In a breakthrough that could reshape our understanding of plant biology, researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) have identified what they describe as a cellular signature of the anaesthetised state in plants. The findings suggest that plant cells respond to anaesthesia through highly coordinated internal changes, despite lacking a brain or nervous system.

The research, published in the journals Advanced Biology and Chemical and Biomedical Imaging, has sparked discussion among scientists about how living organisms respond to anaesthesia and whether current biological models fully explain these processes.

What Did the Researchers Discover?

Using advanced live-cell microscopy, the IIT Mandi team studied tomato and brinjal plant cells exposed to anaesthesia. They observed that the nuclei of plant cells underwent highly synchronised structural reorganisation, with changes occurring almost simultaneously across numerous cells.

According to the researchers, this coordinated response followed a sequential cascade in which different intracellular components appeared to shut down in an organised manner under anaesthetic stress.

One of the most striking observations was that this synchronised behaviour occurred without neurons or a nervous system, challenging conventional assumptions about how such coordination is achieved in plants.

The scientists propose that these nuclear changes could serve as a universal cellular biomarker of the anaesthetised state across both neuronal and non-neuronal organisms.

A Closer Look Inside the Plant Cell

At the centre of the discovery is the plant cell nucleus, where DNA exists in two primary forms:

• Euchromatin, which contains loosely packed, genetically active DNA.
• Heterochromatin, which consists of tightly packed, genetically inactive DNA.

The researchers found that under normal conditions, plant cell nuclei move freely and display random orientation. However, under anaesthesia, they reorganised into highly ordered structures with remarkably coordinated behaviour.

This suggests the existence of a previously unknown mechanism of nucleus-to-nucleus communication that does not rely on conventional nervous-system signalling.

Does This Mean Plants Are Conscious?

While the findings raise intriguing questions, they do not demonstrate that plants possess consciousness in the same way humans or animals do.

The study identifies a coordinated cellular response to anaesthesia and proposes that such responses may represent a conserved biological signature across different forms of life. Further research will be needed to determine whether similar mechanisms exist in animals, microbes and other organisms, and what they reveal about consciousness or cellular communication.

The researchers themselves note that additional investigations across multiple species will be essential before broader conclusions can be drawn.

Connecting Modern Science and Ancient Philosophy

The study's authors, led by IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera and Professor Chayan Kanti Nandi, also discuss parallels between their observations and concepts found in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).

They argue that the synchronised nuclear behaviour observed in plant cells resonates with the philosophical idea of Chetana, a concept in Indian traditions that views consciousness as a fundamental property permeating all living matter rather than being confined to the brain.

These philosophical interpretations are presented by the researchers as a conceptual lens through which to reflect on the findings. They are not established scientific conclusions drawn directly from the experimental data.

Opening New Frontiers in Plant Biology

Beyond philosophical discussions, the discovery has significant scientific implications.

If future studies confirm that similar nuclear reorganisation occurs across diverse organisms under anaesthesia, researchers may have identified a common cellular marker that transcends traditional distinctions between organisms with and without nervous systems.

Such insights could influence future research in plant biology, cell signalling, anaesthesia, developmental biology and comparative physiology.

For now, IIT Mandi's findings provide compelling evidence that plants exhibit highly organised cellular responses to anaesthetic agents—an observation that broadens scientific inquiry into how living systems respond to external stimuli while leaving the deeper question of consciousness open for continued investigation.

In a significant boost to the India-US technology partnership, the United States has assured India that access to advanced technologies, including cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, will remain stable and uninterrupted once granted. The assurance comes amid growing global concerns over US export controls on AI and semiconductor technologies, providing India with greater confidence as it expands AI-driven public services and digital infrastructure.

The assurance was confirmed by IT Secretary S Krishnan following discussions with senior US officials during the Pax Silica Summit, where both countries explored deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and critical mineral supply chains.

According to Krishnan, Washington clarified that trusted strategic partners such as India would continue to enjoy reliable access to advanced technologies and that such access would not be withdrawn after approval. The statement follows recent US export control measures, including restrictions on advanced AI models, which have raised concerns globally over the predictability of technology access.

The assurance is particularly important as India increasingly deploys AI technologies in governance, public services, digital infrastructure, healthcare, education, and citizen-centric platforms. Officials believe that uninterrupted access to frontier AI models is essential for sustaining innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and supporting India's long-term economic growth.

During the summit, Krishnan held discussions with US Under Secretary Jacob Helberg on expanding bilateral cooperation in strategic technologies. The talks focused on developing resilient and diversified supply chains for AI hardware, semiconductor manufacturing, and critical minerals, reducing dependence on concentrated global supply networks.

The discussions also align with the objectives of the Pax Silica initiative, which seeks to strengthen cooperation among like-minded countries in emerging technologies and build secure global technology ecosystems.

The US assurance comes against the backdrop of tighter export regulations introduced by Washington to prevent the misuse of advanced AI and semiconductor technologies for national security reasons. India had sought greater clarity on the long-term regulatory framework to ensure that future policy changes do not disrupt its rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.

The development marks a shift towards a more predictable and strategic technology-sharing framework between India and the United States. Analysts believe the strengthened partnership could pave the way for greater collaboration in AI research, semiconductor manufacturing, digital innovation, healthcare, agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing, while reinforcing India's position in the global technology value chain.

Crop losses caused by wild animals are emerging as a bigger threat than natural disasters for farmers in Himachal Pradesh, with growing attacks from monkeys, wild boars, nilgai, bears, parrots and peacocks forcing cultivators to abandon traditional crops and leave agricultural land fallow. Farmer organisations are now demanding scientific wildlife management, better compensation and stronger government support to prevent a deepening rural crisis.

While erratic weather and climate change continue to affect agriculture, farmers say wildlife-related losses have become the more immediate challenge. During the 2025 monsoon season, natural disasters caused an estimated ₹79 crore in losses to the state's agriculture and horticulture sectors. In contrast, a Gyan Vigyan Samiti impact assessment estimated annual losses from wild animals and birds at nearly ₹2,300 crore, highlighting the scale of the problem.

According to the study, over 70 per cent of gram panchayats in Himachal Pradesh have been affected by wildlife attacks. The report estimated losses of around ₹200 crore in agricultural crops, ₹100 crore in horticulture, and ₹500 crore due to farmland being left uncultivated, in addition to substantial productivity losses from farmers spending time guarding fields instead of engaging in income-generating activities.

The crisis is also reshaping farming practices. Research by scientists from Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, found a 17.35 per cent decline in gross cropped area and a 12.66 per cent reduction in net sown area in the mid-hill region, with many farmers shifting from maize, pulses and vegetables to relatively safer crops such as turmeric, ginger, colocasia and okra.

Horticulture, one of Himachal Pradesh's economic pillars, is also under increasing pressure. The state's horticulture area has expanded from 116,338 hectares in 1991-92 to over 237,000 hectares in 2024-25, with the annual apple economy valued at nearly ₹5,000 crore. Orchardists report that monkeys, bears, bats and parrots are causing significant fruit losses, increasing labour costs and reducing profitability.

Farmer groups, including the Himachal Kisan Sabha, have urged the government to adopt scientific wildlife population management, strengthen compensation mechanisms and include crop protection measures such as fencing under MGNREGA. They warn that without coordinated policy interventions balancing conservation with farmers' livelihoods, Himachal Pradesh's agriculture, food security and rural economy could face an increasingly severe crisis.

A student who withdrew from a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programme just six days after admission has secured major relief from the Calcutta High Court, which directed a private dental college to refund ₹9.5 lakh and return all her original academic certificates.

The court ruled that educational institutions cannot retain students' original documents to compel payment of disputed fees, reinforcing the protection available under the UGC Fee Refund Policy 2024 and previous Supreme Court judgments.

Why the student left the MDS course

Dr Sreeparna Ghosh had enrolled in the MDS programme in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research through the management quota in August 2024.

She paid approximately ₹9.5 lakh, including tuition, admission and student activity fees, and submitted her original educational documents, including her BDS degree, mark sheets, registration certificate, domicile certificate and internship completion certificate.

However, after attending classes for only six days, she decided to discontinue the programme, alleging that the institute lacked adequate educational facilities and proper academic guidance necessary for her professional growth.

On September 10, 2024, she formally sought withdrawal and requested both a fee refund and the return of her original certificates.

College allegedly demanded ₹18 lakh before releasing documents

According to the petition, the institute refused to return her documents unless she paid the remaining ₹18 lakh course fee, citing a discontinuation bond signed during admission.

The student argued that withholding her original certificates prevented her from practising dentistry or pursuing higher education elsewhere, leaving her career at a standstill.

High Court cites UGC refund policy and Supreme Court rulings

Justice Krishna Rao rejected the institute's contention that UGC fee refund guidelines did not apply to dental colleges.

Referring to the UGC Fee Refund Policy issued on June 12, 2024, the court observed that students cancelling admission before September 30, 2024, are entitled to a full fee refund. Since Dr Ghosh applied for withdrawal on September 10, the court held that she qualified for a complete refund.

The court also clarified that even if an institution believes money is recoverable under a discontinuation bond, it cannot withhold original educational documents to enforce payment. Any financial dispute must instead be resolved through appropriate legal proceedings.

Court directs refund and return of certificates

Allowing the petition, the Calcutta High Court directed the Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research to:

• Refund the entire ₹9.5 lakh paid by the student.
• Return all original academic certificates and testimonials.
• Complete both actions within two weeks of receiving the court order.

Why the judgment matters

The ruling reinforces an important principle for students across India: educational institutions cannot use original academic certificates as leverage in fee disputes. The judgment also strengthens the practical implementation of the UGC Fee Refund Policy 2024, ensuring that students who withdraw within the prescribed period are protected from arbitrary financial demands and document retention.

For generations, paddy farming has been the backbone of rural life in Odisha's Ganjam district. Today, however, many farmers are abandoning the crop as repeated raids by wild boars make cultivation increasingly unviable.

In villages across Rangeilunda block, fertile and water-rich agricultural land near the Bay of Bengal is gradually being converted to kewra (screw pine) plantations, as farmers struggle to cope with mounting crop losses caused by wildlife.

Among them is farmer K Bhimaya Reddy of Nakaram village, who stopped cultivating paddy on his 2.02 hectares of land five years ago after repeated destruction by wild boars.

"Every time the crop begins to grow, herds of wild boars enter the fields and destroy it. In many cases, farmers cannot even recover their cultivation costs," said Ch Sudhkar Reddy, a farmer from Dankalpadu village.

The problem has become so severe that farmers in several villages have declared a "crop holiday" in protest. Social activist N Dambaru Reddy said repeated crop losses and the lack of effective preventive measures have left many cultivators with little choice but to either migrate for work or switch to alternative crops such as kewra, which takes five to seven years to flower but is less vulnerable to wildlife attacks.

According to local residents, the growing wild boar population has transformed farming into a high-risk activity. Many farmers now spend sleepless nights guarding their fields from animal raids. In parts of Ganjam, including Bhanjanagar, Polasara and Khallikote, temporary shelters have become common in farmlands as cultivators keep watch through the night.

"Our nights are spent chasing away stray animals," said farmer Trinath Pradhan from Gunduribadi village.

The wildlife challenge extends beyond wild boars. Blackbuck, monkeys and langurs also damage crops across the district. Yet despite suffering losses, many farmers continue to protect blackbuck populations because of long-standing local beliefs that consider the animal a symbol of prosperity.

In Bhetanai village near Aska, residents have voluntarily set aside more than 30 hectares of land as grazing grounds for blackbuck. Local conservationists say farmers rarely seek compensation for damage caused by the endangered species.

State government data shows compensation is being paid for wildlife-related crop losses. According to the Wildlife Odisha 2025 report, more than Rs 250 crore was distributed between 2015-16 and 2024-25 for crop damage caused by wild animals. During the same period, over 4.7 lakh farmers reported losses affecting more than 63,000 hectares of farmland.

However, farmers argue that compensation alone is not enough and that preventive measures remain inadequate.

In response, some cultivators have turned to technology. Solar-powered animal repellent systems and solar fencing are increasingly being used to protect crops from wild boars, monkeys and stray cattle.

Farmer Subash Pradhan from Nandik village said damage to his vegetable crops declined significantly after installing a solar-powered repellent device.

Agricultural scientists and government agencies are also promoting climate-resilient and wildlife-resistant farming practices under various rural development programmes. In Kandhamal district, authorities have installed solar fencing across multiple villages to reduce crop losses caused by animals.

Despite these efforts, many farmers believe stronger intervention is needed. For them, the conflict is no longer just about wildlife conservation—it is about protecting livelihoods, ensuring food security and preserving the future of farming in rural Odisha.

As wild animal populations continue to expand and farmland remains vulnerable, the battle between cultivation and conservation is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge for thousands of farming families across the state

In a landmark step towards integrating India's ancient knowledge systems with emerging technologies, the Central Sanskrit University (CSU) has announced the launch of a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science from the 2026-27 academic session. The programme, approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), will be offered at the university's Nashik campus and is among the first engineering degrees introduced by a Sanskrit university in the country.

The initiative seeks to create a unique blend of modern AI education and India's linguistic and cultural heritage. It is designed to train students in advanced technologies while encouraging research in Sanskrit, Indian languages, and traditional knowledge systems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the programme during his Mann Ki Baat address, stating that it would empower young learners with future-ready skills while strengthening their connection with India's rich cultural legacy.

The four-year programme will admit 66 students, including 60 regular seats and six supernumerary seats. The curriculum covers core subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Python Programming, Cloud Computing, Statistics, and Deep Learning.

Students will also gain expertise in specialised domains including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Speech Recognition, Conversational AI, Computational Linguistics, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), enabling them to develop AI-driven solutions for Indian languages and digitisation projects.

One of the programme's major objectives is to preserve India's extensive collection of ancient Sanskrit manuscripts, many of which remain untranslated or unavailable in digital formats. AI technologies will be used for document recognition, language translation, intelligent search, digital archiving, and knowledge extraction from historical texts.

The course will further explore AI applications in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotisha, Vastu, and Nyaya, opening new avenues for interdisciplinary research that combines technology with India's traditional knowledge systems.

With India's AI ecosystem expanding rapidly and demand for skilled professionals growing across industries, the university believes the programme will prepare graduates for careers in AI, data science, language technology, digital humanities, and cultural informatics, while contributing to the preservation and global dissemination of India's intellectual heritage.

As India accelerates its digital education mission under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform has emerged as the country's "One Nation, One Digital Platform" for school education. Developed to provide equitable access to quality digital learning resources, DIKSHA is helping millions of students and teachers across states and Union Territories access curriculum-aligned educational content anytime, anywhere.

Launched in 2017, DIKSHA is led by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in collaboration with the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET). The platform caters to learners from the foundational stage to senior secondary classes while allowing individual states to customise content in regional languages according to their respective school curricula.

The platform hosts a wide range of interactive learning resources, including educational videos, animations, virtual laboratories, simulations, augmented reality (AR)-based content, and Indian Sign Language (ISL) videos. These digital tools are designed to make classroom learning more engaging, accessible and inclusive for students with diverse learning needs.

A key highlight of DIKSHA is its QR-coded Energised Textbooks, which bridge printed textbooks with digital learning. By scanning QR codes embedded in textbooks, students can instantly access explanatory videos, teacher manuals, practice exercises, and interactive learning materials, creating a blended learning experience.

To promote inclusive education, DIKSHA also offers text-to-speech functionality, DAISY-format learning resources, and sign language content, ensuring students with visual, hearing, or other learning challenges can benefit from accessible educational materials.

Beyond student learning, DIKSHA has become a major platform for teacher professional development. Through flagship programmes such as NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement), educators can enrol in online training courses, upgrade their teaching competencies, and earn digital certificates.

The platform follows a decentralised model, enabling state governments and educational institutions to develop and manage their own digital content while maintaining quality standards through CIET-NCERT review mechanisms.

Students can also download study materials for offline access, while many schools are integrating DIKSHA resources with smart classroom boards to ensure uninterrupted learning.

With its multilingual content, technology-enabled learning tools, and teacher capacity-building initiatives, DIKSHA is playing a pivotal role in strengthening India's digital school education ecosystem and expanding equitable access to quality education nationwide.

In a significant move to strengthen traditional medical education, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to establish specialised Ayurveda gurukuls that will allow students to begin their journey towards becoming Ayurvedic doctors immediately after completing their Class 10 board examinations.

The proposed initiative seeks to revive the ancient gurukul system while integrating it with modern medical education, creating a unique pathway that culminates in a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree.

Integrated Pathway from Class 10 to BAMS

Under the proposed model, five Ayurveda gurukuls will be established across the state, each offering 100 BAMS seats.

Admission will be based on an entrance examination conducted after Class 10. Selected students will complete their higher secondary education alongside specialised Ayurveda training before progressing into the integrated BAMS programme.

Officials say the initiative is aimed at nurturing students at an earlier stage, allowing them to build a deeper understanding of Ayurveda throughout their academic journey.

Ancient Gurukul Tradition Meets Modern Medical Education

The proposed institutions will closely follow the traditional residential gurukul system of ancient India, where students (shishyas) live and learn under the guidance of their teachers (gurus).

According to Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (AYUSH) Ranjan Kumar, the objective is to produce practitioners who understand Ayurveda from its foundational principles, including classical Sanskrit texts that form the basis of the traditional medical system.

The curriculum will combine:

• Traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and Sanskrit learning
• Modern medical education leading to a BAMS degree
• Hands-on clinical training
• Holistic wellness and healing practices
• Ethical values and disciplined residential learning

The government believes this comprehensive approach will prepare graduates who are proficient in both traditional Ayurvedic philosophy and contemporary healthcare practices.

Focus on Holistic Learning

Unlike conventional medical education, the proposed gurukuls will emphasise holistic development alongside academic excellence.

Students from diverse social and economic backgrounds will live together on campus, sharing daily responsibilities and participating in community-based activities designed to promote equality, discipline and character building.

Officials say the institutions aim to produce well-rounded practitioners who understand not only Ayurvedic medicine but also India's long-standing traditions of preventive healthcare and wellness.

Cabinet Approval Awaited

The proposal is expected to be placed before the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet for approval. Once cleared, the state government will begin identifying land for the first five gurukuls and initiate the process of designing the academic curriculum.

If the pilot project proves successful, the government plans to establish additional Ayurveda gurukuls across the state in the coming years.

Boosting India's Traditional Healthcare Ecosystem

The initiative aligns with the broader objective of promoting India's traditional systems of medicine under the AYUSH framework. By introducing students to Ayurveda immediately after secondary school, the Uttar Pradesh government hopes to create a new generation of practitioners with a stronger grounding in classical knowledge, clinical practice and holistic healthcare.

If implemented, the programme could become one of India's first large-scale attempts to blend the centuries-old gurukul model with structured medical education, potentially reshaping the future of Ayurveda training in the country.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has introduced a comprehensive social media policy that prohibits students, faculty, staff and affiliated bodies from using the institute's name, logo, emblem or branding on social media platforms and promotional material without prior written approval.

The new guidelines are aimed at regulating the use of AIIMS' institutional identity across digital platforms while ensuring that official communication remains accurate, responsible and aligned with the institute's values.

Who will be covered by the new AIIMS policy?

The social media policy applies to:

• Undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and super-speciality students.
• Student associations, societies and recognised bodies such as ASA, RDA and SYS.
• Faculty members, researchers and administrative staff communicating on behalf of AIIMS.
• Departments, centres and institutional bodies operating official or semi-official digital platforms.
• Third-party collaborators and individuals granted temporary access to AIIMS communication channels.

Approval mandatory before using AIIMS branding

Under the revised guidelines, no individual or organisation associated with AIIMS can use the institute's name, logo, emblem or official branding in digital or print formats without obtaining prior written permission from the concerned department.

The restriction covers a wide range of communication materials, including:

• Social media accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X.
• Event posters, banners and promotional creatives.
• Videos, reels, podcasts and blogs carrying AIIMS branding.
• Publicity material prepared for institutional events or collaborations.

New registration and content approval process

Student organisations and departments operating official social media accounts must now comply with additional administrative requirements.

They will be required to:

• Register official social media accounts with the concerned department.
• Submit the names, contact details and institutional email IDs of account administrators.
• Appoint a designated Media Coordinator responsible for content approval.
• Clearly state whether content is student-generated or department-generated unless officially endorsed by AIIMS.

The institute has also instructed users to avoid posting confidential institutional information, politically sensitive or religious content, defamatory material, or any communication that could harm the institute's reputation.

Sponsored posts, promotional collaborations and partnerships with external brands will require separate institutional approval.

AIIMS warns of disciplinary and legal action

The institute has warned that misuse of its name, logo or institutional identity, or violations of the new social media policy, may invite both disciplinary and legal consequences.

Possible disciplinary measures include:

• Written warnings.
• Suspension of institutional privileges or association.
• Derecognition of student organisations or societies.
• Restriction or denial of permission to organise institutional events.
• Legal action in cases involving unauthorised use of AIIMS branding or serious policy violations.

Why the new policy matters

The latest guidelines reflect a growing trend among higher educational institutions to strengthen governance over their digital identity as social media becomes an increasingly influential communication platform.

By introducing a structured approval process, AIIMS aims to prevent unauthorised use of its brand, reduce the risk of misinformation, and ensure that official communication maintains professional standards while protecting the institute's reputation.

In a major step towards promoting AI literacy, digital skills, and workforce inclusion, the Indian Institutes of Technology Alumni Association Singapore (IITAAS) has partnered with the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) to train nearly 1,000 migrant workers in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy over the next two years.

The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 28, 2026, during the NTUC May Day Migrant Workers' Celebrations held at the MWC Recreation Club in Soon Lee, Jurong. Supported by the High Commission of India in Singapore, the initiative aims to equip migrant workers with practical digital competencies needed in an increasingly technology-driven workplace.

Training sessions are scheduled to begin in August 2026 and will be conducted twice every month. The programme is designed for workers from India, Bangladesh, China, the Philippines, and other Asian countries employed across sectors such as construction, marine, and manufacturing.

The curriculum combines foundational digital literacy, workplace technology skills, and introductory artificial intelligence concepts. Participants will learn practical applications of digital tools to improve workplace communication, productivity, safety, and day-to-day problem-solving, while gaining an understanding of emerging AI technologies.

MWC Director Michael Lim said that as digital technologies become integral to workplaces, empowering migrant workers with relevant skills is essential for ensuring their inclusion in Singapore's evolving digital economy.

The initiative builds on IITAAS' earlier outreach efforts, including a full-day AI literacy workshop organised in March 2026, which attracted more than 100 migrant workers. The workshop was inaugurated by Indian High Commissioner Dr Shilpak Ambule, highlighting the growing focus on digital empowerment within the migrant worker community.

IITAAS President Dhruv Jain described the programme as a long-term commitment to making technology education more inclusive and accessible while strengthening human capital in both Singapore and India.

If implemented successfully, the initiative could become a model for AI upskilling programmes for migrant workers globally. Beyond improving digital awareness, it has the potential to enhance employability, support career progression into supervisory and technical roles, and contribute to a more digitally skilled and resilient workforce in the years ahead.

Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and digital learning platforms are reshaping design education, moving classrooms beyond sketchbooks and studios towards immersive, technology-enabled learning. As design industries increasingly adopt AI-powered workflows, educational institutions are reimagining how students develop creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills.

Design classrooms that embrace AI-powered learning

Design education in India is witnessing a major digital transformation, supported by initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the IndiaAI Mission. Universities and design institutes are integrating AI-assisted design tools, generative design software, virtual studios, and collaborative digital platforms into their curricula.

Students are no longer limited to traditional classroom instruction. Instead, blended learning combines studio practice with AI-powered feedback, online design resources, simulation tools, and interactive digital platforms that enable personalised learning experiences.

VR is creating immersive design studios

Virtual Reality is opening new possibilities for architecture, interior design, product design, fashion, and animation education. Students can now prototype products, explore virtual buildings, test user experiences, and visualise concepts inside immersive environments before creating physical models.

Globally, universities are using VR integrated with AI to create realistic design simulations that encourage experimentation without the cost or limitations of physical materials. These immersive environments also improve collaboration and presentation skills while helping students better understand spatial relationships and human-centred design.

AI shifts design education from software skills to creative thinking

Industry experts argue that learning software alone is no longer enough. Modern design education focuses on using AI as a creative collaborator rather than a replacement for designers.

Generative AI tools can rapidly produce mood boards, concept variations, wireframes, typography suggestions, and visual references. However, educators emphasise that originality, empathy, storytelling, critical thinking, design ethics, and user-centred problem-solving remain uniquely human skills that cannot be automated.

The goal is to help students transform information into innovative design solutions through project-based learning and real-world challenges.

Future designers need AI literacy alongside design fundamentals

Platforms offering AI-powered learning and micro-credentials are helping aspiring designers acquire new skills in UX/UI design, product design, animation, visual communication, branding, motion graphics, and creative technology.

Industry leaders increasingly view AI literacy as a core design competency. Future professionals are expected to understand prompt engineering, human-AI collaboration, data-informed design decisions, and ethical AI practices alongside traditional principles such as colour theory, typography, composition, and design thinking.

The future of design education

The future of design education lies in balancing technology with creativity. AI can accelerate ideation, automate repetitive tasks, and personalise learning, but meaningful design still depends on human imagination, cultural understanding, emotional intelligence, and critical judgment.

As educational institutions invest in AI-enabled studios, VR laboratories, and interdisciplinary learning, tomorrow's designers will be equipped not only to use emerging technologies but also to create products, services, and experiences that are innovative, inclusive, and human-centred.

In a dramatic protest against rising smartphone dependency, a group of villagers in India collectively destroyed their smartphones with bricks and stones, declaring that the devices had become a "drug-like addiction" that was damaging family relationships and community life.

A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows villagers gathering in an open area and smashing their phones before publicly pledging to switch back to basic keypad handsets. Participants said the move was aimed at reducing excessive screen time and restoring face-to-face interactions that they believe have declined due to growing digital dependence.

According to villagers featured in the video, smartphones were increasingly consuming people's attention, affecting conversations within families, reducing social engagement and distracting children and young adults from studies and daily responsibilities.

"We realised that we were spending more time on our phones than with our families," one participant reportedly said, describing smartphones as an addiction that had gradually taken control of everyday life.

The collective action has sparked widespread debate online. Many social media users praised the villagers for taking a bold stand against excessive technology use and prioritising mental well-being, community relationships and real-world interactions.

Supporters argued that the incident highlights a growing concern across both urban and rural India, where increasing smartphone penetration has brought benefits such as digital connectivity, online education and access to government services, but has also led to concerns about screen addiction, social isolation and reduced attention spans.

Others, however, questioned whether completely abandoning smartphones is a practical solution in an increasingly digital world. Critics pointed out that smartphones have become essential tools for communication, digital payments, education, healthcare access and employment opportunities.

Experts note that the challenge may not be the technology itself but how it is used. Digital wellness advocates generally recommend balanced usage, screen-time limits and conscious technology habits rather than complete rejection of smartphones.

Nevertheless, the viral video has reignited conversations about the impact of technology on modern lifestyles and whether communities need stronger measures to address excessive digital dependence.

As debates continue, the villagers' symbolic act serves as a reminder of a growing global concern: how to enjoy the benefits of technology without allowing it to dominate everyday life.

From UX design and animation to fashion, interior, and graphic design, the creative industry is evolving faster than ever. As new career opportunities emerge, students are increasingly looking beyond conventional professions and choosing design as a future-ready career. The first step to study at a renowned institute via AIDAT, a Design Entrance Test.

In today's time, entrance tests for the design that’s held online, provides ease to the students across the country. Every aspiring genZ designer should think about taking one for the following reasons. 

Why Take National-Level Entrance Test for Design Admission

1. Be eligible for multiple universities with a single entrance test.

Multiple applications to various universities can be time-consuming and costly. There are many national level design entrance tests which offer students the chance to explore admissions to multiple institutions of their choice in a single examination. This has made the admission process easier and students are able to make an informed choice prior to all universities.

1. Find out if Design is the Career for You

A design entrance test isn't simply a test to see if you can get into college. It also provides students with an understanding of whether or not they have the creativity, observation, logical thinking and visual communication skills necessary to be successful in the design field.

Students can take a design aptitude test, even if they have not finalized their career path after class 12, as it will help guide their choices.

1. Take an online exam with the convenience of home!

The greatest benefit of an online design entrance exam is the accessibility. Students may appear for the examination without having to travel extensively, and can concentrate on preparing for the examination rather than on travel. This makes it easier to get into, especially for students from different parts of the country.

1. Designed to prepare for diverse design careers.

Today, the design industry doesn’t imply one saturated field. Students have the option of studying UX/UI Design, Product Design, Animation, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, Game Design and Industrial Design.

A national-level entrance test provides students with access to undergraduate design programmes across participating institutions.

1. Develop confidence prior to university applications

AIDAT’s preparation boosts the creative thinking, problem-solving, observation, and aptitude skills of the students. The student's experience of taking a competitive examination also familiarises him/her with the structured admission process and builds confidence as he/she starts higher studies.

1. Take the first step towards a creative career

If you are passionate about creativity, innovation and using design to solve real-world problems, you should definitely apply for professional education through an entrance exam. The goal of becoming a graphic designer, fashion designer, animator, interior designer, user experience specialist, and so on is achieved through a national-level design entrance test, which offers a structured starting point.

Which entrance exam should one take for gaining admission into a top design school?

AIDAT, also known as All India Design Aptitude Test is the one entrance exam that is revolutionising admission into top design institutes in India. It is a 100% online entrance test that offers the convenience of taking the test from anywhere in India, making it genZ friendly. It also has over 100 top universities as its partners that makes one AIDAT score a key to 100+ top design schools. 

What must students know?

As companies continue to rely on creativity, technology and user-centred innovation, there is a growing demand for designers who know how to succeed in this field. Taking a Design Entrance Test is not just about gaining admission to a design school, it's also a chance for Gen Z students to evaluate their abilities, discover top universities, and start their creative careers.

As online examinations have been making higher education more accessible, clearing a national level design entrance test can be an important first step to long-term career goals in the design industry.

So, if you are a passionate soul, register for the AIDAT entrance Test or call for free career consultation @ 08035018542.

Forensic science is a trending career chosen by high caliber students. This field is an emerging lucrative sector that needs experts. But many of the students have no idea about where to start, how to make a career or what to do next after class 12th. 

A national-level entrance exam is your first step. For forensic science, AIFSET (All India Forensic Science Entrance Test) conducted by Edinbox, is the most recognized option. But clearing the exam is just the beginning. Here’s what you need to know before you apply.

What is a Forensic Science Entrance Test?

The Forensic Science Entrance Test is a kind of test that is used to determine a student's aptitude for being able to take up undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Forensic Science. These tests assess the candidate's scientific knowledge, logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential for a job in Forensic Investigation.

All India Forensic Science Entrance Test (AIFSET) is a national level entrance test for students to secure admission to participating universities for pursuing a course in forensic science.

Who is Eligible for AIFSET?

Students who have passed or are appearing for their class 12th exam (Science stream) can apply to various undergraduate forensic science courses offered by various institutions through AIFSET.

The basic requirements include:

1. Science background 
2. Pass out of recognised board
3. 50% minimum aggregate 

Candidates are advised to read eligibility criteria, academic qualification and admission guidelines carefully of their desired course before applying for the registration, or consult expert counsellors of AIFSET for free @08035018480.

What is the AIFSET Exam Testing?

The examination will test the basic skills and knowledge needed to pursue Forensic Science. The syllabus comprises of:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Logical reasoning
• Analytical ability
• General scientific aptitude

How do students contribute to their preparation?

The preparation for a forensic science entrance exam should be conceptual instead of memorative. Students should revise NCERT science books properly, practice reasoning questions from time to time and practice time management skills by taking mock tests.

It is important for students to learn about recent advances in forensic science, criminal investigation, DNA analysis, cyber forensics, toxicology and forensic technology in order to develop a grasp of the field they choose to pursue.

There is a general rule that extends over many weeks, rather than last minute revision, practice will be more successful.

Why is AIFSET Important?

The AIFSET test is a common entrance test for admission to the top universities in India offering Forensic science courses, without the hassle of taking different tests and being puzzled with the options. This eases the admission process and enables students to showcase their forensic science aptitude.

The test also helps students test and reflect their analytical skills, scientific curiosity and observation skills to see if they have a scientific bent of mind and if this field will suit them.

Potential Career Paths in Forensic Science

Graduates of the forensic science program have career prospects in the government and private sectors. Graduates can find employment in a forensic laboratory, police force,cybercrime unit, hospitals, legal consultation firms, insurance firms, research institutes and private forensic agencies.

Some of the more popular specialisations are forensic biology, forensic chemistry, DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprint examination, questioned document analysis, ballistics and crime scene investigation.

As more and more importance is laid on science in the criminal justice system, the need for trained forensic experts is rising in India.

What Must Students Know?

The first step to a successful career in forensic investigation is to select the right Forensic Science Entrance Test. While preparing diligently for Class 11 and 12 Science, students should have knowledge of the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and selection process before appearing before AIFSET.

With a keen curiosity for scientific research and problem solving, a strategic preparation plan can help prospective forensic professionals kick-start a successful career in one of the most vibrant scientific fields in India.

If you already have an audience on Instagram, YouTube, or other social media, you're not a content creator, you're already a communicator. As the creator economy becomes increasingly competitive, many potential  influencers are wondering whether it's worth pursuing a degree when they are already making money from social media.

Yes, of course, but if you're looking to build a career out of content creation and not just the latest algorithm or brand partnership, then the answer is yes.

A Degree is still Important for Influencers

Making viral content is just one aspect of being successful in the media business. Today's creators need to know how to brand, tell a story, know how to work with the audience, know digital marketing, know media ethics, and know how to communicate professionally. These skills can be applied to creating content that is more effective and useful, and can also lead to jobs outside of social media.

A professional media degree educates you on how communication works on television, news, digital, advertising, public relations and corporate media. It also boosts hands-on abilities such as scriptwriting, video creation, interviewing, public speaking, and content strategy, which are essential for influencers.

What Degree Should You Pursue?

The BA Journalism and Mass Communication (BAJMC) is one of the best choices for most creators. The programme will be a mix of journalism, digital media, broadcasting, storytelling and multimedia production, which is perfect for aspiring media professionals, podcasters, Instagram creators and YouTubers.

Other great options are the Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM), Bachelor of Media Studies (BMS), and the BA Media & Communication, all of which specialize in advertising, branding, content, and strategic communication. For students who are interested in visual storytelling, there are also BSc Animation & Graphics and BSc Media Technologies.

Create A Career Outside Of Content Creation

A degree in media does not diminish your online presence, it enhances it. You can also pursue a career as a journalist, television correspondent, public relations officer, digital content strategist, news analyst, creative producer, social media manager, or communication consultant, in addition to building your personal brand. These opportunities offer a sense of security while still helping you to grow your creator brand.

Where to Get Started?

Selecting the right university is as crucial as selecting the right degree if you're going to study journalism or mass communication. With edInbox as its powerhouse, the Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET) provides admission to undergraduate media courses in 100+ participating universities.

GMCET assesses communication ability, analytical ability and logical reasoning skills in the programmes like BA Journalism & Mass Communication, Bachelor of Mass Media, Bachelor of Media Studies, BA Media & Communication, and BSc Media Technologies. Students can learn about several universities and make a first step towards a professional career in the media world through a single entrance examination.

What Must Students Know?

Being a micro influencer proves you know how to engage an audience. With a media degree, you will learn the reasons behind that engagement and how to make it a career that lasts a lifetime. With the ongoing advancement of digital media, the fusion of the real world's creator experience and professional education can provide you with a competitive edge in the media industry.

Every year, thousands of Commerce students in India ask the same question after Class 12: Is it possible to make a career in healthcare without studying PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)?

Yes, but there are some conditions. Although not all healthcare-related courses will accept Commerce students, there are a number of allied healthcare courses and healthcare management courses that do.

The healthcare sector in India is growing, with the rise in hospitals, diagnostics, health insurance, digital health, and healthcare administration, the need for professionals with expertise in healthcare operations, management, technology, and patient services is also on the rise.

If you are a Commerce student who is interested in the healthcare sector, here's everything you need to know.

Is it possible for Commerce students to do B.Sc. Healthcare courses?

Yes, Commerce students can take admission in some of the B.Sc. courses, but it will depend on the university and the course. There are numerous traditional B.Sc. medical courses like:

• B.Sc. Nursing
• B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology
• B.Sc. Radiology
• B.Sc. Operation Theatre Technology
• B.Sc. Dialysis Technology

For these, Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) is a compulsory subject. But there are also a number of universities that provide undergraduate courses in healthcare that will accept students from Commerce backgrounds. These programs emphasize more on healthcare management, administration, public health, digital health, nutrition, hospital operations, and allied healthcare services, than on clinical treatment. Students are advised to always review the University's eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Why Healthcare is the No. 1 Career Choice for Commerce Students?

In today's hospitals, there are many jobs that need to be done that involve finance, administration, operations, insurance, digital systems, medical records, supply chains, and patient services. This is why commerce students are actively choosing jobs in the healthcare sector.

The rapid growth of:

• Corporate hospitals
• Health-tech companies
• Medical insurance
• Telemedicine
• Digital healthcare
• Hospital chains

has developed a need for graduates who have business, management and analytical skills and also knowledge of healthcare. This is a great reason for Commerce students to consider a career in healthcare.

Best Healthcare Courses For Commerce students

Commerce students may be eligible for the following programmes:

• B.Sc. Healthcare Management
• B.Sc. Hospital Administration
• B.Sc. Health Information Management
• B.Sc. Public Health
• Bachelor of Hospital Management (BHM)
• Bachelor of Healthcare Management
• BBA in Healthcare Management
• BBA in Hospital Administration
• Health Insurance and Medical Coding programmes

The courses are designed for students who are interested in non-clinical careers in the health care field.

Career scope after Healthcare Courses

Today's healthcare graduates can be found in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic centres, insurance companies, healthcare startups, NGOs and government health organisations.

Some popular career options include:

• Hospital Administrator
• Healthcare Manager
• Medical Records Manager
• Health Information Executive
• Healthcare Operations Executive
• Patient Relationship Manager
• Health Insurance Executive
• Medical Coding Specialist
• Healthcare Quality Executive
• Public Health Coordinator
• Healthcare Consultant

These positions are likely to increase with the growth of India's healthcare system.

Are These Jobs High Paying?

Salaries vary by course, employer, geographic location and experience. Hospital administration and healthcare management entry-level jobs pay a competitive salary, while experienced professionals in corporate hospitals, multinational healthcare firms, health-tech companies, and insurance companies tend to have higher packages.

Those who pursue postgraduate courses in management or public health will have the opportunity to further enhance their career prospects.

Skills required for a successful career in healthcare

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Data management skills
• Basic computer knowledge
• Analytical thinking
• Customer service skills
• Time management

Interpersonal skills are as critical as technical skills in the healthcare industry, which is a people-centric business.

How to Get Admission After Class 12 Commerce

The requirements for admission to a university vary from one to another. There are institutes that accept students on the basis of class 12 marks and others that have their own entrance process or accept marks from the national level entrance exams.

Is Healthcare a good career for Commerce Students?

Yes, if students select a course that is appropriate for their eligibility and career plans. The health care field requires workers with a variety of educational backgrounds, not just doctors and nurses. The importance of management, administration, digital health, hospital operations, insurance and healthcare technology in delivering quality healthcare services is growing to be equally important.

Healthcare can be a stable career path, with ample opportunities for growth and the chance to make a difference in one of India's fastest-growing industries, for students with an interest in working with people, solving problems, and managing organisations.

What Must Students Note?

If you thought that Commerce students couldn't make a career in the healthcare industry, you should think again. Most clinical courses will require a Science background with Biology, but there are numerous allied healthcare and healthcare management courses that can pave the way to a successful career in hospitals, healthcare firms, insurance companies, and health-tech startups.

Make sure to read the requirements for your university of choice, the course structure and select a course that you are interested in and have future career aspirations. With the healthcare industry expanding in India, skilled and educated professionals will continue to be in demand for years to come.

Nowadays, Artificial Intelligence is not confined to big companies, it is being used by startups, founders, leaders, policymakers, and everyone else. The scope of artificial intelligence is increasing day by day with more users preferring it for their daily tasks. AI courses after 12th are becoming the highly demanded courses for building lucrative careers.

Students in India who are passionate about AI and wish to pursue AI courses, must know the eligibility criteria, entrance requirements, career scope, salary and what best aligns with them. According to latest reports, companies are actively looking for professionals who are AI experts and have AI skills. This is why there is a significant rise in demand for AI degree courses and specialised courses. 

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about building an AI career in India. From eligibility to entrance test, career score, and more, all the information can be found here.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is basically a field of computer science that makes machines capable of doing what humans can do. This includes, data processing, learning, speech and image recognition, problem solving, language understanding, and more. 

Some examples of AI are as follows:

• Chatbot and virtual assistant
• Voice assistant 
• Self-driving vehicles 
• Algorithm and recommendation systems
• Ai powered healthcare tools 
• Fraud detection AI

AI is often used with Machine learning, robotics, data science, and cloud computing. These are thus some of the highest paying careers today with salaries starting at 12-16LPA.

Is AI a good career in India?

AI is considered one of the most promising technology careers as it's being used in several industries and not just one. AI is applied in businesses to enhance efficiency, to analyse data, to automate repetitive tasks, to personalise customer experience and to aid in decision making. This widespread acceptance opens up possibilities for graduates with AI skills to pursue careers in both established businesses and startups.

In the field of AI, however, the key to success lies in developing solid technical expertise, hands-on experience, and staying current with emerging technologies.

Can You Study AI after Class 12th?

Yes. students who are clear about what they want to do in life, which field they want to pursue and whether they are capable of pursuing such a high pressure career. 

The students who are from Science stream, particularly Mathematics can directly enroll in undergraduate courses related to Artificial Intelligence. There are also some universities that provide interdisciplinary AI courses, which integrate computer science, programming, mathematics, and practical applications. 

How to Pursue an AI Career?

Students who want to work in the field of AI can start preparing even before entering college. Basic programming languages, reinforcing maths skills, coding competitions, small projects, and data analysis can be a great foundation. Other experiences, such as internships, hackathons, research projects, and open-source contributions, can also help develop practical skills that are sought after by employers.

Popular AI Courses After 12th

There are a number of undergraduate courses in Artificial Intelligence available. The most popular are:

• B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence
• B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence
• B.Sc. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• BCA with Artificial Intelligence
• B.Tech Computer Science (AI Specialisation)
• AI and Data Science Programmes are integrated.

Typically, students will study programming, machine learning, deep learning, data analytics, neural networks, cloud computing, mathematics, and AI applications.

Eligibility for AI Courses

While this may differ from one institution to another, most undergraduate AI programs will ask for the following:

• Passing out of class 12 from a recognized board.
• Maths is a mandatory subject in many engineering courses.
• Fulfilling the admission requirements of the university or entrance test.

Eligibility requirements vary by program and students are always advised to check the specific requirements before applying.

What Entrance Exam One must Take to  pursue these courses? 

Admission to AI courses varies from one university to another. Some institutions admit students through national or state-level engineering entrance exams, while others conduct their own admission process.

Students looking for admission to B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence, B.Tech in AI & Machine Learning, BCA with AI, B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence, and other AI-related programmes can also consider appearing for the Global Common Science Entrance Test (GCSET).

GCSET is a national-level entrance exam that offers students a single-window opportunity to gain admission to participating universities offering science and technology programmes, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Biotechnology, and other emerging technology courses. Instead of applying through multiple admission processes, students can use a single entrance test to explore a wide range of future-focused programmes across participating institutions.

Choosing the right entrance exam can simplify the admission process and help students find a university that best matches their career goals in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

Skills needed to build a career in AI

Artificial Intelligence is not just about the technical aspects; it's about problem-solving. Useful skills include:

1. Logical thinking
2. Mathematics
3. Programming
4. Analytical skills
5. Curiosity
6. Problem-solving
7. Communication
8. Continuous learning

AI is a constantly changing domain and lifelong learning is a crucial aspect of the job.

Career Scope of AI Courses

AI graduates can find jobs in tech firms, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, retail, logistics, and government organisations.Some common career roles include:

• Artificial Intelligence Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• AI Research Associate
• Computer Vision Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• AI Product Manager

With the increasing adoption of AI, the need for these professionals is projected to rise in various sectors.

How much do AI Professionals make?

Pay is based on education, skills, experience, employer and location. The salary range for entry-level positions is competitive with many other technology jobs, whereas seasoned AI experts, machine learning engineers, and data scientists can command much higher pay as they develop their skills.

Students should keep in mind that the acquisition of good programming skills, project completion and internships can have a more significant effect on career progression than the degree title.

What Must AI Aspirants Know?

AI is revolutionizing the way businesses function and how people work. The need for AI professionals is likely to persist in the future as industries embrace AI solutions. 

AI is an exciting field for students who are graduating from Class 12, as it provides a pathway to a career in technology, innovation, and problem-solving. Selecting the right course, building practical skills, and staying up-to-date with new technologies will be essential to long-term success.

Instead of AI being merely another degree, students should think of it as a field that is changing quickly, and curiosity, technical skills, and adaptability will be important to future career paths.

The farming tradition of handing down an agriculture career from one generation to the next one was a reality for many years. The agriculture sector, however, has since grown into one of the world's most dynamic and promising sectors, where science and business skills are needed. This shift has made Farm Management an important career option for students with interests in agriculture, technology, and economics and sustainability.

A farm manager is no longer the mere overseer of cultivation, but someone whose role is in strategic planning, financial management, optimizing resources, risk assessment, managing the workforce, marketing, and sustainable production practices. In several aspects, they are the CEO of an agricultural business.

What Does a Farm Manager Do?.

Farm managers are responsible for the short-term and long-term management of agricultural enterprises. Their responsibilities include:

• Planning crop and livestock production
• Creating annual budgets and financial forecasts
• Labour, machinery, irrigation and farm infrastructure management.
• Soil health and Resource use monitoring
• Adopting modern technologies in agriculture
• Compliance with environmental and safety regulations:
• Creating marketing and sales plans
• Controlling weather, market, pest and disease risks

The management of the farm is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers in Agriculture as every decision that is made affects productivity, profitability and sustainability for the farm.

The growing importance of farm management

Modern farming has a problem to which their parents did not have to deal. Climate change, commodity price volatility, labour scarcity, water availability, increased input costs and changing consumer demands call for professional decision making.

The authors conclude their study in the Journal of Farm Management, saying that strategic planning, entrepreneurial thinking, and good management skills are far more important than experience in the operation itself, in order for successful farming. Additionally, the study highlights that the existing business planning and strategic management practices are identified as some gaps among farmers, further indicating the need of professionally trained farm managers to make informed and long-range decisions.

The research also suggests that each farm must have a different approach to the situation and thus a different solution, rather than a “one size fits all” approach. Managers who routinely assess risks, monitor performance and adjust to market conditions have a better chance of staying competitive.

Success as a farm manager requires a variety of skills

Farm management is a blend of technical and managerial skills. Successful professionals acquire skills like:

• Agricultural production planning
• Business finance and cost management.
• Strategic decision-making
• The analysis of data and precision agriculture.
• Team management and leadership
• Supply chain and marketing
• Risk management
• Sustainable resource management
• Communication and negotiation

A study showed that entrepreneurial orientation, which consists of innovativeness, proactiveness and opportunity recognition, can positively affect farm performance. Those farm managers who constantly explore new opportunities, make sure to run the business as efficiently as possible, and apply the most effective business practices, are more likely to develop resilient agricultural businesses.

Career Opportunities in Farm Management

Farm management graduates work in the public and private sector. Career opportunities include:

• Farm Manager
• Estate Manager
• Plantation Manager
• Agribusiness Manager
• Agricultural Operations Manager
• Precision Agriculture Consultant
• Supply Chain Manager
• Dairy or Livestock Farm Manager
• Agri-input Company Executive
• Agricultural Project Manager
• Farm Business Consultant
• Rural Development Professional

Students also launch their own businesses, such as commercial farms, agritech ventures or agricultural consulting businesses, as many graduates do.

Educational Pathway

Generally, students thinking about this career choose an undergraduate degree from one of the following:

• B.Sc. Agriculture
• B.Sc. Horticulture
• B.Tech Agricultural Engineering
• BBA in Agribusiness Management
• B.Sc. Agribusiness Management

Leadership opportunities can also be further enhanced by higher studies like MBA (Agribusiness), M.Sc (Farm Management), Agricultural Economics or Rural Management.

The Future of Farm Management

Technology is quickly proving to be the driving force in agriculture. The use of artificial intelligence, UAVs, satellite monitoring, Internet of Things (IoT), farm management software, precision irrigation, and data analytics are modifying the way farms are run. Managers who have a grasp of agricultural science, along with digital technologies, will have growing value as farm managers.

Furthermore, the agri-food sector in today's world needs a new generation of highly skilled professionals who can operate with more complex agricultural systems, ensure food security and promote sustainable resource management. It's time for education and industry to collaborate to equip the next generation of leaders for the changing challenges.

What Must Agriculture Aspirants Know?

Farm management is not a supervision of the field job; it is about the management of businesses which provide food for people, protect the environment and drive economic development. The agriculture sector is becoming increasingly innovative and sustainable, and this will surely drive continued growth in the demand for professionals who can effectively manage, analyze and provide leadership in agriculture. It is an emerging career with rewarding opportunities in the years to come.

For all the students seeking a career involving science, technology, entrepreneurship and impact on society, farm management is an exciting career field. It is a career where smart choices can make a positive difference in productivity, reinforce food systems and influence the future of global agriculture.

Development has been on a predictable course for over 100 years. Villages created people and cities created opportunities. The creator economy was a myth until a decade ago. Each generation was urged to work hard, leave home, get a job in an urban centre and send money home to the family. Migration was the criterion for success, and villages were sometimes considered as the places that people outgrew. However, the digital economy is starting to question that belief and Village Creator Economy is starting to take shape.

Internet Has Changed the Economy

With the dawn of the creator economy, affordable internet, and Artificial Intelligence changing the life of every existence, one question needs to be addressed: What if India's villages didn't have to lose people? What if they could share knowledge instead? What  if they could earn more there?

It seems like a bold claim today, but gen alpha, the ones who've been born into the age of AI, smartphones and digital-first education, may be the first to make it possible for every village to become a creator economy. When this happens, poverty can no longer be addressed solely by industrialisation or migration, but by a much simpler means: by letting people make money from what they know, even if it’s waking up in a shabby home!

What is the Creator Economy?

The creator economy is often misunderstood as a world of influencers, viral videos and social media celebrities. In fact, it's much wider. An economic system in which people make money from sharing their knowledge, creativity, expertise, or experiences on a digital platform.

The creator economy is defined as anyone from a math teacher designing online courses to a doctor educating the public about health to an engineer explaining robotics to a chef teaching recipes. They are not just selling products, they are generating value from information.

One economic rule has been transformed by the Internet: Knowledge is no longer bound by geography. One lesson filmed in one village can be viewed in another country in mere minutes. Without going through traditional media, a local story can reach millions. The production and dissemination of knowledge is one of the world's fastest growing industries.

What is a Village Creator Economy?

Knowledge can create wealth, and villages might have much more wealth than we think. Each village has its own teachers, farmers, artisans, story tellers, cooks, mechanics, musicians, healers and craftsmen whose knowledge has been developed over decades, and sometimes centuries. Unfortunately, most of this knowledge does not get passed on beyond the village itself. It's here that the concept of the Village Creator Economy starts.

A Village Creator Economy is a concept in which local knowledge, culture, traditions and skills are used to produce sustainable income for rural communities through the creation of digital content, educational products, tourism experiences and creative businesses, with the rural community retaining ownership of the value created.

This model is based on the premise that villages are not consumers of development, but producers of intellectual capital! Take a moment to re-read it– intellectual  capital. 

Think of it once, a village becoming globally known for its traditional farming techniques. Another could become famous for handmade crafts. One might be the hub of preserving disappearing dialects through educational content, while another could document local biodiversity for researchers around the world. Every community already has a story; the creator economy simply gives that story an audience. And of course, money. 

Is Generation Z already creating this future?

In many ways, yes. In India, thousands of young village creators are already capturing the village life on YouTube, Instagram and other digital platforms. Millions of subscribers are drawn to rural cooking channels, farmers describing contemporary farming methods, people who are sharing their villages’ story, travel vloggers showing the world places that were never known existed, and artisans sharing their traditional artistry with the rest of the world.

These creators have shown one thing: People are definitely interested in rural life! But, the majority of these are single successes.They are created around one creator, around one family or by one channel. They don't yet change whole communities. THIS is an unexplored earning opportunity that could actually end poverty (not completely but significantly). 

Generation Alpha can do so much more. Instead of creating individual creator brands, they can create village creator ecosystems, in which students and teachers, local entrepreneurs and community organisations collaborate to develop a digital economy around the local area.

How Can Gen Alpha Help End Poverty Through the Village Creator Economy?

Gen Alpha will be equipped with tools that were not available to previous generations. They will be able to edit video, translate content into dozens of languages, generate subtitles, create websites and design educational material in just minutes with the help of Artificial Intelligence. The cost of creating content will be significantly lower with technology.

This will not revolve around technical skills, they will be most successful when they are original. Rather than making content on trends, Gen Alpha could make content on their own villages or a nearby village. Each community has their own history, architecture, local heroes, traditional recipes, festivals, medicinal plants, farming practices and cultural heritage. What has been hidden for centuries may suddenly be available around the world.

Think of aa village where kids make documentaries about the history of their village. Online classes are provided by teachers in the regional languages. Agricultural university educators create educational material for farmers. Digital craft marketplaces are managed by women-led self-help groups. Oral history is recorded for the elderly residents before it is too late. Young entrepreneurs create tourism guides about places that have not been explored.

Every activity generates jobs and together they form an economy. The income is no longer solely dependent on agriculture or local work. It is also derived from education, media, tourism, culture and digital entrepreneurship.

The Startup Opportunity Nobody Is Talking About

India has given birth to startups that have revolutionized the way people order food, book taxis and shop online. The next billion dollar opportunity could be something other than the next urban convenience app. It could be the result of supporting villages to become knowledge hubs in the digital era.

Envision businesses collaborating with villages to establish creator studios, safeguard cultural heritage, nurture local talent as storytellers, promote rural experiences, create educational platforms, and directly engage global audiences. This content could be organised, translated and distributed by Artificial Intelligence at a scale that was not possible a few years ago.

Rather than encourage villagers to go to cities, these businesses would bring the world to the villages. This is not some charity, but entrepreneurship.

Can Villages Become Richer Than Cities?

That question may sound unrealistic today, but it depends on how we define wealth. Apparently, money is the major aspect but how much? That depends on the definition of being rich. 

Cities are designed to be fast, efficient and large. Villages are a place of authenticity, community, tradition and human connection, qualities that are becoming more and more scarce in the digital age. In the age of AI, real-world experiences are still priceless and valuable. 

People already pay to experience slow living, organic food, traditional crafts, local culture and rural tourism. These are not regressive lifestyles, these are new industries, waiting to be monetised.

There can still be green fields rather than skyscrapers, slower mornings than traffic jams and communities rather than anonymous apartment blocks in a prosperous village of the future. The difference is that people wouldn't have to leave that lifestyle behind to earn a living.

A Different Future Is Possible

The debate on poverty for decades has been about factories, industries and migration. Those solutions are still relevant, but the digital economy is another avenue that needs to be considered.

Generation Alpha will inherit a world where knowledge will outpace people. With the help of governments, schools, entrepreneurs and tech companies, young people can help rural India create Village Creator Economies, making it one of the world's largest producers of educational content, cultural media, digital tourism and creative entrepreneurship.

The biggest mistake we have been making is to think that villages are waiting for opportunity. Perhaps opportunity has been in the villages all the time waiting for someone to recognize her!?

The future of rural India or any village in the world might not be out of villages if gen Alpha succeeds; it could be a matter of bringing the world to them. Because poverty hurts everyone, and only together can we end it.

Bio: Miss Kanishka is an award-winning Indian poet, writer, and content strategist with over five years of experience in writing and digital media. An internationally published poet and author of six anthologies, she writes on perspectives, culture, society, education, and emerging trends, blending research with compelling storytelling that makes complex issues accessible to a global audience.

It's the 21st century and a naked woman is making teens uncomfortable! That’s what the NCERT Dancing Girl controversy tells us. She was naked 4,500 years ago, she made no one uncomfortable until one morning some people sat to decide she was!.

NCERT Madhurima textbook statue covered

The National Council of Educational Research and Training released Madhurima, a brand new arts education textbook for Class 9 students. The Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro is found in the first chapter of the book, History of Arts. She is 4,500 years old, 10.5 centimetres tall, oldest and one of the most beautiful things that this civilization has ever produced. And in the new textbook of NCERT, her torso has been digitally shaded over. Just like that, a 4,500-year-old woman was asked, in 2026, to cover up. But critics and social media experts are asking, ‘‘was it really necessary?’’

A Child Has Never Looked at a Woman's Body the Way a Man Does

This is a fact every mother, every sister, every woman who has ever held a child in her arms knows: children don't come into the world seeing women as objects. 

A baby discovers his mother's body and his mother's warmth.  A toddler runs to his mother, buries his face in her chest and feels nothing but comfort and a safe zone. Children don't see bodies but people, love, and intention as they gain consciousness. They find a secure, safe spot.

Indeed, if you observe carefully, it is often men, strangers (again men), that small children instinctively recoil from, not women or their bodies, and of course not lusted towards women. Children are born knowing that a woman's body is a vessel of life, a space of care, a beginning. We teach them all the rest.

Why did NCERT cover Dancing Girl statue

As per the reports, the covering of ‘Dancing-Girl” statute was done to make the image "age appropriate," NCERT said. Let's pause and contemplate that phrase for a moment… “Age appropriate.”

Apparently, a 14-year-old student is not grown up enough to sexualize a bronze figurine from 2300 BC. However, the covering of her? Perhaps, that’ll make kids become men faster by triggering the lust factor. That's what this whole “step” by NCERT actually teaches: A bare torso is something that should be covered by a woman. It is something that requires management. It is something that will harm if it is shown, isn’t it? 

What Did Michel Danino Say?

Historian Michel Danino, who headed the development committee for NCERT's new textbooks, said he had been told that the Dancing Girl figurine was considered "not age-appropriate". He also said, "The modification misrepresents the original artefact just as the Church's addition of a fig leaf to Michelangelo's statue of David in the Middle Ages misrepresented that beautiful work of art”.

Such prudishness, he said, is not warranted unless we want to go back to Victorian morality. He is right. However, the lesson that prudishness teaches is worse than prudishness: it is the lesson that the body of whom is to be managed, and it is never a man's.

When the Government of India presented her in 2023 as a mascot for the International Museum Expo, she was dressed up in a larger-than-life size version of the same Dancing Girl, in a pink outfit. For thousands of years she was the original in her own skin. She was dressed and then presented to be seen. This is not protection, this is a pattern, and NCERT is not the only one contributing to this shameful  pattern. 

The Most Advanced Civilisation in History Is Afraid of Woman’s Body in Stone

Medical Science, yoga, zero, the decimal system, kama sutra were all invented in India. All postures that the human body can assume are plastered all over Indian temples, such as Khajuraho, Konark, Belur. Our ancestors used their bare hands to make them and named them divine.

We are airbrushing a 10cm bronze figure in a school textbook today and saying there is something wrong with it because it’s naked! Make it make sense! NCERT Dancing Girl controversy is indeed not something we, as a society, should dismiss. 

Every day, women in India are fighting for the right to exist. The right to walk away without being viewed as a problem, the right to wear what they want without it being an invitation, the right to be in a history book, without being quietly erased. The issue of the veil, the issue of dress codes, the issue of what a woman can and cannot wear in public , these are not old issues. They are noisy, they are here and they are tiring.

Every time an institution such as NCERT chooses to cover over a torso "for children" it gives one more subtle message: a woman's body is the issue. Cover it, manage it or just make it disappear.

Children Learn Exactly What Adults Teach Them

The boy who sees a woman's bare shoulders on TV, but blurs them out, learns that it is something to be kept from him. Forbidden. But what we forbid, we make dangerous. We make what we make dangerous desirable in the worst way.

The boy who learns that a 4,500-year-old statue must be covered before he can look at her, learns that there is something wrong with the female form. Something that needs to be controlled. An action that requires authorization.

This is not protection but grooming. It's training him, slowly, steadily, through a thousand little things, to think of women as bodies first, problems second, people never. And women pay for it. On every street, in every city, every day.

What We Owe the Dancing Girl

She remained steadfast for 4,500 years without apology. Confidence. Arms at her side. Head tilted. A girl perfectly confident of herself and the world , that is what the archaeologist John Marshall wrote when he first saw her. That statue didn't need our protection, she needed our honesty and that was all.

After the backlash, NCERT has announced that it will restore the original image. Good. But that someone sat in a room and decided that a 4,500-year-old girl was too much for a 14-year-old to see is enough to tell us where we are.

We were the most advanced civilization in history, and we're still afraid of a woman in her own skin. Let’s just stop being so narrow minded and rooted in toxic patriarchy. There are bigger issues than worrying about making naked statues and sculptures ‘age-appropriate’. Perhaps, just perhaps, then we will produce a generation that will see a woman as a human being, and not a questionable object.

Are YouTube Teachers Teaching for Fame, or Because They Remember What It Felt Like to Struggle? The recent controversy between journalist Anjana Om Kashyap and some of the top YouTube educators has once again put the online education landscape in India under the spotlight. 

The debate has been mostly about whether YouTube teachers value views over knowledge, but a more profound and intriguing question has emerged:Why did YouTube teachers become so reliable in the first place? 

It's not the number of subscribers, viral videos or social media trends; the reasons why millions of students trust online educators is not something that can be understood from the screen but rather from the realities of Indian education itself, where access has often been based on geography, affordability and circumstance.

YouTube teachers are not just teachers for many students, they are opportunities that were not available to previous generations. And this is why these teachers are being chosen over anyone else. 

The Students Who Could Not Afford Coaching

In India, quality education for decades was often expensive and many families could not afford it. Coaching institutes started to be associated with competitive exams, special study material and costly classroom programmes, leaving a divide between students who could afford these and those who could not.

A student from Delhi, Kota or Hyderabad would have more opportunities than a student from a remote village or small town. There was talent everywhere, but access was not.

YouTube education in India changed all that. A student who was studying for UPSC, NEET, JEE, SSC or Banking exams could suddenly learn from experienced teachers without paying coaching fees sometimes in the tens of thousands of rupees. What began as free educational videos gradually evolved into one of the largest learning movements the country has witnessed.

Why do students feel a personal connection with online teachers?

YouTube teachers are so beloved because many students see themselves in the struggles of these teachers.

Many of India's most popular online teachers are from humble beginnings. There are many who have openly discussed learning with meager resources, travelling far for learning, borrowing books or preparing for exams without elite coaching institutes.

These experiences affect their teaching, either intentionally or unintentionally. They frequently teach as if they were talking to a friend. Their guidance is not just academic, it's about motivation, confidence and perseverance. Students are not just consumers of content, they are creators of trust. This trust is what makes it so easy to get a response to criticism of an online educator, compared to criticism of a regular internet personality.

Fame Was a Result, Not the Starting Point

There's little doubt that fame is a factor in the current digital education landscape. Some teachers have emerged as national celebrities, with millions of subscribers and brands that rival the big media. But it was not always the beginning of fame.

The majority of effective learning pathways started with a simple concept: to make knowledge available to learners who needed it. Many popular teachers' earliest videos were recorded with little equipment, poor production quality and little assurance of success. But they were not sophisticated, they were accessible. Students responded because they felt these teachers were addressing real problems rather than merely creating content. The fame came later.

The Criticism Is Not Entirely Wrong

Meanwhile, the controversy over Anjana Om Kashyap's comments should not be ignored. With the growth of online learning, the commercial potential grew as well. The educational channels turned into businesses. The number of subscribers became marketable assets. Free lessons evolved into paid courses, subscription models and large-scale learning platforms.

Educators who started with free content now charge up to, and sometimes more than, coaching institutes for premium programmes. Some critics say that the industry has become more marketing, branding and revenue oriented. 

That's a fair statement. As with all successful industries, commercial interests have been drawn to the growth of online education. But is it wrong? Of course not, because if there’s no money, people would be compelled to not take such good-cause initiatives. Additionally, it is not harming students. 

The Bigger Story Is Still About Access

While the emphasis on commercialisation is important, it is essential to not forget the bigger change that YouTube teachers have introduced in Indian education. Thousands of teachers keep uploading free lectures, revision classes, current affairs discussions and exam strategies to the site every day, and students who may never buy a paid course are still benefiting from it. Many of these teachers work outside the spotlight, but their content is delivered to learners in areas where educational resources are scarce.

A free YouTube lecture can be more useful to a student who is studying for a government exam in a rural area than any discussion about the business of online learning. That's why so many students still stand up for digital educators even in the face of criticism.

The distinction between influence and impact

The debate also brings up a key difference. Views, subscribers and social media engagement are used to measure influence. The impact is measured by lives changed, examinations cleared and opportunities created.

There are some YouTube teachers who clearly have influence. The real question is if they make an impact. Based on the millions of students who attribute their admission to universities and competitive exams to online teachers, and their access to quality learning, the answer seems to be yes.

Not all teachers are great, and not all channels are reliable. As with any ecosystem, there are true contributors and opportunists in online education. The difficulty for students is to differentiate between the two. And genz + gen alpha are  smart enough to differentiate, unlike the older generations. 

Perhaps the Answer Is Both

It's not necessarily easy to answer whether YouTube teachers are teaching for fame or because they recall their struggles.

There are definitely some who are driven by recognition, influence and business growth. Others seem to be motivated by a sincere wish to make education more accessible than it was to them when they were students. Most likely, many are somewhere in between those two extremes.

The influence they have had on Indian education cannot be denied.  YouTube teachers are not famous, and that's not why millions of students continue to trust them. It is because for so many students nationwide, these teachers came when they needed someone to guide them at a time when it was hard to find someone to help them.

Maybe that's why this debate is so resonant. For every viral teacher, every trending controversy and every social media argument, there is a student who just wanted a fair chance to learn and make the most out of the accessibility the internet brings. 

New research warns that viral myths and fake news pose a critical danger to global safety efforts.

Boslough at Asteroid Day in Luxembourg. (Cover Image Source: University of New Mexico)

Raising alarm about the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation on digital platforms, a team of researchers led by astrophysicist Mark Boslough from the University of New Mexico recently published a comprehensive review examining the current media landscape, which comprises multiple actors, including legacy media, influencers, AI, etc. According to the scientists, although the use of the internet and digital platforms has made it easier to access information, it has also allowed the rise of channels through which AI slop, internet clickbait, and sensationalized stories overflow.

A part of the Quick report prepared by NASA on 13 May 2024 (Representative Image Source- NASA)

On May 13, 2024, a quick look report was prepared by NASA on "planetary defense exercise" as a preventive measure. This was a drill for preparedness that takes place biennially to check the readiness of scientists and government agencies in case they had to respond to a fictional asteroid threat scenario. The exercise was not based on any real asteroid that was predicted to strike our planet. But bits and pieces of information from the simulation quickly turned into sensationalized online claims that were spread through X, Facebook, Reddit and other platforms. Apart from factual errors, the post's viral post implied that NASA had given a frightening alert about the 88-foot asteroid that might collide with Earth. This eventually led to mass panic, misunderstandings, and the spreading of rumors about Earth's possible end. On June 20, 2024, NASA clarified that there are currently no known significant asteroid threats to Earth in the foreseeable future, stressing that the widely shared impact claim was false and unrelated to any real-world danger.

Even though NASA made a public statement that there are 'no known significant asteroid threats,' it was too late for the false story that had already been exposed to a huge number of people. For Boslough and his co-authors, this incident is an illustration of how modern digital ecosystems can very rapidly alter scientific information before the experts have an opportunity to clarify or make corrections. The authors of this paper also pointed out that open access publishing, poorly reviewed content, influencers, etc. are some of the factors that have contributed to the situation in which lies can be circulated worldwide in a matter of hours.

The article discusses the different ways of misinformation that can come about and even continue. In fact, some rumors tend to spread rapidly during newscasts that are still unfolding. The authors highlighted the cases of false reports of an asteroid hitting the Earth as well as pseudoscientific hypotheses that propose such things as alien spacecraft orbits being interstellar objects or comet attacks annihilating ancient civilizations. Researchers cautioned that communication itself has become an element of planetary defense. Boslough will likely be presenting at the Geological Society of America meeting in Albuquerque about the research and its importance in communicating planetary defense. 

Indian youth are going viral on social media calling themselves "a cockroach" while supporting the Cockroach Janata Party. India never imagined that the word “cockroach” would become a youth movement.

But in a matter of days, after a widely circulated and much debated interpretation of remarks attributed to the Chief Justice of India, social media was abuzz with youngsters who were calling themselves just that. Initially, the internet had it as another silly meme. After that, the numbers were too big to ignore.

The digital community, dubbed the “Cockroach Janata Party,” reportedly reached over 40,000 active members and nearly 80,000 sign-ups in just three days. Instagram pages were suddenly created.Instagram pages were suddenly created. Telegram groups multiplied. Memes travel faster than explanations ever could.

However, there was a sad sincerity to the satire. Young Indians were not celebrating cockroaches. They were talking about the modern survival experience.

The Internet has finally given a name to Emotional Exhaustion

A cockroach is just a tiny creature trying to survive… Poison, heat, hunger, neglect, it still lives in a place no one should be forced to live. Hence the metaphor struck a chord and the literate youth of India came up bold revealing truth, showing reality, discussing necessary topics, and using humor to convey without offending. 

For years, students and young professionals have been living under a pressure system that doesn't stop long enough to consider whether they are emotionally coping or not. Competitive exams start early. Expectations come even sooner. Many young people are exhausted by the time they reach the end of university, and they look older than they are.

This generation learns and lives in fear of joblessness. Works while being afraid of being replaced. Sleeps with a fear of time slipping away. Even when resting, they feel guilty that someone else is going faster online. And so the jokes began.

Gradually, it transformed, the internet is flooding with it. People are commenting, sharing their miseries and supporting the CJP. One of the relatable comments said: “Still alive after 5 entrance exams and 3 panic attacks. Certified cockroach.” The sentence is fun, but between the lines is the pain Genz is holding.

The ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ Is Not About Politics

The ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ is not a real political party, it was a satirical comment that became viral. At first, the name felt absurd and people started sharing it for fun. However, in a matter of days the “Cockroach Janata Party” became a sign of something more than just internet humour, psychologically. Youth are reclaiming an insult and making it into a collective identity. And that act has power!

Users started using the term “cockroaches” on social media, not in a sense of pride, but in the sense that they are stuck in survival mode. The symbol represents a generation that is constantly adapting, but is not emotionally rewarded for it.

Students took the opportunity to discuss the pressure of exams. Young workers associated it with unhealthy work environments and burnout. Others talked about job cuts, inconsistent pay, coaching culture, poor job interviews, increasing living expenses, and the fatigue of constant competition with no guarantee of security. It was spread because it brought together people who felt isolated in the same struggle.

Young India Is Tired in a Way Older Systems Do Not Fully Understand

Indian youth life is a lonely life in particular. It's hard to explain, because, on the surface, everything seems ambitious and productive.

Growth, startups, innovation and the quest to become a global powerhouse are the topics that are on everyone's lips in the country. Social media is a place where hustle is rewarded:

• LinkedIn rewards achievement 
• Families reward stability
• Coaching industries pay for ranks

But WHO pays for emotional survival? 

The young Indians of today are juggling several timelines in their minds. They need to get good grades fast, make money early, be tech-savvy, be mentally tough, support their families, keep their relationships, develop careers, constantly learn new things, and somehow be grateful all the way.

Fear has become a way of life: 

• Concern about test failure.
• Parents' expectations.
• Worry about being financially irrelevant.
• The worry of not having a home.
• Fear of missing out
• Worry about falling behind friends who are “settled”.

Even happiness is now programmed against productivity! That's why so many young people saw themselves in the cockroach metaphor. It was a sign of strength, not weakness, but of constant adaptation in the face of pressure.

Gen Z Uses Humour the Way Previous Generations Used Protest

The older generation sometimes voiced their discontent in speeches, rallies or organised movements. Collective anxiety is handled differently by Gen Z. It translates pain into internet language first.

Emotional shorthand is the reason why memes have become so commonplace; it's easier to be vulnerable directly than it is online. Irony is a distancing from pain, but also a public exposure of pain. That's exactly what happened here.

The “Cockroach Generation” trend went viral because it managed to make emotional exhaustion visible in a non-dramatic way. Beneath the jocularity there were serious discussions about:

• student suicides
• exam pressure
• unemployment
• burnout
• unstable careers
• declining mental health
• social comparison
• economic insecurity

This was not only meme culture, nope, not at all. It was emotional information! For the first time in years, Indian youth discovered a language that was more truthful about survival than motivational culture.

Universities Cannot Ignore This Emotional Shift Anymore

There is one uncomfortable truth that lies under this moment: many students don't feel emotionally safe in the systems that are supposed to prepare them for life.

Universities talk a lot about placements, rankings and academic performance. Much less attention is given to emotional resilience, career confusion, identity anxiety, or psychological burnout. However, these issues are increasingly influencing student life on campuses.

There is no need for grand speeches about youth empowerment at this time of institutions. They require hands-on empathy. Edinbox has already started to ‘Be The Change’ in order to bring the change, but that’s not enough. All the universities, teachers, professors, policymakers as well as ministers must start the ground level changes. 

Students require accessible counselling support, realistic career guidance, healthier academic pressure systems,,conversations around failure and uncertainty, industry exposure before graduation, and an environment where asking for help is not treated as weakness. 

A generation raised inside constant competition cannot continue surviving only on motivational slogans. Indian Youth have had enough push but direction? support? That’s what they actually need. Young people are not machines that can be made to run forever. After a while, emotional fatigue turns into educational fatigue.

Policymakers Need to Understand That Anxiety Is Becoming Structural

The frustration of the youth is not just a product of one problem in India. It is emerging from the instability that has built up in the education, employment and social expectation systems.

The competitive exams become tougher every year. The delays in recruitment are still continuing for the aspirants. Starting wages frequently don't keep up with the cost of living in the city. In the meantime, digital culture is continually amplifying comparison and pressure. The result is mental fatigue on a massive scale.

The discussion of youth development policy often centers on skills, innovation and employability, which are all relevant fields. Emotional wellbeing is often not given the same priority. For too many students and young workers, mental health support is not available, particularly in non-metropolitan settings.

The “Cockroach Generation” trend isn't just a reaction to the internet. It is a warning message that is coming out through humour because traditional language is no longer adequate. And to be brutally honest, if a whole generation starts thinking about survival instead of aspirations, there is something going on in the social sphere.

The Most Disturbing Part Is How Normal This Exhaustion Has Become

The worst thing about this trend is not the rage, it is the normality. There are too many young Indians who have already come to believe that exhaustion is a part of adulthood; anxiety is treated as ambition, burnout is mistaken for discipline, emotional numbness is sold as maturity. But people keep moving because they think it's unsafe to stop.

That's why the cockroach became a strong symbol on the internet. It caught a generation that cannot be killed, but seldom gave them a chance to sleep. Young people are surviving all that is thrown at them, but survival is becoming an empty victory.

In between the memes, the sarcasm and the dark humour, Indian youth admitted something it has been hiding for years. It's fed up with pretending everything is okay. They aren’t supporting any party, to be specific, they are raising awareness. 

As literate citizens, it is our duty to read between the lines and not let any propaganda or misinformation sway the way of change that this cockroach generation has started. And it is worth noting that perhaps the most unsettling part of this entire episode is that an entire generation had to compare itself to a creature known only for survival before society finally stopped and listened.

Contemporary leadership education is quietly reshaping classrooms, and not everyone is comfortable with it. Some are appreciating the move while some are expressing concerns about manipulation and perspective shifts. What began as a few case studies in business schools is now becoming part of mainstream academic design by making its place in the syllabus. 

Institutions are pushing forward with the leadership curriculum 2026, and a deeper question is emerging: Should contemporary leadership be taught in classrooms, or are we stepping into territory that education was never meant to occupy?

This is now no longer a discussion to have during a tea break especially after the recent big move by a university in Gujarat that has mandated a module on one living leader. This has triggered conversations across academic circles about neutrality, influence, and the purpose of higher education. It’s time to understand and openly talk about how universities define relevance, responsibility, and the future of learning.

Why Contemporary Leadership Has Entered the Curriculum

The rise of contemporary leadership education reflects a simple reality. Students are already observing leadership every day. They see it in startups, in public life, in digital spaces, and in the way influence operates around them. The classroom has only just begun to catch up but to bring it in the syllabus, and this shift is visible in 2026. 

Courses are moving beyond fixed theories and are introducing a modern leadership syllabus that studies real decisions made in real time. Students are asked to analyse leaders who are still active, whose outcomes are still unfolding.

In contemporary leadership classrooms India, this change feels even more urgent. The pace of economic and entrepreneurial growth has created a demand for graduates who can think, adapt, and lead under uncertainty. This is closely tied to broader university curriculum trends 2026, where relevance is no longer optional. At its best, this approach bridges the gap between what students learn and what they will face.

Learning Becomes Thinking

The strongest case for contemporary leadership education lies in what it does to the way students think. It changes the role of education from delivering information to shaping judgment.

Within higher education pedagogy, this is a significant shift. When institutions focus on teaching leadership skills, they are not teaching students to follow leaders. They are asking them to question decisions, weigh consequences, and understand complexity.

This strengthens the critical thinking curriculum in a way that traditional methods rarely achieve. Students begin to ask better questions. They learn to sit with uncertainty instead of searching for quick answers.

For those exploring leadership skills after 12th, this becomes a foundation rather than an add-on. It also connects directly to employability skills university outcomes. Employers today are not just looking for knowledge. They are looking for clarity in decision-making.

Reports around WEF future jobs skills consistently highlight leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving as essential. When viewed through that lens, the inclusion of leadership in formal education feels less like an experiment and more like an adjustment that was overdue.

The Core Tension

The academic leadership debate is not about whether leadership matters. It is about how it is taught. Here is where the tension becomes visible:

When teaching living leaders university models are introduced, the complexity increases. Unlike historical figures, contemporary leaders come with ongoing narratives and strong public opinions. This raises valid concerns about bias in leadership education.

The classroom, ideally, is a space for inquiry. The risk is that it may slowly become a space for influence if not handled with care.

Where the Debate Turns Real

The resistance to contemporary leadership education is rooted in a genuine concern. When current figures are discussed, neutrality becomes harder to maintain.

This is where the leadership curriculum 2026 faces its real test. If the structure is weak, the consequences are clear. Students may begin to absorb perspectives instead of analysing them. Discussions may lean toward agreement rather than exploration. Leadership may be reduced to personality instead of process.

At the same time, removing contemporary context entirely creates a different problem. It produces graduates who understand theories but struggle to apply them. The issue is not the presence of leadership studies. It is the absence of balance.

Role of Teachers, Professors & Stakeholders

The current leadership education discussion exists as a responsibility question which educators and academic leaders must address. The responsibility of teachers consists of establishing learning environments which enable students to conduct independent critical analysis of various concepts. The need for neutrality within educational environments reaches its highest point when modern classrooms implement leadership training programs.

The educational system must prioritize factual information together with contextual details and impartial evaluation of information irrespective of its connection to contemporary leadership education or its use in higher education teaching methods. Students should experience various viewpoints and opposing viewpoints together with all facts instead of being exposed to specific stories. The objective is not to create positive or negative feelings about any person or belief system or organization. The objective exists to achieve understanding.

Curriculum designers together with universities and faculty members must ensure academic neutrality through their selection of study materials which include books and case studies and classroom discussions. The curriculum guides students toward critical thinking skills through its design. The curriculum helps students develop skills to assess information through precise thinking methods.

The educational system gains strength through this method because it establishes trust in educational processes while maintaining the main goal of education which is to create knowledgeable and open-minded students who can think for themselves.

What This Means for the Future

As university curriculum trends 2026 continue to evolve, contemporary leadership education is becoming difficult to ignore. It speaks directly to the kind of world students are entering. 

So, should leadership be taught in classrooms? Yes, but with intention, not as admiration or influence. But as disciplined thinking. Because education, at its core, is not about telling students what to believe but about giving them the ability to decide for themselves. Do you agree? Share your thoughts with us via mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..