#Competition Commission of India

[megayogiposts]

Google Penalized ₹1,337 Crore: CCI's Findings and Actions

Grievance Status for registration number : DCOYA/E/2025/0002324 Grievance Concerns To Name Of Complainant Yogi M. P. Singh Date of Receipt 12/04/2025 Received By Ministry/Department Corporate Affairs Grievance Description Corporate Affairs >> Competition Commission of India >> Enforcement/Regulatlion of compliance of Competition Act, 2002,———————–An application under Article 51 A of the…

[civilmentor1]

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 24 AUGUST 2024

1.Competition Commission of India THE HINDU GS-3 ECONOMICS In News The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has expressed concerns over the proposed merger between Reliance Industries and Walt Disney in India. About As per the Competition (Amendment) Act 2023, if the CCI suspects a merger could harm competition (causing an appreciable adverse effect on competition or AAEC), it asks the…

[worldlites]

CCI Approves Acquisition Of Remaining 30% Equity Stake In Signet Excipients By IMCD India

New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved acquisition of remaining 30% equity stake in Signet Excipients Private Limited by IMCD India Private Limited. “The proposed combination relates to the acquisition of the remaining 30% equity stake in Signet Excipients Private Limited (Target) by IMCD India Private Limited (Acquirer) by exercising a call option,” CCI said in a…

[insightfultake]

NITI Aayog at a Crossroads: Charting a New Path Amid Global and Domestic Turmoil

As the world navigates a stormy era marked by de-globalization, rapid technological shifts, rising populism, and a looming climate crisis, India's policymaking apparatus stands at an inflection point. The intellectual orthodoxy of neoliberalism—rooted in open markets, deregulation, and a minimal state—faces a legitimacy crisis globally and domestically. Meanwhile, India grapples with its own set of pressing challenges: sluggish structural transformation, persistent unemployment, and mounting inequality. It is within this turbulent context that the performance of NITI Aayog, the government's premier think tank, must be assessed as it completes a decade of existence...Read more

[averagewriter-inthedark]

You Got It Bad 🏸 | Robert ‘Bob’ Floyd Headcanon

Edit posted on 2 Sep 24: omg when I posted this a few days ago America had yet to win a medal in badminton (Olympic & Paralympic) and today Team USA’s mixed doubles in badminton won the silver medal!! Congrats to Jayci Simon & Miles Krajewski for their win and making history!! The first ever medal in badminton for USA!!

Being married to Bob & becoming Olympians for the sport of Badminton would look like:

You and Bob met in flight school following your respected commissions into the Navy in 2011, became friends and colleagues, which them bloomed into lovers about a year later. You were the pilot, and he was your back seater---so it is no surprise your relationship worked so well considering you two were partners in the sky. After about two years of dating, Bob popped the famous question and you guys were wed within the year--the Navy sending you guys to bases as a package deal.

As most military instillations, there's a community gym and recreation center where active, reserve, and their families go to participate in intermural sports and activities. Many go for the typical bowling league and softball team or try a hand at flag football and ultimate. For you and Bob, badminton called yall's name.

Originating in British India and popular among countries in Europe and Asia, badminton made its Olympic debut in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain. Now while at first glance badminton may look easy in comparison to other court sports with a net like tennis and volleyball, but badminton requires just as much speed, agility, and precision. Especially when the shuttlecock is flying at record speed from one opponent to the other. The better the motor skills, the better you are.

Of course in the beginning you guys were a little rusty. Figuring out the rules and the best way for you and Bob to coordinate moves. You were the better server, but Bob was better handling the back while you stayed close to the net.

What started as a fun, leisure activity became more serious as you continued to play. Like we're talking you put up a net in your backyard. Whenever you hosted gatherings, you can expect that at some point in the night people migrated to the backyard to play a game or two. And boy would it get intense whenever you and Bob were on opposite sides of the court. "I hope you enjoy losing, pretty boy." "Darling, I know you're always right....but tonight you are wrong."

Not only did you build a sweat when a game got intense, but you looked forward to spending time with your husband outside of work. Not having to deal with the stress of flying or anxiety of running missions. Badminton was a great way to relive the tension and stay active. After every game you shared a sweet kiss with your husband, exchanging praises of 'Great job,' and 'We'll get 'em next time."

You both were competitive and roughly a year after playing you drew attention when you decided to join a local circuit outside of intermural on base. Winning match after match, you guys came in second in your first tournament. A great introduction to the start of your athletic career in mixed doubles badminton---which by the way, shoutout to RedBull and Dunkin Doughnuts for the caffeine supply when balancing a military and sports career.

Now the Olympic Games....the greatest sporting stage the world has ever scene...was never something you envisioned when you and Bob picked up your rackets for the first time. You'd only been playing badminton for a few years, having started in 2014. By the time the Rio Games came around, you guys were no way in Olympic level standings. Sure you'd been in a handful of local tournaments, making the podium in all, but you'd only recently won your regional title for mixed doubles, set to compete in nationals. You had yet to play an international tournament.

That time would come in 2017, and while you came home with third place at you guys were motivated to do better. You wanted to win a World title. Especially to prove to people who thought badminton was not a sport of high popularity like tennis or volleyball--and something you only play as a unit in high school P.E. You and Bob were motivated to bring more eyes to badminton in America. And what better way than to dominate a world tour.

So, when you guys weren't in the sky you were on the court. In the gym. Coaching each other, studying competition, working on technique, rewatching matches from previous Olympics. The Tokyo Games became a goal. And you were determined to make them. The pressure was on considering the United States has never won a medal in any event in badminton. "So, the Olympics...pretty darn big if you ask me." "Baby, you should know that when we put our mind to something, we make it happen."

It got to the point where your family members and friends were asking y'all about progress and even buying you equipment as birthday presents. And with the amount of shuttlecocks you go through monthly it was a blessing to a whole bucket of them in your garage. Your rackets had y'alls callsign's on them and of course you had matching outfits. And soon you guys had to invest in a nice cabinet to display your medals, plaques, and trophies from your competitions. Having the 2018 BWF World Championship right in the center.

You and Bob became a household name in the sport in the American circuit. Not only because you two were dominated the competition, but also the fact you guys were married and Naval officers brought a lot of attention. People who followed the sport became fans and viewed you guys as a love story out of romance books. Friends/coworkers-to-lovers who become teammates and an unstoppable duo in their sport. Yeah, it wrote itself.

When the 2019 detachment came though that became the priority. As much as it pained you to put training for the Sudirman Cup on hold, you had an obligation to the Navy. Nonetheless, you packed up your equipment and made the drive down from Lemoore to San Diego. Once settled, you both were spending any free time at the base rec center, practicing even for 30 minutes if you had it.

Soon the rest of the team picked up your love for the sport and became intrigued. Natasha especially, who became invested in watching you two play against each other. Shocked to see how heated it got and the fact you were able to move so fast to save a rally. "You guys are really into this, huh?" "Yeah. We just started for fun years ago and well..it took off."

After the whole shit between Jake and Bradley where Mav did damage control by taking y'all to the beach for dogfight football, you and Bob whipped out the equipment and soon all 12 of ya paired up to play games. It pretty much turned into a bracket situation where duos were eliminated until two remained for the final round.

And who's suprised....you and Bob won. And because you guys were so good, the team practically interrogated you two to which the reveal of your side career surfaced.

"You mean to tell me," Jake squinted against the sun, "You two are pretty much famous badminton players and are on the road to making the Olympics next year?" "Yep, that's about right. We want to be the first Americans to win a medal in the sport."

Fast forward to the success of the Uranium mission and unexpected world pandemic that followed, you and Bob are homebound due to the Navy restricting all work to remote settings, leaving you all the time in the world to perfect your craft. You won the Sudirman Cup, putting your names once more as contenders for the Tokyo Games and had one more year to train due to the postponement. In that time you and the rest of the Top Gun detachment transferred to Fightertown permanently, further bonding the friendships formed and the team became y'alls biggest supporters.

Qualifying for the Olympics had to have ranked in your top three moments in life. Right in the middle between marrying Bob and the Uranium mission. You jumped in his arms, screaming in joy while he spun you around and let the tears flow, bringing his lips for a passionate kiss not caring who watched. Never had you thought picking up a random badminton racket to pass time and relieve stress after a long work day would lead you to competing in the greatest sporting event alongside the love of your life. Experiencing it with Bob made it all the better. "We're going to the Olympics, baby!!'

Stepping onto the court in Tokyo officially titled you and Bob as Olympians, and while you competed for the gold across the pacific, back home your friends and family gathered to watch it unfold decked in red, white, and blue. The Hard Deck, your hometown, Bob's hometown, the rec center back in Lemoore where you first began playing badminton, the entire damn Navy was cheering you on.

Goal #1: Become Olympians - Achieved. Goal #2: Become the 1st Americans to win a medal in badminton - Achieved. Goal #3: Become the 1st Americans to win a gold medal in badminton - Achieved.

Yeah, you read that right. Not only did you and Bob accomplish everything you set your eyes on, but you cemented yourself in history as the first Americans to win a medal in any event in the sport of badminton and it was the gold. You guys became Olympic champions. And you can best believe the whole world was shocked to their core during the intense, heart pounding, sweat inducing, on the edge of your seat gold medal match against the #1 team in the world. You had already proven yourself to be the team to watch out for after knocking out the other leading pairs in the quarter and semi-finals, but to walk away with the gold after losing the first match, winning the second and tying the score each time until it ended with you scoring the golden point of 30.

Put it in the history books.

And three years later in a sold out crowd with your friend and family in the city of love, you and Bob continued your romantic journey of love, dedication and partnership when you defended your gold medal, adding a second to your cabinet with the promise of a third when the Games return to the Los Angeles 😉

[thepastisalreadywritten]

By India McTaggart and Tracey Kandohla

21 April 2024

The first statue of Queen Elizabeth II since her death has been unveiled to the approving barks of nearly 50 corgis.

The permanent memorial to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – complete with her own immortalised dogs – has been hailed as a fitting tribute for the “mother of our nation.”

The eye-catching 7ft bronze statue went on display on what would have been the late monarch’s 98th birthday, with a group of her favourite dogs stealing the show.

It takes pride of place outside the library in the market town of Oakham, in Rutland, Britain’s smallest county.

It depicts a youthful Queen Elizabeth – who stood at just 5ft 4in – standing at 7ft in regal robes with three loyal corgi companions at her feet, one peeking out from the creases.

It serves as a permanent reminder of her 70-year reign and her enduring affection for the Pembroke Welsh breed.

Sculptor Hywel Pratley believes the memorial will become a hit not only with royal fans, but that it will attract social media users wanting a selfie beside the late monarch and her dogs.

Speaking before the unveiling in front of a 400-person crowd and with a host of local dignitaries attending, he said:

“The plinth is designed to be sat on and I can see the statue becoming popular with the Instagram generation, and why not?

It will make a perfect backdrop for pictures and people will be able to reach up and pat a dog or if small enough even sit in its back.”

Mr Pratley, 51, who is half Welsh and lives in Chelmsford, Essex, told how he chose to add the corgis for a “bit of fun and to tap into the late Queen’s humanity and address her friendliness.”

He explained he made the statue larger than life because a “life-size Queen Elizabeth is too small. She deserves more.”

The £125,000 statue was commissioned by Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, following the Queen’s death in September 2022.

Addressing the crowds in the spring sunshine, she said:

“We are witnessing a piece of history today with the first statue of Queen Elizabeth to be commissioned since her death and who gave us 70 years of exemplary service.

Rutland may be a small county, but the response to this had been huge with contributions from local businesses and individuals of varying sizes.”

As she spoke, barks from 46 dogs from the Welsh Corgi League rang out, and she said, smiling: “You can hear them!”

She added: “The statue is for everyone.”

Before his cancer battle had been known and made public, King Charles III had been invited to unveil the statue.

It is not known if Palace officials had agreed to the request.

Instead, the honour fell to Alicia Kearns, the Tory MP for Rutland and Melton, before being blessed by Debbie Sellins, the Bishop of Peterborough.

One resident, Hilda Townsend, said: “It is just wonderful. We are the tiniest county, but the first to honour the late majesty in such a big way. It is a very fitting tribute.”

Her husband, John, added: “It is absolutely amazing and, as Rutlanders, makes us extremely proud.”

The unveiling of two of the three bronze corgis was given to two young children who had won a local school art competition.

In an emotional speech, Ms Kearns, 31, said:

“It is an incredible statue of our beloved Queen, who showed unwavering commitment.

We hope we can reflect on her legacy of compassion, strength and leadership. The statue was no mean feat and is for all of Rutland and all of our country, and to come together in joy. Rutland leads and others will follow.”

The MP revealed that the King would be visiting the statue.

Crowds of local residents mingled with visitors from further afield, some waving Union flags, with children sporting gold paper crowns on their heads.

She told spectators: “I am proud to play my very small part in helping to celebrate her reign,” pointing to the statue and saying: “She belongs to all of you.”

Following the unveiling, a lone bagpiper played a lament to the late Queen and the National Anthem was played, with crowds joining in.

Dozens of corgis, some wearing red, white and blue, then posed beside the new monument with their owners and officials before parading along the packed streets to Oakham Castle for a meet-and-greet session with the public.

Among the corgi owners was Katrina Emptage from Lincoln, with her two-year-old pet, Mable.

She said: “The statue is absolutely amazing and I’m delighted to be here to see it and be part of the corgi parade. It is very special.”

The late Queen held a life-long, deep affection for the breed after she fell in love with the dogs as a child.

She owned more than 30 over the years, many of which were direct descendants of the first, Susan, which was given to her as an 18th birthday present by her parents in 1944.

Speaking of his inspiration, Mr Pratley said:

“I very quickly thought that I would like to have a corgi nestling in her robes by her feet because what a great symbol it is, artistically, of her being mother of a nation.”

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Larry Diamond at The UnPopulist:

Since my last essay on the crisis of democracy, the assaults on democratic checks and balances have escalated. Without agreement from Congress, Trump’s DOGE shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development with stunning speed. Although a federal court blocked further implementation, ruling that the action “likely violated the Constitution,” by then the agency had already been gutted and largely dismantled along with many other agencies. Then, in an alarming politicization of the military high command, Trump fired the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, and the judge advocates general (the highest-ranking legal authorities) for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Pressing his claim to imperial power, Trump has moved to assert absolute control over all federal regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission. This not only hobbles their capacity to act independently in the public interest but opens the door to massive corruption. As DOGE seizes control of more and more of the government’s most sensitive and highly centralized stores of data, the conflicts of interest proliferate for its chief “overseer,” Elon Musk, who over the years has received “at least $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits.” And Just Security has documented an “alarming” pattern of “politicization and weaponization of the Department of Justice” since Trump has retaken office.

Democracy in Danger

The United States now faces the grave and imminent danger of its democracy decaying into a “competitive authoritarianism” in which multiparty elections still hold but are no longer free and fair. Under such a system, here’s what we can expect to follow:

The opposition wins seats in Congress and some city and state governments—but at the national level, a domineering leader and ruling party assert monolithic control over government, in a grip that cannot be broken by any normal means.

Regulatory agencies are stripped of their independence.

The legislative branch becomes a rubber stamp.

The courts are pressured, defied, and eventually brought to heel.

The civil service and the military are purged of non-loyalists and converted into instruments of the “elected” leader and his party.

The media are pressured and sued into passivity and subservience.

Business is lured into backing the authoritarian project with the promise of huge financial windfalls (and crippling punishment for defection).

Universities are threatened with financial ruin if they resist or protest.

Think tanks and philanthropies are threatened with loss of their tax-exempt status and even prosecution if they speak up.

Prominent critics and opposition voices, including former officeholders, fall silent for fear of retribution.

Democracy dies, to use T.S. Eliot’s famous phrase from The Hollow Men, “not with a bang but with a whimper.” This is the pathway by which democracy has died, at varying speeds, in Venezuela, Turkey, Hungary, Serbia, and several other countries. It is the trajectory that India has been on under Narendra Modi, Slovakia under Robert Fico, and Poland under the Law and Justice Party, until it was defeated in national elections in October 2023. If this slide away from democracy is to be averted, we must learn the lessons of other countries.

The first lesson, as a prominent Ukrainian democrat said to me, is, “The path from democracy is much shorter than the path to it.” Assaults on democracy often gain momentum more rapidly than supporters of democracy can imagine in their glib self-confidence that “it can’t happen here.” Thus, early action is crucial. The earlier that countervailing pressure is mobilized, the more likely it is to succeed. Second, principled resistance must be mounted within the executive branch to defend constitutional norms and the rule of law. Third, checks and balances must be activated early on by Congress, the judiciary, and regulatory institutions to counter creeping authoritarianism and defend constitutional guardrails. Fourth, a smart political strategy, with effective messaging and a broad coalition, is needed to oppose authoritarian drift and ultimately to effect the surest means of halting authoritarian creep—defeating it at the polls. Finally, ordinary citizens must push back through mass mobilization and courageous individual action.

Resisting Rising Authoritarianism

An effective resistance agenda is necessarily selective—if democracy defenders scream at equal volume over every harmful presidential move, without distinguishing between their varying levels of illegality, unconstitutionality, irrationality, and cruelty, people will stop listening. We need a strategy to prioritize the most serious assaults on democracy, presidential accountability, and our laws and norms. However, there is no room for passivity or patience in the face of creeping authoritarianism. Early action is critical to frustrating authoritarian ambitions, and it must match escalating assaults with escalating mobilization. Every actor inside and outside of government has a role to play in the defense of democracy. Let’s begin inside the belly of the beast: the executive branch. The career civil service is a crucial actor in serving the American public interest while observing merit-based principles of excellence, professionalism, and political neutrality. Career civil servants should be encouraged to hang on in the service of these principles as long as possible and to decline to comply with orders that violate laws or regulations. Trump derisively refers to this workforce as “the deep state,” but societies prosper when they have states with the depth of expertise, training, commitment, and autonomy to guard public health, provide veterans benefits, ensure water quality, develop rural communities, maintain national parks, and expose corruption and fraud. These essential functions of government are now under assault as the DOGE chainsaw hacks away indiscriminately at the federal workforce. Fortunately, most federal workers declined Elon Musk’s legally dubious order to report their work to him or resign. But the Trump White House wants to purge the career civil service of anyone who hints at independence. No federal worker should go quietly. Every act of principled resistance, even if it comes at the price of termination for following the law, puts an obstacle on the authoritarian pathway. Recently, a former federal prosecutor, Brendan Ballou, described how Trump’s Muslim travel ban early in his first term was slowed and narrowed by low- and mid-level Justice Department officials who forthrightly “explained to those far above them why the ban was legally and operationally disastrous.”

[...]

The Collapse of Congress

In a presidential democracy, it falls heavily to the Congress to check presidential excess. But with the bulk of Republicans—who hold narrow majorities in the House and Senate—enthusiastically backing Trump’s agenda, and with the MAGA machine vowing to punish congressional defections with massively funded primary challenges, Congress has been missing in action. The Trump White House is rapidly tilting the balance of power more and more radically from Congress to an imperial presidency. Carl Hulse and Catie Edmonson recently reported, “The Republican-led Congress isn’t just watching the Trump administration gobble up its constitutional powers. It is enthusiastically turning them over to the White House.” (Trump’s insane tariffs have caused some turbulence among Republicans who want to take back some of the president’s sweeping taxation powers but not yet enough to revolt.) A crucial step along this path was the House Republicans’ adoption of a White House bill to keep the government funded for six months, averting a shutdown that would have come on March 15. Even though Congress has passed many temporary stopgap measures to avert a government shutdown, this one was more radical and gave the president unprecedented discretion over the disbursement of federal funds. In a searing speech on the Senate floor, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, Patty Murray, condemned the Republicans’ surrender to a bill that “fails to include the typical, detailed spending directives—basic guardrails that Congress provides each year in our funding bills,” and that “turns many of our accounts into slush funds, [giving] the final say over what gets funding to two billionaires who don’t know the first thing about the needs of our working families.” [...] Could that happen before the next midterm elections on Nov. 3, 2026? Last election, Republicans won narrow majorities—220-213 (with two Democratic seats vacant) in the House, and 53-47 in the Senate. It would only take a few Republicans in either body dissenting to change the political dynamic. And in most committees, it would take only a single Republican defection to block a bill or a confirmation or issue a subpoena to someone like Elon Musk.

The presumption is that any House or Senate Republican marching out of lockstep would be committing political suicide, with Musk and other rich MAGA loyalists ready to pour tens of millions of dollars into a campaign to defeat them in a Republican primary. But what if a congressman or senator who saw the country approaching an authoritarian precipice refused to play that game and instead declared their willingness to run as an independent? Many of them come from red states or districts that Democrats have little chance of winning. In a straight contest between a Republican independent, conservative but principled, and a MAGA extremist, the principled conservative could well win by fashioning a coalition of concerned Republicans, independents, and Democrats. Such a strategy would test the Democrats’ capacity for strategic sophistication and discipline. That capacity might be bolstered by close study of other national experiences in reversing authoritarian drift, such as Poland, where the ability of parties to rise above narrow self-interest and form broad coalitions proved crucial to the defense and renewal of democracy.

A Time For Action

In the end, there is no substitute for electoral victory. Authoritarian projects are halted most decisively when they lose at the ballot box. This will require a complex, multi-level, and coordinated electoral strategy from the Democrats, but it cannot wait until the next two federal elections. Democrats are sorely in need of more vigorous and coherent messaging to expose the corruption and self-interest behind the Trump agenda and the immense damage it is doing to the economy; to the well-being of ordinary Americans; to the faintest notion of a fair society; and—not least—to U.S. national security. Elections are focal points of opposition. They give large groups a clear goal and ordinary citizens an opportunity to become involved—to donate to candidates and parties, knock on doors, write letters, make phone calls, host events, and speak their minds. This work will need to take place on a massive scale in the next two election cycles, but it must begin now. The opposition party must relentlessly challenge Trump’s ruthless and destructive policies. It must also offer a more viable and humane alternative to the status quo. To recapture the middle and working classes, it needs to reach humbly across social and cultural divides to offer new pathways to job creation, community revitalization, and technological innovation. It has to pitch a broad tent that welcomes diverse constituencies rather than subjecting them to cultural litmus tests.

Mass vigilance and mass action will need to come as well from outside the arena of electoral politics. Internal resistance and external mobilization work in tandem. Many members of Congress have already felt the heat from town hall meetings and office phone lines flooded with protests. “At events from Georgia and Wisconsin to Oklahoma and Oregon, House Republicans faced sometimes-hostile crowds furious about the sweeping budget cuts and mass firings of federal workers,” NBC reported in late February. Mass demonstrations are being organized, like the April 5 “Hand Off” rallies in Washington and all over the country. It is vitally important that they remain strictly nonviolent, civil in tone, and disciplined in resisting provocation, or Trump and his movement will seize upon them to discredit the opposition. Historically, global democratic movements (including the American civil rights movement) have made use of a wide variety of tactics of nonviolent civil resistance. These have included not just marches but strikes, consumer boycotts, and civil disobedience. To constrain or defeat authoritarian projects outside of elections, Hardy Merriman observes, citizens must withhold obedience, and to do so effectively, they must coordinate. Civil resistance movements succeed to the extent they muster unity, planning, and discipline on a large scale.

This point cannot be overestimated: Power requires obedience. The key to resisting authoritarian power is, to quote Timothy Snyder’s essay On Tyranny, “Do not obey in advance.” He warns from history: “Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given.” It was freely given when Washington Post publisher and mega-billionaire Jeff Bezos withdrew his newspaper’s endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, and then more recently when he imposed unprecedented restrictions on the paper’s opinion page—ironically with the claim of focusing on “personal liberties.” It was freely given when social media plutocrat Mark Zuckerberg traveled to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate after the election to pay obeisance with massive Facebook policy concessions, and further when he along with numerous other tech titans donated $1 million each to Trump’s inauguration fund. It was given when Republican Sen. Joni Ernst crumbled under threats and pressure and withdrew her opposition to Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. It is given every day that institutions do not speak up in legitimate defense of their rights and interests. Consider two examples. Universities are now paralyzed with fear as they grapple with disastrous cuts in federal funding for research and more aggressive assaults to come. The administration’s recent letter to Columbia University, demanding highly specific and invasive changes in university policy as a prerequisite to any consideration of lifting the cancellation of $400 million in federal government grants and contracts, has struck alarm in universities nationwide. This follows a stream of other administration actions zealously exceeding Supreme Court rulings to demand an end to all diversity-related programs; threatening Georgetown University’s law school with a federal jobs blacklist for its students if it doesn’t remove DEI elements from its curriculum; and apprehending for deportation a recent Columbia University graduate student from the Middle East, Mahmoud Khalil (a U.S. permanent resident), for his anti-Israel advocacy on campus. “So far,” write Harvard political scientists Ryan Enos and Steven Levitsky, “America’s leading universities have remained virtually silent in the face of this authoritarian assault on institutions of higher education” (though Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber has been one exception). If that silence continues, higher education in America will suffer grievous damage to its ability to advance U.S. competitiveness and foster a marketplace of ideas and innovation. The same goes for the country’s big law firms as they grapple with the consequences of Trump’s ferocious “retaliatory spree” against firms that have been associated with the opposition party or with legal cases against Trump. Many individual lawyers at a host of top firms have signed an open letter condemning the president’s actions (which seek to cripple the firms by barring them from interaction with federal agencies), and the president of the American Bar Association has made a similar statement. Once again, federal judge Beryl Howell blocked the administration from implementing a constitutionally dubious policy, claiming it was “viewpoint discrimination” that “runs head on into the wall of First Amendment protections.”

But the larger problem remains: a lack of courage. The point of these attacks, writes the historian and autocracy expert  Anne Applebaum, is to intimidate the field, “to make every university afraid to offend the administration; to make academics self-censor; to make students wary too.” For the moment, intimidation is working. Every actor, every institution, is ducking for cover and hoping others will walk the plank for them. Universities, law firms, media enterprises—these are core institutions of a democratic civil society that autocrats target as they seek to amass unassailable power. If each of them cowers in fear, waiting for something to happen, by the time a critical mass of resolve emerges, it may be too late.

Defeating the evil Trump/Musk regime requires internal resistance and external mobilization.

[mariacallous]

After the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, the European Union was expected to be the next in line. Washington did, in fact, impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU this week, as well as on a range of other commodities including cars and agricultural products by early April.

The Europeans have tried to win over U.S. President Donald Trump with flattery and alluded they could buy more U.S. gas and weapons in exchange for a reduction in threatened tariffs. But at the same time, Europeans are brainstorming about what decoupling from the United States in trade and defense could mean for them. They are also wondering if they have any realistic options left, other than appeasing Trump.

In response to Trump’s tariffs during his first stint as U.S. president, the EU retaliated with higher duties on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Kentucky bourbon. It has reportedly prepared a list of retaliatory tariffs this time, too. Retaliation, however, isn’t a preferable path for EU nations, even if it turns out to be necessary, as it inevitably harms their own constituents who have come to rely on imports from the United States—and also risks antagonizing Trump.

That’s why the bloc is also pursuing a less confrontational and more benign policy—resurrecting dormant trade deals to offset the costs of Trump’s tariffs.

In December 2024, a month after Trump won the U.S. presidential election, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a controversial trade deal with the four founding members of the Mercosur bloc—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. She also restarted talks with Malaysia and visited India with her entire team.

Together, those countries represent nearly 2 billion potential customers and vast alternative markets in places where the middle classes are on the rise. However, expediting these trade deals may come at the cost of the EU’s green regulations and clean industrial growth.

The EU overruled farmers’ protests against the Mercosur agreement; the protesters had been dumping manure and burning tires in Brussels and other European capitals for nearly a year. Farmers from various European countries, led by French contemporaries, protested for a variety of reasons but primarily over the fear that good quality but cheaper Latin American beef will flood European markets, and they will be outpriced. The EU said it has included safeguards and capped the amount of beef that can be imported, believing the agreement will benefit European businesses that will now have access to vast markets.

“As great-power competition intensifies, I see a growing appetite across the world to engage more closely with us. In the last two months only, we concluded new partnerships with Switzerland, Mercosur, and Mexico. This means that 400 million Latin Americans will soon be engaged in a privileged partnership with Europe,” von der Leyen said at the World Economic Forum in late January.

In her February visit to India, von der Leyen spoke alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced the goal to finalize an EU-India free trade agreement by the end of the year. A senior Indian diplomat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that, while talks restarted a few years ago after a long lull in the negotiations that began in 2007, there was “great momentum” in the EU-India ties.

The EU and India were both ready to make major concessions to move forward, according to sources in the Indian government. They said India will factor in the EU’s demands and consider bringing down high tariffs—nearly 60 to 100 percent on European automobiles and other luxury commodities—while expecting an understanding in return that it doesn’t have much room to open up agricultural imports since the sector is India’s largest employer, providing jobs to nearly half the country’s working age population.

In a sign of the EU’s openness to India’s concerns, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck acknowledged that two agricultural sectors cannot be compared. “If you were to open the markets completely … the disruption to the Indian market will be tremendous,” he said.

India also hopes that the EU can adopt a mechanism to drop or mitigate the impact of the carbon tax that it said it would impose on steel and other carbon-intensive products from third countries to drive clean industrial growth. The EU came up with a rebalancing mechanism with the Mercosur bloc, which allows the four Latin American nations to challenge EU environmental measures—including carbon border management (CBAM) and deforestation legislation—if they reduce the agreenment’s trade benefits. India expects a similar concession.

The EU’s talks with Malaysia have also resumed, but only after the EU’s deforestation legislation—which called on suppliers to prove origin of the export and trace and track the entire supply chain—was suspended.

Some experts believe fewer regulations are good for business. Jacob Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at Bruegel and a nonresident senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said von der Leyen has a “less ambitious extraterritorial agenda” in her second term.

“Basically, what the EU has been doing is imposing, if you like, extraterritorial regulation in third countries,” Kirkegaard said. “That agenda has less legs in the new commission, and that makes free trade agreements a lot easier.”

Kirkegaard said that even if these trade deals cannot make up for the decline in trade with the United States, they send a message that free trade is mutually beneficial and retains the appeal of the current global trading system for developed and the developing countries.

“What the EU would hopefully also be trying to do is showing that you can actually gain economically by pursuing a free trade agenda,” Kirkegaard said. “Maybe there are some businesses and other political leaders, not President Trump, neither obviously the existing leadership, but other new leaders who will see that this is actually a win-win strategy, which I happen to agree with …  It’s about sustaining the existing system. No better way, in my opinion, for the EU to continue to pursue significant regional deals with Mercosur and maybe India.”

Some scholars have said that the EU should go a step further and build an alliance of like-minded countries to take the United States to task at the World Trade Organization (WTO). “The EU should also prepare a case at the WTO that brings together as many impacted economies as possible,” Ignacio García Bercero wrote in an article for Bruegel.

André Sapir, a Belgian economist and a senior fellow at Bruegel, believes it’s too soon to predict an economic decoupling between Europe and the United States. “I think it is too strong to say that the EU-U.S. decoupling is underway,” he said, adding that Trump may decide to target individual member states with specific tariffs rather than the EU as a whole. “He has a strong obsession with bilateral trade balances. He may have targeted bilateral tariffs against all those that have a trade surplus with the [United States].”

But Brussel’s message is clear. It won’t be bullied and cower under pressure. “Bullying and deal-making may be President Trump’s everyday business, but in Europe we have replaced the law of the jungle with the rule of law,” Bernd Lange, chair of the European parliament’s trade committee, said. “Trump’s decision to impose heavy import duties on steel and aluminum is a clear breach of international law and we demand that the [United States] again play by the rules.”

Europe’s hope is that a deal with Trump can be made in time to stop the otherwise inevitable decoupling.

[subdee]

U.S. democracy will likely break down during the second Trump administration, in the sense that it will cease to meet standard criteria for liberal democracy: full adult suffrage, free and fair elections, and broad protection of civil liberties.

The breakdown of democracy in the United States will not give rise to a classic dictatorship in which elections are a sham and the opposition is locked up, exiled, or killed. Even in a worst-case scenario, Trump will not be able to rewrite the Constitution or overturn the constitutional order. He will be constrained by independent judges, federalism, the country’s professionalized military, and high barriers to constitutional reform. There will be elections in 2028, and Republicans could lose them. But authoritarianism does not require the destruction of the constitutional order. What lies ahead is not fascist or single-party dictatorship but competitive authoritarianism—a system in which parties compete in elections but the incumbent’s abuse of power tilts the playing field against the opposition. Most autocracies that have emerged since the end of the Cold War fall into this category, including Alberto Fujimori’s Peru, Hugo Chávez’s Venezuela, and contemporary El Salvador, Hungary, India, Tunisia, and Turkey. Under competitive authoritarianism, the formal architecture of democracy, including multiparty elections, remains intact. Opposition forces are legal and aboveground, and they contest seriously for power. Elections are often fiercely contested battles in which incumbents have to sweat it out. And once in a while, incumbents lose, as they did in Malaysia in 2018 and in Poland in 2023. But the system is not democratic, because incumbents rig the game by deploying the machinery of government to attack opponents and co-opt critics.

A non-doomer but still scary look at what authoritarianism in the United States could realistically look like.

Though I think this is still too optimistic, because it isn't taking into account the outright voter suppression efforts the Trump regime has already started (the SAVES act which would require excessive documentation to re-register to vote, trying to fire the head of the Federal Election Commission, eliminating funding for "election security" from the Department of Homeland Security's budget, etc etc etc).

Still a good article, and maybe one you can send to the people in your life who think all the 'coup' stuff is overblown but might be swayed by something more 'reasonable' sounding.

[digitaldetoxworld]

Live Update: Government Exam Result Declared Today – See the List of Successful Candidates

 The technique of Government Exam Result Today task recruitment in India is a complex, multi-step affair that includes diverse levels of evaluation, from written examinations to interviews, and in some instances, physical assessments. Candidates who aspire to steady a central authority job often undergo months or maybe years of practice. The assertion of the outcomes of these government process examinations is, consequently, a noticeably predicted occasion. In this text, we are able to delve into the importance of presidential activity consequences, the technique of recruitment, the diverse tiers involved, and the impact those effects have on the candidates and society at huge.

Importance of Government Jobs in India

Government jobs, or "Sarkari Naukri," as they're popularly acknowledged, have usually held a special area in the aspirations of the Indian population. There are numerous reasons why those jobs are so coveted. Firstly, they offer job protection, which is an important component in a rustic wherein the personal region can every so often be unpredictable in phrases of layoffs and employment volatility. An authority process is visible as a lifelong dedication, presenting strong profits and advantages along with pensions, healthcare, and housing.

Secondly, government jobs are recognized for their transparency in recruitment, which makes them appropriate to a great section of society. The assessments are competitive however are performed in a fair and transparent way via government bodies which include the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), and numerous State Public Service Commissions (SPSC). These jobs unfold across various sectors, consisting of training, defense, healthcare, railways, and public management, supplying various possibilities to applicants from exclusive educational backgrounds.

Recruitment Process for Government Jobs

The recruitment system for authority jobs in India follows a scientific technique. Although it varies across distinct positions and departments, there are some commonplace ranges that most recruitment procedures follow.

Notification

The recruitment system starts with the discharge of a legitimate notification by the involved authorities branch or recruitment enterprise. This notification incorporates crucial information about the vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, and the choice process. Candidates want to carefully go through this document before applying.

Application Process

Candidates are required to fill out the application shape, both online or offline, depending on the employer. This method typically includes the submission of essential files which include educational certificates, identification evidence, and occasionally a photograph and signature. A nominal rate is charged for the utility, which varies depending on the category to which the candidate belongs (General, OBC, SC/ST, and so on.).

Results of the Written Exam

After the written examination, the result is usually declared on the professional website of the recruitment body. The result usually includes a list of roll numbers of the candidates who have correctly cleared the examination. This is the first milestone in the recruitment manner, and candidates eagerly wait for the assertion of results. The cut-off marks are also released, giving applicants an idea of the opposition degree and the minimal rating required to move to the subsequent stage.

Interviews and Skill Tests:

Candidates who clear the written examination are regularly referred to for a personal interview or a talent take a look at, depending on the nature of the activity. For instance, candidates making use of clerical jobs might be required to undergo a typing take a look at, whilst the ones applying for technical positions might face practical competencies take a look at.

Final Selection and Merit List

After the interview or skill check, a very last merit list is prepared based on the blended performance inside the written exam and interview/talent test. The merit list is released on the official website, and the chosen candidates are either informed through email or by submission. In some instances, a medical exam is carried out as the final step earlier than the appointment.

Announcement of Government Job Results

The statement of presidency process outcomes is a massive event for candidates who've spent months getting ready for the assessments. The outcomes are generally posted on the official websites of the respective recruitment corporations. For major national-stage tests, the effects are also blanketed in newspapers and other media shops. In a few cases, the results are announced in stages, starting with the preliminary outcomes, followed by way of the final benefit listing after the interviews or skill exams.

The effects are normally made to be had in the form of a PDF record, containing the roll numbers or names of the chosen applicants. For checks with a couple of levels, like the Civil Services Exam, candidates can test their outcomes by logging into their money owed on the legit portal with the use of their registration wide variety and password. The effects are normally made to be had in the form of a PDF record, containing the roll numbers or names of the chosen applicants.

Impact of Government Job Results on Candidates

The assertion of government activity outcomes is usually a life-converting event for applicants. Those who discover their names at the benefit list are filled with joy and relief, as it marks the end result of their difficult paintings and determination. Securing a central authority activity is visible as a remember of pleasure in Indian society, and candidates who succeed in those checks are regularly hailed as role models of their communities. On the other hand, candidates who do now not make it to the final listing can enjoy unhappiness and frustration. However, the structured nature of the recruitment method offers those applicants valuable insights into their overall performance. The cut-off marks and scorecards assist them in recognizing where they stand and what they want to improve for them to achieve destiny. Many candidates who do now not clear the exam in their first attempt maintain their practice with renewed determination, using their preceding enjoy as a stepping stone. Challenges in the Government Job Result Process

While the government task recruitment manner is basically transparent, it isn't without its demanding situations. One of the maximum sizeable challenges is the postponement of the announcement of effects. Due to the sheer volume of candidates performing these checks, the assessment method can take time. This ends in delays in the very last end result, which causes tension and uncertainty amongst candidates.

 Which Exam Result is declared today another task is the opposition itself. With lakhs of candidates acting for a limited wide variety of vacancies, the opposition is intense. This results in extremely excessive cut-off marks, making it hard for applicants to stabilize a position.

[beardedmrbean]

French farming unions are taking aim at the European Union’s free-trade agreements, which they say open the door to unfair competition from products arriving from overseas. At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable – and sometimes more costly – agricultural practices, unions say these trade deals are making it hard for them to stay solvent.

French farmers say that one of their biggest fears is that Chilean apples, Brazilian grains and Canadian beef will flood the European market, thereby undermining their livelihoods. France’s farmers continued to demonstrate on the country’s motorways on Wednesday, protesting against rising costs, over-regulation and free-trade agreements –partnerships between the EU and exporting nations that the farming unions say leads to unfair competition. 

The EU has signed several free-trade agreements in recent years, all with the objective of facilitating the movement of goods and services. But farmers say the deals bring with them insurmountable challenges.

"These agreements aim to reduce customs duties, with maximum quotas for certain agricultural products and non-tariff barriers," said Elvire Fabry, senior researcher at the Jacques Delors Institute, a French think-tank dedicated to European affairs. "They also have an increasingly broad regulatory scope to promote European standards for investment, protection of intellectual property, geographical indications and sustainable development standards."

South American trade deal in the crosshairs

Some non-EU countries – such as Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland – maintain comprehensive free-trade agreements with the EU because they are part of the European Economic Area. This allows them to benefit from the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.

Other nations farther afield have signed more variable agreements with the EU, including Canada, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam and Ukraine. The EU also recently signed an accord with Kenya and a deal with New Zealand that will come into force this year; negotiations are also under way with India and Australia.    

However, a draft agreement between the EU and the South American trade bloc Mercosur is creating the most concern. Under discussion since the 1990s, this trade partnership between Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay would create the world's largest free-trade area, a market encompassing 780 million people. 

French farmers are particularly concerned about the deal’s possible effect on agriculture. The most recent version of the text introduces quotas for Mercosur countries to export 99,000 tonnes of beef, 100,000 tonnes of poultry and 180,000 tonnes of sugar per year, with little or no customs duties imposed. In exchange, duties would also be lowered on exports from the EU on many “protected designation of origin” (PDO) products. 

At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices, French unions say these agreements would open the door to massive imports – at more competitive prices – of products that do not meet the same environmental standards as those originating in Europe. French farmers are calling out what they say is unfair competition from farmers in South America who can grow GMO crops and use growth-promoting antibiotics on livestock, which is banned in the EU. 

Trade unions from various sectors went into action after the European Commission informed them on January 24 that negotiations with Mercosur could be concluded "before the end of this mandate", i.e., before the European Parliament elections in June.      

The FNSEA, France’s biggest farming union, immediately called for a "clear rejection of free-trade agreements" while the pro-environmental farming group Confédération Paysanne (Farmers' Confederation) called for an "immediate end to negotiations" on this type of agreement.   

A mixed record

"In reality, the impact of these free-trade agreements varies from sector to sector," said Fabry. "Negotiations prior to agreements aim to calibrate the opening up of trade to limit the negative impact on the most exposed sectors. And, at the same time, these sectors can benefit from other agreements. In the end, it's a question of finding an overall balance."

This disparity is glaringly obvious in the agricultural sector. "The wine and spirits industry as well as the dairy industry stand to gain more than livestock farmers, for example," said Fabry. These sectors are the main beneficiaries of free-trade agreements, according to a 2023 report by the French National Assembly.

"The existence of trade agreements that allow customs duty differentials to be eliminated is an 'over-determining factor' in the competitiveness of French wines," wrote FranceAgriMer, a national establishment for agriculture and maritime products under the authority of the French ministry of agriculture in a 2021 report. The majority of free-trade agreements lower or abolish customs duties to allow the export of many PDO products, a category to which many wines belong.

However, the impact on meat is less clear-cut. While FranceAgriMer says the balance between imports and exports appears to be in the EU's favour for pork, poultry exports seem to be declining as a result of the agreements. Hence the fears over the planned treaty with New Zealand, which provides for 36,000 tonnes of mutton to be imported into the EU, equivalent to 45% of French production in 2022. France,however, still has a large surplus of grains except for soya. 

‘A bargaining chip’

Beyond the impact on agriculture, "this debate on free-trade agreements must take into account other issues", said Fabry. "We are in a situation where the EU is seeking to secure its supplies and in particular its supplies of strategic minerals. Brazil's lithium, cobalt, graphite and other resource reserves should not be overlooked."

The agreement with Chile should enable strategic minerals to be exported in exchange for agricultural products. Germany strongly supports the agreement with Mercosur, as it sees it as an outlet for its industrial sectors, according to Fabry.

"In virtually all free-trade agreements, agriculture is always used as a bargaining chip in exchange for selling cars or Airbus planes," Véronique Marchesseau, general-secretary of the Confédération Paysanne, told AFP.

Michèle Boudoin, president of the French National Sheep Federation, told AFP that the agreement with New Zealand will "destabilise the lamb market in France".  

"We know that Germany needs to export its cars, that France needs to sell its wheat, and we're told that we need an ally in the Pacific tocounter China and Russia. But if that is the case, then we need help to be able to produce top-of-the-line lamb, for example," she said.

Finally, "there is a question of influence", said Fabry. "These agreements also remain a way for the EU to promote its environmental standards to lead its partners along the path of ecological transition, even if this has to be negotiated," said Fabry. 

Marc Fesneau, the French minister of agriculture, made the same argument. "In most cases, the agreements have been beneficial, including to French agriculture," Fesneau wrote on X last week, adding: "They will be even more so if we ensure that our standards are respected."

Mercosur negotiations suspended? 

As the farmers’ promised “siege” of Paris and other major locations across France continues, the French government has been trying to reassure agricultural workers about Mercosur, even though President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva relaunched negotiations in December. "France is clearly opposed to the signing of the Mercosur treaty," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledged last week.

The Élysée Palace even said on Monday evening that EU negotiations with the South American bloc had been suspended because of France's opposition to the treaty. The conditions are "not ripe" for concluding the negotiations, said Eric Mamer, spokesman for the European Commission. "However, discussions are ongoing." 

Before being adopted, the agreement would have to be passed unanimously by the European Parliament, then ratified individually by the 27 EU member states.

[shubham-pandey]

Why Indian students choose Russia for MBBS - Top Reasons

The competition to study MBBS in government medical colleges in India is fierce. Owing to the affordability and the quality of education, every aspirant dreams of making it to one of the government colleges. However, such competition is overwhelming for many students and they look for other options.

Russian universities emerge as a viable option for Indian students owing to their affordable tuition fees and world-class education. An MBBS from a Russian university is more cost-effective than an MBBS from a private college in India. 

Indian students choose Russia for MBBS to get affordable world-class education in a conducive academic environment.

Affordability

The high cost of medical education from the private universities in India compels students to explore options outside India. Russian universities emerge as an affordable option for Indian students willing to pursue MBBS.

Russian universities charge somewhere between USD 3500  and USD 7000 per year for MBBS. Besides, the cost of living in not much in Russia. The monthly expenses for students range USD 120 to USD 360 depending upon the lifestyle and the city. Some universities in Russia also have the facility of Indian mess which adds to the comfort of hostels and dorms.   

MBBS in Russia is affordable. Why?

Pursuing MBBS in Russia is affordable for the following reasons:

Higher education in Russia is highly subsidized which brings down the tuition fees and brings it within the range of Indian students. 

Russian universities are transparent in their admission process and pricing of their medical degree programs. It ensures that students do not have to pay overhead charges like capitation fees or donations.

The cost of living in Russia is not high which brings down the hostel and mess charges. Living in Russia for six years of medical program is thus not costly. 

Quality of Education

Medical education in Russia is built upon a strong tradition of medicine and healthcare in Russia. Russian universities boast of innovative pedagogy and latest curriculum. They prepare students to take on the challenges of healthcare industry with their high-standard of instruction.

Russian medical schools boast of a conducive research environment which attracts top faculty. Advanced simulation facilities, well-equipped classroom, and well-resourced libraries contribute to the quality of education in Russian universities.

Recognition from leading international and regional organizations plays a huge role in maintaining and improving the quality of education. It earns them global respect. Russian universities are recognized by the World Health Organization and find their place in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). National Medical Commission of India recognizes medical programs taught in Russian universities.

Russian medical education system balances theoretical and practical learning. It maintains the rigour of its programs by focusing on clinical partnerships, laboratory sessions, internships, and simulation exercises. 

Welcoming Environment

Russian universities are known for their inclusive culture. It is easy for medical students from India to adapt to the new environment. Universities in Russia offer language courses, and organize various events for adaptation and cultural exchange. 

Doing an MBBS from Russia offers many advantages. The cost is lower than most European countries and private colleges in India. The Russian universities offer state-of-the-art infrastructure besides world-class teaching and clinical training.

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Thank you for reading this article. We hope you found it insightful and engaging. For more exciting and informative content, be sure to follow us. Stay tuned for more valuable updates and knowledge!

[deboraeducation]

Kyrgyzstan for MBBS - A Great Option

Beyond affordability, Kyrgyzstan boasts universities like Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Osh State University, and Jalal-Abad State University, renowned for their quality education and modern facilities. These institutions equip students with exceptional training through a comprehensive curriculum and cutting-edge resources, preparing them for successful medical careers.

For many students with dreams of a career in medicine, the path to becoming a doctor can be challenging. Competitive entrance exams, high tuition fees, and limited seats in medical colleges can pose significant hurdles. This is where studying MBBS abroad emerges as a compelling option, and Kyrgyzstan stands out as a particularly attractive destination for several reasons.

Affordability and Quality Education:

One of the most significant advantages of pursuing MBBS in Kyrgyzstan is the affordability factor. Compared to Western countries or even some Asian nations, the cost of medical education in Kyrgyzstan is considerably lower. The total program fees, including tuition, hostel accommodation, and living expenses, typically range from INR 20 to 32 lakhs (approximately USD 25,000 to USD 40,000) for the entire duration of the course. This makes it a realistic option for students from middle-income backgrounds who might not be able to afford exorbitant medical education costs elsewhere.

However, affordability shouldn't be misconstrued with a compromise in quality. Kyrgyzstan boasts several universities recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, ensuring the medical qualifications obtained are valid for practicing medicine back home. These universities follow international education standards and employ qualified faculty to deliver a comprehensive MBBS curriculum. The medium of instruction is primarily English, eliminating the need to learn a new language for international students.

Simplified Admission Process:

Another attractive feature of MBBS in Kyrgyzstan is the streamlined admission process. Unlike the highly competitive entrance exams required in India or other countries, admission to medical universities in Kyrgyzstan is generally based on a student's academic qualifications (usually class 12th marks in the science stream) and eligibility criteria. This reduces the pressure of intense test preparation and allows students with strong academic backgrounds to secure admission more readily. Additionally, many universities offer hassle-free visa application processes, further simplifying the journey for international students.

International Exposure and Modern Facilities:

Studying MBBS in Kyrgyzstan provides valuable exposure to a diverse international student community. Sharing experiences and learning from peers from different backgrounds enriches the educational experience. Universities in Kyrgyzstan are well-equipped with modern infrastructure, including laboratories, libraries, and hospitals, ensuring students have access to the latest technology and resources for a well-rounded medical education.

Focus on Practical Training:

Medical universities in Kyrgyzstan place a strong emphasis on practical training alongside theoretical knowledge. Students have opportunities to participate in clinical rotations and gain valuable hands-on experience in hospitals during their later years of study. This practical exposure prepares them better for the realities of the medical field and equips them with the necessary skills to excel in their careers.

Safety and Cultural Experience:

Kyrgyzstan is a relatively safe country with a friendly and welcoming populace. The cost of living is generally affordable, providing a comfortable standard of living for international students. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage with stunning natural landscapes, offering a unique experience beyond academics. Students can explore the beautiful mountains, serene lakes, and vibrant cities, broadening their horizons and enriching their time abroad.

Things to Consider:

Before embarking on this journey, it's essential to consider some factors. While the MBBS degree is recognized by the NMC, students need to pass the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) upon returning to India to practice medicine. Additionally, adapting to a new culture and environment can require some initial adjustment. Thorough research on the chosen university, accommodation options, and local customs can ensure a smooth transition.

Conclusion:

For aspiring doctors seeking an affordable, high-quality MBBS education abroad, Kyrgyzstan presents a compelling option. With its combination of affordability, well-recognized universities, a simplified admission process, and valuable practical training, Kyrgyzstan offers a stepping stone to a successful medical career. The international exposure, cultural experience, and focus on practical learning further enhance the appeal of studying MBBS in this beautiful Central Asian nation.

[newskart65265]

Navigating Opportunities: Government Job Sites and Creative Small Businesses

In a world that constantly evolves, individuals seek stability and growth through various avenues. Two key pillars of economic prosperity include government job opportunities and the thriving landscape of creative small businesses. In this article, we will explore the avenues provided by government job sites and delve into the dynamic world of creative small businesses.

Government Job Site List:

Government jobs are synonymous with stability, security, and a structured career path. Job seekers often turn to government job sites to explore opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations. Here's a curated list of government job sites that serve as gateways to a range of public sector opportunities:

USAJobs (USA): The official job site for the U.S. federal government, USAJobs caters to a diverse array of professions. From administrative roles to specialized technical positions, this platform is a one-stop-shop for those seeking employment within the U.S. government.

Civil Service Jobs (UK): The United Kingdom's civil service job site is a hub for individuals looking to contribute to the functioning of the government. With roles ranging from policy advisors to healthcare professionals, this platform showcases the breadth of opportunities within the UK's civil service.

UPSC Online (India): The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India conducts examinations for various government services. The UPSC Online portal is a crucial resource for individuals aspiring to join prestigious services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

Job Bank (Canada): As a comprehensive platform, Job Bank connects job seekers with employment opportunities across Canada. Maintained by the Government of Canada, it covers a wide spectrum of industries and regions.

Australian Government Job Search (Australia): For those Down Under, the Australian Government Job Search portal facilitates access to federal government job listings. It caters to individuals with diverse skills and qualifications.

Creative Small Businesses:

While government jobs offer stability, creative small businesses provide an exciting alternative for individuals seeking innovation, entrepreneurship, and a more dynamic work environment. Here are some insights into the world of creative small businesses:

Innovation and Flexibility: Creative small businesses thrive on innovation and adaptability. They have the freedom to experiment with unconventional ideas, leading to the development of unique products and services. This flexibility allows for quick adjustments to market demands and trends.

Personalized Customer Experience: Unlike larger corporations, small businesses can provide a personalized and intimate customer experience. This connection often leads to loyal customer bases who appreciate the attention to detail and the human touch that small businesses bring to their interactions.

Niche Markets and Specialization: Creative small businesses often find success by catering to niche markets. Specialization allows them to become experts in their field, providing highly sought-after products or services. This focus can set them apart in a competitive landscape.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Creative small businesses are often founded on the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals passionate about their craft. This passion can drive them to overcome challenges and find innovative solutions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Conclusion:

In the pursuit of career opportunities, individuals face a choice between the stability offered by government jobs and the dynamic environment of creative small businesses. Government job sites serve as gateways to secure, structured careers, while creative small businesses embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on personal values, career goals, and the desire for either stability or the thrill of building something new. As the employment landscape continues to evolve, individuals can find fulfillment in either path, knowing that diverse opportunities await them in both government sectors and the world of creative small businesses.

[crackacademy]

Understanding the UPSC CSE Exam: Insights into Exam Pattern and Eligibility Criteria

 Are you aspiring to become a civil servant and serve the nation with dedication and commitment? 

If so, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is your gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian bureaucracy. In this blog, we will delve into the crucial aspects of the UPSC CSE including the exam pattern and eligibility criteria, And also how Crack Academy to help you chart your path to success to crack UPSC.

1. What is UPSC CSE? The UPSC CSE is a highly competitive and renowned examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various prestigious civil services in India. These civil services include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and many others.

2. Understanding the UPSC CSE Exam Pattern: The UPSC CSE is a three-tier examination process:

2.1. Preliminary Examination:

It is the first stage of the UPSC CSE and consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (popularly known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test or CSAT).

Both papers carry equal weightage (200 marks each) and are conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based).

General Studies Paper-I covers subjects like History, Polity, Economy, Geography, Science & Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs.

General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) evaluates candidates' aptitude in comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, interpersonal skills, decision-making, and more.

2.2. Main Examination:

The Main Examination is the second stage of the UPSC CSE and consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature: English and any Indian language of your choice.

The remaining seven papers are evaluated for merit and cover topics such as Essay, General Studies I, II, III, and IV, and Optional Subject Paper I and II.

Each paper is descriptive in nature, and the total marks for the Main Examination are 1750.

2.3. Personality Test (Interview):

The third and final stage of the UPSC CSE is the Personality Test, also known as the Interview round.

It is conducted to assess a candidate's personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in civil services.

The interview carries 275 marks and contributes to the final ranking of candidates.

3. UPSC Eligibility Criteria: Before applying for the UPSC CSE, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria:

3.1. Nationality:

The candidate must be a citizen of India.

For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), candidates must be Indian citizens. For other services, candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) are also eligible.

3.2. Age Limit:

The candidate must be at least 21 years old on August 1st of the examination year.

The upper age limit varies based on the candidate's category:

General Category: 32 years

OBC Category: 35 years

SC/ST Category: 37 years

PwD Category: 42 years (for General and OBC), 45 years (for SC/ST)

3.3. Educational Qualification:

The candidate must hold a bachelor's degree from any recognized university or institution.

Final-year students awaiting results can also apply for the Preliminary Examination but need to submit proof of passing the examination while applying for the Main Examination.

4. Tips to Crack UPSC CSE: Preparing for the UPSC CSE requires dedication, perseverance, and a well-structured approach. Here are some valuable tips to help you in your preparation:

4.1. Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the UPSC CSE syllabus and exam pattern to understand the topics and the weightage of each subject. Focus on important areas while preparing.

4.2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject. Make sure to include regular revisions and mock tests.

4.3. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow reliable online sources to stay updated with current affairs and contemporary issues.

4.4. Practice Answer Writing: Answer writing is crucial for the Main Examination. Practice writing concise, coherent, and well-structured answers within the prescribed word limits.

4.5. Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests for both Preliminary and Main Examinations to gauge your preparation level and work on improving your weak areas.

4.6. Choose Optional Subject Wisely: If the UPSC CSE allows an optional subject, choose it wisely based on your interest, familiarity, and availability of study material.

4.7. Maintain Good Health: A healthy mind and body are essential for effective preparation. Ensure proper sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet.

4.8. Seek Guidance: Consider joining a reputed coaching institute or seek guidance from experienced mentors to get valuable insights and study materials.

 Conclusion

Cracking the UPSC CSE is undoubtedly a challenging task, but with dedication, hard work, and a structured approach, it is achievable. Understanding the UPSC CSE exam pattern and eligibility criteria is the first step in the right direction. Aspire high, stay motivated, and embark on this journey with always available, accessible, and affordable CRACK ACADEMY and you might soon find yourself serving the nation as a proud civil servant. Good luck!

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