The Indian Air Force (IAF) has declared the results of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2025) today. All the candidates who appeared for the test can check their results from the official portal afcat.cdac.in.

AFCAT 2025 Exam Details

AFCAT 01/2025 was held on February 22 and 23, 2025 and for a duration of two hours. The test had 100 questions for a total of 300 marks. Questions were framed on the following subjects:

• General Awareness
• English Ability
• Verbal and Numerical Ability
• Reasoning
• Military Aptitude Test

Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +3 marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
• Unattempted Questions: No marks credited or deducted

How to Check AFCAT 2025 Results?

The following steps can be followed by the candidates to see their results:

• Go to afcat.cdac.in
• Click the AFCAT 01/2025 result link
• Enter your login details
• Submit and download your result

Selection Criteria

The candidates need to obtain the minimum qualifying marks independently in the written test as well as the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) test according to IAF's prescribed standards. The final merit list would be prepared on the basis of aggregate marks scored in both stages. 

AFCAT 2025 Vacancy Details

The vacancies include Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.

Flying Branch

Men: 21

Women: 9

Ground Duty (Technical)

Men AE (L): 95

Men AE (M): 53

Women AE (L): 27

Women AE (M): 14

Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

Weapon Systems (WS) Branch

Men: 14

Women: 3

Administration

Men: 42

Women: 11

Logistics

Men: 13

Women: 3

Accounts

Men: 11

Women: 2

Education

Men: 7

Women: 2

Meteorology

Men: 7

Women: 2

Shortlisted candidates who qualify in the selection process will be trained and commissioned into the Indian Air Force.

For further updates, check the official website of AFCAT.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has defended the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) amid ongoing controversy. Sangma emphasized the university's commitment to high standards of education and the high number of students using its facilities. He also addressed the arrest of Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, who was arrested on charges of allowing unfair means in exams. Sangma promised that the case would be handled according to legal procedures.

In an interview with journalists, CM Sangma reiterated that the university has always adhered to all laid-down procedures, rules, and laws while ensuring high standards of education. "I have said this time and again without any fear," said Sangma, referring to the quality of education and mentioning that a lot of students are availing the institute's facilities.

Not mentioning the arrest of Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, Chief Minister referred to a recent case involving the university and made it clear that it comes under the jurisdiction of the Assam police. He stopped there, since the case was still pending in another state.

Sangma promised that law would take its course and everything would be dealt with as per legal procedures. USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque was sent to judicial custody by the Sonitpur Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court at Tezpur on March 14, after his arrest by the district police.

Hoque was arrested on charges of promising students that he would permit unfair means in exams. CJM H J Kashyap heard the arguments of Haque's lawyer as well as the public prosecutor, and ordered that he be produced in court on March 18.

Aspirants have to hold on for the final result to confirm admission at the allotted college

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the provisional seat allotment result for the special stray vacancy round of National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2024.

The candidates who attended this counselling round can verify their allotment status on the official MCC website, mcc.nic.in, according to Times of India.

According to an official notice issued by MCC, "It is for the information to all candidates that the Provisional Result for Special Stray Vacancy Round for NEET PG Counselling 2024 is now available."

But candidates should keep in mind that the provisional result will not ensure admission. After the final results are announced, they can download the allotment letters and go through the admission process at the instituted colleges.

How to check the NEET PG 2024 stray vacancy provisional result

The candidates can follow these steps to check the result:

Go to the official website mcc.nic.in

Click on the NEET PG tab on the homepage

Choose.Provisional result for special stray vacancy round PG 2024

Clicking on this link will open a new page with a PDF file showing the details of allotment

Download and check the result for future reference

The final seat allotment list will finalize admissions, and only after that can candidates report to an allotted seat. More information about this round of NEET PG counselling is given below on the MCC website, as per Times of India.

Registrations are now open for entry to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). Candidates interested in sitting for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2025 can log in to the official IISER website to submit the application forms. The online application forms for the test went live on March 10, 2025. The IISER Aptitude Test 2025 will take place on May 25, 2025 in computer-based test mode.

The last date for submitting the application forms is April 15, 2025. The correction window for application forms will be open from April 21-22, 2025. The admit cards for the exam will be published on May 15, 2025.

Eligibility

Candidates who have passed Class 12 (equivalent) examination in 2023, 2024 or 2025 with Science stream from any board approved by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) in India can apply.

Foreign Nationals must upload an association certificate of equivalence issued by the Association of Indian Universities if they have not taken the Class 12 or equivalent level exam in 2023 or 2024 or 2025 with science stream from any board approved by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) in India.

Admissions to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) are open for registration. Students who want to take the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2025 can check the official website of the IISER and fill the application forms. Online application forms for the examination were opened on March 10, 2025. The IISER Aptitude Test 2025 will be conducted on May 25, 2025 in a computer-based test.

Candidates must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics during their Class 12 (or equivalent) examination. For admissions to the following programs, candidates must have Mathematics during their Class 12 (or equivalent): 5-year BS-MS in Computational and Data Sciences program at IISER Kolkata, 4-year BTech programme at IISER Bhopal, 4-year BS in Economic Sciences programme at IISER Bhopal and 4-year BS in Economic and Statistical Sciences programme at IISER Tirupati.

Khalil, raised in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria and working for the British embassy in Beirut, was a lead negotiator between Columbia University officials and student demonstrators.US immigration officials arrested a Palestinian graduate student taking part i n pro-Palestinian demonstrations at New York's Columbia University, the university's student workers' union said, as reported by Reuters.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia School of International and Public Affairs student, was arrested by the US Department of Homeland Security at his university dormitory on Saturday, according to a statement from the Student Workers of Columbia union.

Khalil, who holds a US green card, is married to an American citizen who is eight months pregnant, the statement further said.

His arrest is also regarded as the first step taken by US President Donald Trump in fulfilling his election pledge to expel foreign students participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Trump has described similar protests as "antisemitic."

A voice for protesters

Khalil, who hails from a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria and was an employee of the British embassy in Beirut, was also a chief mediator between Columbia University officials and protesting students.

A few protesters had established encampments on campus and briefly occupied a school building last year. Khalil was not part of the occupation, however, but served as a mediator.

Just hours before his arrest, he talked to Reuters, saying he feared he was being targeted for speaking to the press.

"They effectively silenced people who were advocating for Palestine on campus, and that was not sufficient," he added. "Evidently Trump is taking the protesters out as a scapegoat for his broader agenda targeting higher education and Ivy League universities."

Khalil is detained at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) centre in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the agency's online records say. His lawyer did not answer calls for comment.

Trump administration slashes Columbia funding

One day prior to Khalil's arrest, the Trump administration declared that it was canceling government grants and contracts totaling approximately $400 million to Columbia University due to concerns regarding antisemitism on campus.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a news article regarding Khalil's arrest on social media, writing: "We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported."

Columbia University stated it was "committed to the legal rights of our students" but refused to comment on specific cases because of privacy legislation.

Criticism and concerns

Khalil's arrest has provoked criticism from human rights groups. The New York Civil Liberties Union denounced the action as "unlawful, retaliatory, and an attack on free speech.

Executive Director Donna Lieberman added, "This is a terrifying expansion of Trump's assault on pro-Palestinian speech and a brutal misapplication of immigration law."

One other demonstrator, Palestinian-American student Maryam Alwan, reacted with outrage: "I am appalled on behalf of my good friend Mahmoud, who is a lawful resident, and I am appalled that this is just the tip of the iceberg."

Columbia University also updated its policies regarding confronting immigration officials, announcing that ICE agents lacking a judicial warrant would be granted access to private university grounds only in "exigent circumstances," although the school refused to delineate what those circumstances would look like.

The Student Workers of Columbia union condemned the university for "capitulating to the Trump administration's attack on universities and sacrificing foreign students to safeguard its bottom line." Khalil resided in university housing beyond Columbia's main campus gates.

Participants will also get a chance to meet the faculty members for discussing academic courses, research programmes, and careers. IIT Delhi will organize "Anveshan: Innovation and Exploration Across Disciplines" at Hauz Khas Campus on March 22, 2025.

The event is aimed at giving potential students who are pursuing their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a variety of fields ranging from engineering, sciences, arts, and more, a thorough insight into its academic program, research activities, and entry programs in a range of disciplines, informed IIT Delhi.

About the event:

The event is particularly meant for UG and PG students who are interested in seeking higher studies or research at IIT Delhi.

Anveshan will have a series of concurrent sessions on a broad spectrum of topics, such as The Digital Frontier: AI, Data, and Computing; Advanced Materials for Future Solutions; The Age of Automation: Electrical Circuits, Robots, and Beyond; Mechanics and Engineering Solutions for a Changing World; Transforming Healthcare with Technology; Sustainable Futures, Energy and Environment; Physics, Optics, and Photonics; Behavioural Design for Sustainability; Driving Innovation: From Idea to Impact; Individuals and Society: The Human Mind, Economic Development, and Culture. These sessions, conducted by IIT Delhi faculty members and research scholars, will provide information on the most recent developments, research opportunities, and emerging trends in every area, said the press release.

Key Highlights:

Participants will get a chance to meet the faculty members for discussions on academic programs, research possibilities, and career counseling. Interactive booths would be organized for presenting innovative projects, research posters, and real-time demonstrations and to give a sense of entry programmes offered by different disciplines as well as what type of research and academic projects one can engage in at IIT Delhi.

"This is a first-of-its-kind initiative by IIT Delhi, giving undergraduate and master's students who dream of pursuing postgraduate and PhD studies a chance to experience a peek into both academic and non-academic life at IIT Delhi. There will be talks by faculty members of IIT Delhi on varied topics across domains and interactive sessions demonstrating activities of different student technical clubs," said Prof Narayanan D Kurur, Dean of Academics at IIT Delhi.

NID provides professional education programmes at Bachelors and Masters level with five faculty streams and 20 varied design areas. Recently a Ph.D Programme (5 years) has been launched at NID Ahmedabad Campus. NID has developed exchange programmes and continuous pedagogic associations with over 55 foreign institutions. NID has also been actively contributing to the promotion of design.

Having crossed into the 6th decade of design excellence, NID has been functioning as an independent institute under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion,Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India; in education,applied research, service and advanced training in five faculty streams,Industrial Design, Communication Design, Textile, Apparel & Lifestyle Design, IT Integrated (Experiential) Design and Interdisciplinary Design Studies. NID provides a broad range of design fields while promoting transdisciplinary design projects.NID is a special institution with numerous problem-solving strengths, levels of intellect and a tried and tested creative educational tradition in fostering design skills and establishing standards of design education. The intense building up of the designer's abilities and knowledge through a process of 'hands on-minds on' is what makes the difference.

The overall architecture of NID's programme consists of a blend of theory, skills, design projects and experience in the field complemented by state-of-the-art design studios, skill & innovation labs and the Knowledge Management Centre. Design projects sponsored from industry are incorporated into the class to give real professional exposure. Interdisciplinary study of design in Science and Liberal Arts broadens the students' perspectives and generates overall awareness about issues of our times.

St. Paul's School confirmed that it had received an email from the parents of the first diagnosed child regarding viral meningitis. The child was at school on 7 March, vomited, and was hospitalized. Other students who were affected were in close proximity.

A school in Kalamassery, Kochi, has been shut down temporarily following the appearance of symptoms of viral meningitis in five students. The children, all belonging to Classes 1 and 2 of St. Paul's International School, showed symptoms like fever, irritability, headache, and vomiting.

Two students were admitted into the intensive care unit of Aster Medcity Hospital. One was later shifted to a general ward, and the other will soon be shifted too.

As a precautionary move, the school will continue to be closed till March 16. Health officials have also advised delaying exams for Classes 1 and 2.

The samples of the infected students have been forwarded to the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha for verification. Authorities have ensured that all the children are stable. More information is pending as investigations are ongoing.

School officials confirm one case of viral meningitis

The authorities at St. Paul's School told South First, that they had an email from the parents of the first diagnosed child, which confirmed viral meningitis, yesterday before the day before yesterday.

"The child went to school on March 7 but was vomiting through the day. We immediately notified the parents and got her to the hospital. It took 48 hours to confirm the diagnosis.".

The rest of the students who presented symptoms were close to the initial child, usually sharing food and snacks. We are now complying with the health authorities directive in handling the situation," the school said.

Dr. Asha Devi, DMO, Ernakulam, explained to, South First, that there is no cause for panic. Although the viruses responsible for viral meningitis are infectious, the closure of the school is a precautionary action.

Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, loss of appetite, rash-like spots, loss of balance, and inability to concentrate.

Children are more susceptible than adults.

Snapchat is launching its very first video generative AI Lenses, the firm said to TechCrunch exclusively. The Lenses are powered by Snap's own native built generative video model. The three new AI Video Lenses can be used by users on the app's premium subscription service, Snapchat Platinum, which charges $15.99 a month.

The release follows Snap introducing an AI video-creation tool during its Partner Summit in September last year. A Snap spokesperson said the new AI Video Lenses use subsequent versions of that underlying technology.

Snap has been a leader in AR, but also has been making investments in AI the last several years in tandem with just about every other tech firm. With these new AI Video Lenses, Snap is embracing AI in order to keep up and give its users access to capabilities not yet available on its competitors' platforms, including Instagram and TikTok.

While Snapchat is beginning with three AI Video Lenses at launch, it will be adding more each week. The first Lenses are "Raccoon" and "Fox," both of which bring furry friends snuggling up to you. The third "Spring Flowers" Lens creates a zoom-out effect showing the person in your Snap holding flowers.

You can access the new Lenses via the Lens carousel. You can then choose the Lens, then take a Snap using either your front or back camera. The AI video will create and then save automatically to your Memories.

“These Lenses, powered by our in-house built generative video model, bring some of the most cutting edge AI tools available today to Snapchatters through a familiar Lens format,” the company wrote in a blog post. “We have a long history of being first movers to bring advanced AR, ML and AI tools directly to our community, and we’re excited to see what Snapchatters create.”

As Snapchat points out, it's reasonable for the company to extend generative AI to Lenses, since it's a form users have adopted for years.

Though Snap has previously leveraged AI capabilities from OpenAI and Google to fuel some of its features, it's now also creating its own internal models.

Earlier this month, the company announced an AI text-to-image research model for smartphones that will drive some of Snapchat's capabilities in the months ahead. Snap explained then that by using technology developed internally, it would be able to provide its users with high-quality AI tools at a lower operating expense.

Firearm examination is a very specialised field that encompasses the analysis of weapons, ammunition, and evidence related to these to establish their application in crime. The tasks of firearm examiners cut across a wide range of cases from serious crimes like murder and manslaughter to robberies with guns, illegal possession, and firearms trading.

Some of the important points of firearm examination may be:

Identifying and categorizing firearms, modified, imitation, and antique weapons.

Determining whether the weapon is legally a firearm under UK law.

Determination of whether a firearm has been fired and correlating it with ballistic evidence.

Analyzing cartridge cases and bullets to detect one-of-a-kind tool marks that point uniquely to the specific firearm employed.

Analyzing 3D-printed parts and their effectiveness.

Forensic Access professionals have analyzed thousands of firearm-related cases, aiding criminal investigations and testifying as experts in court.

Knowledge of Firearm types and operations

One of the key elements of firearm analysis is knowledge of the various types of weapons and how they work. While all firearms have the same general function—propelling a projectile toward a target—there are many designs and mechanisms that affect how they work.

Some of the principal types of guns that are often found in forensic examinations include:

1. Handguns

Semi-automatic handguns: Discharge one shot for each pull of the trigger and automatically reload from a magazine.

Revolvers: Employ a revolving cylinder for storing ammunition; each chamber indexes with the barrel upon firing.

2. Rifles

Bolt-action rifles: Need a manual operation of the bolt in order to chamber the next shot.

Lever-action rifles: Employ a lever system to chamber cartridges.

Semi-automatic rifles: Discharge one round per trigger pull and reload with gas or recoil-operated cycling systems.

3. Shotguns

Pump-action shotguns: Need manual cycling of the fore-end to chamber a new shell.

Semi-automatic shotguns: Reload automatically with gas or recoil-operated systems.

Sawn-off shotguns: Altered to have a reduced barrel for concealment, usually making them illegal under UK law.

Knowledge of these types of firearms assists forensic scientists in establishing how a weapon was employed in a crime, if it has been altered, and if it qualifies as a prohibited firearm under legal definitions.

Emphasizing women's critical role in all walks of life, she asked them to pay importance to their health and well-being. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday stated the healthcare system in the city must be improved and education for women must be given importance as both are essential for constructing a progressive and liberal society.

Addressing an Equality Walkathon hosted by Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh on International Women's Day, she reaffirmed the government's pledge to the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, reiterating that education and healthcare were the way forward for empowering women and driving overall growth of society.

"Delhi needs to be the most advanced health center in the nation. All citizens must receive easy medical facilities, and nobody must be denied the right treatment," she said. Emphasizing women's crucial roles in all walks of life, she encouraged them to take care of their health and well-being. "Let us together create a future where gender equality is not only an aspiration but a way of life," she added.

The walkathon, in which approximately 400 individuals participated, was to raise awareness about gender equality and equal opportunities for women. The event, with the theme 'Accelerate Action for Gender Equality', included banners and placards supporting women's rights.

A 'Women's Empowerment Programme' was also organized, with a panel discussion between doctors on women's health issues, equality at the workplace, and inclusive growth. Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, chief executive officer and managing director, Fortis Healthcare, underlined the importance of the role of women in healthcare, stressing that there is a need for inclusive and equitable workplace.

"Women bring skills, compassion and creativity to the delivery of patient care. However, they still face special health issues and system obstacles at work," he added

A 13-year-old tribal girl, Lalithya, was discovered mysteriously dead in an Ashram school in Adilabad. In spite of the assertion of epileptic fits by the school, her parents are accusing negligence and asking for a forensic inquiry. They demanded a forensic investigation to find out whether any foul play had taken place. The accident has created an uproar among the local tribal population, who are calling for an open investigation and monetary compensation for the loss. A forensic autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death.

Lalithya, was discovered dead under suspicious conditions at an Ashram school in Ichoda mandal, Adilabad. While the school authorities state that she died of epileptic seizures, her parents suspect negligence and are calling for a forensic probe.

Lalithya, a IX standard student hailing from Morkandi village in Bazarhathnoor mandal, was found dead in her hostel room on Monday. According to school staff members, she died due to a fatal epileptic attack. But the family members are seriously questioning the conditions under which she passed away.

When they arrived at the school, her parents accosted the administration, challenging the absence of medical care. They blamed the headmaster for negligence and demanded he take action against the perpetrators. Refusing to acknowledge that the reason for death is as yet unknown, they have requested a forensic test to ascertain whether any foul play was committed.

The incident has set off anger among the indigenous tribal community, with activists calling for an open inquiry. People are asking whether the school ensured proper medical attention and followed student safety guidelines in a timely manner.

The authorities have promised to conduct a forensic autopsy to determine the precise reason behind the death. In the meantime, the parents have claimed financial compensation for their loss and blamed the school.

Additional information is expected once forensic specialists examine the case.

In their remand petition, the Vadodara police informed the court that the police needed to investigate further to ascertain what happened before the accident and to see if Chaurasiya was driving drunk intentionally.

A court in Vadodara on Saturday handed over police custody of Rakshit Chaurasiya, a law student who is accused of killing one and injuring seven others in a car crash on Thursday night. The court remanded Chaurasiya to one day in custody after a late-night hearing on Friday, said the city's police commissioner, Narsimha Komar.

The Vadodara police, in making their remand request, informed the court that they needed to investigate further into the sequence of events leading up to the crash and if Chaurasiya was driving recklessly under the influence of intoxicants. The police are also probing the affair between Chaurasiya and Praanshu Chauhan, the son of the car owner, who was traveling with him at the time of the accident.

The court was told that there was a need to know why Chaurasiya, and not Chauhan, was behind the wheel when the accident occurred. The police are also investigating Chaurasiya's background and his connections with the people around him prior to the crash.

Police arrested Chauhan on Friday and identified a third person, Suresh, who was said to have been with Chaurasiya and Chauhan in the pre-dawn hours on the day of the accident but was not in the car when it took place. Samples of their blood have been sent for forensic tests to see if they had all taken any kind of intoxicants together.

The police are seeking to establish the facts surrounding the case and whether there were any possible links between the parties involved as part of an ongoing inquiry.

The healthcare sector offers many career opportunities, and one such critical career is a Certified Dialysis Technician (CDT) professional. This is a critical occupation in the administration of life-saving therapy to patients suffering from kidney disease. Dialysis technicians play a critical role in the functioning of dialysis machines, monitoring patients, and ensuring a safe and effective treatment process.

Learning about the Role of a Certified Dialysis Technician

A Certified Dialysis Technician is a trained medical expert who works with dialysis treatment. Dialysis is a clinical process by which excess waste, salt, and water are drained from the patients' blood whose kidneys are not functioning properly anymore. Technicians work under the supervision of nurses and nephrologists to ensure the procedure runs smoothly and safely.

Key Responsibilities:

Running and maintaining dialysis machines

Monitoring patient vitals before, in the course of, and after dialysis treatments

Maintaining a sterile and clean treatment environment

Educating patients on dialysis care and lifestyle changes

Managing dialysis complications

Impeccable patient documentation and treatment records

Certified Dialysis Technician Program: Course Description

The Certified Dialysis Technician program is intended to equip students with skills and knowledge required to provide effective care to patients. The course features theoretical education and practical training for dialysis processes.

Course Features:

Principles of kidney function and renal diseases

Principles of dialysis and procedures

Ethics of patient care and communication skills

Handling and maintenance of equipment

Infection control and methods of sterilization

Emergency response during dialysis sessions

Eligibility Criteria:

To enroll in a Certified Dialysis Technician course, the following criteria must be fulfilled by the candidates:

Passing Class 10 or equivalent examination from a valid board

50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics

Career Opportunities and Job Profiles

After completing the certification process, professionals can work in various roles in dialysis centers, hospitals, and health care facilities. Some of the most sought-after career choices are:

Dialysis Technician – Assists in conducting dialysis therapy and comforts the patient.

Hemodialysis Technician – Works exclusively with hemodialysis treatments of patients with acute or chronic kidney failure.

Peritoneal Dialysis Technician – Works exclusively with peritoneal dialysis, a form of home dialysis therapy.

Dialysis Nurse – Works as a nurse for dialysis patients, ensuring their overall well-being.

Dialysis Coordinator – Manages dialysis schedules and patient care.

Dialysis Machine Operator – Repairs and maintains dialysis machines to ensure proper functioning.

Salary and Growth Prospects

The compensation package for Certified Dialysis Technicians in India ranges from ₹3 LPA – ₹5 LPA, depending on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility. As there is an increase in demand for dialysis treatment, this profession has a stable career growth.

To become a Certified Dialysis Technician is a rewarding career choice for individuals who are interested in healthcare and patient care. Not only is this career job secure and well-paying, but it also offers the opportunity to make a positive difference in patients' lives. With proper training and certification, future technicians can build a profitable career in this ever-growing medical field.

The All India Forensic Science Entrance Test, or AIFSET, is a test at the national level for candidates who want to make a career in forensic science. The candidate's reasoning aptitude, knowledge of general science, and basic knowledge of forensic science are probed through a sixty-minute computer-based test. Candidates are able to download their scorecard and cross-check their qualification to the university where they aspire to study upon successful completion of the exam.

Once counseling has taken place, candidates must select their preferred school of forensic science and complete necessary documents for validation.

The applicants are required to do provisional admission upon counseling for the purpose of joining the desired forensic science course. Understanding the syllabus, practicing previous year's question papers, taking online mock tests, and periodic scanning of major topics are all professional-level preparation strategies for AIFSET 2025.

Students can secure admission in good institutes and begin successful careers in their fields with proper study and test-taking skill.

AIFSET 2025: Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Registration

The first thing to do to sit for AIFSET 2025 is online registration. One has to log in to the official website of AIFSET registration, provide the required information, and pay the application fee to complete the process.

 Points to remember:

Make sure your information (name, contact, email, and educational qualifications) is accurate.

Upload documents as required in the given format.

Keep track of important dates and deadlines to avoid last-minute rush.

2. Examination

AIFSET 2025 is an online examination with a total time limit of 60 minutes. The test tests the candidate's knowledge of forensic science, general science, and reasoning skill.

Exam Pattern Overview:

 Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)

 Duration: 60 minutes

Number of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Subjects Covered: Forensic Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Aptitude

3. Results

Once the test has been completed, the candidate can see their result on AIFSET's candidate portal. The scorecard is available for download from the website, and it will determine the eligibility for future admission processes.

What to Do After Checking Your Result

Download and take a print of the AIFSET 2025 scorecard. Verify your rank and preferred universities' eligibility criteria. Prepare for the counseling and admission process.

4. Counselling

Shortlisted candidates who clear the exam have to undergo the counselling procedure in order to seal their choice of university for admission. In this phase, candidates are provided with an opportunity to choose the forensic science institute best suited to their academic and professional aspirations.

Steps in the Counselling Process:

Select your preferred college/university from the list of partner colleges/universities. Provide documents required for verification. Confirm your selection and wait for additional admission guidance.

5. Admission

Candidates need to undergo provisional admission after the counselling process to secure their seat in the preferred forensic science course.

Important Admission Requirements:

Pay the admission fee as per the instructions of the university. Provide all academic documents required for verification. Reserve your seat before the specified deadline.

Tips for AIFSET 2025 Preparation

If you are preparing for AIFSET 2025, below are some tips from experts to prepare you for the exam:

Understand the Syllabus: Pay attention to forensic science topics, basic sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), and reasoning ability. Practice Previous Year Papers: Practice previous year question papers to have an idea of the difficulty level and type of questions.

Practice with Online Mock Tests: Practice of mock tests on a regular basis will enhance your speed, accuracy, and time management.

Revisit Regularly: Make short notes of key topics and keep revisiting them on a regular basis.

AIFSET 2025 is a vital milestone for applicants who are looking to pursue their career in the field of forensic sciences. Through proper preparation and knowledge about the exam process, you are capable of gaining admission into a prominent institution and establishing a successful career in this challenging field.

A Certified OT Technician degree prepares students to assist surgical staff in operating rooms. The coursework includes an overall knowledge of the surgical process, sterilization of equipment, and patient handling. Students will be taught anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and infection control. Practical training forms the foundation of the course of study, allowing students to work hands-on preparing operating rooms, assisting surgeons, and manipulating surgical instruments. With a combination of theoretical education and practical exposure, the graduates become competent professionals to join the smooth functioning of surgical environments.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicants should have passed their Class 10 or equivalent examination from a known board with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics to be eligible for paramedical courses.

Job Profiles After Certified OT Technician

Certified OT Technician graduates can find a range of jobs in the healthcare industry, such as:

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Rehabilitation Technician

Assistive Technology Specialist

Activity Therapist

Sensory Integration Therapist

Mental Health Technician

Geriatric Care Assistant

Average Salary Package

The average salary package for a Certified OT Technician is ₹3 LPA - ₹5 LPA, based on experience, skill level, and location.

Key Points to Remember

Make sure you provide a valid email ID and phone number while registering, as all communications will be made there.

Have scanned copies of documents required such as photograph, signature, and ID proof handy before proceeding with the registration.

Verify the application deadline on the official website and register before the last date.

By adopting the steps mentioned above, aspirants can seamlessly undergo their GAHET 2025 registration process and embark on their journey to pursue a career in paramedical sciences. For more updates, visit https://gahet.org/ at regular intervals.

In today's quick-paced digital culture, media literacy is today an imperative instrument for citizens to navigate, analyze, and comprehend information in a critical manner. With media sites continuous in shaping public opinion and deciding social and political discourse, it has never been more vital to understand media literacy.

Media education is the learning and practice of analyzing, assessing, and creating media messages. It helps an individual to acquire critical thinking in order to ascertain the credibility of news sources, detect bias, and understand the impact of media messages. Media education addresses all forms of communication, including television, radio, digital media, social media, and journalism.

The Importance of Media Literacy

With the prevalence of disinformation and misinformation, media literacy empowers users to distinguish between reliable and deceptive information. It facilitates informed use of information, so audiences are not deceived by propaganda or sensational reporting.

Additionally, media education plays a critical role in digital citizenship. It educates learners and professionals regarding the responsible usage of the internet, respect of privacy, and combating cyberbullying. Media education is significant in ensuring ethically correct online interactions in today's globalized world.

Media Education in Schools and Universities

Schools across the globe have incorporated media studies in their curriculum to equip students with the intricacies of contemporary media. Media studies, journalism, communication studies, new media, and public relations courses inform students about media ethics, narrative conventions, and media in democracy.

In addition, school-based media literacy courses prepare young minds to critically analyze commercials, social trends, and political campaigns. The information assists them in making effective choices and remaining unmanipulated by media figures or political interests.

Challenges in Media Education

Although it is important, media education is not without challenges. The fast evolution of digital technologies tends to be ahead of the conventional education systems, and thus it becomes hard for teachers to adapt to new media trends. Moreover, there is limited access to quality media education in most developing countries, and this creates a knowledge deficit in digital literacy.

The Future of Media Education

With the advancement of technology, media education will increasingly become important. The use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and data analysis in media studies will open new avenues for interactive learning. Governments and schools have to invest in strong media literacy programs so that people can be able to think critically about the media content.

Media literacy is a critical component of contemporary education, preparing people with the skills they need to take on the virtual world responsibly. Through critical thought and ethical consumption of media, society can challenge misinformation and empower an informed population.

All India Design Aptitude Test 2025 started taking registrations, the first step for meritorious candidates aimed at securing a seat in a number of top design schools in India. The nation-wide competitive test is scheduled to challenge an applicant's creativeness and analysis potential in an attempt to award them the required admissions at India's top design institutes.

Step 1: AIDAT 2025 Registration Opens

The aspirants are able to register online on the AIDAT official website. They have to create an account, furnish the details required, and agree on sitting for the exam. This marks the beginning of their journey to a promising career in design.

Step 2: Schedule for Entrance Exam

The AIDAT 2025 examination, a 60-minute examination comprised of 100 questions in multiple-choice format, will assess students based on design aptitude, creative skills, and problem-solving. In order to prepare well, study material and specially chosen resources are available to facilitate students in performing well in the test.

Step 3: Results to be Declared Online

Once the test is over, the candidates can see their results on the student portal. The performance-based ranking will determine the eligibility for the next phase—counselling sessions and interviews.

Step 4: Counselling for College Selection

The applicants will be allowed to book appointment for counseling sessions, wherein academic experts and industry specialists will guide them in choosing the right college and course based on their interests as well as their career goals.

Step 5: Personal Interview & Portfolio Review

Shortlisted students will be subjected to a comprehensive interview and portfolio assessment. The exercise will examine critical thinking, design sense, and problem-solving capabilities. The interview would involve a chatbot-based examination followed by individual interviews with academic advisors for a deep dive into their capabilities.

Step 6: Final Admission Process Starts

After the interview is successfully accomplished, the students can finalize their college selection and gain admission in their desired design institute. Through the skilled hand at every point, the AIDAT ensures that the right decision is taken by the students, which launches them on to the path towards a successful career in design.

As a society, we often prioritise academic achievement over the emotional well-being of our children. The stress of shifting schools and cities can have a profound impact on young minds, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and isolation.

Reminiscing 2020’s global house-arrest and with campuses being closed and online learning being pursued, edtech push by COVID is now stronger than the fintech push by demonetization. The teacher-student model has ceased to exist for ever now, and we are moving to a qualitatively different mentor-learner model not just in the current digital learning phase, but also in the post pandemic times ahead. Beyond this complete campus lockdown phase, during which time mentoring-learning-assessing has gone online globally, we shall be moving towards blended phygital education ahead, which will be the new normal ahead, and will make the new model of mentor-learner firmly entrenched.

Learning or academics or education broadly has three functions: creation of learning content through research, writing, packaging with visuals; dissemination of learning through classes, lectures, notes, self-study, discussions; & assessment and evaluation of the education of the learner by various methods. All these three have been majorly impacted by the self-isolation imposed to ensure social distancing so that the learners and the mentors may first be protected from the spread of the infection of COVID19. The lockdown across the world is simultaneously a boon and a bane for the teaching-learning community today.

Teacher to Mentor:

The teacher was a sage on the stage, introducing every new topic, speaking the last word on it, sticking to a structured syllabus as prescribed, interpreting it as s/he deems right, finishing the syllabus and focusing on examination and evaluation to complete the cycle of delivery of education. He often demands respect, and relies on the power to punish to set things right (not always, though). Teacher teaches and often sermonizes.

Each premise noted above is changing now.

Mentor today is a co-learner, may be the first stimulus for a topic but never the last word, starts from a structured syllabus but is expected to move towards organic learning depending upon the variegated interest areas of groups of learners, aggregates learning resources from multiple sources and shares with the learners, is more a guide, second parent and agony shelter of sorts for the learners. Examination also is diverse and evaluation is just one more function and not the ultimate yardstick of learning and brilliance of the learner. Mentor may often be less informed about an issue, but with a better perspective to guide. Mentor engages and inspires.

Learning Resources Aggregation & Delivery:

To begin with being the new age mentor, a massive train the trainer and capacity building is needed today. For this, first the mentor has to be a digital personality with smartphone and net connection, and with laptop and wifi connection. Next, one has to learn how to create, deliver and engage in content across multiple online platforms, and how to take matter learnt online to matter practiced offline face to face. Third, one has to now learn assessment with open book through analysis and application, through quiz, through applied projects, through phygital presentation and actual work in labs and studios after using virtual labs and studios.

Creating the learning resources was quite easy earlier. There were the books, often called text and reference books, then the power-point presentation of the teacher, and then chalk and talk. And the topic was first introduced in a class, post which notes were given, books were mentioned, and later examination was conducted to check memory and a bit of understanding.

The game is changed now. And totally so.

The concept of proprietary content (the mentor’s own videos, audio or podcast content, power-points, cases, info-graphics etc), aggregated content (books, monographs, videos, podcasts, URLs, pdfs, cases, etc taken from the internet, YouTube and Vimeo, etc), and also massive open/closed online learning resources (free ones like Swayam or NAPTEL, paid ones like those of Coursera or LinkedIn, and the university’s own online courses): these three are the learning resources today.

The mentor is expected to make a mix of proprietary, aggregated and online learning resources, suitably arranging them from the easies one to the toughest one and offer to the learners digitally (using Google Class, emails, or better, Learning Management Systems like Canvas or TCSion, Blackboard or Collaborate, etc,) at least a week or more before they meet digitally or physically to discuss the content. This is called Flipped Classroom where the learners get learning content much in advance, read, watch or listen to the same asynchronously at their own time, place or pace, note down things they have not understood or have questions on, and come to the digital/physical classroom synchronously, to clarify doubts, discuss cases, debate on conclusions drawn and participate in quiz or analytical or applied assignments. Delivery of the online session can be on any platform: MS Teams, Zoom, Webex, Google Meet and can move from the synchronous digital classroom to asynchronous digital chatroom debates and discussions for further clarification.

This makes the task for Content Creation and Content Delivery for the mentors much more diverse, tech-savvy, and tougher than the traditional teacher’s job.

Learners’ Engagement & Evaluation:

Further, education will now move from a system imposed disciplined endeavour to voluntarily participated and internalized process. It will be truly a learner-centric education now in the new normal, and shall be far more participative than the past. The learner in the digital or blended mode is learning voluntarily and not on the basis of an imposed discipline on campus through a web of rules and power dynamics. While voluntary learning will throw many non-interested or apathetic learners out of the learning circle, it will also make many focused learners internalize education better and apply it in a more focused manner at his or her individual level.

Also, with Artificial Intelligence, robotics, automation, Machine Learning and internet of things being the other emerging realities, the skills for mass production or education to do the same work repeatedly will be totally irrelevant ahead when machines will take over almost all such work (more than three fourths of all human work today). Hence, new age skills, apart from technology use, have to be in areas like creativity, innovation, incubation, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, design thinking, empathy, emotional intelligence and risk management. Each of these can be qualitatively and quantitatively mentored to any youth from an early age of say 15 years till 25 years of age, and will become his or her second nature.

To deliver such a learning, the learners’ engagement techniques have to be more tech-savvy (google forms, polls, surveys, quiz, virtual lab and studio, AI tools, etc) and also with higher emotional quotient (use of humour, videos, info-graphics, empathy in the class, allowing diversity of opinion, wellness conscious, etc).

Even the evaluation or assessment has to be diverse. Assessment refers to learner performance; it helps us decide if students are learning and where improvement in that learning is needed. Evaluation refers to a systematic process of determining the merit value or worth of the instruction or programme; it helps us determine if a course is effective (course goals) and informs our design efforts. Assessment and evaluation can be both formative (carried out during the course) and summative (carried out following the course). There can be many ways for the same. Mentors can make learners aware of expectations in advance (e.g. one week for feedback from deadline) and keep them posted (announcement: all projects have been marked). For example, one can create tests that are multiple choice, true/false, or short answer essays and one can set the assessments to automatically provide feedback.

When online, evaluation can be on the basis of proctored digital examination or open-book analytical and applied evaluation with non-google-able questions. And this is surely not an easy task for the mentors as teachers of the past were used to repeat past questions, had set patterns of questions, examinations were ‘suggestions’ and memory based, and not application based in general. Online quiz, open book examination with time-managed and proctored question paper delivered online, applied questions not based on memory but comprehension, telephonic interview etc have been the usual ways of digital assessment and evaluation of learning.

There will be offline evaluation also. Here, the assessment can be based on offline written examinations, field-survey based presentation or report writing, debates, lab/studio-based practical, or a peer-group work, or a submission of a long-term real life or live project.

Digital Learning Tools Today:

The pandemic requires universities to rapidly offer online learning to their students. Fortunately, technology and content are available to help universities transition online quickly and with high quality, especially on the digital plank, though at a cost and with the risk of several teachers and administrators being forced to go out of the system.

Digital learning on the go or from distance calls for tech-led holistic solutions. It requires several content pieces to be transmitted digitally. These content pieces can be in the form of pdfs, ppts, URLs, YouTube links, podcast links, case-studies, etc. There can also be e-books, audio-books, kindle based content, magzter sourced magazines, etc. Then this can involve learning without being face to face through boxes, as in Google Class, or learning face to face as in Zoom live audio-visual discussions. People may also use GoToMeetings or MicrosoftMeet sessions also. Attendance can be taken on Google Spreadsheet and through WhatsApp Group chat of a batch of students too.

Then there are MOOCs, collaborative distance learning, wikis, blogs etc. Individual resource-rich institutes develop their customized secured and IPR protected Learning Management Systems, through the use of BlackBoard or TCSion LMS. Other LMS options like Kaltura or Impartus allowing video recording of talks also ar in use in many places. There are CourseEra courses, Swayam online lessons from UGC and similar other avenues to learn online.

Learning digitally can be further assisted with Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) which can take the viewer to an enhanced experience even integrating scenarios which are yet to happen creatively bringing them within the learning experience. These are immersive and contextual experiences, and artificial intelligence driven chatbots can further enhance the digital interface of the learner and the mentor.

Digital Learning Value-adds:

Incorporating big data analytics and content management, educators can develop an individualized curriculum that enhances how each student learns (e.g. playlist of learning content in WiseWire changing for each student). Many in the West have started the use of the millennials' language and style: Khan Academy video lessons, YouTube use, distinct style and language for young learners. Twitter, Tumblr, Snapchat, Imessage, Instagram, Facebook & Whatsapp are being creatively integrated with school education. There is a case of a management school in India, where the professor sends a 3 minutes interesting video on the subject he is taking up next through group whatsapp to increase interest in the batch towards the topic being taught.

In the US, the smart-phone applications like Socrative and Plickers are helping teachers interact and assess students’ progress, collaborate via cloud-based applications to work and solve a common goal. Teachers can publish real-time quizzes and polls for students via mobile devices to keep them engaged.

Further, using anything from iMovie to WeVideo, learners can create video as a learning resource. YouTube (with privacy settings) and SeeSaw or Flipgrid are also alternatives learners can make use of. The benefits of SeeSaw and Flipgrid are that students can add voice recordings or text sharing feedback with peers. Students became the co-creators of content and as a result, more engaged, including their parents. Useful apps like Book Creator, Explain Everything and EduCreations can be utilised towards this end. 

There are various software used to create digital content, like Camtasia, Raptivity, Captivate, Articulate Online, etc.

Yes alongside, social media use extensively will support learning online. Facebook Page can broadcast updates and alerts. Facebook Group or Google Hangout with advanced features in G-suite can stream live lectures and host discussions. Twitter can act as a class message board. The 256 characters help to keep messages succinct. Instagram can be used for photo essays. One can create a class blog for discussions. There are many different platforms available, such as WordPress, SquareSpace, Wix, Blogger for that. And, one can create a class-specific Pinterest board as well.

Students to Learners:

With mentors replacing teachers, the students cannot be the pre COVID typical students any more going ahead.

Students study in classroom, are taught by teachers, limited to given syllabus, and study for marks, grades, degrees. Students give exams in written and on the basis of suggestions or set patters of evaluation.

Learners study within and beyond the classroom, from mentors, peers, personal experience, books, digitally aggregated content, through projects and through assignments. Learners learn for lifetime application, and hence learn to learn further as things learnt today are obsolete soon. Self-learning or learning to learn is hence a major cultivated skill for the present day learners, especially in higher education, as techniques and technologies are changing in the work-place in less than five years now. Learners also learn organically. While structured syllabus must be completed for foundation and examination, organic learning is about self-driven learning in few chosen areas out of interest, assisted by the mentors.

Yes, for this, doubling public education expenditure, digital access to the hinterland, considering digital connectivity as a human right, digital literacy as a fundamental pre-requisite in any work, providing cell phones and laptops or tabs en masse, announcing cheaper data packages for students, CSR in the field of domain of digital connectivity by corporate houses, etc and more would be needed soonest to bridge the yawning digital divide in the otherwise class divided society. It must be noted that even UNESCO has noted that only 48% of Indian learners’ community of 283 million is receiving some sort of online education today, the rest 52% going bereft of any form of formal learning whatsoever for more than a year now! And among these 48%, the girl-students are having a worse fate in the poorer families due to limited digital devices to which the sons have a higher access than the daughters.

Conclusion:

India has been speaking of digital education for long but it has stayed on as a possibility and not a reality for more than a decade now. Even IITs and IIMs have used digital platforms on the side for sharing of content and debating on issues sporadically. The larger mass of 1300 plus universities and some 44,000 colleges have actually not digitized their content, not made access to online learning mainstay of their teaching-learning process, except the distance learning universities. In fact, the old school educationists looked at online and distance education with some disdain all across South Asia. They are in for a major shock now. The digital divide needs fast bridging through the promise of 6% of the GDP for public education, through 2% of profits for CSR given here, and through civil society initiatives like getting smart-phones, laptops and tabs for the less privileged.

It is clear that going ahead digital access will be a human right, and those in governance must wake up to the reality that youngsters need in expensive tablets and easy data access. A nation that spends less than 3% of national budget for public education (lower than Tanzania, Angola and Ghana, et al), with the states putting in 2.5 (Bihar) to 26% (Delhi), with Delhi being the only state in double digits, cannot ensure digital education for the masses, unless allocation of funds and their transparent spending happen.

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Prof. Ujjwal Anu Chowdhury

The author is Vice President, Washington University of Science and Technology and Editorial Mentor, edInbox.com

The last two years have clearly shown that technology-aided remote schooling is neither fully possible nor completely desirable. 

Lest we forget that India is a nation of more than one-third of the population in the 15 to 25 years age-bracket, the most promising period of life when one decides career path, subjects for learning, types of work to do, and becomes self-dependent in the process.