Top 20 points for global bschools to excel ..

A list of 20 key parameters for evaluating the quality of a global business school..

1. Accreditation

Accreditation from agencies like AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA confirms adherence to high standards in curriculum, faculty, and facilities. Accreditation signals that the school meets international educational benchmarks.

2. Faculty Quality

The expertise, credentials, and research output of faculty members indicate academic rigor. Schools with well-qualified faculty who are active in research and industry bring valuable insights into the classroom.

3. Global Rankings

Consistently high rankings in reputable lists (like Financial Times, QS, or The Economist) reflect a school’s strong reputation, alumni success, and teaching quality compared to other institutions globally.

4. Curriculum Relevance

A curriculum that balances foundational theory with current business practices and emerging trends prepares students for today’s market demands. Programs with electives or specializations offer flexibility and relevancy to evolving industries.

5. Alumni Network

A strong, active alumni network provides mentorship, networking, and career opportunities. Alumni engagement also speaks to the school’s long-term impact and influence.

6. Industry Connections

Partnerships with companies for internships, live projects, and recruitment enhance learning by linking students with the real business environment. Industry connections also improve placement opportunities.

7. Research Output and Impact

Research publications, grants, and projects show the school’s contribution to advancing business knowledge. Schools with high-impact research often influence industry practices and policies.

8. Student Diversity

Diversity in terms of nationality, professional background, and gender enriches peer learning and broadens perspectives. A multicultural student body is essential in a globalized business environment.

9. Global Exposure and Exchange Programs

Opportunities for international study tours, exchange programs, and dual degrees expose students to different business cultures and practices, which are crucial in a globalized economy.

10. Teaching Pedagogy

Methods like case studies, simulations, group projects, and interactive classes develop critical thinking, collaboration, and decision-making skills. Schools that emphasize experiential learning often yield highly competent graduates.

11. Return on Investment (ROI)

The ROI reflects the program’s value compared to its cost, often measured by comparing tuition fees with post-graduation salary increases. It’s a practical indicator for students considering the financial impact of their degree.

12. Placement Success and Average Salaries

Placement rates and starting salaries after graduation reveal the school’s reputation among employers. Higher employment rates and competitive salaries indicate strong employer trust in the school’s graduates.

13. Support for Entrepreneurship

Business schools that encourage and support startups, with resources like incubators, funding, mentorship, and networking, attract entrepreneurial students and foster innovation.

14. Campus Facilities and Resources

Facilities such as modern classrooms, tech labs, libraries, and collaboration spaces support effective learning and research. High-quality resources also reflect the school’s investment in providing a conducive learning environment.

15. Financial Aid and Scholarships

Availability of financial aid and scholarships makes education accessible to a broader range of students, enhancing the school’s attractiveness and inclusiveness.

16. Career Services

A strong career services team that offers coaching, interview preparation, and networking events is essential for student career success. Comprehensive career services show the school’s commitment to helping students succeed post-graduation.

17. Ethical Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Focus

Programs emphasizing ethics and CSR prepare students to navigate business challenges responsibly. Schools that integrate these elements into their curriculum contribute to producing socially conscious business leaders.

18. Innovation in Learning Technologies

Incorporation of advanced tech tools (such as AI, data analytics, and virtual simulations) reflects the school’s adaptation to modern educational needs. Innovative tech usage improves learning outcomes and prepares students for digital transformation in business.

19. Executive Education and Lifelong Learning

Executive programs, short courses, and certifications in specialized areas allow graduates and professionals to upskill, which enhances the school’s reputation as a provider of continuous, relevant business education.

20. Location and Global Presence

Location impacts industry connections, internship opportunities, and job placements. Schools in business hubs or with multiple global campuses tend to offer stronger real-world exposure and networking.

These parameters help prospective students and stakeholders assess a business school’s ability to deliver high-quality, impactful education in a global context.

How can bschool students benefit from Large Language Models and Prompt engg ?

 As a professor in management, empowering MBA students to harness the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) and prompt engineering can provide them with invaluable skills for business and industry. Here are 20 ways the student community can benefit from LLMs and effective prompt engineering. It can benefit the students to a great extent.

1. Enhanced Research Capabilities

• LLMs can assist students in conducting in-depth research, summarizing large amounts of text, and synthesizing complex information across various domains like marketing, finance, and strategy.

2. Faster Report Generation

• Students can use LLMs to generate structured business reports, executive summaries, and case study analyses, saving time and improving efficiency.

3. Real-time Problem Solving

• LLMs can help students generate solutions to real-time business problems by providing creative insights and strategies in areas such as supply chain management, HR, or operations.

4. Personalized Learning Support

• LLMs can act as personalized tutors, offering explanations, answering questions on management theories, or breaking down complex concepts such as business analytics, economics, or corporate finance.

5. Case Study Analysis

• By using prompts, students can ask LLMs to analyze business case studies, highlighting key takeaways, risks, and potential solutions in management decision-making scenarios.

6. Drafting Business Plans

• LLMs can assist students in creating comprehensive business plans, including sections on market analysis, competitive strategy, operational planning, and financial forecasting.

7. Idea Generation for Innovation

• Students can use LLMs to brainstorm innovative ideas for new product development, digital transformation strategies, or process improvement initiatives in various sectors.

8. Refining Communication Skills

• LLMs can offer suggestions to improve clarity and conciseness in business communication, such as refining emails, presentation scripts, memos, and proposals.

9. Mock Interviews and Role-plays

• LLMs can simulate role-play scenarios, allowing students to practice negotiation, leadership, and problem-solving skills in an interactive and dynamic manner.

10. Learning Market Trends and Predictions

• Students can prompt LLMs to analyze industry trends and forecasts, providing valuable insights into market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes.

11. Data Interpretation and Insights

• By providing datasets, students can ask LLMs to interpret the data, generate business insights, and recommend actionable strategies for managerial decision-making.

12. Learning to Create Effective Prompts

• Teaching students the art of prompt engineering helps them ask the right questions and leverage AI tools more effectively to obtain precise and actionable insights.

13. Strategy Formulation

• Students can use LLMs to explore various business strategies, such as market entry strategies, competitive advantage approaches, or risk mitigation tactics, based on historical business data or case studies.

14. Content Creation for Marketing

• LLMs can help students develop marketing content, such as product descriptions, social media posts, ad copy, and SEO-optimized blogs, providing real-world digital marketing experience.

15. Summarizing Regulatory Information

• MBA students can use LLMs to quickly summarize and interpret regulations, compliance requirements, and legal information that impact business operations globally.

16. Developing Leadership Skills

• By prompting LLMs for leadership scenarios and dilemmas, students can explore different leadership styles, conflict resolution techniques, and decision-making frameworks.

17. Simulation of Business Environments

• LLMs can create hypothetical business environments and decision-making challenges, allowing students to test their business acumen and strategic thinking in simulated scenarios.

18. Project Management Assistance

• LLMs can assist students in planning, tracking, and managing business projects by offering templates, timelines, and strategies for overcoming common project obstacles.

19. Cross-cultural Business Communication

• LLMs can help students practice and refine their cross-cultural communication skills, understanding business etiquette and norms in different countries for better global business engagement.

20. Understanding Financial Analysis

• LLMs can assist students in breaking down financial models, explaining balance sheets, interpreting key performance indicators (KPIs), and providing insights into investment strategies.

Summary

By integrating LLMs and prompt engineering into your management curriculum, students can enhance their analytical, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills. Teaching them how to effectively interact with these tools will prepare them to lead in data-driven and tech-enabled business environments.

A brief bio on Ray Kurzweil ..

I am surprised at this tech, AI scientist and Chief Google AI evangelist and Director of Engineering, Ray Kurzweil. I am reading his latest book, Singularity is nearer published in June 2024. Though lot of his ideas and concepts are going above my head, I am not ready to give up the reading. Though he just has a BS from MIT in Computer Science and Literature, this guy is far ahead of the rest of us. It is difficult to believe that he is running 76 years of age and still his brain is at its peak.

Ray Kurzweil is a prominent inventor, futurist, and author known for his groundbreaking contributions to fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), pattern recognition, and speech synthesis. Here are some key aspects that make Kurzweil's work and writings distinctive:

1. Inventive Contributions

• 
  Pattern Recognition and OCR: Kurzweil developed the first optical character recognition (OCR) system that could read any typeface, a breakthrough in digitizing printed text.
• Text-to-Speech: He invented the first text-to-speech synthesizer, which revolutionized accessibility tools for the blind.
• Kurzweil K250: He also invented the Kurzweil K250, a musical synthesizer that could mimic the sounds of orchestral instruments, a significant development in digital music technology.

2. Work on AI and the Future of Humanity

• Kurzweil's AI research focuses on how machines can mimic and even surpass human intelligence. He believes that machine learning and artificial intelligence will advance rapidly to change almost every aspect of life.
• His predictions about technological singularity (a hypothetical point where AI surpasses human intelligence) are especially well-known. Kurzweil predicts that this will happen around 2045, a time when human and machine intelligence could merge, leading to dramatic advancements in longevity, health, and cognitive capabilities.

3. Transhumanism and Life Extension

• Kurzweil is an advocate of transhumanism, the belief in using technology to enhance the human condition and overcome biological limitations like aging.
• He follows a rigorous health regimen in an effort to extend his life until technology advances enough to provide radical life extension, believing that advancements in biotechnology and nanotechnology could allow humans to live indefinitely.

4. Books and Futurist Predictions

• "The Singularity Is Near" (2005): One of Kurzweil's most famous books, it discusses the idea of the technological singularity and how exponential growth in technology will lead to a future where artificial intelligence will surpass human capabilities.
• "The Age of Spiritual Machines" (1999): This book presents a vision of the future in which computers gain intelligence and consciousness, leading to a blurring of the line between human and machine.
• "How to Create a Mind" (2012): Kurzweil explores how the brain processes information and how this understanding can be used to build artificial intelligence. He discusses reverse-engineering the brain as a means to advance AI.

5. Work at Google

• In 2012, Kurzweil joined Google as Director of Engineering to work on projects involving machine learning and language processing. His work there focuses on creating machines that understand and communicate with humans in more natural ways, contributing to Google AI projects like search and natural language understanding.

6. Exponential Growth of Technology

• Kurzweil is a strong proponent of exponential growth theory. He believes that technological progress, especially in computing and biotechnology, accelerates at an exponential rate (a concept he explores in depth through Moore’s Law).
• He often references the idea that technologies build on each other, leading to a rapid evolution in fields like AI, biomedicine, and nanotechnology.

7. Criticism and Influence

• Kurzweil's ideas about the singularity and life extension have been both influential and controversial. While many admire his visionary outlook, some critics argue that his predictions about AI and biotechnology are overly optimistic or speculative.
• Despite this, Kurzweil’s works have shaped public discourse on the future of AI, the intersection of humanity and machines, and the potential of immortality through technology.

Kurzweil’s ability to synthesize technological trends with his visionary predictions has earned him a reputation as one of the most significant futurists of our time. His work continues to push the boundaries of thought about the future of intelligence, humanity, and technology.

Israel PM Netanyahu in the UN Gen Assembly Sept '24

*Excerpts from Benjamin Netanyahu's speech,  Israel's Call*

75 years ago, we were brought here to die. We had neither a country nor an army. Seven nations waged war against us. We were only 65,000. No one was there to save us. We were continually attacked.

Countries like Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and others showed no mercy toward us. Everyone wanted to kill us, but we survived.

The United Nations gave us land, land that was 65% desert. We watered it with our blood. We accepted it as our nation because, for us, it was everything.

We have forgotten nothing. We survived Pharaoh. We survived Greece. We survived Rome. We survived Spain. We survived Hitler. We survived the Arab nations. We survived Saddam. We survived Gaddafi.

We will survive Hamas, we will survive Hezbollah, and we will survive Iran.

Our Jerusalem has been attacked 52 times, besieged 23 times, destroyed 39 times, ruined three times, and captured 44 times, but we have never forgotten our Jerusalem. It is in our hearts, it is in our minds, and as long as we exist, Jerusalem will remain in our soul.

The world should remember that those who wanted to destroy us are no longer here. Egypt, Lebanon, Babylon, Greece, Alexander, Rome—all are gone.

Yet we still survive.

They (the Islamists) want to destroy us. They have taken over our customs. They have taken over our teachings. They have taken over our traditions. They have taken over our prophets. Over time, Abraham became Ibrahim, Solomon became Suleiman, David became Daud, Moses became Musa...

And then one day... they said your prophet (Muhammad) has arrived. We did not accept this. How could we? His time had not yet come. They said, "Accept him! Embrace him!" We did not accept. Then we were killed. Our cities were captured, our city of Yathrib was turned into Medina. We were massacred and exiled. Our people were expelled, persecuted, and scattered across the world. Despite all this, we remained resilient, we held on to our identity, our faith, and our heritage.

They tried to erase us, to assimilate us, to destroy our culture, our beliefs, and our history. But we did not forget who we are, and we did not lose sight of our homeland. We held on to the hope of returning to Jerusalem, to our land, to our people.

We built our nation with our hands, with our sacrifices, and with our willpower. We transformed the desert into flourishing fields, we established a thriving democracy, we built one of the most advanced nations in the world. We made our dreams a reality, against all odds.

Today, we stand strong, united, and determined to defend our people, our land, and our future. Our enemies may continue their attempts to destroy us, but they will fail, just as they have failed before. We will not be intimidated by terror, we will not be swayed by threats, and we will not surrender to fear.

Israel is here to stay. We will continue to protect our citizens, our borders, and our freedom. And we will continue to pursue peace, but never at the cost of our security or our survival.

The world must understand that the Jewish people are not going anywhere. We have survived the greatest challenges in history, and we will continue to thrive. Jerusalem will remain the eternal capital of Israel, and we will ensure that it remains a place of peace and coexistence for all.

*We are a people of hope, of strength, of resilience. And we will continue to rise, as we have done for thousands of years. We will survive, and we will prevail, because this is our destiny, and this is our home.*

How to be successful in life..

20 key tips for achieving success in life:

1. Set Clear Goals: Identify what you truly want in life and set specific, measurable goals to work toward.

2. Create a Plan: Break down your goals into actionable steps, and establish a roadmap for achieving them.

3. Develop Self-Discipline: Success often requires consistent effort. Build discipline to stay focused and avoid distractions.

4. Stay Persistent: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable. Persevering through them is key to long-term success.

5. Embrace Lifelong Learning: Continuously acquire new knowledge and skills to stay relevant and adaptable.

6. Take Calculated Risks: Success often involves stepping outside your comfort zone and taking thoughtful, informed risks.

7. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Engage with people who inspire, motivate, and uplift you.

8. Manage Time Effectively: Prioritize tasks, avoid procrastination, and allocate time wisely to important activities.

9. Stay Organized: Keep your environment and tasks in order, making it easier to focus on what matters.

10. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Believe in your ability to grow and improve. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities.

11. Take Care of Your Health: Physical and mental well-being are crucial to maintaining energy and focus.

12. Develop Emotional Intelligence: Understand your emotions and those of others, enabling you to navigate relationships effectively.

13. Learn from Failures: Treat failures as stepping stones to success. Analyze what went wrong and use it to improve.

14. Stay Adaptable: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances can lead to new opportunities.

15. Maintain Consistency: Small, regular actions accumulate over time, creating significant results.

16. Seek Feedback: Learn from others' perspectives to improve yourself and your work.

17. Give Back: Contributing to others and your community often leads to personal growth and fulfillment.

18. Network Strategically: Build strong relationships with people in your field or with similar goals, fostering mutual growth.

19. Stay Focused on Your Vision: Avoid getting sidetracked by distractions or other people's expectations.

20. Practice Gratitude: Appreciate what you have and the progress you've made to maintain a positive outlook.

These strategies, when applied consistently, can enhance your chances of success in both personal and professional life.

Why antisemitism will never work ?

Antisemitism, the age-old prejudice against the Jewish people, is a fundamentally flawed and destructive mindset that has led to untold suffering and injustice throughout history. 

Rooted in ignorance, hatred, and misinformation, it seeks to blame, isolate, and dehumanize an entire people based on their religion and heritage. Yet, as history has shown time and time again, such hatred does not stand the test of time. It crumbles under the weight of progress, unity, and the resilience of those it seeks to oppress.

Opposing Israel, a nation born from the ashes of one of humanity's darkest chapters, is not only morally unjust but also strategically shortsighted. Israel, despite its small size, has emerged as a global leader in innovation, technology, and democracy in one of the most volatile regions in the world. Those who wish to see its downfall are ignoring the profound strength of its people, the unbreakable alliances it holds, and the moral arc of justice that bends toward survival and peace.

Nations that oppose Israel find themselves on the wrong side of history, clinging to outdated ideologies that foster division and animosity rather than cooperation and mutual respect. In an interconnected world, those who build walls of hate are doomed to fail, while those who extend a hand in friendship thrive. 

The future belongs to nations that embrace peace, diversity, and the strength of unity — not those shackled by ancient prejudices and narrow-minded geopolitics. The opposition to Israel is not only unjust; it is a path to irrelevance.

20 simple steps to remain healthy, happy and vigilant

20 simple and important steps to maintain good health, spiritual invigoration, happiness, friendship, and avoid financial frauds after 60:

1. **Regular Physical Activity**: Engage in moderate exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming to maintain physical health and mobility.

2. **Healthy Diet**: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall health.

3. **Regular Health Check-ups**: Schedule regular visits to your healthcare provider for routine screenings and health monitoring.

4. **Stay Hydrated**: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and functioning optimally.

5. **Mental Stimulation**: Engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills.

6. **Social Connections**: Maintain and nurture relationships with family and friends to combat loneliness and boost happiness.

7. **Spiritual Practice**: Incorporate daily practices like meditation, prayer, or mindfulness to stay spiritually connected and calm.

8. **Volunteer Work**: Get involved in community service or charity work to give back and feel a sense of purpose.

9. **Join a Club or Group**: Participate in hobby-based clubs or groups to meet new people and stay socially active.

10. **Financial Planning**: Review and update your financial plan regularly to ensure it aligns with your current needs and goals.

11. **Beware of Scams**: Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially those that sound too good to be true, and consult a trusted advisor before making financial decisions.

12. **Simplify Finances**: Consolidate accounts and simplify your finances to make them easier to manage and monitor.

13. **Stay Educated on Technology**: Learn basic technology skills to stay connected and informed, and to spot potential online scams.

14. **Mindful Living**: Practice mindfulness in daily life to reduce stress and increase overall happiness.

15. **Stay Positive**: Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on gratitude and the good things in life.

16. **Routine Sleep Schedule**: Maintain a regular sleep schedule to ensure you get enough rest and recovery.

17. **Limit Alcohol and Tobacco**: Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol and tobacco to prevent health issues.

18. **Engage in Nature**: Spend time outdoors in nature to refresh your mind and body.

19. **Financial Security Measures**: Use secure passwords, monitor your accounts, and consider identity theft protection.

20. **Stay Curious and Open-Minded**: Embrace new experiences, ideas, and perspectives to keep life exciting and fulfilling.

Coconut apple ..

Known as the coconut pearl or coconut apple, this embryo is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It supports immune system health and is known for its antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasite properties. It is also a natural source of quick energy.

The coconut embryo helps improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, insulin secretion, and restores thyroid function as well. It is the perfect snack for those who are looking for weight loss and healthy eating!

At Rs 60/=, at Hosur, a good filling eating this nature's unspoilt treasure with such great health benefits .. 🙏👍

Coconut apple or coconut embryo .. തേങ്ങാ പൊങ്ങ്

Being healthy after 60..

Here are some tips on how to maintain good health after the age of 60: (you may already be practicing some of them .. 🙂🙂👍) ..

Physical Health

1. Exercise regularly (e.g., walking, swimming, yoga)

2. Maintain a healthy weight

3. Eat a balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)

4. Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water)

5. Get enough sleep (7-8 hours)

6. Manage stress (meditation, deep breathing)

7. Stay physically active (garden, walk)

8. Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol

9. Get regular check-ups (health screenings)

10. Practice good hygiene (handwashing, etc.)

*Mental Health*

1. Stay socially engaged (friends, family, community)

2. Engage in mentally stimulating activities (reading, puzzles)

3. Practice mindfulness and meditation

4. Seek professional help (depression, anxiety)

5. Stay connected with loved ones (phone, video calls)

*Nutrition*

1. Eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables)

2. Include omega-3 rich foods (salmon, walnuts)

3. Choose whole grains (brown rice, quinoa)

4. Limit processed and sugary foods

5. Drink green tea and other antioxidants

*Safety and Prevention*

1. Wear protective gear (seatbelts, helmets)

2. Use assistive devices (canes, walkers)

3. Fall-proof your home (remove tripping hazards)

4. Stay up-to-date on vaccinations

5. Practice safe driving habits

*Social Connections*

1. Stay connected with friends and family

2. Join social clubs or organizations

3. Volunteer in your community

4. Take classes or workshops

5. Use technology to stay connected (video calls, messaging)

*Health Check-Ups*

1. Regular health check-ups (annual physicals)

2. Monitor chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension)

3. Get regular dental check-ups

4. Stay on top of preventive care (mammograms, colonoscopies)

5. Know your family medical history

*Mental Stimulation*

1. Engage in hobbies (painting, gardening)

2. Learn new skills (cooking, photography)

3. Practice memory exercises (brain games)

4. Read and stay informed (news, books)

5. Challenge yourself mentally (puzzles, crosswords)

*Emotional Well-being*

1. Practice gratitude and positivity

2. Seek support from loved ones

3. Engage in activities that bring joy

4. Practice self-care (relaxation, meditation)

5. Stay connected with nature

*Sleep and Relaxation*

1. Establish a consistent sleep schedule

2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine

3. Avoid caffeine and electronics before bed

4. Practice relaxation techniques (deep breathing)

5. Take breaks and rest when needed

Remember, maintaining good health after 60 requires a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By following these tips, you can stay healthy, happy, and engaged in your golden years!

Preventing online frauds ..

*👍 Encyclopaedia of types of Online Frauds and way to prevent the same 👍*

This email is sent as precautionary measures to all. Though this msg is bit lengthy, we request everyone to read at least once. You may agree or disagree with some of the points. But, our main moto is to keep you and your family members alert from fake calls. 

A lot of cases are coming to light every day where even the most educated are becoming victims of online frauds, transferring their hard-earned money to scamsters through UPI or the internet. The amounts at times are painfully in lakhs. And once gone, it is going to be very hard to come back despite more and more complaints.

Modus operandi of scamsters :- 

1. You get a call from the Police away from your city that your parcel has narcotics / banned substances, and an FIR is being registered.  

2.  Your son / daughter is caught with drugs or met with an accident. Immediate money is required for hospitalisation/ bail.

3.  A known friend/ relative will call you or message you to lend money for some grave emergency.    

4.  Someone will pose as your customer, like to buy your product/ services and will send you advance money through a QR code which actually will be programmed to take money instead of giving. On first successful transfer he will plead a mistake and will send another QR to return the wrongly transferred amount and again polish off your money and keep repeating till you realise what is happening to you. E.g. OLX frauds.  

5.  Someone will tell you to renew your Insurance policy which is lying defunct. And entice you with gains and schemes.

6.  You have won a lottery and to get it online transfer of mandatory charges otherwise it will lapse in one hour.

7.  Irresistible offers for making money through shares & stocks trading, financial scheme, cheap plots, holidays, gifts, vouchers, investment, or anything financial.  

8.  AI cloned voice or video of your near and dear one pleading for help to bail him/her out of an emergency.    

9.  Threat to leak your intimate moments caught through your hacked phone or laptop camera. Overseas hackers demand ransom in Bitcoins. Famous Ransomware frauds.  

10.  A response to your ad for renting out a property / sell / purchase with immediate transfer of token money request.

11.  Calls from fake IT department, or ED or any so-called Govt Regulatory agency, scaring you to act before yesterday or immediately.

12.  Various types of Parcel frauds.

Each day a new way to siphon off your money online is being invented and successfully implemented.

Thumb rules to be followed to stay safe:-

1.  Always disconnect the call and call back your family/ friend to cross check from whose number or ID the scamster has made a call.

2.  Authenticate every such call by calling back, if you prefer to do so.

3.  Do not believe any person on call whom you have never met in person. Do not do any financial deal with unknown agent of even your own favourite bank/ LIC/ company.

4.  Cut the call if it starts with "A very good afternoon I am so & so speaking on behalf of so & so bank, kya meri baat Mr /Mrs ........ so & so se ho rahi hai.. "

5.  Install a premium version of Truecaller or any other call id software (certainly not promoted) which will warn you 90% of time for any potential fraud caller, do not pick such call and immediately block him on your phone.

6.  Never do UPI/ wallet transfers to anyone whom you don't owe a dime.

7.  Never transfer money when you are extremely busy, attending some important meeting, watching a show/ movie or out with friends. The moment they realise this half their job is done.  

8.  Never ever share the OTP that you received especially Aadhar OTP and the bank OTPs with anyone.

9.  Do not respond to messages regarding a threat that your electricity will be disconnected or your ATM card will be disabled or your bank account will be frozen.  All these are hoax.  

10.  Never do KYC updates on telephone calls. Do it through bank's authorised Netbanking or visit branch in person.  

11.  Do not link your bank account with UPI which have a huge balance. Do open another account and keep a small balance in it for UPI transfers.

12.  Always check the full details written with the QR code received for any UPI transfer.

13.  Call the caller to meet in person and check his credentials and still refuse to deal through him by telling that you do all your deals through a family member who is also an agent.

14.  Do not transfer any amount while the caller is live with you. He deliberately engages you in conversation which you are being led to stupidity.

15.  Never believe a caller if he says that his UPI is not working so he is requesting you to use yours, and it's an emergency.

16.  Mind you 100% such emergencies are fake but the caller will convince you of its genuineness. Do ask the name of that hospital where accident victim is not getting admission and tell him the name of some random doctor known to you who will help, he will disconnect the call.  You should actually call that hospital and find out truth.

17.  There are no free lunches and no easy gains.   Any lure which is bigger than the prevailing trends is a sure shot trouble. Avoid irresistible offers from unknown.

18.  Do not join advertised Whatsapp/ Telegram groups to learn inside tips for stock trading and multiplying your money.

19.  Stay alert stay safe. Don't be vulnerable, easy victim and gullible.  

20.  Do not respond to calls that you have multiple sims on your mobile and your phone will be disconnected in two hours or so.

21.  Shared for veterans/retired ones & all your near & dear ones for whom you care.

In the end, it is always advised to keep a close circle of friends and share their numbers with you/your parents so as to have a quick cross-check by calling the friends and ensuring the safety, and certainly to avoid huge losses at the hurried moments.

Why Iran is shocked ?

Picking top Iranian military generals (camped outside the country and helping terror outfits like Hezbollah) and atomic energy scientists, finishing off each of them at their sweet pace seems an effective Israeli strategy against Iran of late, conducting cyber attacks on Iranian nuclear and defence installations, destabilising and weakeing Iranian military response looks to be the interesting path Israel has chosen against Iran. 👍👍

Iran, unbelievably stunned after its offense with app 450 missiles, drones etc was effectively intercepted and destroyed by Israeli Iron  dome system *outside Israeli soil*, licking its bruised and hurt pride, has threatened further attacks on Israel (verbal onslaught) in the near future. 🙂

Overcoming old age fears and tensions

It's completely understandable to experience occasional feelings of loneliness and helplessness in old age. These feelings are complex and can arise from various factors, but remember, one is not alone in experiencing them. Here are some steps that may help:

Addressing the Feelings:

• Acknowledge and Accept: Don't bottle up emotions. Allowing yourself to feel and acknowledge the loneliness and helplessness is the first step towards dealing with them.
• Identify Triggers: Try to understand what triggers these feelings. Is it isolation, physical limitations, loss of loved ones, or something else? Knowing the triggers can help find solutions.
• Talk it Out: Share feelings with someone trustworthy, a friend, family member, therapist, or even a hotline for seniors. Talking can provide relief and offer new perspectives.

Combating Loneliness:

• Reach Out: Reconnect with old friends and family. Initiate phone calls, visits, or even video chats. Consider joining senior centers or online communities with shared interests.
• Stay Active: Participate in activities one enjoys, whether it's gardening, reading, playing games, or volunteering. Engaging in meaningful activities can combat loneliness and provide a sense of purpose.
• Seek Support: Consider joining a senior citizen support group or program. One can find them through local agencies, community centers, or senior living facilities.

Managing Helplessness:

• Focus on Independence: Maintain independence as much as possible. Do what one can for yourself, even if it takes longer or requires some assistance. This can empower and boost a sense of control.
• Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. There are many resources available for seniors, such as home care services, transportation assistance, and meal delivery programs.
• Find Purpose: Identify activities that give life meaning and purpose. Volunteering, mentoring, or simply sharing wisdom with others can contribute to a sense of fulfillment and combat helplessness.

Additional Resources:

• National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/
• AARP: https://www.aarp.org/
• Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov

Remember, it's crucial to take care of emotional and mental well-being as one ages.

How students can be more effective in the class..

More often than not, students are concerned how they can be more effective in the class. It refers to smart learning. There are many tools by which one can learn more and be more effective. This note is on the soft aspects of effective learning.

Being more capable in the classroom involves not just academic skills, but also the soft kills like one's attitude, study habits, and engagement with the learning environment.

Here are some tips to boost your classroom capability:

Before class:

• Prepare actively: Read assigned materials, preview upcoming topics, and come up with questions you might have.
• Plan and organize: Pack your materials, review notes from previous classes, and set some learning goals for the day.
• Get a good night's sleep: Being well-rested helps you focus and absorb information better.
  

During class:

• Engage actively: Participate in discussions, ask questions, and take clear notes. Don't be afraid to volunteer answers or clarify doubts.
• Listen attentively: Pay attention to the teacher's explanations and your classmates' contributions.
• Take effective notes: Use a system that works for you, like mind maps, outlines, or color-coding. Try to capture key points, examples, and connections between ideas.
  

After class:

• Review your notes: Revisit and revise your notes soon after class, while the information is fresh in your mind.
• Complete assignments: Start working on homework early so you have time to ask questions and revise your work if needed.
• Seek help: Don't hesitate to reach out to your teacher, a tutor, or study group members if you need clarification on concepts.
  

Beyond basic skills:

• Cultivate a growth mindset: Believe in your ability to learn and improve, even when faced with challenges. Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth.
• Develop good time management: Plan your studying and assignments effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Take breaks to avoid burnout.
• Maintain a positive attitude: Being enthusiastic and curious about learning makes the process more enjoyable and successful.
• Build relationships with your teachers and classmates: Having a supportive network can provide helpful insights, study aids, and encouragement.
  

Remember, being capable in the classroom is a continuous process. 

It's about effort, consistency, and finding the strategies that work best for oneself. One should not be afraid to experiment and adjust the approach to maximize the learning potential.

George..