Indian-origin CEO announces layoffs at $3.4 billion US startup: ‘Difficult day’Healthtech unicorn Innovaccer, led by Abhinav Shashank, has carried out a fresh round of layoffs as it moves towards an AI-native structure. Updated on: May 17, 2026 11:04 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link
At least eight people were killed and 25 others injured after a train collision triggered a fire that engulfed a public bus in Bangkok on Saturday (May 16, 2026), rescue officials and police said. Firefighters and rescue crews were dispatched as flames engulfed the bus
‘This day is my favourite’: Indian man praises UK corporate culture after painting zoo railings with colleaguesAn Indian man shared how UK Volunteer Day culture gave him a chance to try painting and bond with colleagues. Published on: May 17
Gurugram-based logistics services provider has elevated six senior executives to C-suite roles as the company looks to strengthen its leadership team amid expansion across business verticals. The company said in a stock exchange filing that the appointments are effective immediately
Manipur deputy chief ministers key negotiators in abduction crisisThe two leaders are engaging with their respective communities to secure the safe return of at least 20 abducted people, officials said. Published on: May 17, 2026 11:07 AM IST By Prawesh Lama
Foxtail millets idli recipe: Give a delicious and healthy spin to this South Indian staple with Sanjeev Kapoor' recipeFoxtail millet, a nutritious grain from India, is used in various dishes. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor shares a recipe for idlis using foxtail millet and urad dal. Updated on: May 17
The Israeli military on Saturday (May 16, 2026) confirmed that Ezzedine Al-Haddad, chief of Hamas' armed wing, was killed in an air strike in Gaza the day before. "The IDF and the ISA announce that yesterday, in a precise strike in the area of the City of Gaza
IMD to revamp heatwave alerts, introduce percentile-based thresholds for first timeUnder the new framework, a heat alert will be triggered when maximum temperatures exceed the 95th percentile for a given location. Updated on: May 17, 2026 10:56 AM IST By Jayashree Nandi Share via Copy link
Chart your path
Chart your path
My daughter is in Class 11 (Cambridge IGCSE). Her subjects are Math, Physics and Chemistry. She is brilliant in Math but doesn’t like Physics. She cannot sit for long hours and study. She says she wants to study Architecture. Is this a good option? Is there a creative yet rewarding degree course she can apply to? Name withheld
Have you considered getting a personality and career mapping done to understand her core personality and her interests and choices? Let her take the mock tests for UCEED and NID, which test visualisation, observation, and logical Maths. Get her to shadow an architect to give her a reality check of the work. Architecture in India and abroad requires a solid grasp of Structural Mechanics (essentially Physics). If she dislikes Physics, she may struggle with some modules in Architecture.
Since she loves Maths, she could explore Geomatics or Urban Planning, which are Maths-focused fields or a B.Des., which is more dynamic and innovation-driven. Other options are Interaction Design (UI/UX), which blends math, logic and technology to create user experiences for apps and smart devices; Product/Industrial Design, which combines geometry and 3D reasoning with hands-on prototype creation; Game Design and Development, which relies heavily on Maths concepts; or Data Visualisation or Information Design, which is ideal for someone who is good at Maths and likes aesthetics.
I am in the first year of Pharm D. and feel that it is not valued in India. What are the skills to get a good job with this degree? Can I get a job in the IT sector? Name withheld
The role of Pharm D is still evolving in India, and by the time you graduate, the integration of clinical pharmacy into Indian healthcare will probably be much deeper. You can get into the IT sector in companies that have Life Sciences divisions and need people who understand drugs and patient data. A Pharm D is actually a bridge degree between medicine, pharmacy, and data, making you highly eligible for the IT and Tech sectors.
In India, Pharm D is valued more in corporate healthcare and large hospital chains than in retail pharmacy. You can consider careers in clinical research, pharmacovigilance, clinical data management, health informatics, medical coding, and medical affairs. Companies such as TCS, Cognizant, and Accenture manage global drug safety data.
While you will be a primary healthcare provider abroad, you will need to pass licensing exams such as NAPLEX (the U.S.) or PEBC (Canada) to practise there.
Build expertise in technical tools like SAS or Python, regulatory guidelines such as ICH-GCP, software like Oracle Argus/MedDRA, and medical writing, to move into IT roles. Additional certifications in Pharmacovigilance, Health Data Analytics, Lean Six Sigma or Advanced Excel can strengthen your profile. Also, network actively on LinkedIn with Pharm D professionals to learn from their career paths and seek mentorship.
I have a B.A. Economics and Maths. I want to pursue an MBA, but am unable to crack the exam for admission. How can I build a career in management? Priya
Dear Priya,
Building a management career without a traditional MBA is possible with your background. Your profile suits analytical management. If CAT or GMAT feels difficult, consider courses like Master's in Management (MIM), MMS, Applied Economics, Business Analytics or PGDM programmes, which are often more accessible and still offer strong placements. Begin in analyst roles and move into leadership. Professional certifications like CFA for finance, PMP/CAPM for project management, and Six Sigma for operations can strengthen your prospects. You could also work in a junior role and then look at the ISBs/ IIMs for an Executive MBA programme.
I have finished B.Sc. Maths and work as a radio operator in the BSF. I want to resign and do a regular MBA. How can I get into the IIMs or top B-Schools? Abhishek
Dear Abhishek,
Transitioning from BSF to a B-school is a bold move. To crack the IIMs or other top B-schools, you need a good CAT percentile. Take a Mock CAT this weekend without any preparation to see where you stand in VARC and DILR. Focus on arithmetic and algebra, which make up nearly 70% of the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section. Leverage your ‘Diversity Points’ in the total Composite Score. Your academic diversity — being a non-engineer — gives you an edge and puts you in a less competitive pool. Your work experience in the BSF will also bring you high points.
FMS Delhi and IIFT have specific seats for special quotas, considerations or reservations. Check that out. At IIMs, you will largely compete in your social category (General/OBC/SC/ST).
Once you clear the CAT, you will need to clear the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). You may need to explain why a radio operator wants an MBA. Focus on the logistics, communication systems, and human resource management you handled in the BSF. Prepare Q&As on topics such as Business of Defence, Indigenisation of Technology, and Internal Security Economics.
Finally, do not resign but prepare while in service. Most IIMs allow you to join if you can provide a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) or discharge papers at the time of joining. Explore specialised options for Uniformed Personnel. IIM-Ahmedabad offers the Armed Forces Programme. The Army Institute of Management (AIM) in Kolkata and Greater Noida offers windows for serving personnel
If you have more than five years of experience, an Executive MBA may be better than a two-year regular MBA but you will need to take an entrance exam. Think about all this and make an informed decision.
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 - May 16, 2026 06:00 pm IST
The Hindu Education Plus / careers / higher education / university / universities and colleges / internships / entrance examination / College admission / admission/enrollment / study abroad / students
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Saturn's placement in the houses of your birth chart reveals how life tests you What do Empty Houses mean in your birth chart Iran publishes chart showing it may have put sea mines in Strait of Hormuz Stranger Things star is number one as show's songs shoot up chart Centre chairs meet to chart pathway for ‘Samagra Shiksha 3 IIT Bombay students chart Moon's chemistry using Chandrayaan-2 data Diversify your career path Notification that paved Sushmita Lepcha's path to Asian Cup India's own AI path focused on development IIT Madras Introduces BSc Exit Path For BTech Students
Aditi Rao Hydari serves regal glamour at Cannes in a breathtaking green gown and statement silhouetteAditi Rao Hydari served a high-fashion red carpet look at Cannes 2026 with a green draped couture gown that took the internet by storm. Let’s decode her look. Published on: May 17
2 minutes ago
India’s external affairs ministry on Saturday rejected an award reportedly issued by a court of arbitration about maximum pondage at Indian hydroelectric projects on the Indus river system, calling it null and void. Pondage refers to water that accumulates behind the dam of a run-of-the-river
2 minutes ago
Bengal: Major anti-encroachment drive conducted to clear out Howrah station areaBengal: Major anti-encroachment drive conducted to clear out Howrah station area Published on: May 17, 2026 11:17 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kolkata, A massive anti-encroachment drive was carried out outside Howrah
2 minutes ago
Actor Rajinikanth on Sunday broke his silence on actor-turned-politician Vijay becoming the state’s chief minister, saying he was “extremely shocked" by the development. Addressing reporters at his Poes Garden residence in Chennai, Rajinikanth said he felt compelled to clarify his position
2 minutes ago
The Federation of Indian Medical Association (FAIMA) has flagged the “recurring, systemic, and catastrophic” failure of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) and has urged the Supreme Court to take a “stricter approach”
4 minutes ago
Pakistani media has also disclosed that the final call on Mohsin Naqvi’s potential tour of India will be finalized by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. As we all know, the Indo-Pak relations, in the recent past, have deteriorated, especially after what happened in Pahalgam last
2 minutes ago
Weekly Love Horoscope for May 17-23, 2026: Actions may be louder than words in love , learn to see the differenceWeekly Love Horoscope for May 17-23, 2026: This week asks for patience, trust, and emotional resilience. Published on: May 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries
3 hours ago
Only a few hundred dispirited Chelsea fans were still inside Wembley as Cole Palmer and Co trudged up the steps to collect their losers' medals following their FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City. The news of Xabi Alonso's impending arrival as the club's new manager
3 hours ago
A five-day work week will immediately reduce commuting by lakhs of bank officers and employees across the country, says the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation. The demand for a five-day workweek in banks has once again gained momentum, with the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC)
3 hours ago
The Maharashtra government has intensified its crackdown on bike taxi services by asking Apple and Google to remove ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido from their app stores over alleged illegal operations in the state. The notices
3 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Which 1.5 ton 5 star split AC should you buy in 2026? 5 models to consider for lower electricity billsThese ACs come with air filtration systems
3 hours ago
Beware of bargains in private creditIt might make sense right now to look at investing in a business-development company whose shares trade at a premium to the underlying asset value. Published on: May 16, 2026 4:41 PM IST WSJ Share via Copy link To paraphrase Winston Churchill
3 hours ago
Shelby Campbell Michigan campaign in focus as Democrat's ‘twerking’ video goes viral; ‘not sending their best’Shelby Campbell, Democrat, is running for election to represent Michigan's 13th Congressional district, and an alleged video of her 'twerking' has gone viral. Published on: May 17
3 hours ago
Bulgarian pop star Dara has won the Eurovision Song Contest with her pneumatic dance anthem Bangaranga. The 27-year-old topped both the public and the jury vote in a nail-biting conclusion, soaring ahead of Israel in second and Romania in third to score a massive 516 points
3 hours ago
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is preparing for the Assembly polls due in three years. He is focusing on strengthening grassroots connect and addressing past election setbacks. Reddy plans a statewide yatra and is identifying strong candidates. His recent activities include meeting farmers and criticizing
3 hours ago
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is assessing all government departments. A White Paper will detail the state's financial status. Ministers are working with district administrations to combat drug trafficking and illegal mining. The government assures transparency and plans to fulfill all
3 hours ago
Bandi Bhageerath, son of a Union minister, surrendered before the police in Telangana on Saturday evening, hours after the High Court declined to give interim protection from arrest in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act case, the Hindustan Times reported.Bandi Bhageerath
3 hours ago
Indian Railway New Logo: Indian Railways has recently introduced a significant change to its logo. Specifically, the number of stars featured in the new logo has been increased from 17 to 18. Read on to understand the significance behind this change
3 hours ago
‘Entire NTA panel under scanner’: CBI widens NEET leak probe after 2nd insider arrestNTA expert Manisha Mandhare was arrested in the NEET-UG leak case, a day after alleged kingpin PV Kulkarni was held. Updated on: May 17, 2026 8:03 AM IST By Anita Goswami | Reported by Neeraj Chauhan Share via
3 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Stop paying for apps: 5 wireless printers that print directly from your iPhone, Android phone’s camera rollThese printers are ideal for both home and office usage and they are
3 hours ago
As India’s AI startup ecosystem grows increasingly competitive, recognition is becoming a key driver of visibility, credibility, and business growth. The ET Most Innovative AI Product Awards 2026 aims to spotlight startups building scalable, high-impact AI solutions across industries
3 hours ago
‘Dead scared to take a loan’: Hyderabad techie says IT jobs no longer feel secure amid layoffsA Hyderabad-based software engineer claims he is “dead scared” to take a loan right now due to lack of job security. Updated on: May 17, 2026 6:44 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link A
3 hours ago
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay keeps home, police and women welfare portfolios in first TVK governmentTN Governor Rajendra Arlekar approved the allocation of portfolios to the nine ministers, along with Vijay, who were sworn in last week. Updated on: May 17
3 hours ago
Xiaomi is all set to launch its latest flagship, the Xiaomi 17 Max, in the Chinese market. Ahead of the launch, Xiaomi has also confirmed some of the key specifications of the phone, including its camera and battery details. Xiaomi 17 Max confirmed specs:Xiaomi has said its latest flagship will
3 hours ago
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced cabinet portfolios. Key ministers have been assigned their departments. Vijay himself holds several crucial portfolios including home and police. N Anand will manage rural development and water resources. KA Sengottaiyan takes charge of finance
3 hours ago
-6 A Smalley (US); -4 M Schmid (Ger), N Taylor (Can), J Rahm (Spa), A Rai (Eng), L Aberg (Swe); -3 R McIlroy (NI), X Schauffele (US), P Reed (US), M McNealy (US) Selected others: -2 J Rose (Eng), M Kaymer (Ger), H Matsuyama (Jpn); -1 S Scheffler (US), B Koepka (US)
3 hours ago
Meta employees took free snacks, chargers during layoffs: ‘Almost like doomsday’A former Meta employee has revealed that workers at the tech giant stuffed their bags with free goodies on the eve of the company’s first major layoff Updated on: May 17
3 hours ago
