Driving License in India

In India the minimum age required for driving is 16 years for motorcycles of 50cc or less and 18 for all the other vehicles.

Few Points to Remember

According to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, a valid Driving Licence is necessary to drive any motor vehicle on public roads.



Driving License is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Motor Vehicles Inspector's Office after the recipient has passed a driving test and has proved the required age.


The Driving License in India is segregated as Motorcycle License, Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) license, and Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) License.


Learner's License is issued after passing a theory test.


The legislation of Driving License is done through the 'Rules of the Road Regulation' and the Motor Vehicle Act 1988.


The driver of the vehicle is required to keep the original copy of the license while driving.

Types of Driving Licenses in India

To drive a motor vehicle in any public place an effective Driving License is necessary. By effective Driving License it mean license issued to a person authorizing him/her to drive vehicle of that particular category. There are different types of licenses issued by the RTO offices. Here we will discuss each of them separately.

Learner Driving License

This is a temporary license that is valid up to 6 months from the date of issue. It is basically issued to learn driving of Motor Vehicles.


Permanent Driving License

Permanent driving license is issued to those who become eligible for it after thirty days (to apply within 180 days) from the date of issue of the learner license. Person suppose to get permanent driving license should be conversant about the vehicle systems, driving, traffic rules & regulations.


Duplicate Driving License

In case of loss, theft, or on mutilation, Duplicate License is issued. The documents to be produced are FIR of the lost license, challan clearance report from RTA Office (in case of Commercial licence renewal) and an application in Form LLD. The particulars are verified by the authority from the records. The duplicate license will have the valid period same as the previous license. If the license is lost and expired by more than 6 months it requires permission from Head Quarter of Transport Department.

It is recommended to keep a photocopy of the original license or particulars of license noted in order to make it easier for the issuing authority to locate the particulars from their record.


International Driving License

The motor licensing authority also issues International Driving License. The validity of this license is for one year. Person visiting the country is required to collect the license from there within one year period. Apart from address proof and birth certificate, one has to produce a valid passport and valid visa while applying.


Motorcyle License or Two-wheeler License

Two-wheeler license is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTO) to permit driving of only two-wheeler vehicles like bike, scooter and moped.


Light Motor Vehicle License (LMV)

Light Motor Vehicle License is issued to drive light vehicles like auto rickshaws, motor car, jeep, taxi, three-wheeler delivery vans, etc.


Heavy Motor Vehicle License (HMV)

Heavy Motor Vehicle License is issued to drive heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, tourist coaches, cranes, goods carriages, etc. A person with HMV license can drive light vehicles but Light Motor Vehicle License do not permit to drive heavy vehicles.

Indian Driving License

Making Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Ghee is made by removing the moisture and the nonfat milk solids contained in Makhan (Indian Butter). It is a milk fat in its purest form

The temperature profile for Ghee
Starts to solidify below 63° F
Starts to melt above 99° F
Smoking Point 375° F

Advantages of using Ghee are
No splattering or burn-on during sautéing
Increased puff for pastries such as Samosa and pie shells;
Long shelf life

How to make Ghee?
Traditionally, Ghee is made from water buffalo's milk because of higher fat content than cow's milk resulting in a higher yield. However, nowadays its is made from Cow's milk.

Ingredient
1 pound of un-salted butter

Method
In a heavy stainless steel pan, melt butter on low heat. Turn up the temperature to medium. Let it simmer. Foam will start to form as the moisture evaporates and Oil starts to clarify. Skim foam off. Cook till you have a light yellow color oil with all the moisture gone. The milk solids will cook to brown particles and stay on the bottom. The whole process will take about 45 minutes. Filter the Ghee using multi-layered cheese cloth to remove brown particles.
Yield 1 ½ cup Ghee.

How to store Ghee?
You should be able to store at room temperature for about six months and about a year in a refrigerated environment.

How To Make Bubble Gum

This kit is educational family fun for ages 6 and up with adult supervision. Please read all of the instructions before you start. Your bubble gum kit includes the highest quality Gum Base, Citric Acid, Glycerin and Flavoring. You supply the powdered sugar and corn syrup. These are the five basic ingredients in all chewing gum. We have pre-measured all the ingredients so you can enjoy the process of making your own bubble gum without worry.
Bubble Gum Formula for 1/2 pound of gum

What you will need from your kitchen:
microwave safe or heat resistant dish.
A spoon to stir the gum base mixture.
Wax Paper or Ziploc Bag
-1/3 cup gum base
-1/2 cup powdered sugar
-2 Tbs corn syrup
-1 teaspoon glycerin
-1/4 tsp citric acid
-5-7 drops flavoring


1. Into a microwave safe or heat resistant dish, place the Gum Base, Citric Acid, Corn Syrup and Glycerin.

2a. Microwave Method Place all of the gum base into a microwave safe dish. Heat the gum base on high for 1 minute. Remove the gum base from the oven and stir it. If it has not melted, place it back in the oven and heat for 30 more seconds. Stir it again and repeat heating until the gum base is gooey.

2b. Stove top Method Place the gum base in a heat resistant dish that will fit in a sauce pan of boiling water. Cover the pan and bring the water to a boil. Turn the heat down so the water is at a simmer. Heat the gum base until it becomes gooey. This can take up to 10 minutes. Be sure not to let the water boil dry.

3. Measure out 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and set it aside for later. Pour out about one half cup of powdered sugar onto your work surface. Make a well in the middle of the pile.

4. Remove the gum base from the microwave and mix in 5 drops of flavoring. Pour the melted gum base mixture into the well. The gum base may still be hot but it will cool quickly.



5. Dip your fingers in the powdered sugar and begin kneading the gum base and sugar together. Work it as if your are kneading bread dough. Add more of the powdered sugar when ever the dough gets sticky. Continue adding sugar until you have a smooth, stiff dough. You must knead the gum dough until all the sugar is worked in. This will take at least 15 minutes. The more kneading the better. Kneading to little will cause the gum to break up when chewed.


6. Now it’s time to roll out your bubble gum and cut it into pieces. You can make a rope about 1/2 inch in diameter and then cut individual pieces about 1/2 inch long. Using a scissors make this very easy. If you like your gum in sticks, roll out the gum with a rolling pin and then cut out the strips with your scissors.


7. Dust all of the gum pieces with the tablespoon of powdered sugar we set aside. Store your bubble gum in a zip lock bag. You can wrap individual pieces in wax paper too!

Making Handmade Paper in 10 Easy Steps

Ancient Egyptians invented the first substance like the paper we know today called Papyrus. Papyrus scrolls were made by taking slices of the inner part of the papyrus stem, flattening then pounded into a hard, thin sheet. The word "paper" comes from the word "papyrus". The Paper that we know today was invented by Ts'ai Lun in A.D. 105, It is believed that he mixed hemp, mulberry bark, and rags with water, mashed it into a pulp, pressed out the liquid and hung it to dry in the sun. Paper was born and this humble mixture would set off one of mankind's greatest communication revolutions.

Today there is a revival in homemade papermaking crafts. Not only is it a fun experience for you and the kids, but it's a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities.

Below you will find a simple papermaking recipe to get you started. If this is the first time you are making paper, don't be afraid to experiment with different fibers, you don't have to stick with paper related products. Add whole flower heads to the pulp mixture after it has been through the blender. You can add scraps of yarn, tin foil, even seeds. Its all comes down to what you want. Experiment with different textures and colors after all Ts'ai Lun did! Remember, some of your ideas will turn out while others may not. Have fun with it, express your creativity.

Simple Recipe:

Many types of paper that can be used include:

-Computer Paper (unprinted)
-Newspaper (If you want a grayish colored paper)
-Magazines
-Egg Cartons
-Old Cards (For heavier paper)
-Toilet Paper
-Paper Bags
-Non Waxed Boxes (Pre-soak in warm water)
-Office Paper
-Tissue Paper (For finer paper)
-Typing Paper
-Napkins
-Construction Paper

Supplies you'll need:

-Sponge
-Window Screening (mold)
-Wood Frame (old picture frame can be used too) (deckle)
-Plastic Basin/Tub (Large enough to totally immerse frame)
-Blender/Food Processor (For making paper pulp)
-White Felt or Flannel Fabric
-Staples or Tacks (For tacking screen on frame)
-Liquid starch (optional)

Instructions:

1. Select the pieces of paper to be recycled. You can even mix different types to create your own unique paper.

2. Rip the paper into small bits, and place into the blender. (about half full). Fill the blender with warm water. Run the blender slowly at first then increase the speed until the pulp looks smooth and well blended. ( 30 -40 seconds) Check that no flakes of paper remain. If there are, blend longer.

3. The next step is to make a mold. The mold, in this case, is made simply by stretching fiberglass screen (plain old door and window screen) over a wooden frame and stapling it. It should be as tight as possible.

4. Fill the basin about half way with water. Add 3 blender loads of pulp. (the more pulp you add the thicker the finished paper will be) Stir the mixture.

5. Now is the time to add the liquid starch for sizing.(This is not necessary but if the paper is going to be used for writing on, you should add some, the starch helps to prevent inks from soaking into the paper fibers.) Stir 2 teaspoons of liquid starch into the pulp.

Place the mold into the pulp and then level it out while it is submerged. Gently wiggle it side-to-side until the pulp on top of the screen looks even.

6. Slowly lift the mold up until it is above the level of the water. Wait until most of the water has drained from the new paper sheet. If the paper is very thick, remove some pulp from the tub. If it is too thin, add more pulp and stir the mixture again.

7. When the mold stops dripping, gently place one edge on the side of a fabric square (felt or flannel square). Gently ease the mold down flat, with the paper directly on the fabric. Use a sponge to press out as much water as possible. Wring the excess water from the sponge back into the large plastic tub.

8. Now comes the tricky part. Hold the fabric square flat and slowly lift the edge of the mold. The wet sheet of paper should remain on the fabric. If it sticks to the mold, you may have pulled to fast or not pressed out enough water. It takes a little practice. You can gently press out any bubbles and loose edges at this point.

9. Repeat the steps above, and stack the fabric squares on a cookie sheet. Save one fabric square to place on the top of the stack to cover the last piece of paper. Use another cookie sheet to press the remaining water out of the stack. (do this outside or in the bathtub, it can make a mess)

10. After you press the stack, gently separate the sheets. They can be dried by hanging on a clothesline or laying them out on sheets of newspaper. When they have dried peel them off the fabric and voila! you have paper!