What is String Theory? Is it going to help me in any way?
–Dilip Kumar Giri, Howrah
A good grasp of string theory is essential for those who don’t want their pyjamas to fall off. String Theory is also the generic name for a number of theories of the universe, explaining its elementary particles. Think of it this way: just as the strings of a guitar can produce different sounds depending on their tension and vibration, so elementary particles might appear as ‘notes’ on elementary strings–bad pun follows–composing them. The theory attempts to unite the fundamental forces of nature, and in its ‘supersymmetric’ versions–pairing all particles of matter with force-carrying particles–is a TOE (Theory Of Everything). You can show this TOE the finger and forget about it, or study it (though it’s mainly mathematical and minimally musical) and be a researcher or teacher; or use it to impress your ignorant friends by tying them up in knots.
Why do the officers and clerks at government offices, whether central or state, not want to work or move files unless they are offered bribes? This is rampant in the West Bengal state sales tax department. How to get them caught? What is the process of notifying the CBI or other relevant competent authority?
–Ram Vikash Sharma, Kolkata
It’s called the law of inertia. If you witness corruption and want to ‘get them caught’ and suspended, then probably the only way is to approach a private TV channel and conduct a sting operation. But I’m afraid that even if you manage to do so, they will likely soon bribe their way back or otherwise return to office. The system is entirely corrupt, and some of the people who get caught seem to think they have added fame to their fortune. Filing complaints and even FIRs accusing them of corruption generally does little good. However, many instances of little good may add up to more than a fat lot of good, and you should do what you can if you have the courage (and patience). You could use the Right to Information Act, especially if it’s a case of someone refusing to push your file without a bribe. Write a complaint, also asking what action is to be taken, and address it to the Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Corporate Division; 14, Beliaghata Road; Kolkata 15. Write it on 10-rupee stamp paper or affix a court fee stamp, giving your own address, phone number, etc. for further communication. You would get the information within 30 days. Complainants might see their problem solved before a reply is required, simply because that’s often preferable to providing embarrassing information (even if Bengal ranks at the bottom of the table in public satisfaction with the RTI Act). RTI has become quite useful for getting minor work done; but it still does a toad’s load of good when hunting the high flyers. Just last week, for example, RTI activist Shashidhar Mishra was shot dead in Begusarai district of Bihar. Eventually the system will change. Honest citizens and government servants are trying out things like mobile networks to help each other when in trouble; and e-governance, technology and automation are making corruption more difficult; though at the moment we’re still being governed by greasy goondas.
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What is the history of the ‘Bigben’ of london?
It used to be a Pig Pen and nothing more. Then they divided the extra ‘nothing’ (or 0) into two parts and added these to the capitals. As a result, it became the most popular landmark in their capital as well.