A Comprehensive Guide to Cracking the JEE

A Comprehensive Guide to Cracking the JEE

By George Koshy

The Joint Entrance Examination 2018 (JEE-2018) is just around the corner and a cloud of tension will inescapably haunt every JEE aspirant as each day passes by. The prime challenge that one faces is that of managing / balancing time to study for both Board exams and the JEE. Furthermore, you are expected to write the entrance exam soon after your Boards exams giving you a small window to prepare for the JEE. So, when JEE comes knocking at your door, don't lose heart, all you need is a foolproof plan to start your preparation in full swing from today and make the best possible utilization of time. Read on to understand how you can establish a plan to achieve the goal of acing the JEE examination.

A Foolproof Study Plan: Organised Preparation is KEY

First things first, know all the important dates and timelines pertaining to the JEE examination. This will help you plan your approach to conquer the examination along with calculating the effort that you will have to put in each day.

A good strategy is often the crucial factor that differentiates success and failure. Adopt organized preparation as a strategy and ensure that each day counts.

Here's a checklist of must-do items when preparing for the JEE and formulating an effective study plan

1. Make sure you plan out for the entire JEE and Board syllabus. JEE is a superset of Boards when it comes to Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics but you need to apportion time for other subjects that will be in your Board Exams as well

2. Set deadlines to complete each topic. Measure your progress as you go along

3. Adopt a systematic learning method. Try to plan out your study keeping in mind the time available and the topics to cover in the given time frame.

4. Create notes and mind-maps while studying. These will become vital when it comes to revision.

5. Last but not the least, make sure you include recreation in your schedule because all work and no play can be exhausting and in most cases, even counterproductive.

Effective Preparation: Staying focussed on your goals and working towards them

Now let's take a deep dive into understanding how to effectively drive your focus as it is going to be THE crucial part of JEE preparation.

Identify your STRONG and WEAK Topics

It's vital to take a hard look at yourself and identify your strong and weak topics. Break it down from a subject level into a topic level. This way, you'll be able to have a laser-sharp focus on what needs to be done. Make a list of these topics and make sure you prepare a timetable that allocates time efficiently with a higher weightage given to the topics you're weak at.In addition, you should also look at the important topics for JEE and prepare your timetable accordingly.

Identify and acquire the best study material

You will need to primarily give weightage to your    NCERT books period. This is because JEE Main is organized by CBSE. So, the exam certainly is based on the content provided in these books.

Gather a list of practice questions as well and old question papers so that you know what questions are asked. A further list of reference books by subject has been shared at the bottom of this article.

Weighing Quality over Quantity: JEE demands understanding and application of logic

You must have heard the adage of how quality matters over quantity time and again. A JEE aspirant must take this to heart because only quality preparation can help you achieve your goal regardless of the countless hours you invest in reading your books.

You will have to adapt to the practice of embracing concepts qualitatively. An eager approach towards JEE preparation may force you to hoard concepts even if it means not understanding them properly. This can backfire and your preparation can go wrong. JEE is definitely not at all about superficialities; it tests your conceptual knowledge to the core. This means absolutely mastering the topics. Thus, you must go to the root of concepts and clear any and all doubts instantaneously and constantly to make sure you can handle any question on that topic

Reinforcing a positive mindset

It is said that poor performances during an examination can be traced back to a negative mindset, usually in the form of stress, anxiety and a lack of self-belief. While preparing for the exam always remember that stress and anxiety are normal, but what you choose to do with it is what matters. You could let it be your downfall or use it to drive you to improve your work. Use these tips and use it to leverage your anxiety and stress and reinforce a positive mindset.

1. Exam worries often come from a fear of the unknown. Not knowing what to expect under exam conditions can create panic. Overcome this by studying past examination papers to get a realistic idea of what is about to come.

2. Organised approach: Being organized should be a part of your strategy. Small attributes like organizing your written material into subheadings, charts, bullet points, and diagrams can help you clear the clutter. By breaking up your work, exam preparation becomes more productive

3. Fear of mistakes is an obvious trigger to stress and unfortunately, mistakes are an unavoidable component of exams. So keep learning from your mistakes as you practice sample papers and experience failure as a feedback to stay positive

The DON'Ts while preparing for JEE:

Purely as a precaution, here's a list of the common mistakes made by students who prepare for JEE entrance so that you stay steer clear of these errors.

1. Ignoring NCERT Books

2. Failing to make or stick to a Timetable

3. Ignoring Chemistry and focussing only on Math and Physics

4. Ignoring theory in Maths and Physics

5. Hoarding reference material but not completing any thoroughly

6. Moving on without understanding concepts thoroughly

Addendum: List of reference books:

Picking the right books for Cracking the JEE

Only after you have mastered your NCERT books is it recommended to move on to these reference books. Here is the list of books that you can refer to understand the topics and practice problems. These are the books recommended by teachers and IITians.

Best Physics Books for JEE Preparation:

Concepts of Physics by H. C. Verma (Part 1 & 2)

IIT-JEE Physics by D.C Pandey

Fundamentals of Physics by Resnick, Halliday, and Walker

Problems in General Physics by I. E. Irodov

Once you have finished the NCERT Physics books, start studying from H.C. Verma's book because it provides a lot of questions at the end of the chapter graded in difficulty level. An honest attempt to solve them can help you a great deal.

Simultaneously, try the Halliday, Resnick and Walker's book. This book has a great reputation worldwide because each chapter offers few conceptual questions which again can help in building a strong foundation.

I.E. Irodov's book is one of the toughest books in Physics. It is very useful for problems in Mechanics and Electromagnetism for the IIT JEE Preparation.

Best Chemistry Books for JEE Preparation:

Chemistry is divided roughly into a) General Chemistry with a huge emphasis on Physical Chemistry, b) Organic Chemistry and c) Inorganic Chemistry.

Organic Chemistry by Morrison and Boyd for Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry by Solomons and Fryhle for Organic Chemistry

Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J. D. Lee for Inorganic Chemistry

Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations by RC Mukherjee

Best Mathematics Books for IIT JEE Preparation:

Higher Algebra by Hall and Knight for Algebra

Coordinate Geometry by S.L. Loney

Differential and Integral Calculus by N. Piskunov

Calculus and Analytic Geometry by Thomas and Finney for Calculus

IIT Mathematics by M.L. Khanna

Course in Mathematics for IIT-JEE by Tata McGraw Hill publications

Problems Plus in IIT Mathematics by A Das Gupta

Trigonometry by S L Loney

I hope this guide has shed some light on how to plan and strategize your preparation for JEE 2018.

George Koshy is an Internet marketer based in Bangalore, Karnataka.He works with HashLearn - Your everyday study partner, you can check -in to your study topic, ask your doubts to tutors & practice thousands of questions - all through the Hashlearn app. Check it out - http://www.hashlearn.com

Article Source: A Comprehensive Guide to Cracking the JEE

The Cruel Tughluq Dynasty Ruler - Muhammad Bin Tughluq

The Cruel Tughluq Dynasty Ruler - Muhammad Bin Tughluq

By Priyesh Nair

Many of us are not are not aware of some intriguing facts about Indian history. Let's take a look at history of Tughlaq dynasty and Muhammad bin Tughluq to discover some of them.

The Tughluq dynasty ruled the Delhi sultanate from 1320 to 1413 and was founded by Ghazi Malik aka. Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq. Muhammad bin Tughluq was the most successful ruler of this dynasty who conquered a lot of land from 1330 and 1335. Although he was successful in expanding his empire, Tughlaq dynasty history was characterized by his tortures and cruelty leading to rebellions and disintegration after 1335 AD.

Before the Tughlaqs, the Khalji dynasty had control over the Delhi Sultanate. Khilji dynasty's governor Khusro Khan and Malik Kafur looted non-Muslim kingdoms for Alauddin Khalji. Alauddin Khalji died in 1316 leading to political instability. Ghazi Malik was a governor under the Khiljis for Punjab. He killed Khusro Khan to begin the Tughlaq dynasty.

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq built Tughlakabad to protect his men from Mongol attacks. He rewarded those who supported him and punished those who had supported Khusro Khan. He lowered taxes on Muslims and raised the same for Hindus.

In 1321, Ghiyasuddin asked his eldest son Muhammad bin Tughlaq to attack Arangal and Tilang. He failed in his first attempt but succeeded 4 months later with the help of a stronger army. Arangal was renamed as Sultanpur; the complete state treasury was looted.

The Muslim leader in Lukhnauti helped Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq to attack Shamsuddin Firoz Shah in 1324-1325 AD and expand into Bengal. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq handed over Delhi to Muhammad bin Tughlaq and himself led his army to Lukhnauti and won the battle. One of the cruelest chapters of his history has been the fact that he killed his father Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq and brother Mahmud Khan in 1325 AD when they were returning back after the same conquest.

In his reign of 26 years, Muhammad attacked Malwa, Gujarat, Mahratta, Tilang, Kampila, Dhur-samundar etc. He kept looting non-Muslim kingdoms but could not control emerging discontent and revolts.

He also imposed a 10 times higher land tax on non-Muslims living in fertile lands of Ganga and Yamuna. They were also asked to pay crop taxes by handing over half or more of their harvests. Hindu farmers stopped farming and the subcontinent was affected by famines at the same time. Muhammad bin Tughlaq resorted to more violence and mass punishments. He also executed other sections of the muslim communities like Shia, Sufis etc.

He then decided to move his capital from Delhi to Deogiri and renamed it as Daulatabad. People were forced to migrate and those who refused were killed. Daulatabad did not have enough drinking water and the capital was returned back to Delhi.

Revolts against Muhammad bin Tughlaq began in 1327 and the Sultanate started reducing in size after 1335. The Vijayanagara Empire did not allow the Delhi Sultanate to expand in southern India. Many other regions declared independence from Muhammad bin Tughlaq as well.

The state treasury had no precious metal coins after Tughlaq's expansive war campaigns. Coins of    Tughlaq dynasty started getting made using base metals with a face value of silver coins. People started minting fake coins of their own leading to an economic disaster. This was followed by 10 years of famines leading to several deaths.

Muhammad bin Tughlaq also tried to attack Khurasan, Irak and China but in vain. People who could not pay taxes were executed. He died in March 1351 while trying to attack people who rebelled against him in Sindh and Gujarat.

Some historians think that he wanted to forcefully impose orthodox Islamic practices while others thought that he was insane. By this time, the Delhi Sultanate lost its territories and covered only the Vindhya range in central India.

Article Source:  The Cruel Tughluq Dynasty Ruler - Muhammad Bin Tughluq

New Book Focuses on How to Handle Business Growth Beyond Sales

New Book Focuses on How to Handle Business Growth Beyond Sales

By Tyler Tichelaar

In Sales Won't Save Your Business, "Super" Joe Pardo answers the questions business owners have about how to create a viable and successful business beyond just selling. The book's title is very apt because, as Joe points out, selling a lot of your product won't help your business if you don't have an effective team in place to handle customer service and you don't have the right processes and procedures in place to prepare for the growth that results from sales. As a result, Joe takes the reader on a journey to the TOP by dividing the book into three parts that focus on Team, Offer, and Process.

Following a foreword by Lee Cockerell, Retired Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World� Resort, Super Joe jumps right into telling it like it is by asking readers to recall why they started a business in the first place, what is the biggest stress generator in the business, and what they can do to empower themselves in the business.

Joe refers to the contents page as a roadmap, and rather than having chapters, he calls each section a "pin" on that roadmap-a place you must stop and master to move forward in your journey to business growth.

At the heart of this book is a request for the reader to become self-aware. Joe reminds readers to ask others for feedback about their own strengths and weaknesses, to ask for help, not to work themselves to death, and to focus on the influence they have on others. That influence affects the business owner's team members and their success, so the first part of the book focuses on how to create a successful team, which is an extension of the business and its owner. As Joe says, "Your business is a tree, and the roots of that tree are made of strong relationships." Being a business owner also means being a leader, which means you have to dig in and do the work yourself. Joe states, "At times, you will need to fill in because of a worker shortage or an emergency. In such situations, it is important for your team to understand you are not just going to sit back and make them do all of the work. This does not mean, however, that you should be working in your business all of the time versus on your business. A great leader knows how to find the balance that will earn respect."

Being a leader means inspiring your team, and it also means entrusting that team to do what you would do when you don't have time to do it. Relinquishing power to others is often difficult for leaders, but Joe points out that when you try to micromanage your team, you take power from your managers; that makes team members second-guess their managers and do what they think you want, even though they may not always know what you want. Therefore, you have to empower your managers by letting go of all the power.

Change is always difficult for organizations, so if you want to implement the changes Joe recommends, you'll have to deal with people who don't like change.

Consequently, Joe spends a lot of time talking about how to incorporate change in your business without ruffling too many feathers. To illustrate his point, he shares his own story of implementing change in his family's business, and how, despite a few ruffled feathers, the process became successful.

Despite whatever changes you make, the ultimate goal is to provide customer satisfaction. In Part 2: Focus on the Offer, Joe talks about how to price products properly and how to get your team aligned with providing customer service. The best advice Joe gives here is how to teach your team to focus on the customer's perspective when providing service.

In Part 3: Focus on the Process, Joe reminds us it's vital that business owners always seek ways not just to change but to improve. In order to do that, you have to have clear processes. Once processes are in place, team members are clear on their tasks and then the business can run smoothly. As a result, you won't need to micromanage; you'll then have time to work on your business rather than working in it.

There's much more I could talk about here-excellent advice on hiring, firing, and promoting team members; advice on incorporating technology into your business; and advice on how to grow your profit by improving your training. Throughout, Joe sprinkles in his "Super Joe Says" sayings-which are like modern proverbs for business owners. Each pin ends with exercises so that readers don't just have a reading but a learning experience, allowing them to look at their own businesses and come up with the answers they need. As a result, they'll close this book having the tools to take their businesses to new levels of growth and their own lives to increased satisfaction.

Article Source:  New Book Focuses on How to Handle Business Growth Beyond Sales

Political Reality: Will Democrats Be Prepared, Or Their Worst Enemies?

Political Reality: Will Democrats Be Prepared, Or Their Worst Enemies?

By Richard Brody

Most people would agree, we are presently experiencing the most politically polarizing period in America's recent history/ memory! Few would claim, President Trump, has proceeded, and performed, as previous holders of the position, have! Whether one voted for, or against, the individual, both sides appear to have hardened their perspectives, and rather than seeking any form of compromise, and/ or meeting of the minds, for the common good, there seems to be a level of polarization, which has created, a significant, political divide! His most ardent supporters continue to believe in his leadership, while some of his more marginal, previous voters, appear to be feeling, like the lyrics in the song, written by Pete Townsend, and performed by, The Who, I won't be fooled again! Since there seems to be many issues of contention, one might believe, the Democrats, would unite, and oppose the man, and his position, demonstrating a truly, unified front! However, this political party has often demonstrated, in the past, it has the unique ability, to, shoot itself, in the leg. Before the opponents to the President, believe, it would be easier, in the 2018 and 2020 elections, they must beware, this will depend on many factors. This article will attempt to briefly review and examine, four of these scenarios and conditions.

1. Position rigidity, versus flexibility: The Democrats must carefully review, the aspects, most Americans seem to feel uncomfortable with, and/ or oppose, rather than believing, there has been a huge transformation, in attitudes. For generations, American Presidents, were within about 5% of the so - called, middle, either to the right, or left. The majority of voters are uncomfortable with the extremes, at either pole. If this party, decides to significantly focus only on what is known, as the progressive wing, they will lose an important opportunity, because a significant number of voters might think, they are better off with The devil they know!

2. Ideologically pure, versus electable: Some of society might believe, they should not be willing to compromise! However, if the goal, is progress, and protection of freedoms, liberties, and protections, in the area of environment, education, and consumer protections, they must understand, ideological purity often does not translate to getting elected, and it is generally better to compromise, and achieve the priorities, rather than be pure, but unsuccessful!

3. Viable option, versus extreme: If Democrats hope to regain control of the Congress, they must have candidates, who are considered, viable, and desirable, rather than extreme, and, therefore, scare - off, potential voters!

4. Meeting of the minds, or polarizing: Those opposing what is presently this administration's apparent priorities, and feel, they are polarizing, should consider this, from the perspective of others, with different views. Obviously, the core supporters of President Trump (considered to be about 35%) will generally not be willing to compromise, most others, seek a balance between freedoms, safety, and fairness!

If you hope to regain political control, you must be willing to pay keen attention, and focus on realistically, generating sufficient voter support. If they move too far, from the so - called, political center, they will be unable to achieve their goals and objectives!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all

Article Source:  Political Reality: Will Democrats Be Prepared, Or Their Worst Enemies?

5 Tips To Select The Best Digital Marketing Agency for Your Business

5 Tips To Select The Best Digital Marketing Agency for Your Business

By Chris Walker

The world, today, is becoming progressively digitalised with millions of folks going online. Companies are realizing the encompassing reach their brands can enjoy by being proactive in the digital arena. No matter a brand is small or a giant unit, they certainly do not hesitate to invest in the top digital marketing agencies that have the power to make their business outshine in the busy gala.

Digital marketing has the potential to reach out to a much wider audience in comparison to the traditional advertising mediums. Not only because it can target a larger group of the audience but also because it can do the same at a minimum cost. The powerful digital marketing tools like emails, social media posts and other online campaign and promotional strategies offer a cost-friendly yet extremely effective to stand out in the competitive marketplace.

Digital marketing trends are, however, in an ever-evolving stage with new strategies getting introduced every season. In this respect, selecting a marketing agency will help a business to keep itself updated with the changing trends and achieve the business goal. Investing in a good digital marketing agency is very important for the success of your business lie on their hands to a great extent. The following checklist will help all the affiliated marketers to choose the best digital marketing agency for their business -

Make Yourself Clear about What You Want:

Long before you start your search of finding a digital marketing company for your business, you must be clear about your own needs. Digital marketing is a broad area and involves various approaches like- SEO marketing, social media management, website development, Blogging, content management, inbound marketing and more such things. Discuss with your team and sketch out a list of all the services you need from a digital expert.

Know Their Digital expertise:

Not all firms have a perky office set up and have an office in an extremely corporate address. Remember that just because they are not a big name, doesn't have any connection with their expertise. For example, if your company specializes in sportswear, you would definitely want to work with a high profile marketing firms that cater to brands outside your niche. You want your work done at its best and it has nothing to do with the outer image of the agency. It may be that the agency is not much aware of your product. Are they exceptionally creative? Have they worked with products outside their comfort zone? A "yes" to these questions means you can proceed with a positive note.

Research on The past and ongoing projects:

Of course, you have learnt that the agency you are going to hire is creative and has worked in diverse fields, but having a look from a closer view will make your decision stronger. Don't hesitate to have a look at the sample of their works. You can always have a look at their clients' website, the content written for other companies and then decide whether you are moving on or not. Don't hesitate to find out whether they are aware of the trending digital marketing techniques and also the metrics they use to define success.

Learn About their Employees and Experts:

A good digital marketing agency is formed only when it is surrounded by passionate, creative, intelligent and enthusiastic people. It is only through their skills that your brand is going to shine. You can always have a chat with the marketing experts and learn about them.

Consider the Budget:

Budget is one of the most significant parts in the process of choosing a digital marketing agency. Asking about the estimate or quotation is very important. Negotiation may be uncomfortable for all who are not attuned to it. Make yourself clear before finalizing the deal. Finally, don't be ready to compromise for few bucks because you need the best.

Nhance Digital is one of the top digital marketing agencies in the United Kingdom known for its expert services in the digital marketing arena. Their expert team of professionals is well versed with the trending skills and strategies that help a business to attain maximum profit in the competitive web marketplace.

Article Source:  5 Tips To Select The Best Digital Marketing Agency for Your Business

"Tongues" in 1820's England

"Tongues" in 1820's England

By Bob Faulkner

Edward Irving was a Presbyterian minister in London, being influenced by Alexander Scott and others. They had come to the conclusion that there must be miracles today and they began to fast and pray about it.

Strangely, Irving, a very dynamic speaker, and a generally good man, was influenced greatly by Samuel Coleridge, a poet but not a Christian, with many false views. Later an Opium addict.

Irving was also convicted of heresy, teaching that Jesus' human nature was sinful. That only by the Holy Ghost quickening Him daily was He kept from actual sin.

Do you have an answer for this issue? For there seems to be a little of it in the movements of today. The nature of Jesus is critical. We cannot preach another Jesus. But Irving did.

We believe that Jesus was the second Adam. First Adam was without sin at first. So was Jesus. He was born of a human mother, but made sinless in her womb. The Immaculate Conception was made up by Rome to help us believe this a little more. Why, Jesus could not be born of a human because humans are sinful. So let's do away with Mary's sinfulness by saying she was made perfect in the womb.

There's a better way. The Immaculate conception of Jesus. Fully human, in the original sense. Nothing of corrupt fallen human nature in that Body. A Perfect Man. His very genetic structure had the seed of God's Spirit mixed in with the seed of man.

Hebrews 4:15. He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Human flesh is susceptible to temptation but can be sinless. Such was Jesus. To call His flesh sinful is to speak heresy.

Hebrews 1:6. Would all the angels of God worship a man with a sinful nature?

Hebrews 1:5. Would God claim as His own peculiar son, one who had a sinful nature?

He suffered being tempted, but never once succumbed to temptation. His flesh nature remains perfect, a state we shall not have until we pass to glory.

But he would not recant of this. Meanwhile, it seemed prayers were answered when a young woman in Scotland, Maty Campbell, was not only healed of a fatal disease, but also erupted one day in tongues. The gifts had been restored!

Many others claimed a similar visitation, but many tongues were known to be false, for example, saying Jesus was coming now.

Irving believed it all, preached it all, and was asked to leave the hall he was renting, on the basis of the Presbyterian belief in cessationism.

He went elsewhere and founded the first "Irvingite" congregation, known after his death as the Catholic Apostolic church.

(Later I will tell you of the relationship between the present Catholic Church and the New Apostolic reformation! And I will show you the legitimate heirs of the apostolic movement.)

Next comes one Robert Baxter, 1831-2. He purportedly received a gift of prophecy that he used to direct Irving. Irving was totally controlled by this man until Baxter admitted he (Baxter) was under delusion, and further he believed the entire movement was a result of a lying spirit.

Irving was too far entrenched to accept that verdict and took Baxter's confession as an attack from the enemy. Baxter might have a lying spirit, but not Irving.

Later, Mary Campbell, who started it all was forced to "... confess my sin and error for calling my own impressions the Voice of God" Oh that millions around the world today could do the same.

An eyewitness at one of Irving's meetings, from a local newspaper, the British Weekly, Jan 18, 1889: "The tongues are loud and strong. No earthly counterpart. Sometimes just la la la la la. Hysterical. Shrieking. Sends a strange thrill. Starts with a yell, then separate sounds, not words, like sounds uttered by a deaf and dumb child modulating tones, but innocent of speech."

Irving himself never received any gifts. Many "gifted" folks later confessed they were false.

Remember that all of this was before Azusa street, where tongues supposedly originated in our time. But it sounds much like it, and much like what we see today, but not like what the Scriptures talk about. Nothing weird there in the Bible, just wonderful.

Look for Bob Faulkner's creations on http://sermonaudio.com including a through-the-Bible course, works about the Christ, the antichrist, the rapture, the church, prophecy and the persecution in North Korea. Look also for series on Muhammad and Islam, written for Christian believers. All of these works are now in book form available at Amazon. Go to http://www.amazon.com/author/bfaulkner to look at all these books.

As for me, I'm a man found of God over 55 years ago, called to the ministry, now retired from school teaching, and serving the Lord as a nursing home minister, and podcaster.

Article Source:  "Tongues" in 1820's England

The rivalry between Italy and France

The rivalry between Italy and France in the world of football is a legendary one, dating back to their first encounter in 1910. Both countri...