introduction (jiya/hriday): ladies and gentlemen, stargazers and globe-trotters, welcome to an

exciting new episode of "Keeping it Real,” a student-led podcast by the ib and a levels
students of SVKM. today, we will dive deep into the realms of science, aviation, geopolitics,
and the cosmos. Brace yourselves for a podcast that's all about engaging conversations,
light-hearted banter, and unlocking the mysteries of our universe.
- everyone introduces themselves

Hriday: Today's podcast is a kaleidoscope of topics that'll keep you intrigued and
entertained. From scientific breakthroughs to the wonders of aviation, and from global power
dynamics to the mysteries of the cosmos, we've got it all covered. So, without further ado,
let's launch into our first topic of the day: Chandrayaan.

P1: I hope all of you guys were waiting on the edge of your seats on 23 August 2023 at
12:32 UTC as our country made all of its citizens proud with the successful landing of
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the moon.

P2: Yes! After the gruelling 4 years of the devastating tragedy of Chandrayaan-2, ISRO
redeems itself by successfully making a soft landing at the lunar south pole!

P3: I wonder how much money they may have spent to send such an almost impossible feat
of engineering into space. They must have spent almost 10 billion to achieve this feat!

P4: Well then you must be shocked to know that they have spent only rupees 615 crore for
this.

P5: *Chuckles* So you mean to say that Bollywood movies like Adipurush with a budget of
700 crores have spent more money than the first landing of a lander on the south pole of the
moon.

Question 1: It's quite fascinating how budgets in certain sectors don't always align with the
magnitude of achievements. Isn't it intriguing that scientific breakthroughs often happen with
relatively modest investments compared to some of the flashy projects in the entertainment
industry?

Pause for answer

P6: And you may not even believe this fun fact that the engineers went straight to work after
the disappointing failure of Chandrayaan-2 to make Chandrayaan-3 in just under 4 years.

P7: I am genuinely impressed with our country’s scientists. Nothing could beat the work
Indian scientists put into this mission, and its success inspires the world to show how human
ingenuity can lead to stupendous results.

P1: Absolutely! The dedication and perseverance of the scientific community remind us of
the incredible feats humans can accomplish when they set their minds to it.

P8: I am pretty sure we all are very elated with our country’s achievement, but did you know
the purpose of sending the launcher to the moon?
P9: I heard that the main reason was to beat Luna 25.

P10: Well, not exactly. The main purpose of the Chandrayaan 2 mission was supposed to
research more about the water and minerals at the south pole of the moon, which was
discovered by the Chandrayaan 1 mission.

Question 2: You know, what I find fascinating is how technology has evolved since the first
moon landing. Do you think there's a fun gadget or tool that future moon missions might
introduce?

Pause for answer

P3: Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov also congratulated India on the success.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first world leaders to congratulate India
after Chandrayaan-3 made a soft landing on the moon's surface.

P1: It's heartwarming to see international recognition and cooperation in the field of space
exploration, isn't it?

For more information, “moreover, —--”

Jiya: With Chandrayaan's lunar success in our rearview, let's navigate our way to another
celestial wonder that has guided humans for centuries – the North Star, or Polaris. Just as
Chandrayaan had a mission, so too does Polaris – guiding sailors and explorers across vast
oceans.

P1: The North Star, also known as Polaris, has been used for navigation for centuries by
sailors and astronomers. It's a fixed point in the sky that serves as a reliable guide for those
traversing the high seas. In the northern hemisphere, the North Star is the only stationary
star in the sky, making it a crucial point of reference.

P2: Finding Polaris is like finding your way through a cosmic treasure map. It's located by
using the constellation Ursa Major, or the Big Dipper, as a guide. By following the two stars
that form the edge of the dipper's bowl, Dubhe and Merak, you're led straight to Polaris.

P3: Isn't it fascinating how humans have always sought guidance from the stars, even before
the days of advanced technology? It's a testament to our ingenuity and curiosity.

Q2: Speaking of technology, do you think there's a fun gadget or tool that future moon
missions might introduce? Something that could become as iconic as Polaris for navigation?

Pause for response.

P1: Can you believe that back in '85, Emirates only had two planes? Fast forward to today,
and they've got a fleet that could practically cover a football field. That's some serious
growth!

P2: And they didn't just stop there. They introduced the Airbus A380, those double-decker
wonders that redefine in-flight luxury. With personal suites and showers, it's like a 5-star
hotel soaring through the clouds.
.
(mahir can add more info)

P3: you mentioned earlier about the challenges airlines face. I'm curious, what's your take on
the balance between offering luxury and dealing with economic uncertainties?

Pause for response.

P4: Entertainment is a big part of modern air travel, and Emirates has it covered. Their
in-flight entertainment is like a treasure chest of movies, shows, and games. No more
boredom on those long flights!

P5: And if you can't survive without staying connected, Emirates has Wi-Fi up there too.
Imagine updating your Insta stories while flying over oceans!

P1: It's impressive how airlines are constantly innovating to make travel more comfortable
and enjoyable. And who would've thought that in-flight Wi-Fi would become a reality?

P6: (someone’s name) as our resident tech expert, what do you think might be the next big
breakthrough in in-flight technology?

(‘someone’s name’ will reply)

Hriday?: From soaring high above the clouds with Emirates, we're about to descend into the
realm of geopolitics and global dynamics. Get ready, because we're diving into the rivalry
and intricate relationship between the United States and Russia. It's a tale of power, strategy,
and diplomatic chess moves that's been captivating the world for decades.

P1: As we shift our focus from the skies to the geopolitical landscape, we're presented with a
fascinating puzzle – the delicate dance between the United States and Russia. Back in
2017, old Donald Trump seemed all keen on patching things up with Russia, and even his
secretary of state was on board. However, Putin's been quite the troublemaker, stirring
things up from Georgia to Syria to Ukraine and even dabbling in U.S. elections.

P2: Indeed, the U.S. has had its share of ups and downs with Russia, as leaders from both
sides attempted to mend fences and forge alliances. But with historical mistrust, competing
interests, and occasional cyber intrigues, the path to a stable relationship has been anything
but smooth.
Just like George W. Bush and Obama, who started their presidential gigs with stars in their
eyes about cosying up to the Kremlin, things got a bit rocky. Lesson learned? But Maybe
they need a secret ingredient for this recipe, something to keep that Russian strongman
relationship from going downhill. It is time that Western nations conceptualise, and seek to
negotiate, a new security architecture for those countries in central Europe that are not now
part of NATO that would guarantee their safety without bringing them into the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization.

P3: It's intriguing how historical baggage can cast a shadow on even the most promising
diplomatic endeavours. It's a reminder that the past shapes the present.

Q: Rajat, you've got a keen eye for analyzing global politics. Do you think there's a secret
ingredient that could help mend the U.S.-Russia relationship and ensure a more stable
future?

Pause for Rajat's response.

P3: You know, the apprehensions the United States harbours regarding Russia's superpower
status might be rooted in a mix of history, geopolitics, and genuine concerns about global
stability. Russia's actions on the world stage, from annexations to cyber activities, have
raised eyebrows and alarm bells.

Q: USA bhi kuch kam nahi hai, they keep interfering at every minute occurrence like for
example the russia ukraine war aur NATO.

P4: It’s safe to say USA's president and its defence minister sleep with their lights on due to
USA playing a HUGE role in the ongoing war between russia and ukraine since US was the
one pestering and giving false promises to countries to sign the NATO and i guess the treaty
brought bad luck to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. The USA was acting like those
aunty’s who keep calling as soon as your board results are announced.

P2: It's true that each move in this global game has its own consequences. And with both
nations possessing significant nuclear capabilities, the stakes are undeniably high.

Q: the rivalry between the U.S. and Russia seems never-ending, with tensions manifesting in
various forms. How do you think this rivalry impacts the rest of the world and international
relations?
Pause for response.

P5: (someones name) you highlighted the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine.
It's clear that this conflict has serious implications, not just for those directly involved, but for
the entire international community.

P6: Yes, certainly, the crisis in Ukraine has sent shockwaves across the globe, causing
political, economic, and humanitarian repercussions. It's a stark reminder of the
interconnectedness of our world.

P7: (someone’s name), what's your take on the aftermath of this conflict? How do you see it
shaping international politics moving forward?

Pause for insights.

Conclusion:

Hriday: And there you have it, dear listeners – a riveting ride through Chandrayaan's lunar
voyage, the steadfast guidance of Polaris, the luxurious skies with Emirates, and the
complex dance of power between the United States and Russia. Each topic has unveiled a
different facet of our world, leaving us with more questions and a broader understanding of
the universe we inhabit.

Jiya: As we wrap up this episode of "Keeping it Real" we encourage you all to keep your
curiosity alive, continue exploring, and keep your eyes on the skies – whether they're above
the clouds or scattered with celestial wonders.

Hriday: Remember, every topic we've touched upon today is just a glimpse into the vast
landscape of knowledge waiting to be uncovered. So, keep seeking, keep learning, and keep
those conversations going.

Jiya: Until next time, remember that the universe is full of mysteries, and we're here to
unravel them, one topic at a time. Stay curious, stay cosmic, and keep the chatter alive!