What is a Digital Twin?

 A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object, process, system, or

environment. It is created using data from sensors and other devices to closely match the
real thing. This computerized version is interactive and can be used in many ways in
different industries.

1. Exploring Digital Twin Technology: ...

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Benefits of Digital Twins:

 Digital twins help in making better decisions. They can show things that we wouldn’t be
able to see otherwise, like how the product might break down in different situations or
how the process could be made more efficient.
 Digital twins can help to avoid problems. They can show potential problems before they
happen, so they can be fixed before they cause any trouble.
 Digital twins can help us work more efficiently. They can show us how to get more done
with less, so we can save time and money.
 A digital twin enables real-time monitoring, providing a comprehensive understanding of
the performance of the system or object it represents. For instance, digital twins can play
a vital role in monitoring the functionality of diverse systems, whether it’s a wind turbine
generating power or the intricate workings of the human heart.

Uses of Digital Twins:

 Digital twins are being used to improve patient care, conduct medical research, and
develop new drugs and treatments. For example, digital twins of individual patients can
be created to simulate their unique physiology, helping predict responses to treatments
for personalized and effective healthcare solutions.
 Digital twins play a crucial role in manufacturing by simulating production processes,
predicting potential issues, and optimizing product quality. This leads to improved
production efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced overall manufacturing operations.
 City planners use digital twins to make virtual copies of cities . This helps them test
different situations, like emergencies or big events, helping in optimizing city
infrastructure, managing resources, and improving overall urban resilience.
  Digital twins are valuable in the design and innovation process. They allow engineers and
designers to test and iterate ideas in a virtual environment before physical
implementation, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up the product development
cycle.

Challenges:

 Implementing digital twins involves upfront investments in technology, infrastructure,

and skilled personnel. This high initial cost can be a barrier for some organizations.
 Digital twins rely on a continuous stream of data to maintain their accuracy and
usefulness. Gathering, managing, and processing this vast amount of data can be complex
and expensive.
 The reliability of digital twins heavily depends on the quality and accuracy of the data
input. Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to flawed simulations and decisions.
 Digital twins often contain sensitive data about physical assets, processes, or systems.
This raises concerns about privacy, confidentiality, and the potential for unauthorized
access.
 The use of digital twins, especially in sensitive areas like healthcare, raises ethical
considerations related to data ownership, consent, and responsible use.

Conclusion:

Digital twins stand as powerful tools revolutionizing the way we understand, manage, and
innovate in diverse fields. It contributes to improved efficiency, better decision-making, and
enhanced understanding of complex systems, by unveiling insights beyond our normal scope,
predicting issues, and suggesting efficient solutions. As technology continues to advance, the use
of digital twins is likely to expand into new domains and applications.

India has a fantastic opportunity to make things better using digital twins. Whether it’s
improving healthcare, making factories work smarter, or planning cities more efficiently, digital
twins can be a game-changer. But to make this happen, India needs to train people who know
how to use this technology and figure out how to manage the costs and data challenges. If we can
work together to solve these issues, India could become a leader in using digital twins to make
life easier and more innovative for everyone.

70 hour work week – Pros & Cons

1. Top 10 Time Management Tips for Bus...
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Theme:
  Recently, the founder of Infosys, N.R. Narayana Murthy, said that young people need to work 70
hours a week to help make the country’s economy reach the level of developed countries. Some
employers agree with this idea, while others are against it.

In Favor of 70 hour work week:

 N.R. Narayana Murthy pointed out that both Japan and Germany increased work hours in the
years following the second world war as examples of how nations successfully advanced their
economies. He emphasized that as India currently enjoys a demographic dividend, increased
productivity could contribute to the country’s economic progress.
 Increasing working hours may result in higher wages, a positive outcome that can contribute
to increased consumption, ultimately benefiting the overall economy.
 Entrepreneurs running successful businesses typically work longer hours.

Against the idea of 70 hour work week:

 Spending prolonged hours at work can significantly affect one’s mental health and can potentially
lead to burnout. A 70-hour work week means that working 5 days a week for around 14 hours per
day, or 6 days a week for about 11.5 hours. Germany and Japan increased work hours post second
world war to about 8.3 to 9 hours per day in a five-day workweek (max 45 hours per week). This
is way less than a 70-hour workweek.
 Maintaining a good work-life balance is crucial, as the saying goes, “All work and no play makes
Jack a dull boy“. Allocating time for leisure and relaxation is important to ensure overall well-
being. Already, Indians spend less time on sports and leisure activities when compared with Japan
and Germany (Source). So, a 70-hour work week can further decrease the time for leisure
activities and can increase dissatisfaction in life.
 Indians are already putting in more hours at work . According to the data from the International
Labour Organization (ILO), in 2021, Indian workers worked for 47.7 hours a week compared to
Japan’s 36.6, Germany’s 34.3, and the US’s 36.4. ILO’s hours of work convention, 1919 set
maximum work hours at 48 hours per week with a few exceptions. So, increasing work hours
more than that can go against International Labour Standards (ILS).
 Not following labour laws properly can impact India’s free trade agreements (FTAs) with other
countries. At present, India is currently in discussions for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with
both the European Union and the United Kingdom. International Labour Standards is also one of
the things that is being discussed.
 India is already struggling with a high unemployment rate. So, increasing the work hours of the
existing employees can reduce the number of new jobs. Germany and Japan struggled with labour
shortages during post second world war. Due to this, they had to bring in immigrants and also had
to increase work hours. But in India, we have a labour surplus. So, there is no need to increase
work hours.

 Longer work hours may not always result in increased wages. Some employees have no choice
but to agree to the increase in work hours for the same pay. That will be totally unfair to the
employees.
 In general, most of the women in India are putting more hours in house chores and unpaid care
work at home when compared with men. So, longer work hours may discourage some women
from joining the workforce and thereby increase the gender gap in the workforce.
  Developed countries could reduce the number of work hours per week with the help of
technology and innovation. In India, the productivity per worker per hour is lower than in
developed and a few developing countries. Instead of increasing work hours to increase
productivity, we need to invest in innovation and technology to improve the efficiency of
workers. As per the NITI Aayog report, in 2018, India’s gross expenditure in Research and
Development (R&D) was 0.65%, one of the lowest in the world. Increasing the investment in
R&D can improve the productivity of the workers.

Conclusion:

The idea of working long hours may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It depends on personal
preferences and the industry they are in. It’s about the passion for the work they do and the
willingness to dedicate such a significant amount of time to their job. While some individuals
may want to invest more time in their work, some others may prefer a work-life balance.

4-day work week – Pros & Challenges

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Theme:

 An NGO based in New Zealand called 4 Day Week Global organized a 6-month pilot program to
provide employees with a 4-day work week without a pay cut. A majority of the companies
involved in this project were based in the U.S. and Ireland. Most of the companies and employees
that participated in the experiment decided not to switch back to a 5-day work week making the
trial a huge success.

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Benefits of a 4-day work week:

 The survey results mentioned that employees are more productive in a shorter work week. As a
result, companies reported higher profits. So, it is a win-win situation for employees and
companies.
 When a company has a short work week and a good work culture, employees are less likely to
leave. So, a 4-day work week can help companies with better employee retention.
 Work-life balance will be improved for employees. Happy employees are always a plus for
companies.
 Absenteeism will decrease since employees will be less likely to take leaves.
 Employees will be willing to come to the office after a long weekend.
Challenges:

 A shorter work week may result in tougher deadlines. This can increase stress among employees.
 Micro, small and medium-scale companies may not be able to afford a 4-day work week.
 It is still common for companies in many countries, including India, to not offer a five-day
workweek. So, we cannot expect a 4-day work week to become the norm any time soon.

Conclusion:

4 day work weeks, when used correctly, can improve the profit margins of companies.
However, they may not be suitable for all companies. As more and more people strive to balance
life and work well, a 4 work week will facilitate that.

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Reasons I feel that AI will take over human intelligence are :

Technology is never deterministic. It opens various technical, social and political doors.

Nuclear technology is a very efficient alternative for non-renewable energy resources. But
still, we chose to move ahead with more and more types of nuclear warhead. Same is the case
with almost every other invention. Similarly, though initially AI promised better lives for us,
but because of AI, we have started losing our basic human qualities.

1. 4 Ways Artificial Intelligence Will...

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The huge data we produce every day is analysed and fed into our devices through
algorithms that we end up giving more and more control of our lives to the gadgets. We may feel
that we receive all these services for free, but they come at the cost of our precious time and
attention.

We have started losing our basic human habits and instincts, and are actually governed by
the devices and apps.
  For example, let’s take Google Maps. We just feed the starting point and the destination,
and it shows us the path and we follow that without thinking. Though 95% times it shows
the best route but we have given up our thinking and decision-making abilities for this
activity, which wasn’t the case earlier.
 Similarly, with all the data and algorithm our apps and gadgets, without our conscious
knowledge, are making decisions for us. Decision making is (was) one of the qualities
that made humans different from others.
 In the US, a robot carried out better and quicker surgery than a human doctor and was
also displaying various data regarding the present stage and future possibilities
simultaneously which is out of scope for a human doctor.
 China is leading in the development of driverless cars and autonomous cars are giving
better results than human driven cars.

 Our planes have been flying on autopilot modes and with time the autopilots are getting
better and better.
 There are various other examples where the machines have been replacing humans, doing
better, and depriving humans of their basic qualities or are on their way to do so.
 Some people do argue that humans have an emotional side which can’t be substituted by
any machine. But for them I have a two-point counter argument:

1.
 Since machines don’t have an emotional side, their decisions/solutions won’t be
affected by some family problems at home, fights with a spouse or bad grades of a
child which are very likely to affect human decisions at times.
 People are losing their emotional sides. After a daily 10-hour shift from Monday
to Friday most of us prefer to stay at home on the holidays. We surround
ourselves with laptop, TV, mobile and use them in cycles for Netflix, sports,
social media etc. (thinking that we are relaxing) rather than going out. We prefer
and are more comfortable with online chatting instead of talking to people for
real. There are less meaningful relationships nowadays because of all the above
factors. We have started preferring isolation.

Also Read : Universal Basic Income - Pros & Cons

Conclusion :-

No big change in the history of mankind has taken place instantly. Everything has evolved
over a long period of time without any idea of what is actually happening as we consider the very
small changes as natural or development. Similarly, this change will also not happen instantly
but if don’t become conscious of our daily activities AI is inevitable and will completely take
over us probably in the next 200 years.
Board Exam Twice a Year

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Theme:

 The Ministry of Education of India has announced that board exams will be held twice a year.
The first board exams under the new system will be held in 2024 for students in class 10 and class
12. This aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The
NEP aims to reduce the pressure on students and help them develop holistically. This will be an
optional facility for students, instead of a mandatory requirement.

The Problems with the Current Examination System:

 Currently, board exams are held once a year, and students often feel as though their entire
academic year hinges on a single exam. This can lead to immense pressure and anxiety.
 Because of how high-stakes the board exams are due to the fact that they are held once a year,
it discourages students from taking risks, experimenting with new ideas and focusing on rote
memorization of facts and figures to score better marks in the exam. This does not help in
developing students’ critical thinking skills.
 With the emphasis on year-end results, the entire focus of learning shifts towards being able to
perform well in exams, rather than learning to be able to apply their knowledge to real-world
problems. This is why the current examination system is often criticized for being more focused
on rote memorization of facts and figures, rather than on developing students’ critical thinking
skills.
 The importance of exams overshadows the importance of students’ physical, emotional, and
social development. The mental health impact of the annual board exams can not be
underestimated.
 The current examination system is inflexible and does not account for individual learning paces,
and can be particularly challenging for students who require additional time and practice to
master certain subjects or topics.

Pros of Board Exams Twice a Year:

 Conducting board exams twice a year will help spread out the pressure and reduce the risk of
students developing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
 It will also help reduce the pressure on students who may not be able to understand certain topics
and are still resorting to rote learning for the exam.
 It will encourage students to focus more on learning to acquire new knowledge rather than simply
studying for exams.
 Students will have the chance to learn from their mistakes and improve their performance in
subsequent exams.
Cons:

 The primary concern is that some students may not take the first exam seriously, believing they
can study for the second one and still score well. However, this approach often leads to a backlog
of studies, making it nearly impossible to catch up. Consequently, students end up cramming,
defeating the purpose of the biannual exams meant to prevent such cramming practices.
 Due to the short intervals between board exams, which create a lack of time for students, some
may opt for shallow learning instead of engaging in deep and comprehensive learning.
 Students may have less time for extracurricular activities, sports, and hobbies that contribute to
their overall personality development.
 Students who do not perform well on both board exams may experience a decrease in self-esteem .
This is especially true if they are comparing themselves to their peers who are doing better.

Conclusion:

Holding board exams twice a year is a great step taken by the Ministry of Education, which
will help reduce pressure on students, promote deep learning, critical thinking, and competency
assessment, and move away from months of coaching and rote memorization.

Ban on Smartphones in Schools

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Table of Contents
Theme:

 In July 2023, UNESCO called for a global ban on smartphones in schools to tackle classroom
disruption and prevent cyberbullying. So, there has been a growing debate about whether or not
smartphones should be banned in schools.

In Favour of a ban:

 Distraction: Smartphones are a major distraction in the classroom. Students are easily tempted to
use them to text, play games, or access social media instead of paying attention to the lesson.
This can lead to lower test scores and increased disciplinary problems.
 Cheating: Smartphones can be used to cheat on tests. They can easily access notes, search the
internet for answers, or even collaborate with others via messaging apps. This not only
compromises the integrity of the educational system but also prevents students from developing
essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
 Social Interaction: The overuse of smartphones in the classroom can hinder the development of
important social skills. When students are engrossed in their devices, they may miss out on
opportunities for in-person interactions, such as group discussions or class debates, which are
crucial for their personal and academic growth.
 Teacher-Student Interaction: Smartphones can create a barrier between teachers and students.
When students are constantly checking their phones, it can be challenging for teachers to
maintain a productive and engaging classroom environment. Effective communication and
feedback between teachers and students can suffer as a result.
  Cyberbullying: The use of smartphones in the classroom can facilitate cyberbullying. Some
students may send hurtful messages, share embarrassing photos or videos, or engage in other
harmful behaviours using their phones. Schools have a responsibility to protect students from
such digital harassment, and banning smartphones can help address this issue.

Also Read : Do brands rule our lives?

Against ban:

 Educational benefits: Smartphones can be used for educational purposes. Students can use them
to research topics, take notes, or collaborate on projects. This can help them to learn more
effectively and efficiently.
 Emergency communication: Smartphones can be used to communicate in an
emergency. Students can use them to call for help if they are in danger.
 Connection with parents and guardians: Smartphones can be used to stay connected with
parents and guardians. Students can use them to text or call home if they need to.
 Preparation for the Future: In an increasingly digital and connected world, it is essential to
prepare students for the future. Banning smartphones could hinder their ability to adapt to the
technology-driven society they will encounter outside of school. Teaching students how to use
smartphones responsibly equips them with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century
workforce.

The present situation in India:

 The use of smartphones in Indian schools is a controversial topic. Some schools ban them
outright, while others allow them with restrictions.
 A majority of schools in India ban the use of smartphones in classrooms. According to a survey
by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, 65% of schools in India ban the use
of smartphones in classrooms.
 However, recently there has been a growing trend of schools allowing smartphones with
restrictions. Some schools allow students to use their phones during breaks or lunch, but not
during class time. Others require students to keep their phones in their backpacks or lockers
during the school day.
 As smartphones become more and more important, schools are trying to find new ways to use
smartphones effectively in the classroom while minimizing the risks.

Also Read : Which one is more important - Creativity or Knowledge?

Conclusion:

The debate over banning smartphones in schools is a complex one, and there is no easy
answer. However, many believe that the best approach is to find a way to integrate smartphones
into the classroom in a way that minimizes the risks and maximizes the benefits.
 The approach that some schools have taken, to allow controlled smartphone use during
specific times, such as during breaks or lunch, seems like a good idea. This would allow students
to use their phones for educational purposes, such as researching topics or collaborating on
projects. It would also allow them to stay connected with their friends and family.

Schools should also emphasize digital literacy to prepare students for the technology-driven
world beyond the classroom. This includes teaching students about responsible technology use,
cyberbullying, and online safety. By taking these steps, schools can help to ensure that
smartphones are used in a way that benefits students and prepares them for the future.

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Which one is more important – Creativity or Knowledge?

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Knowledge is the information that we have through the experiences of our predecessors and
our own at present. Information of all things discovered or experienced is knowledge. But,
creativity is needed to put that information together to come up with new results and solutions.

Albert Einstein said “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is
limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all
there ever will be to know and understand.”

Knowledge, no doubt has a role to play. Without knowledge, creativity does not have any
substance to work with. Creativity puts together already available information in a manner to
come up with new solutions to new problems. Without the 2 working in tandem, nothing new
could have been created.

Let’s discuss a simple example that all of us must have surely come across: In school, we all
knew that one guy/girl who would mug-up the whole book from top to bottom. No question
would be left in the book which was not known to him/her. And there would be another guy/girl
who would not toil so much. He/she would only understand how to solve the questions, the
methodology, and the reasoning behind all of it. Come maths exam. Let’s say a few questions
were asked which were not in the book. The first guy/girl would cry foul over not being able to
solve the questions since they were “out of syllabus”. While the other guy/girl, though slower in
speed, would solve all the questions(even the new ones) and get a better score than the latter.

Also Read : City vs Village

 Now the question arises, who among the above 2 is truly educated? Definitely not the rote
learner! This points to the fact that creativity trumps knowledge in solving new problems.
Knowledge can get you through old problems easily, but only creativity can help you tackle new
problems.

In light of the above discussion, it can be concluded that knowledge is definitely required
but only knowledge in isolation cannot help us. Knowledge has to be accompanied by creativity
in order to make true progress in life. These rules apply to every sphere of our life.

Do brands rule our lives?

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Yes – Brand rule our lives:

 Companies spend a lot on marketing and thereby influence people through advertisements and
other marketing strategies to promote their brands. Most of the time, our decisions while
purchasing products are influenced by their marketing strategies. Companies hire data scientists,
and psychologists to influence and manipulate consumers. By the amount they put into it, we can
say that they are getting huge profits by manipulating our choices.
 Subconsciously, many people judge others based on the branded goods they use.
 The hype that is created around branded products is so high that people spend beyond their
budget just to fit into their peer group. By this, we can say that brands rule our lives.
 Brands influence us so much that we tend to neglect the loss to local stores because of brands.
Many companies just pack the same product that local stores sell and sell them for high prices by
branding them. We are caught up in the web of branded goods that we often forget that local
stores do sell quality products for cheaper prices. But in the present times, everyone is worried
about the quality especially if it is food products. So, they are preferring branded goods over the
ones in local stores.
 Many people buy fake imitations of branded goods . Through this, we can observe the importance
of brands in our society. Companies market their products in such a way that using their products
is turning into a style statement.
 Companies create trends. They make us believe that their clothes or products are in trend so that
we buy them to keep up with the times. Brands are so good at capturing our attention, influencing
us to desire their product. They can also create a feeling of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) in us.
This can lead to excessive materialism tendencies in people.

No – Brands do not rule our lives:-

 Companies just market their products, and the ultimate decision to get influenced by their
marketing strategies lies with us, consumers. So, brands do not rule our lives.
  We can say that it’s a win-win situation for both companies and consumers. Companies put so
much effort to deliver quality products to get a good name for their brands. This helps consumers
to not waste money on low-quality products. Once the brand earns the trust of its consumers, they
tend to buy from the same companies, and brands build their loyal customer base. So, it’s not like
brands rule our lives, it’s just that they work hard to be a part of our lives.
 If we go to a new city or country, we may not know the good local stores that sell quality
products, but if we know the quality of specific brands for the products we require, we can easily
buy them in supermarkets. It saves us a lot of time in figuring out which local store to trust. But
ultimately, it is our personal choice.

Also Read : Global warming - Causes, Effects & Solutions

Conclusion:

Although brands do not rule our lives, subconsciously they influence us a lot that our
purchase choices do depend on the advertisements we see in our daily lives. Some people do
recognize it and try to buy brands that are worth the price, and some others fall into the trap of
branded goods and buy expensive stuff. It is important to recognize the influence brands have on
our lives so that we can make informed choices.

City Life:-
Advantages of City Life:-

 City life has an advanced and well-equipped environment. People migrate to cities because
of better job opportunities, stability and a decent income which is still a dream in villages.
 Cities have a vast number of schools, colleges and universities . Hence, people in cities get proper
quality education which is a primary factor for a quality life.
 Recreation and entertainment options are plenty in the cities. People also get adequate
opportunities to establish and showcase their talents here.
 Better transportation, sanitation, availability of water and drainage systems are seen in cities. The
drainage of polluted water goes through treatment before getting dumped in lakes or rivers. This
keeps a small check on pollution too.
 Medical help is at our fingertips . There are a number of hospitals and clinics and well-equipped
doctors and nurses for people in need.
 All services are just a click away. For example, we can order food online and also can order repair
services from apps.
 Anonymity in cities helps in escaping from the judgements of people.

Disadvantages of city life:-

  Urbanization is increasing at a rapid pace, and currently, about 33-34% of Indians live in cities.
This rate is expected to be around 40% by 2030. With the high population density, the quality of
life in cities is expected to degrade and become unfit for living. The competition for resources
such as land and water can increase prices at a rapid rate.

 City life is a very busy one, developing every second into a better version of itself. This results
in a loss of cultural qualities and flavours.
 High demand for city life has resulted in congestion.
 The city’s population increases day by day. This leads to an environment with polluted air, smog,
unclean water supplies, and noise pollution.
 Increase in pollution rates in the cities brings in more health issues . People tend to fall sick more
in cities due to the polluted environment which is unfit for living.
 An increase in costs and expenditure is a vital problem for city dwellers. This creates a reason for
more competition for gaining wealth and hence increases stress and crimes too.

Village Life:-
Advantages of rural life:-

 A pollution-free environment is available in most rural/village areas.

 The scenic beauty and greenery of rural areas are prominent. This also attracts tourists from
around the globe. Moreover, watching greenery every day reduces the risk of anxiety and
depression.
 Rural areas have a scope for socio-economic benefits like low prices of agricultural and consumer
products, access to markets, public transport, employment opportunities, and better education and
healthcare facilities.

 The essence of folk and culture is prominent in these areas. This defines the rural areas uniquely.
 In the present times, as we have more self-employment opportunities such as starting a channel
on YouTube to earn money, people can earn well by staying in rural areas too. Moreover,
the lower cost of living in rural areas, when compared with the cost of living in cities can help
people to save more money.

Disadvantages of rural life:-

 Lack of higher education institutions is one of the main disadvantages of rural lives. This creates
the main hurdle to better standards of living and forces people to move to cities.
 Rural areas have poor road connectivity. Some rural areas do not have road connectivity. And
some other rural areas do not have access to all-weather roads.
 Limited medical help is another main disadvantage in these areas.
 Rural life is difficult for many, especially for women because of the lack of proper sanitation and
toilets in many rural areas.
Conclusion:-

Though city life has many disadvantages, people flock there more for its advantages such as
more opportunities and facilities. Improper road connectivity is one of the main reasons for the
slow economic growth in rural areas. But the government is making situations better for rural
India. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a step towards improving road
connectivity in rural parts of the country. Hence, the reduction of pollution in cities and the
development of roads and infrastructure in rural areas will promote balanced development.

Importance of psychological counselling in educational institutions

1. 15 Importance of Guidance and Couns...
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Points to speak:

 Many students struggle with several issues such as anxiety, self-esteem issues, trouble with
forming friendships etc. Guidance and support are very important to help them overcome these
problems. So, educational institutions should have mental health professionals to help students.
 In 2020, on an average 34 students committed suicide every day due to several reasons such as
exam pressure, relationship issues etc. So, it is very important to provide support for them in
educational institutions. Counsellors can help them to cope up with the pressures and can help in
improving their mental health. If the student suffers from mental health issues such as severe
depressions, counsellors will take steps to get them treated by psychiatrists.
 Covid pandemic affected the mental health of many people . As schools and colleges were shut
down for a long time, many students felt isolated and that caused an even more negative impact
on mental health. As schools and colleges have reopened, students need help to adapt to the new
normal.
 In general, a few teachers punish students, who are not scoring well in exams but they do not
even try to understand whether they have any learning disabilities. This causes self-esteem issues
in students. Psychologists can detect these learning disabilities and can detect these issues and can
collaborate with teachers to draft teaching strategies that are suitable for students with learning
disabilities.

 Some students have behavioural problems such as ADHD, autism etc. It is very important to
detect these issues as early as possible to help them overcome the issues and to improve their
quality of life. So, educational institutions should have psychologists.
 Consulting psychologists outside may force students to skip classes. Having psychologists in
educational institutions can help students in attending classes while taking counselling.
 Counsellors can guide students in improving emotional intelligence. They will guide them about
the basic issues students will face at any point in time such as exam pressure, bullying etc. and
will tell them ways to cope up with these things. They may even teach them important things such
 as time management skills, goal setting skills etc., which will help students in achieving academic
success.
 Some students do not even understand what they are going through, they may not even know how
to ask for help. Having a counsellor at their educational institution will help them a lot in
understanding their issues. Moreover, they will learn how to ask for advice and help.

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The present situation in India:

 World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a School mental health program (SMHP) for the
well-being of school children. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have made it
compulsory to have counsellors in CBSE schools.
 In November 2021, the central government started working on a program to train teachers in
identifying stress and mental health issues in students.
 Over the past few years, many schools and colleges are hiring mental health professionals to
support students. But still many schools and colleges do not have mental health professionals,
they are just providing awareness programs.
 There is a severe shortage of mental health professionals in India.

Conclusion:

Educational institutions must have psychological counsellors to support students in

managing their mental health. After the pandemic, several students are facing mental health
issues due to isolation. So, now the need for counsellors is more than ever. Having psychological
counselling at schools and colleges will help improve the students’ quality of life and thereby
will help them in achieving academic success.

AI-driven decision-making – Pros & Cons

Table of Contents
What is AI-driven decision making:

 Artificial Intelligence is being used to make decisions with the help of vast amounts of data
collected and also being trained to replicate the knowledge and reasoning methods of the experts.
Pros:

 It saves plenty of time for humans by analyzing vast amounts of data and making decisions based
on that. People cannot easily deduct conclusions from a large quantity of data.
 AI-driven decision making is also being used to know the best possible treatment for certain types
of cancers, which is different for different persons. This is helping doctors to make better
decisions. So, it is very helpful in the medical field too.
 AI-driven decisions are showing us ads based on our browsing history, purchasing behaviour etc.
It is predicting our future behaviour using the data. It is also helpful in understanding the
customers better. This is helping the marketing industry.
 Humans tend to have biases and discriminations based on personal preferences. AI does not have
that so it can make accurate decisions.
 People face decision fatigue when they are overwhelmed with many decisions to make. But AI
does not have that kind of issue.

Cons:

 AI do not have compassion and ethics. So, it may take morally wrong decisions.
 If the AI-driven decisions caused any damage, who will take the responsibility?
 Often, AI cannot explain why it took those decisions. So, that results in a lack of transparency.

Conclusion:

AI takes care of analyzing vast amounts of data and gives the simplified form of data, which
can be used to make better decisions. AI-driven decisions are already fetching lots of profits for
businesses. But for now, human intervention is necessary to avoid implementing the wrong
decisions. We cannot depend completely on AI-driven decisions without human touch, at least
not yet.

Books vs Movies:

 When we read a story in a book, we imagine the characters, backgrounds and all the
scenes. We can interpret them in our own way. Hence books help us in thinking
creatively and spur the imagination, whereas movies do all the work of showing
characters and scenes etc. So, mostly we just consume content.
 When we are reading a book, we get involved in the story completely. But when we are
watching the movie, we may get diverted by the appearances of characters or any other
extra details.
 In movies, characters speak normal daily usage sentences. But in general, in books,
writers use rich vocabulary. So, by reading books, our vocabulary will be improved.
 Books have the power to calm our minds. They can stop racing thoughts, reduce our
stress and can give us peace of mind.
  Some books are not that easy to understand. Whereas in movies, we can easily
understand the story. Because we can watch the scenes and listen to the conversations,
instead of just reading them.
 We can multitask while watching movies. We can do house chores or any other works
that don’t demand our concentration. But the same is not true for books. Books demand
our complete attention.
 We can watch movies along with friends and family, and it can turn out to spending a
wonderful time with our loved ones. Books cannot give such experiences.
 Books demand so much time. Some books take days to finish. But that story can be easily
watched in a few hours in a movie.

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Conclusion:

Books and movies both are different and entertains us in their own ways. Some prefer to
watch movies over reading books. And some like to read the story. It all depends on personal
preferences. Both mediums of storytelling give us knowledge, entertainment and sometimes just
shows us reality.