In an increasingly fast-paced and competitive world, fostering confidence, decision-making skills, and self-worth in children is vital. Parents play a pivotal role in nurturing these traits by incorporating engaging and educational activities into their child’s daily life.

Here are 10 learning activities designed to boost confidence and enhance decision-making skills in children:

Role-Playing

Encourage role-playing scenarios where your child can solve problems or take on different roles. This activity builds confidence by allowing them to explore decision-making in various situations.

Puzzles and Brain Teasers

Introduce your child to puzzles and brain games that challenge their critical thinking. Solving these independently helps them practise decision-making while boosting their confidence in tackling complex tasks.

Cooking and Baking

Get your child involved in the kitchen by letting them decide on ingredients, measurements, or recipes. This practical activity teaches them to weigh options and make decisions while enjoying a creative process.

Science Experiments

Simple science experiments can encourage your child to observe, hypothesise, and conclude—core skills in decision-making. Plus, it fosters curiosity and problem-solving.

Debates and Discussions

Involve your child in debates or friendly discussions about everyday topics. Sharing and defending their opinions builds confidence and sharpens their critical thinking.

Creative Writing and Storytelling

Writing stories or crafting imaginative narratives helps your child express themselves and make creative decisions, strengthening their self-esteem and innovative thinking.

Board Games and Strategy Games

Play games that involve strategy and planning, such as chess or Monopoly. These encourage your child to think critically and make informed decisions in a fun, interactive setting.

Outdoor Activities and Sports

Participation in sports teaches teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience. Outdoor games also help children learn to adapt and build self-confidence.

Volunteering and Community Service

Engage your child in volunteering. Making decisions that positively impact others enhances empathy and instils a sense of responsibility and self-worth.

Reflection and Self-Assessment

Help your child reflect on their experiences by journaling or discussing goals. Self-assessment promotes self-awareness, confidence, and better decision-making over time.

Incorporating these activities into your child’s routine can empower them to face challenges confidently, make sound decisions, and develop a strong sense of self-worth—skills essential for lifelong success.

 A concerning incident has reignited debates about the rising cost of education in India. An IIT alumnus has raised alarm over a staggering ₹4 lakh annual school fee demanded for his six-year-old daughter, a Class 1 student. Despite earning a comfortable salary of ₹20 lakh per annum, the father has expressed frustration and a sense of helplessness over affording such exorbitant costs.  

The IITian, choosing to remain anonymous, turned to social media to share his plight and seek advice. He highlighted the disconnect between his income and the spiralling costs of education, shedding light on the broader issue of the commercialization of schooling in India.  

The case underscores the financial strain on middle- and upper-middle-class families as they grapple with exorbitant fees from private schools. Many families, despite seemingly high incomes, find themselves struggling to balance quality education and affordability.  

The government has been accused of insufficient action in regulating school fees. While some states have introduced caps and guidelines, these measures are often inconsistently implemented or easily circumvented. Parents and activists continue to call for stricter fee regulation mechanisms to ensure that quality education remains accessible to all socioeconomic groups.  

The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with parents sharing similar experiences of struggling to meet escalating school costs. Some lamented that even high-income earners feel the pinch, raising concerns about how low- and middle-income families manage.  

The case reflects a broader issue in India's education sector, where affordability and quality often seem mutually exclusive. Advocates urge the government to adopt more robust regulatory frameworks to address the growing gap and ensure education remains a right, not a privilege.  

As the debate continues, this episode highlights the pressing need for systemic reform in India's education landscape to make it more equitable and sustainable for families.  

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has denied anticipatory bail to a Jaipur-based doctor accused of involvement in an international racket facilitating illegal kidney transplants. The doctor, a neurosurgeon at Fortis Hospital, allegedly performed unauthorised kidney surgeries, prompting serious allegations under the Indian Penal Code and the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.  

The Supreme Court bench, led by Justices C.T. Ravikumar and Sanjay Karol, upheld the Rajasthan High Court’s earlier decision to reject the quashing of the FIR against the doctor. Highlighting the gravity of the accusations, the bench stated that it could not "shut its eyes" to the unlawful removal of kidneys from multiple individuals.  

The case has thrown light on the alarming prevalence of illegal organ transplants in India, where vulnerable individuals are often exploited. Police investigations revealed that the accused was allegedly part of a broader international network engaged in unlawful organ trading.  

Rejecting the doctor's plea for anticipatory bail, the court emphasised the need for a detailed investigation to unravel the extent of the illegal activities and identify other parties involved.  

The court's decision underscores the judiciary's stance against unethical medical practices and organ trafficking. By denying anticipatory bail, the court has sent a strong message regarding the importance of accountability in healthcare practices. The ruling also brings into focus the gaps in monitoring organ transplant regulations, stressing the need for stricter oversight.  

According to the Supreme Court of India, India has witnessed a surge in illegal organ transplant cases in recent years, raising ethical, legal, and medical concerns. Experts argue that such cases highlight vulnerabilities in India’s healthcare system, particularly in organ donation and transplantation policies.  

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a pivotal moment in the fight against organ trafficking. By prioritising justice and thorough investigation, the decision aims to deter others from engaging in such practices and safeguard ethical standards in medical care.  

As the investigation proceeds, this case will likely remain a focal point in discussions on illegal transplants and the need for stronger enforcement of organ transplantation laws.  

The Indian Army’s recruitment rally held from November 11 to 20, 2024, across Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts in Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed an enthusiastic response from the region's youth. Over 12,000 aspiring individuals participated in the event at Dugga, near Bhalra, underscoring their determination to serve the nation. This massive turnout highlighted the youth's dedication to contributing to national defence, showcasing their skills and potential in a structured and competitive environment.  

Organised through the collaborative efforts of the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Administration, the rally ensured seamless execution, fostering a spirit of patriotism and a sense of belonging among participants. The event not only offered opportunities to the region's young men but also reflected the Indian Army's commitment to nurturing local talent and creating pathways for employment and national service.  

The rally aimed to recognize the participants’ zeal and provided a platform for them to aspire to become part of the esteemed Indian Armed Forces. With thousands vying to earn the distinction of serving as ‘Sons of the Soil,’ the event symbolised a broader effort to inspire nationalism and unity in the region. This initiative also reinforced the Indian Army's role in uplifting communities and engaging youth in constructive nation-building activities.  

The success of the recruitment rally stands as a testament to the mutual cooperation between military and civil authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. It not only enabled smooth operations but also addressed logistical challenges, ensuring that all participants could fully engage in the process. Such events play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the armed forces and the community, showcasing the transformative potential of outreach programs that emphasise inclusivity and opportunity.  

The overwhelming response to the rally is a clear indicator of the deep-rooted patriotism among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and their aspirations to contribute meaningfully to the country's defence. It also serves as an inspiration for future initiatives aimed at harnessing the potential of the region’s young population.

On November 20, 2024, the Calcutta High Court issued a split verdict on the bail pleas of former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and four other accused in the infamous cash-for-jobs recruitment scam. The case, which has gripped the state’s political and educational landscape, involves allegations of bribery, manipulation of recruitment processes, and corruption. 

Justice Arijit Banerjee granted bail to all the accused, citing the long period of their custodial detention and the delays in the trial proceedings as key factors. He expressed concerns over the extended time the accused had spent in custody without a verdict. On the other hand, Justice Apurba Sinha Ray denied bail, highlighting the powerful positions held by the accused and the potential for witness manipulation or intimidation, suggesting that granting bail might hinder the investigation and judicial process.

The scandal at the heart of the case involves allegations of corruption and manipulation within the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC). It is believed that the accused engaged in a range of illegal activities, including altering marks, tampering with OMR sheets, and demanding money for job appointments. The scam, valued in the hundreds of crores, has become one of the most high-profile cases in the state’s recent history, with political and educational figures at the centre of the controversy.

The accused include Partha Chatterjee, a prominent leader from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), along with Subiresh Bhattacharya, the former SSC Chairman and Vice Chancellor of North Bengal University, Ashok Saha, the former Assistant Secretary to the Commission, Kalyanmoy Gangopadhyay, the President of the State Secondary Education Board, and Shanti Prasad Sinha, a former SSC advisor. These figures are under investigation for their roles in facilitating illegal recruitment practices in exchange for monetary benefits.

Following the split verdict, the cases have been transferred to Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam for assignment to a third bench. The West Bengal government has been directed to decide on the sanction for prosecution within the next fortnight. Legal experts have noted that this split decision underscores the complexities surrounding the case, and it has sparked widespread speculation on how the matter will unfold in the coming months. As the investigation continues, the case remains a crucial point of discussion in the state’s political and legal circles.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started rejecting application forms for JEE Main 2025, citing multiple discrepancies in the details and documents submitted by candidates. Aspiring engineering students are urged to be meticulous during the application process to avoid disqualification from this prestigious examination.  

According to NTA officials, the most common errors leading to rejections include incomplete or inaccurate personal details, incorrect academic information, and invalid or insufficient supporting documents. Payment-related issues during fee submission and submission of multiple applications have also been identified as frequent causes of rejection.  

Speaking on the issue, NTA Director-General Vineet Joshi emphasised the importance of accuracy, urging candidates to carefully review their application forms before submission to prevent such complications. To provide relief to candidates, the NTA will soon open a correction window, giving applicants an opportunity to rectify errors. However, the dates for the correction window, as well as the JEE Main 2025 exam schedule, are yet to be announced.  

To guide applicants through a seamless process, the NTA has shared key steps for ensuring error-free submissions. Candidates should carefully review all personal, academic, and contact details before finalising their applications. Supporting documents must meet the required specifications, and applicants must confirm the successful payment of application fees. Additionally, candidates should avoid submitting multiple applications, as this can lead to automatic disqualification.  

The NTA also advises candidates to monitor the official website regularly for updates regarding the correction window and other important announcements. For queries or assistance, applicants can contact the NTA helpline at 0120-6895200 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

JEE Main is one of the most competitive engineering entrance exams in India, attracting lakhs of students every year. Ensuring a flawless application process is crucial for candidates to secure their eligibility. While the upcoming correction window offers a chance to address errors, applicants must remain vigilant throughout the application process to avoid unnecessary stress and maintain their position in this high-stakes examination.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has introduced a free, one-day course on machine learning, offering a unique chance for professionals, students, and researchers to develop skills in artificial intelligence and geospatial technology. Conducted by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), a premier institute under ISRO, the program is part of an initiative to promote innovation and capacity building in advanced technology domains.  

The course, designed to last one day, is tailored for individuals with backgrounds in civil engineering, computer science, and geoinformatics. It aims to provide foundational and practical knowledge in machine learning and its applications in geospatial sciences.  

Participants will gain insights into the following topics:  

  • Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL)  
  • ML methods and deep learning concepts  
  • Applications of spaceborne Lidar systems  
  • Hands-on training with Google Earth Engine for ML tasks  
  • Python programming for ML/DL model development  

Registration for the course can be completed through the official IIRS website. The steps include:  

  1. Visiting the IIRS portal.  
  2. Navigating to the Distance Learning Programmes section.  
  3. Selecting the EDUSAT program.  
  4. Completing the registration form and awaiting login credentials for the Learning Management System (LMS).  

Participants who successfully complete the course can download a certification of completion directly from ISRO's LMS platform.  
This course provides a rare opportunity to learn from ISRO's experts and gain practical experience in machine learning using real-world tools like Google Earth Engine and Python. The initiative is particularly valuable for those aiming to work in cutting-edge fields like geospatial technology, AI, and remote sensing.  

Through the IIRS outreach program, ISRO continues to advance its mission of democratizing access to high-quality education in advanced scientific fields. By offering free programs like this, it seeks to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to innovation and development in India and beyond.  

This initiative represents ISRO's commitment to fostering talent and equipping the next generation of professionals and researchers to address complex challenges using modern technology.

More Articles ...

Subcategories