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A special education school in eastern China is drawing widespread attention online after introducing an unusual “gratitude education” programme in which students are required to care for toy baby dolls throughout the day to better understand parenting responsibilities.

At first glance, the scenes appear unusual where teenagers are seen walking slowly while supporting dolls, squatting repeatedly to imitate helping toddlers walk, and carrying the “babies” across long distances. But behind the viral videos lies a broader educational experiment attempting to answer a difficult question many schools worldwide continue to struggle with: how do you teach empathy to teenagers who have emotionally disconnected from family, discipline, or responsibility?

Which Chinese School is Doing the Baby Doll Discipline Experiment?

Yuanzhong Special Education School in Jiangsu province is leading this viral experiment. According to reports, the school has been asking students to carry and care for baby dolls for an entire week as part of an experiential learning activity aimed at teaching empathy, patience, and appreciation for parents.

The school reportedly works with teenagers who experience behavioral problems and motivational difficulties which include internet gaming addiction and absent academic motivation and aggressive behavior and defiant conduct. 

Students Asked to Care for Dolls Throughout the Day

The viral school videos show students at the school carrying dolls during their class times and lunch breaks and throughout their campus movements. Some clips show students who support the dolls by squatting and walking because they want to show how parents teach toddlers to walk. 

The reports showed that the dolls weigh 2.5 kilograms because this weight creates an authentic caregiving experience for students who want to learn about caring for others.

One student quoted in media reports said “My legs felt numb after walking for 1 km this way. Now I understand the hardships my parents endure.” This shows the Chinese school’s experiment is a well-calculated initiative that might help students understand the real struggle of their parents. However, one person wrote, “Years later, when they reflect on this experience, they might decide against having children,” which might be correct. It solely depends on the perspective these kids choose. 

School Says Traditional Discipline Methods Often Fail

The school’s principal, identified in reports by the surname Du, said the institution uses practical and experience-based activities because conventional disciplinary methods are often less effective with highly rebellious teenagers.

According to the principal, the goal of the programme is to encourage students to understand the challenges parents face while raising children and develop greater appreciation towards their families.

“You only truly understand your parents when you raise a child. From today, every student at Yuanzhong School must care for their own ‘baby.’ You will need to manage the baby’s eating, sleeping, and nighttime needs for an entire week,” one teacher stated, as per reports.

Parents React Positively to the Programme

Some parents have reportedly supported the initiative. A mother explained that her son gained understanding about parenting when he took part in the exercise. She explained that mothers often carry children while simultaneously managing daily responsibilities and the weight of the doll helped make that experience more relatable for him.

Online Reactions Remain Divided

The programme has triggered mixed reactions online. Social media users praised the method because it teaches teenagers responsibility and patience and empathy. Some users doubted whether doll care could accurately show parents the difficulties of actual child upbringing.

Some critics expressed doubts about the psychological effects of such activities while some users joked that the experience might make teenagers less interested in parenthood during their adult years.

The incident has now become part of a larger online conversation around modern discipline methods, parenting education, teenage behaviour management, and alternative educational practices in schools.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has triggered a major constitutional debate after refusing to resign despite the Bharatiya Janata Party’s reported victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Speaking after the results, Banerjee said, “The question of my resignation does not arise, as we were defeated not by a public mandate but by a conspiracy. I did not lose.”

She also accused the Election Commission of bias and claimed that several seats were “forcibly taken”, alleging irregularities in the electoral process. Her remarks have now raised a question many Indians are searching online: Can a Chief Minister legally stay in power after losing majority support?

Constitutional Basis: Article 164 of the Constitution of India

The office of the Chief Minister is governed primarily through:

• Article 163
• Article 164
• Parliamentary conventions developed through Supreme Court judgments

Article 164(1) states:

“The Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed on the advice of the Chief Minister, and the Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.”

However, the phrase “during the pleasure of the Governor” does not give unrestricted discretionary power to the Governor. Under India’s parliamentary democracy, this pleasure is constitutionally linked to majority support in the Legislative Assembly. In practical constitutional law, a Chief Minister can remain in office only while enjoying the confidence of the Assembly.

Is Resignation Legally Mandatory After Election Defeat?

There is no constitutional provision stating that a Chief Minister automatically ceases to hold office immediately after election results are declared. However, constitutional convention requires resignation once it becomes clear that:

• the ruling party no longer commands majority support, and
• another party or coalition has secured majority numbers.

Until a new government is sworn in, the outgoing Chief Minister may continue in a caretaker capacity. This principle flows from responsible government under the parliamentary system adopted by India.

What Happens if the Chief Minister Refuses to Resign?

If the incumbent Chief Minister refuses to resign despite apparent loss of majority, the Governor may constitutionally intervene.

The Governor may:

• ask the Chief Minister to prove majority on the floor of the House,
• summon the Assembly for a floor test, or
• invite another leader to form a government if majority support is clearly established elsewhere.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the majority must ordinarily be tested on the floor of the Assembly and not decided solely through subjective assessments.

Supreme Court Position on Floor Tests

The Supreme Court of India has consistently treated floor tests as the constitutional method for determining majority.

Important cases include:

• S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
• Jagdambika Pal case (1998)
• Shivraj Singh Chouhan v. Speaker, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly (2020)

In S.R. Bommai, the Court held that majority support must be tested on the Assembly floor and not through gubernatorial assumptions. This judgment became one of the most important constitutional precedents governing government stability and majority determination in India.

Can the Governor Dismiss a Chief Minister?

Yes, but only within constitutional limits. If:

• the Chief Minister fails a floor test, or
• refuses to prove majority despite gubernatorial direction,

the Governor may dismiss the Council of Ministers.

However, dismissal without giving an opportunity for floor testing may itself become subject to judicial review. The Governor’s powers are therefore constitutional, not political.

What Is a Caretaker Government?

Once a government loses elections but remains in office until transition, it generally functions as a caretaker government. A caretaker government:

• handles routine administration,
• avoids major policy decisions, and
• continues temporarily until the next government assumes office.

Although the Constitution does not explicitly define “caretaker government”, the concept operates through constitutional convention.

Does Alleging Election Irregularities Change Constitutional Position?

No. A political party may legally challenge election results before appropriate judicial or electoral forums. However, allegations regarding electoral irregularities do not automatically extend the constitutional tenure of a government lacking majority support.

Until election results are legally overturned or stayed through due process, constitutional authorities proceed based on officially declared results.

Conclusion

Under Indian constitutional law, a Chief Minister cannot continue indefinitely after losing majority support in the Legislative Assembly. The central constitutional principle remains clear: the legitimacy of a government flows from majority confidence in the House.

If the majority becomes disputed, the proper constitutional mechanism is a floor test supervised within the framework of parliamentary democracy. For law students and constitutional observers, the present debate serves as an important example of how written constitutional provisions, judicial precedents, and constitutional conventions operate together in India’s federal parliamentary system.

The relationship between people and music has transformed in the past few years. People now experience music through live concerts which provide immersive musical experiences that create lasting memories, is fun, and helps relieve stress. 

This transformation of the music industry has created what experts call the concert economy which develops through the interaction of live shows with audience engagement and market development. For young professionals and students this cultural development functions as a professional advancement marker. 

What is the Concert Economy? 

The concert economy simply means all the money, jobs, and opportunities created around live music events like concerts, tours, and festivals. It includes ticket sales, brand deals, event planning, and even the people working behind the scenes. In easy terms, it’s the shift from just listening to music on your phone to actually experiencing it live, and how that experience is now creating a whole new industry.

The Cultural Shift You Must Know

The live music culture of India has undergone considerable growth during the last few years especially after covid. From college fests to stadium-level concerts and curated experiences, audiences are showing a clear preference for being there rather than just listening online.

This shift is a result of evolving human behavior. Gen Z currently values experiences more than physical possession. People attend concerts to experience a musical performance which develops their personal identity through shared memories and interactive participation. It is something you attend, share, and carry forward.

The Evolution Of Music From A Simple Entertaining Form

People like Rishab Rikhiram Sharma are bringing the transformation in the music industry. The people of India and around the world are being influenced by his brand. His "Sitar for Mental Health" concerts function as special musical events without standardized concert components. The performance uses classical music elements to create an atmosphere which enables the musicians to show their emotional development through the performance.

His shows have attracted numerous audience members in India because people now seek valuable and intention-based authentic live performances. The success of such concerts highlights how the concert economy is expanding beyond entertainment into wellness and community engagement.

The Scale of Demand Is Rising 

The music industry is currently experiencing its highest audience level which continues to grow as the concert economy takes shape. Shreya Ghoshal and other artists maintain their power to draw large crowds which continue to fill venues throughout various cities and international locations. The fact that Indian artists are now performing at major international venues is a sign of a clear shift that India is actively contributing to global music culture and not merely consuming it.

Why is the Concert Economy Growing So Fast? 

The concert economy maintains its rapid expansion throughout India because of multiple factors. The current situation arises from the combination of two powerful forces.

First, there is a strong post-pandemic demand for real-world experiences. After years of restrictions, people are actively seeking spaces where they can gather, celebrate, and connect.

Second, social media has amplified the value of live events. A single concert today extends far beyond the venue. The concert develops into content which people share through reels,  stories, and videos to extend its reach and power.

The growth of independent artists combined with niche music communities has increased opportunities for live performances which include classical fusion and indie pop and electronic music performances.

The Career Layer Most Students Miss 

The concert economy derives its true value from its complete operational system not from its audience members. The concert industry requires a complete team of experts to handle its operations which extends beyond the musical artists. The project requires various teams to handle production work, design tasks, technological needs and marketing needs and operational activities. The situation has developed various job openings which now exist because of recent developments in the field.

The industry currently requires professionals who perform the following tasks:

• Event production and show management
• Stage, lighting, and sound design
• Artist and tour management
• Brand partnerships and sponsorship strategy
• Live content creation and social media coverage

The creative aspects of these professions work together with their practical implementation which enables students from all academic fields to pursue these professions.

Concert Economy Jobs

How Education Is Responding?

Indian educational institutions currently implement necessary changes to match this trend. The field of event management together with media and sound engineering and design courses now teaches students actual industry requirements.

The present requirement focuses on practical skills which enable people to comprehend operational systems throughout their design and implementation and development stages. 

Students who build skills in this direction early will have a significant advantage in entering this ecosystem. 

A New Way to Think About Careers

The concert economy has developed because modern job markets show that people no longer follow traditional career paths.

A student might begin with an interest in music or design, move into event production, and eventually build a career in entertainment strategy or brand experiences. The different industries now operate in a new way that creates live experiences as their main element.

The Bigger Picture

India’s concert economy is still evolving, but its trajectory is clear. Live music has emerged as a strong cultural and economic force that drives both small mental health events and international performances by artists such as Shreya Ghoshal.

Entertainment has expanded to become something different. It has evolved into a platform which provides people with chances to experience things while building connections and gaining opportunities.

Key Takeaway

If you are a student trying to decide your future, it may be time to look beyond traditional career paths. When you need to select a degree, you should ask yourself which industries will grow and which ways you can bring value to those industries. 

Right now, the concert economy offers a compelling answer, but the right approach for deciding your career path is to ask your heart. 

UGC NET June 2026 notification is live! Exam runs June 22-30, 2026. Apply now at ugcnet.nta.nic.in – deadline May 20. This guide has dates, syllabus, tips for lakhs of students chasing JRF (₹37,000/month stipend) and professor jobs.

Complete UGC NET 2026 Schedule

Application Fees:

5 Simple Steps to Apply Online

Applying takes 20 minutes. Follow these steps:

1. Visit ugcnet.nta.nic.in :  Click "New Registration".
2. Enter name, email, phone, DOB: Get login ID/password.
3. Fill in details, pick 85 subjects (Commerce, History, English etc.).
4. Upload photo (10-200KB) + signature (4-30KB).
5. Pay fee then Download confirmation page.

Pro Tip: Apply by May 10. Servers crash near the deadline. Save login details safely.

Exam Pattern – Know Before You Start

UGC NET has 2 papers, 3 hours total, no negative marking.

UGC NET 2026 follows a computer-based test (CBT) format with two papers in one 3-hour session – no break. Paper 1 (50 questions, 100 marks) tests teaching aptitude, research methodology, reasoning, maths, data interpretation, ICT, environment, and higher education. Paper 2 (100 questions, 200 marks) covers your chosen subject in depth.

There's no negative marking, so attempt all questions confidently. Paper 1 is common for everyone and quite scoring if you practice daily. For Paper 2, focus on your master's-level topics – for example, Economics covers micro/macro, statistics, and Indian economy.

Download the detailed syllabus PDFs from ugcnetonline.in/syllabus-new.php. Key Paper 1 topics include percentages, bar graphs, logical puzzles, and reading comprehension (all doable with basic practice).

Eligibility Rules and Expected Cut-Offs

You need a master's degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD). For JRF, age limit is 31 years as of the exam year (relaxations: 5 years for SC/ST/OBC, up to 10 for PwD). Assistant Professor has no age bar.

Last year's UGC NET cut-offs give a benchmark: General category needed around 140 in Paper 1 and 200 in Paper 2 combined for JRF. Aim for 70% in Paper 1 and 60% in Paper 2 to qualify safely. Results decide JRF (top 6% percentile) and eligibility lists.

Top 7 Prep Hacks for 90% Score

Daily routine works best. Here's your 50-day plan:

1. 2 hrs Paper 1: Practice reasoning + data daily
2. 3 hrs Paper 2: Subject notes + PYQs
3. Books: Trueman Paper 1, Arihant subject-wise
4. Mocks: 2 full tests/week (NTA site)
5. Weak areas: Fix maths, logical reasoning first
6. Free help: YouTube (Unacademy, Adda247)
7. Last month: 10 mocks + revision only

Don't delay, apply today and start prepping. Success in UGC NET opens PhD seats and lectureships. 19 days left! Share with friends studying for UGC NET 2026.

 At the Edinbox Regional Higher Education Summit 2026 Jaipur Edition in Rajasthan, Ritika Aggarwal spoke with a counsellor from The Design Village (TDV) about the evolving philosophy of design education and what truly shapes successful designers.

Q: What is the most important quality a student needs to pursue in design?
A: The most important thing is intent. Design is not just about skills or software—it’s about purpose. If a student has genuine intent and curiosity, they can grow into a strong designer. Without intent, even the most talented students struggle to find direction.

Q: Many students focus heavily on marks. How do you see that?
A: We try to move away from a marks-driven mindset. Marks can’t define creativity or problem-solving ability. In design, what matters is how a student thinks, observes, and responds to real-world challenges. That’s why we focus more on intent and interest rather than just academic scores.

Q: What role do counsellors play in shaping students’ careers?
A: Counsellors play a crucial role. It is our responsibility to guide students, understand their strengths, and help them channel their interests in the right direction. When a student shows intent, we can nurture that and help them grow into professionals who can make a mark in the industry.

Q: What opportunities does design offer today?
A: The future of design is vast. From product design and communication to user experience and sustainability, students can create their own paths. Design is no longer limited—it’s expanding into every sector. With the right mindset, students can build careers that didn’t even exist a decade ago.

Q: How does TDV approach design education?
A: At TDV, we aim to create versatile designers. Our approach is interdisciplinary—we encourage students to explore different domains, experiment, and adapt. The goal is to prepare them not just for jobs, but for solving real-world problems creatively.

The conversation highlighted a clear message: in today’s evolving education landscape, intent and curiosity matter more than marks, and with the right guidance, students can shape their own future in design.

By Ritika Aggarwal

Freelancing in 2026 is about choosing the right skill that people are actively paying for! Earlier, working independently was what paid but things have changed because of ai and denying to evolve will pull you back. With more companies hiring freelancers than ever before, the opportunity is huge. But the gap between struggling freelancers and high earners often comes down to one thing: relevant, in-demand skills.

If you’re wondering which freelancing skills are worth your time, here are ten that are not only in demand but also practical to start and scale.

AI & Prompt Engineering

The use of AI is quickly entering business. Businesses are seeking individuals capable of utilizing such tools as ChatGPT to create content, automatize processes, and enhance efficiency. You do not need any technical experience to begin with--all you have to learn is how to provide the correct instructions and use AI in practice. Combining AI with other competencies, such as writing or marketing, can greatly enhance your earning capacity.

Web Development

Web development remains one of the surest freelancing abilities. Any business should have a digital presence and most people want to hire freelancers due to flexibility. React, Shopify, or even no-code platforms, such as Webflow, can assist you to get projects off the ground. Learning is hard, but once you have several projects, the revenue base will be predictable and expandable.

Copywriting and Content Writing.

Human creativity and clarity in communication are required in business despite the availability of AI tools everywhere. Content writing is also a viable alternative particularly when it comes to blog writing, web copy and marketing content. Individuals able to comprehend writing to particular audiences and objectives are more likely to make more money compared to general writers.

Video Editing

Instagram and YouTube are dominated by video content that is short in nature. This has resulted in an upsurge in demand of editors who are able to produce interesting fast paced videos. Knowing how to organize content, provide hooks and hold the viewers attention is, in many ways, more important than merely familiarity with the software.

Graphic Design and Branding.

Visual communication plays a huge role in how brands are perceived. Even though minimal design experience can land you a job, freelancers with a branding emphasis, such as logos, identity systems, and brand storytelling, tend to earn higher. Canva and Figma help to get started, but creativity and consistency are what distinguish you.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is in high demand since businesses are always attempting to reach more customers. Such skills as search engine optimization (SEO), social media advertisement, and performance marketing are particularly useful since they directly influence revenue. The freelancers who have the ability to demonstrate quantifiable results tend to develop a long term relationship with the client.

Cybersecurity

Data security is now of the essence as more companies are going online. Ethical hacking, security audits, and risk assessment are among the quickest expanding freelance jobs in the area of cybersecurity. It involves more technical education, although the demand is high, and competition is not as high as in other areas.

Data Analysis

Companies gather a lot of data, and they require individuals who can interpret them. The process of data analysis can be characterized as the utilization of tools such as Excel, SQL, or Power BI to create insights to help businesses make decisions. It is an art that is developed over time, but that can result in better-paid and more stable employment.

Social Media Management

Social media currently plays a very crucial role in the visibility and engagement of brands. Accounts management, content planning, and audience behavior are important aspects of this position. When this is combined with content creation or paid advertising by the freelancers, they grow at a faster rate.

Virtual Assistance

For those just starting out, virtual assistance is one of the easiest entry points into freelancing. Tasks like managing emails, scheduling, and basic research are always in demand. While it may not be the highest-paying option initially, it helps you build experience and client relationships.

Which Freelancing Skill Should You Choose?

The skill that is best will depend on your objectives. Content writing, social media or virtual assistant is easier to enter in case you want to start fast. When your priority is the long-term earnings, such skills as web development, AI, or data analysis provide more development.

Competition is increasing at a high rate and so is freelancing. Those who succeed are not the ones that attempt to learn it all at once. They select a single skill and develop actual projects and remain regular.

When you concentrate on something that is both demanded and that which interests you, you can make freelancing a viable and scalable income.