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The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has officially opened the re-registration window for students wishing to continue their studies in the January 2025 session. This opportunity is open to all eligible IGNOU students across various undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs.

According to the official notification, the re-registration process began on December 2, 2024, and will remain open until January 15, 2025. However, as per a Twitter notification from the university, the re-registration window might extend to January 31, 2025, allowing students additional time to complete the process if needed. 

Eligible candidates can submit their re-registration applications online through the official IGNOU website (ignou.ac.in). The re-registration process involves filling out an online application form, paying the required fee, and submitting the necessary documents as per the program's requirements. The university has advised students to carefully follow the outlined steps to ensure their re-registration is processed smoothly.

Students are encouraged to apply early to avoid any last-minute rush, especially as the deadline approaches. Those who fail to complete the re-registration process within the specified period may not be able to continue their studies in the January session.

The re-registration opportunity is a crucial step for those who are already enrolled in IGNOU’s various programs and wish to continue their education in the upcoming session. It is particularly important for students in degree, diploma, and certificate courses who are looking to maintain their academic progress without interruptions. For more detailed instructions on how to complete the re-registration process, candidates can visit the official IGNOU website.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is preparing to open the registration process for the CSIR NET 2024 examination. Aspiring candidates can apply online through the official website, csirnet.nta.ac.in, as soon as the registration window opens.

The CSIR NET exam is a highly significant assessment for candidates aiming for a career in research or academia. It is held twice a year and is designed to determine the eligibility of candidates for two major academic roles: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Lectureship in various science and technology subjects. The exam plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of candidates interested in pursuing research at the postgraduate level or those seeking a teaching career at universities and colleges across India.

Key Examination Details:

Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)

Frequency: Twice a year

Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Eligibility: To apply for the exam, candidates must have a qualifying degree or its equivalent. There is no upper age limit for JRF candidates, but the maximum age for Lectureship applicants is set at 33 years.

Exam Pattern:

The CSIR NET exam consists of two papers:

Paper I is designed to test general aptitude, with 200 marks allotted for a 3-hour duration.

Paper II is subject-specific, also carrying 200 marks and lasting 3 hours.

The exam is carefully structured to assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills in their chosen subject area, alongside their reasoning and problem-solving abilities, making it an essential qualification for those pursuing advanced research or academic roles.

Registration Details:

Start Date for Registration: The date for the commencement of registration will be announced soon.

End Date for Registration: The final date for submitting applications will be shared in due course.

Exam Date: The exact date of the examination will be notified at a later time.

As the CSIR NET exam plays a critical role in the academic and research careers of students, candidates are urged to keep an eye on the official CSIR NET website for the latest updates regarding registration deadlines, exam schedules, and other vital information.

The highly anticipated launch of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) 2024 has been delayed, according to recent reports. The scheme, which garnered immense interest with over 650,000 applications, is currently under review.

Originally designed to offer 125,000 internships across 24 sectors, including energy, automotive, banking, and travel, PMIS aims to provide young professionals with invaluable industry experience. The scheme has attracted participation from leading organizations such as Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, Maruti Suzuki India, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Larsen & Toubro, among others.

Interns selected through the scheme will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000, with Rs 4,500 funded by the government and Rs 500 contributed by the participating companies. The initiative was envisioned as a means to provide much-needed professional exposure to youth in various industries, potentially helping them gain the experience required for future career success.

However, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has not yet announced a revised launch date. The delay is reportedly due to the need for further evaluation of the pilot project’s outcomes. The Ministry intends to analyze the feedback and insights gathered before proceeding with the full-scale launch. Once the review is completed, the Ministry is expected to announce a new timeline for the scheme's official rollout.

The delay has left many candidates and stakeholders waiting eagerly for updates. While this pause has created uncertainty, the long-term potential of PMIS remains substantial. By offering internships that expose young professionals to top companies in key sectors, the scheme aims to enhance career opportunities and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in India. Despite the setback, the PMIS 2024 continues to be regarded as a significant initiative for empowering youth and shaping the future workforce across the country.

The University of Delhi (DU) has launched an investigation into an unusually high failure rate among Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) students who appeared for exams at Jesus and Mary College, one of the designated exam centers. Nearly 500 NCWEB students failed their exams, triggering widespread concerns about the evaluation process and prompting the university to take immediate action.

The Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board, designed to provide women with flexible learning opportunities, caters primarily to students who cannot attend regular college classes due to various constraints. This significant failure rate has raised questions about the adequacy of academic support provided to these students and the fairness of the assessment system.

The DU administration has taken serious note of the matter and assured students, parents, and stakeholders that the inquiry will be thorough and transparent. The investigation will examine multiple factors, including whether the evaluation process adhered to university guidelines and whether students received the necessary academic resources and support.

This failure rate is particularly concerning given the role NCWEB plays in empowering women through accessible education. The program allows female students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees without attending daily classes, offering a critical lifeline for those balancing education with personal or professional commitments.

Stakeholders have called for a swift resolution to the issue to ensure affected students are not unfairly penalized. Many believe the incident underscores the need for regular audits of the evaluation process and enhanced support systems for NCWEB students.

The findings of the investigation will likely determine whether reforms are needed in the assessment practices at NCWEB-affiliated centers. DU’s proactive approach in addressing the issue highlights its commitment to maintaining academic integrity and fairness across all its programs.

As students and stakeholders await the outcome of the probe, there is hope that the findings will lead to measures that safeguard the interests of NCWEB students and strengthen the credibility of the university's examination system.

M Jagadesh Kumar, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has advocated for the widespread adoption of the semester system in higher education institutions across India. Kumar believes that this shift will revolutionize student evaluation and significantly enhance the overall learning experience.  

Currently, many universities in India operate under the annual examination system. However, Kumar has underscored the advantages of the semester system, which incorporates continuous assessment throughout the academic term. He emphasized that this approach offers students regular feedback, enabling them to refine their understanding and improve academic performance.  

Highlighting the benefits of the semester system, Kumar stated that it provides a more holistic evaluation framework compared to the traditional annual exams. The semester-based model promotes consistent academic engagement, reduces the stress of year-end examinations, and encourages better time management among students.  

In addition to advocating for academic reforms, Kumar brought attention to the "One Nation, One Subscription" scheme, a pioneering initiative aimed at providing nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journals. This scheme is expected to strengthen the research infrastructure within higher education institutions, fostering innovation and collaboration among academicians and researchers.  

Kumar also reiterated the importance of implementing the New National Education Policy (NEP). This policy emphasizes core values such as social justice, equality, and employability, aiming to create an education system that aligns with the country’s developmental goals. The integration of the semester system within the NEP framework is anticipated to make higher education more inclusive and student-centric.  

The UGC chairman's call for reform is seen as a step toward modernizing India's higher education landscape. If adopted widely, the semester system is expected to not only improve the quality of education but also better prepare students for global challenges.  

Kumar’s advocacy for these measures highlights the UGC’s commitment to transforming the education sector into a dynamic and equitable space for learners and institutions. These reforms are projected to have long-term benefits, enhancing both academic standards and student outcomes across the country.  

The proposal, if implemented effectively, is expected to position India as a leader in educational innovation, ensuring its universities remain competitive on a global scale while addressing the evolving needs of students and educators alike.

Four decades after the catastrophic Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world’s deadliest industrial disasters, the haunting legacy of toxic waste and unfulfilled justice continues. The tragedy, which unfolded on the night of December 2-3, 1984, claimed approximately 22,000 lives and left hundreds of thousands with debilitating injuries, yet the scars remain far from healed.

The abandoned Union Carbide pesticide plant, where the deadly methyl isocyanate gas leak occurred, continues to poison the environment. Thousands of tons of hazardous waste, buried in and around the site, have seeped into the soil and groundwater, perpetuating a cycle of contamination. The residents of Bhopal, particularly those living near the plant, still face severe health challenges due to polluted water sources.

Despite a 1989 settlement for compensation, survivors argue that the amount was grossly inadequate. Many have yet to receive proper reparations or long-term medical care. The Indian government has proposed building a memorial to honor the victims and announced plans for additional compensation. However, skepticism persists among survivors about these commitments, given the decades of inaction and unfulfilled promises.

The tragedy has become a stark reminder of the dangers of corporate negligence. Human rights organizations and environmental groups continue to spotlight the disaster as a call for stricter industrial safety laws and robust enforcement mechanisms to safeguard workers and communities. As Bhopal mourns the lives lost, it also underscores the ongoing fight for environmental justice and accountability. Ceremonies and vigils are being held to honor the memory of those affected, with calls to ensure such a catastrophe is never repeated.

The Bhopal gas tragedy is more than a historical event—it’s a clarion call to strengthen policies that protect human lives and the environment. As the world remembers this disaster, the focus must shift towards ensuring justice, rehabilitation, and preventing future tragedies.