Paytm Credit Card on UPI enables effortless daily transactions like payments on grocery stores, chai shops

With just a smartphone, users can easily make UPI payments via credit cards on the Paytm app, powered by Paytm Payments Bank. The convenience of digital transactions have become a fundamental aspect of our daily lives in today’s fast paced world. One such transformative force in the digital payment landscape is the integration of UPI payments through credit cards on the Paytm app. Making small payments of ₹10 to ₹100 bucks through credit at your nearby Kirana stores or a local chai shop or even a chat shop has evolved into the ultimate and convenient payment method for users. This groundbreaking feature offers users the convenience of utilizing credit for routine payments, eliminating the need to rely solely on savings accounts and carrying the card everywhere. With just a smartphone, users can easily make UPI payments via credit cards on the Paytm app, powered by Paytm Payments Bank.   Users simply need to link their Rupay Credit Card to UPI through a straightforward process with quick and easy steps. The Credit Card on UPI feature allows users to scan merchant QR codes, allowing them to earn reward points with every transaction.With millions of merchants now accepting payments via credit cards on UPI, this can have a significant impact on the payment landscape.   This integration of RuPay Credit Cards on UPI not only expands credit card usage for customers but also supports merchants in the credit ecosystem through assets like QR codes. The increasing acceptance of RuPay credit cards on UPI contributes to financial inclusion, benefiting merchants and businesses across India.  Paytm Payments Bank remains at the forefront of innovation, driving the adoption of UPI payments with credit cards, and envisions a future where this technology reshapes the dynamics of the payment ecosystem in India.  

Removing layers: Sundar Pichai hints at more layoffs at Google in 2024

A day after laying off around 1,000 employees, Google chief executive officer (CEO) Sundar Pichai, on Wednesday, hinted towards more job cuts in the year ahead, The Verge reported. Terming it as part of a larger restructuring plan, Pichai, in an internal memo to Google employees, said, "We have ambitious goals and will be investing in our big priorities this year…the reality is that to create the capacity for this investment, we have to make tough choices."Referring to the "tough decisions", Pichai further said in the memo, "These role eliminations are not at the scale of last year's reductions and will not touch every team. His remark referenced Google's 2023 layoffs when the tech giant fired about 12,000 employees, the biggest layoff in the company's history in a single year.According to the report, Pichai said the layoffs this year were about "removing layers to simplify execution and drive velocity in some areas."Pichai's communication followed a day after Google handed pink slips to around 1,000 employees in the advertising sales team in the first layoff wave of 2024. The company said the eligible employees would receive severance pay. It also offered that the impacted employees may re-apply for open positions in other departments. However, it clarified that those unable to secure a position at the company would be required to exit by April. The developments followed about a week after Google had announced that it would lay off hundreds of people working on its voice-activated Google Assistant software and the company's Devices and Services team.Apart from Google, Jeff Bezos' Amazon also announced last week that it would fire several hundred employees in its streaming and studio operations.Neither company has specified the exact number of job role cuts they are planning in 2024.  

January 2024: 84% of candidates appear; DigiLocker provides digital marksheets and eligibility certificates.

CTET 2024: 9,58,193 candidates signed up for the first paper, and 17,35,333 for the second. CTET 2024: On January 21, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) administered the CTET 2024 exam. According to a CBSE statement, 84% of the 26,93,526 applicants who registered for the CTET January 2024 exam actually showed up for the test.There were two question papers in the CTET. Question Paper 1 guaranteed teachers' eligibility for Classes 1 through 5, and Question Paper 2 guaranteed teachers' eligibility for Classes 6 through 8. Candidates who meet the requirements can choose from among the 20 required languages and appear in one or both of the examinations. 9,58,193 candidates signed up for paper 1, and 17,35,333 candidates signed up for paper 2. A total of 137 city coordinators—two of whom were needed due to an excess of test centers in some cities—3,418 center superintendents, 4,021 observers, and 662 CBSE officials and employees were deployed to ensure the CTET 2024 exam was conducted fairly and smoothly, according to data released by the CBSE. Additionally, CBSE has set up DigiLocker to deliver digital marksheets and eligibility certifications. Every candidate who has appeared will have a DigiLocker account created for them, and they will receive account credentials on the cellphone numbers they have on file with the CBSE. With the shared credentials, candidates will be able to get their digital scorecard and eligibility certificate.The digitally signed eligibility certificate and mark sheet are legally acceptable under the IT Act, according to CBSE, and for security reasons, they feature an encrypted QR code that can be scanned and validated using the DigiLocker smartphone app.  

Study Abroad | New to the UK as a student? Continue to be content, cheerful, and logical.

Study Abroad: People in Brighton use a website called "next door" to publish their needs and occasionally to leave comments on the tasks that professional individuals have completed for them, such as gardening or housekeeping.You are following in the footsteps of Gandhiji, Nehru, and Ambedkar as an overseas student studying in the UK. Their life tales remind us that you will be entering a new world of opportunity, freedom, and fair amounts of confusion. The nation may occasionally seem desolate and chilly, but it is nearly always pricey. Maybe these are the reasons why so many individuals chose to sail across choppy waters in order to spend many happy years living in our tropical nations. Let it serve as your research topic.Therefore, it's a good idea to pack a firefighting equipment and a survival plan when you purchase your pricey tickets. The maxim is to prepare ahead of time. Always. Everything from booking a place to stay to looking for side jobs to supplement your income to planning how to spend all your hard-earned money on enjoyable activities. Please refer to your visa, however aside from jokes, you can often work part-time. Bread, milk, and honey First, let's address the weather issue. The secret to making sure you don't break the bank and have enough roti, kapda, and makkan to survive it. First, the makkan, or lodging, part: be certain of the location and type of place you will be staying in. You can't spend all your time lounging on the couch with pals or spending even one night under a tree. Here are a few of the tropical comforts you won't find in this chilly, damp location with numerous safety rules. University housing is the greatest option. Residence halls are typically located on campuses of universities and colleges. Or they might rent a couple of off-campus apartments or homes.  Seniors are given priority. Usually, there are lengthy waiting lists. It is advisable to reserve your hotel as soon as you are granted entry. The housing offices at most institutions can offer you helpful guidance. It's largely enjoyable because many of you will be living together on campus. You can sleep late, attend classes, and make those late treks to the library on restless nights. For students, there are also special private halls. On some of the more well-known ones, your university housing office or students' union might be able to provide guidance. Facebook groups for students might exist, or you could just search online. It is wise to confirm with your campus housing office or (previous) students. Prior to sending money, confirm the party's legitimacy. Although most students share housing, you can also rent an apartment or a room on your own. Both cheaper and more enjoyable is that. There are also neighborhood social media groups that put you in touch with homes and co-ops. After their first year, most students move into residences with their roommates, thus they could require additional individuals to fill a house. A local guarantor and a deposit equal to one month's rent or more are typically required for this kind of private renting. Planning and networking are therefore crucial. The majority of private accommodations provide WiFi, heating, and electricity in the monthly rental price. or more will be available. Anyhow, steer clear of unpleasant surprises and make sure the space is adequately heated. If not, you risk becoming sick and having a very difficult winter. You will need bed linens, blankets, silverware, and utensils when you move in; be sure these are included in the package. Think about going to the closest grocery store and searching for a low-cost selection. Silver and bone china are not necessary. Used kitchenware and household goods are occasionally sold or given away by student union shops. Pay attention.  

Launched in Spanish by IGNOU, see the requirements for eligibility

The program gives students the option to leave after the first year, with instruction given solely in Spanish by professionals in a variety of specializations.The Master of Arts in Spanish (MASL) program, which is set to start in January 2024, was announced by the IGNOU School of Foreign Languages on January 18. The goal of this program is to give students a comprehensive understanding of Hispanic literature, culture, and history so they may understand the current changes in the area. According to IGNOU, the program also includes practical modules like linguistics, interpretation, and translation studies. After completing the MASL curriculum successfully, students will be able to explain and communicate a variety of aspects of Hispanic cultures. The curriculum gives students the option to leave after the first year, with instruction given solely in Spanish by professionals with a variety of specializations. Applicants may also possess an Advanced Diploma of Proficiency in Spanish from an accredited institution or university, or a Bachelor's Degree in any field, augmented by a B1 level of language proficiency in Spanish (as per CEFR). Candidates can use this link to access the online admission portal and submit an application.A press release from IGNOU states that the goal of the MASL curriculum is to give students a comprehensive understanding of Hispanic literature, culture, and history. It also gives students the tools they need to understand current changes in the area.As stated in the news release, the MASL program allows students the option to leave after the first year and is taught in Spanish by professionals with a variety of specializations. In order to be considered for the program, prospective students must hold a Spanish bachelor's degree from an accredited university, located in India or abroad.Applicants may also possess an Advanced Diploma of Proficiency in Spanish from an accredited institution or university, or a Bachelor's Degree in any field, augmented by a B1 level of language proficiency in Spanish (as per CEFR).  

PhD scholar fellowships at IIM Kozhikode are increased by 20–25%.

On January 18, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) announced an increase in the monthly stipends paid to its PhD scholars. The stipends of scholars enrolling in IIM-K's Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM), which grants a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), would increase by 20–25 percent. The institute offers a full-time, residential, fully funded PhD program in DPM. The most recent change to the IIM-K fellowship was made in the Financial Year (FY) 2018–19. The most recent update, which will go into effect in the upcoming FY 2024–2025 is going to be as follows: In addition to industry, business, government, and society, our DPM alumni are an invaluable source of talent for management researchers and instructors in top national and international academic institutions. According to Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, "this initiative will further motivate talented scholars to dedicate themselves to learning and inspire them to pursue research as a viable and rewarding career option." According to IIM-K, two thirds of the institute's DPM graduates have been hired as faculty members at esteemed universities in Europe, North America, and the Middle East as well as prominent national institutes (such IITs and IIMs). Reputable corporate organizations have sent employment offers to other DPM graduates. Applications are now being accepted for the prestigious 18th Batch of DPM at IIMK in the following fields of specialization: Humanities, Liberal Arts, Finance, Accounting, and Control in Economics Information Technology Marketing Administration Behavior in Organizations and Human Resources Operations & Methods Quantitative Strategic Management in Management. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) would get a 20% to 25% increase in their monthly emoluments starting in 2024–2025. Those enrolled in the esteemed Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM) at the IIMK would profit from this. New Delhi: The fellowship amount for scholars enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Management (DPM), which leads to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, has been enhanced by 20–25% by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode. January 18, 2024 was the date of the announcement. For qualified individuals, IIM Kozhikode offers a full-time, residential, fully funded doctoral program called DPM. The present program participants will receive offers of INR 45,000 after passing the qualifying exam and INR 42,00 after completing the first two years of the program. In addition, they will get INR 50,000 once the thesis proposal is finished.Prof. Debashis Chatterjee continued, "This initiative will inspire talented scholars to pursue research as a viable and rewarding career option and further motivate them to dedicate themselves to learning." Two-thirds of the graduates of IIM Kozhikode's Doctoral Program in Management (DPM) are currently teaching at prestigious universities in the Middle East, North America, and Europe as well as prominent national institutes like IITs and IIMs.  

SSLC examinations will start on March 25 and Karnataka II PU exams will start on March 1 of 2024.

Exam Schedule for Karnataka 2nd PU, SSLC 2024: The final schedule for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) 2022 preparatory exams has been issued by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB).Karnataka SSLC Exams 2024, Second PU: The test schedule for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) 2024 and the Pre University Certificate (II PU) was issued today by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB). On March 1, the II PU board exam will start, and on March 25, the SSLC exams will start. The Kannada and Arabic tests for the Karnataka II PUC exams will be followed by Hindi papers on March 22. Exam hours are set for 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In a similar vein, initial language papers will be used to start SSLC exams, which conclude on April 6.The dates of the Karnataka PUC 2 exams are set for March 1, 2024, through March 22, 2024. The Kannada, Arabic, and Hindi papers will come first in the Class 12 exams, and last, respectively. Exams for classes 10 and 12 will be given in one shift, beginning at 10:15 am and ending at 1:30 pm. Bangalore, 18 January 2024: It's finally time for Karnataka students to mark their calendars in preparation for their important board exams. The exact dates for the 2024 Pre-University College (PUC) and Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams were announced today by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB). The II PUC exams are scheduled to begin on March 1st, 2024, and end on March 22nd, 2024. During these three weeks, students from the Science, Arts, and Commerce programs will take their corresponding exams. There is a little wait for those preparing for the SSLC exams. They will start their tests on March 25 and they will end on April 6, 2024. The first language paper will be the first exam in both sets, making it easy to get started on the exam season. The approximately twenty lakh students who were anticipating the dates with bated breath can now rest easy. They may now concentrate their preparation techniques and complete their study programs as they have a clear timeframe in place. The comprehensive schedules for the two tests have also been made public by KSEEB and can be accessed on their official website, kseab.karnataka.gov.in. Important lessons learned: II PUC Examinations: March 1–22, 2024; SSLC Examinations: March 25–April 6, 2024 First language paper is the first exam in both.  

CUET PG 2024: Srinagar and Gurugram will have additional test centers

CUET PG 2024: Two additional test cities have been added by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG) in 2024. Srinagar and Gurugram in Haryana are the new test cities."Candidates and other interested parties have requested the addition of additional test cities for their convenience. According to an official NTA statement, "The National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to add 02 more Cities as Examination Centers for CUET (PG) – 2024."CUET PG 2024: Here's how to adjust after NTA adds two additional exam centers. For CUET PG 2024, NTA is adding two new exam centers: Srinagar and Gurugram. During the adjustment time, candidates can change the exam center city according to their address. The center allocation decision made by NTA is final. CUET PG 2024: Candidates who have already submitted their application forms now have the chance to change their desired examination center city during the allotted correction window, as per an official announcement from the NTA.Two additional test cities, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and Gurugram in Haryana, have been strategically added to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG) 2024 by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This action is a reaction to multiple demands for increased accessibility made by stakeholders and candidates. Candidates who have already submitted their registration forms now have the chance to change their desired examination center city within the allotted correction window, as per an official announcement from the NTA. The National Testing Authority (NTA) guarantees applicants that every attempt will be made to assign the test city of their choice; however, the final say-so will be based on the correspondence or permanent address the applicant gave on their application. It should be noted that the NTA has previously lowered the total number of exam city centers for CUET PG 2024 from 337 in 2023 to 300 inside India, including those located outside the nation. This modification aims to maximize the testing procedure while guaranteeing a streamlined and effective application process for applicants. The CUET PG website has undergone modifications in addition to the test center expansion. You may now reach the new official website at pgcuet.samarth.ac.in.  

Sankranti School Holidays in Andhra Pradesh Will Now Take Place on January 19–20, 2024

The state government of Andhra Pradesh announced that kids' Sankranti school breaks in 2024 would be extended by two days. The Sankranti holiday will now be commemorated on January 19 and 20, according to a statement made by the Commissioner of School Education on Wednesday.The date of the schools' reopening is set on January 22, 2024. According to a Times Now report, the Commissioner of School Education issued this directive after taking parents' and teachers' input into account.The Education Department has sent a notification to all District Education Officers in the State, asking them to schedule make-up classes for these two additional days during the upcoming General vacations in the Academic Year 2023–2024, in order to make up for the longer holidays. These guidelines are to be followed by headmasters of all kinds of schools, including assisted, private, public, and ZPP/MPP.Sankranti vacations In the past, Andhra Pradesh schools celebrated Sankranti with a 10-day holiday from January 9 to January 18. From January 12–17, the state of Telangana also had a holiday.Ayodhya's Ram Mandir is scheduled to open on January 22, and there have been suggestions that educational institutions may have an extra day off. However, there hasn't been an official notification about this possible vacation as of yet.The Andhra Pradesh government reportedly sent out a notification on January 17, 2024, announcing that the dates of the Sankranti break will be January 19 and 20, 2024. The Commissioner of School Education has ordered that classes resume on January 22, 2024.The government of Andhra Pradesh has decided to add two extra days to the Sankranti vacation in 2024. The Makar Sankranti holidays have been extended by two days, according to a memo sent by the AP state government authorities on January 17, 2024. The state's schools will therefore reopen on January 22, 2024.In response to requests from parents and educators, the government has decided to extend the AP Sankranti Holidays 2024 for all primary and high schools in the state by an additional two days (January 19 and January 20, 2024), according to the notice, which was made by Suresh Kumar, Commissioner of the School Education Department.Earlier, during the Sankranti holiday, all state schools were closed for ten days. Students were to take a vacation that started on January 9, 2024, and ended on January 18, 2024.AP Sankranti Holidays 2024: Extended Sankranti Break With Compensatory Classes The government of Andhra has issued a letter informing all District Education Officers that compensating classes should be held in lieu of the longer Sankranti vacation. During the forthcoming general vacations in the Academic Session 2023–2024, these classes may be held. According to local reports, all headmasters in the state—private, aided, unaided, ZPP/MPP, and government schools—must get orders from the responsible officials to follow these guidelines.Given the dedication of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, it is also conceivable that state educational institutions will be granted a holiday. However, the government of Andhra Pradesh has not yet made any formal announcements. In the meantime, in honor of Ram Janmbhoomi's "Pran Pratishtha," the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa have announced a public holiday for all government offices and educational institutions in their respective states.  

Results of the Company Secretary Entrance Exam (CSEET) will be released on January 19.

New Delhi: On January 19 at 2:00 PM, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) will release the results of the January 2024 session of the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET). Applicants who took the test can view their results by going to the ICSI's official website.  The candidate's subject-by-subject grade breakdown will be uploaded by the institute to the official website. Result-cum-Marks Statements will not be provided to candidates in hard copy."The results of the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET), which was held on January 6 and 8, 2024, would be declared on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 2pm," stated an official notification from the institute. The results will be posted on the Institute's website, along with a breakdown of each candidate's marks by subject."   "Formal e-Result-cum-Marks Statement of Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test, January, 2024 Session will be uploaded on the website of institute immediately after declaration of result for downloading by candidates for their reference, use and records. No physical copy of Result-cum-Marks Statement shall be issued to the Candidates," the notification added.   The exam is conducted for admission to the Company Secretaries professional course. Candidates who qualify the exam will be eligible to appear for the next level of the Company Secretary (CS) course- CS Executive programme (single module). The last date for registration for the CS course is January 31, 2024. Post a comment In order to qualify the exam, candidates are required to score 50% overall aggregate passing marks. The minimum passing marks should be 40% in  Business Communication,  Legal Aptitude and Logical Reasoning, Economic and Business Environment and Current Affairs.

Teaching kids internet habits for a safer online experience

With so many records in his long career, Virat Kohli is about to reach another milestone that will add even more glory to his already outstanding list of achievements. In the event that Kohli scores six runs in Wednesday's third and final Twenty20 match against Afghanistan, he will become the first batter from India to reach 12,000 runs in the T20 format. With 11994 runs in 375 games, Kohli will be the fourth hitter overall to reach the milestone. Overuse of screens can harm a person's physical and mental health. Establish a timetable for using the Internet, and encourage substituting activities such as playing games, reading, or working out. A balanced way of living develops a comprehensive strategy for their total growth. Prioritising online safety Instill in your kids the value of protecting their personal data. Inform them that sensitive information such as their name, phone number, address, and passwords should not be disclosed to outsiders or hackers. Establish a safe online environment and keep an eye on their online activity by utilising parental controls and filters.For kids, the Internet may be a great resource. They can play interactive games, connect with teachers and other students, and conduct research for school reports.However, there are hazards associated with using the internet, such as offensive material, cyberbullying, and predatory websites. Predators may pretend to be youngsters or teenagers trying to find new friends by using social media applications and websites where children communicate. They could urge kids to call them so they can see their phone number on caller ID, or they might poke the child to disclose private information like address and phone number.It is important for parents to monitor what their children see, hear, and share about themselves on the internet, as well as who they encounter. Have a conversation with your children, watch over their actions, and use tools to protect them.Laws pertaining to Internet Safety The Children's internet Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law, aids in the internet safety of children under the age of thirteen. It is intended to prevent anyone from obtaining a child's personal information without the parent's knowledge and consent.COPPA mandates that before collecting or using a child's personal information, including name, address, phone number, or Social Security number, websites must notify users of their privacy policies and obtain parental approval. Additionally, it is against the law for a website to request more personal information from a minor in order for them to participate in a contest or play a game.Tools for Online Protection With the use of online resources, you may limit your children's exposure to mature content and shield them from cyber predators. Parent-control choices are offered by numerous Internet service providers (ISPs). Software that assists in limiting website access and preventing the transmission of private information online is also available. Online behavior can be tracked and monitored by other programs.Engaging in Children's Online Activities Observing your children's Internet use and teaching them safe and responsible online behavior are more crucial than banning unpleasant content.Basic internet safety tips to impart to your children are as follows: Observe the guidelines established by the Internet service provider and your household. Never exchange or post personal images. Never divulge private information, such your address, phone number, or the name or location of your school. Save your passwords for your screen name only, and only share them with your parents. Never consent to meet up in person with someone you met online without your parents' permission or supervision. Never reply to a text, email, message, or post that seems menacing. Always report any contact or conversation that was frightening or harmful to your parents or another responsible adult.Fundamental rules for parental supervision: Teach your children responsible online conduct by spending time together on the internet. Instead of keeping the computer in each bedroom, keep it in a shared space where you can keep an eye on its usage. Observe how much time is spent on tablets and cellphones. For convenience, bookmark your children's favorite websites. Look for strange account charges on your phone and credit card bills. Find out if your child's school, after-school program, friends' houses, or any other location where kids could use a computer without your supervision offers any kind of internet protection. If your child tells you about an awkward conversation they had online, listen to them carefully.  

Haryana Holiday Schedule for Schools in 2024

Haryana's School Holidays in 2024: The Haryana government has issued the official holiday schedule for 2024. Get the list of holidays that Haryana schools will observe month by month in 2024 by reading this page.Haryana School vacation List 2024: The Haryana government has made available the official vacation schedule for 2024. All public and private schools are bound by this holiday schedule. The complete month-by-month schedule of Haryana schools' holidays for the 2024–2025 academic year is given in this article.Calendar of Haryana School Holidays for 2024–2025 The schedule of Haryana's forthcoming academic year's major events and school holidays is shown below.Day Name and Date of the Holidays Wednesday, January 17, 2024January 26, 2024, is Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Jayanti. Republic Day, Friday, February 14, 2024, Wednesday Basant Panchmi Friday, March 8, 2024 March 25, 2024 is Maha Shivratri. Monday Thursday, April 11, 2024 is Holi. April 17, 2024: Eid-ul-Fitr Wednesday May 10, 2024 is Ram Navami. Friday Akshya Tritiya/Parshuram Jayanti June 17, 2024 Monday Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) 31 July 2024 Wednesday Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day August 15, 2024 Thursday Independence Day August 19, 2024 Monday Raksha Bandhan August 26, 2024 Monday Janmashtami September 23, 2024 Monday Shaheedi Divas / Haryana War Heroes’ Martyrdom Day October 2, 2024 Wednesday Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti October 3, 2024 Thursday Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti October 17, 2024 Thursday Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti/Maharaja Ajmidh Jayanti November.School holidays in Punjab, Haryana, and several districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been extended due to the persistent cold wave and heavy fog in the northern areas. The bad weather has also forced the Delhi government to alter the hours of schools.School holidays in Punjab, Haryana, and several districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been extended due to the persistent cold wave and heavy fog in the northern areas. The bad weather has also forced the Delhi government to alter the hours of schools. Due to the intense cold that has been hitting the region, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has decided to extend winter break for students in Nursery through Class 5 until January 21. He made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter. The secondary and high school schedules have also been altered by the state. Bains also mentioned that classes 6 through 12 will meet regularly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.The government of the Chandigarh union territory has also directed all public and private schools to defer the start of physical classes for students in Nursery through Class 8 until January 20. Additionally, the administration noted that students might sign up for the institutions' online courses. Haryana has also chosen to prolong the nursery to class 3 holidays to January 18. The holidays have been extended in the Uttar Pradesh districts of Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Basti, Manipuri, Lucknow, Moradabad, Kanpur, Sambhal, Lakhimpur Kheri, Agra, Rampur, Balarampur, and Bareilly. All schools in Lucknow, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Balrampur, Mainpuri, and Bareilly—from nursery to class eight—will be closed from January 16 to January 16.Kanpur, Sambhal, Firozabad, and Lakhimpur Kheri schools will close on January 17, and Rampur and Moradabad schools will close on January 20. Agra government orders that the nursery for Class 8 pupils remain shuttered until January 20.The Delhi administration has ordered that schools open today. There has been a change in the schedule; classes will now meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schools in various parts of Bihar will reopen tomorrow following their holiday vacation.