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Weekly digest #11

Updated: Sep 19, 2020



TOP STORIES


The Power of Imagination

By: Mihir Rao

Imagine Steve Jobs, who was one of the most influencial people in the tech industry, didn't create the iPhone. The era of smartphones came from this one device, and it’s gone! Where would you think we would be without it? Let me show you a different example - the lightbulb. What we take sooo light (hehe) ly, would have not existed if it were not created. We would literally be in darkness!

Think about your absolute favourite books. Tell me,

How can Harry Potter, the wizard that we would all know, even have been thought of if it weren’t for imagination? J.K Rowling couldn’t have come up with an idea like that on a train if she didn’t imagine?

How could Sherlock Holmes, the sly sleuth that everyone knows to love, be created if it weren’t for imagination?

The answer is, they would not.

To the Netflix bingers, classic shows such as Stranger Things and Friends would never be created if it weren’t for imagination!

The Power of Imagination is simply boundless. Only with imagination can we move forward in life. With imagination, we can connect thousands of people together!

I mean, where do you think our ideas come from? 😆


What I am saying is that imagination is a tool without which we cannot live. As we grow up, we slowly stop using our imagination, because we do not see a 'spark'. But even with or without that, Imagination is necessary for us. We have to keep it alive, make it thrive, by writing books, by making drawings, by putting your imagination into the third dimension. Superman may have the power of flight, Thor may have the power of lightning, but us humans have the …


Power of Imagination

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Cover Story:



The Comeback of Wheels: How the pandemic has ushered in a new era of cycling

By: Agastya Rao


The Pandemic brought world sports to a standstill. Athletes and children needed an alternate form of exercise, something that would make them exercise: at a safe distance from everyone else. They found one sport, namely- cycling.



Yes, you got that right - I said cycling. Cycling has really emerged as the one sport that many are hooked to. For most people, learning how to cycle is like a rite of passage and is a milestone in a child’s life. Many people overlook cycling and do not even consider it as a sport. Well, the pandemic proved them wrong.


So how and why did cycling pick up popularity during the pandemic?-


1.Cycling lets you be socially distant from other people while exercising- Cycling is an individual sport and you can keep your distance from people, and exercise at the same time. Everyone has their own pace, which means that the distance and speed they will travel at, will differ. This makes sure that you will not come in contact with anyone else.


2.Cycling makes it easier to wear a mask- In a sport like running, people find it harder to run with masks. The WHO says that masks make it harder to breathe while exercising, and if you run without a mask, well… people around you will be put at risk. Cycling allows you to wear a mask and go at your own pace- and keeps you at a safe distance.


3.Forget all about spending extra money and risking your life to board a bus or take a taxi, just hop on your own cycle. Many of us have had our cycles collecting dust and not had

the time to even use them. Well, now you have time and a reason to use them. Ever scared of using public transports- hop on your bicycle :)

4. Cycles do not pollute the planet- We have all been reading about how the Earth is healing itself during the pandemic (Head over to https://www.thepaperlesspress.net/post/weekly-digest-6 to read more on the Earth healing itself during the pandemic). Cycles do not emit any pollutants and don’t run on fossil fuels either. Cycling has helped clean the environment, wouldn’t you want to help too?


5. Always thought you did not have the time to exercise- how about getting on your cycle and going to work? If your office is close to your house, why hurt the planet by using your car, or take risk on public transport- cycling will offer you exercise and get you to work at the same time. No more exercise excuses.


6.Helping the community- Many countries around the world have dedicated lanes on the road for cycling. If more of us take to the streets on cycles, this will help push the government to make a new cycling track. How many residents of Delhi NCR remember Raahgiri day, where roads were closed for a short while on Sunday for children and adults to cycle and play? Raahgiri after the pandemic on a regular basis - sounds like a plan, right?



We interviewed lawyer Mr.Harshavardhan Reddy who is also a passionate cyclist and surfer and has been cycling regularly during the past few months.


Q1-Why do you think cycling has picked up pace during the pandemic?


Ans- “Everyone wants to get out of their houses for a legitimate reason. Cycling gives you a great sense of accomplishment and it allows you to maintain social distance and get your exercise at the same time. Stores in Delhi and around the world are already sold out of cycles. This is why I think that cycling has picked up during the pandemic”.


Q2- Why do you like cycling?


Ans- I used to (and still do) love cycling as a kid. I used to run a lot, but running often injures your knees. Cycling gives a new perspective to the nature around you and to your city. If you cycle regularly you can cover 60-100 km in a day. It is also a great way to hang out with your friends.


Q3- What parts of Delhi have you explored while cycling, and what have you learned from it?


Ans- I have explored a lot of Delhi, Tughlakabad road, and Surajkund road. You learn a lot of history from it. If you are running, the distance you can run is limited to about 20km. If you are going in a car, you usually just go past everything and miss out on the history. Cycling helps you cover that.


Q4- How much do you cycle in a week?


Ans- I cycle 5 days a week. On regular days I cycle about 40km, and on Sundays I cycle roughly 100km, and on one of the days I cycle up slopes which is slightly harder than cycling on flat ground.


Q5- What one message do you have for aspiring cyclists?


Ans- Cycling is the pursuit of joy, and according to me there is no other thing that gives you greater joy.


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As the pandemic boxes us in we shall fight on and use our creativity and ingenuity to come through. To conclude, here is the final roundup-

1.Cycling keeps you at a safe distance from other people

2.Cycling keeps you fit and healthy and lets you go at your own pace

3.Cycling helps keeps the Earth clean

4.Cycling helps you avoid using public transport, and helps you save money

5.Cycling now… will help the future of cycling


What more do you need? So now that we have given you the inspiration, go ahead - stay safe and go cycling!




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Exam pressure? Check this out to chuck it out

By Abhimanyu Rao


Exams are just around the corner (for most children anyway -adults are so lucky they are done with exams) and the pressure is building up! Everyone is telling us to not feel too much pressure, but no one seems to tell you that pressure can be helpful. Of course, I don’t mean we should forget breaks, or chew our nails straight off! Instead, take that pressure, and change it, twist it into something positive, morph it into your weapon, just as coal uses the pressure of the earth to become a diamond. Exams are just a set of questions and answers that you have to do! All you have to do is remember that you are doing the best that you possibly can, and that an exam day is just another day! Of course we have been told repeatedly that it is a day that decides our future, and sure, it tells us where to improve, but it is still just another day. So - what can you do to stop some pre-exam jitters?


Firstly, you can remind yourself that you have done everything before. Exams are merely a set of questions, made to see how much you understood, out of all that you had learnt the entire year. If you paid attention the entire year, you would have already done this at least once! Imagine that it is just a very long revision worksheet, because according to me, if you think of it as a revision, something of what you have studied the WHOLE YEAR!



Secondly, remember that pressure is good! Of course, you mustn’t pressurise yourself to the extent that you study for twelve hours at a stretch, but you should be pressurised enough to at least remember that you need to revise! You have the opportunity to get told when your exams are, therefore you have been given the opportunity to prepare for these exams revision tests on just another day!


Thirdly, we all are at home right now, and have the luxury of taking in the scenery and writing exams from home! Remember that this time, you don’t need to go to school, but you can be filled by the power of your own home sweet home. You can take breaks and get a change of scenery, play with your pets, chat with your parents, or just chill in a corner without being disturbed. Doesn’t it offer you even a little comfort that you will have the support of the spirit of your house? So many comic book superheroes and villains draw their strength from home, most notably, Hela, and Thor. So, if they can do it, you can too!


Now, we hope that this article has eased your mind, and you feel confident enough to succeed in your exam revision tests on just another day related endeavors! On that note, good luck for your exams, and always remember; You have learnt everything that is being assessed, and you need not be afraid. This year, you have the strength of your home to channel, that will empower you, and you have even figured out how to manipulate the villainous mental pressure! Remember to stay hydrated, stay relaxed, and not think too much of the exams as a number game. So say what you want, but you are ready to face the exams! (And with the preparation levels you can get from this, you’ll probably be able to save the world from an asteroid while finishing your exams with flying colours! )


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HAPPINESS QUOTIENT FROM AROUND THE WORLD


  • ‘The Mighty Mice’ were a few genetically engineered mice that were sent to space as a part of an experiment to see how to prevent muscle and bone density loss that astronauts face in space, which causes a lot of issues in the future, including osteoporosis and muscle dystrophy. The mice have had a molecular pathway blocked, which has proven to be successful! This could change space travel forever!

  • Nasa never ceases to amaze! Once again, it has shown us a wonder in space, by taking a photo of the Nile, the world’s longest river from space. It looks stunning, an explosion of light dancing around. It shows you the true beauty of water from high up above.

  • We read about a 19 year pilot named Ashli Blain who has been spending all her spare time helping fight fires in California. She was working on this right until her college orientation. That’s called selfless service to the community!

  • Astronomers say they have found a potential sign of life in the atmosphere of Venus. The Indian Space Research Organisation is planning a mission to Venus (called Shukrayaan -1, named after the Hindi name for Venus, i.e. Shukra), scheduled to launch in 2023.

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The Changemaker Report: MyWish4U Talent contest-

Today we are very excited to bring to you an initiative that going to great lengths to help people in need, and they need your support.

The MyWish4U talent contest is an online talent show that aims to raise funds to provide over 2000 slum dwellers with hygiene kits that will help them protect themselves in this pandemic. Our friends at this initiative have been tirelessly working. We know that to help the slum dwellers of India stay safe during the pandemic by providing them with hygiene kits. Our readers are very talented and we would encourage them to showcase their talent and sign up for the talent show! To enter the contest or donate to them visit their page at-https://www.smilefoundationindia.org/my-wish-for-you/

Please do register for it/ donate to the campaign/ or just spread the word. This shall help thousands of slum dwellers who are unable to protect themselves from the virus. They deserve to live safe and happy lives too! This is right up our alley; they are also spreading positivity. Please spread the word/ donate or register for the contest, the world will be a better place if you do 😊

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Brand new addition to the Weekly Digest - hot off the (paperless) press!!

Super Short Stories


When the Incas Came:Part 1

By:Agastya Rao


Part 1-

“Can anyone tell me who the Incas are”? No one replied.

Welcome to Victorian Elementary School, the most boring school on the planet (As reported by student reviews on Yelp). This is grade 5 and the students have been enthusiastically (not) learning Incan History. “James! Stop sleeping in class - have some respect.” “Ugh” thought the teacher, “everyone is so bored, how do I make the class more exciting?”

The bell rings and the students rush out for lunch. Right after the students leave, someone flies out of the whiteboard. The teacher runs back and is flung onto the door because of the blow from the whiteboard. “Oh hello, you must be the teacher. How are you today? I heard you teaching Incan History and I must say… I am very disappointed. Who made this textbook? They left out an entire chunk of vital information!”

“Excuse me, who are you? What are you doing in my class, and how are you an expert in Incan History? Do YOU have a degree from the Royal Brainy Community College?”, said the teacher. “Uhm… does being an ancient Incan count as enough proof? If you were a proper teacher you would have guessed from my attire that I am Atahualpa, the last Emperor of the Incas.” “Now where shall I be teaching my class; I have taken it upon myself to educate the young students of this fine establishment. “Congratulations,” said Atahualpa, you get a holiday. “Oh thanks! I'll go home, and you will be sure to teach them!”, mocked the teacher.

When the students came back from their lunch break, they were surprised to see someone new standing beside the desk. Atahualpa wished them and told them that he was their teacher for the day. The students ran out of the classroom and asked their teacher if Atahualpa was their teacher for the day, with a sigh she said…


What happens next? Look out for Part-2 in Weekly Digest #12



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Entertainment quotient for the week:








A. Amazon Prime Video:

-Star Trek (2009)

B. Disney+/Hotstar:

-Becoming by LeBron James

C. Apple Tv+

-The day we walked on the moon

D. Netflix

-First Man












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US Open and other Tennis news


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Dominic Thiem made a magnificent comeback and beat Alexander Zverev to win the Men’s Singles title at the US Open, ringing in the possibility of younger tennis players taking on the ‘Big 3’


- Naomi Osaka announced that she would be pulling out of the French Open due to a hamstring injury. At The Paperless Press we send her good wishes for a speedy recovery.



NBA(Basketball)


- The LA Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 4 games to 1 game to enter the Western Conference finals. They will take on the Denver Nuggets to battle it out for the trophy!


-The Boston Celtics lost in Game 2 to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. They shall try their luck in Game 3, as fans hope for a comeback!



Formula 1


Lewis Hamilton took first place in the restart of the Tuscan GP. He has maintained his position at the top spot of the table.


Cricket


The Indian Premier League (IPL) has scheduled its restart with the first game between reigning champions Mumbai Indians Vs. Chennai Super Kings.


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From The Literary World:

Looking for Books? See how we rank this week’s top book-

By: Abhimanyu Rao


Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens:

The first book of the soon to be 9 part blockbuster mystery series, this book is nothing short of exhilarating! Full of suspense and secrets, this is set in the 1930s when schoolgirlsThe Honourable Daisy Wells and Miss Hazel Wong come across the body of their science teacher , murdered.Together, they form The Detective Society, with Daisy as President and Hazel as Vice-President and Secretary. Alas! When the list of suspects goes on forever, and no one has an alibi, will the newly formed fearless Detective Society be able to solve the case?A perfect mystery book, because whoever you think killed her, it’s wrong… Book ONE(U/A- Violence)11+


The Incredible Cooking Challenge: With yourself


We thank all our great readers, who took some time out to make their INCREDIBLE Mug cakes. We wanted to share a few of their creations with you:


(to those who missed the recipe, hop over to weekly digest #10 for it.- https://www.thepaperlesspress.net/post/weekly-digest-10)



An IMPORTANT note-

The Paperless Press will be back after a one week hiatus, as their editorial team has exams. But don’t fret, your favourite digital newspaper shal be back for Weekly Digest #12 in the first weekend of October. Happy reading, and we deeply apologize for the inconvenience, but then again we shall be back. So set your alarm ready for an even better and exam tested digest!



Visit these pages to see some of our other endeavours!

Visit A Dogs Daily Antics to laugh your heart out with crazy captioned dog photos!

Visit TheChinappaChannel to see some quirky but nice videos that will make you roll with laughter


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A Note To Our Readers:

We thank our readers for supporting us these past months. We truly hope you enjoyed this digest and we hope this put a smile on your face. Here at The Paperless Press, we strive to provide free,fun and positive news. We would be very happy to receive your feedback and receive guest submission from our readers. We hope that you spread the word and enjoy reading our digests.

-Team Paperless Press


We hope this issue brightened up your day!





THE PAPERLESS PRESS INC

Contact us at-

paperlesspress9@gmail.com



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