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Ways to Check EPF Balance
Ways to Check EPF Balance
Nowadays everyone wants everything to be fast and efficient. Waiting for a year-round just to know your employees’ provident fund balance can be a bit tiring. There certainly are ways using which you can check your EPF balance without having to wait for such a long period of time. These four ways listed below are easy to get used to.
Umang App:
Unified Mobile App for New-age Governance (UMANG) is one of the best ways for you to know your EPF balance. The steps are quite simple as well as the platform is secure. To know your EPF balance download the UMANG app and follow the following steps:
- Click on the EPFO option.
- Then go to Employee Centric Services.
- You will find the option ‘view passbook’, click on that.
- Now enter your Universal Account Number (UNA). You will receive an OTP.
- Enter the OTP and now you can check your EPF balance.
UMANG is not only useful while checking your EPF balance but also for withdrawal of the amount.
EPFO Portal:
To have an active UNA while using EPFO Portal to check your EPF balance is a must. Visit the following link- https://passbook.epfindia.gov.in/MemberPassBook/Login.jsp
Now, enter your UAN and password and you are ready to check your balance. You can even download your EPF balance statement from the portal.
Through SMS:
Using the SMS service to check your EPF balance is quite easy, all you have to do is to send an SMS at 7738299899. The message should be as follows-
EPFOHO *UAN* *ENG*
After this, you will receive the details of your EPF. The service is available in ten languages that are English (default), Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, and Gujarati. ‘*ENG*’ are the first three letters of the language you prefer. For example, EPFOHO *UAN* TEL for Telugu.
Read also : Rajkotupdates.news Tax saving PF FD and insurance tax relief
Through Call:
Giving a missed call at 011-22901406, using your registered mobile number is also one of the ways that can get you access to your EPF balance. The number is toll-free which means that no charges will be incurred for the services.
The above mentioned were a few ways to get access to your EPF balance. Using any one of them is easy and secure. Although using the UMANG app is the best way to know your balance.
Investing In Stock Market
Investing In Stock Markets
Investing in the Stock Market/Share Market or Equity Market is one of the best investment ideas in the market. With high risk and higher returns, Stock Market seems like a perfect option. But, Is it that good or these are just exaggerations? Through this guide on ‘Investing In Stock Market’, we will list you with everything one needs to know before stepping into the stock world. We will quench your thirst for answers that you are earnestly looking for, about everything stocks.
What are the requirements?
Before you start with your investments, there are a few formalities that need to be taken care of. The stock or share market of every country runs based on a few rules and regulations, and so does the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). Listed below are the formalities and documents you will need while opening a Demat account.
- Aadhar card and PAN card: These two are mandatory if you are planning an investment with Sebi. They will ask for these for the Know Your Customer or as we call it the KYC procedure.
- Six-months Bank Statement & a Cancelled Cheque: These are the new compulsion made by the government, to open a dematerialized or Demat account.
Once you are ready with these documents you can easily open your account and you are all set. After the account is ready you will need a broker. This part is where people usually hesitate. Most of you will ask the Broker? Is it really necessary?
Well, if we truly speak about the obligation, there is no such rule. You can simply do it on your own. Two ways are using which you will not need a broker to buy stocks are listed below:
- Direct Stock Purchase Plan: These plans were forged generations ago, to make it easier for people with less finance to buy stocks directly from the company. DSPP, allows you to buy stocks or shares from a company without involving brokers, provided that they can take a reasonable amount from your account for six months, or better if you can pay the amount at once.
- Dividend Reinvestment Program: Under the DRIP or Dividend Reinvestment Program, you are allowed to buy shares without a broker. Through this, the amount of money that you make is plowed back into buying more units. That is, you will measure your growth in the form of units rather than cash.
Albeit you don’t need a broker, getting one is advisable, especially for beginners. These people are professionals and are good at their jobs. A good broker knows the entry and exit points like the back of their hand. Their help may reduce the risk factor by a mile.
Purchasing and Selling
So as to purchase or sell shares, one needs to advise the dealer the amount to be purchased or sold alongside the cost at which you wish to do the exchange. While putting resources into the offer market, these are the approaches to contribute:
1. Comprehend your venture prerequisite and take choices likewise.
2. Choose your objective and plan the speculation procedure in a like manner. Discover the stocks that are probably going to line up with your speculation destinations.
3. Enter the market at the correct time. Attempt and purchase the offer at its most reduced expense particularly when the market is powerless and sell when it rallies. This would yield more significant yields.
4. While exchanging you ought to convey the necessities to your representative. Guarantee that the dealer does as needs be and cross-check to stay away from any blunders.
5. Screen your portfolio routinely. Rather than keeping all investments tied up in one place, have the most ideal blend of stocks. It assists with maintaining a strategic distance from pointless danger.
These were some tips on how you can start with your investment in the Stock Market. Remember that planning is the key and rest assured you will surely succeed in making good money by taking risks. So this is my short view on investing in stock market.
Long-term Investment Ideas
Most speculators need to make interests so that they get high as it can be, returns as fast as conceivable without the danger of losing head cash. This is the motivation behind why many are consistently keeping watch for top venture plans where they can twofold their cash in barely any months or years with practically no danger.
Notwithstanding, an exceptional yield, okay blend in a venture item, tragically, doesn’t exist. Possibly in an ideal world however not at present. In actuality, danger and returns are legitimately related, they go inseparably, i.e., the higher the profits, higher the danger and the other way around.
While choosing a speculation road, you need to coordinate your own danger profile with the related dangers of the item before contributing. There are a few ventures that convey high chance yet can possibly create higher expansion balanced returns than other resource classes in the long haul while a few speculations accompany generally safe and subsequently lower returns.
There are two containers that speculation items fall into and they are monetary and non-budgetary resources. Money related resources can be isolated into market-connected items (like stocks and bonds) and fixed salary items (like Public Provident Fund, bank fixed stores). Non-money related resources – numerous Indians contribute through this mode – are any semblance of physical gold and land.
Here is a gander at the best 10 speculation roads Indians take a gander at while putting something aside for their budgetary objectives.
Real Estate
The house that you live in is for self-utilization and ought to never be considered as a venture. In the event that you don’t plan to live in it, the second property you purchase can be your venture.
Gold
Having gold as gems has its own interests, for example, wellbeing and significant expense. At that point there’s the ‘making charges’, which regularly go between 6-14 percent of the expense of gold (and may go as high as 25 percent in the event of exceptional plans). For the individuals who might need to purchase gold coins, there’s as yet a choice.
Equity Mutual Funds
Value common reserve conspires prevalently put resources into value stocks. According to the current Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Mutual Fund Regulations, a value common reserve conspire must contribute in any event 65 percent of its benefits in value and value related instruments. A value reserve can be effectively overseen or inactively oversaw.
National Pension System (NPS)
The National Pension System is a drawn out retirement – centered speculation item oversaw by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The base yearly (April-March) commitment for a NPS Tier-1 record to stay dynamic has been decreased from Rs 6,000 to Rs 1,000. It is a blend of value, fixed stores, corporate securities, fluid assets and government assets, among others. In light of your danger hunger, you can choose the amount of your cash that can be put into values through NPS.
Debt Mutual Funds
Debt Mutual Funds are appropriate for financial specialists who need consistent returns. They are less unpredictable and, thus, thought to be safer contrasted with value reserves. Obligation common assets fundamentally put resources into fixed-enthusiasm producing protections like corporate securities, government protections, depository charges, business paper and other currency market instruments.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The Public Provident Fund is one item many individuals go to. Since the PPF has a long residency of 15 years, the effect of aggravating tax-exempt intrigue is enormous, particularly in the later years. Further, since the premium earned and the chief contributed is supported by sovereign assurance, it makes it a sheltered speculation. Keep in mind, loan cost on PPF is audited each quarter by the administration.
Bank Fixed Deposit(FD)
A bank fixed deposit is viewed as a relatively more secure (than value or shared assets) decision for putting resources into India. Under the store protection and credit ensure company (DICGC) rules.
Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme (SCSS)
Likely the best option for most retirees, the Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme is an unquestionable requirement to have in their speculation portfolios. As the name recommends, just senior residents or early retirees can put resources into this plan. SCSS can be benefited from a mailing station or a bank by anybody over 60.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
PMVVY is for senior residents matured 60 years or more to give them a guaranteed return percent per annum. The plan offers annuity salary payable month to month, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly as selected.
Direct Equity
Putting resources into stocks probably won’t be some tea as it’s an unpredictable resource class and there is no assurance of profits. Further, in addition to the fact that it is hard to pick the correct stock, timing your entrance and exit is likewise difficult. The main silver coating is that over significant stretches, value has had the option to convey higher than expansion balanced returns contrasted with all other resource classes.
Rajkotupdates.news Tax saving PF FD and insurance tax relief
Rajkotupdates.news Tax saving PF FD and insurance tax relief : The government has announced various initiatives to assist taxpayers in saving money and reducing their economic impact. The most noteworthy is the implementation of the Tax Saving PF FD Scheme, which will provide tax savings on pension payments.
This will encourage individuals to save for retirement and contribute to high-yielding plans. Other improvements include eliminating the yearly inheritance tax allowance and increasing the standard deduction and personal allowance.
Those who receive a salary must begin tax preparation as the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season begins. Furthermore, paying into your salary accounts, if particular factors of investing are taken into mind, is not only a technique to save tax but also helps establish a reserve for retirement. We will go through various options for the latest tax savings published on Rajkotupdates.news Tax saving PF FD and insurance tax relief. may be used to create a retirement fund with tax savings.
Different Tax Saving Options – Rajkotupdates.news Tax saving PF FD and insurance tax relief
NPS Tax Exemption
The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is eligible for tax exemption up to 1.5 lakhs under Section 80CCE. Furthermore, with NPS, you can receive an extra benefit of Rs. 50,000 in section 80CCD (1B). For paid employees, NPS is an excellent long-term tax-saving solution. It’s also an excellent retirement alternative.
PPF and LIC Premium Tax Exemption
PPF Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a popular tax-saving alternative. It is an excellent investment since it is tax-free in addition to the maturity date and interest. This is a perfect way to ensure both an investment and a considerable quantity of money in the long term. The section 80C of the Internal Revenue Code permits tax deductions for contributions to a PPF account. However, If you acquired an insurance policy through LIC, you might be eligible for a tax break. Tax exemptions of up to 1.50 lakh are available for 80C insurance. 1.50 lakh.
ELSS Tax Exemption
Under Section 80C, the tax deductions are unrestricted for investments in Mutual Funds’ Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). Better returns and tax savings are available with ELSS. Because of the twofold advantage, ELSS is the finest tax-saving choice for salaried persons.
EPF Tax Exemption
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is one of the simplest methods for salaried people to save on taxes. It also exempts you from paying taxes. It is covered by the 80C. The Central Board of Trustees manages the EPF.
Remember that your PF account interest is tax-free up to 2.5 lakh per year. This is the most suitable choice for establishing a retirement fund in Form D.
Tax Exemption On Tax Saving FD
Tax-deductible fixed deposits are a wonderful way for salaried individuals to save money. This FFD can save you up to 1.5 lakh in taxes. It is fixed for a five-year term. It is a safe tax-saving alternative for salaried individuals. Keep in mind that the tax refund payable at the maturity of a tax-saving FD is tax-deductible.
Other tax Savings Options
Education loan interest
Tax breaks are available for the interest paid on student loan interest. There is no ceiling for deductions on income tax returns. You can, however, claim deductions that exceed an eight-year period commencing at the start of the year.
Medical insurance premiums and medical expenditures
Tax benefits: You can deduct the cost of Central Government Health Scheme premiums paid to you or your spouse and children throughout the year. Section 80D of the Income Tax Act allows you to deduct up to $ 25,000. If you are 65+, you can deduct up to Rs. 50,000.
Tax breaks If there is no cost for health insurance coverage, taxpayers may deduct medical costs paid throughout the year under section 80D. However, in order to claim these charges, you must fulfill certain criteria. However, if these costs are for parents other than the parents, an extra deduction of up to Rs. 25,000 is available. Senior persons may also claim an extra deduction of up to Rs. 50,000 if the funds are used to help their parents.
Savings on PF FDs and Insurance Tax Relief
Many consumers are unaware that they may save tax on early withdrawals from their PF account as well as receive insurance tax savings.
Some of the ways you can avoid tax on premature withdrawals from your PF account are as follows:
1) If you have not utilized all of your savings in the account for retirement purposes, you can withdraw money before age 60.
2) You can make money before age 55 if you have used all of your retirement assets.
3) You can also withdraw funds before reaching the age of 50 if you have claimed a deduction for qualified dependents or spent more than half of your gross income on qualifying costs such as education.
How can I apply for PPF, EPF, and other retirement plans?
A few choices are accessible to you if you want to start saving money. The Public Provident Fund is one example of this. (PPF).
- The PPF is an investment plan that allows participants to save money regularly. You can also apply for an EPF or employee provident fund. These plans provide tax breaks and can offer better interest rates than other savings choices.
- Many possibilities are open to you if you want to invest your money. You have the option of investing in mutual funds, stocks, or bonds.
- There are also custodian accounts that allow you to invest in assets without worrying about the practicalities of investing.
- These plans may be your greatest alternative if you want to save money on taxes.
What are the advantages of these schemes?
- Tax benefits: You can reduce your tax liability by investing in these schemes. For example, if you invest in a program that provides tax relief on insurance premiums, you will be able to lower the amount of tax you must pay.
- Increased wealth: You may raise the value of your portfolio by investing in programs like Rajkotupdates.news. This will assist you in achieving financial security and peace of mind, which are necessary factors for a happy existence.
- Secure future: Investing in plans like Rajkotupdates.news can provide financial stability in retirement and other significant life events.
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The Difference Between SEO and SEM
Attracting an audience to your website is excellent, especially when you fulfill it perfectly. Thus, when it comes to Law Firm SEO, you must take advantage of some system that can help you the most. SEO and Search Engine Marketing are different ways of dealing with the same situation to make your website effective. With these two, you might get the outcome that you are achieving.
SEO and SEM consist of different actions and are related to the aspects of marketing. However, there is some confusion for some individuals who are not familiar with these two terms when they are used together to reference a similar set of activities. Hence, any digital marketing professional should have a solid grasp of these two terms and highlight their presence in the marketing arena.
Let us move forward and discover the role of these two terms in the digital marketing industry. Join us to know more about them. And learn their difference at the same time. So, let’s get started!
What is SEO?
It is the practice of constantly optimizing a website to rank in the organic or non-paid search engine results pages (SERPs). As you know, Google uses above 200 ranking signals in its algorithm. In that case, SEO can be divided into four primary subcategories. That includes on-page SEO, off-page SEO, technical SEO, and User Interaction Signals.
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On-page SEO
It is where optimizing your website takes place, around keywords that target customer searches for in Google and other search engines. Tha’s include the main keyword in your title tag, meta description, and webpage URL is the best example.
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Off-page SEO
It is more on getting trust and authority signals from other websites. Off-page SEO involves building high-quality backlinks to your site. Thus, Google can use another off-page sign to level up your site’s authority, like social media sharing and E-A-T.
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Technical SEO
It is where you can ensure that Google and other search engines can crawl and index all of the pages on your website. It also includes things like ensuring your pages load quickly. And you have a perfect and accurate setup of your site architecture.
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User Interaction Signals
The users’ interaction with your sites can help Google to know if your page is a good match for someone’s search. The best example is if your page has a high bounce rate, that could be a sign that your page is not providing the answers to the searchers’ query. It might affect your ranking if Google considers your page a bad fit for that keyword. They can drop your rank less or entirely off the first page altogether.
What is SEM?
Please remember that SEM is a high-level term that includes SEO. In other words, the information above for SEO also applies to SEM. Thus, it includes PPC. It is a field that has its set of features, best practices, and more.
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Bidding
Paid Ads in search are all about bidding, whether it is Google Ads or Bing Ads. On the other hand, with PPC, you bid a specific keyword. Much later, when someone searches for that keyword, your ads will show up. Also, the rankings of the ads depend on how much someone is bidding.
Therefore, if you are the highest bidder, you appear above all the other ads. Plus, when someone clicks on your ad, you will pay whatever amount you bid. Cost Per Click or CPC is the amount you pay when someone clicks on your ad.
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Quality Score
It is a superb Google Ads metric. It is also the way for Google to find out if your ad is an excellent match for whatever someone’s searching for. Based on Google, Quality Score is calculated by combining the click-through rate, landing page quality, and your Google Ad account’s overall Quality Score. Plus, you can get a discount on each click if your ad has a higher Quality Score.
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Ad Copy
Producing ad copy is crucial for doing well with PPC because an excellent ad copy equals a high CTR, which means a good Quality Score. Also, it means that you pay less for the same click. However, if your copy doesn’t push people to click, your Quality Score will take disadvantages. And that is the beginning of having super expensive PPCs.
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Ad Groups and Account Management
It is where you use the data in your Google Ads account to optimize your ad spend.
SEO and SEm Differences
This section contains the possible differences in some terms between SEO and SEM. We share some information that you can use as a reference to familiarize these two. It includes the following;
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Speed
It is a matter of speed when it comes to seeing the result of your hard work, especially in SEO. Thus, SEO takes a lot of time if your site is new and doesn’t have a lot of backlinks yet. One analysis can take an average of 2 years to rank on the first page of Google.
On the other hand, it is not all for expecting two years to rank in Google. It is possible to see a result early if you target long-tail keywords and implement SEO best practices. Then, it will take a few months.
Furthermore, you can start to see results instantly if you focus your SEM efforts on PPC. In the morning, you can run an ad, and in the afternoon, you can start to get traffic and conversions. Thus, you cant get an ROI on the first day. It takes months of testing and trying to get a positive ROI from PPC. Hence, PPC works faster than SEO.
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Cost
SEO offers free website traffic. Payments are not needed when someone clicks on your site in the organic search results. But, SEO is not free at all. Given that getting traffic is free, the SEO tools require a lot of money, effort, and time to get the number 1 ranking. Also, you need to promote the content with email outreach.
Then, use a paid SEO tool to find keywords. Plus the investment of time writing a post. Then, hire a graphic designer to take all of the screenshots. Illustrator is also needed, as well as the developer of the actual page. However, there is no assurance that the pages would rank for anything.
On the contrary, is the SEM with a 100% PPC approach. Here, you are spending cash up-front, but at least you can monitor the result of your effort in a shorter time. Also, PPC is cheaper than SEO. However, an issue occurs when you stop paying, the traffic will become zero, contrasting to SEO that will pretty much set once you rank. You don’t need to invest a lot of funds in maintaining the current ranking.
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Focus On SEO
Here are some advantages that might help you when you choose to focus on SEO. It includes the following;
- You have a limited budget.
- You can rank for informational keywords.
- You can wait.
- You are Good at Link Building.
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Focus On PPC
Here are some of the advantages when you are focusing on PPC.
- You have a consistent Ad Budget.
- You can manage an Adwords Account.
- You can launch and test landing pages.
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Focus On Both (SEM)
As for both, you need to provide the ultimate time and effort in setting up your business. Thus, you can be your own SEM Manager. However, things will be hard for both SEO and PPC. It will become too much for a single person to manage all of this. But if you are lucky that you have a staff that can do both, go for it. If not, choose one from the option above.
Conclusion
We have come this far. We are grateful to share some information about the difference between SEO and SEM. Also, introduce some data under each of them. We hope that this content becomes helpful in the future. Thank you for navigating all the data above.
10 Best Computer Classes for Kids: Learn to Code, Create Games & More
Do you want your kids to learn the basics of coding? Or maybe how to play games on a computer?
There is something for your kid, from online courses that teach coding to gaming classes that help them master their favourite titles. Computer classes for kids are becoming popular as parents seek to give their children a leg up in the ever-changing job market. This course can help foster a love of technology and set the foundation for a future in coding or gaming.
Here’s everything you need to know before enrolling in computer-related courses.
The Benefits of Enrolling Your Kids in Computer Classes
The world is becoming reliant on computers. That’s why kids need to gain early experience in game development.
Here are a few reasons why a computer science course can be beneficial:
- Kids learn how to use computers and technology at an early age, which will help them in the future.
- Students learn problem-solving and computer skills.
- The collaborative environment helps kids develop social skills.
- Students often have great fun learning about computers in a class setting. This includes a video tutorial, screen sharing, or even face to face.
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10 Fun and Educational Computer Classes for Kids
A computer is a part of everyday life, and kids need to learn to use them early.
Here are 10 of the best courses that your little ones may enjoy during school holidays:
1. Scratch Coding
Scratch is a programming language that helps kids to create unique projects. With Scratch, students can build their own interactive stories, games, and animations.
Scratch uses drag-and-drop command blocks which stack together to create code. Best of all, this program is free and can be used on any computer or mobile device.
2. Java Programming
Java programming is also a great way to learn code and instil good habits in young programmers. With Processing, students can learn the basics of writing.
Additionally, they can learn how to debug java to create their games. They can also explore other areas of computer science, such as data mining.
3. Minecraft Modding Class
Minecraft is a game that encourages exploration and creativity. Kids can spend one-hour Minecrafting and building elaborate worlds with tools. But for some kids, the Minecraft experience can be enhanced by learning how to mod the game.
Minecraft modding classes teach kids how to create custom content for the game. This includes new blocks, items, mobs, and more. In addition, they can share their mods and even collaborate with other modders to create larger projects.
4. Python Programming
One of the most popular courses online is Python. This platform can be used for apps like Instagram, Netflix, and Spotify.
Python coding is a language for web development, scientific computing, etc. The class starts with the basics of Python syntax and moves on to more complex concepts.
5. 3D Printing & Modelling
3D printing and modelling is an excellent way for kids to learn about technology and engineering. In this course, kids aged 6 and up will 3D print and model their creations. They will learn how to use 3D printers and software to create their models.
By the end of the program, your kids will have created their own 3D printed models that they can take home with them.
6. Robotics with Edison
Robotics with Edison is a course for kids utilising an educational robot called Edison. With this, students instruct their robots with code to communicate with other robots. If you’re looking for an innovative one, this is great for young people at age 7 to up.
7. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is an exciting field of computer science that is constantly evolving. In this online class, kids will learn about AI and how it works. By the end of the course, your kids will have a strong foundation and hands-on experience with AI.
8. Data Science Course
What if your child learned how to think like a data scientist?
Data Science is an exciting and new field of study. In this program, kids will learn all aspects of statistics through programming to create their own algorithms for video games or YouTube videos. Plus, boost their confidence- knowing that what kids are doing has real-world consequences.
9. Graphic Design
We all know how much kids nowadays love to draw. So why not give them the chance of a child’s experience by letting them create their own graphics?
In this course, kids whose age range is 12 up can create logos and movie posters like pro artists. There’s no need for expensive programs because there are plenty of free ones on the internet to allow children to enjoy learning new skills.
10. 3D Game Design
In this course, students learn how to design and create their platformer games. Unity is a powerful game design platform that students use to build 3D pre-designed levels. These budding rockstar developers can create custom stages for their newly created simple games as they learn the basics.
In Conclusion
So, what are the best weekly coding classes?
From learning to code to playing games, there’s something for everyone to teach your child about computers. With these resources, they will be able to learn new tech skills and have a blast doing it.
Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?
Between the rising effects of climate change and the increasing cost of gas prices, many drivers are trying to find an alternative to the impacts gasoline-powered vehicles are having on the climate and their wallets. If you‘re currently reconsidering your gas vehicle, knowing the pros and cons of hybrid cars is the important first step to deciding if you want to make the switch. We’ve outlined the basics here.
What Is a Hybrid Car?
A hybrid electric vehicle combines one or more electric motors with the standard gas engine, powering the car via the efforts of both engines. Each can work individually to power the car, or they can function together. While the electric motor is powered by a high-voltage battery pack, depending on the type, you may not need to plug it in to recharge. Instead, most standard hybrid batteries are recharged through regenerative braking, saving excess energy in a generator to use for later. However, there are some plug-in hybrid cars you can recharge, much like an electric-only vehicle.
Advantages of Hybrid Cars
As you may have suspected, there are several benefits of hybrid cars over their gasoline counterparts and even electric-only cars.
1. Environmentally Friendly
Switching to a hybrid car can lower your carbon footprint. You’ll use less fossil fuels than a gas-powered car, producing fewer emissions. That’s because hybrid electric vehicles have a better fuel efficiency and conserve more energy than their gas-powered counterparts. As a result, they have much less impact on the environment in the way of releasing carbon emissions.
Because hybrid electric vehicles are made with lighter materials, they also need to consume less energy. Their engines are also lighter, conserving energy and creating another environmental advantage of hybrids.
2. Regenerative Braking
As mentioned, regenerative braking is a system where the excess heat energy from the friction caused by braking is transferred to recharging the battery. Regenerative braking is not a concept new to hybrid cars — vehicles have used the same system to power minor support systems without placing needless strain on the engine. The difference with regenerative braking in a hybrid electric system is that it has a much more significant impact on how the car itself is powered. This is another way hybrid vehicles use less energy by reusing the energy a standard car would waste.
3. More Value, Less Expense
Many people purchase hybrid cars with the idea that they’ll have to buy less gas. While this is certainly a factor, you’ll also find that your car may hold its value better than in the past — especially if you want to sell it. With gas prices rising, more and more people are considering the switch to hybrid cars. Their popularity means your car’s resale value could be pretty high — likely higher than the gas counterpart of the same vehicle. The more people have environmental and financial concerns in mind when buying a car, the higher the resale price of hybrid electric cars.
4. Reduced Maintenance
Think of how hybrid cars power themselves by relying on the electric motor and the battery pack and reusing excess energy. This means another advantage to hybrid cars is less heat and less wear and tear on the engine itself. Because of this, you may not need repairs or routine maintenance as often.
5. Less Stress on Long Trips
Owners of electric vehicles have fears of not having enough battery charge to get to their next recharge station. Even though recharge stations for plug-in vehicles have grown in number, this is still a prominent concern. There are not always recharge stations in the places drivers need them most, especially along the scenic route. This, however, isn’t a fear for owners of hybrid cars — when the electric motor runs out of charge, the gas engine will take over, powering your car while charging and supporting the electric engine.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars
While there are some astonishing benefits to switching over to hybrid electric cars, there are disadvantages of hybrid cars that should not be ignored. Knowing the potential prices and dangers of an electric car can help you better weigh the cost of a possible switch.
1. Expensive Up Front
While the price difference between gas and hybrid cars is decreasing, a hybrid car is still more expensive than a gas car of the same make and model. However, because of government incentives and tax breaks in support of the environmental benefits of these cars, this cost can be lowered. The greater initial cost can also be offset by the future savings the car brings through its lower use of energy and fuel.
2. Costly Repairs
While the gas engine may not need as much maintenance or repair, problems can still occur with the battery and high voltage system. Depending on your car’s battery, the replacement cost could be in the thousands. Complex systems also require complex solutions if they break down, and not every repair shop is equipped to repair a hybrid.
3. Less Power
While a lighter car means less fuel and energy use, it also means less power. To make the car lighter and more energy efficient with its heavy machinery, the size of the engines and battery needed to be reduced, making the car less powerful. This results in lower acceleration and horsepower for hybrid cars.
4. Potential Electrocution Risk
Because of the high voltage within the electric engine, the occupants of a hybrid vehicle have a higher risk of electrocution in a crash than those in a gas-powered vehicle.
So, Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?
Now that you know this information in support of the financial and environmental benefits of hybrid cars, as well as their drawbacks and dangers, one question remains. Are hybrid cars worth it? While there are drawbacks, the financial and environmental benefits are not to be ignored. If you feel you can handle less power, a higher upfront cost, and potential repair difficulties, the reduced operating costs and environmentally-friendly features may just be worth it to you.
Whatever your current feelings are about hybrid electric vehicles, things are always changing in this new market. It’s important to stay up-to-date on all the newest information on hybrid electric cars. New information could sway or reinforce how you feel about hybrid vehicles, especially as our grasp on this exciting technology increases.
Project-based Learning: Is it a learner’s main course yet?
With everything evolving in the education landscape, we can adapt to newer pedagogical strategies like project-based learning (PBL) in our curriculum planning!
Tons of surveys and research are pointing to the gaps that exist in our education system and the lack of job-readiness and employability skills. As educators, how then do we make way for our learners to become problem-solvers, innovators, and critical-thinkers?
We take the PBL route!
This blog focuses on Designing Instruction and how educators can embed projects in their curriculum, and not just at the end of it.
Make PBL your main course, not just a dessert
Tracing back to when we were students, project work formed a part of holiday homework, CCE evaluation, or an end-of-the-chapter real-life application! But things are changing and we are adding newer ways to achieve learning outcomes effectively.
PBL is the answer to all our checklist bullets of a high-quality lesson plan—21st century skills, student choice and voice, and ownership of learning.
This gold standard PBL graphic shows the key focus areas of inculcating the pedagogy in our learning experiences. The first step is to keep the learning goals at the center of every project: understand the academic outcomes we want from the lesson, conceptual understanding of learners, and skills that we can develop using the project.
Use a challenge to nudge learners towards deeper questions and more inquiry. One good way to begin, while making your next unit plan, is to revisit your curriculum and think how you can execute it through projects. If you can make it interdisciplinary across subjects, even better!
Take Note: Project or PBL? Ask yourself if you are doing proactive research to make learners understand concepts through a project, or just tagging one at the end? Did your students have a say in the project, or in what they wanted to know more about?
Where to start?
Take a unit that you have already taught, maybe in the previous academic year, or something you are familiar with, and remodel it into a project. Another way is to introduce the unit with a quick shoutout of big ideas of what students think, know and want to learn more of. Educators can use tools like Toddle and Flipgrid to make students’ learning visible in remote scenarios.
Put on your research hat and find out what’s happening in the world that interests your students; teach from the headlines! PBL is when students understand the WHY of a project, feel passionate about finding it out, speak to the experts in the field, and make proposal pitches to them. What a beautiful example of student ownership!
These projects make an important part of formative assessments. Look beyond grades and tune in to how students are learning as the project unfolds. Educators must also encourage group projects and peer feedback mechanisms to make our learners ready for working in teams and taking constructive criticism well.
Harness the natural creativity of the little ones!
Have you ever observed a young one when they are just figuring things out on their own or the kind of curious questions they ask?
A NASA study finds that 98% of 4-5 year olds scored at a ‘creative genius’ level. Five years later, only 30% of the same group scored that title. For adults, it was a mere 2%. As we grow older, the systemic spirit of our education curbs our divergent thinking and WHY questions.
PBL is the best way to stop turning our learners all mechanical!
Begin with co-constructing ‘What good looks like?’ with your teacher colleagues. Use the four Cs framework of Create, Collaborate, Communicate, Critical Thinking to design your project plan. Inculcate visible thinking strategies for engagement and CFUs, like KWL charts. These strategies also inform your project’s driving questions well.
Before moving ahead, here’s the trick! Don’t converge your learners’ thinking to make your lesson successful. Divide them in groups with common ideas, differentiate, and let your students have their own explorative journey! Inching closer to a real research-based project, curate a resource bank of relevant reads and encourage students to add to and leverage it. To extend peer learning, students can also upload their videos or presentations on a platform like the Student app of Toddle and receive feedback in comments.
After every lesson, assess them through reflection exercises and exit tickets. Click HERE to explore more techniques of online assessments. Thinking about assessments, you may be wondering how PBL can replace our pen-and-paper tests? With huge amounts of syllabus, how to include PBL and cover it all?
Reminder: PBL is not just one project, it becomes your curriculum. When you are unit planning, map HOW projects will help build WHAT knowledge, skills and mindsets. And also remember, PBL makes learning stick! Because learners, from start to end, are asking their own questions and finding answers themselves too!
Expand your collaborative horizons with Toddle
Toddle offer educators ready-made lesson plans and questions to discuss, and lots of resources to learn from and step up their game. It provides teachers from a school the space and opportunity to interact and collaborate in planning and assessment. Visualize a smooth interface that allows learners to own their projects and get peer and educator feedback. educators can invite parents to share students’ work and be proud of them. Through this platform, educators can see what the students are doing, co-assess their work and give feedback. From writing and comprehension skills to digital citizenship, our learners are taking it all in through PBL!
Make learning through projects the main course and enjoy the dessert of your effort on effective learning outcomes…
Complete guide on RBI Grade B examination
The RBI or Reserve Bank of India examination is conducted in a couple of phases; Phase I and Phase II. The Reserve Bank of India Grade B notification gets released every year so that eligible candidates can fill in the vacancies. Candidates get the admit cards only some weeks before the preliminary examination. The application process for RBI Grade B closed down on the 18th of April, 2022, and it was for 294 vacancies. If you are interested in taking the RBI Grade B exam, you can visit the website of RBI and go through the notification details.
The importance of the RBI Grade B mock test
The RBI Grade B mock test 2022 does not only turn out to be the best that candidates can practice but is reliable too. This test is designed in a way so that candidates get a clue about the actual examination. Every mock test that is available in the mock test series of RBI Grade B is found with a comprehensive solution to every question. And these questions give candidates an excellent idea about how they can improve their performance. So, it is the ideal time when you can give your preparations a new elevation.
The eligibility criteria
When you are interested in applying, you need to meet the min. Eligibility criteria. You must possess a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree from a sanctioned University, and only then you can apply for the RBI Grade B job. The exam of RBI Grade B is held online, and the selection of candidates is made according to a competitive examination. This examination is conducted in 3 phases; preliminary, main, and personal interview round. The mock test series of the RBI Grade B is available in Hindi and English languages.
Why are the mock tests so important?
The mock tests turn out to be useful all the time, before as well as after candidates cover the whole syllabus.
Towards the start of their preparation – Students use mock tests to analyse where they stand currently, the topics they need to concentrate on, etc. If they become perplexed, they can go through the preparation policy for the RBI Grade B exam.
At the time of their preparation – Students utilise a mock test to test how they have been advancing with their preparation process. Additionally, they will come to know about their strengths and weaknesses besides whether or not they must make necessary alterations to take their preparation to the subsequent level.
At the time of finishing their preparation – Candidates can begin to give comprehensive mock tests before the exam, and it will drive their preparation to the eventual goal, which is taking on the post of the RBI Grade B officer.
The process of attempting the RBI Grade B mock test
If candidates can practice the RBI Grade B mock test 2022 with quicker comprehension skills, they will identify their weak and strong areas. Solving RBI Grade B mock test brings candidates closest to solving the real RBI Grade B examination papers in real-time.
Diamond Shield Management Press: The Biggest Delivery Companies Falling for Fake Driver Scam
Fake driver scams have made the headlines in the US over the past months. These scams, as their names suggest, involve fake licenses. The scams range in complexity. Some scammers use stolen IDs to impersonate drivers. Others obtain an ID photo. Then they Photoshop it. Afterward, change some of the data. And in the end, they create a new driver profile.
These fake IDs were at the center of many scams. Some of the biggest companies in the US were targets. Amazon drivers carrying merchandise are one example. However, scammers also impersonated Uber drivers. And the list of companies can continue.
An interesting fact is the scammers’ nationality. In multiple cases, these were Brazilian citizens. More so, they often sold the fake documents to undocumented immigrants. Learn more about these scams. We’ll also look into the authorities’ opinion of them.
Recommended article: Diamond Shield Management Report – How to Steer Clear of Robocall Red Flags
Creating the Fake Driver’s Licenses
Homeland Security Investigations agents handled the fake driver’s licenses case. They were surprised by some of their findings. More precisely, by how sloppy some scammers were. The whole strategy was quite basic. It’s incredible it even worked, according to Frankie DiGiacco, ex-prosecutor for the Justice Department of California.
The targets were delivery and ride-share companies. Scammers got employment opportunities at these companies based on fake IDs. So, how did they create those? In some cases, easier than you imagine. Some of the scammers were already working in the delivery companies. So, they dealt with lots of people regularly. For example, they delivered alcohol. Therefore, they could ask for customers’ proof of age. So, they quickly took a photo of their IDs.
Afterward, they used those IDs to create fake driver profiles. There were other ways to get hold of IDs too. For example, through internet phishing scams. Regardless of their origin, the ID photos were the basis of the scam. Criminals used them to impersonate victims or forge new identities.
The striking fact is how unprofessional the new IDs looked. According to investigators, the criminals didn’t strive for perfection. They simply swapped out the photos on the IDs. In many cases, they used their own. And only left the identification information from the real documents. In other cases, they combined different stolen identities.
Most of these belonged to customers who bought, for example, something from Amazon. However, scammers had basic photo editing skills. According to the authorities, some of the photoshopped photos were outrageous. Even someone with limited skills could have done a better job. On some IDs, they even forgot to change all the photos. They photoshopped the main ID photo. However, the small one in the watermark remained unchanged. Hence, some IDs had two different photos. One showed the actual ID possessor. The second belonged to the criminal or another victim.
Using the Fake Documents
Scammers uploaded fake driver’s licenses on different delivery company websites. Hence, they created fake driver profiles. Then, they sold them. Anyone who wanted a license, or a delivery job could pay for it. In most cases, these were undocumented immigrants. However, there were also worst cases. Convicted criminals also used the licenses. Furthermore, people with no driving right in the US bought them. Scammers leveraged the IDs to the full. On the one hand, they sold them for good money. On the other, they sometimes got referral bonuses too. This is possible thanks to the delivery companies’ policies. An employee or collaborator who recruits new drivers gets such bonuses. And these are not small. In some instances, just for one driver, the referral bonus is around $1,500.
As for the scam perpetrators, many of them were Brazilian nationals. For example, in California, five Brazilian scammers ended up in federal court. This happened shortly after other Brazilian citizens were involved in similar crimes in Massachusetts. All the while, companies using their services were not charged. Basically, they were the victims. Together with their clients.
What did the authorities fail to grasp? How scammers were not detected earlier. According to them, spotting the forged documents should have been easy. Moreover, delivery companies have strict verifications policies. Precisely to avoid identity theft and impersonation cases such as these. Yet, crooks managed to trick the system. Probably, this was due to automated verification procedures. In other words, relying on programs instead of humans to check the IDs.
Conclusion
The California fake driver’s license scam took place roughly from 2018 to 2020. Hundreds of Fake IDs emerged during this time. Scammers used them to create profiles on delivery and ride-share platforms. Then, they sold these identities. Often, the buyers were illegal immigrants or convicted criminals. According to investigators, thousands of consumers used these people’s services. These criminals impersonated real US citizens. With their identities, they earned from goods delivery or shared riding services. The delivery and rideshare companies were not charged in the legal lawsuits.
