Tim Cook wrote a winning recipe for AppleWill it work for his successor? Published on: Apr 26, 2026 3:43 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link SOMETIMES A COMPANY encapsulates its times. Ford and its Model T captured the go-getting mood of the Roaring Twenties
Dressed in a black tuxedo just hours after he was at the centre of yet another major security incident, US President Donald Trump told reporters: "I can't imagine that there's any profession that is more dangerous." While a small army of Secret Service agents make the president arguably the world's
There’s a flavour movement quietly brewing in Indian kitchens and it isn’t smoky or spicy, but umami. Once considered a foreign concept, Indian chefs are now tapping into the country’s own rich legacy of umami-forward ingredients and techniques to reimagine comfort food for a cleaner, deeper
Violence erupted in West Bengal's Howrah and Haroa districts before the second phase of polling. Clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters occurred in Howrah. In Haroa, a police sub-inspector was injured during a confrontation between Trinamool Congress and Indian Secular Front
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi praises Great Indian Bustard conservationPopulation of Great Indian Bustard has declined to fewer than 200 individuals, with the majority found in Rajasthan Published on: Apr 26, 2026 5:31 PM IST By Vijay Mathrani, Barmer/Jaisalmer Share via Copy link Prime Minister Narendra
The Mexican government says two US agents who died last weekend in a car crash had not been authorised to operate in the country. The officials, who reportedly worked for the CIA, had taken part in a raid on suspected drug labs in the northern state of Chihuahua before their vehicle skidded off a
Perhaps clay hasn’t been kind to him this time. But Carlos Alcaraz is already looking ahead. In a significant blow to the clay-court season, the World No. 2 has officially withdrawn from the French Open due to a wrist injury sustained during the opening round of the Barcelona Open
PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat said that ongoing Census exercise is not just a government task but a responsibility of all citizens and participation of everyone is vital. PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s growing achievements across sectors ranging
Build motivation
Build motivation Premium
I completed a Master's in English Literature and cleared UGC-NET in 2022. While I want to pursue research, I lack the motivation and ideas to start. Pravitha
Dear Pravitha,
Identify why you are feeling stuck. Are you waiting for a perfect topic? It doesn't exit. Most researchers begin with a vague curiosity. Are you feeling disconnected from reading? Weeks of not engaging with academic texts can make starting again feel overwhelming and difficult. Are you directly trying to jump to a PhD proposal? Start with micro-questions. Identify your ‘micro-interests'. Which author or genre did you return to during your Master's?
Pick a direction from emerging research areas in English Literature today such as postcolonial and contemporary Indian writing such as Dalit literature, writings from the northeast, partition narratives, caste and gender intersections, Indian graphic novels, ecocriticism and climate literature, ecofeminism, social media storytelling, fanfiction studies, LGBTQ- narratives and so on.
Build motivation by creating a 21-day routine to build a healthy habit. Read for 20 minutes consistently every day: one abstract, two pages from a critical essay, or summarise one idea. Make a mind-map of a theme, free-write for 10 minutes, and note down “gaps” you find. After 21 days, you will automatically see new patterns emerge.
I am in the final year of B.A. Economics and aspire to be an IFS officer. My parents and professor suggest pursuing an M.A. in Economics as a backup and for preparation for exams such as the UPSC, as well as for the IES and RBI DEPR. What should I do? Nandana
Dear Nandana,
For entry into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) you have to attempt the UPSC CSE. The preparation is broad-based, but Economics is useful because it strengthens General Studies Paper 1, Optional Paper 2 (if you choose Economics), and understanding of international economics, trade, and diplomacy. Economics is high-scoring and analytical. An M.A. in Economics could deepen your understanding and improve your optional marks.
Other exams such as the IES and RBI DEPR can also be your plan B, as these offer roles in economic policy roles. Additionally, an M.A. in Economics keeps you eligible for these roles, as well as state economic services, which serve as excellent backups.
I have a Master's in Botany and worked as a botanist in a private Ayurvedic research centre, but resigned due to an emergency. I attempted the Indian Forest Service exam but couldn't make it. I am working in the private sector and have no time to study or the money to join a coaching centre. What should I do? Gouri
Dear Gouri,
Spend some time deciding what you really want. Is Forest Service still the main goal? Do you want to explore alternative public sector/research careers? If so, create a micro-study plan for the UPSC prelims. Check out NCERT textbooks, standard reference books and papers from previous years. Use online resources that are free on YouTube, PDF notes, and join discussion forums and so on.
Also, explore a job that can provide some income and time for the UPSC prep. Consider a research or teaching role that is flexible (college, online teaching, NGOs, or herbal companies) for the next eight months or a year to continue your IFS preparation. If not successful, pivot to research or government science roles.
Target other Government exams (as a backup option) and try to leverage your M.Sc. Botany and research experience. Check out State Forest Service Exams as they have less competition. Look for posts as a Scientist or Research Officer across CSIR, ICMR, ICAR and Ayurvedic/Herbal boards. UPSC CDS, CAPF or State Civil Services is also a feasible backup. Another option is to be a lecturer in Botany or Life Sciences in a private institute.
I am in Class 12 (History, Political Science, Geography) and plan to pursue BA LLB. Will Law give me an edge in UPSC prep and also serve as a strong backup career? Uzain
Dear Uzain,
BA LLB is a five-year integrated programme and integrates UPSC preparation with your degree. The General Studies Paper 1 Polity, Governance comprises the constitution, legal systems, rights, duties, and governance structure, all of which is covered in the course. For the Optional Paper, Law is an optional subject. Legal knowledge helps you write structured, analytical essays on justice, governance, human rights, democracy and so on, so the Essay Paper also gets covered. A strong understanding of governance, laws, and social issues impresses interviewers for the Interview/Mains.
Law is also a strong, independent career choice, so even if UPSC doesn't work out immediately, you can get in legal practice (court litigation, corporate law, public interest law) or write judiciary exams (state judicial services or higher judiciary later) or explore legal advisory roles (in government departments, corporate firms, NGOs) or academic roles in law colleges (after LLM), research, or think tanks.
Disclaimer: This column is merely a guiding voice and provides advice and suggestions on education and careers.
The writer is a practising counsellor and a trainer. Send your questions to eduplus.thehindu@gmail.com with the subject line Off the Edge.
Published - January 24, 2026 04:30 pm IST
The Hindu Education Plus / careers / College admission / study abroad / admission/enrollment / students / universities and colleges / university / higher education / entrance examination / internships
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Tripura will change once ongoing development works are completed Zubeen Garg's autopsy completed in Singapore Founder Says He Completed 15K Steps Daily On Bali Trip The Project will be completed by 2028-2030 Mission completed Zubeen Garg's autopsy completed in Singapore ISRO completed almost double missions in 2015-2025 than in 2005-2015 First Randomisation Of EVM-VVPAT's For Phase 1 Of Bihar Polls Completed Inventory of Lord Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar to be completed by April 2026 Release prisoners who have completed sentence
Police in Kolkata found approximately 100 crude bombs at a residence in Bhangar. The house belonged to an individual reportedly affiliated with the TMC. This discovery occurred just days before the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections
5 hours ago
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and discussed the evolving regional situation. During the telephonic conversation on Saturday (April 25, 2026) evening, which coincided with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Islamabad
5 hours ago
The man arrested after shots were fired inside the hotel where the White House Correspondents' Dinner was being held on Saturday night has been named to the BBC's US news partner CBS by law enforcement sources as Cole Tomas Allen. The 31-year-old suspect is from Torrance in the Los Angeles region
5 hours ago
Can Raghav Chadha, others lose RS seats over BJP merger? AAP seeks their removal amid legal complexitiesSeven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs exited the party on Friday and merged with the BJP, citing the 2/3rds exception to the Anti-Defection Law. Updated on: Apr 26
5 hours ago
People in the UK could face higher energy, food, and flight ticket prices for at least eight months after the end of the US-Israel war with Iran, a senior minister has said. Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, told the BBC the government was "looking at all of those things" as it
5 hours ago
Srinagar Khel Sankalp document outlines national vision to strengthen sports cultureSrinagar Khel Sankalp document outlines national vision to strengthen sports culture Updated on: Apr 26, 2026 4:38 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Srinagar, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday released
5 hours ago
Nikola Jokic was ejected after an altercation with Jaden McDaniels as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets to move to the brink of victory in the NBA play-offs first round. With the Timberwolves 14 points ahead in game four with 1.3 seconds of the match remaining
5 hours ago
![New Delhi [India], April 26 (ANI): Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, on Sunday, shared adorable fam-jam pictures. As his daughter Anaiza turned nine](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/gautam-gambhir-s-daughter-anaiza-turns-9.webp?height=520)
New Delhi [India], April 26 (ANI): Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, on Sunday, shared adorable fam-jam pictures. As his daughter Anaiza turned nine, Gambhir flaunted his fatherly side on social media. In one of the images, he and his wife Natasha could be seen posing with their daughters
5 hours ago
Union Finance Minister has flagged concerns over an emerging cyber challenge linked to Anthropic’s AI model Mythos, and described it as a threat as big as war.Speaking at the ET Awards for Corporate Excellence on Saturday, Sitharaman said the scale and nature of the development had caught
5 hours ago
If Christian Horner wanted to keep a low profile after his Red Bull exit, he picked the wrong paddock. The ousted Formula 1 boss made a surprise appearance at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez on Saturday, instantly sparking chatter: is MotoGP his next move?If Christian Horner wanted to keep a low
5 hours ago
Hundreds of protesters in Imphal clashed with security forces on Saturday after being stopped from marching to the chief minister’s residence, The Hindu reported. They were demanding justice for two children killed in a recent attack and permanent peace in Manipur
5 hours ago
Ambani family hosts Rihanna at Antilia in Mumbai, photos of warm welcome go viralThe Ambani family hosted Rihanna at their Mumbai home Antilia, and the pictures quickly went viral online. Published on: Apr 26, 2026 3:43 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link The Ambani family hosted
5 hours ago
A hilarious video from Thailand is taking the internet by storm, showing a massive wild elephant casually strolling into a small convenience store like it’s doing its weekly grocery run. In the video shared on X, a elephant calmly walks through the shop’s open door
5 hours ago
A 43-year-old share trader, Debdeep Chatterjee, was beaten to death allegedly by a mob in Asansol on Saturday after an argument broke out when his car brushed against a parked motorbike near his home, The Telegraph reported. His wife, Piyali Chatterjee
5 hours ago
Ishan Kishan emphasized that consistent batting performances were key to his return to the Indian team after a period out. He focused on scoring runs rather than dwelling on disappointment, highlighting that selection hinges on performance. Kishan also shared insights from Sunrisers Hyderabad's win
5 hours ago
Dhoni isn’t part of the Chennai unit for the game against GT, amid reports that he does not want to meddle with the team composition that seems to be working. Chennai Super Kings take on Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday in a blockbuster encounter between the sides
5 hours ago
The richest one percent of people are earning a larger share of total income than at any point in the last four decades — and in India, the concentration is almost back to pre-independence levels. Data from the World Inequality Database tracking 1910 to 2024 shows a clear U-shaped pattern:
5 hours ago
The minimum temperatures are expected to remain in the range of 25-27°C, and maximum temperatures are likely to hover around 43-45°C The India Meteorological Department on Saturday predicted that heat wave conditions are likely over northwest and central India during the next 3 days
5 hours ago
A car bomb exploded near a police station in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. Police have declared a security alert and evacuated homes. This incident follows a similar attempted attack last month. Dissident Republican groups are suspected of carrying out these attacks
5 hours ago
Meta will lay off around 8,000 employees, roughly 10% of its global workforce, starting May 20, according to an internal memo sent to staff by chief people officer Janelle Gale. The company said the move is part of a broader effort to improve efficiency while continuing to invest heavily in
5 hours ago
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a major change in how stock brokers’ capital requirements are calculated. The move aims to better match broker net worth with the scale of their operations and the risks they handle
5 hours ago
Central government employees and pensioners have been waiting for the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears withheld during the COVID-19 pandemic ahead of the 8th Pay Commission. The arrears, which remained unpaid for 18 months during the pandemic period
5 hours ago
Cole Thomas Allen family: Here's all we know about WH dinner shooting suspectCole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, is suspected of discharging firearms during the WH Correspondents' Dinner, injuring a Secret Service agent. Published on: Apr 26
5 hours ago
Diksha drops to T-26 on a windy day in Women’s SA OpenDiksha drops to T-26 on a windy day in Women’s SA Open Published on: Apr 26, 2026 5:09 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Cape Town, Indian golfer Diksha Dagar managed just one birdie against four bogeys on a rough and windy day at the Investec
5 hours ago
Indiana University campus mass shooting: Here's what happened in Bloomington after ‘Little 500’A mass shooting near Indiana University's campus resulted in nine injuries during the Little 500 race celebrations. Published on: Apr 26, 2026 5:48 PM IST By Shweta Kukreti Share via Copy link Nine
5 hours ago
As the U.S. sanctions waiver for Iran’s Chabahar port ends on Sunday (April 26, 2026), the government faces a major test in strategic autonomy, as it may have to choose between exiting the 23-year-old port project or facing American sanctions
5 hours ago
President Donald Trump addressing reporters at the White House after he and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House correspondents on Saturday (April 25, 2026) night after a shooting incident outside the ballroom
5 hours ago
