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Time of India
5 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Entrance Exams for Abroad Study: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT के लिए Indian Students का पूरा मार्गदर्शक 2026
वर्षा दुबे Authored by: • वर्षा दुबे Contributed by: | Navbharat Times• 31 Jul 2025, 4:38 pm Entrance Exams for Abroad Study: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT के लिए Indian Students का पूरा मार्गदर्शक 2026
News18
7 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Emergency-like situation prevailing in Andhra under Naidus govt: Jagan
Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), Jul 31 (PTI) YSRCP supremo YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday alleged that an 'emergency-like" situation is prevailing in Andhra Pradesh under the N Chandrababu Naidu-led government. Addressing a press conference, he said that the situation is evident by the incidents occurring across the state, citing the cases of multiple arrests of YSRCP leaders. 'Emergency-like circumstances are prevailing in Andhra Pradesh today and several incidents that are happening in the state will show it to your eyes," the former CM said, after visiting the home and family members of senior party leader N Prasanna Kumar Reddy. Prasanna's home was recently ransacked allegedly by the ruling party cadres after the YSRCP leader's alleged remarks against a woman TDP MLA. Stating that many restrictions were clamped down as part of his visit to Nellore, the YSRCP supremo questioned Naidu whether it is a crime to meet his own party leaders. The opposition leader alleged that the CM was 'scared" of him and several roads leading to his programme were 'dug" to prevent people from turning up. The government deployed more than 2,000 policemen, the Deputy-Inspector General (DIG) of police and a large number of DSPs. This force is not meant for his security, but to stop people…, he claimed. On the recent attack on Prasanna's residence allegedly by TDP cadres, he claimed that the former would have been killed had he been at home at that time. Further, the opposition leader noted that the government has booked and jailed senior party leader and former minister K Govardhan Reddy in 14 cases to deny him bail and extend his prison time. When there was a chance for Govardhan to get bail in one case, the government was raking up another case, he alleged. The YSRCP chief said Govardhan was booked for forwarding information about his press conferences on WhatsApp, 'illegal" quartz mining, supporting construction workers protesting lack of sand and other 'silly" reasons. Despite the prime accused persons getting bail in the mining case, Govardhan, who is A4 in this case, is yet to get bail, he added. Reading out a large list of YSRCP leaders who have been booked, arrested and allegedly harassed, the opposition leader warned Naidu that he is sowing the seeds of a bad tradition which could boomerang after the TDP-led coalition government loses power. Referring to the NDA government's poll promises, the YSRCP chief said that it cheated people without implementing them and accused it of 'destroying schools, removing English medium instruction and TOEFL courses". The unpaid dues under Aarogyasri (free healthcare) have piled up to Rs 4,000 crore and farmers are not receiving remunerative prices, he alleged. Though the government promised free sand, no such facility is available, he said, and accused the NDA government of 'widespread corruption". The Andhra Pradesh government is running a 'liquor mafia" in the state where permit rooms charge more than the maximum retail price and officers in police department are acting as 'collection agents" to pass on kickbacks to local MLAs and also up to Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, he claimed. Further, he alleged that illegal poker clubs are bribing authorities with some of them in West Godavari district reportedly paying up to Rs 1 crore. Assailing the TDP-led coalition government for allegedly offering land to non-descript companies at a pittance, Reddy alleged that land is being given away as cheap as Rs 99 paise per acre to entities they like. Reddy reminded Naidu that his government will not last forever and exuded confidence that the YSRCP will return to power after about three years. Further, he issued a stern warning to police officials that whoever is toeing the government line to harass YSRCP leaders will definitely be held accountable even if they retire, take VRS or go overseas. Reddy warned the officials that he will call everyone and bring them to justice. There was no immediate reaction from the TDP. The YSCRP chief arrived in Nellore as part of his visit to call on the jailed party leader and others. He reached Nellore in a chopper and proceeded to the local district jail to meet Govardhan Reddy. top videos View all The former chief minister went to prison around 11 am, according to a video link shared by YSRCP. Later, he interacted with Govardhan Reddy's family members and followed it up with a visit to Prasanna' house. PTI STH KH (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 17:00 IST News agency-feeds Emergency-like situation prevailing in Andhra under Naidus govt: Jagan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Jamboree Education Turns 32: Celebrating Dreams and Global Careers
PNN New Delhi [India], July 28: Jamboree Education, a name synonymous with test prep and study-abroad success, celebrates a major milestone today: 32 years of helping students achieve their higher-education dreams. Since starting out in 1993, Jamboree has guided over 2,20,000 students on their journey to top universities around the world. From getting top scores on the GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS, to receiving admits from the Ivy League and other elite institutions, the last three decades have been nothing short of extraordinary. "When we started Jamboree, it was with a simple goal: to give Indian students the best possible support in their study-abroad journey," said Vineet Gupta, co-founder of Jamboree Education. "32 years later, seeing the impact we've made across scores, careers, and lives, is both humbling and inspiring." A Legacy of Results, A Future of Possibilities Jamboree's track record speaks for itself: with 2,20,000+ successful students, 40+ Ivy League admits every year, highest number of GMAT 705+ scorers, highest number of SAT 1500+ scorers, highest number of GRE 320+ scorers, 300+ award-winning teachers, admissions experts with 30+ years of experience, and 30+ centres opened across India and Nepal over the years. Behind every statistic is a student who dared to dream big, and a team that supported them every step of the way. Staying Ahead of the Curve Over the years, Jamboree has evolved with the changing demands of the higher-education framework, maximising efforts to give students what they need to tackle newer challenges. The institute has integrated AI-powered test analytics, precise performance insights, online classes, and personalized study plans to support today's hybrid learners. Its admission counselling arm has helped place students in Ivy League and top-tier institutions including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, INSEAD, LBS, and more. For three decades, Jamboree has been a one-stop solution for dreamers. The institute's holistic approach mimics that of top universities worldwide, and that perhaps is why their students have been so successful over the years. Anniversary Offer: Flat ₹3200 Off Across All Products To mark this special occasion, Jamboree is offering a flat ₹3200 discount on all its courses and counselling services. Whether you're just starting your prep or planning your applications, now is the perfect time to get started. What's on Offer: -GMAT Prep: Flexible learning modes (online, offline, self-paced, or one-on-one) -GRE Prep: Personalized guidance to help you reach your target score -SAT Prep: Proven strategies to help you break the 1500 barrier -Admissions Counselling: Complete support from profile development to SOPs, interviews, visas, and even education loans At its core, Jamboree has always been more than just a coaching institute. It's a community built on trust, results, and an unshakable belief in the power of education. As it steps into its 33rd year, Jamboree continues to stand by its mission: helping students go farther than they ever imagined. Celebrate with Jamboree. Start your journey today. Visit to learn more and claim your anniversary offer.
Local Norway
7 days ago
- General
- Local Norway
How hard is the new Norwegian spoken exam actually?
At The Local, we've been covering the new test of spoken Norwegian for permanent residency for a few weeks now and it has made me ask a personal question: Is my Norwegian good enough for the new A2 test? If I took the exam today, would I pass? The test, part of Norway's move to increase the language requirement for permanent residency from A1 to A2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, will be launched officially in September. In essence, the small shift in letter-number combinations means that those who pass now need to demonstrate a slightly better understanding and facility with the language. This should help them integrate better—whether at work, at a parent-teacher meeting, or even while keeping up with the conversation at a dinner party. Advertisement I took the 'older' language exam back in 2021 when I applied for Norwegian citizenship (I passed— uff meg , what a relief). The format then was very similar to a Cambridge or TOEFL test, with reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections. It took two days and several hours in front of a computer screen. The final part, the speaking exam, involved both an individual task and a paired conversation—with a partner you only met minutes before in the waiting room. When I first heard about the new A2 test, it sounded like it would be easier. After all, spelling mistakes wouldn't count, and there would be no more long reading comprehension texts. But the most recent change (announced in late June) was not just about simplifying the test, it was about making it mandatory and removing the option to validate study hours instead. So, the only way to find out for sure was to take it. We booked a mock test with Lingu , a language school which has been going for 17 years and is also the official provider of language education for several municipalities in Norway. Advertisement What does the new spoken exam look like? The format is very similar to that of the exam I took back in 2021. You're paired with another candidate and go through three different tasks. You've never met your partner before, but if you're not the first pair called in, you might get a chance to chat briefly in the lobby and build a small connection before entering the exam room. Once you're called, you're given an overview by the so called censor (there's also an examiner present). The first two tasks are done individually; the third is a conversation between the two of you. Task 1: Short self-introduction Task 2: Two open-ended questions for each candidate Task 3: Conversation with your partner on a familiar topic Timing matters The entire exam lasts 20–25 minutes, with the individual section taking around 10 minutes and the dialogue 10–15 minutes. It's recommended to follow a simple format—introduction, explanation, and conclusion—to show a range of sentence structures, sprinkle in varied vocabulary, and focus on clear pronunciation. Advertisement What kind of questions come up? Start with a confident introduction—it's the one part you know is coming. For the open-ended questions at A2 level, you're expected to give descriptions or examples (what and how). At B1 level, you'd be expected to add arguments and reasoning (why). In my mock test, the questions included: Which trip have you taken that you enjoyed, and why? Do you believe education is necessary for everyone? What do you do to take care of your health? What are you planning to spend money on lately? My flow definitely got better around the second question as at first it is natural to forget a specific word or freeze. The examiner will quickly see that and will try to rephrase the question or make you feel comfortable and help get you back on track. On the other hand, if your performance clearly exceeds your registered level, the examiner may ask one extra question (they call it a 'stretch' question) from the next level up to see if you truly master it. The dialogue turns out to be easier if you keep a collaborative approach (a bit like ping-pong) instead of trying to show off and steal all the time for yourself. Remember to react to what the other examinee with short agreeing/disagreeing sentences and arguments. You could say nettopp or akkurat ("exactly"). Also, make sure to react to what they say with appropriate facial expressions and gestures. It may feel awkward, but it will help to show you are following the conversation. Advertisement How is it scored? The censor, together with the examinator, will use a detailed rubric to assign your final level scoring and feedback. Within the rubric you will see separate marks for each criterion (fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar). After the exam, you may request to see your completed rubric. It will remain on file for one year—just contact the test center if you wish to review it. Final verdict In the end, I scored enough to apply for permanent residency. Was it harder than the previous format? Not necessarily, but it was no piece of cake. You do need to study. Was it a smarter change? I'd say so. To feel confident at A2, you probably need to aim for B1. That means studying real-life conversation, not just theory. If you've already completed 200 hours of Norwegian lessons and are now frustrated that these hours no longer count officially, don't worry. If you truly learned, those hours weren't wasted. In fact, they've probably better prepared you for the new test. The Norwegian government's decision to focus solely on the spoken exam aligns with the country's broader push for digitalization. It's expected to speed up the application process, reduce paperwork, and eliminate delays. 'Before, you didn't know how long it would take to get the whole process done—your life was on hold. It could take months and months of extensions. Now, the new rule is supposed to be quicker, and that's a big advantage,' says Agnes Skjerve, Head of Marketing at Lingu. As many as 350 people joined a recent webinar — UDI's New Requirements for PR & Citizenship Explained in Plain English — hosted on July 16th. In the Q&A section, Lingu's Business Developer, Saira Khursheed, emphasized the company's goal of keep the audience positive and motivated about the A2 requirement, describing the reform as an improvement rather than a burden. 'With A1, your Norwegian won't get you very far. With A2, you can integrate better—at work, in family activities, and even start preparing for the next step, like applying for citizenship.' Advertisement Here is a checklist of what the censor is listening for: Relevance & clarity : Are you answering the question? Do your answers make sense? Fluency: Do you speak smoothly, or do you hesitate a lot? Pronunciation: Is your Norwegian clear and understandable? Vocabulary: Do you use enough appropriate words for this level? Grammar: Are your sentences well-formed, with correct tense, articles, and word order? Final tips Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace—don't rush. If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be repeated or rephrased. You could say: Kan du gjenta spørsmålet? Treat the dialogue task like a real conversation—respond naturally to your partner's ideas. Relax and remember: you're being assessed on spoken Norwegian, not expert knowledge. Good luck!
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
How student-athletes score scholarships at top global universities
How student athletes can secure sports scholarships in universities abroad. In today's global education landscape, student-athletes stand out, not just for their sporting excellence, but for their unique ability to unlock doors at top-tier universities. Successfully combining academics and athletics creates a powerful profile, especially when applying to institutions in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. If you're an aspiring student-athlete dreaming of studying abroad, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know—from building a strong profile to securing scholarships and navigating the admissions process. How Indian Students Can Secure College Sports Admissions in the U.S. & Beyond Who is a student-athlete? A student-athlete is a full-time university student who also competes in varsity-level sports for their college. This structured pathway is especially prominent in North America, where organizations like the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and other college leagues ensure that sports and education go hand in hand. Why choose the student-athlete route abroad? Scholarship Opportunities: Top universities often offer partial or full sports scholarships, significantly reducing tuition and living expenses. World-Class Training and Coaching: State-of-the-art facilities and professional coaching help athletes reach peak performance. Holistic Growth: The system is built to support both academic and athletic goals, without forcing a choice between the two. Global Exposure and Networking: Student-athletes enter diverse networks of peers, mentors, and alumni across the globe, creating long-term career and life opportunities. How to study abroad through sports Student-athletes planning to study abroad can plan their journey by following the steps outlined below: 1. Start Early: Begin planning by Grade 9–11; research countries, sports, and universities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ultra-Luxury 3–5 BHKs Overlooking the Arabian Sea L&T The Gateway Enquire Now Undo 2. Build Your Sports Profile: Create a resume, record highlight videos, and track rankings/stats. 3. Maintain Academic Excellence: Keep strong grades and prepare for SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS. 4. Contact Coaches: Email shortlisted coaches with your sports profile and personalised message. 5. Get Evaluated: Use rankings or attend camps to benchmark your level. 6. Understand Recruitment & Scholarships: Communicate regularly with coaches and apply formally when ready. 7. Prepare Key Documents: Include transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, resume, and personal statement. 8. Stay Organised: Track deadlines, check eligibility (e.g., NCAA/NAIA), and prepare for visa processes. Which sports offer the best opportunities? Sports like tennis, golf, swimming, and track & field offer the best opportunities for international student-athletes, as they rely on measurable stats and rankings—making it easier for coaches to assess talent remotely. Soccer, basketball, and fencing offer moderate opportunities but often require showcase participation or video-based evaluations. Emerging sports like hockey, squash, shooting, and equestrian have fewer programs but can still lead to scholarships for standout athletes. Quantitative sports generally provide smoother recruitment pathways due to their data-driven nature. The student-athlete journey goes far beyond scholarships. It builds life skills that last a lifetime—discipline, time management, leadership, and resilience. Whether you pursue a pro career or pivot to other fields, these experiences shape you into a global citizen with a competitive edge. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
