The notion of ‘fake news’ has become the greatest concern for democracy that creates bigotries and stereotypical ideas of susceptible to online media and other social groups is certainly not a new phenomenon. Different open sourced media platforms are the fundamental and vulnerable medium in constructing and escalating the speed of spreading of the fake news. The platform of social media has become the most commonly used that have been swamped with the barrage of different misinformation but, frequently catches the way to the mainstream media too. The advertisement and marketing of constructed fake news often based on the melodramatic or sensationalist or absolute fictitious captions to upsurge the readership and attract the audiences intends to deceive in order to devastate particular agency, individual, group of people or any political parties. And, in the media platform, it earns significant advertisement revenue from this kind of activities as a consequence. Notwithstanding, a number of standpoints such as difficulties to identify the fake news, responsibilities of media companies, underlying cause in constructing such fake news and its distribution process have been moved forward and discussed through different perspectives.
The context and debate of fake news have emerged recently but it is evolving rapidly and has flourished in recent years to a significant extent. Thus, in promoting media literacy, it is no longer considered as ‘educating the readers’. Instead of educating the readers it delivers misinformation and redirects in spreading the falsehoods by manipulating the emotions of the viewers or readers. Indeed, it has become a legitimate concern for the putative sources of news that actually motivate and convey the media literacy and hence the trusted sources are at severe jeopardy of being drowned out by the issue of fake news.
Nowadays, people get news from dynamic sources and do follow especially social media significantly. Relying on social media on breaking news that unfolds people to keep in touch with the latest updates has become quite common. In such situations, the unverified information even after the long point of released may encourage anecdotes. And, it is often challenging to recognize the actual credibility. Publication of contents in social media profile have turn out to be a very facile technique to entice an enormous number of readers, viewers or followers. It does not only mislead and deliver the misinformation to the audiences but also generating a large amount of revenue to the publishers. Fascinatingly, young people most passionately do use social media which are considered as least trustworthy. And, as the consequence, there are numbers of grim violence are reported as the aftermath of speed of spreading the fake news. Different violence such as: communal violence, political violence and crimes are quite common reported kind of violence especially in south and south-east Asia region.
Contextualizing the deconstruction of the fake news in the perspective of youth, it is reported that youth people are the most susceptible in dispersing the fake news. Youth people do visit the fake news sites more frequently than other. And, possession of weak and delightful emotional sentiment, cognitive bias, lack of intellectual power on the recognition fake news, the youth people are the mostly intend in sharing such news in social media platform that lead to ultimate violence. The augmentation of dispersing the fake news has been turning out to be a greatest concern in global world. In this digital age, the misinformation or fake news depreciates the long-standing institutional conviction. A crucial part of that strategy should involve media literacy training and equipping news consumers with tools that will allow them to gauge the legitimacy of the news source, but also become aware of their own cognitive biases. The problem will only get worse without proper action as more people get their news online and politics becomes more polarized.
Cartoons, are what everyone grows up watching, in days of exams and in days of vacations. Not just in childhood, watching cartoons ends up giving a breeze of peace to adults and grown ups, in a world full of tensions. Cartoons are one of the tools that use colors to communicate something. In fact, colored moving images capture children’s attention before they even understand any message, providing them a world full of symbols that reflect complex concepts to explain to a young child.
Cartoons end up bringing our minds at peace. There have been many amazing cartoon shows that we all have grown up watching since childhood, ranging from “The Simpsons” to “Oswald” to present day’s “Motu Patlu”. Let’s go down the memory lane and revive some old memories.
1. Noddy
The Noddy Shop or Noddy in Toyland (in the United Kingdom and Australia), commonly known as Noddy, is a Canadian-American children’s television series based on the renowned Enid Blyton’s children’s book series of the same name with stop motion segments from Noddy’s Toyland Adventures. Well, most children grow up watching this cute cartoon TV series and singing the Noddy song, I’m sure you did too!
2. Oswald
Oswald is another famous cartoon show whose main lead is Oswald. Oswald is a safety-conscious but fun-loving octopus who lives in an apartment complex in Big City with his dog, Weenie. Colorful characters like his pal, Henry the Penguin, Madame Butterfly, who runs the Big Diner, and her daughter, Catrina Caterpillar live in his neighbourhood. Oswald likes to play the piano and sing, and he always does whatever he can to help his friends and neighbors. Have you too always wanted to watch more at the end of the episode? Well, the magic of Oswald has been amazing.
3. The Simpson’s
The cartoon show, “The Simpson’s” exhibits a working-class father Homer Simpson and his dysfunctional family deal with comical situations and the ups-and-downs of life in the town of Springfield. The show again, is an amazing one and a must watch for the current generation of kids.
4. Bob – The Builder
And the tag line of the series goes like, ‘Bob – The Builder’s, we would do it, yes brother yes’! To get past problems and things done with a positive attitude, Bob the Builder and pals dig, haul and build together! With friends like Muck the dump truck and Dizzy the cement mixer, Bob and his business partner Wendy live in an imaginative world full of unique and lively experiences.
5. Popeye the Sailor
‘Popeye the Sailor Man – I am Popeye the Sailor Man….’, it is a cartoon fictional character created by Elzie Crisler Segar.
Popeye got “luck” from rubbing the head of the Whiffle Hen; by 1932, he was instead getting “strength” from eating spinach. Swee’Pea is Popeye’s ward in the comic strips, but he is often depicted as belonging to Olive Oyl in cartoons.
Since ages, bridges have been in use to cross physical obstacles and gaps. It is a structure constructed to connect two places without blocking the way beneath it so that transportation becomes easy and without any hindrances. It can be built over a road, water body or a valley.
Bridges can be made using different materials, designs, architectural methods as per the designer’s vision. There are various parameters upon which bridges are classified. The usual parameters include the materials used, their capacity to hold weight and the design. The most commonly used classifications method is their ability to bear weight. Arch bridges, beam bridges, truss bridges, suspension bridges, and cantilever bridges are some of the common types of bridges.
Most bridges have emerged out as distinguishing infrastructures that hold historical and cultural importance. The visual appeal of the famous bridges across the world is one major reason why they garner attraction by tourists all over the world.
The World Famous Historical Bridges across the world:
1. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, United States
Before the bridge, the only way to go north from San Francisco to Marin County was by ferryboat. The trip by ferry took 20 minutes to complete. Before the bridge was built, San Francisco was the biggest American city still served mostly by ferries. In 1916, San Francisco’s city engineer asked other engineers to offer ideas for a bridge. Finally, a suspension bridge was designed. A suspension bridge has tall towers that hold long cables, and the cables hold up or “suspend” the bridge. The bridge is called the Golden Gate Bridge because it crosses the Golden Gate Strait, the area of water between the San Francisco peninsula and the Marin County peninsula. It was opened for use in 1937. When the bridge was finished, its length of 9,266 ft (2824 m) made it the longest bridge in the world. No doubt that now, there are several bridges that are longer, but for many people, it is still one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
2. The Tower Bridge, London, United Kingdom
The historical Tower Bridge crosses the holy river, Thames. The City of London Corporation held a competition for the design in 1876. Over 50 designs were entered, and in 1884 Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry’s design was chosen. Workers began to build the Tower Bridge in April 1886 and the bridge was opened in 30 June 1894. The north side of the bridge is Tower Hill, and the south side of the bridge comes down into Bermondsey, an area in Southwark. Tower Bridge is far more visible than London Bridge, which people often mistake it for. Many tourists go to London to see the Tower Bridge. It has its own exhibition centre in the horizontal walkway. This gives one of the best vantage points in London.
3. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
Built very close to the Roman crossing, the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, was the only bridge across the Arno in Florence until 1218. The current bridge was rebuilt after a flood in 1345. During World War II, it was the only bridge across the Arno that the fleeing Germans did not destroy. Instead they blocked access by demolishing the medieval buildings on each side. On November 4, 1966, the bridge miraculously withstood the tremendous weight of water and silt when the Arno once again burst its banks. Ponte Vecchio is a very romantic spot in Florence, with its great views over the river and of the bridge itself. It is also possible to admire the bridge from underneath in theater presentations, the occasional concert and boat rides.
The largest steel arch bridge in the world, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic landmark spanning one of the finest natural harbours. Opened in 1932, the bridge is fondly nicknamed the Coathanger by Sydneysiders. You can walk and cycle across the bridge or climb to the top for stunning views. The bridge walk is on the eastern side. You’ll find the stairs up to the bridge walk next to the pedestrian crossing near the Australian Heritage Hotel, on Cumberland Street in the historic Rocks. Along the walk is the south-eastern Pylon Lookout, which offers a spectacular panorama. The iconic bridge took eight years to build using 53,000 tonnes of steel and six-million hand-driven rivets.
5. Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy
Rialto Bridge, Italian Ponte di Rialto, stone-arch bridge crossing over the narrowest point of the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. Built in the closing years of the 16th century, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge across the canal and is renowned as an architectural and engineering achievement of the Renaissance. It was designed and built by Antonio da Ponte and his nephew, Antonio Contino, following a design competition in the city.
6. The Chapel Bridge, Switzerland
The Chapel Bridge
It is a wooden pedestrian bridge that spans Reuss River in the city Lucerene in Switzerland. It has been named after the nearby St. Peter’s Chapel, it was built in 1333 and is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. In the beginning, it had length of over 200 meters, but in time, because of replenishment of banks, it was shortened and now has length of 170 meters. It was built as a part of fortifications of Lucerene. Its purpose was to connect old part of town on the right bank with the new part on the left and to serve as protection from attack that could come from the lake at south.
7. The Brooklyn Bridge, New York, United States
Since 1883, its granite towers and steel cables have offered a safe and scenic passage to millions of commuters and tourists, trains and bicycles, pushcarts and cars. The bridge’s construction took 14 years, involved 600 workers and cost $15 million (more than $320 million in today’s dollars). At least two dozen people died in the process, including its original designer. Now more than 125 years old, this iconic feature of the New York City skyline still carries roughly 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians every day. The bridge links two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
8. The Alcantara Bridge, Spain
The Alcantara Bridge is a magnificent piece of engineering and was built in the times of Trajan, II century, by the architec Caius Julius Lacer. This important monument has a height of 57 metres, is 214 metres long and 8 metres wide. The bridge is supported on six graceful arches over five big pillars. In the central part is located the Arch of Triumph with some memorial tablets. The bridge is composed by six great archs (some of them are about 30 metres wide) and cover a distance of 214 metres on the Tajo river. The archs are over five big rectangular pillars. The central archs are over 48 metres high over the normal level of water. The road of the bridge is 57 meters high. The Bridge of Alcántara was built about 106 BC by the roman architect Cayo Iulio Lacer on the road that communicates Norba (Caceres) with Conimbriga (now the portuguese city of Condeixa-a-Velha).
9. Stari Most, Turkey
Mostar has long been known for its old Turkish houses and Old Bridge, Stari Most, after which it is named. In the 1990s conflict, however, most of the historic town and the Old Bridge, designed by the renowned architect Sinan, was destroyed. The Old Bridge was recently rebuilt and many of the edifices in the Old Town have been restored or rebuilt with the contribution of an international scientific committee established by UNESCO. The Old Bridge area, with its pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean and western European architectural features, is an outstanding example of a multicultural urban settlement. The reconstructed Old Bridge and Old City of Mostar is a symbol of reconciliation, international co-operation and of the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities.
10. Millau Bridge, France
The Millau Bridge It is the tallest bridge in the world with one of its masts as tall as 343 meters. Its designers are the French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster. Every year, traffic that passes from Paris to Spain near the town of Millau becomes jammed with cars that drive people to and from their holidays. First ideas for solving the problem were discussed in 1987 and in 1991, it was decided for a bridge to be built over a valley of Tarn river. From 1993 to 2001, government of France held consultations with architects and engineers, made definition studies and held design competitions until they found appropriate design and the building began. In 1996 Sogelerg consortium proposed cable stayed-bridge that was designed by Michel Virlogeux and Norman Foster. That design was approved for realization. Construction began on 16th of October 2001. First piers were started in January 2002 and finished in November 2003. Roadways were finished on May 2004, pylons and shrouds in the second half of the 2004 and the viaduct was opened on 16 December 2004 – 25 days ahead of schedule. President Jacques Chirac opened the bridge during the opening ceremony. This bridge broke several records. It has the highest pylons in the world (245 meters and 221 meters), the highest bridge tower in the world (343 meters) and the highest road bridge deck in Europe (270 meters).
A bot is a software performing a computerized task. The class of bots living online in chat podiums or on social media is termed Chatbot. A Chatbot is artificial intelligence (AI) software simulating a discussion (or a chat) with a handler in usual lingo over messaging- applications, websites, and mobile applications, or else over the handset. It is frequently labeled as the most forward-thinking as well as capable lingos of interface amid hominids and types of machinery. Yet, from a technical point, a Chatbot simply signifies the usual development of a Question-Answering structure while leveraging the Natural Language Processing (NLP).
In this situation, there are various likely explanations and certain
misperception of what a bot is. This is partial since there are varied uses for
bots and thus influences what people identify a Chatbot to be.
The spontaneous meaning is that a bot is a software that can have
a conference with a human. For instance, a handler could probe the bot with a query
or provide it with an order, and the bot could reply or execute an act correctly.
In the last few years, Chatbots
have proven itself by getting a positive response from all over the world.in
today’s time, no one has the time to devote over the chunky bots, which never
appreciated human being and have a very little concrete use. The bots of today
are smooth, clever and worthy – in fact, most of the clients prefer purchasing
product from a Chatbot.
Publicising of a Chatbot,
caters for a real chance, modifies the marketing strategy minus employing a
huge workforce. Yet, this new expertise is not unaffected by misapplication.
The bots used for advertising and selling the brand, have need of resolving the
actual complications– they got to make the handler’s knowledge enhanced in a actual
and assessable manner.
Importance of a Chatbot
Chatbot uses update communications concerning persons as well as facilities, improving
client understanding. Similarly, they offer concerns with new chances to develop
the client’s process of engagement besides operative efficacy by means of dropping
the usual price of the client facility. Chatbots are computer programs
combined in the messaging applications, skilled in impersonating human-like
conversation.
To be effective, a Chatbot way
out should be capable to perform effectively on both of these jobs. Human
support has a key role here. Irrespective of any sort of tactic and the stage, social
interference is vital in organising, training and enhancing the Chatbot system.
Uses
Chatbots can be implemented in several altered means, which is why it is hard to express
precisely what they are. It is, in fact, likely to come up with a Chatbot use case for each lone trade,
in a similar manner that each trade can get hold of a website or application.
Certain cases of Chatbot
applications:
A carryout eatery letting clienteles to order from a Chatbot, in the store or a house.
A sit-down eatery letting clienteles to order from their desk via a Chatbot.
A retail store offering promotions for customers in the shopping mall via the Chatbot.
A publicising drive that probe the clienteles’ queries or lets them perform a game via a Chatbot.
A Chatbot that aids clienteles to make e-commerce procurements.
A Chatbot that replies client services queries and offers assistance with dissimilar chores.
A Chatbot that screens workers’ or client’s fulfillment
A Chatbot that lets clienteles to reserve flights as well as obtains related info when they are at the airport.
All the overhead instances of Chatbot
could let social proxies to get into the discussion if required, maybe as a quality
service.
Kinds of Chatbot
To recognise the Chatbot discussions,
it is essential in understanding that there are three kinds.
‘Scripted’
These are Chatbot whose performance
is observed by guidelines.
‘Intelligent’
Intelligent Chatbot is made of
Artificial Intelligence systems.
‘Application’
As stated, together ‘scripted’ and ‘intelligent’ Chatbot can have ‘graphical user interfaces’.
Scripted Chatbot – Discussions with this kind of Chatbot can simply track programmed pathways. At every stage in the discussion, the handler requires to pick from categorical alternatives to regulate the following stage in the discussion. In what way the selections are offered to the handler at every step in the discussion, i.e. whether they require a transcript, speech or touch reply, will be subject to the sorts of the chat platform and in what way the bot is automated.
Intelligent Chatbot. Artificial intelligence (AI) lets them be more bendable in terms of the handler response they can agree to take. They can agree on free-form input in the form of transcript or speeches. AI likewise lets them improve more when they are used. It should be seen nevertheless that though AI does its work efficiently in very restricted knowledge fields, the real intellect of the bot is restricted. It is very difficult to acquire a bot to ‘recognise’ the perspective or vagueness, or else to have a suitable memory that affects the discussion.
Application Chatbot: As stated, together ‘scripted’ and ‘intelligent’ Chatbot can have graphical user interfaces. Application bots is thus not a distinct kind of bots. The point that the bots can be interrelated with by means of a graphical user interface, is an essential concept for Chatbot creators. If a handler can do the work they require to do more capable using a graphical interface, then the bot requires to display a graphical interface at that point in the discussion.
Working Platforms
Chatbot work in chat platforms such as Facebook Messenger, SMS and so on. Each
chat platform has its individual sorts. These sorts define the likely means in
which the Chatbot can act together
with the handler or the group. Yet, the real actions of the Chatbot are recognised by the bot.
For instance, an SMS bot can simply display a text beside attach multi-media widget in certain situations. An email bot has similar restrictions. A Facebook Messenger or Telegram Bot can act together with the handler by means of an assortment of graphical widgets.
Social Messaging
Apps
Social Messaging apps are fast and suitable in usage, like the text messaging on the mobile phone, but then generally offers more audio-visual aid tools besides other added features. By means of social messaging apps to be in touch with associates, kinfolk, and fellow worker in actual time, is at an unparalleled high right now. What is essential for trades is the existent and upcoming chances to utilize these similar applications, while connecting with clients!
Social messaging apps have become quite popular than social media networks. People are willing to get benefits while interacting on these platforms. Moreover, these social media platforms are beneficial for businesses, initially while promoting Chatbots.
Social
Messaging Apps and their usage
Applications like Facebook Messenger, Snap Chat, What’s App, and more are usually used on Smartphones, but then likewise have website interfaces. Trivial or mid-sized trades, as well as enterprises, require to be attentive to these altering tendencies, as they turn into tools that companies will require to use to link with their clients, and which may let for publicizing prospects. They are where these clients are spending time.
Facebook Messenger
One widely held and on the rise social
messaging app is Facebook Messenger. Enterprises can effortlessly
work together with clients and reply to their queries and client check
concerns. Clients grow profound dependability to brands that take time to answer
to the concerns. Facebook only has about 33,000 Chatbots
on their messenger app.
WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one more widely held social messaging app, with a specific forte of handlers outside the United States. Facebook purchased this application and carry on to make it work as a distinct and unconnected messaging app. This online messenger app on mobile-phones has a feature to mix with a handler’s mobile contact list thus allowing the handlers to message their associates. Workers in lesser to mid-sized concerns can effortlessly interconnect with associates somewhat than directing out emails for speedy communication.
Kik
Kik is a publicising tool for less significant concerns right now.
Instead of drawing contacts from the mobile’s contact list, this social messaging app lets the handler
to roll with a username. Then the handler can link with others besides sending
text-like messages that have a photograph and audio-visual competencies. A
commercial use Kik as a part of a publicising movement by linking with clients
and using hashtags, audio-visuals, and imageries to draw business.
SnapChat
SnapChat has been on a staid growth curve in the former year and is a
developing force in social messaging
apps. The main feature of SnapChat is that the posts disappear after
broadcasting, or in the instance of stories, after 24 hours. It means the
handlers recompense much more consideration when absorbing a message, much
similar to a phone call or in-person tête-à-tête. This is an evolving application
that one wants to watch for sure. It has a huge user base, as well as is
a budding force in social messaging.
Social Messaging
Data and Statistics
One of the crucial singularities of the present-day situation is reforming
the world as we know it is the wide-reaching approachability to the internet.
The social messaging app comes in
several forms containing blogs, mediums, business nets, photo-sharing podiums, social
betting, microblogs, chat applications, and lastly social nets.
In current times, Facebook is the leading social
messaging app having exceeded the 1 billion once-a-month active handler
mark, as of the first quarter of 2017.
Here are a number of the most recent Facebook data:
As per of April 2018, Facebook reports an expected 2.2 billion Once-a-month Active Handlers.
Facebook furthermore declares that it partakes 1.4 billion Day-to-day Active Handlers.
There are in excess of 300 million photographs uploaded to Facebook every single day.
On average, 5 Facebook accounts are formed every single second.
Just about 30% of Facebook handlers are aged between 25 to 34 years.
The Facebook film is still on high demand, with roughly 8 billion film views each day.
Soon after its take-off, comparative new arrival Pinterest was the fastest self-regulating website in history to
have an influence over more than 10 million once-a-month exclusive invitees,
but fell behindhand of other players who appeared in current years, such as
picture- sharing social network Instagram
or else the microblogging podium Tumblr.
In its 8 years, it has attained the resulting mileposts:
Pinterest has 200 million monthly active users.
The United States has 70 million active users.
100 billion is the total number of Pinterest pins.
1 billion the total number of Pinterest boards approximately.
2 million users who save shopping pins on their boards, visit Pinterest daily.
A look at some of these fascinating Instagram statistics, after 8 years
of its existence:
Over 800 million monthly active users on Instagram.
More than 40 billion photos have been shared, since its creation.
Every day active Instagram users are more than 500 million.
95 million photos are uploaded on Instagram daily, on average.
4.2 billion Likes are given every day approximately.
Most Instagram users are between 18 to 29 years of aged college students.
In its 11 years, Tumblr has accomplished the following user milestones:
Tumblr has more than 158 billion distributed posts.
There are roughly 396 million blogs.
On average, 1.1 billion posts are circulated once-a-month.
There are about 7.2 million new blogs generated every month.
About 46% of Tumblr visitors are aged amid 18 to 34 years.
Amongst all the visitors, 52% are men and 48%, women
In spite of the ubiquity of social networks, the market possibility is still
growing. This pushes global brands and their sellers to use that time and
screen-space for promoting a number of merchandises as well as amenities using social messaging apps.
Concluding Thoughts
By way of the
new social messaging app tools,
minor and mid-sized companies will have to look out, as these applications grow
and size-up alongside the social media sites. By means of the predictable
growth as anticipated, it would be wiser for a business or any other line of
work, to look for the probable ways in incorporating a number of these
applications into their broadcasting efforts. That being understood, Chatbots possibly will transform the social
media marketing, also.
Oranges are sweet, juicy and pulpy fruits that consist of indispensable nutrients. Not just nutrients, oranges tend to make nausea and vomiting run away because of its refreshing nature and taste. They make the skin look clear and healthy, are low in calories and full of nutrients, and also, help to lower our risk for many diseases.
It is a citrus fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family, of the genus; Citrus. Other related species of oranges that the citrus family contains are pomelo, tangerine (mandarin orange), yuzu, lemon, and grapefruit.
Around 170 different phytochemicals and more than 60 flavonoids are contained by an orange. These phytochemicals and flavanoids are said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant characteristics. Its uses vary from eating to drinking its juice to putting face packs and so on.
Following are some of the many benefits of eating oranges:
Oranges are extensively rich in potassium, an electrolyte mineral responsible for helping the heart function well. In case the potassium levels in one’s body become really low, the heartbeats may become abnormal resulting in a situation known as, an arrhythmia. Oranges are said to include pectin, which play an important role in removing cholesterol from the bloodstream, and potassium, which may help lower blood sugar.
2. Reduce the Chances of Diseases
Oranges are composed of vitamin C, and vitamin C protects the body cells by neutralizing all the free radicals present in the body which in turn, reduced uneasiness one might experience due to acidity. Free radicals cause chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease. Oranges contain excellent amounts of vitamin A, which is a must for maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skin and healthy vision. It is an indispensable provider of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, pyridoxine, and folates. Therefore, research has shown that the consumption of natural fruits like oranges may even provide protection against lung and oral cavity cancers.
3. Provide Relief from Constipation
With the daily dosage of junk in bodies (nowadays), constipation is a leading problem. Oranges are composed of dietary fiber, which controls and stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation. One simple way to reduce constipation without eating medicines is by increasing the intake of fresh fruits, as well as other foods that contain fiber, such as vegetables and whole grains. Research has shown that taking in between 20 and 35 grams of fiber per day can help reduce the risk of constipation. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one large orange contains about 4.4 grams of total dietary fiber. This nutritious source of fiber also supplies your body with about 98 milligrams of vitamin C, 333 milligrams of potassium and 74 milligrams of calcium.
4. Help to Build Healthy Skin
Oranges contain good amounts of beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from any damage. Beta-carotene protects the skin from free radicals and helps prevent the signs of aging. Further, oranges have been used for years as ingredients in recipes, but recently they are being recognised for their beauty enhancing qualities.The benefits of orange for your skin are many as mentioned. One can even use the peel of orange and make a face mask out of it.
5. Help to Prevent Kidney Diseases
Drinking orange juice regularly prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones. However, one must drink juice in moderate amounts. The high sugar content of fruit juices can cause tooth decay and the high acid content can wear away enamel if consumed in excess.
“I’m
not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world
to live up to mine.”
― Bruce
Lee
The pressure, both positive and
negative, felt from our peer group is known as Peer Pressure. Be it in sports
or studies.
“Hey! Come on! We all are bunking our Math class. Who wants to go for a boring quiz session? Rather, let’s go for a stroll and grub a grub, instead.” Says the smartest kid in the class. Then, what does one do? Will he move along with him, or remain seated in the class?
As one grows older, they are forced to take over certain challenging decisions, while not having a clear idea, whether they are right or wrong. Like, for young boys, whether one should play Hockey or Cricket. Other decisions have a serious moral question hidden in it – whether to bunk classes or smoke or else lie blatantly to parents.
Taking decisions on our own is a difficult one, but when coaxed or influenced by other people around, it can turn out to be even more difficult. The ones of our age group or school/college mates are known to be ‘peers’. And when they try to influence in what manner we should lead our lives or take decisions, it is known as Peer Pressure. It is one thing which is dealt with not only the youth around us but the adults also.
Outlining ‘Peer Pressure’
Peers influence our life, irrespective of the fact whether we are aware of it or not. Just by spending ‘quality’ time with them, we tend to get influence. It is human psychology and no one can deny this fact. They can have both positive and negative influence on each other. It may so happen, that one of our friends taught us how to solve a difficult math question or get over successfully with a Science experiment. And we start admiring that individual and try to follow his footsteps. Or it may so happen that a few ones try to influence us to bunk classes or cheat during the exam time. Some of us WILL get influenced and start following their traits blindly.
Peer pressure leads to the situation where an individual or a group tries to encourage others (usually of their age) to do certain things that they would not do or try to change their mindset, behavior or attitude towards certain things.
It plays a major role behind manipulating the minds of the teenagers into smoking, doing drugs and alcohol. If one tries to evade from these ill habits, then they are considered to be an ‘outcast’ or ‘not-so-cool’ by the contemporaries.
One’s wish to get into the grid. Leads them to consume alcohol or do drugs. Peer pressure can simply make someone sad, guilt-conscious, disappointed or anxious. The best method to get over this situation is to diplomatically handle the individual, by not hurting their emotions.
There is always a flip-side of a coin. And it is applicable to the concept of ‘Peer Pressure’ also. It is not always that this particular concept is having only negative aspects. Peers or friends do also have a positive influence on an individual. This rather helps in the improvement of health and social life. One should always take time out while comprehending the effects of Peer Pressure. And it can turn an individual into a better human being!
Peer Pressure’s influence – reasons
The notion “everybody is doing it!” leads to many in the grip of Peer Pressure. Curiosity and always trying to be in the limelight makes the individual getting carried away with the flow. Some kids give into the Peer Pressure, simply because they desire to be preferred in the group. Or they are constantly worried about the fact that their friends might boycott him! And others are seen to be shrugging their shoulders with the concept of Peer Pressure and giving it a leeway.
Shrugging shoulders from Peer Pressure
Replying with a ‘No’ stands out to be really tough, sometimes. But, if one is determined, they can do it. Paying attention to their individual feelings, beliefs, and notions of what is correct or incorrect, helps one deciphering the right path. Self-confidence and inner-strength rather aid one to stand firm and walk away, while resisting themselves from bowing their head towards the negative influence.
It is really commendable of having friends who can reply with a ‘NO’, to others and also having in them the similar values of life. It can be of real help to have at least one such peer or friend.
Everyone has gone through the phase where the teachers or parents advised while saying, “Choose your friends in a wise manner.” Peer Pressure is ONE of the main reason of them saying so. If an individual chooses friends who do not do drugs, bunk classes or smoke or lie to their parents, then they probably will not be doing those things either. Rather, one should try helping out an individual from falling into trouble due to Peer Pressure. It means a lot, when an individual joins hands with them and together replies by simply saying, “I am standing by your side. Do not worry.”
If it becomes difficult dealing with the Peer Pressure, one should seek confidence upon someone, he or she has faith in. guilt-consciousness should not be there always. Confessing parents, teachers or counselors and discussing these matters, can help them in a positive manner.
Convincing, Confident Peer Pressure
Peer Pressure can be used in compelling the intimidators into acting in a better manner towards other kids. They are then compelled to do the correct thing at the correct time.
The ‘Profit – Loss’
factors of Peer Pressure
Imagine walking down the aisle and one witness something that is quite disturbing. But then the friend of his advises him to be quiet and move on. That individual carries on, in spite of knowing that what he is doing is not correct. Hence adopting somebody’s (peers) personality or attitude towards life directly can lead to either a positive or negative effect. It then depends on that individual of whom to follow as the role-model. Reasons are various for following blindly the Peer Pressure.
Pretention is very deceptive in nature. And there are people present who does the same with much confidence and the certain individual does get affected. Nobody prefers being mocked in front of others, and hence pretends to be strong and acts like those with whom they are moving around.
In recent times, competition and comparison are present together. Many parents can be seen comparing their kids with others. And this takes a toll on the kid, with whom the others are being compared. It sometimes leads them to follow the negative way, while being obligated to their parents.
People having low confidence level have the tendency to follow the lead.
“Curiosity is the mother of invention”. But in this case, the invention is not always done positively. Mostly observed amongst the teenagers, the adolescent years can be very deceptive, while having an attitude of, “Everybody is doing the same, why not me!”
Falling prey to Peer Pressure is a human tendency. And there is no denial in that fact. Nearly most of the individuals succumb to the pressure, in either a positive or negative manner. It is somewhat like installing an application in the smartphone, for the reason that everybody has it or as big as taking a decision of shoplifting with the associates. They tend to fall prey in all these various situations. And the one thing one requires to handle the Peer Pressure is BRAVADO or BOLDNESS.
Tips
for handling Peer Pressure
It is a known and seen fact that if an individual participates in any school event or competition, and those peers who do not fit into the bill, try to demotivate and discourage the person concerned. It results in failure or non-participation in the event. When an individual is trying to concentrate on the syllabus during examinations, there are peers present who try to distract them. This results in getting poor grades in the examination.
Peers are those, who belong to the similar age-group, standards or work together in any organization. It is rather difficult to shun their presence in life. Their behaviour does a great impact on the individual, on their mind, body, and soul. Thus it is necessary to have a good ‘Peer group’, who has the real guts in them. Those who detours one by challenging their capabilities must be ignored. But, it does not denote this meaning of not having friends. The role of friends is very important in one’s life. If an individual has no one to share their feelings, then slowly might go into depression.
One should always plan out methodically or diplomatically to handle any sort of situation.
They should always listen to their instincts. They are very powerful.
They should simply reply with a ‘NO’ if they do not want to be a part.
One can always utilize the importance of parents or mentors present in their life.
Hesitation should never be there in seeking help from their next to kin.
One should always try making friendship with those who both appreciates and encourages.
It is always quality over quantity. One should try to develop self-confidence. They are then less susceptible to any sort of situation.
One should always try to be happy, contented and firm on their decisions.
Leadership quality can help an individual to gain confidence in self and others as well. One should always try to be a leader and guide towards the right path. This is because they know their potentials of creating a huge difference. The society is bound to follow them if they have the potentials in them. Whatever may be the situation, ultimately it is the surrounding, in which they grow up, creates the difference.
Conclusion
“Confidence is knowing who you are and not changing it a bit because of someone’s version of reality is not your reality.” ― Shannon L. Alder
While concluding, one can think of Peer Pressure as a grey thing at times and also an awful thing to deal with. If one starts to worry or pressurized into doing those things which they do not want to, they should stand up to them. If they are scared of doing so, they should confront their parents or mentors.
From all the findings, it can be said that 55% of teenaged kids, who start doing drugs, are pressured to do so. 70% of the teenaged kids, who smokes, are pressurized to do so. Peer Pressure can be either good or bad, depending upon the situation. Almost all kids and teenagers go through the phase of Peer Pressure, at least at one stage. It is really very disappointing when someone gets notified of the fact that an individual has been influenced negatively out of Peer Pressure. It is great to carry out their own individuality and uniqueness. This is the reason for them being who they are.
Peer Pressure is a serious and grave topic to discuss and can be very deceptive and unpredicted at the same time. Drinking, smoking or doing drugs can be a ‘cool factor’ amongst today’s generation. But it takes a toll.
The exact definition of Peer Pressure can never be found, as it is a shifting one. It can have many inner meanings, likea set of populaces/associates convincing other peer/peers to do some act, for the reason that if they do not do the same, they will not be called ‘cool’ or be in their associates’ company anymore.
A new connotation could be, a peer who gets overstretched to behave in the manner in what others are behaving, thus they can be called ‘cool’.
Peer Pressure is deceptive. Being alert is always recommended and therefore should always follow one’s gut or instinct. An individual will hence climb the ladder of success!
The capital of the city has been one of the cities that witnesses tourist attraction throughout the year. Delhi has been dynamic in its history that spans over a millennium as it has seen in the sense that Delhi has witnessed numerous dynasties over a period of time. With a history that spans over a millennium, Delhi now speaks volumes about the ancient Indian period. All the historic places of Delhi are major tourists’ sightseeing spots and witness gatherings all through the year. The sight seeing tour of Delhi is called as ‘Delhi Darshan‘.
If you are a Delhi resident/tourist, following are the places you must visit to have a look at the jaw dropping infrastructure that different rulers got constructed in their reigns.
1. MEHRAULI
The history of Mehrauli can be dated back to the 1190s. Post defeating Prithviraj Chauhan in 1191, Mohammad Ghori left his slave Qutubuddin Aibak as his viceroy. This marked the beginning of the slave dynasty. Aibak captured Delhi, which was still in the hands of the Chauhans, in 1193. After the death of Ghori in 1206, Aibak took the throne of Delhi for himself and established the first Mughal rule over Delhi. Qutubuddin Aibak began building Islamic structures that were later incorporated in his city – Mehrauli. This was the second city of Delhi.
The major attractions of the city of Mehrauli include the Mehrauli Archaeological Park and the Qutab Archaeological Area.
If you plan to tour around Mehrauli, these are the places one must visit: Minar of Qutubuddin Aibak (Qutub Minar), Iron Pillar, unfinished minar, Tomb of Iltutmish, Tomb of Imam Zamin, Alai-Darwaza, and a mosque.
2. HAUZ KHAS
Hauz Khas is considered as one of the most visited and ‘cool’ places in Delhi. It has been named after the Royal Water Tank built during the reign of Allauddin Khilji. Back then, it was known as Siri and was one of the seven cities of Delhi. It is always filled with tourists and hence, is an area that holds immense importance for history lovers.
Do visit the following monuments if you plan to go to Hauz Khas: Tomb of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, Bag-i-AlamGumbad, Kali Gumti, and Tefe Wala Gumbad
3. KOTLA
Muhammad bin Tughlaq ruled in a really unorganized and disastrous manner. Post his reign, his son Firoz Shah set out to bring some stability to the empire. He established another city in Delhi – Firozabad or Firoz Shah Kotla. High walls, contained palaces, pillared halls, mosques, a pigeon tower and a water tank are the major compositions of the city. An Ashokan pillar was erected on the top of Firoz’s palace.
If you plan to visit Kotla, do visit the following: Ashoka’s Pillar, Firoz Shah Kotla, Khuni Darwaza (Lal Darwaza), Inchla Wali Gunti, Kala Gumbad, Tomb of Mubarak Shah, Tomb of Barhe Khan, Tomb of Chhote Khan, Tomb of Darya Khan, Tomb of Kale Khan, and the Tomb of Khwaja Sara Basti Khan.
4. JANTAR MANTAR
Jantar Mantar is one of the most unique monuments and hence, becomes a major tourist attraction. Located in the present-day city of New Delhi, it is one of the 5 observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1724. The observatory consists of thirteen instruments and three major individual structures. The three individual structures are Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash Yantra and Misra Yantra. All the Yantras hold immense importance as they represent unique things.
5. HUMAYUN’S TOMB
Humayun’s Tomb is the burial place of the great Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was built in the year 1570. It has been inspired by the seven wonders in the world and its construction changed the structure of Mughal architectures in India. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
So recently, my roommate told me, “I just read that one should not drink more than 2 liters of water a day, so I will only store that much for drinking”. Now, I kind of got triggered, because I’m a big fan of hydration. Believe me not, I’m a huge fan of water– cold, warm, flavored, unflavoured, still, sparkling. There was a time when I would hardly drink a liter of water a day. But ever since I upped my water intake, I’ve seen so many positive changes in my body that I can’t drink a lot of water. My average water intake is over 3 liters a day now, which MAY be a lot for me according to popular belief since I’m a petite female. So when she said that, I felt a little offended.
Water is an amazing thing. It is literally the elixir of life and the reason why life even exists on our planet. Our body too is 70% water by composition. So naturally, we need to keep ourselves hydrated to prevent all that water in our body from drying out. But too much of a good thing is also a bad thing. So too much water should also be bad for you, right? And so, I was forced to think, “how much water is too much water?”
The side-effects of too much water
For people who don’t know, water poisoning DOES exist. Water dilutes everything, and there are a lot of fluids in our body carrying all kinds of electrolytes necessary for its normal functioning. Electrolytes like calcium, sodium, and potassium ions are present in the bloodstream, governing different functions in the body. If we drink too much water, blood dilution decreases the concentration of these electrolytes. Low concentration of sodium and potassium in the blood causes a condition called hyponatremia, also called “water poisoning”. Its symptoms include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
Hyponatremia can be extremely dangerous as it can cause swelling in the brain, which in turn can result in stroke, hemorrhage, and even death. Apart from this, too much water also causes muscle cramps and adrenal fatigue. Excess water in the system means that your kidneys have to work that much harder to flush it out. This overworking of kidneys can cause muscle cramps due to fatigue. Too much stress on your kidneys can result in their abnormal functioning and injury.
But how much water is too much water?
The question here actually is wrong. There is something like too much water, but the quantity matters more when you consider the timeframe you drink it in. If you drink a total of 2 liters of water spaced throughout the day, nothing may happen to you. But if you drink that amount of water within 2 hours, it’s definitely going to cause you some discomfort. The human body can eliminate around 20-28 liters of water every day, but it cannot eliminate more than a liter of water per hour. So it doesn’t matter how much water you drink throughout the day as much as the amount of time you drink it in.
Basically, an average human can safely consume 20 liters of water a day, provided they aren’t drinking more than a liter an hour. Hyponatremia symptoms start showing if you consume around 1-1.5 liters of water within an hour and grow more serious as this amount of water in that hour increases. Most of the cases of death or stroke by hyponatremia occurred when the individuals consumed around 2 liters of water within an hour (on an average).
So how much water should you ideally drink?
Do yourself a favor, and let your body decide that for you. The human body is intelligent; it knows what it needs and when. So if your body is dehydrated, it will tell your brain to send thirst signals. All you have to do is listen to these signals, and replenish the water in your system. Now, of course, your ideal daily water intake is highly subjective to climatic conditions, your physical activity, and your weight. It also depends on any health issues that you may have. A person with a sedentary office job needs a lot less water than an athlete. Similarly, a pregnant or diabetic woman needs a lot more water than a normal woman. People living in tropical regions need more water than ones living in colder climates because they sweat more.
The medically approved baseline of your average water intake is around 3.5-4 liters for men, and 2.5-3 liters for women. If you are healthy and engage in minimal physical activity, this much water is sufficient for you. However, if you are suffering from a medical condition or engage in strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, increase your water intake by 0.5-1 liters.
Undoubtedly, water is the ultimate elixir of life. But nothing in this world is 100% good. Everything has a side-effect. So listen to your body, and learn to identify its needs. If you learn how to do so, your body will never give you any reason to complain. Happy hydrating!
Genetics has always been a highly intriguing branch of biology, one that curious humans connect with the most. The study of genetics provides invaluable insight into why our body functions in the ways it does. If only we could decode the trillions of protein codes in just human DNA, we’d probably know everything there is about evolution on our planet.
Scientists all across the world have long been intrigued by the genetic composition of human beings. A recently developing interest in genetics is the comparison of human genetic composition with that of other living beings. Scientists of today get a certain kick out of discovering genetic similarities between humans and other living beings. And believe it or not, but according to these obsessed geneticists, we are 50% the same as bananas and 80% dogs. Now, it is universally known that humans are relatives of monkeys and apes, all having descended from the Great Apes. So if we are genetically so similar to things like a banana, how similar are we to these monkeys and chimps?
Humans are genetically 97% orangutan and 99% chimpanzee!
Yes, you read that right. According to the geneticists of our world, we are actually closer to our tree climbing relatives than we could’ve anticipated. And come to think about it, we are actually quite similar to chimpanzees. They are the only apes that can walk on their own two feet. Chimps are also pretty intelligent and know how to communicate with facial expressions. They are social animals, know how to make tools (like the early humans), and have commendable cognitive abilities.
And if you sit a chimp down and try to teach him the English alphabet or the numbers 0-9, you will be surprised at how fast they learn. The average intelligence of a chimpanzee is similar to that of a 2-3-year-old human toddler. If you have been to large scale circuses or watched reality TV shows like Pankun, you’ll know what I’m talking about. But even so, doesn’t 99% seem to be too big a number? Are we really that similar to a chimpanzee?
What are genes, and what exactly is genetics?
Genetics is not just one of the most intriguing, but also one of the most complex branches of biology. Hence it is no surprise that out of some 20 million doctors in the world, only around a hundred thousand are certified geneticists. Genetics is the study of genes, those proteins that contain information about our body. These genes are similar to a computer program, they collectively form the program code of our body aesthetics and functionality.
Genes are actually made of protein base-pair sequences. Each base pair is made of two protein molecules held together by a hydrogen bond. A definite sequence of these base pairs is called a gene, and many such sequences form a genome. This doesn’t sound very intimidating when explained in this way, but each genome can contain more than 3 billion base pairs. Decoding so many base pairs and sequences is a tough task, to say the least.
Now, DNA is also of two types- coding and non-coding. The coding DNA is what takes part in protein synthesis, and every such DNA has a specific purpose in the body. On the other hand, non-coding DNA simply acts as a database for the body’s composition. Some non-coding DNA alsho act as switches for turning on/off the functioning of certain coding DNA.
The above paragraph is of importance because 98% of the DNA present in the human body is of the non-coding type. Because of the active involvement of coding DNA in protein synthesis, it is relatively easier to decode them and study them. But the non-coding DNA is equivalent to a black box- you don’t know what’s going on in it.
Back to the question, are we really 99% chimp?
The answer is, no we are not. I mean, just think about it. If we were 99% chimp, then why aren’t we munching on termites and bananas in African jungles alongside them? And if we were 99% chimp, this blog wouldn’t exist. Buddymantra, the Internet, your laptop, and the DNA testing equipment that attested to us being 99% chimp wouldn’t exist either.
Then what makes the geneticists say so?
The answer to this question is, a genome comparison experiment done in 2005. In this test, some protein sequences from both chimpanzees and humans were compared side by side. On comparing them, once the segments completely different from each other were removed, the similar segments were compared, to find that they were 99% similar. Also, this test was conducted on the protein-coding DNA of both humans and chimpanzees.
And as I said above, this protein coded DNA only makes up 2% of the total DNA present in our body. The other 98% was unaccounted for in this particular experiment. But once the results came out, the actual truth behind this experiment was completely disregarded by scientists and media alike. Over the years, new research experiments have taken place, but the sentence “Humans are 99% chimp” is just attractive. Also, the fact that chimpanzees are closely related to humans by virtue of having a common ancestor, scientists who claim this may be called biased.
A more recently done research in 2012 revealed that even in the genes present in both chimps and humans, there are some differences. Every living being has a set of genes called “transcription factors”. These are the non-coding DNA that act as switches for protein-coding DNA. According to this research, only 2/3rd of the transcription factors corresponding to these similar genes found in humans are present in chimps. The other 1/3rd are exclusively found in humans. And because of this, those similar genes function very differently in chimps as compared to humans, or they don’t function at all.
The final verdict?
We are NOT 99% chimp, or 97% orangutan, or 90% cat, 80% dog, or 50% banana. What we are, is 100% human, aka Homo sapien. Genetics is just like the English language. Every living being has the same proteins that make up their genes. It’s just the way they are arranged in base pairs and genomes is what makes every living being unique.
If you were to pick up a Charles Dickens book and a Political History book, there would be quite a few sentences and phrases you may find are similar in both books. But that doesn’t make Charles Dickens and Political History similar. The context, and in the case of genetics, the function of these genes is what matters. And although genetic comparison of living beings is a highly intriguing field of research, we shouldn’t take it too seriously.
We should be proud of who we are, and what we can do. Humans are one of the most advanced creatures on this planet, with the best cognitive and analytical abilities, and the brightest brains. We may be similar to a lot of other living beings because everyone evolved from the same source. But that doesn’t make us any less unique, and that is all that matters!
According to the RBI, spending on tuition and hostel fees by Indian students studying abroad has shot up 44% in the past three years. For example, the count of Indian students studying in the US was 186,267 in 2016-17, of which approximately 15% are for undergraduate studies. While the Indian government is trying to keep up with educational facilities, Indian families these days have a lot of disposable income and don’t shy away from spending their hard-earned money as an investment to their children’s future.
With the recent story of the daughter of an Indian billionaire who was studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, was being set up by her dad in a mansion staffed by 12 servants rather than staying in regular student accommodation, it might seem that Indians with a lot of disposable income are only opting for studies overseas, but it isn’t only these heirs of opulent families of the “Crazy Rich Asians”, but the middle class too, relying on the increasing availability of student loans , part-time jobs and scholarships to finance their education.
So without wasting more time, let’s take a look at the top 10 exams popular among Indian students:
GRE( Graduate Record Exam)
Cramming for exams
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) revised General Test is taken by individuals applying to various graduate and business school programs in United States and other countries. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), it is available at about 700 centers in over 160 countries.
The computer-based GRE can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous period of 12 months. This includes test attempts in which the score was cancelled by the candidate.
Eligibility
There is no specific eligibility criterion for GRE. However, various universities that accept GRE scores have their own criteria of admission.
Exam Format
GRE is conducted in two formats: computer-based and paper-based. In India, only the computer-based format is available.
Important Dates
The computer-based GRE can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous period of 12 months. This includes test attempts in which the score was canceled by the candidate.
IELTS(International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is an English language certification exam that is required to be taken by international candidates of countries whose native language is not English considering studying or working in a country where English is the main language of communication. The full form of IELTS is International English Language Testing System. Most popular countries where IELTS is accepted for university admissions are UK, Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada. A lot of European countries like the Nordic countries, Germany etc. ask for the IELTS too. The exam mainly measures the ability of test-takers to communicate in the four basic language skills – listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
There are two types of IELTS : Academic and General. The Academic IELTS is specially tailored for the people who wish to study in an English language institution.
Often international students are confused between choosing IELTS or TOEFL, as universities abroad ask for either exam scores. It is up to you as a test taker to decide which of the two exams to take, but remember that IELTS is more preferred in UK, Australia, and New Zealand, while TOEFL is popular among applicants to universities in US and Canada. So knowing the required average scores for US universities and average scores for Canadian universities is an important start.
IELTS isn’t compulsory in all university admissions. Many universities do not even require IELTS scores for admission purposes. But if someone don’t give the IELTS, his/her chances of getting the student visa might suffer as the visa officers may not be convinced about your English proficiency without IELTS scores. So it is safer to appear for IELTS and aim to score at least 6 bands overall.
You can take the IELTS exam with the British Council or IDP up to once a week (four times a month). The British Council and IDP global schedule for test dates is 48 days per year.
TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)
Its an Internet-based or paper-based standardized test conducted by the ETS(Educational Testing Service), a private non-profit organization, which designs and administers the tests. ETS issues official score reports, sent independently to institutions, for two years following the test.[6]
It measures and tests reading, listening, speaking and writing of the English language of non-native English speakers.
It was started in 1964, 54 years ago.
It can be taken only once in any 12-day period. The TOEFL has 4,500 test centers in 165 countries.
The test is accepted by many English-speaking academic and professional institutions. TOEFL is one of the two major English-language tests in the world, the other being the IELTS.
SAT
The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors for admission to undergraduate courses.The SAT measures literacy, numeracy and writing skills that are needed for academic success in college, assesses how well the test takers analyze and solve problems—skills they learned in school that they will need in college. However, the test is administered under a tight time limit (speeded) to help produce a range of scores.
The College Board also states that use of the SAT in combination with high school grade point average (GPA) provides a better indicator of success in college than high school grades alone, as measured by college freshman GPA. A good performance in SAT is also said to increase the chances of getting admission to a highly ranked college and scholarships.
GMAT(Graduate Management Admission Test)
The Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer based test intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA. It requires knowledge of certain specific grammar and knowledge of certain specific algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.
According to the test owning company, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT assesses analytical writing and problem-solving abilities, while also addressing data sufficiency, logic, and critical reasoning skills that it believes to be vital to real-world business and management success. It can be taken up to five times a year. Attempts must be at least 16 days apart.
The GMAT exam is a computer adaptive test and not a computer-based test, which means that the candidate will get one question at a time and depending on the accuracy of the previous answer, the difficulty level of the next question will be ascertained. The average scores required for universities abroad varies; top-tier universities require at least 710, while middle-tier universities accept 600.
GMAT is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council. More than 7,000 programs at approximately 2,300 graduate business schools around the world accept the GMAT as part of the selection criteria for their programs. Business schools use the test as a criterion for admission into a wide range of graduate management programs, including MBA, Master of Accountancy, Master of Finance programs and others. The GMAT is administered in standardized test centers in 114 countries around the world. The GMAT is still the number one choice for MBA aspirants despite the increasing acceptability of GRE scores and the exam predicts success in business school programs.
ACT
The ACT, just like the SAT measures the skills of the students willing to get admission into undergraduate courses. It has may types, including English (tests your understanding of English, production of writing and knowledge of language skills), Math (tests the mathematical skills you have typically acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12), Reading (tests Reading comprehension commonly encountered in first-year college curricula), Science (measures: the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning and problem-solving skills required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences and physics).
PTE Academic( Pearson Test of English Academic)
PTE Academic, just like the IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC is a multi-level test, and tests
English language proficiency .To complete a PTE Academic test, the test taker need to attend a secure Pearson test center and use a computer and headset to listen to, read and respond to questions.During the three-hour test session there will be three main parts to the test: speaking and writing (together), listening and reading. There are twenty different question formats, ranging from multiple choice through to essay writing and interpreting information.
PTE Academic assesses real-life, academic English, so you will hear excerpts from lectures and view graphs and charts. The test taker hears a range of accents in the test, from British and American to non-native speakers, so he will be exposed to the type of accents he will encounter in everyday life.
USMLE(United States Medical Licensing Examination)
The USMLE assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.
The examination offers medical license in US and is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) – two important regulatory bodies in the USA. Both FSMB and NBME are not-for-profit organization representing the 70 state medical and osteopathic boards of the Country and its territories. Each state in the USA has its own medical licensing authority which sets rules and regulations as well as requires passing an examination for license for that state. Theses state medical and osteopathic boards use the common evaluation system conducted by the USMLE for applicants for initial medical license.
According to some researches, approximately 50-60% Indian applicants are able to crack it , with the number increasing every year. Important thing here is just cracking USMLE doesn’t give you a residency . You need to clear all the USMLE exams , ace your interview and then bag you might have a good shot at residency.
LSAT(Law School Admission Test)
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test administered 6 times each year at designated testing centers throughout the world. Administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) for prospective law school candidates, the LSAT is designed to assess reading comprehension, logical, and verbal reasoning proficiency. The test is an integral part of the law school admission process in the United States, Canada , UK , Australia, and a growing number of other countries.
Many Universities are associated with LSAT India too, so a good score is often one of the admission criteria of some of the top universities students opt for.
The test started in 1948, when it was created to give law schools a standardized way to assess applicants aside from GPA.The current form of the exam has existed since 1991. The exam has six total sections: four scored multiple choice sections, an unscored experimental section, and an unscored writing section. Raw scores are converted to a scaled score with a high of 180, a low of 120, and a median score around 150. The LSAT is notoriously challenging, which is why LSAT prep courses are extremely popular undertakings amongst students looking to become lawyers.
MCAT(Medical College Admission Test)
It’s a Computer-based standardized test, administrated by the American Association of Medical Colleges(AMAC). It tests the test takers knowledge in the fields of Physical sciences, biological sciences, verbal reasoning.
It is often required for admissions to medical colleges (principally in the United States and Canada, and 15 other countries).
It can be taken a maximum of 3 times in a one year period; 4 times in a two year period; and 7 times for life.
There is no specific eligibility criteria of MCATforaspirants planning to apply to health professional institutes like Allopathic, Osteopathic, Podiatric, Veterinary Medicine.
Also, if an aspirant holds an MBBS degree already or is in an MBBS program he/she might register for the MCAT exam without seeking special permission.
