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➤A sampling from broadcast ➤Students and teachers ➤ Indian pacers make STUDENT EDITION networks, cable and streaming share their views on various a mark in the ongoing TODAY’S services to cheer you up. issues engulfing the nation -Aus Test series MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2020 Newspaper in EDITION ➤A holiday planner for you and the world Education PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 WEB EDITION

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YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG ADULTS: I believe, if we want to GOVERNMENT TO 'A SIMPLE ACT OF do something, we will find a way to do ANNOUNCE CBSE BOARD it. If we have a phone or internet, there is EXAM DATES ON no excuse to not gain knowledge, learn, DECEMBER 31 reach out, and seek help. It need not be sci- ence or technology, any passion of ours can ducation minister Ramesh KINDNESS IS THE Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ in a tweet be used to make a difference. If you have an interest in art, that talent can also be used Ehas said that the dates for to amplify a message. Imagine a world the Central Board of School Education FIRST STEP TOWARDS where kindness prevails... any simple act of (CBSE) Board exams 2021 will be kindness is the first step towards a better announced on December 31 at 6pm. future for all of us YOUR ‘LIFE QUOTE’ FOR YOUNG ASPIR- ING SCIENTISTS: I am proud to say that I A BETTER FUTURE' have failed more than I have ever suc- ceeded. Keep doing what you like to do, [email protected] ... Believes GITANJALI WHAT IS YOUR TAKEAWAY FROM and never give up RAO, a 15-year-old 2020? While this year has been very difficult for many of us, courtesy the Colorado-based teenager, pandemic, I would like to see the op- Close developed for the lead detection tool timistic side. It gave us a lot of time happened, when I was reading an MIT who won the first-ever to be at home, spend time with our and Personal article on nanotubes to detect the haz- TIME Kid Of The Year families, and helped many of us to ➤He had earlier said that there follow our hobbies and passion. My WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION? Jonas Salk, ardous gases in the air. Another would be is no proposal to commence the Award 2020. In an learning merged with school, re- who invented the polio vaccine and a time when I was conducting an innova- search, innovations, baking, and my class X and class XII Board exams Norman Borlaugh, who contributed to the tion workshop and I shared a simple interview with Times NIE, other activities. There were many in February like every year, owing things I could not do, but instead, sev- derstand how human immunity increase in agricultural production process of understanding the problem, Rao talks about how she to the Covid-19 pandemic. The eral alternate paths and ideas opened works and the ability to replicate HOW DO YOU WEAR SO MANY HATS— using a tool such as an Ishikawa diagram. up, I could reach out to many others its function to fight known and un- wishes to close the year INVENTOR, BAKER, DANCER, SINGER, Every single student in the IVth grade ministry of education has already virtually,whom I wouldn’t have oth- known diseases. clarified that the exams will be in 2020, shares some erwise. The advancements in tech- BAKER: I don’t do all of these every day. loved it, tried it themselves, and within nology we have today enable us to A SCIENTIFIC INVENTION, YOU WISH There are days I just focus on research and 45 min, we had 22 problems, ideas, and pen and paper mode only advice based on her adapt ourselves, and we should use TO UNDO... There is no invention that innovation. So, apart from schoolwork, the potential solutions experiences as a ‘young it effectively. I would undo, but we could undo the way we use it, such as the ability of rest of them are as and when I want to. YOUR SUCCESS MANTRA: Curiosity. scientist’ for teenagers, IF THERE’S ONE DISCOVERY WITH human beings to destroy countries YOUR 'SERENDIPITY' MOMENT IN Besides, my teachers, mentors, and par- WHICH YOU COULD CHANGE THE WAY through nuclear, chemical or bio- LIFE.. The solution or the hypothesis ZERO EFFECT, ZERO DEFECT: and much more... THE WORLD FUNCTIONS, WHAT logical weapons. They should not ents, who believed in me WOULD THAT BE? A discovery to un- have no room in a modern society. PM'S FRESH CALL FOR INDIA'S MANUFACTURERS fter talking about going 'vocal for MICROPLASTICS REVEALED IN local' to make India 'Aatmanirbhar', ENTERTAINMENT NEW POPULATION OF BLUE PM Narendra Modi on Sunday gave a ➤ A THE PLACENTAS OF UNBORN According to Variety, WHALES DISCOVERED IN clarion call to adopt "zero effect, zero BABIES 'Furiosa,' which stars defect" policy while manufacturing Made- Anya Taylor-Joy in the WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN icroplastic particles have been re- in-India products and ensure that these vealed in the placentas of unborn ba- title role, has been set produces should be "world class". Speaking Mbies for the first time, which re- for June 23 release, in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki searchers feel is “a matter of great concern”. while the live-action The particles were found in the placentas Baat', Modi said, "Indians have taken many from four healthy hybrid 'Coyote vs Acme' steps forward and are getting vocal for women, who had alert will release on July 21 local. This will boost the efforts towards normal pregnancies ➤Earlier in December, Aatmanirbhar Bharat". The PM said that and births. Mi- croplastics were de- Warner Bros had shared while focusing on Made-in-India products, tected on both the foetal and maternal sides the plans to premiere its the manufacturers should not compromise of the placenta and in the membrane within entire 2021 slate —includ- ENVIRONMENT with the quality of materials produced by which the foetus develops. ing 'Dune,' 'The Matrix 4,' WARNER BROS. TO RELEASE 'FURIOSA,' 'THE cientists have found evidence of a pre- them. "This is the right time to work with COLOR PURPLE' IN THEATRES IN 2023 and 'The Suicide Squad' — viously-undiscovered population of 'zero effect, zero defect' policy," he added. The health impact of simultaneously on HBO S blue whales living in the western In- arner Bros has an- riosa,' the musical adaptation of Max as well as in movie dian ocean based on an analysis of sound MANN KI BAAT microplastics in the body is nounced that George 'The Color Purple,' and family recordings from the region, an advance which theatres W Miller's 'Mad Max: movie 'Coyote vs Acme' will de- sheds light on the global distribution of the We make new resolutions not yet known. But scientists Fury Road' prequel titled 'Fu- but in theatres in 2023. largest animals to have ever-lived on the say, they could carry chemi- Earth. While these highly-endangered mam- every new year. ECONOMY mals are found around the globe in all the On this new year eve, cals that could cause long- ➤ In 2020, India has received more oceans, and sing very low-pitched and recog- INDIAN RUPEE IS THE nisable songs, the researchers said every blue we should take a term damage or upset the foe- than $50 billion through the FPI and FDI routes. whale population has its own unique song. resolution to use tus’ developing immune sys- WORST-PERFORMER IN 2020 Foreigners have bought equities worth $17.7 bil- he rupee is likely to end the calendar lion and sold $14.5 billion in debt with net ➤The scientists analysed recordings from only Made-in- tem. The particles are likely to year 2020 as the worst-performing inflows of $7.7 billion in CY2020, as per the currency in Asia, even un- the Arabian Sea coast of Oman, and as far India products T official data from NSDL. have been consumed or derperforming minor South Asian south as Madagascar, and found a blue whale Narendra Modi, PM ➤ However, a recent report by HDFC Securities breathed in by the mothers currencies, such as the Pak rupee song that had never been described and Sri Lankan rupee. The rupee is noted that despite substantial foreign inflows, ➤ down 3.6 per cent during the year so the rupee did not revive, as the RBI absorbed Based on the analysis, the researchers far against the appreciation of oth- almost all the dollar inflows through regular believe that they have discovered, what is er Asian currencies, such as the likely a previously-unrecognised population of Chinese renminbi, Philippines peso, interventions to restrict the currency from South Korean won, Malaysian appreciating to maintain export competitiveness blue whales in the western Indian Ocean ringgit and Thai baht. MOBILE GAMES THAT CHEERED YOUNG

free games on Google Play for some days. A free-to-play app developed by Indian studio The microplastics were mostly of 10 INDIAN PLAYERS IN PANDEMIC Gametion Technologies Pvt Ltd based in , it brought the classic board game 1 microns in size, meaning they are small on the digital platform. In the pandemic, enough to be carried in the bloodstream. The ther than video AMONG US it was downloaded millions of time in the particles may have entered the babies’ bodies, calling, it was Among Us from gaming company InnerSloth was the most country. but the researchers were unable to assess this - downloaded mobile game worldwide for Septem- mobile gaming that ber 2020 with 83.8 million installs, which was 40 Microplastics pollution has reached every took India by storm times more than the title had in September POKEMON GO part of the planet— from the summit of O 2019. In India, kids went crazy for it. Among For Pokemon Go, 2020 has been its best year by far, 2 during the lockdown and Us is a multiplayer game about teamwork as it accumulated a revenue increase of 31.5 per cent. Mount Everest to the deepest oceans. People and betrayal. The game, which is about The sudden increase in player spending was because are already known to consume the tiny parti- social distancing times. As keeping your spaceship together, can be of the various implementations in the game al- cles via food and water, and parents got busy with played online or over a local Wi-Fi . It is im- lowing for playing during the pandemic-induced breathe them in portant that each player cooperate with one lockdown. remote work and struggled another in order to return back to civilisation. In October, to maintain the work-life GARENA FREE FIRE scientists revealed balance, the popularity of LUDO KING Garena Free Fire grew to become one of the top that babies, who are fed mobile games surged Ludo King, which was launched in 2016, be- five grossing entries in the burgeoning genre came one of the top five most-installed mo- since its launch in late 2017. Garena Free Fire milk in plastic bottles, among the youth, bile games in April. The growth during (also known as Free Fire Battlegrounds or Free are swallowing millions of especially millennials the initial phase of the ongoing lock- Fire) is a battle royale game, developed by 111 down helped Ludo King reach the num- Dots Studio and published by Garena for An- particles a day and Gen Z... ber-one ranking in the top charts of droid and iOS. “Life is short, but there is always time enough for courtesy.” READ. PLAY. LEARN RALPH WALDO EMERSON, POET 02 MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2020

Bring on the sentimental holiday rom-coms, the chorus of Christmas music specials and the nostalgia of last century’s animated charmers. We’ll take any and all feel-good moments in a year of scarcity. Here’s a sampling from broadcast networks, cable and streaming services that are there to cheer us up. There is also a Holiday Planner Planner for you to consider... HOLIDAY HARMONY

MERRY MOVIES My Gift: A Christmas THE PRINCESS SWITCH: Special From Carrie SWITCHED AGAIN Mariah Carey’s Magical The saga continues as look-a-likes Stacy, a Underwood Chicago baker, and Lady Margaret, heir to the Christmas Special The singer performs Montenaro throne, swap lives once more. Vanessa Music, dancing and surprise guest stars tunes from her new Hudgens again conveniently fills both roles. create a heartwarming journey with the holiday album and tra- pop star. ditional songs, backed JINGLE JANGLE: A by her band, a choir A Holly Dolly and an orchestra CHRISTMAS JOURNEY Christmas led by Ricky Forest Whitaker is one of the big names in this Dolly Parton sings Minor. tale of a toymaker in need of a miracle, with Hugh hymns, holiday pop Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose and Keegan-Michael classics and tunes from Key in the cast. her new album, and more. CHRISTMAS EVER AFTER Tony-winner Ali Stroker (‘Oklahoma!’) So You Miss Exploring plays Izzy, a romance novelist whose writer’s block may be overcome by a New Year Special New Countries handsome bed-and-breakfast owner Take Your Kids on ou don’t need to take a plane to see the world,” said (Daniel di Tomasso). Oneika Raymond, a travel and lifestyle expert and Vacation at Home Y correspondent for NBC New York. Instead, pick a day for a virtual trip and put your child in charge of planning. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE “Let them choose a city to research, then help replicate t the beginning of quarantine, what they find,” she said. “They could say ‘OK, we’re going to Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey is Shanghai; we’re going to eat dumplings at this particular floundering amid self-doubt, but family, parents tie-dyed like there was no place.’ Find a recipe for dumplings together and decorate the neighbours and Clarence the angel come to tomorrow. In the quest to keep table like in the restaurant.” the rescue in filmmaker Frank Capra’s 1946 A their children busy, they left no enduring favourite. stone unturned. But nine months later, they are over it. And now they’re staring

So You Miss Museums and Culture GODMOTHERED LOVE, LIGHTS, A CHRISTMAS FOR ust off that accumulating pile of kids’ artwork and hold an Novice fairy godmother HANUKKAH MARY down the barrel of winter break with exhibition, said Bar Rucci, a Eleanor (Jillian Bell) tries to D Christina (Mia Kirshner) is Rising journalist Lena’s one question: How on earth are we graphic designer who runs Art Bar prove her profession is still and The Creativity Project. “Cover readying her restaurant for (Morgan Dixon) hoped-for going to entertain these kids? With valid and unexpectedly puts the walls in kraft paper, tape the art Christmas, with a DNA sur- promotion and true love may the Centers for Disease Control and on top, and label each piece with a her gifts to work for a prise and unlikely romance on happen, with help from a Prevention urging against holiday title,” she said. “Use a few rooms widowed mom (Isla Fisher) so you have ‘wings’ for the menu. Ben Savage and portrait. Vivica A Fox and travel, a family vacation is off the table. who has abandoned hope. different artists or styles, then have Marilu Henner co-star. Jackee Harry co-star. Unless, you mindfully set about re- the rest of the family stroll the gallery. Or creating the best parts of one at home. invite masked friends at 10-minute intervals.”

So You Miss Theme Parks SO YOU MISS ACTUALLY SEEING So You Miss Being Somewhere That Isn’t Your House YOUR CHILDREN’S FACES here’s a sense of wonder at Disney World that hings feel fresh on vaca- you can’t find anywhere else. If your children tion because you’re Book a spa appointment — in your kitchen, that is — by etween distance making a scrub from raw sugar, coconut oil, vanilla extract T have been before, look through pictures to- learning and T breaking day-to-day mo- gether so you know what details to re-create; if they B Zoom karate, notonous patterns. For pre- and lavender essential oils, said Amy Retay, director of spa haven’t, stick with simple kids have been heads- schoolers, a change of scenery operations at The Breakers Palm Beach, in Florida, where Mickey-themed imagery. can be as simple as pulling the down on devices for the Spa Petite caters to guests as young as 6. Have kids pack a backpack months. But it’s easy to bed out from the wall to create and hand them a Magic get them on the other a new space to play,she said. “Children’s skin can be sensitive, so put it on hands and Band. You can watch the pa- side of the screen. What feet, not faces,” she said. rade and fireworks on does your kid know how YouTube, as well as to do really well? Bake And while you’re at it, give kids something healthy and “POVs rides” that feel cookies? Do a somersault? Have them make a video showing nice to eat. And relax. as if you’re there in you how. Kids can also film their own stand-up comedy show person. or commercial. “Be relaxed and unplugged,” Gumbinner said.

WHEN DID PAPERWEIGHTS became the ultimate desk ac- and the United States, but the Collecting Q BECOME POPULAR? cessory,bringing flowers and real epicentre was in France. things to A. Glass paperweights first other natural subjects that The most famous and sought- gained popularity in the mid- perished in the winter into after examples came from 19th century after being dis- the home – there may not Baccarat, Saint Louis, Clichy Guide know about played at various expositions, have been flowers in the gar- and Pantin. 7 most notably the Great Ex- den, but they could still sur- Some weights have tiny hibition of 1851 at London’s round you as you wrote your canes included that help iden- Crystal Palace. Marvels of letters. Collectors during this tify the maker and date. artistic skill and also af- period included Colette, Clichy has an easily identi- paperweights fordable, paperweights soon Oscar Wilde and Empress the insects – everything. Most packed closely together or in fiable rose cane that they use. Eugenie of France. of the weights in the various other arrangements. The Saint Louis factory is the The experts at leading auction By the turn of the centu- Neustadter Collection, which Lampwork weights are made usual suspect if you see a ry, interest had waned, but was offered at Christie’s in by melting small coloured ‘dancing devil’ silhouette house Christie’s share their in the 1950s artists like Paul 2016, were made either using glass rods over a torch or cane in its compositions. Ysart and Charles Kaziun millefiori canes or lampwork. flame and using tools to ma- advice on what to look out for sought to rediscover the se- Millefiori or ‘thousand flow- nipulate the softened glass. HOW MUCH IMPORTANT IS crets to making glass ers’ canes are produced by Examples of lampwork in- Q CONDITION? when buying a paperweight. weights, paving the way for layering molten glass into a clude butterfly and flower A. When buying a weight, the These overlooked items – from hyper-realistic paperweight pattern in a fat cylindrical weights and snake weights. condition and the size of the artists like Paul Stankard. shape, then pulling the cylin- glass dome play a big factor dancing devils to rogue air der to create an elongated for most collectors. Obviously HOW ARE THEY pencil-thin rod. When the rod HOW EASY IS IT TO IDENTI- perfect condition is prefer- bubbles – are a treasure Q MADE? is sliced, the pattern can be Q FY MAKERS? able, but often a few scratch- A. Incredibly, everything in- seen in the cross section. A. Nineteenth-century pa- es, minor bruises or nicks according to their specialist side the weight is also glass: Millefiori weights consist of perweights were made in can be forgiven if there is Carleigh Queenth... the flowers, the salamanders, many patterned canes, either Venice, England, Bohemia enough glass in the dome. CLICK HERE: FOR PAGE 3 AND 4

It’s not just a place where you get to learn Einstein’s Theory of SCHOOL IS COOL Relativity. It’s also a place where you can think beyond the classroom. Hence we say, SCHOOL IS COOL! MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2020 03

Importance of Math in day to day life REDEFINING MATH athematics makes our life or- derly and prevents chaos. M Qualities that are nurtured by mathematics are creativity, power of reasoning, spatial thinking, criti- CONCEPTS CREATIVELY cal thinking, and even effective com- munication skills. Mathematics is the cradle of all "Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations or algorithm. It is about understanding." creations, be it a farmer or a doctor or a scientist or musician or a magician, everyone needs mathematics in their Pallavi Aware day to day life. International School Even in the wild, snails make their shells, spiders design their webs and Saroornagar Campus bees build their combs, there are in- numerable examples in nature with aths is one of the mathematical architecture. basic sciences of A good curriculum of mathemat- life. Everyone ics is helpful in effective teaching and M needs mathe- learning of the subject. Experience matics in their day to day life. says learning mathematics can be Therefore, to raise awareness made easier and enjoyable if our cur- among people about the im- riculum includes mathematical activ- portance of mathematics, ities and games. Math puzzles and rid- Mathematics Day is cele- dles encourage and attract an alert and brated every year. open-minded attitude among young- A special virtual assem- sters and help them develop clarity in bly was conducted in Pallavi their thinking. Emphasis should Aware International School, be laid on development of Saroor Nagar to mark Na- famous mathe- clear concepts in mathe- tional Mathematics Day. matician once Delhi School of matics in a child, right National Mathematics said, "Mathemat- Excellence from his/her primary Day is celebrated on Decem- tion on the life of Ramanujan erties of multiplication was by model representation on A ics is the most Attapur classes. ber 22 every year to com- and recited a poem on Maths. followed by a skit on the four place values were presented. beautiful and most power- Open ended ques- memorate the birth anniver- There was presentation on basic mathematical opera- Principal Sudeshna shared ful creation of the human tions should be given sary of India's mathematical shapes by the students of tions. A chart was displayed how Math is full of problems spirit." Mathematics can be and symmetry, math song, by the teacher to the genius Srinivasa Ramanujan. class I. An amazing presen- on the properties of shapes, yet provides lots of real life tough sometimes, so can poems, by narrating inter- children and encourage Students showed a presenta- tation by Adwaith on prop- a song on fractions followed solutions. many things in life. Mathe- esting mathematical stories them to answer in all pos- matics is the only subject on discovery of theories sible ways. The greatest hurdle which shows that problems and many more. in learning math is continuous practice; many he Indian Mathe- Children not only participated in have solutions. Mathemat- Inspirational speeches children fail to do it regularly as they develop matical genius Srini- Pallavi Model School a quiz in Mathematics and other ac- ics can be fun, challenging, were presented by children some phobia about the subject which is to be vasa Ramanujan Bowenpally tivities with great enthusiasm but hands on and applicable in who donned the role of corrected by the curriculum designers. T was born on Decem- also learnt the technique to apply real life. Srinivasa Ramanujan, Peer learning, which is one of the best ber 22, 1887. It was in recognition the knowledge of the subject in a To celebrate the spirit Shakuntala Devi and many ways, can be suggested for better learning of of his contribution to Mathematics, the Gov- variety of contexts. of mathematical learning more world famous mathe- the subject. Mathematics adds rationality to ernment of India decided to celebrate his birth It was a fun-filled day of learn- and explore the various maticians. our thoughts, it is a tool in our hands to make anniversary as the National Mathematics Day. ing for the students who exhibited un- mathematical concepts in a Different activity cor- our life easier and simpler. A famous mathematician once said, "Math- paralleled excitement and actively participat- creative manner,Math Day ners such as puzzles, games Let us realise and appreciate the beauty of ematics is the most beautiful and most power- ed in all activities. was celebrated in Delhi and riddles were put up on the subject and embrace with all our hearts. ful creation of the human spirit." With an aim Highlighting the importance of this day, School of Excellence, Atta- the occasion. The excite- Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help to bring awareness on the contribution made teachers spoke about the fundamentals and ap- pur. Students showcased ment was at its peak as both us understand the world around us. by Srinivasa Ramanujan, the students from plying simple calculation techniques in day to their talents in a variety of students and teachers test- classes V to VII of Pallavi Model School, Bowen- day life and said that 'Although Mathematics forms like performing a ed their skills to get to the PASUNURI PREM KUMAR, Mathematics pally celebrated National Mathematics Day vir- is abstract and theoretical knowledge, it emerges beautiful Math Dance con- solution of mathematical Department, Delhi Public School, Nacharam tually. from the real world.' nected to various angles problems.

Use time in a productive manner ChristmasChristmas CelebrationsCelebrations during the pandemic Delhi Public School ime once gone cannot come time to revise our school lessons back, hence we must use our thoroughly. We must take advan- Mahendra Hills free time productively. For tage of these times and strengthen T hristmas brings cheer and love. the past nine months, most people our weak points. These times are This year the festival was cele- have not stepped out of their hous- not meant for wasting or watching C brated online to teach the les- es. Many feel that it is boring television the whole day! I have son of hope and optimism amidst the to stay at home. But learnt crocheting, knitting, pandemic. Delhi Public School, Ma- hendra Hills (Feeder school of DPS actually, it is not! These Japanese, Tamil writing and Nacharam) reverberated with the are times where we apart from these, I also go melody of Christmas carols as the can learn new skills. to classes such as dance, school organised a Christmas special assembly. Actually, it is the best piano and music. A play was enacted explaining time to learn new skills. So, let us all follow these the importance of the festival which We can learn new things points and use this pandemic was followed by the rendition of a of celebrating all the festivals with sitting at home, such as Vedic time very productively. Christmas song. The fun element to the assembly Children spoke about the impor- loved ones. was added by Santa when he visited math, knitting, piano, dancing, tance of Christmas which once again Principal Sunitha Rao and head- the students and spent some fun mo- cooking and what not! Not only SAHANA, class VI B, The Global proved that no one can compete with mistress Neetu Gupta Puri empha- ments with them. For the last three Edge School, Kokapet children in their communication sised that having a generous spirit learning skills, but we get more days children were involved in dif- skills. On watching their friends in allows one to show how much he or ferent activities related to Christmas. SANTASTIC: ASRITHA E, the play, the little ones could relate she cares. These activities taught them the joy class VI C, Bharatiya Vidya to it and understand it better. Bhavans, Jubliee Hills Be a Secret Santa and spread joy for having sent his only (Vidyashram) son to take away our never believed in Santa since I gifts for them, pack and give those Tejasvi Vidyaranya sins. Jesus leads us in was little, but I always wanted on Christmas eve. It is actually a School the path of goodness Santa to be real. I love tough job, but this could bring and righteousness. The I Hyderabad ones who follow him the way he laughs. I was them so much happiness. At and his path find ever- thinking of "What if I least try doing this for your ord Jesus Christ lasting peace in life. become Santa Claus" best friend but here you was born on De- With all that has at least for one need not ask him/her for cember 25, which happened to this world L this year due to the pan- Christmas! But for this, what she wants because you is celebrated as Christ- mas across the world. demic, we need a heal- you will first need to save must already be knowing that. The world celebrates ing like never before. money, visit an orphanage and You will feel really nice when you the day by singing car- We hope that this sea- ols, distributing gifts, son of love and grace will help us overcome all the neg- tell them that you are a messenger make others feel happy. So, why WINGED FRIEND: VIGNESH, for Santa, give them pieces of not be a secret Santa for someone? and thanking God for the blessed life. ativity in our lives and encourage us to build a new class VII A, P Obul Reddy Christmas is not only about decorating Christmas strength to overcome this catastrophe. From the bottom paper and ask them to write their Public School, Hyderabad tree, hanging a star, or feasting on plum cakes. Christ- of my heart, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a pros- name and what they want in that K SAATHVIKA, class IX, FIITJEE mas is about sharing, caring, and loving one another perous New Year 2021. paper and put in a box. Buy all the World School with joyful hearts and minds. It is about thanking God

B Kriti, class VIII A, Unicent School Nagole GIFTS GALORE: M KANISHK, class I C, special assembly was con- ducted at Unicent School, Gitanjali Devashray, A Nagole to celebrate Christ- Hyderabad mas virtually. The programme started with in- forming everyone the safety proto- cols to be taken against Covid-19, by but also about spending time with the birth of Jesus Christ, traditions teacher Jyothi. It was followed by a our loved ones and being helpful to and customs about Christmas. the poor and needy. prayer song to invoke the blessings The assembly concluded with an of the almighty. It was indeed true that the interesting talk by teacher Pragna, A pledge was administered to re- warmth of Christmas is felt from the LUCKY CHARM: who was dressed up as Santa Claus mind us of our duties. The celebra- heart and the actions just prove it and reminded us that Christmas is DEEKSHANI RATHOD, tions included a quiz about Christ- right! not only about presents and candies class VII, mas. It was followed by a speech about The Global Edge School, Vasanth Nagar RISE OF PACE PRODIGIES Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has hailed the incredible depth in India’s fast bowl- ing department. After losing senior pacer Mohammed Shami for the second Test due to I was eager to a wrist fracture, the visitors handed a debut to right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, bowl my first over, I started who impressed straightaway. India bundled out Australia for 195 in their first innings of warming up in the the ongoing Boxing Day Test after a terrific show from the bowlers first session but I had to wait for my chance, I was really confident, after the lunch break MANY PACERS ARE BUMRAH-LEADER OF THE PACK I was just trying to KNOCKING ON THE DOORS bowl dot balls and Shami and Ishant’s absence means that India are without two create pressure. I was of the three pace bowlers that helped them win the series in trying to bowl wide The bench strength for fast bowling is Australia in 2018-19. The two with Jasprit Bumrah had com- off the stumps, I set unbelievable. It may not be the same as bined to pick 48 of the 70 Australia wickets to fall. Bumrah Cameron Green up and far as spinners are concerned but when was the man of the match in the last MCG Test in 2018 when I set him up for you look at the amount of talent available in the he picked nine wickets for 86. Asked if Bumrah’s responsibility the in-swinger. fast bowling department, it’s just mind-boggling. Mohammed Siraj will increase, Rahane told the media on Friday, “Jasprit is a We’ve got Navdeep Saini who’s pretty quick, quality bowler and has been doing really well for us. But I bowls around 145 regularly. He’s not playing think apart from Jasprit, Umesh and the guy (Siraj) who will (in Boxing Day Test) as he did not have good play in place of Shami tomorrow, is also equally talented. warm-up games, maybe that’s the reason why Umesh has been doing very well for so many years, it is about Siraj got the nod ahead of him. But he’s bowling in partnerships for all of us.” Former India batsman there, there’s Umesh Yadav, and there are Gautam Gambhir too heaped praise on Bumrah. “You have got lots of other young fast bowlers who are someone like Jasprit Bumrah who can probably win a game as knocking on the doors. well in his five-spell. Other bowlers need to complement him, they should not leak runs.” I think it’s all the gym work that they do. The upper body strength is good, they are now guid- ed by professionals and that makes a big differ- ence. Today’s generation is willing to work INDIA TAKE LEAD IN FIRST 2 TESTS IN and they pride themselves on their looks. AUS FOR 1ST TIME SINCE 1985-86 Sunil Gavaskar, former India captain India took the lead in the first two Tests in Australia for the first time since 1985 when stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane got a boundary through the slip cordon to take the team to SOLID BENCH STRENGTH 198/5 from 194/5 in the second Test at Cricket Ground. A big credit for this milestone goes to the bowlers. Apart from Siraj and Saini, India also have Kartik Back in 1985-86, India had got a lead in the first Test at Tyagi, Shardul Thakur, and T Natarajan to pick Adelaide, making 520 to Australia’s 381. In the second Test, from in case of an injury. Natarajan had recently India scored 445 against Australia’s 262. Both games pro- impressed in the limited-overs leg against the duced drawn results. In the third Test in Sydney too, India had Aussies in what is his first international tour taken the lead after scoring 600 for four and dismissing the with Team India. Aussies for 396. That game, however, also ended in a draw. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Rahane Stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane stamped his authori- reigns as Indian ty with an unbeaten 104 at Melbourne, driving the We could have got Rahane out 4-5 tourists to 277 for five before rain brought stumps batsmen banish nightmare 36 early. They have a lead of 82 runs to Australia’s 195 times, says disappointed Starc Rahane’s catch was dropped by Steve Smith and Travis Head off the bowling of Starc and his is Rahane’s eighth Australia had to pay for the two misses dearly Test ton overseas and this DETERMINATION AND CLASS is his first hundred as Another great day great, how good T captain of Team India. He (Rahane) has batted really With this knock, Rahane also be- for us. Proper test has he become @ajinkyarahane88 Mitchell Starc came the second Indian batsman cricket at its best. batting lower down shows Test match well, could have got him out to score a century on his first Absolutely top the order. Great batting is about five times before he got to his match as captain in Australia. knock from Jinks. start for swallowing your hundred, but he has run his luck Kohli was the first one to Virat Kohli @RealShubmanGill! ego. Lie low for the there and scored a good hundred, achieve the feat in 2014 when he We are looking good registered a century in Adelaide. A captain’s Hundred first two sessions, for a decent lead well done to him. By the end of Rahane shared half-century points symbol solid, show your swagger today, there are not too many partnerships with Hanuma Vi- Yuvraj Singh in the final session. gritty, and calm just demons in the wicket, it’s typical hari and Rishabh Pant to rescue like his personality Brilliant hundred Mumbai ishtyle Test India after they were reduced to @ajinkyarahane88 @ajinkyarahane88, batting. Top effort Melbourne, it flattens out, it has 64 for three in the first session. become a flat wicket, it has given us India lost two wickets in each of sharp mind in the determination and skipper, kudos! the first two sessions but did not field setting as well! class. Mohammad Kaif a chance to bat really well in allow any breakthrough to Aus- @imjadeja looking Virender Sehwag the second innings. tralia in the final session. AGENCIES Mitchell Starc

Photo: AFP Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Three-time defending United Arab Emirates Who is known as the Q6: champion Rafael Nadal has Q7: national cricket team Q10: father of the modern WLEDGE won the continuously holds the record of the lowest total Olympic Games? TEST YOUR KNO since 2017. Whom did he defeat in in Asia Cup T20Is. Against which a) Demetrius Vikelas ❑ b) Henri de Baillet-Latour ❑ 2020? team did they score this record? c) Baron Pierre de Coubertin ❑ a) Alexander Zverev ❑ b) Stefanos Tsitsipas ❑ a) India ❑ b) Bangladesh ❑ d) Juan Antonio Samaranch ❑ Who is the current World India holds the record of c) Dominic Thiem ❑ d) Novak Djokovic ❑ c) Sri Lanka ❑ d) Oman ❑ Q1: Chess Champion? Q4: second-highest total in ICC ❑ ❑ Photo: GETTY IMAGES a) Anish Giri b) Hikaru Nakamura Cricket World Cup history. Against Which football club won The top scorer for c) Magnus Carlsen ❑ d) Fabiano Caruana ❑ which team was this historical record Q8: most matches in Spanish Q11 Liverpool FC in the English scored? La Liga 2019-20? Premier League 2019-20 was ______Which batsman holds the a) West Indies ❑ b) Afghanistan ❑ a) Real Madrid ❑ b) Barcelona ❑ a) Mohamed Salah ❑ b) Virgil van Dijk ❑ Q2: ❑ ❑ record of highest average c) Bermuda d) Ireland c) Atletico Madrid ❑ d) Sevilla FC ❑ c) Roberto Firmino ❑ d) Sadio Mané ❑ in ICC Men’s World Cup? a) Rohit Sharma ❑ b) Ben Stokes ❑ In the Indian Super Which Indian chess c) Andrew Symonds ❑ d) Lance Klusener ❑ Q5: League 2019-20, which Q9: prodigy is the youngest- ANSWERS: 1 c) Magnus Carlsen 2 d) Lance Klusener 3 b) Sir Ian Botham football clubs lost the most ever Indian and second-youngest in Name the fielder who has 4 c) Bermuda 5 b) Hyderabad FC number of matches? history to cross the 2600 Elo Q3: taken the most catches in 6 d) Novak Djokovic 7 a) India a) FC Goa ❑ b) Hyderabad FC ❑ rating list? The Ashes? ❑ ❑ ❑ 8 a) Real Madrid 9 a) Praggnanandhaa R ❑ ❑ c) NorthEast United FC d) Bengaluru FC a) Praggnanandhaa R a) Mark Taylor b) Sir Ian Botham b) Pentala Harikrishna ❑ 10 c) Baron Pierre de Coubertin ❑ ❑ c) Allan Border d) Greg Chappell Rafael Nadal c) Vidit Gujrathi ❑ d) Nihal Sarin ❑ 11 a) Mohamed Salah