This paper questions the factors causing the formation of fractal formations when a less viscous fluid is dropped on a more viscous fluid (notably ink-alcohol in acrylic paint). The geometry and dynamics of such “fractals” formed in non-newtonian, viscoelastic fluids are highly dependent on viscosity, observation time, density, surface tension gradient, adverse pressure gradient, volume of solute and solvent, miscibility, and Reynold’s Number; alternatively, factors including atmospheric pressure, Peclet number, effective permeability, and height of drop are found to be negligible. Models using the Ergun equation can be taken to mathematically define such fractal formations, but the absence of a packed bed or the ideal condition involving a Hele-Shaw cell forced modification of the equation to suit the experiment. Further, equating the Young-Laplace Equation with the Lubrication Equation and Darcy's Law yields 2 new defining equations for fluid flow. This paper was presented by me (Shikhar Sehgal) at the Online International Young Physicists' Tournament 2023, on behalf of Team India.

This paper explores the debate surrounding a government's dependence on central bank money creation instead of taxation, often termed "monetary financing" or "helicopter money." Examining the advantages and drawbacks of this novel approach, the paper finds that reduced taxation can enhance fiscal flexibility, stimulate growth, and benefit businesses and consumers. Examples from regions like the United Arab Emirates, Monaco, and Texas illustrate the viability of low or no taxation models, though extreme positions are common. Critics raise concerns about central bank independence erosion, inflation risks, and intergenerational fairness. The absence of taxation can spur economic growth but may lead to rising money supply, inflation, and worsened trade terms. Modern Monetary Theory suggests that money printing is viable until full employment if higher taxes absorb excess money. While it offers flexibility in crises, the absence of taxation can foster fiscal recklessness, potentially causing currency crises and excessive inflation. It may encourage overspending, leading to central bank debt monetization, known as fiscal dominance. Furthermore, taxation's absence raises equity concerns, impacting wealth redistribution, market correction, and efficient resource allocation. Taxation plays a crucial role in achieving economic policy goals, including debt management, deficit control, and inflation regulation. In summary, relying solely on central bank money creation has short-term advantages but poses long- term risks to economic stability, equity, and fiscal discipline. Striking the right balance between taxation and money creation remains vital in modern fiscal policy. This paper was accepted for publication to European Economic Letters, a peer-reviewed journal, in September 2023

"Shikhar started by explaining the basics of poker, including the betting and bluffing and versions like Five-Card Stud and Texas Hold 'Em. He then covered the notion of expected values. Shikhar broke down all steps of poker into different turns, using expecting values in a scoring-game-outcome fashion. When the tree is collapsed, the result seems to be very similar to a partizan game." I presented this (official transcript) at Sprouts Conference, co-hosted by the University of New England and Florida Southern College, in April 2023

The objective of this paper is to determine how India measures inflation and whether the components are appropriately weighted in the consumer price index (CPI), while comparing India’s CPI weighting to that of other nations. Another key objective it to determine what is the correlation between various economic variables and inflation. The paper uses a qualitative economic overview, as well as quantitative analysis (most importantly regression analysis) to prove positive or negative and/or causative or non-causative relationships between variables and the CPI. The author has used data sources from public and private data bases as well as numerous research papers of policy/research institutes as well as national and international central banks and statistical organisations. Data from Jan 2012 to June 2023 has been used in most cases. Reviewed at the National Council of Applied Economic Research.

This paper presents research aimed at revolutionising the way vehicular communication impacts noise pollution in urban environments. As the clamor of traditional audible vehicle honking continues to contribute to noise pollution, this study introduces an innovative solution by replacing conventional honking systems with an infrared or radio frequency (RF)-based communication approach. By emitting inaudible infrared/RF signals, this system maintains essential communication between vehicles while mitigating the adverse auditory effects on pedestrians and residents. The research involves a comprehensive analysis of noise pollution challenges, its consequences, and existing mitigation strategies. It proposes an infrared-based honking system where vehicles emit signals that nearby receivers detect, ensuring seamless and noiseless communication. It also explores RF systems using the existing remote keyless systems of cars. This paper significantly contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban living by presenting an effective alternative to the conventional honking paradigm. It envisions widespread adoption of the proposed IR/RF-based communication system, requiring collaboration between manufacturers, regulators, and urban planners. As cities grapple with noise pollution, this research marks a pioneering step towards quieter and more liveable urban spaces while ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users.. Accepted to the National Conference on Applied Physics and Mathematics in September 2023.

In this article, I apply algebra properties and elementary factorisation techniques to solve a problem from the University of Waterloo’s 2023 Euclid Exam. The problem is particularly interesting as it initially seems deceptive to most high schoolers (this is the larger independent subpart of the question, but in total the world average for this problem was 3.3/10 according to the results booklet released by the University); however, elementary techniques yield a simple solution. Accepted to Azim Premji University's At Right Angles Magazine for publication in 2024.

Internship report of work conducted at Research Internship at Yulu, June-July 2023. I worked on projects on discrete optimisation, mechanical and automotive engineering, and few additional business recommendations.