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I am pursuing B.Ed. Social Science. My UG degree was International Relations, and Master's was Political Science. What are the potential career options in teaching in India and abroad? What skills do I need to develop? Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
Your academic background is a strong asset. Potential career options in India include teaching in government and private schools (the latter could be affiliated to Indian or international boards), universities and colleges, coaching or tutoring, and curriculum development or creation of educational content. Abroad, you can teach at schools if you complete specific certifications that are prerequisites in those countries.
Work on becoming a subject matter expert, and stay updated on current events. Understand and apply pedagogical skills such as lesson planning, delivery, classroom management and differentiated instruction. Work on your verbal and written communication and active listening. Use technology to create digital content and build a skillset in software proficiency. Develop interpersonal skills, research and analytical skills and a deep understanding of cultural sensitivity. Also, explore online teaching, work with NGOs and think tanks, and build an online presence by creating a professional website or blog to showcase your expertise and teaching philosophy to help you stand out.
I am in the final year of B.A. Economics. I want to do a PG in Economics and Econometrics. Are there any good institutions? Also will it help to pursue courses in computers? Sethu
Dear Sethu,
Some of India's top institutions, known for their Economics and Econometrics programmes are Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Delhi and Kolkata; Delhi School of Economics (DSE); Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai; Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU); Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Delhi, Kanpur, and Kharagpur; and Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai. Computer skills are essential for Econometrics (as it relies on statistical software such as R, Python, and Stata). Proficiency in these tools is crucial for data analysis and model building and will broaden your job prospects.
I have completed BBA but am not sure what to do next. I am interested in stock market trading. Are there any courses on the stock market, especially futures and option trading? Viswa
Dear Viswa,
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) Academy offers a range of courses including futures and options trading, and provides industry-recognised certifications. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Institute also offers courses related to the stock market, including derivatives trading that cater to different levels of experience. The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) offers certification exams that are mandatory for certain roles in the securities market. Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and edx offering a variety of courses on finance, investing, and trading. Zerodha, a popular brokerage platform in India, provides free educational modules on various aspects of the stock market, including futures and options. Investopedia is another valuable online resource to learn about financial terms and concepts. Many brokerage firms offer educational resources and seminars on trading. However, be cautious and ensure that the information is unbiased and genuine.
Before trading with real money, practice with a demo account to get a feel for the market and test your strategies. Start small and gradually increase your investment as you gain experience. The stock market is constantly evolving and dynamic. So, it is essential to stay updated with the latest trends and developments. Futures and options trading involves significant risk, so understand the potential losses before you start trading. Be wary of 'get-rich-quick' schemes, scams and unrealistic promises.
I completed B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture and worked in an e-commerce supplier. Now I am looking after operations and finance in two retail shops in my family business. This has got me interested in finance, and I took up a certification in Investment Banking. Should I look for entry-level jobs in the investment sector or try for CFA Level 1? Raghul
Dear Raghul,
Entry-level jobs in the investment sector will help you gain practical experience, build a professional network, and learn from experienced professionals. However, these positions are highly competitive, and your non-traditional background may require you to put in extra effort to showcase your skills. But the CFA Level 1 CFA Level 1 is a globally recognised qualification and will significantly enhance your credibility and showcase a strong commitment to finance, thereby increasing your chances of landing better jobs. However, it will require significant time and effort for preparation and does not guarantee a job.
Start preparing for the exam while actively seeking entry-level jobs. Leverage your experience in managing finances and operations in your family business, and highlight your ability to analyse financial data and make informed decisions. Connect with professionals in the investment sector. Customise your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience. Emphasise your analytical skills, financial acumen, and ability to learn quickly. Gain proficiency in financial software and tools, and improve your communication and presentation skills. Consider internships to gain relevant experience and make connections.
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Time of India
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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Rapid uptake of crypto in developing economies raises concerns, says IMF's Gita Gopinath: Here's why
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In the Indian subcontinent, Pakistan has recently struck a deal with US-based World Liberty Financial Inc (WLFI) a firm backed by the Trump family, for that country to emerge as a crypto hub while promoting the use of blockchain technology and the use of stablecoins for payments and remittances. Amid a spate of activity in the crypto space, experts echo Gopinath's warning that cryptocurrencies may pose a risk to the currencies and financial institutions of developing and emerging economies. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies whose value is pegged to an asset such as a currency or commodity such as gold. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have rallied since Donald Trump took over as US President owing to the reversal of his earlier skeptical stance on digital coins. He appointed David Sacks as the White House crypto czar while also naming crypto backer Paul S Atkins as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair. Flagship cryptocurrency Bitcoin's price stood at $104,512.82 apiece, down 0.07 per cent, at 7:30 pm on Thursday. Last month, Bitcoin breached the $110,00 mark for the first time after the passage of the GENIUS Act Bill in the US Senate owing to bipartisan support. If passed the GENIUS Act is also expected to allow crypto companies to produce more stablecoins. Issuers must be in compliance with anti-money laundering provisions and anti-terrorism regulations, according to the Bill's fine print. Further, stablecoins issuers must back the digital currency with fiat currency or highly liquid assets in a 1:1 ratio. They must also maintain separate reserves to backstop the stablecoins, according to the GENIUS Act Bill. Democratic Senator Mark R Wright, who backed the bill, stated that while there were concerns about the Trump family's involvement in cryptocurrencies to 'evade oversight, hide shady financial dealings, and personally profit at the expense of everyday Americans… blockchain technology is here to stay.' He said it was in America's interest to take the lead on shaping crypto policies. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren warned that the GENIUS Act Bill did not meet the minimum standards such as guaranteeing consumer protection and preventing the illicit use of stablecoins. Passage of the GENIUS Act may pose a risk since the illicit use of stablecoins already make up 60 per cent of unlawful crypto transactions. If passed, the GENIUS Act is expected to boost the stablecoin market's growth by 10X to $2 trillion, Warren said citing industry estimates. Developing countries and their dalliance with cryptocurrencies Pakistan recently announced a collaboration between the Pakistan Crypto Council and the WLFI, which envisages the use of blockchain technology to promote financial inclusion. It also aims to monetise national assets such as rare earths besides using stablecoins in trade and remittance. Pakistan eyes the status of a regional crypto hub as a result of this agreement. Experts warn of the inherent instability of the crypto asset system. To elaborate on Gopinath's warning, a paper titled 'Crypto assets as a threat to financial market stability' states that currencies of emerging and developing economies may lose their importance as store of value owing to higher inflation rates, leading to a rising degree of substitution of the domestic currency by a foreign currency. According to an UNCTAD study, this may result in the 'cryptoisation' of emerging and developing economy currencies relative to their GDP and backed by factors such as a younger population as well as macroeconomic stability. In Central America, El Salvador, which approved Bitcoin as official tender in 2021, the cryptocurrency has seldom found use as a means for buying goods and services. Stablecoins may also pose a risk similar to that seen during a bank run — when depositors and investors rush to cash their assets after a bank is unable to honour its financial commitments owing to a shortage of assets. According to the paper cited above, the linkage of stablecoins to a currency creates arbitrage opportunities leading to speculation. Former US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during a US Congressional hearing said fears of inadequate asset backing for stablecoins may also lead to a sell off triggering a situation similar to a bank run. In March this year, Trump announced the creation of a strategic crypto reserve — a basket comprising Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana and Cardano. While flagging 'corrupt attacks (on cryptocurrencies) by the Biden administration' Trump in a Truth Social post said the US Crypto Reserve, part of his executive order on digital assets will 'elevate this critical industry'. 'I will make sure the US is the Crypto Capital of the World,' Trump said. Under Trump, the US has dropped probes and legal lawsuits related to alleged securities violations against cryptocurrency firms and exchanges. The US government holds an estimated 200,000 Bitcoin pending an audit, according to a fact sheet shared by the White House. To be sure, the US crypto reserve will only store digital tokens obtained through forfeiture proceedings — it will not purchase additional reserves at the cost of the American taxpayer's money, according to the White House fact sheet.
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Why, and how, India plans to help cash-strapped Air Mauritius
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