My Science School

Extradition refers to the deportation of a person to his home country where he has committed a crime.

The topic of extradition is in the news because of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi. He recently lost in a UK court an appeal against extradition to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering in an alleged $2 billion fraud case. But what is extradition? Let's find out...

A deterrent to offenders

Extradition means deportation of a person accused of a crime to his home country. An international mechanism, it is essential as it brings fugitives (persons running away to avoid being caught by police) to face trial in the country they have committed crimes. Fugitives flee to foreign lands in order to escape the law of their own country. Extradition acts as a deterrent against potential offenders who consider escape an easy way to subvert justice.

How does the process work?

Extradition is the process by which a state, based on the request of another, sends back a person to stand trial for a crime punishable by the laws of the requesting state. An extradition request can be initiated in the case of under-investigation. under-trial, and convicted criminals.

The Indian Extradition Act, 1962 provides India legislative basis for extradition. This Act consolidates the law relating to the extradition of fugitives from India to foreign states and vice versa. The basis of the extradition could be a treaty between India and another country. India has extradition treaties with nearly 40 countries, including the UK, the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, and Germany.

Request through MEA

A request for extradition on behalf of India can only be made by the Ministry of External Affairs, which formally submits the request to the respective foreign country through diplomatic channels. Here it has to be noted that extradition is not available at the request of members of the public.

In case of urgency, India may request a provisional arrest of the fugitive, pending presentation of an extradition request. Request for a provisional arrest is considered appropriate when it is believed that the fugitive may flee the jurisdiction.

Are there grounds for extradition requests being turned down? Yes, there are. If the offence committed is political in nature such as treason and espionage, if the offence carries capital punishment in the requesting country, if torture or inhuman treatment is possible, or if it is a military offence, the extradition request could be refused.

Nirav Modi case

Diamond merchant Nirav Modi along with his associates allegedly siphoned off Rs 14,000 crore from state-owned Punjab National Bank in connivance with some bank officials. PNB unearthed the scam on January 25, 2018. In February, an FIR was filed with the CBI against Modi and his associates. In its complaint, PNB had alleged that Modi and companies linked to him fraudulently acquired guarantees worth $1.77 billion or Rs 11,400 crore to obtain loans from the overseas branches of Indian banks, claiming to need the cash to import pearls. Nirav Modi fled India on January 1, 2018, to evade the law days before a case was registered against him and his associates. The Indian govemment sent a request for extradition of Nirav Modi to the U.K. authorities on August 3, 2018. After several twists and turns in the case, Modi lost his appeal against extradition to India in the London High Court. Meanwhile, Nirav Modi has filed an application in the London High Court, seeking permission to appeal against its decision to extradite him to India in the U.K. Supreme Court.

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Meaning: It refers to any of the large rats of southern Asia, and to small insectivorous and herbivorous marsupial mammals of Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea.

Origin: In use since the 18th Century, it originated from the Telugu word pandi-kokku, meaning pig-rat. Later the marsupials came to be known as bandicoots too, due to their resemblance to the large rats.

Example: We were sure it was a bandicoot that scurried off into our shed.

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(pronounced as ski.tl)

Meaning: The word skittle corresponds to a game played with wooden pins, usually nine in number, set up at the end of an alley to be bowled down with a wooden disc or ball. The pin used in the game of skittles is also referred to as a skittle.

When used as a verb, the word can imply knocking things over, like in the game of skittles.

Origin: The word has been around from the 1630s. It could probably be from a Scandinavian source and can be compared with Danish and Norwegian skyttel meaning "shuttle, child's toy". The Oxford English Dictionary, however, says there is no evidence of such a connection.

Usage: Her incisive swing bowling meant that their opposition were often skittled out for a low total.

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Meaning: Voluntary is an adjective used to describe something you do because you wish to, without being forced into it. Voluntary can also describe a service offered without expecting any payment.

Origin: The term voluntary' comes from the Latin word voluntarius, which means "of one's free will." The Latin voluntas means 'will or desire'. The first-ever use of the term "voluntary" in English can be traced back to the late 14th Century.

Usage: My mother does voluntary work in her spare time.

The organisation is run on voluntary contributions from people within the country.

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(pronounced mag-NAN-uh-mus)

Meaning: This adjective is a formal word that means having or showing a generous and kind nature.

Origin: It is a combination of two Latin words magnus that stands for great and animus that means soul or spirit. It entered the English language in mid-16th Century.

Usage: She was a woman capable of magnanimous gestures.

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Meaning: A verb, wheedle means to use words for flattery. It is done to persuade the other person to do something.

Origin: The first-known use of the word was in 1661, although the origin of the word is still not known.

Usage: The sales representative was so good that she could easily wheedle my brother into spending more money than he had intended to.

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More than 200 years after its first publication, English author Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus is still discussed and lauded for its cultural and scientific impact on our world. Let us find out why.

About the author

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was born in London. England on August 30, 1797. Her father was an author named William Godwin and her mother was Mary Wollstonecraft, one of the most popular early feminists, who wrote the influential book A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) and championed the cause of women's education and equal rights. She, sadly, passed away 11 days after giving birth to Mary.

This devastating event heavily influenced Mary Shelley's writing. Many critics even argue that a biological reading of her magnum opus Frankenstein: or. The Modem Prometheus can help one look at it as a story of a monstrous or disastrous birth. Mary first met P.B. Shelley, her future husband and one of the greatest lyric poets of the age, when she was 14. The poet had come to consult her father after being thrown out of Oxford for writing the essay. The Necessity of Atheism.

The contest and the dream

While on vacation in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1816 with her husband, her stepsister Claire Clairemont, English poet Lord Byron and his doctor, 18-year-old Mary wrote the story of Victor Frankenstein in a friendly novel writing competition that ensued among her peers. Her novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, was first in 1818 anonymously in London.

In the introduction of the 1831 edition of the novel, the author explained that she wanted to write a story that would "speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken thrilling horror. But what really helped her create a narrative around this idea was a conversation she overheard between her husband and Lord Byron, on the new developments in electricity and whether it can possibly be used to bring the dead back to life. That night she had a waking dream of, "a pale student" kneeling next to the monster he had put together.

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

Recognised as one of the greatest gothic novels, this book traces Italian Swiss scientist Victor Frankenstein's futile quest to impart and sustain life using scientific means. Plagued by unbridled curiosity, he creates this monster part by part from different corpses and electrifies it into a conscious being. Upon completing the experiment, however, Frankenstein, appalled by his creation, abandons it and flees. Rejected by his creator, the nameless monster wanders into the wilderness, where he takes shelter and eventually learns to read and write. The plot of this story is the chilling chase between the creator and his creation.

What makes it a classic?

The Modern Prometheus

In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Titan god of fire. He is best known as the ethereal figure who stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind and was sentenced to eternal torment by Zeus for this act of disobedience. The authors mention of this figure in the subtitle alludes to her reimagining of what a modern and scientific Prometheus would be like. Through the character of Victor Frankenstein, she explores the jarring and tragic consequences of humans trying to play god.

Perils of being an irresponsible parent

The endurance of Frankenstein can also be attributed to its emphasis on the perils of being an irresponsible parent. A child's behaviour is directly related to the quality of parenting he or she has received. This justifies why Frankenstein's monster is looking for his creator to wreak his revenge for the neglect he feels that he has experienced.

"Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay To mould me Man, did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?"

Paradise Lost by John Milton Mary Shelley's choice to include these lines spoken by Adam in John Milton's Paradise Lost, in her novel's epigraph helps promote the idea of scientific responsibility. The transformation of the creature from a benevolent being to a murderous fiend because of his master's rejection and failure to take any responsibility can be understood, as Mary Shelley's warning against the single-minded pursuit of science without an accompanying concern about morality. The tension between Frankenstein and his creation represents the struggles among a parent and child, science, and morality. This story acts as a warning to treat all living things with respect.

Corruption of nature

Romanticism was a movement in 18th-Century literature that promoted the idea of purity in art, and inspiration in nature. It surfaced as a response to spreading industrialisation and scientific developments. Mary's novel as a text from this period acts as a cautionary tale that narrates the dangerous consequences of the corruption of nature in the quest for glory.

More than 200 years after its publication, Frankenstein's monster lives on in our collective consciousness as a disfigured mirror of the natural cycle of life and as a warming to not tamper with the laws of nature.

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Birdwatching is an interesting, exciting as well as a relaxing hobby for children. But do you know the basics of birdwatching? Read on to find out what we need to do when on a birding trail in this first of a five-part series.

Oodles of patience, hours of silent observation and no sudden movements - these are the prerequisites of birdwatching.

So you've bought your first pair of binoculars (if that's a mouthful, let's stick to binns or binocs!). Congratulations! I hope you have worn your dullest, darkest clothes, because birds have good eyesight and can spot bright yellows, reds and blues from a mile away. That's a green signal for them to scoot!

Locate the bird

First locate the bird with the naked eye when it flies and settles on a branch, and then focus your binocs on the spot. Birds usually sit high up in the canopy or flit amidst dense foliage, so it might be a while before you see one clearly.

Pointing your finger and letting out a screech of joy when you spot it to let others know, are strict no-nos. Birds think you are about to shoot at them if you lift your hand up suddenly. Their hearing is sharp too, which is why birdwatching is best done in very small groups.

You might think that following the sound of a calling bird would give away its hiding place, but be warned! Most birds are master ventriloquists so while you focus on a spot in front of you, the bird might be trilling away happily behind your back!

Peak hours for avian traffic

The time between sunrise and 10 a.m. are the peak hours for avian traffic. You will hear the maximum number of bird calls then and see them out in the open as they search busily for insects, berries and flower nectar.

The activity tapers off gradually by noon. In the stillness of the afternoon, birds sit quietly in the shade of the leaves and there is nary a movement to tell you that a little fella is perched on the twig near your nose!

By four o'clock or thereabouts, there is a stirring, a rustling and a hunting for a quick evening snack. And then there is a great flying to and fro as the birds return to their roosting spots for the night. That is a good time to watch them, too, but the fading light often plays spoilsport and all you can see sometimes are silhouettes.

However, despite tired arms, aching neck and sore eyes, it's all been worth it, because you saw your very first Asian paradise flycatcher in flight, weaving in and out among the leaves like a ghost, his long white tail gleaming in the dim light...

Birding app

Novice birdwatchers need not worry. The Merlin Bird Id app is a truly amazing, easy-to-use aid in identifying a bird by its appearance, calls, songs and the area and month one sees it!

Developed by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, New York, the free-to-download app has different 'bird packs' which list all the likely birds that can be seen in a particular country or region of the world, including oceans! There are photos, too.

Useful tips

• Most sanctuaries and national parks conduct birdwatching trails. One of the best times to watch birds is when the trees have shed their leaves.
• Wear dull-coloured clothes that merge with the surroundings. Avoid any jerky or noisy movements that would disturb a bird.
• Carry a pair of binoculars with you. A spotting scope would be ideal as you get an upright image unlike the inverted image you get in a telescope
• Take an illustrated field guide (or get hold of Dr. Salim Ali's "Book of Indian Birds") to help you to identify unfamiliar birds.
• Ideally, familiarise yourself with the birds in the region before starting the trail. For this, read about their physical features, calls, habitat and the time of the day when you are most likely to see them.

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In the world of animals, speed defines everything. You need to run faster than your predator to survive. Here we take a look at some of the fastest animals in the wild.

BLACK MARLIN - THE FASTEST FISH

It is estimated that the black marlin can go to a top speed of up to 80 miles per hour. It is also one of the top predators of the seas and uses its speed for hunting and evasion. They are seen to inhabit the shallow waters, close to shores, and are seen in the Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

CHEETAH-FASTEST LAND ANIMAL –

This cat can sprint faster than 70 miles per hour. A cheetah can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds! However, this mammal can maintain this speed only for short distances. Cheetahs live in the wild in scattered parts of central, eastern, and southern Africa. A small number of wild cheetahs live in Iran. India was once home to a thriving cheetah population which went extinct duelto hunting and habitat loss, Recently efforts were taken to reintroduce the cheetah to India with eight cheetahs being brought in from Namibia in southern Africa. The ambitious cheetah reintroduction project is being carried out in the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

PRONGHORN-FASTEST LAND ANIMAL (LONG DISTANCES)

 The cheetah may be the fastest sprinter but the pronghom is the fastest "long-distance runner as it can maintain a speed of nearly 35 miles per hour over long distances. Also called American antelope, the pronghom is distinct in being the only animal that has branching horns that it sheds annually. It lives in open plains and semi-deserts. It has remarkable vision and can identify predators at distances of up to 0.6 miles.

PEREGRINE FALCON –

The fastest flying animal A bird of prey, the fastest bird is the Peregrine falcon. It is seen on every continent except Antarctica. It is known for its diving speed during flight. It can attempt a mid-air dive at speeds of even 200 miles an hour. This is also how they hunt, by flying high and diving at their prey.

HORSE FLY-FASTEST INSECT

Large and agile, these flies can attain a speed of 90 miles per hour. It is considered the fastest insect in the animal kingdom. They can be as tiny as a housefly or as large as a bumble bee. Considered pests to both humans and animals, they are usually found around streams, marshes, and wooded areas. They are carriers of various diseases.

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Proposed on the lines of Project Tiger, the country's highest court seeks the government's view on the idea. What prompted this? Here's the story and background in five simplified points.

1. THE PROPOSAL: Coming to the rescue of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB), the Supreme Court has mooted the idea of launching 'Project GIB' on the lines of 'Project Tiger. A bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, and comprising justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian, also sought reports from the chief secretaries of Rajasthan and Gujarat in six weeks on the installation of bird diverters in priority areas and assess the total length of transmission lines in the two States where undergrounding of electric wires have to be done to ensure the birds do not die of electrocution.
2. COMMITTEE FORMED: The Supreme Court had earlier set up a three-member committee to assess the feasibility of laying high-voltage underground power cables. It had also directed the Gujarat and Rajasthan governments to convert overhead electric cables into underground power cables, wherever feasible, and install bird diverters in priority areas where the birds live. It has now directed the committee to submit an updated status report on the steps to safeguard the birds.
3. ENDANGERED SPECIES: The great Indian bustard, considered India's most critically endangered bird species, is especially found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and as per the 2021 report of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are on the verge of extinction with less than 249 of them alive. Endemic to India, these birds were once seen across several States in the country. Due to hunting, habitat loss, and accidents caused by windmills and overhead power lines, their numbers dwindled over the last few decades.
4. RECENT DEATHS: Being hit by overhead power lines is one of the major reasons for the death of these birds today, which is why the focus is on undergrounding such lines. While the work for undergrounding power lines has started in Gujarat, that does not seem to be the situation in Rajasthan, according to reports. Bird diverters too have not been installed in priority areas despite the Supreme Court's direction. This would explain the deaths of seven birds so far this year, which is a matter of continuing concern.
5. PROJECT TIGER: The Central government had launched 'Project Tiger on April 1, 1973 to promote the conservation of the big cat whose population had dipped alarmingly. The number of tigers in 1973 was less than 300, and according to the All India Tiger Estimation Report, that number rose to 2,967 in 2018. Project Tiger has been viewed by the government as one of the most successful conservation programmes for a single species in the world. And so, it is hoped that a similar project for this critically endangered bird species would save it from extinction.

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The lightning rod was invented by America's founding father Benjamin Franklin.

It protects buildings from lightning. It was invented by American scientist Benjamin Franklin who first proved that lightning and electricity were related, by conducting his fabled kite and key experiment.

The lightning rod is a pointed metal rod mounted on the roof of a building. It is electrically connected to the ground through a thick wire. When lightning strikes the building, the rod attracts the electric current and conducts it harmlessly to the ground through the wire. Thus, the lightning charge does not pass through the building where it could potentially start a fire or cause electrocution.

THE KITE EXPERIMENT

In the mid-18th Century, Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a storm to see if a key attached to the string would draw an electrical charge. It did and this led to his invention of the lightning rod which protects tall buildings from lightning strikes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Some monuments in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura bear some of the earliest examples of metal lightning conductors.

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A lie-detector test does not conclusively prove that the person is being untruthful and as such the results of this test are not treated as evidence in Indian courts.

It is a device often used during criminal investigations for questioning suspects. But how does it work?

A lie-detector or polygraph is a device that monitors a person's involuntary physiological reactions when he or she is questioned about a certain event. The instrument tries to find out if the person is trying to conceal something. It is often used during criminal investigations for questioning suspects. A lie-detector is essentially a combination of a variety of medical devices that monitor changes occurring in the body during questioning. The examiner looks for important reflex actions of the body when the person is subjected to stress, by monitoring fluctuations in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, etc.

Based on these indications, the examiner can at best interpret if the person is being deceptive. But a lie-detector test does not conclusively prove that the person is being untruthful and as such the results of this test are not admissible in Indian courts.

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