Being respected by the whole nation because of the job and skills is something we all desire. As a child who didn’t know much about the world, but still always ran to look at the plane, helicopter flying is one of the signs the desire was built. Some of them later choose to be pilots while some have  bigger visions and choose to be fighter pilots. Undoubtedly, it’s challenging to be one but trying is always better than giving up on the dream of becoming a fighter pilot in India.

Air combat is evolving at a fast pace and countries around the globe are working on sixth generation fighter planes, which will be stealthier, smarter and more connected than any fighter plane that has ever flown. These aircraft are not just meant to be used for air-to-air combat, but also for controlling drones, real-time battlefield data processing, and as command centres in the air.

With India's defence forces getting ready to enhance their capabilities and look at the future of aviation technologies, the fighter pilots of tomorrow could be flying some of the most advanced fighter planes ever created. If you are one of those students who aspire to wear the uniform of the Indian Air Force, then there has never been a better time to know how it all starts.

How to become a fighter pilot in India after12th?

Among the most asked questions by defence aspirants is: "How to become a fighter pilot after class 12? The most direct path is via the National Defence Academy (NDA). To be eligible for the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force, students need to have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. The candidates of both gender are eligible to apply with the prescribed age and eligibility criteria.

The first step is to pass the UPSC NDA Examination, which is held twice a year. The examination comprises Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The qualified candidates are invited to attend the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview where their leadership qualities, confidence, decision making ability, communication and officer like qualities are evaluated.

What is the CPSS Test and why is it important?

A lot of students do not know that to become a pilot, one needs to pass the NDA exam and much more. All candidates wishing to join the Flying Branch will also have to pass the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). This is a special test that assesses the candidate's ability to fly and tests coordination, reaction time, concentration and psychomotor skills. If candidates do not qualify for CPSS, they cannot move forward in the process of becoming a pilot in the Indian Air Force.

Are there any restrictions on girls becoming fighter pilots in India?

Yes.The Indian Air Force offers both male and female candidates with eligibility to join the Flying Branch. Women fighter pilots have been a source of inspiration for the new generation of students in recent years, proving that determination and performance are more important than stereotypes.

With the ongoing development of the aviation and defence industry, the scope of opportunities for women in military aviation is likely to expand even more.

What happens after NDA?

Those who pass all the selection stages go to the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, for three years of military and academic training. Upon completion of NDA, cadets are transferred to the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, where they are given specialised flight training. They study navigation, aviation theory, simulator operations, aircraft handling and operational flying skills here.

A lot of students think that all pilot trainees are fighter pilots. In fact, the allocation of streams occurs in training. Cadets can be placed in the Fighter stream, the Transport stream or the Helicopter stream based on their aptitude, performance, instructor assessment and service needs.

How much does an Indian Fighter Pilot earn?

One of the most frequently asked questions by students is about income. The salary and allowances of Fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force are based on Government Pay structures, Rank, Flying duty and Service benefits. In addition to salary, they are provided with world-class training, healthcare benefits, accommodation support and opportunities for professional development.

But most serving fighter pilots will say that the allure of the job is not just about the money. The chance to fly advanced aircraft and serve the country is the greatest incentive.

Why 6th-Generation Fighter Jets Could Change Everything

As a matter of fact, future fighter aircraft will be quite different from today's jet fighters. Defence experts believe that sixth-generation fighters will be a combination of stealth, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, cyber capabilities and drone coordination in one platform. These aircraft could work in teams of unmanned aircraft, and handle vast amounts of data in real time.

This will require more than just flying skills for future fighter pilots. They will require technological awareness, quick decision making skills, adaptability and leadership.

If you are interested in aviation, science, engineering, defence technology and national service, then the next generation of fighter aviation might be one of the most exciting career paths of the coming decades.

Should I become a Fighter Pilot?

The way is not easy. It's a rigorous selection process, a rigorous training program, and a competitive program. However, thousands of students prepare for NDA every year, knowing what is beyond the challenge.

If you think it's only about flying fast planes to be a fighter pilot, you should rethink your career choices. Being a fighter pilot is a matter of responsibility, discipline, courage and service. It's about trust in technology that is at the forefront of a country's defence capability.

And the students who are preparing for NDA today may be the officers who will fly the sixth generation fighter jets tomorrow. This is why being wise and conscious about your career choices becomes important. 

Remember, the path to that cockpit starts on the ground: It starts in a classroom, with a dream, a plan, love for the country, and a decision to follow it. 

In a milestone that is reshaping the global business landscape, Elon Musk has officially become the world's first trillionaire, entering a wealth bracket that no individual has ever reached before. The historic achievement comes after SpaceX's record-breaking $75 billion initial public offering (IPO), which has significantly increased the value of Musk's holdings and cemented his position as the richest person in modern history.

According to Reuters calculations based on company filings and wealth estimates, Musk's net worth is expected to exceed $1.1 trillion, with SpaceX now accounting for the largest share of his fortune. The company's blockbuster IPO has valued SpaceX at approximately $1.77 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world immediately after listing.

Elon Musk Net Worth Crosses $1 Trillion

Long before this latest milestone, Elon Musk was already the world's wealthiest individual. Prior to the SpaceX IPO, his fortune was estimated at around $971 billion, according to wealth trackers. However, the public listing of SpaceX dramatically altered the equation.

Musk's stake in SpaceX is now estimated to be worth around $866 billion, making it the single largest contributor to his wealth. Combined with his holdings in Tesla and other ventures, the value of his business empire is expected to surpass $1.1 trillion, creating a wealth gap unlike anything seen before.

The scale of Musk's fortune is difficult to comprehend. His net worth now exceeds the annual economic output of several nations and places him in a financial category entirely of his own.

The SpaceX IPO That Changed History

The SpaceX IPO is being described as one of the most significant events in Wall Street history. The company raised $75 billion, making it the largest IPO ever recorded. The offering priced shares at $135 each, valuing the company at approximately $1.77 trillion.

Investor demand was extraordinary. Reports indicated that the offering attracted demand several times greater than the number of shares available, highlighting strong confidence in SpaceX's future and Musk's long-term vision. The listing instantly transformed SpaceX from a privately held aerospace company into one of the world's most valuable publicly traded enterprises.

Why SpaceX Is Worth So Much

What makes SpaceX different from traditional aerospace companies is the breadth of its operations. The company dominates the global commercial launch market through its reusable rocket technology, operates the rapidly expanding Starlink satellite internet network, partners with NASA on human spaceflight missions, and has increasingly positioned itself at the intersection of space technology and artificial intelligence.

Investors are not simply valuing SpaceX based on its current revenue. Much of the valuation reflects expectations about future industries, including space-based communications, orbital infrastructure, artificial intelligence computing, lunar development projects, and eventually interplanetary transportation. This combination of existing dominance and ambitious future plans has helped create unprecedented investor enthusiasm.

Richer Than Countries: Putting Musk's Wealth Into Perspective

Elon Musk's trillion-dollar fortune has sparked comparisons that sound almost unbelievable. His wealth now exceeds the annual economic output of several countries. According to IMF estimates referenced in reports, his net worth is larger than the entire economy of Taiwan, one of the world's most important semiconductor and artificial intelligence manufacturing hubs.

His fortune is also equivalent to roughly one-fourth of India's GDP, highlighting the extraordinary scale of wealth created by his companies. These comparisons demonstrate how a single entrepreneur's holdings have reached levels previously associated only with national economies.

From Pretoria to the Trillion-Dollar Club

Born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, Elon Musk's journey to becoming the world's first trillionaire has been anything but conventional. After studying at the University of Pennsylvania, he entered the technology industry during the early internet era. Over the following decades, he built and scaled a series of companies that transformed multiple industries.

His ventures include:

• SpaceX
• Tesla
• xAI
• Neuralink
• The Boring Company
• X (formerly Twitter)

Each company addresses a different aspect of technology, from transportation and space exploration to artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces. Together, they form what many analysts have begun calling the "Muskonomy", an interconnected ecosystem of companies driven by Musk's long-term vision.

What This Means for the Future of Business

Musk's trillion-dollar milestone is not just a personal achievement. It reflects broader changes in the global economy. Investors are increasingly rewarding companies that operate at the intersection of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, clean energy, robotics, and advanced communications.

The success of the SpaceX IPO suggests that markets are willing to place enormous value on businesses attempting to solve some of humanity's biggest technological challenges. Whether those valuations ultimately prove justified remains a matter of debate, but there is little disagreement about the significance of the moment.

A Historic First

For decades, the idea of a trillionaire seemed like a distant prediction reserved for economists and futurists. Today, it has become reality. With SpaceX's historic public debut and a fortune exceeding $1.1 trillion, Elon Musk has entered a category no individual has occupied before. The achievement represents not only a personal milestone but also a defining moment in the history of entrepreneurship, technology, and wealth creation. Whether admired for his vision or criticised for his influence, one fact is now undeniable that Elon Musk has changed the scale at which personal wealth can exist in the modern world

For decades, women have been told that they can "have it all", a successful career, a loving family, and a fulfilling personal life. But for millions of women worldwide, the price of motherhood is a career cost that many men never have to pay.

The issue is no longer if women can succeed at work after having children, but how. So why do so many women still have to give up on their careers, income, opportunities and personal ambitions when they become mothers?

The Hidden Price of Motherhood

Every mother pays a price for bearing a child,It's known as the "motherhood penalty. It is the loss of income, career advancement, promotions and jobs that many women face after childbirth. Research has repeatedly shown that mothers tend to earn less, get fewer promotions and have to work harder to combine work and family responsibilities than women without children.

Childcare is still a burden on women in many homes. Mothers may also be doing more of the childcare, school-related tasks and household management even if both partners are working full-time. The result? Many women find themselves having to work three jobs, one at work, one at home, and one as a mother. This doesn't even include the care they themselves need.

Why some women are postponing marriage and parenthood

In urban India and many parts of the world, women are increasingly choosing education, financial independence, and career stability over marriage and parenthood. This is not to say that women are not family oriented. Instead, there are many practical questions being asked:

• Can I pursue my career as a mother?
• Will I be able to maintain my financial independence?
• Will childcare be shared equally?
• Will I lose years of professional development?

These concerns are not unfounded. Numerous highly educated women have seen their peers take career breaks, opt out of promotions, move to lower-paid positions or quit their jobs altogether after giving birth.

The anxiety of losing financial stability can be a strong motivator for women to postpone parenthood, especially those who have worked hard for years to establish their careers.

The Emotional Burden Nobody Talks About

Motherhood is one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. The emotional reality is more complicated, however. Many mothers say that they feel torn between two worlds.

In the workplace, they are concerned about their children at home. They are concerned with unfinished work at home. There is increasing evidence that the demands of motherhood can impact mental health, especially when women are expected to perform at work and be caregivers.

The challenge is not motherhood itself, it is to try to live up to unrealistic expectations in all aspects of life after bearing a child! It’s only natural to expect a woman to manage everything because this society still glorifies unpaid labour while romanticizing the struggle. 

Why Skilled Women Quit their Career

One of the most shocking facts about the motherhood penalty is that it can hit highly educated women the hardest. Studies have shown that women with higher incomes may see substantial drops in earnings after childbirth, due to the fact that career breaks may result in missed promotions, fewer leadership opportunities, and slower wage growth.

Not all women are weak-willed. They choose to quit because childcare costs are high, work is inflexible, support is inadequate, and the stress is too much to handle. Others remain in the workforce but experience what amounts to a second shift, a full day at work and then a full day at home with no time for rest.

What Needs to Change?

The solution is not to ask women to choose between career and family. The answer is to provide them with spaces where they don't need to. This includes:

1. Better childcare support
2. Flexible work arrangements
3. Equal parental responsibilities
4. Strong return-to-work programs

Workplaces that do not penalize mothers for caring for their children.Workplaces that are not against mothers caring for their children. Studies have repeatedly shown that greater support systems in the workplace and society will increase women's retention and advancement in the labor market.

There should be no professional cost for motherhood. But for many women, motherhood comes with a price tag that includes lost income, opportunities, promotions, personal time and sometimes even a career they've worked years to develop.

It's not a choice between motherhood and ambition. It's about a world in which women don't have to make that choice at all. Because no woman should have to give up her dreams to raise a child. And no society can truly progress if motherhood continues to come at such a high personal and professional cost.

Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Special

June is observed globally as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to increase understanding about a condition that affects millions yet remains widely misunderstood. Migraine is not simply a bad headache; it is a neurological disorder that can significantly disrupt daily life, work, education, and relationships.

According to the World Health Organization, migraine affects more than one billion people worldwide and is among the leading causes of disability, particularly among young adults and women. Despite its prevalence, many people continue to dismiss migraine symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and unnecessary suffering.

Migraine is characterized by recurring episodes of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. The pain is usually throbbing in nature and may last from four to seventy-two hours. Some individuals also experience visual disturbances known as aura before the headache begins.

Scientific research suggests that migraine results from abnormal brain activity involving nerve pathways and neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Genetics often play a role, and many patients report a family history of the condition. Common triggers include lack of sleep, dehydration, stress, skipped meals, excessive screen exposure, hormonal changes, bright lights, and certain foods or beverages.

The good news is that migraine is both diagnosable and manageable. Early treatment during an attack may involve pain relievers, anti-nausea medications, or migraine-specific drugs such as triptans. Individuals with frequent attacks may benefit from preventive medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle measures are equally important. Maintaining regular sleep patterns, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, managing stress, avoiding skipped meals, and keeping a headache diary can help reduce migraine frequency and severity.

However, not every headache is a migraine. Sudden severe headaches, headaches associated with fever, weakness, confusion, seizures, or vision loss require urgent medical evaluation.

This Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, let us promote awareness, empathy, and timely treatment. Recognizing migraine early and seeking appropriate care can greatly improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary suffering.

(By Dr. Amit Dias. Dr. Amit Dias is an Assistant Professor at the department of Preventive and Social Medicine. He has special interest in preventive medicine.  He has been actively involved in simplifying complex medical concepts for students, healthcare professionals, and the general public through scientific yet accessible writing.)

S Radha Chauhan, is a senior retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She has been appointed to head the Centre's inquiry into the procurement process for the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) on-screen marking system. Her appointment has sparked widespread interest, with many people searching to learn more about the veteran bureaucrat and her distinguished career in public administration.

Why Is S Radha Chauhan in the News?

The Central Government has constituted a one-member committee to examine matters related to the procurement of services for CBSE's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. The committee is headed by S Radha Chauhan, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission. The panel has been tasked with reviewing the procurement process and will submit its report to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) within one month.

Who Is S Radha Chauhan?

S Radha Chauhan is a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, she has held several key administrative positions at both the state and central government levels.

Known for her experience in governance, education, digital administration, and personnel management, Chauhan retired as Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on June 30, 2025.

Following her retirement, the Government of India appointed her as the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission, recognising her extensive administrative experience and leadership credentials.

Educational Background and Early Career

S Radha Chauhan is a law graduate who joined the Indian Administrative Service after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Throughout her career, she served in several influential positions across Uttar Pradesh and the central government.

Her administrative experience includes serving as:

• Commissioner of Ghaziabad
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority
• Deputy CEO of Greater Noida Authority
• District Magistrate of Bulandshahr
• District Magistrate of Pilibhit
• District Magistrate of Agra
• District Magistrate of Meerut
• Additional Commissioner in Uttar Pradesh Administration

These assignments helped establish her reputation as an experienced administrator with expertise in governance and public service delivery.

Key Roles in the Central Government

S Radha Chauhan has also played important roles within the Government of India.

Between 2011 and 2015, she served as Joint Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Her experience in the education sector is particularly relevant to her current role in the CBSE inquiry.

She later served as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), contributing to digital governance initiatives and public service transformation.

What Is the Capacity Building Commission?

In August 2025, S Radha Chauhan was appointed Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission, an institution created under the Government of India's Mission Karmayogi programme.

The Commission focuses on improving the skills, training, and capacity of civil servants across India. It works to modernise governance systems and strengthen public administration through continuous learning and professional development.

According to reports, the Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission reports directly to the Prime Minister 

Who Is S Radha Chauhan's Husband?

S Radha Chauhan's husband is Devendra Singh Chauhan, a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Originally from Maharashtra, Dr Devendra Singh Chauhan completed his MBBS degree before clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He went on to serve as Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh Police during his distinguished policing career.

Why Has the Centre Chosen S Radha Chauhan?

The Centre's decision to appoint S Radha Chauhan to lead the CBSE On-Screen Marking probe is widely seen as a reflection of her extensive experience in administration, education governance, personnel management, and public sector reforms.

Her previous roles in the education ministry, digital governance initiatives, and senior administrative leadership positions make her one of the most experienced officers suited to oversee such an inquiry.

Quick Facts About S Radha Chauhan

• 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre
• Former Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT)
• Current Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission
• Former Joint Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy
• Former CEO, Noida Authority
• Former Chairperson and CEO, National e-Governance Division (NeGD)
• Heading the Centre's CBSE On-Screen Marking procurement inquiry
• Married to former UP DGP Dr Devendra Singh Chauhan

As the CBSE On-Screen Marking investigation progresses, S Radha Chauhan's findings are expected to attract significant attention from policymakers, educators, and students across the country.

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.