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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that students will soon have the flexibility to shorten or extend their degree duration. This revolutionary change, aimed at providing more autonomy to students, is set to transform the higher education landscape in India.

According to UGC Chairman, M Jagadesh Kumar, students will have the option to complete their undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a duration of their choice. This means that students can opt for a shorter duration, such as three years for an undergraduate degree, or extend it to four or five years, depending on their academic goals and needs.

This reform is a significant departure from the traditional rigid degree structures and is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the way students learn and engage with higher education. By giving students the flexibility to pace their learning, the UGC aims to promote more personalized and effective learning experiences.

The UGC is working on the modalities and will soon release guidelines for universities to implement this change. The reform is expected to be rolled out by the next academic session and will apply to both online and distance learning programs.

This move is seen as a significant step forward in the government's efforts to reform the higher education sector. By putting students at the center of the learning process, the UGC is empowering them to take ownership of their academic journey.

The reform is also expected to have a positive impact on dropout rates, as students will now have the flexibility to pace their learning according to their needs. Moreover, this change will enable students to pursue other interests and passions, leading to a more holistic and well-rounded educational experience.

Overall, the UGC's decision to introduce flexibility in degree duration is a welcome move that has the potential to transform India's higher education landscape. By putting students first, the UGC is paving the way for a more inclusive, flexible, and student-centric education system.

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a pivotal case on transgender care, addressing Arkansas’s controversial Act 626, which prohibits healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming care to minors. This case, set against the backdrop of a larger national debate on LGBTQ+ rights, could have far-reaching implications for transgender youth and healthcare providers nationwide.

In 2021, Arkansas became the first state to enact a law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Act 626 bars healthcare providers from offering services like hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery to individuals under 18. The law sparked intense debate, with supporters arguing it protects minors from making irreversible decisions and opponents claiming it infringes on their rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups challenged Act 626, arguing that it violates constitutional protections under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the Due Process Clause of the 5th Amendment. A federal district court initially blocked the law, but the 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision, allowing the law to take effect. The ACLU and its partners have since appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking a definitive ruling on the issue.

What’s at Stake?

The Supreme Court’s decision will have significant implications:

For Transgender Youth: If the court upholds Act 626, access to gender-affirming care for transgender minors could be restricted not only in Arkansas but across other states that might follow suit. Conversely, a ruling against the law could safeguard the rights of transgender youth to access necessary medical care.

For Healthcare Providers: The outcome will impact the medical community’s ability to provide gender-affirming care, setting a legal standard for what is permissible nationwide.

For Broader LGBTQ+ Rights: This case is part of a larger trend of legislation targeting transgender individuals, including bans on sports participation and bathroom access. The Supreme Court’s ruling will signal how the judiciary interprets LGBTQ+ rights amidst this broader cultural debate.

As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court’s ruling will shape the legal landscape for transgender rights and healthcare policy. It will not only affect the lives of transgender minors and their families but also send a powerful message about equality, access to care, and the dignity of marginalized communities. As per Reuters reports, the nation now awaits a decision that will undoubtedly influence the ongoing discourse on LGBTQ+ rights and set a precedent for years to come.

Cyclone Fengal, a severe cyclonic storm, is rapidly approaching the coast and is expected to make landfall within the next 48 hours, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to several coastal districts. As the storm intensifies, it is crucial for residents in affected areas to stay informed and prepared. There are several reliable ways to track Cyclone Fengal in real-time to ensure safety during its approach.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) website offers continuous updates on the storm’s location, wind speed, rainfall intensity, and projected trajectory. This official platform is a key resource for real-time information and official warnings. Additionally, the IMD mobile app can be downloaded to receive push notifications, allowing users to stay updated on the cyclone’s movement and any emergency alerts. For those seeking more detailed forecasts and storm updates, the National Weather Service (NWS) website provides comprehensive information on the cyclone’s impact and weather warnings. Google Maps is also a helpful tool for real-time tracking, offering precise details on the storm’s location and affected areas. Furthermore, social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, managed by the IMD, NWS, and local authorities, provide frequent updates and urgent alerts regarding the cyclone’s progress.

As of the latest reports, Cyclone Fengal is located approximately 500 kilometers east-southeast of the coastal town of Paradip. The storm is expected to make landfall in the coming hours, with significant impact anticipated for several coastal districts. The IMD has issued a red alert for districts including Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri, urging residents to prepare for extreme weather conditions. Given the storm’s intensity and speed, these areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall and gusty winds, leading to potential flooding and property damage.

To stay safe, residents are advised to follow several safety precautions. It is crucial to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. People should ensure that their phones are fully charged to receive emergency updates and maintain communication. In case of evacuation orders, it is essential to follow them promptly. Additionally, having a battery-powered radio and flashlight ready can help during power outages. Finally, avoiding flooded areas is critical, as floodwaters can be dangerous and unpredictable.

By staying informed through these resources and following safety guidelines, individuals can better navigate the challenges posed by Cyclone Fengal and ensure their safety in the storm’s path.

Google Maps Timeline, a feature that allows users to track their location history, has become an essential tool for many, helping people view past locations and routes taken. However, some users have reported their location history being deleted, leaving them unable to access this data.

Why Was Google Maps Timeline Location History Deleted?

The deletion of location history data is due to Google’s data retention policies, which involve storing location data for a specific period before it is automatically deleted. While this might be inconvenient, users have the option to backup and restore their location history to avoid data loss.

How to Backup Google Maps Timeline Location History

To protect your location history from being deleted, it's important to back it up. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open Google Maps on your device.
• Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select Your Timeline.
• Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.
• Scroll down to Delete all location history and tap it.
• Select Download a copy of your data to backup your location history.

How to Restore Google Maps Timeline Location History

If your location history has been deleted and you’ve previously backed it up, follow these steps to restore it:

• Open Google Maps on your device.
• Tap the menu icon and select Your Timeline.
• Tap the three vertical dots and go to Settings.
• Scroll down to find Restore location history.
• Select the backup file you downloaded and follow the prompts to restore your data.

Tips to Prevent Google Maps Timeline Location History Deletion

• To ensure your location history isn’t deleted in the future, follow these preventative measures:
• Regularly back up your location data to avoid losing it.
• Set up automatic backups so your data is consistently saved.
• Sync your Google account across all devices to keep your location history updated.

By following these simple steps, you can safeguard your Google Maps Timeline data, restore it when needed, and prevent future deletions.

The Bombay High Court has delivered a crucial judgment in a custody case, ordering the return of a minor girl to her father in the United States. The child had been taken from the US by her mother without the father's consent, prompting legal action. The court’s decision, which prioritizes the welfare of the child, emphasizes the importance of her habitual lifestyle and the potential trauma she might experience if removed from her familiar environment.

The case centers around a minor girl who was taken from the United States by her mother. The father, who had not consented to the child’s relocation, filed for her repatriation. The Bombay High Court examined the situation and ruled in favor of the child’s return to her father in the US. The decision was made after careful consideration of the child’s well-being, particularly her established lifestyle in the US, which could be disrupted by the sudden relocation.

The court acknowledged that any attempt to remove the child from her habitual environment could have a detrimental impact on her psychological and emotional health. In its ruling, the court reinforced the principle that the best interests of the child must be the priority in custody cases, particularly when the child's routine and stability are at risk.

According to India Today reports, the court's decision has far-reaching implications for international custody disputes. It reinforces the principle that a child's habitual residence and emotional stability should be taken into account when making custody decisions. The ruling also highlights the role of the courts in ensuring that children are not subjected to unnecessary trauma due to international abductions or relocations without the consent of both parents.

This case serves as an important reminder of the importance of prioritizing the child’s interests in international legal matters, reinforcing the need for courts and governments worldwide to cooperate in ensuring the welfare of children in cross-border custody cases.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has officially opened PhD admissions for the academic year 2024-25. The university invites interested candidates to submit their applications online via the official JNU website. This announcement marks an important opportunity for those aspiring to pursue advanced research in a variety of fields.

Key Dates:

Application Start Date: November 27, 2024

Application End Date: December 27, 2024

Entrance Exam Date: The exact date for the entrance exam will be announced at a later time.

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for the PhD programs, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Master’s Degree: Applicants must have a Master’s degree or its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks.

Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Application Process:

Online Registration: Interested candidates are required to register online through the JNU website. The online registration process is mandatory for all applicants.

Application Fee: The application fee for the General Category candidates is Rs 530, while it is Rs 310 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

Required Documents: Applicants must upload relevant documents as part of the application process. These include their Master's degree certificate and mark sheet.

Selection Process:

Entrance Exam: All candidates will be required to appear for an entrance exam. This exam will assess the academic aptitude and research potential of applicants.

Interview: Candidates who qualify for the entrance exam will be shortlisted for an interview, which will be a critical component of the selection process.

JNU PhD Programs:

JNU offers PhD programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and commitment to fostering research excellence. Aspiring researchers can explore a wide range of subjects and benefit from the university’s dynamic faculty and research facilities.

Apply Now:

Applications for the PhD programs at JNU are now open, and the final date to submit applications is December 27, 2024. Interested candidates are advised to visit the official JNU website to register and apply before the deadline. This is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to pursue high-quality research in their chosen fields at one of India’s premier academic institutions.