LIBERAL STUDIES
Exams around the world: From flexible formats in the US & UK to high-stakes, single-window exams in China & South Korea
Amid the NEET controversy, ET explores global post-school entrance exams. The US & UK favor flexible SAT-style tests, while China & South Korea use high-stakes exams. Most exams are computer-based, focusing on attitude and aptitude. Anubhuti Vishnoi compares models from the UK, US, Singapore, China, South Korea, and Russia.
Poised along the Indian border, Chinese troops are there for the long haul
The Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College published an in-depth report examining PLA activity along the mountainous border in Aksai Chin opposite India in 2020-21. It considered how the PLA rapidly moved troops into the region as violence flared between Chinese and Indian troops in Galwan Valley on 15-16 June 2020. However, Blasko, a former US defence attache in Beijing and Hong Kong, also provided a useful assessment of current and future conditions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Xi continues his drive to purify the PLA and instill loyalty
Xi is heavily involved in military appointments and promotions, supposedly of candidates who are reliable, competent and loyal. Yet with so much cash being splashed around in ever-increasing defence budgets, some high-up officers in the PLA have seized the opportunity to profit personally.
China Coast Guard rules the waves and waives the rules
China intimidated Taiwan yet again with its large-scale Joint Sword-2024A exercise on 23-24 May. This saw People's Liberation Army (PLA) and CCG assets surround Taiwan and its outlying islands, underscoring the threat of a future Chinese quarantine or blockade of Taiwan.
China beats the war drums at Shangri-La Dialogue
Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun delivered a strong message at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, emphasizing China's stance against hegemonism and power politics in the Asia-Pacific region.
China's large-scale military drills around Taiwan could become regular, warn US experts
US experts analyzed China's Joint Sword-2024A military exercise around Taiwan, noting Beijing's intent to regularize large-scale drills with an increased role for the China Coast Guard (CCG) in blockades, according to Focus Taiwan. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted that these exercises, linked with law enforcement, reflect China's approach to Taiwan, signaling displeasure and aiming to punish Taiwan and the US. The experts anticipate this trend will continue, particularly in response to statements by Taiwan's newly-sworn President Lai Ching-te.
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Xi's bugbear: The man behind China's latest shock-and-awe maneuver
Taiwan's new leader, Lai Ching-te, has provoked China into military drills around the island in response to his inauguration and calls for Beijing to cease threats. China views Taiwan as a rebel province, while Lai asserts the country's separate status. The military escalation raises fears of a possible invasion.
China launches military drills around Taiwan as 'punishment'
China initiated two days of military drills around Taiwan in response to the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, who emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty. These exercises aim to encircle Taiwan and serve as a warning against pro-independence forces and external interference. Taiwan condemned the drills as threats to regional peace but remains prepared to defend its security. Despite the tensions, Lai has signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue with Beijing and maintain peaceful relations.
China's third aircraft carrier heads to sea for the first time
China's third aircraft carrier, Fujian, showcases advanced technology with catapults for aircraft, aiming for a fleet of six carriers for operational maturity. Collin Koh highlights the strategic plan for China's carrier fleet expansion, emphasizing the significance of Type 003 carriers.
Population of Hindus shrank 7.8%, minorities grew during 1950-2015: EAC-PM study
India's Hindu population decreased by 7.82% between 1950 and 2015, while the majority Muslim population increased from 9.84% to 14.09%. The share of the Christian population rose from 2.24% to 2.36%, the Sikh population rose from 1.24% to 1.85%, and the Buddhist population saw a noticeable increase from 0.05% to 0.81%. However, the share of Jains in India decreased from 0.45% to 0.36% and the Parsi population decreased from 0.03% to 0.004%. India has the largest decline in the majority population (7.82%) within the immediate South Asian neighborhood, only following Myanmar's 10% decline over 65 years.
PLA SSF scrapped, it’s now the PLA ISF: What does it mean?
PRC's CMC created the ISF on April 19, 2024, replacing the PLA SSF. Xi Jinping awarded the military flag. ISF focuses on communication networks. New arms redefine PLA's structure for modernization goals.
Naval-gazing our way
The Indian Navy is preparing for various scenarios, with a key focus on obtaining advanced underwater sonar technology from the US to enhance submarine detection. Despite two years of discussions, progress is slow, with the US suggesting India develop its operational framework before acquiring the technology. India's insistence on independent capability stems from past denials and sanctions.
Some American colleges will soon charge $100,000 a year. How did this happen?
Vanderbilt University's cost of $98,426 includes various expenses, aid options, and generous discounts. The article delves into the complexities of college pricing, aid distribution, and the factors contributing to the high costs in higher education.
Xi Jinping sticks to his vision for China's rise even as growth slows
Xi Jinping remains confident in China's rise despite economic setbacks. Chinese leaders are determined to stick to their long-term ambitions, including technological advancements. China faces challenges such as trade tensions and strained relations with the United States and Europe over partnership with Russia
Study Now, Pay Later: The overseas loan hacks you need to know
Sky-high tuition fees make education seem beyond reach. Availing education loans is crucial for visa applications. Determine expenses and loan amount needed. Explore various loan options and select the right loan for studying opportunities.
Donald Trump wants to fire thousands of government workers. Liberals are preparing to fight back if he wins
Former President Donald Trump is planning to reshape the federal government if he returns to the White House, including deporting millions of immigrants and firing government workers to replace them with loyalists. Liberal organisations are quietly promoting new federal rules to limit presidential power and protect President Joe Biden's accomplishments in case Trump wins a second term. Trump supporters are also working on "Project 2025" to create a conservative government-in-waiting.
Hamas studying truce proposal, averse to pauses in fighting clause
Hamas and other militants captured about 250 hostages during their deadly Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that triggered the war. They continue to hold dozens of captives, after more than 100 were released during a one-week truce in November, in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Since Israel's offensive began, more than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed and 66,000 wounded, according to the pushed a quarter of residents to starvation.
Self-reporting of mental health issues under 1% in India: Study
A study by the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, found that the self-reporting rate for mental health problems in India is less than 1%. The study, based on data from the 75th round of the National Sample Survey, 2017-18, revealed that social stigma is a significant factor in low self-reporting. The study also revealed a socioeconomic divide, with self-reporting being 1.73 times higher among the rich compared to the poorest.
Why is Canada capping foreign students and who will be impacted?
The proposals will also set limits on work permits handed out after graduation to foreign students who attended some institutions. The permits have been seen as an easy path to securing permanent residency. People pursuing master's or post-doctorate programs will be eligible for a three-year work permit.
Coal, hydropower energy transitions in India involve state-sanctioned violence, arrests: Study
While the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has declared that all coal production must be phased out by 2050 to avoid dangerous levels of global warming, India is in the midst of a fossil-fuelled transition toward increased coal production, the research from the University of California Irvine, US, found.
Ram temple inauguration: TMC, BJP to test their political might as Bengal politics heats up
The TMC, which has accused the BJP of trying to politicise a religious event by attempting to put up a "gimmick show" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, has announced to hold a mega all-faith harmony rally in the metropolis led by West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. The party will also hold similar rallies in every block of the state.
Frozen India, China ties on a drift into fourth year with no end in sight
India's bilateral ties with China have remained frozen since the deadly border clash in 2020, with no significant progress despite diplomatic and military talks. The situation arose when the People's Liberation Army deployed troops in Ladakh, resulting in a fatal clash at the Galwan Valley. The ties have seen no de-escalation or troop reduction since mid-2020.
Research says liberal media is more critical of AI than conservative outlets
The opposition is believed to stem from concerns about AI amplifying racial and gender biases and contributing to income inequality.
As Taiwan's government races to counter China, most people aren't worried about war
Huang shut down in solidarity with protesters during Taiwan’s Sunflower movement in 2014, when tens of thousands demonstrated against a trade deal with China. He says the Chinese population is “brainwashed.” Personally, he wants independence now, but he also said he can wait until more of Taiwan’s public is convinced.
Dhemaji Blast Case: Assam CM asks DGP to study the HC judgement; if legal advice given, govt to move SC
The Gauhati High Court has acquitted all six convicts in the 2004 bomb blast in Assam's Dhemaji. The Assam government has asked the Director General of Police to study the judgment and, if legal advice is obtained, they will appeal to the Supreme Court. The blast, carried out by the proscribed militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), killed 18 people, including 13 schoolchildren.
Canada is planning to cap foreign students as housing shortage worsens
There are over 800,000 international students with active visas in 2022, according to official data, up from 275,000 in 2012. Canada has fast gained popularity among international students over the last decade since it began easinf immigration rules and made it relatively easy to obtain a work permit.
Major restructure sees China's PLA air force take over naval aircraft
The People's Liberation Army (PLA), an armed force beholden to the Chinese Communist Party, is the world's largest military. Its pursuit of "jointness" between the various armed services has been made evident in the recent blockade of a Philippine outpost in the South China Sea, and in the recent transfer of naval aviation assets into the hands of the PLA Air Force.
China builds on its global military intelligence network, but is still playing catch up to the US
Speaking on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not specify other countries China was considering for listening posts, but some Western diplomats say they expect Chinese diplomatic pressure for facilities in the South Pacific and across the Indian Ocean.
India's aircraft carriers key to Indo-Pacific strategy
As Beijing increases its naval presence around Taiwan and pushes its claims in the South China Sea, the U.S., Britain and other allies have responded with regular naval exercises in the region and passages through the Taiwan Strait as they pursue a policy of a "free and open Indo-Pacific."
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