Latest
DU Beat – Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper
Archive

2017

Browsing
Admissions 2017

Admission Deadline for Foreign Students Extended

By

The University of Delhi (DU), which sees students from all across the world enrol into various courses, has decided to extend the deadline for the admission of foreign applicants. Every year, hundreds of aspirants from countries such as Afghanistan, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka apply to DU for courses such as Economics (Hons.), B.Com (Hons.) etc. in the undergraduate programme. This year, the University saw their number rise to a record 3,300. Thus, a conscious measure taken to extend the application deadline was required, in order to ease up the document submission and screening process.

Ashutosh Bhardwaj, a senior official of the admission committee, verified the news to MAIL TODAY. He said that while the deadline for admission to undergraduate courses for non-Indian students has been shifted to 4th May, the deadline for Ph.D. applications has also been extended to 31st May 2017. Earlier, the deadline for online applications for the upcoming academic session was 20th April 2017 for the undergraduate students. The new deadlines, as Bhardwaj confirmed, give students more time to submit their documents for verification. This step does, indeed, create an opportunity for both the students and the University to participate in the admission process and to make it a smooth and hassle-free affair.

 

Feature Image Credits: CryBytes

Deepannita Misra
[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
News

Chetan Bhagat’s Novel Included in DU’s GE English Syllabus

By

It has been speculated that Chetan Bhagat’s bestselling book, ‘Five Point Someone’ has been included in the DU syllabus for those students who choose English as their Generic Elective in their 3rd semester, which will commence in July 2017. The book will be taught as a part of the ‘popular fiction’ paper under the Choice Based Credit System.

The proposed modified syllabus has been forwarded to the English department heads of all DU colleges for feedback. Recommendations will then be submitted to the Academic Council and Executive Council for approval. If this proposal is approved, by July, students with English as their Generic Elective will be able to study J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, and Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women along with Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. This course will only be available to Honours and Programme students in their second year, hence students from any stream who want to choose English as their elective subject will be able to study this paper. However, students pursuing English Honours will not be offered this paper and will continue studying Shakespeare, Fitzgerald, and other such books that, in Chetan Bhagat’s words, ‘Elitistaan’ approves of.

The reaction towards Chetan Bhagat’s inclusion in DU’s English syllabus has been mixed across the student community. However, most of the students and faculty members feel that the inclusion of Bhagat’s book with the likes of Louisa May Alcott, Agatha Christie, and J.K. Rowling is rather bizarre. Chetan Bhagat reacted to this move on Twitter and said: “Am honoured DU added my book to their course. Literature is about being open minded and reading the classics as well as the contemporary”. He then went on to comment on the criticism this move has received by stating, “To me, good literature is writing that actually touches people, whether in the past or now. It isn’t something an Elitist Club decides”.

 

Feature Image Credits: Sadda Haq

Joyee Bhattacharya
([email protected])

Keep Reading
By
Exams

The Road to a Satisfactory Result

By

Is your mind perturbed by the painful woes of passing/doing well? Here are our pearls of wisdom which might help you in steering this turbulent flight!

Wavering perseverance, faltering ambitions, and innumerable existential crises – welcome to college, where everything is not merry and wonderful. Owing to the human virtue of futuristic thinking, the journey through the months of November and May are spent foreboding the day the results would be out and your misery would be enhanced. To alleviate the stress and grapple with the boulders which might lie on your way, here’s a beginner level guide on how to navigate the worrisome cycle of examinations.

  1. Knowing the breakup of your grading system are the baby steps you need to take. Amidst your core papers, generic elective, and ability enhancement compulsory courses, the Choice Based Credit System can often lead to ambiguity regarding it all. Out of the 100 marks of a paper, 25 marks shall be credited to the Internal Assessments category and 75 marks to the Theory Examination. Out of the 25 marks, the ideal division of marks entails 10 marks for assignments, 10 marks for test, and 5 marks for attendance. This breakup might vary between courses and college.
  2. Valuing every mark is of essence. The main theory examinations are uncertain and have a penchant for surprising students. However, the opportunity to score presents itself in the form of the internal assessments; a hurdle which can be manoeuvred around. The tests and assignments have us exhausted and vexed by the end, but a dash of time management and effort can enhance your success recipe. The five marks of attendance which ultimately are not achieved can also make a difference in the total result.
  3. All play and no work makes Jack an on-the-verge-of-flunking-and-asking-for-notes-from-the-class-topper boy. Between the fest, farewell, and other sources of merriment, try to squeeze in the occasional study schedules.While every semester begins with high ambitions and ends with emerging unsuccessful at those and forming new ones, try to make this semester ‘the one where you soared high’.
  4. Between those extra classes and morning lectures lies the perpetual conundrum of every student of acquiring notes. Before you proceed to purchase the handy guides of your respective courses, the effort to self-study and comprehend what your education entails is more important than you can comprehend. Once you attain a full set of notes from every source of existence, try to connect the dots and begin the journey. Your teachers are your best friends during these troublesome times; hence, utilise their acquaintance and refer to their preparation strategies if needed.

 

Image Credits: 123RF.com

Saumya Kalia
[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Exams

The Instruction Manual of Using a Guide for Exams

By

This is the only instruction manual which you should endeavour to read; for it is muddled with the dos and don’ts of using your favourite reading material!

Exam preparation follows a repetitive trajectory: high hopes of finishing the syllabus, struggling to even commence with the schedule, and finally employing the controversial referencing of the guide books. It is an old story, the same story. For a major section of students, the semester knowledge begins and ends with these ‘help books.’ While the usage of only guides for studying calls for another debate on educational reforms, one can’t deny the fact they are not completely useless and obstructive to learning. How to extract its pros without falling prey to its temptation? Have a look!

  1. The productivity of guide books lies in the basic concept of limited usage. Designed to be the extra something to do before exams, they are the framework which can be followed for comprehending the expanse of the syllabus. Instead, we treat them to be the magic book which contains all tailor-made answers.
  2. Do not depend on the text of the guide and take it as the gospel truth. Time and again, educational content is known to vary between different books and authors, and the golden rule instructs you to abide by the information echoed within the four walls of the classroom. Hence, just because it is written in the guide does not grant it authenticity.
  3. The prime time to use this falls after your basic preparation has been finished and before you proceed to take your exam. The book can do wonders if one has to revise a concept or go over questions to solidify the foundational concepts. It can be the perfect revision manual to help you sort the myriad topics now assimilated in your head.
  4. Your indolence might prevent you from finishing this step, however, endeavour to achieve it this year. Cementing your concepts and inducing confidence, skimming through the past years’ examination papers is one of the many things your teachers shall reiterate over the semester. Ascertaining a basic idea of what may come and in what shape and form can help you prepare beforehand about the key pointers of your answers.

 

Image Credits: Sprowston High School

Saumya Kalia
[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Uncategorized

Percipience: The Eminent Alumni Lecture Series

By

The second instalment of Percipience, the eminent alumni lecture series under the aegis of University of Delhi, North Campus, was held on the 21st of this month at the Convention Hall, Vice-Regal Lodge. The topic for the seminar was “Fundamental Duties under the Indian Constitution: Forgotten Virtues?” The guest speaker for the event was Honourable Justice Arjan K. Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India. The moderator for the event was Professor M.P. Singh, Honourable Chancellor, Central University of Haryana, with the august podium presence of Yogesh K. Tyagi, Vice Chancellor, University Of Delhi and Professor Sydney R. Rebeiro, Dean, Alumni Affairs.

The event began with the inaugural speech by Justice Sikri. He spoke of the modern context of the Buddhist idea of enlightenment and the role of good citizenship towards the fulfilment of the purposes behind the constitutional fundamental duties. Talking of the role of the citizen in the rule of law, he referred to the trinity of ‘reminder, warning, and inspiration’ for the materialisation of an envisaged society. In the same breath, he also stressed upon the requisite sense of respect for the national flag and anthem.

Second on the podium was Professor M.P. Singh. In his moderation speech, he spoke on the idea of ‘dharma’ in relevance to the modern perception of fundamental duties. He stressed upon the fact that religion is a secular concept as it is nothing but a way of life. He also cited Mahatma Gandhi when he said that if the fundamental duties are performed well, fundamental rights would be of little concern.

This followed the question hour as the house was opened to the audience which comprised of the alumni, professors, and students of the University. The two guests clarified the various nuances of Part IVA and Article 51 of the Indian constitution.

The all-awaited presidential address was conducted by Dr. Yogesh Tyagi. He subjectively summarised in a nutshell the essence of the two lectures prior to him. Talking of Part IVA which caters to the clause of fundamental duties, he said that this was the shortest, youngest, and arguably the least legitimate of the laws referring to the need of subtle revisions in the wake of modern times.

The event ended with the national anthem led by the choir of the University of Delhi.

 

Image Credits: Nikhil Kumar for DU Beat

Nikhil Kumar

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Uncategorized

100 Years of Powerplay

By

As completes a century of US intervention in the first world war, a step foundation-stone to the century of its global dominance, the current global politics indices signal that the hourglass has reversed. With Uncle Sam’s hegemony finally dwindling, the process only hastened in this 100th year after the loss of the president-subject amity, it isn’t hard to imagine where the world goes from here, stuck amid two nations ardent efforts to claim the throne in spite of the third’s vehement refusal to relinquish.

The world keeps on teaching refined lessons. Belittling St. George’s who quit after killing one dragon, the United States of America successfully played the hero in both the world wars. The turn of events ended the ad infinitum era of European dominance consolidating US as the new bully in the block. The states singularly dominated the world diplomatically and economically throughout the 20th century.

At the advent of this century started the phase of decentralisation of power with China and Russia challenging this unipolar nature of world politics. Countries started identifying their self sufficiency in the age of  globalisation. This triggered the imperceptible loss of US supremacy although strong leadership ensured the delayed effects of the inevitable, making the americans believe, at the same time, that all was well.

With the departure of Barack Obama and the advent of the era of Trumpism deepening these writings on the wall, on the face of which, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Xi Jinping couldn’t have asked for a better U.S. premier. Both the national leaders capitalised on the subsequent  friction between the ruler and the ruled in America. Just in a matter of few months, it is clearly evident that Donald Trump’s nugatory ambitions of taming Russia and China diplomatically and hence making America great again had been a massive disillusionment.

Consequently he has resorted to other frantic measures of flexing muscles, with the spectacle of serious bombings in Afghanistan and foolery of locking horns with Russia over the Syrian crisis. Not quite unlike to Donald Trump’s decisions and policies, any sustainable result from these antics is unimaginable.

As secretary of state Rex Tillerson arrives at Moscow on Tuesday in a scheduled meeting with Sergei Lavrov, expecting a massive diplomatic dialogue would be too far fetched. As a third party, the most we should  hope is a mutual understanding of the global causes and a better understanding on the futility of powerplay on already war-torn nations.

 

Image Credits- pintrest.com

 

Nikhil Kumar

[email protected]

 

Keep Reading
By
Ramjas College

No DJs, loud music in freshers’ and farewells at Ramjas

By

A notice issued on Thursday by the acting principal of Ramjas College says that there will be no DJs or music streamed through speakers at freshers’ welcome parties, farewells or other functions. All functions must also end by 4 pm, and at least two teachers, one of whom should “preferably” be a woman, must be present till the function ends.

The principal said that the notice was passed so as to make sure that there is no noise pollution or complaints in and around the campus.

“It is appalling what the students do. We have received many complaints in the past. I will not go into the details but there have been instances where people have complained of misbehavior. Why are DJs or loud music needed? This is a college, not a club. Even I was a student of this college. We didn’t need to make noise to throw farewell parties. People have to maintain decorum. Also, examinations are starting soon and there should be no noise. Students in hostels need peace and quiet to study. Practical exams have already started and theory exams will start on May 9,” said Principal PC Tulsian.

The notice has received criticism from both students and teachers.

One of the students who did not want to be named said “This is bizarre! Why can’t we play music during our functions? And why must a function end by 4 pm? These rules make no sense for college students. The college itself uses speakers for the functions it holds. Why should the students not be allowed? If the music is too loud or disturbing anyone, the authorities can always tell us to lower the volume. But why the blanket ban?”

The teachers as well criticized the clause regarding the mandatory presence of teachers calling it regressive. “The rules are regressive. Students should be able to hold functions in their own college. Why is the presence of teachers necessary? The notice smacks of unnecessary moral policing,” said a teacher on condition of anonymity.”

 

With inputs from Indian Express

 

Aditya Narang

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Fashion

8 Must-Have Summer Staples and Essentials

By

With the longer days and harsh sun, the weather has seen a steep rise in the temperature. In this weather, we bring you exclusive add ups to your summer wardrobe that can set your style quotient high.

1. Wrap on skirt – Tight jeans become suffocating when the weather is hot and humid, and hence on steamy summer day a breezy skirt will be the best pick. Besides, one feels very romantic while wearing and twirling the skirt. You can simply pair it with a simple tee or do some light layering with a denim vest over a tank top.

rapron-500x500
Image credits: India Mart

2. Palazzo Pants – Palazzo pants are loose, flowing pants that are are amazing because they’re so incredibly comfortable. They are just like pajamas, but only more presentable. You can wear bright palazzo pants with a classic striped shirt for a really cute look or add a crop top for a hint of sexiness.

7a4586bcb4190523f1b096710e16ee77
Image credits: Garage

3. Deodorant – It goes without saying: deodorant is a must. Unless you like to torture people with your body odour.

deodorant
Image credits: nippaku.wordpress.com

4. Bright nail paints – Fuchsia, turquoise, cobalt or lemon. Choose your pick amongst these spirit-elevating hues. In the exhausting summer, a pop of colour on your hands will give you a strange sense of being put-together whether you hold a chilled soda bottle or the sweaty metro pole.

fd5d46073bba7c49a34acb3b4043e5d8
Image credits: StyleCraze

5. Shrugs – They are lightweight, breezy, and super stylish. The best part is they’ll protect your arms from harmful UV rays.

m01rf065503w
Image credits: Koovs

6. Basic t-shirts: A few pairs of basic t-shirts in black, white, grey, and stripes will make sure that on days when you don’t have a minute to spare, your look will still be sleek. Make sure to choose a neckline (a v-neck/scoop neck/crew neck/boat neck) that is flattering on you. I personally wear my basic t-shirts with shorts, pants, and leggings, all day, every day.

stflb3-l-610x610-ontheblock-tshirt-dailypaper-daily-paper-ootd-crop-croppedtee-tee-streetwear-amsterdam-black-blackblack-african-sunglasses
Image credits: Teen Vogue

7. Face wipes – It’s inevitable to turn greasy and dull, thanks to the hot-dusty loo winds. But worry not – just swipe a cleansing wipe over your face and you’ll feel brand new.

051513-face-wipes-600x450
Image credits: The Frisky

8. Lip balm – You may think that lip balms are a thing of winters, but lips also need care in summer because they lack the natural glands to keep them moist. And as the temperature rises your lips are exposed to harmful UV rays and suffer from dehydration, which subsequently makes them dry and chapped. Therefore to keep your lips supple and healthy, use a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15.
Hope you enjoy a stylish and cool summer ahead!

lighter-group-shot-lip-balm
Image credits: Reviews

 

Feature Image Credits: Frassy

Niharika Dabral
[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Uncategorized

Project Bawarchi Organises Event Against Drug Abuse

By

“Teach the youth well about the way they should go; even when they are old, they won’t depart from it.”

Believing in the power of youth, students from Ramjas College working with Project Bawarchi held a campaign against Drug Abuse – “Choose to Refuse” on 17th April 2017, in Sewa Kutir Complex, Mukherjee Nagar, New Delhi.

Project Bawarchi works with rehabilitated victims of drug abuse to instill life skills in them and assist in their reintegration to the society by making them independent entrepreneurs. The Project has taken the initiative to bring awareness and educate victims about the menace of drug abuse in society.

The event invited panelists from different walks that work towards eradicating the menace of drug abuse. Swapnil Tewari, the CEO of Livemad and the youngest social entrepreneur to be featured in Forbes magazine was invited to help bring better ideas about the reintegration of the community members back into the society. Dr. Ravindra Nath, a public health expert helped us know about the existing treatments and myths about drug abuse, with his expertise coming from a medical background. Ms. Aparna Khanna and Ms. Mridula Seth, professors from Lady Irwin College, were a part of the event to help us understand the psychological reform of drug abuse. Mr. Subhash Gautam, Superintendent, Deptt. of Women and Child Development was also present to help us gauge a view from the government’s perspective.

Rightly said by Robert Frost, “Drugs take you to the hell, disguised as heaven.”

The community members working under Project Bawarchi explained the harsh stories about the dark past and how they have been scarred for life because of one evil substance. The discussions between the college students and panelists were done in the presence of the community members to help the youth understand the myths related to the use of drugs, the life after drugs, and the severe downfall that drugs result into.

Drugs don’t help us skip the issues, they only let us escape the reality that furthermore spoils the past, the present and definitely the future.

The members of Project Bawarchi kept a panel discussion on some topics that intrigued the minds of the college youth about the details of topic. The major question that was discussed was ‘Why the first time and what follows next?’

In the event, they also discussed the treatment of rehabilitation, especially the reality and the myths associated with it. The community members were involved in the discussion to hear directly from the experts, and to understand their life after rehab. As a conclusion, we realised this is an essentially contested concept and hence, every stakeholder holds a different view working towards the same aim.

Towards the end of the event, Mr. Shibendu rightly ended it for all saying it’s not the time to lose hope and even if you have fallen into the maze, there’s still a second chance everyday. The first step towards coming out is when you decide that you’re done with all the uncertainty of drugs and you’re not going to stay where you are.

Project Bawarchi is planning to launch a full-fledged campaign from the new academic session while establishing the credibility of the campaign in due course and mobilising people from different walks who are working in this field. This would help bring a difference in terms of the demand reduction of drugs in the first place. The organisation need more youngsters indulging in such works that focus on the transformation of the society on the ground level and not only on paper.

CHOOSE TO REFUSE – Let the change begin.

Image credits: Project Bawarchi

Content by Project Bawarchi

Keep Reading
By
Reviews

Hello Meal – The Rise of a Start-Up

By

Hello Meal started off as a humble initiative by a few students of Delhi University who had the aim of delivering quality food at reasonable prices. Nor have they only fulfilled their goal, but they have gone above and beyond to excel in their field.

Hello Meal is the perfect solution to anyone who wants instant scrumptious food at a moment’s notice. To add to this, the prices are student-friendly and the quantities are extraordinary. Hello Meal has lived up to the standards it set for itself and has gone on to build a reputation so impressive that the founders have now been invited to an international conference that recognises out-of-the-box start-ups.

Rise 2017 is a 3-day event hosted in Hong Kong in July of this year.  A multi-faceted conference, it has different sections for speakers, attendees, etc. Among these, a special category for start-ups, called Alpha, is set up for innovative projects in their nascent stages. Hello Meal is a participant of the same, which only goes to show how far this start-up has come.

With a wide range of choices from North Indian to Chinese and vegetables to mutton, Hello Meal has provided an indispensable avenue to those who wish to indulge in take-out without feeling guilty about the expense. The Zomato reviews are a testament to the brilliance of Hello Meal. Joyee Bhattacharya and Sukhman Gambhir sum it up perfectly when they exclaim “great outlet and great food” and mention how it is “extremely affordable for a college student”.

Based in Vijay Nagar, Hello Meal provides home delivery in record time from 11am to midnight. They offer toll-free telephonic services at 1800-200-5565 and are available on Facebook and Instagram. Download the free app here for a truly satisfying experience.

 

Image Credits: Hello Meal Facebook

Vineeta Rana
[email protected]

Keep Reading
By