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Hans India
27-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
CUET 2025: Study smart, avoid common pitfalls
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a key gateway to top central and other prestigious universities in India. While subject knowledge is essential, success in CUET depends on strategic preparation and avoiding common mistakes. With its vast syllabus and high stakes, the exam can overwhelm even diligent students. However, studying smart, through disciplined planning and awareness of frequent pitfalls, can make a significant difference, turning a good score into a great one and improving the chances of securing a dream college seat. Here are some common blunders or pitfalls to avoid while preparing for CUET: Neglecting NCERT textbooks: A foundational mistake Overlooking NCERT textbooks in favor of bulky, advanced reference materials is one of the most repeated errors among aspirants. NCERTs remain the cornerstone of CUET preparation, especially for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, and Political Science, while the latter may seem more comprehensive. Often the source of direct questions in the exam, these books match the CUET syllabus closely. Therefore, mastering the concepts, diagrams, and examples in the NCERTs should be the first step in every candidate's preparation plan, before moving to external resources. Delaying or skipping mock tests and past papers Putting off mock tests until the entire syllabus is 'completed' is another major misstep – a point that, realistically, may never feel fully achieved. It is important to understand that mock tests are not just a final-stage tool; they are integral from the early phases of preparation. Mock tests done under strict timed conditions help students build exam endurance while also acclimatising them towards the format and pressure of examinations. In addition, working on the previous years' question papers helps with coursework by unveiling critical topics. Equally important is tracking improvements, identifying weak areas, and analyzing the mistakes made in the tests. Mismanaging time during the exam Even well-prepared students can falter on exam day due to poor time management. CUET is a time-bound test, and lingering too long on tough questions can rob students of marks in easier sections. A strategic approach is crucial—begin with questions that seem straightforward, flag the tougher ones for review, and circle back once the easier ones are secured. Developing this instinct requires practice with sectional tests and setting internal time limits during preparation. Underestimating the general test and language section Some students focus solely on their domain-specific subjects and neglect the General Test and Language portions—often to their detriment. These sections are not only scoring opportunities but can also serve as tiebreakers in competitive admissions. The General Test covers logical reasoning, numerical ability, and current affairs—skills that improve only with consistent practice. Similarly, the Language Section requires proficiency in reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. Daily reading, vocabulary-building apps, and timed practice can significantly enhance performance here. Risky guesswork and the pitfalls of negative marking CUET's multiple-choice format can tempt students to make blind guesses, especially when time is running out. However, the penalty for incorrect answers means that random guessing can backfire. A smarter tactic is to use the process of elimination—narrowing down options before making an educated guess. If no logical conclusion can be drawn, it's wiser to skip the question altogether than risk losing marks. Starting new topics too late In the final days leading up to the exam, many students enter panic mode and try to cram new or untouched topics. This often results in more confusion than clarity. The last phase should be reserved for revision—solidifying knowledge already gained, rather than expanding the scope. Summarized notes, formula sheets, flashcards, and quick recaps help reinforce memory and boost confidence. Focus on high-weightage areas and previously tested concepts rather than spreading oneself too thin. Neglecting mental and physical well-being Academic stress can affect the physical and mental well-being of students, particularly as the examination day approaches. Burnout, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and physical inactivity are frequent byproducts of cramming. However, a fatigued or stressed-out brain is much less productive than one that is well-rested. Incorporating frequent breaks, mild physical exercise, deep breathing, and sufficient sleep can improve concentration and memory. A nutritious diet and proper hydration also facilitate optimal performance. Conclusion: From mistakes to mastery Though CUET might be a tough test, it certainly isn't insurmountable. The secret is serious, concentrated preparation—and, just as crucially, avoiding pitfalls that can spoil performance. Staying away from distractions, keeping up with mock tests regularly, budgeting time effectively, and not neglecting one's health all go toward a more well-rounded and productive study plan. (The author is UG Product Head, Career Launcher)
CBC
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Why what Poilievre says matters — even though he lost his seat
Social Sharing Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre may have lost his seat in the House of Commons but he's not lost his voice on the national stage. Poilievre held two news conferences in the past week, taking questions from reporters and explaining how his party will approach the new Parliament — and he's done so without being the leader of the Official Opposition. Unlike the prime minister, who can hold the position from outside the House of Commons, the Opposition leader, by law, must have a seat in the House. Christopher Cochrane, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, told CBC News that a prime minister is the leader of their party and must have the confidence of the majority of members in the House of Commons. "For the leader of the Opposition it's different, in the sense that the leader of the Opposition is a person in the House of Commons that grills the government and holds them to account," Cochrane said. "So they by definition need to be in the House of Commons to perform that function." The Conservative Party chose former leader Andrew Scheer to fill that role until Poilievre can secure a seat in a byelection. But Cochrane says what Poilievre says still has meaning because "Scheer will be taking his marching orders from Poilievre." House dominated by party politics, says Cochrane Cochrane explained that in modern parliamentary politics the party decides who asks questions in the House, what the Opposition MPs will ask and what issues they will focus on. "Poilievre's control of the party apparatus, and support of the party apparatus, would give him a lot of power over his party — and business in the House of Commons is completely and utterly party dominated," he said. Poilievre lost his Ontario riding of Carleton to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy by 4,513 votes in the April 28 federal election, which means he has to win another seat in the House before he can resume his responsibilities as leader of the Opposition. To do that, another member of his caucus must resign their seat so Poilievre can run in a byelection. Conservative MP Damien Kurek, who won his Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot with 82 per cent of the vote, has already announced his intention to do so. Kurek can't actually resign until 30 days after his victory is published in the government's official publication, the Canada Gazette, which happened Thursday. By law, that 30-day period must be allowed to pass, in order to allow for any potential challenges to the election result. Once that window closes, the Governor General, on the advice of the prime minister and cabinet, then sets the date for the byelection, which can be called between 11 and 180 days after an MP resigns. Prime Minister Mark Carney said at his first news conference after the election that he will do that swiftly.
Bloomberg
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Fahmy: US Needs the Gulf Countries More Than It Admits
President Trump starts his first official diplomatic mission of his second term with stops here in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE Fahmy, Director of International Relations & Diplomacy, and Associate Professor of Political Science, Long Island University told Bloomberg's Horizons Middle East and Africa anchor Joumanna Bercetche about the focus of the trip. (Source: Bloomberg)
CNA
12-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Associate Professor Christopher Clary on India-Pakistan ceasefire
A ceasefire holds for a third day as India and Pakistan's military chiefs hold talks. Tensions have eased along the disputed border, with both countries keeping communication lines open. CNA speaks to Christopher Clary, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science at the University at Albany.
Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Times
Is ‘fight oligarchy' the best Democrats can do?
In a demotic age, when political messages are designed to stimulate the baser popular instincts, and campaign slogans cry simple exhortations such as 'Make America great again' or 'Take back control', 'Fight oligarchy' seems a little rarefied. It sounds like the kind of thing you'd read on a placard at a demonstration for higher pay by political science professors, or the name of a punk rock tribute band composed of ageing former PhD students. But across the US this spring, tens of thousands of Americans are showing up at rallies in places such as Missoula, Montana and Nampa, Idaho, to declare their allegiance to it; signing up as hoplites in a modern day Democratic army ready to fight what its leaders say characterises this US
