Author: Singhum Rao

Seventeen-year-old commerce student Ananya Jain from DAV Public School, Ludhiana, has topped CUET UG 2025, earning national recognition for her academic excellence. Among over 10 lakh candidates, she stands out with a 100 percentile score in four of five subjects—an unmatched achievement this year. Ananya’s success stems from a focused, consistent preparation strategy. She relied heavily on NCERT textbooks to build strong fundamentals and regularly practiced mock tests to sharpen her exam skills. A month-long crash course further strengthened her approach. Notably, she began preparing for the English section two years ago, ultimately scoring 99.99 percentile through dedicated work on…

Once dominated by cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, UPSC preparation is rapidly shifting to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Emerging hubs like Bhopal, Indore, Ranchi, Dehradun, and Patna are transforming into IAS preparation powerhouses. Limited access to resources—once seen as a hurdle—is now proving to be a competitive advantage. Driving this shift is the rise of digital learning. Online coaching, test series, and mentorship programs have erased geographic barriers, allowing students in places like Gaya or Nagpur to access the same quality content as those in Delhi’s coaching hubs. Lower living costs and better quality of life also make smaller…

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched the restructured Research Promotion Scheme (RPS) 2025 to fast-track India’s translational research. Designed to bridge the gap between lab discoveries and real-world applications, the scheme focuses on advancing innovations in fields like AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space tech, rare earth materials, hydrogen energy, digital twins, and the Blue/Green Economy. Faculty from AICTE-affiliated institutions can receive up to ₹50 lakh for projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6 and 7—covering lab and field testing—over 2–3 years. A total of ₹60 crore has been allocated, including ₹10 crore exclusively for polytechnic institutions.…

France is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for Indian students, recording a 15% increase in enrolments between 2023 and 2024. In contrast, the United States has seen a 15% drop, largely due to growing political and economic uncertainty under the 2025 administration. Sudden policy shifts on immigration, F-1 and H-1B visas, and inconsistent messaging around international student support have eroded the trust of Indian families. President Trump’s recent announcement to revoke Harvard University’s ability to host international students further fueled concerns. Meanwhile, France has strengthened its student visa policies, offering Indian graduates clearer pathways into the European job market. Combined…

In politics, acknowledging public frustration often comes too late. After setbacks—whether at the ballot box or in Parliament—ministers emerge with solemn expressions, assuring voters they are “listening.” But by the time a rebellion forces their hand, the damage is already done. Labour’s recent internal revolt over disability benefit cuts illustrates this point with painful clarity. The Starmer leadership’s failure to anticipate backbench fury over planned welfare reforms nearly derailed a key bill. Though the legislation scraped through, it was visibly battered, saved only by rushed last-minute concessions and mounting disarray in Downing Street. Forty-nine Labour MPs still voted against it,…

The UK government’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has sparked nationwide protests, global scrutiny, and rising public dissent. Despite widespread public outrage and cross-party appeals for intervention, the government remains steadfast in its support of Israel, while increasingly cracking down on those who speak out—especially activists from Palestine Action. Proscribing this non-violent direct action group under the Terrorism Act is not only disproportionate, but also dangerous. It reflects a deeper attempt to silence dissent and suppress civil liberties under the guise of national security. When Protest Becomes a Crime Palestine Action’s primary tactic—spraying red paint on weapons factories…

On June 20, two activists from Palestine Action spray-painted RAF aircraft at Brize Norton to protest British military collaboration with Israel. No harm was done to personnel, and the act may at most be deemed trespass or minor criminal damage. Yet, the UK government’s swift move to proscribe the organization as a terrorist group is an unprecedented step that has raised alarms about civil liberties, the future of protest, and the state of democracy in Britain. The Brize Norton Incident: What Happened At the heart of the controversy is an act of protest. Two individuals entered a Royal Air Force…

Summer brings long days, bright sunshine, and energetic children eager to explore the outdoors. For many families, especially those without child-friendly gardens, public outdoor spaces become vital. These spaces aren’t just playgrounds—they’re lifelines for children’s physical and emotional well-being, and essential supports for parents navigating daily life. But across the UK, the reality is far from ideal. From broken splash pads to inaccessible parks, many public spaces fall short of being truly child-friendly. As urban temperatures rise and summers get hotter, the need for inclusive, safe, and welcoming public environments has never been greater. The Invisible Challenges of Urban Parenting…

The fashion world witnessed a symbolic shift as Anna Wintour’s resignation as editor-in-chief of American Vogue coincided with the high-profile wedding celebration of Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos in Venice. It wasn’t just a changing of the guard at a publication—it marked the twilight of an entire style epoch. Wintour, once the impenetrable gatekeeper of high fashion, represented an aesthetic philosophy rooted in exclusivity, restraint, and editorial control. Lauren Sánchez, meanwhile, embodies the new social order—unfiltered, unapologetically flashy, and immune to elite judgment. Their overlapping moments in the spotlight capture a striking transformation in how power, influence, and style are…

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders appeared on the June 24 episode of the Joe Rogan podcast, where he advocated for a four-day workweek. He argued that if artificial intelligence boosts worker productivity, the fair response should be reduced working hours—not layoffs. “Your productivity increases with AI,” Sanders stated. “Instead of losing your job, your workweek should shift to 32 hours.” AI Should Benefit Workers, Not Replace Them During the June 24 episode, Sanders argued that AI’s role in the workforce should empower employees rather than render them obsolete. “You are a worker, your productivity is increasing because we give you AI,…