous evaporation under an almost cloudless sky causes the accumulation of salts around the shores. In the open oceans where currents freely flow, salinity tends to be near the average 35% or even a little lower. The range of salinity is negligible where there is free mixing of water by surface and sub-surface currents.

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Salinity of the Ocean

Almost every known chemical element can be found in varying proportions in the oceans whose most characteristic feature is their salinity, in contrast to the fresh water of lakes and streams. All sea water contains large amounts of dissolved mineral matter of which sodium chloride or common salt alone constitutes more than 77%. The other more important compounds include magnesium, calcium and potassium, while the rest are distinguishable only in traces of very minute quantites. Due to the free movement of ocean water, the proportions of different salts, remain remarkably constant in all oceans and even to great depths. But the degree of concentration of the salt solution in oceans does vary appreciably in different areas. This is expressed as salinity, the degree of saltness of water, either as a percentage or more often in parts per thousand. Variations are shown in salinity distribution maps by isohalines lines joining places having an equal degree of salinity.
Generally speaking, the average salinity of the oceans is 35.2%, about 35 parts of salt in 1,000 parts of water. In the Baltic Sea, where there is much dilution by fresh water and melting ice, the salinity is much lower, only about 7%. In the Red sea where there is much surface evaporation and fewer rivers to bring in fresh water, the average salinity increases to 39%. In enclosed seas, which are areas of inland drainage, such as the Caspian Sea, the salinity is very high, 180%, and in the Dead Sea of Palestine, a salinity of 250 % has been recorded. The highest salinity is perhaps, that of Lake Van, in Asia Minor, with 330%. It is a salt lake,k and salts are collected from its shores. The density of the water is so high that in Lake Van or the Dead Sea, it is almost impossible to sink. Beginner-swimmers will find it much easier to float here than anywhere else!

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The Oceanic Deposits of the Ocean Floor

Materials eroded from the earth which are not deposited by rivers or at the coast are eventually dropped on the ocean floor. The dominant process is slow sedimentation where the eroded particles very slowly filter through the ocean water and settle upon one another in layers. The thickness of the layer of sediments is still unknown. Its rate of accumulation is equally uncertain. Generally speaking, we may classify all the oceanic deposits as either muds, oozes or clays.

• The muds - These are terrigenous deposits because they are derived from land and are mainly deposited on the continental shelves. the muds are referred to as blue, green or red muds; their colouring depends upon their chemical content.
• The oozes - These are pelagic deposits because they are derived from the oceans. They are made of the shelly and skeletal remains of the marine micro-organisms with calcareous or siliceous parts. Oozes have a very fine, flour-like texture and either occur as accumulated deposits or float about in suspension.
• The clays - These occur mainly as red clays in the deeper parts of the ocean basins, and are particularly abundant in the Pacific ocean. Red clay is believed to be an accumulation of volcanic dust blown out from volcanoes during volcanic eruptions.

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The Continental Shelf

This is, in fact, the seaward extension of the continent from the shoreline to the continental edge marked, approximately, by the 100 fathom (600 feet) isobath (isobaths are contours marking depths below sea level). The continental shelf is thus a shallow platform whose width varies greatly, from a few miles in the north Pacific off the continent of North America , to over 100 miles off north-west Europe. In some places where the coasts are extremely mountainous, such as the Rocky Mountain and Andean coasts, the continental shelf may be entirely absent. Off broad lowland coasts like those of Arctic Siberia, a maximum width of 750 miles has been recorded! A width of 20 to 100 miles is generally encountered. The angle of the slope is also variable, and is normally least where the continental shelf is widest. A gradient of 1 in 500 is common to most continental shelves.
Many regard the continental shelf as part of the continent submerged due to a rise in sea level, e.g. at the close of the Ice Age, when the ice in the termperate latitudes melted and raised the sea level by several hundred feet. Some smaller continental shelves could have been caused by wave erosion where the land is being eroded by the sea. Conversely such shelves might have been formed by the deposition of land-derived or river-borne materials on the off-shore terrace.

The continental shelves are of great geographical significance for the following reasons :-

• Their shallowness enables sunlight to penetrate through the water, which encourages the growth of minute plants and other microscope organisms. They are thus rich in plankton on which millions of surface and bottom-feeding fishes thrive. The continental shelves are therefore the richest fishing grounds in the world, e.g. the grand banks off Newfoundland, The North Sea and the Sunda shelf.
• Their limited depth and gentle slope keep out cold under-currents and increase the height of  tides. This sometimes hinders shipping and other marine activities since ships can only entre and leave port on the tide. Most of the world's greatest seaports including Southampton, London, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Hong kong and Singapore are located on continental shelves.

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Exploring the Oceans

The oceans, comprising more than 70% or 140 million square miles of the earth's surface, have tremendous potential waiting to be developed. Besides being a source of  food-fish, mammals, reptiles, salt and other marine foodstuffs - the tides can be harnessed to provide power. Formal oceanographic investigation began only with the British expedition of the Challenger (1873-1876) , the first successful world-wide deep-sea expedition.

Oceanography, the science of the oceans, has become such as important subject in recent years that researches into the deep seas have been conducted by many institutions , universities, government organisations etc. The most famous international oceanographic research centre is the International Council for the Exploration of the sea with its headquarters in Copenhagen. Ocean exploration for the observation and recording  of oceanographic data is a very expensive matter. It involves the operation and maintenance of specially equipped vessels in mid-ocean for long periods, and large-scale oceanographic researches are thus best undertaken by international bodies. The older echo-sounding techniques have now been replaced by radar sounding and electrical echo devices to find the precise depths of ocean floors and map the relief of the oceans. Trained frog-men equipped with modern breathing apparatus are employed to gather valuable information from great depths. deep sea core samples are obtained by boring for the study of the oceanic deposits - the various kinds of oozes, muds and clays. Automatic-recording thermometers and other sensitive instruments can be lowered to any required depths by stationary vessels with laboratory facilities for processing any required data. For the observation and measurment of current flow, various kinds of current meters using propllers, vanes or pendulums have been designed. Sealed bottles and other floating objects contain instructions for reporting their precise time and place of discovery are released in large numbers to compute the rate and direction of drift and current flow. With all these modern techniques at the disposal of the oceanographers, our knowledge of the mysteries of the oceans is greatly increased. But there is still much to be discovered.

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Identifying Public Service Values

Public servants are servants of the public, of government, of their immediate organisation and of the law. Their role is traditionally conceptualised as part of an interconnected structure existing alongside but outside of the  private sphere. It is assumed public servants share the values of wider society, whilst also recognising the need for representative government. Though public servants perform a myrid of tasks and undertake a multitude of responsibilities, there are common elements to their work,

Public administrations were established to provide politically neutral and loyal service to governments. For the purposes of ensuring neutrality and loyalty, rules were formalised concerning such issues as impartiality, incorruptability, allegiance to the constitution, and obedience to the law. In order to provide an environment in which these rules could be adhered to, public servants were offered security of tenure, a meritocratic career path and post-service remuneration.
In line with the classic organisational form, the image of the public servant has traditionally been that of a `bureaucrat' - an image which tends to be associated with conservatism, an absence of radicalism or even hierarchial control. The public servant's duties today remain many, complex and often seemingly contradictory, but successful public servants recognise their multiple roles and prepare for them. These include :-

• Maintaining confidentiality
• Acting in the public interest
• Regulating
• Providing quality advice
• Adjudicating
• Avoiding conflicts of interest
• Ensuring accountability

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Values and Ethics

As a concept, values are often interchanged with ethics, particularly in relation to addressing corruption or maladministration. Values in and of themselves do not have agency i.e. they do not actually do anything. Instead it is the application of ethical codes to values that will lead to particular behaviour. Ethics, therefore, are in effect the rules that translate values into everyday life. At its most basic, ethics is about determining what is `wrong' , `good' , `bad' or `right', and ethical choices are informed by values which help actors decide on what option to take when faced with an ethical dilemma.   While the values of different bureaucracies may vary between states, similar ethical challenges are routinely met, particularly in respect of issues of resource management. It is because of conflicts between ethical and unethical behaviour that codes (or Standards) of conduct and rules of procedure have emerged in importance. They provide an aide or benchmark against which decisions can be made and acted upon. In his work on changing public sector values. Van Wart argues that ethics are a sub-set of values, and that values from our broad, socially derived ethical standards for how the world should operate. Ethics, is doing the right thing, that is, acting on values. Values inform all aspects of ethical decision-making - ethical judgment, ethical choice and ethical behaviour- and are reinforced by them.

Values cannot be negative or positive - rather, how they are used to inform decisions and performance can be viewed from negative or positive viewpoints. For example, confidentiality as a value may be interpreted in a positive manner ( provides for trust between an organisation and its customers) or negatively (it inhibits transparency). In a similar vein, not all values are ethical values (i.e. concerned with right and wrong), and values may be unethical or non-ethical. Also, some ethical values, including fairness and honesty, are more germane to the public service than others.

Current affairs 29 - December - 2015

1)  Reliance Jio has launched 4G (4th Generation) telecom service using LTE (Long Term Evolution) Technology. The service was launched by company’s Chairman Mukesh Ambani on the 83rd birth anniversary of Dhirubhai Ambani, founder of the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) in Navy Mumbai, Maharashtra. This initial phase of 4G service was launched for limited to 85000 employees and their families of the company. However the commercial services to begin by April 2016 throughout country.
2)  Union Government has announced to link LPG subsidy to income of consumers in order to ensure that the subsidy benefits go to the targeted group. Henceforth, the LPG subsidy will not be available to LPG consumers if the consumer or his/her spouse has taxable income of more than ten lakh rupees. This income would be as per the previous financial year computed under Income Tax Act, 1961. This decision will be given effect to initially on self-declaration basis of LPG consumers while booking cylinders January 2016. This move will affect at least 60 lakh LPG consumers of the total 16.5 crore LPG consumers in the country and Government will save upto Rs. 113 crore from this decision.
3)  Andhra Pradesh Government has signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with tech giant Microsoft India on various technology initiatives for governance. The MoU was signed after a meeting between the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella in Hyderabad, Telangana. The technology provided by the Microsoft would be utilized by state government to check school dropouts, improve agricultural productivity and providing better citizen services.
4)  Legendary American cinematographer Haskell Wexler passed away on 27th December 2015 in California, US. He was 93. He was best known for his work in films like “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “American Graffiti” and was one of the film history’s most influential cinematographers.
5)  Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has introduced e-office, an initiative which will help provide efficient services to the people by digitizing more than 12,000 files. It was formally launched by WCD Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in New Delhi on the lines with the spirit of Good Governance initiative of Union Government.
6)  India has emphasised to Iran for early completion of all necessary procedures for its participation in the Farzad-B gas field worth 5 billion US dollars. India’s request was forwarded by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Iranian Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance Ali Taiebnia in the Joint Commission Meeting.

The Re-emergence of Values

Concern with values, standards and ethics in public life is not new. Values and ethics have a close but distinctive relationship in policy making. It is significant that many Whitehall-styled bureaucracies such as those of Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Britain have recently sought to review and restate public service values in the context of administrative reform and modernisation.

1. In several cases, the requirement for restating values has also come about as a consequence of revelations of political and administrative corruption.
2. Declining public trust in institutions of government internationally has also acted as a catalyst for re-establishing the primacy of public service values and as part of a `back- to - basics' approach to governing.
3. A renewed emphasis on values is also driven by the trend to develop `corporate culture' and the requisite concomitant need to clarify corporate values as a means to achieving corporate success, application of economic rationalism to the public service in an attempt to overcome its traditionally perceived failings, has also encouraged and engendered new value sets.

The first `wave' of structural reforms induced by the NPM movement ends, a new wave of cultural reforms is beginning, which emphasises the centrality of shared values (2007). These values are necessary to underpin reforms based on improving responsiveness  and efficiency and the extent to which new values replace rather than support existing values raises important questions in relation to performance and management. 

Need to Study Public Service Values

Public service organisations operate in environments subject to regular change and replete with competing demands and obligations. Process is as important as outcomes and public trust is predicated on democratic values bring represented at all stages in the decision making process. In an environment of uncertainties, and which is subject to frequent structural and functional change, values provide a compass for guiding activities. If the work of the public service is not based on or driven by an appropriate set of values, it may lose the trust and respect of those who rely on it - the public. Different emphases may ne placed on different values according to the administrative and political priorities at a given time, but adherence to a set of broadly coherent and accepted values is essential for stability and coherence. As public administrators' values are developed through an interaction of self, situation and society, it is important that values are therefore periodically reexamined and challenged.

Strengthening Ethics Infrastructure

It is important to construct and strengthen the ethics infrastructure so that the framework is in order and that confidence in the operations of State civil servants can be ensured as well as possible. The citizens have to be able to trust civil servants and the authorities, while at the same time, the operations have to be productive, effective and efficient.
Specific strategies which should be considered include :-

• Effective laws which require civil servants to give reasons for their official decisions, (for example; a Freedom of Information law).
• Management approaches which encourage all public officials and civil servants to deal positively with corruption and unethical practice when they encounter it.
• Whistleblower' protection law to protect appropriate 'public interest disclosures' of wrongdoing by officials.
• Ethics audits to identify risks to the integrity of the most important processes ( for example, financial management, tendering, recruitment and promotion, dismissal and discipline).
• New Human Resource Management strategies ( which link, for example, ethical performance with entry and advancement, and ethical `under-performance' with disciplinary processes), merit based promotion and recruitment, antidiscrimination  protections.
• Training and development in the content and rationale of Ethics codes, the application of ethical management principles, the proper use of official power, and the requirements of professional responsibility.
• Effective external and internal complaint and redress procedures.

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STARS

                                                                                         

We see lots of stars on a clear night. A star is glowing ball of gases which gives off heat and light. Stars are very big in size. They look very small as they are far away from us. You can see star even during the day, it is our Sun.

In the Sun, the nuclear reaction which occurs is called the proton-proton cycle, in which four Hydrogen atoms are combined in a series of reactions to form one Helium atom; this chain of reactions also produces energy (in the form of gamma rays) and some other particles called neutrinos. Stars are formed when large cloud of gases (called nebula) collapse at certain point.

“Forget Jesus!   The stars died so that you could be here today.  Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded”. -Lawrence Krauss

Some facts about stars:

• Closest star to Earth is SUN.
• Closest star to Sun is Proxima Centauri (4.2 light years) .
• Venus is also called morning and evening star. 
• Black Hole is formed when giant star (above 30 times bigger than our sun) collapses under its own weight (when nuclear fusion is finished).
• Neutron stars are the densest and smallest stars known to exist in the Universe; with a radius of only about 11–11.5 km (7 miles), they can have a mass of about twice that of the Sun. The teaspoon of the neutron star weight more than everyone on earth combined. Neutron star can rotate 500 times in 1 second.
• Eta Carinae is one of the largest stars in the known galaxy.
• There are approximately 400 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy alone.
• The coolest stars in the universe are red, opposite to that, the hottest stars are blue.
• Stars twinkle because we see them through the wafting of the atmosphere.
• Bigger the star shorter the life, because fuel burning for nuclear fusion is high.
• We are all star dust.
• The PISTON star is the most luminous star known and 10 million times the brightness of the sun.
• When we looking at the star we actually looking into the past. Many of the stars we see at night are already died.
• There are an estimated 70 sextillion stars in the known universe (70,000,000,000,000,000,000,000).

The Ethics Infrastructure

A well-functioning Ethics Infrastructure supports a public sector environment which encourages high standards of behaviour. Each function and elements is a separate, important building block, but the individual elements should be complementary and mutually reinforcing. The elements need to interact to achieve the necessary synergy to become a coherent and integrated infrastructure. The elements of infrastructure can be categorised according to the main functions serve more than one function.

• Guidance is provided by strong commitment from political leadership; statements of values such as codes of conduct; and professional socialisation activities such as education and training.
• Management can be realised through co-ordination by a special body or an existing central management agency, and through public service conditions, management policies and practices.
• Control is assured primarily through a legal framework enabling independent investigation and prosecution; effective accountability and control mechanisms; transparency, public involvement and scrutiny. The ideal mix and degree of these functions will depend on the cultural and political-administrative milieu of each country.

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Principles of Ethics Infrastructure

1. Ethical standards for public service should be clear.
2. Ethical standards should be reflected in the legal framework.
3. Ethical guidance should be available to public servants.
4. Public servants should their rights and obligations when exposing wrongdoing. 
5. Political commitment to ethics should reinforce the ethical conduct of public servants.
6. The decision-making process should be transparent and open to scrutiny.
7. There should be clear guidelines for interaction between the public and private sectors.
8. Managers should demonstrate and promote ethical conduct.
9. Management policies, procedures and practices should promote ethical conduct.
10. Public service conditions and management of human resources should promote ethical conduct.
11. Adequate accountability mechanisms should be in place within the public service.
12. Appropriate procedures and sanctions should exist to deal with misconduct.

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Modern Civil Service Ethics Laws & Codes of Ethics

• Serving the Public Interest :- Civil servants and public officials are expected to maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in government, by demonstrating the highest standards of professional competence, efficiency and effectiveness, upholding the Constitution and the laws, and seeking to advance the public good at all times.
• Transparency :- Civil servants and public officials are expected to use powers and resources for public good, under government policy. They should be accountable for the decisions they make, and prepared to justify their actions.
• Integrity :- Civil servants and public officials are expected to make decisions and act solely in the public interest, without consideration of their private interests. Public employment being a public trust, the improper use of a public service position for private advantage is regarded as a serious breach of duty.
• Legitimacy :- Civil servants and public officials are required to administer the laws, and to exercise administrative power on behalf of the Government or the Parliament, or other such authority. That power and authority should be exercised legitimately, impartially and without fear or favour, for its proper public purpose as determined by the parliament or their employer.
• Fairness :- Civil servants and public officials should make decisions and act in a fair and equitable manner, without bias or prejudice, taking into account only the merits of the matter, and respecting the rights of affected citizens.

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Current affairs 28 - December - 2015

1)  China has officially abandoned its One Child Policy amid deepening demographic crisis of shrinking workforce and aging population in the world’s second largest economy. In this regard 159-member National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of China’s Parliament has passed revised Law on Population and Family Planning. The new law allows couples to have two children from January 1, 2015 and marks the ending its over three decades old One Child Policy.
2)  Scientist from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently have successfully tested crucial anti-jamming capability of the Astra missile. During the trials missiles ECCM (electronic counter-counter measure) features to overcome any jamming was successfully evaluated. This test was conducted after the missile’s RF seeker and other electronic components were sought to be jammed in the earlier trials. With some more trials to be carried in future including air launch trial with a warhead, the missile will be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2015.
3)  Seasoned Indian luger Shiva Keshavan has won a silver medal at the 2015 Asian Luge Championship held in Nagano, Japan. In this edition of championship, the first place was claimed by Japan’s Hidenari Kanayama and the third by South Korea’s Dong Hyeon Kim. The race was conducted in two heats that were closely contested by athletes. In the first heat Shiva Keshavan was a mere 2/10th of a second behind, but in the second heat minor technical snags cost him the gold medal. In the previous editions of the event, Shiva had won two gold, silver and two bronze medals for India.
4)  China’s Parliament has adopted the country’s first law against domestic violence that prohibits any form of domestic violence, including psychological abuse. The legislation was approved at the end of a week-long bimonthly session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the top organ of China’s parliament.
5)  Renowned American science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson passed away in Los Angeles, US. He was 86. He was best known for dystopian novel Logan’s Run, which adapted into a 1976 film starring Michael York and was nominated for two Oscars.
6)  China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of China’s parliament has adopted the country’s first counter-terrorism law. The legislation was approved with large majority at the end of a week-long bimonthly session China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee.

The Seven Principles of Public Life

• Selflessness :- Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest . They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
• Integrity :- Holders of public office should not take place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
• Objectivity :- In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
•  Accountability :- Holders of public offices are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
• Openness :- Holders of public offices should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
• Honesty :- Holders of public offices have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
• Leadership :- Holders of public offices should promote and support these principles by leadership and examples.

For more updates on modern Civil services Ethics laws and codes of Ethics for civil servants and public officials stay tuned and follow next posts.

Ethical Rules and Code of Ethics

It is now generally recognised that meaningful and enforceable Ethics codes, linked to systemic practices and procedures, based on legislation and backed by management leadership and high-level political commitment, and ongoing 'professional ethics' training, are essential.
Ethical codes are tools used by professions for the ultimate purpose of maintaining confidence between customers and the profession. The codes contain instruction for good operations. They do not always include detailed guidelines, but they may consist of core values and principles to be interpreted independently in varying work situations. Their power lies in providing easy-to-remember "rules of the thumb" in simple form. The problem is that rules may simplify matters too much. On the other hand, if we try to make rules comprehensive, they can easily become too complicated. The rules will not have the guiding effect hoped for unless they are publicly strengthened, supported by training and information and controlled by means of a board or other body.

WHAT IS GOD PARTICLE ?

                 WHAT IS GOD PARTICLE ?                                     

Godparticle is the nickname of a subatomic particle called HIGGS BOSON.

In layman’s terms, different subatomic particles are responsible for giving matter different properties. One of the most mysterious and important properties is mass. Some particles, like Protons and neutrons have mass others, like photons, don’t. The Higgs boson or God particle is believed to be the particle which gave mass to matter. The God particle nickname grew out of the long, drawn-out struggles of the physicists to find this elusive piece of the cosmic puzzle. The capture of the most wanted sub-atomic particle in the physics is named as ‘Science journal’s Break through of the year of 2012’.

Scientists have been chasing the Higgs boson, for more than four decades. In July 2012 the team from European nuclear research facility at CERN in Geneva announced the detection of a particle that fitted the description of the elusive Higgs.

The boson is believed to give matter mass via an associated ‘Higgs field’ that permeates space. Without the property of mass, the universe we lived in could not exist.

       

 On October 2013 François Englert and Peter Higgs is awarded with Novel Prize for their work on Higgs particle.

“The Scientific discovery is also Religious discovery. There is no conflict between science and religion. Our knowledge of God is made larger with every discovery we make about the world”.

Tamil Nadu Women in Agriculture (TANWA)

Tamil Nadu Women in Agriculture (TANWA) is a project initiated in Tamil Nadu
to train women in latest agricultural techniques. It induces women to actively
participate in raising agricultural productivity and family income. At a Farm
Women’s Group in Thiruchirapalli, run by Anthoniammal, trained women are
successfully making and selling vermicompost and earning money from this
venture. Many other Farm Women’s Groups are creating savings in their group
by functioning like mini banks through a micro-credit system. With the
accumulated savings, they promote small-scale household activities like
mushroom cultivation, soap manufacture, doll making or other incomegenerating activities.

Community and Non-Profit Organisations in Healthcare

One of the important aspects of a good healthcare system is community
participation. It functions with the idea that the people can be trained and
involved in primary healthcare system. This method is already being used in
some parts of our country. SEWA in Ahmedabad and ACCORD in Nilgiris could
be the examples of some such NGOs working in India. Trade unions have built
alternative health care services for their members and also to give low-cost health
care to people from nearby villages.

The most well-known and pioneering initiative
in this regard has been Shahid Hospital, built in 1983 and sustained by the
workers of CMSS (Chhattisgarh Mines Shramik Sangh) in Durg, Madhya Pradesh.
A few attempts have also been made by rural organisations to build alternative
healthcare initiatives. One example is in Thane, Maharashtra, where in the
context of a tribal people’s organisation, Kashtakari Sangathan, trains women
health workers at the village level to treat simple illnesses at minimal cost.

World Time Zone Map

Sir Sandford Fleming proposed a worldwide system of time zones in 1879.

Countries that have changed their names

Countries that have changed their names

NEW Name                        OLD Name

Benin                                   Dahomey

Burkina Faso                        Upper Volta

Ethiopia                              Abyssinia

Ghana                                 Gold Cost

Moldova                              Moldavia

Myanmar                             Burma

Sri Lanka                             Ceylon

Taiwan                                Formosa

Thailand                              Saim

Kazakhstan                          Kazakstan

Maldives                         Maldive Islands

South Africa                 Union of South Africa

Suriname                            Surinam