Saudi Arabia’s Dream of the Desert train — the Middle East’s first five-star luxury train — is set to make its maiden voyage in late 2026, redefining travel through the heart of the Kingdom. Designed by Aline Asmar d’Amman, the celebrated Lebanese architect known for her work on Paris’ Hôtel de Crillon and collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, the project combines heritage, design, and ultra-luxury hospitality.
Unveiled at Riyadh’s Future Investment Initiative conference, the train is a joint creation of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia Railways, and Italian luxury hospitality firm Arsenale. It will travel 807.8 miles from Riyadh, offering one- and two-night itineraries through Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural landmarks.
A Moving Palace on Rails
The Dream of the Desert features 33 private suites accommodating up to 66 guests, blending traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics with modern luxury. Interiors draw from a desert-inspired palette — earthy browns, sandy tones, and oasis greens — complemented by Murano blown glass, reminiscent of old desert lanterns. Elegant wood carvings and textile weavings highlight local craftsmanship, while a Majlis-style lounge and fine-dining restaurant car serve Michelin-level menus curated by both Saudi and international chefs.
Aline Asmar d’Amman’s Vision
Aline Asmar d’Amman, who also designed the upcoming Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, envisions the Dream of the Desert as a journey that blends architecture, culture, and emotion. “It’s about honoring the spirit of place,” she said, “where every detail tells a story of heritage and rebirth.”
Part of Vision 2030
The train is a key highlight of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — an ambitious plan to diversify the economy and make the Kingdom a global tourism hub. The country aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, fueling demand for 362,000 new hotel rooms and new forms of luxury travel.
World Stroke Day, observed every year on 29 October, serves as a global reminder to recognise the early signs of a stroke and act swiftly within the golden window of 4.5 hours, when treatment can prevent death or permanent disability. In 2025, the focus turns to an often-overlooked yet serious risk factor — air pollution, which is increasingly recognised as a silent but powerful trigger for strokes, even among younger adults.
Stroke: The “Brain Attack”
A stroke, often described as a “brain attack”, occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. This interruption can be due to a blockage (ischaemic stroke) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke). Every minute that passes without treatment leads to the death of about two million neurons, making time the most crucial factor in survival and recovery. Globally, one in four adults will experience a stroke in their lifetime. In India, the number of new cases has risen from 650,000 in 1990 to over 1.25 million in 2021, marking a dramatic 51% increase. Alarmingly, 20–30% of strokes now occur in people under 50 years of age, indicating that the condition is no longer confined to the elderly. Stroke has become one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the country, with nearly half of survivors left permanently impaired.
Recognising Stroke Early: The BEFAST Method
Quick identification of stroke symptoms can save lives. The acronym BEFAST is widely used to help people remember the warning signs:
B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Sudden vision loss or double vision
F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile
A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
S – Speech: Slurred or confused speech
T – Time: Time to call emergency services immediately
Recognising these signs and reaching a stroke-ready hospital within 4.5 hours is critical. Treatments such as intravenous thrombolytic therapy (a clot-dissolving medication) and mechanical thrombectomy (removal of large clots) can only be performed within this limited time frame. Unfortunately, fewer than 1% of stroke patients in India receive these life-saving interventions because they arrive too late for effective treatment.
Air pollution, once viewed mainly as a respiratory concern, is now understood to pose a serious threat to neurological health. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and travel to the brain. These particles can inflame blood vessels, thicken arterial walls, and trigger blockages or ruptures, leading to strokes even in people with no previous risk factors. Recent studies have linked millions of stroke-related deaths worldwide to polluted air. One global analysis indicated that one in four stroke deaths in low- and middle-income countries is directly related to air pollution exposure. This connection demonstrates that the problem is both environmental and medical in nature.
Rising Stroke Burden in India
India’s rapidly urbanising cities face some of the world’s worst air quality levels, especially during winter months and post-festive periods when fireworks and smoke push pollution into the hazardous range. In major cities, the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently crosses into the ‘red zone’, with PM2.5 levels many times higher than the recommended safe limit. This toxic air has become a serious health hazard. The growing number of strokes among younger adults in urban areas indicates that environmental exposure is now an equally significant risk factor as poor lifestyle habits. The rising stroke burden demonstrates that clean air is not only an environmental issue but also a public health priority.
Prevention Through Lifestyle and Environment
Stroke prevention begins with awareness and everyday health management. Early recognition of warning signs — sudden weakness, facial drooping, or slurred speech — demands immediate medical attention within the golden hour. However, preventive measures must also focus on lifestyle and environmental protection. Key preventive actions include:
Monitor air quality: Check daily AQI levels and avoid outdoor exercise during high-pollution periods.
Improve indoor air quality: Use air purifiers and ensure proper ventilation.
Eat an antioxidant-rich diet: Include berries, nuts, and leafy vegetables to reduce inflammation caused by pollutants.
Control key health factors: Maintain healthy levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke: Both increase clotting risks.
The message for 2025, “Brain Stroke: Time to Act”, emphasises the urgency of immediate response. If a patient reaches medical care within 4.5 hours of the first symptom, recovery chances improve drastically. Thrombolysis can dissolve clots and restore blood flow, while thrombectomy can remove larger blockages in advanced facilities. The main challenge remains delayed hospital arrival due to lack of awareness, poor emergency response systems, and traffic congestion. Expanding stroke-ready centres, improving ambulance services, and educating the public about the BEFAST method are essential steps toward better outcomes.
Air Quality and Brain Health: A Public Health Challenge
The link between air pollution and stroke highlights the urgent need for cleaner environments. National and global health authorities advocate for stronger emission controls, improved waste management, and stricter regulation of industrial and vehicular pollutants. Initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aim to reduce particulate matter by up to 30% in major Indian cities, but consistent enforcement and public cooperation remain critical. Improving air quality not only reduces respiratory illnesses but also lowers the burden of neurological diseases and stroke-related deaths.
Protecting the Brain Through Clean Air
Stroke is no longer a disease confined to older populations. It increasingly affects younger individuals due to changing lifestyles, stress, and deteriorating environmental conditions. Clean air, therefore, is not merely a comfort but a lifesaving necessity. Public awareness, early detection, and preventive care form the foundation of stroke management. In the long term, protecting the brain begins with protecting the air we breathe. World Stroke Day 2025 reinforces the message that time, awareness, and clean air together can save millions of lives and ensure a healthier future for all.
Perched atop a scenic hillock in the charming town of Yadagirigutta lies the revered Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, affectionately known as Yadadri or Yadagirigutta Temple. This sacred site, also referred to as Pancha Narasimha Kshetram and Rishi Aradhana Kshetram, is dedicated to Narasimha, the powerful avatar of Lord Vishnu. With stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings, the temple beckons you to explore its beauty, especially during the vibrant Brahmothsavams festival, the highlight of the year.
Visiting the temple is particularly enchanting from October to March when the weather is pleasant. As you walk through this divine destination, you’ll join a steady stream of devoted visitors, with an average of 5,000 to 8,000 pilgrims arriving daily to offer their prayers and partake in sacred rituals such as Saswata pujas and Abhisekam.
Come, experience the unique atmosphere and the beauty of this cherished spiritual destination in Bhongir!
A mesmerising cave temple
Located deep within a breathtaking cave, this enchanting temple invites you to explore its captivating beauty – standing 12 feet high and stretching 30 feet long. As you descend the stairway into the chamber, a sense of wonder fills the air. Here, you’ll encounter the majestic Jvala Narasimha, with his serpentine form, and the Yogananda Narasimha, gracefully seated in a yoga pose, embodying peace and mysticism. In the main shrine, the silver icon of Lakshmi-Narasimha shines brightly, beckoning you closer.
As you wander through this spiritual haven, don’t miss the Hanuman temple positioned just beside the main entrance. Close by, a long horizontal gap in the rock hints at legendary tales – it’s said to be the manifestation site of the powerful Gandaberunda Narasimha. Devotees believe that sincere wishes made here have the power to come true. The sanctum sanctorum, or garbhagriha, is a marvel, cleverly hidden beneath a massive slating rock that provides a grand canopy over half the temple.
The inviting complexity of the temple continues with its rich history of reconstruction. Having transformed from its original humble size of 0.81 hectares (2 acres) to an impressive 6.5 hectares (16 acres), this larger-than-life temple invites you to traverse its expansive grounds and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.
Where the divine manifested
The Skanda Purana tells a captivating tale of Yada, a devoted son of a sage, who undertook a rigorous penance at the sacred site dedicated to Lord Narasimha. Pleased by Yada’s unwavering dedication, Narasimha revealed himself in five forms: Jvala Narasimha, Gandabherunda Narasimha, Yogananda Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, and Lakshmi Narasimha.
In a heartfelt plea, Yada requested the mighty deity to permanently reside on the hill in these divine manifestations. As a testament to this remarkable event, the temple houses stunning stone deities of Narasimha in all five forms, elegantly enshrined within the main cave. Rich in history, this temple has also long adhered to the revered Tenkalai tradition of the Vaishnava Agama Shastras that resonate through the spiritual landscape of South India.
Timings
Opening time – 04:00 AM – 04:00 PM
and 04:00 PM – 09:45 PM
Nearby attractions to visit
Near the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, you can explore several other fascinating attractions. The Bhongir Fort, perched atop a monolithic hill, offers panoramic views and a peek into history. You can also visit the Kolanupaka Jain Temple, which is known for its exquisite architecture and religious significance.
Two of the world’s biggest technology giants—Apple and Nvidia—have achieved historic milestones in global markets. While Apple briefly crossed the US$4 trillion valuation mark for the first time, driven by strong demand for its latest iPhones, Nvidia surged closer to an unprecedented US$5 trillion valuation amid the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom.
Apple’s Record Market Milestone
Apple’s market capitalisation momentarily touched US$4.005 trillion after its shares hit $269.89 on Tuesday before closing slightly lower at US$3.992 trillion. This achievement makes Apple the third company to reach the US$4 trillion milestone, following Nvidia and Microsoft.
The surge comes on the back of robust global sales of the iPhone 17 series and the ultra-slim iPhone Air, which performed exceptionally well across the U.S., China, and India. Analysts attribute Apple’s turnaround to strong consumer demand and the company’s ability to retain users within its ecosystem.
Despite concerns over U.S. tariffs affecting manufacturing hubs in Asia, Apple has managed to maintain profitability. Brokerage projections indicate that the tech major is on track to exceed quarterly expectations and post strong year-end guidance.
Nvidia’s AI Dominance Reshapes Global Tech Landscape
In contrast, Nvidia continues to dominate global markets through its AI leadership. The chipmaker’s valuation reached US$4.89 trillion, gaining nearly 5% in a single trading session after announcing US$500 billion in AI processor bookings and plans to construct seven supercomputers for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Nvidia’s success underscores its unrivaled dominance in AI hardware, with soaring demand for its Blackwell chips powering both commercial and government AI infrastructure worldwide. Analysts predict Nvidia could soon become the first company in history to touch the US$5 trillion market cap, marking a defining moment in the AI-driven evolution of the technology industry.
Key Facts
Apple became the third company to cross the US$4 trillion mark, after Nvidia and Microsoft.
Nvidia is projected to become the first-ever US$5 trillion company, buoyed by US$500 billion AI chip orders.
Apple’s iPhone 17 sales grew 14% year-on-year in major markets.
Nvidia is building seven AI supercomputers for the U.S. Department of Energy, powered by 100,000 Blackwell chips.
AI Uncertainty and Market Outlook
While Nvidia’s trajectory remains firmly anchored in AI innovation, Apple is treading more cautiously in this space. Delays in the rollout of its Apple Intelligence suite, including the much-anticipated AI-enhanced Siri, have raised questions among investors about its long-term positioning in the AI race.
Nevertheless, Apple’s consistent hardware demand and ecosystem resilience provide solid footing, even as the global market shifts toward AI-driven technologies.
As Apple and Nvidia rewrite valuation records, their contrasting strategies symbolize the dual engines of modern tech growth—consumer electronics and artificial intelligence—that continue to shape the world’s economic future.
In a landmark development aimed at reshaping global resource supply chains, the United States and Japan have signed a new agreement to secure access to critical minerals and rare earths. The accord, announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo, marks a key step in Washington’s strategy to reduce reliance on China for essential materials powering electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defence systems.
Strategic Deal for Supply Chain Resilience
The framework agreement, finalised at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace, seeks to ensure the “resilience and security” of rare earth and critical mineral supply chains. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, described the accord as the beginning of a “new golden era” in US-Japan relations. President Trump hailed the partnership as “the greatest alliance in the world,” promising unwavering support to Japan’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific.
The deal follows similar memoranda signed with Malaysia and Thailand, expanding Washington’s Indo-Pacific network for rare earth production and diversification. It also builds upon the recent $8.5 billion framework agreement between the US and Australia, aimed at boosting critical mineral extraction and processing.
The Tokyo accord comes amid heightened concerns over Beijing’s control of the rare earth industry. China currently accounts for about 70 per cent of global mining and nearly 90 per cent of refining capacity for rare earth elements, vital for industries such as renewable energy, electronics, and defence. Beijing’s recent expansion of export controls — requiring government approval for even trace quantities of these materials — has triggered fears of supply disruptions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called China’s move “a bazooka aimed at global supply chains.” In response, the Trump administration has intensified efforts to strengthen alliances and diversify sources of these critical inputs through regional cooperation.
Economic and Diplomatic Implications
Experts believe the pact has both strategic and economic motivations. By collaborating with Japan — a technological powerhouse — the US aims to secure raw material processing, recycling, and advanced manufacturing capabilities outside Chinese influence. However, analysts caution that establishing alternative supply chains may take up to a decade, given China’s entrenched dominance.
“This agreement changes the geopolitical equation,” said Charles Chang of Fudan University. “Even if production takes time, it gives Washington leverage in future negotiations with Beijing.”
Important Facts
US and Japan signed a rare earth and critical minerals deal in October 2025 during Trump’s Tokyo visit.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called it the start of a “golden era” in bilateral ties.
China controls about 70% of rare earth mining and 90% of refining capacity worldwide.
The pact follows similar US agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, and Australia under the Indo-Pacific strategy.
Symbolism and Strategic Messaging
Beyond economics, the agreement serves as a geopolitical signal ahead of Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. By aligning closely with Tokyo, Washington aims to showcase a united front among democratic allies in the Indo-Pacific. In a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Takaichi presented Trump with 250 cherry trees for America’s 250th anniversary and fireworks from Akita Prefecture for the US Independence Day celebrations — blending diplomacy with symbolism during a pivotal moment in global trade relations.
Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929, marks one of the darkest days in financial history — the Wall Street Crash of 1929, which triggered the Great Depression, the longest and most devastating economic downturn of the 20th century.
What HappenedOn This Day
After a decade of soaring prosperity known as the “Roaring Twenties,” U.S. stock prices had risen far beyond their real economic value. Speculation was rampant — millions of ordinary Americans had invested their savings in the stock market, often using borrowed money.
By late October 1929, confidence began to crack. On October 24 (“Black Thursday”), panic selling hit the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with 12.9 million shares traded — a record at the time. Despite a brief banker-led recovery, the panic deepened, culminating in “Black Tuesday,” October 29, when an unprecedented 16.4 million shares changed hands and stock prices collapsed.
By mid-1932, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had lost nearly 90% of its value from its 1929 peak.
Why It Happened
Several factors combined to make the crash inevitable:
Excessive speculation: Investors bought stocks on margin (with borrowed money), creating an unsustainable bubble.
Economic imbalance: Industrial overproduction and low wages meant people couldn’t buy the goods being produced.
Agricultural crisis: Falling crop prices left many farmers in debt.
Weak banking system: Thousands of small banks lacked reserves, and depositors lost confidence when the market crashed.
Federal Reserve missteps: Tight monetary policy reduced the money supply, worsening the downturn.
Aftermath and Global Impact
The crash shattered confidence in the U.S. financial system and rippled worldwide. It did not singlehandedly cause the Great Depression, but it accelerated the collapse of credit, trade, and employment. By 1933, unemployment in the U.S. had reached nearly 25%.
The crisis led to lasting reforms:
The Banking Act of 1933 (Glass–Steagall Act) separated commercial and investment banking.
Regulation of stock exchanges and trading halts were introduced to prevent panic selling.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies aimed to restore confidence and stimulate recovery.
Historical Significance
October 29, 1929, is remembered as the symbolic end of the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of the Great Depression (1929–1939). It remains a cautionary tale about speculative excess, financial fragility, and the importance of regulation in modern economies.
In essence, Black Tuesday was not just a day when Wall Street fell — it was the day the world woke up to the dangers of unchecked financial euphoria.
At 92, Paul Biya has once again rewritten the limits of political longevity. Re-elected as Cameroon’s president for an eighth consecutive term, Biya now holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest sitting head of state — a living emblem of endurance in a nation yearning for change.
His victory, announced by the Constitutional Council after the October 12, 2025 election, extends a rule that began in 1982, when Ronald Reagan was in the White House and the Berlin Wall still stood. More than four decades later, Biya’s hold on power endures, even as his country faces mounting unrest, a restless youth population, and growing demands for democratic reform.
The Vote and the Verdict
The official tally gave Biya 53.66% of the vote against 35.19% for his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, with a 57.7% voter turnout. Opposition groups, however, have rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities and intimidation. The weeks leading up to the vote saw violent clashes and fatal shootings, with at least four people reported dead and dozens detained.
A Presidency That Outlasted Generations
Biya’s presidency has spanned eight U.S. presidents, seven British prime ministers, and countless shifts in global politics. His leadership style — marked by tight control, constitutional revisions, and centralized authority — has created a political system where continuity often outweighs accountability.
Over 70% of Cameroon’s 30 million citizens are under the age of 35, meaning most have never known another leader. For them, Biya’s rule feels like history repeating itself — endlessly.
“Cameroon is a young country led by a man older than our democracy itself,” one youth activist posted on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the sentiment that Biya’s re-election symbolizes more stagnation than stability.
Unrest Beneath the Surface
The latest election took place amid deep political divides and regional unrest. In the country’s Anglophone regions, separatist tensions continue to simmer. Economic inequality, youth unemployment, and inflation have only fueled frustration.
Despite these challenges, Biya remains a master of political survival — blending patronage, control of state institutions, and selective repression to maintain power. His ruling party dismissed all opposition claims as “baseless attempts to destabilize Cameroon’s peace.”
The Legacy Question
Analysts say Biya’s new term may be less about leadership and more about legacy. As the world’s oldest president, his continued rule highlights the broader African dilemma: leaders who outlive their political eras. While some admire his steadiness, others see a nation held hostage by its own history.
The real test for Cameroon, observers warn, will be what happens after Biya — whenever that moment comes. For now, the man known as “the Sphinx” of Yaoundé remains unmoved, watching as time itself bends to his political will.
Key Takeaways
Paul Biya, aged 92, is the world’s oldest president in 2025.
Has ruled Cameroon since 1982 — now entering his 8th consecutive term.
Vote share: Biya 53.66%, Issa Tchiroma Bakary 35.19%.
Voter turnout: 57.7%.
70% of Cameroonians under 35 — most have never known another leader.
From mythic heroes to futuristic worlds, India’s animation storytellers are reimagining culture for a global audience — and this November, they’re all coming home to Hyderabad. Powered by Green Gold Animation, Desi Toons 2025 at IndiaJoy will unite the country’s most creative minds in animation, VFX, and film to celebrate the art, business, and imagination driving India’s animation renaissance.
Actually, IndiaJoy 2025, the country’s largest and most influential festival driving the creative economy, is retuning for its 8th edition with an exciting line-up celebrating the convergence of creativity, innovation, and technology across the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sectors.
Among the major highlights this year is Desi Toons 2025, the flagship animation conclave organised by Green Gold Animation—the pioneering studio behind India’s most beloved character, Chhota Bheem. The event will take place on November 1, 2025, at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).
A Celebration of India’s Animation Storytelling Legacy
Desi Toons 2025 stands as a vibrant testament to India’s storytelling heritage and creative innovation. Over the years, the conclave has been instrumental in addressing key challenges in the Indian animation ecosystem—from nurturing homegrown talent to advocating for supportive policies and creative infrastructure investment.
By bringing together creators, studios, investors, and policymakers, Desi Toons has influenced decisions shaping Telangana’s and India’s AVGC policies, skill development programs, and fiscal frameworks. This year’s edition continues that mission—exploring how homegrown creators are transforming culturally rooted narratives into globally resonant stories.
Masterclasses, Panels, and Fireside Chats with Industry Icons
The conclave will feature immersive masterclasses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions curated to empower creators, producers, and industry professionals driving India’s animation revolution.
The day will open with a keynote address by Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, followed by engaging sessions such as:
Power Players of Indian Animation: Stories Behind the Names – Exploring the pioneers, producers, and studios that laid the foundation for Indian animation.
Quiet Stories, Powerful Impact: Local Narratives Shaping Global Conversations – A masterclass highlighting culturally grounded storytelling that transcends borders.
Fireside Chat: The Role of State & Central Government in Boosting the AVGC Sector – Examining policy measures, fiscal incentives, and frameworks driving India’s creative economy.
Stellar Line-Up of Creative Visionaries
Desi Toons 2025 will bring together some of India’s most influential animation, VFX, and film creators who have taken Indian stories global. Among the key speakers and guests are:
Ashwin, Director of Mahavatar Narsimha (2025), who reimagined a mythological epic through cutting-edge animation.
Nag Ashwin, Director of Kalki 2898 AD, known for blending mythology with futuristic science fiction.
Sai Abhishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids at Warner Bros. Discovery, South Asia, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s content strategy.
Their collective presence will make the conclave a melting pot of creativity, insight, and inspiration.
Voices from the Leaders
Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO, Green Gold Animation, said:
“Desi Toons has always reflected India’s creative spirit and our belief that Indian stories deserve a global stage. Through this platform, we celebrate the power of cultural authenticity—how stories rooted in our heritage can connect with audiences everywhere when told with imagination, passion, and technology. This year, we aim to spark collaborations that redefine the future of Indian animation.”
Madhava Reddy (Mike) Yatham from IndiaJoy added:
“We’re thrilled to see Desi Toons evolve into one of IndiaJoy’s flagship events. It embodies the festival’s mission of fostering collaboration, creativity, and innovation across the AVGC ecosystem. Our partnership with Green Gold Animation underscores that India is not just a contributor but a creative leader with original voices and visionary talent shaping the global industry.”
About IndiaJoy
IndiaJoy is India’s largest gathering dedicated to advancing the creative economy, supported by the Government of Telangana. It brings together the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) industries on a global platform to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Known for its inclusive approach, IndiaJoy fosters cross-sector partnerships that strengthen India’s role as a hub for creative excellence. 🔗 Visit www.indiajoy.in for more information.
About Desi Toons
Desi Toons is India’s premier animation conclave organized by Green Gold Animation, one of the nation’s most acclaimed studios. It serves as a hub for animators, producers, and broadcasters to exchange ideas, explore technologies, and discover new storytelling frontiers. Since its inception, Desi Toons has inspired a generation of creators redefining what Indian animation can achieve on the global stage.
The only question I had in mind when I first started to prepare for the SEBI Grade A exam was where and how do I begin preparing for this? There was so much information online, so many books, and no clear direction. That’s when I realized that what new aspirants need isn’t just motivation — they need a clear roadmap, a sequence that tells them what to do first, what to skip, and what to revise.
But before I start talking about the roadmap I followed, let’s talk about the foundation of it all, the SEBI Grade A notification, in which you’ll have information on the number of vacancies, syllabus, paper pattern, and eligibility criteria. Reading it carefully helps you know what lies ahead, what subjects matter most, and how the exam is structured across all 3 phases. Without understanding this, you are just planning to waste your energy and time.
Once you’re clear about the notification, it’s time to start your actual journey. And this roadmap is the exact sequence I followed.
Read the SEBI Grade A Notification & Syllabus
I know this might sound basic, but trust me, it’s the most underrated step.
The moment I downloaded the notification, I looked at the syllabus carefully and then I carefully wrote down the complete syllabus of the SEBI Grade A exam, including everything like Quantitative Aptitude, English, Reasoning, General Awareness, Securities Market, and Management. Then, without any preparation, with whatever knowledge I had, I took one mock test.
I did this so that I could very well understand what I stood for in my preparation. That one mock test told me what I knew and what I didn’t. It also showed how the paper feels — the timing, the pressure, the type of questions. Once you experience that, you’ll stop preparing blindly.
So, Step 1 is simple: understand what the exam demands, take one mock test, and note your weak areas. That’s your real starting point.
Build Basics in the QRE Section of the SEBI Grade A
Once I knew my weak areas, I started working on the basics. Quant, Reasoning, and English for SEBI Grade A Phase 1.
For Quant, I focused on topics like averages, percentages, ratios, data interpretation, and every other topic I could find from the previous year’s question papers that I solved. For Reasoning, I practiced puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms daily, along with all the other topics I could find from SEBI PYQs and educational websites. And for English, I read editorials and practiced grammar and comprehension exercises.
Parallelly, I started General Awareness, especially current affairs related to the financial sector, government schemes, and economic reports. GA is a scoring section, and if you start early, it becomes your biggest strength, and you can score as much so that you can qualify for the paper.
Practice Descriptive English & Sectional Tests For SEBI Grade A
Once I had a hold on the basics, I started focusing on Descriptive English, because that’s one area many aspirants ignore until the end. The descriptive paper tests your ability to express thoughts clearly, which comes only through practice.
I practiced one essay or a precis every week. I picked topics from the PYQs and from the mock tests where I was preparing for the exam. Then I checked model answers online to compare how my structure and tone matched.
Along with that, I began taking sectional tests. These helped me strengthen one area at a time. I could focus on Quant one day, Reasoning the next, and GA later, and along with these, I was also preparing for the paper 2 subjects.
2–3 Mocks/Week + Analysis + Revise Short Notes
By this time, I had covered most of the syllabus. So, I started taking two to three mock tests every week. But I didn’t stop there — I spent more time analysing my mistakes than taking new tests.
I maintained a small notebook where I wrote every error: formulas I forgot, GA facts I missed, reasoning puzzles that confused me. Every week, I went back to that notebook and revised it.
One other thing that I started doing during my SEBI Grade A preparation was that I also started maintaining short notes for revision, which I started making while I was revising, so that during the final days of my prep, I could easily study. They were quick one-liners, important SEBI Acts, static GK points, and definitions.
Taking regular mocks also helped me manage my time. I learned how to switch between sections, what to attempt first, and how to stay calm under time pressure.
Only Revision & Full-Length Mocks
The final step before the exam is all about polishing what you’ve learned. In my last 20 days, I didn’t study anything new. Instead, I focused only on revision and full-length mocks.
I revised my short notes daily — one subject at a time. I re-attempted a few old mocks just to see how much I had improved. More than scores, I focused on maintaining composure, building stamina, and writing clear descriptive answers.
If you’ve followed the previous steps sincerely, this phase becomes your confidence zone. You stop doubting yourself and start trusting your preparation.
Final Words
If you’re just beginning your SEBI journey, this roadmap is all you need to start right. Read the notification, build your base, practice descriptive writing, analyse your mocks, and revise till everything feels familiar.
The SEBI Grade A exam might look tough, but with the right study plan, it’s absolutely doable, and the best thing is, there are an unlimited number of attempts.
So, take that first mock test today; your roadmap begins there.
Justice Surya Kant, known for his sharp wit, grounded personality, and fearless courtroom observations, is all set to take on one of India’s most powerful roles that of the Chief Justice of India. Current CJI B. R. Gavai has officially recommended his name to the Centre, paving the way for him to become the 53rd CJI later this year.
A Small-Town Dream with a Big Destiny
Born in Hisar, Haryana, Justice Kant’s story is one of determination over privilege. A first-generation lawyer, he graduated in Law from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, in 1984, and began practicing in Hisar before moving to Chandigarh. His rise was swift from being Haryana’s youngest Advocate General in 2000 to a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004, and later, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018.
The Judge Who Dared to Pause Sedition
Since his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019, Justice Kant has made headlines for his candid remarks and impactful judgments. He was part of the 2022 bench that paused all sedition cases across India, a move hailed as a landmark moment in protecting free speech. Recently, he presided over the Bihar electoral roll revision case, where he upheld the Election Commission’s corrective exercise after voter discrepancies surfaced.
No-Nonsense and People-Centric: Justice with a Voice
Justice Kant has also been vocal against judicial delays, once urging judges to “just get rid of these cases people need judgments, not jurisprudence.” His bench took suo motu note of rising digital scams and issued notices to all states on “digital arrests,” showing his awareness of evolving cyber threats.
Poised for the Top Job
If officially appointed, Justice Surya Kant’s tenure expected to run until February 2027 could mark an era of pragmatic reform and people-centric justice from the courtroom to the Constitution’s highest seat.
