AI and Python Courses: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched 19 free online courses for students studying in Classes 8 to 12. The initiative aims to help school students develop practical technology skills alongside their regular studies and prepare them for future careers in the digital world.
The courses have been introduced in partnership with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) through its National Digital University (NDU) platform. Students can enroll in these courses free of cost and learn from the comfort of their homes.
CBSE Introduces Free Technology Courses for Students
With technology becoming an essential part of every industry, CBSE has launched this initiative to provide students with access to skill-based learning at an early stage.
The courses focus on emerging technologies that are currently in high demand across industries. Students can choose subjects based on their interests and complete the courses at their own pace without affecting their school education.
List of Free Online Courses Offered by CBSE
The 19 online courses cover both beginner and advanced-level topics across different technology domains.
Some of the major courses include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Generative AI
Yuva AI for All
Python Programming
Computer Concepts
Cybersecurity
Cloud Computing
Internet of Things (IoT)
Web Designing and Publishing
Additive Manufacturing
3D Printing
ChipCraft
Semiconductor Design
RTL Design
IP Integration
SoC Sign-Off
These courses are designed to provide students with practical knowledge and industry-relevant skills that can be useful for higher education and future careers.
Flexible Learning for School Students
One of the biggest advantages of this initiative is its flexible learning model.
Students can study according to their own schedule without disturbing their regular classes. The online courses are self-paced, allowing learners to complete lessons whenever they have free time.
Some short courses can be completed in as little as 90 minutes, while more detailed programs may require 20 hours or more, depending on the subject.
Who Can Apply?
The free online courses are available for students studying in Classes 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Students interested in technology, coding, artificial intelligence, electronics, or digital skills can take advantage of these programs to build knowledge beyond the school curriculum.
Benefits of These Free CBSE Courses
These courses offer several benefits for students, including:
Learn future-ready technology skills.
Improve coding and programming knowledge.
Gain practical exposure to AI and cybersecurity.
Study from home at your own pace.
Access quality learning without paying any course fee.
Build a strong foundation for higher education and future careers.
The initiative also helps students become familiar with technologies that are widely used in engineering, software development, data science, and the IT industry.
How to Enroll in CBSE Free Online Courses
Students who wish to join these courses can register through the National Digital University (NDU) portal managed by NIELIT.
The registration process is simple and completely online. After signing up, students can select the course of their choice and begin learning immediately from any internet-connected device.
Why These Courses Matter
The demand for professionals with skills in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and programming continues to grow across industries. Learning these technologies during school can help students stay ahead in academics and improve their career opportunities in the future.
By offering these courses free of cost, CBSE aims to encourage digital learning and equip students with practical skills that complement classroom education.
Conclusion
AI and Python Courses: The CBSE Free Online Courses 2026 initiative provides an excellent opportunity for students in Classes 8 to 12 to learn modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Python, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, IoT, and 3D Printing without paying any fee.
With flexible learning schedules, industry-focused content, and online access, these 19 courses can help students strengthen their technical skills and prepare for future academic and career opportunities.
With the July 31, 2026 deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) fast approaching, taxpayers are being advised not to wait until the last moment. Delaying your return can lead to penalties, delayed refunds, and the loss of several tax-related benefits.
To make the filing process easier, fintech platforms PhonePe and JioFinance have introduced affordable in-app tax filing services, allowing users to file their ITR from their smartphones without visiting multiple websites.
PhonePe and Jio Finance Launch Affordable ITR Filing Service
PhonePe and JioFinance have partnered with TaxBuddy, a registered e-Return Intermediary (ERI), to offer online income tax filing services directly through their mobile applications.
Users can choose between filing their returns themselves or taking assistance from tax experts, depending on their requirements.
One of the biggest highlights is that self-filing plans start at just ₹24, making tax filing more affordable for millions of taxpayers.
DIY and Expert-Assisted Filing Options Available
The platforms offer two convenient ways to file Income Tax Returns.
Self-Filing (DIY)
Taxpayers who are comfortable filing their own returns can use the DIY option. The app guides users through the filing process and automatically retrieves relevant tax information, making the process quick and simple.
Expert-Assisted Filing
Those who have more complex tax situations can choose expert assistance. Tax professionals help prepare and file the return, ensuring better accuracy and compliance.
Suitable for Salaried Employees and Other Taxpayers
The service is designed not only for salaried individuals but also for taxpayers with multiple income sources.
It supports returns involving:
Salary income
Business income
Capital gains
Futures and Options (F&O) trading
Cryptocurrency transactions
Foreign income
Non-Resident Indian (NRI) tax filing
This makes it useful for both simple and complex tax profiles.
TaxBuddy Handles the Filing Process
Both PhonePe and JioFinance use TaxBuddy’s technology for tax filing.
Since TaxBuddy is a registered e-Return Intermediary with the Income Tax Department, users can complete the entire filing process securely without leaving the fintech app.
This eliminates the need to visit multiple websites or manually upload information.
Features Available on the JioFinance App
JioFinance offers several useful tools to simplify tax filing, including:
Automatic retrieval of tax information from the Income Tax Department.
Tax planning tools.
Comparison of old and new tax regimes.
Deduction estimation.
Refund tracking.
Secure processing of taxpayer data.
These features help users complete their returns with greater convenience and accuracy.
PhonePe Also Offers GST Compliance Services
Apart from Income Tax Return filing, PhonePe has also integrated GST-related services into its platform.
Users can:
File Income Tax Returns.
Manage monthly GST compliance.
Choose between self-filing and expert-assisted tax filing.
This makes the platform useful for both salaried individuals and business owners.
ITR Filing Charges
The pricing varies depending on the complexity of the return.
Self-filing plans start from ₹24.
Salaried taxpayers can choose plans ranging from ₹24 to ₹499.
Taxpayers with capital gains, F&O trading, or cryptocurrency income can avail plans starting from ₹99.
Expert-assisted filing starts from ₹649.
Advanced plans for NRIs and taxpayers with business income are available up to ₹2,924.
Users can select a plan based on their income sources and filing requirements.
Why You Should File Your ITR Before the Deadline
Waiting until the last few days can create unnecessary problems due to increased traffic on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Filing your return early offers several benefits:
Avoid late filing penalties.
Receive tax refunds faster.
Reduce the risk of technical issues.
Get enough time to correct mistakes if required.
Complete the process without last-minute stress.
Timely filing also helps maintain proper financial records for loans, visas, and other official purposes.
Conclusion
As the July 31, 2026 ITR filing deadline approaches, taxpayers should complete their returns without delay. With affordable tax filing services now available through PhonePe and JioFinance, filing an Income Tax Return has become quicker, easier, and more accessible.
Whether you are a salaried employee, investor, business owner, or NRI, you can choose a suitable filing plan based on your income profile and ensure your return is submitted well before the deadline.
If you’ve recently started receiving calls from numbers beginning with 1600 or 140, you may be wondering whether they are genuine or spam. To clear the confusion, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has explained the purpose of these two number series and how they should be handled.
According to TRAI, 1600-series and 140-series numbers serve completely different purposes. While one is reserved for important service-related communication, the other is meant only for promotional and marketing calls.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are 1600-Series Calls?
The 1600-series is reserved for service and transaction-related calls. These calls are generally made by banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and government departments to communicate important information with existing customers or citizens.
Examples of 1600-series calls include:
Banking transaction alerts
Loan-related updates
Insurance policy information
Investment account notifications
Government service communication
Pension-related updates
These calls are intended to provide essential information rather than advertise products or services.
Who Can Use 1600-Series Numbers?
TRAI has restricted the use of 1600-series numbers to regulated organizations.
These include institutions supervised by:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
Government departments are also permitted to use these numbers for official communication with citizens.
Can 1600-Series Calls Be Blocked?
No. According to TRAI, telecom operators and third-party caller identification applications are not allowed to tag, filter, or block 1600-series calls.
This means these calls should not appear with labels such as “Spam” or “Suspected Spam” simply because they originate from the 1600 series.
The reason is that these calls often carry important service-related information that customers should receive without interruption.
What Are 140-Series Calls?
The 140-series is used exclusively for promotional and marketing calls.
Businesses across different industries use these numbers to promote products, services, offers, discounts, and marketing campaigns.
Companies must register with their telecom service provider before making promotional calls through the 140 series, as required under TRAI’s Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR).
Can You Block 140-Series Calls?
Yes. Unlike 1600-series calls, 140-series marketing calls are governed by the Do Not Disturb (DND) framework.
If you have activated DND or blocked promotional communication from specific sectors, you should not receive promotional calls from those categories.
Customers can register, modify, or update their DND preferences using the official TRAI DND platform or other approved channels provided by their telecom operator.
Key Differences Between 1600 and 140 Series Calls
Feature
1600 Series
140 Series
Purpose
Service and transaction-related communication
Promotional and marketing calls
Used By
Banks, financial institutions, government departments
Registered businesses and advertisers
Nature of Calls
Important customer updates
Sales, offers, promotions and advertisements
Covered Under DND
No
Yes
Can Telecom Operators Tag as Spam?
No
Generally not, except where DND blocking applies
Can Customers Block Them Through DND?
No
Yes
Why Has TRAI Introduced These Number Series?
The dedicated numbering system helps customers easily identify the purpose of incoming calls.
When users know whether a call is related to an important service or a promotional campaign, they can make better decisions about answering or ignoring it.
The move also aims to improve transparency and reduce confusion caused by unwanted commercial calls.
How to Reduce Unwanted Promotional Calls
If you want to receive fewer marketing calls, you can:
Activate the Do Not Disturb (DND) service.
Update your communication preferences with your telecom operator.
Report unsolicited commercial communications that violate DND rules.
Avoid sharing your mobile number on untrusted websites and apps.
These steps can significantly reduce unwanted promotional calls while ensuring you continue receiving important service-related communications.
Conclusion
The 1600 and 140 number series serve different purposes under TRAI’s regulations. 1600-series calls are meant for important service and transaction-related communication from regulated financial institutions and government departments, while 140-series calls are used only for promotional and marketing purposes.
Understanding the difference can help you identify genuine service calls, manage promotional communication more effectively, and make better use of the DND facility to reduce unwanted marketing calls.
The Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers to complete their Income Tax Return (ITR) filing well before the July 31, 2026 deadline for the Assessment Year (AY) 2026-27. With only a few days left, more than 1.7 crore taxpayers have already filed their returns, and the filing pace continues to increase.
According to the department, over 10 lakh ITRs were filed on July 10 alone, making it one of the busiest filing days of the season. Taxpayers who have not yet submitted ITR-1 or ITR-2 are advised to avoid waiting until the last moment to prevent technical issues and unnecessary delays.
More Than 1.7 Crore Tax Returns Already Filed
The Income Tax Department shared the latest filing statistics through its official social media channels, encouraging taxpayers to file their returns as early as possible.
The department stated that the ITR utilities and online filing portal for AY 2026-27 have been available since May 15, 2026. Since then, over 1.7 crore returns have been successfully filed, showing that many taxpayers have already completed the process well before the deadline.
The department also highlighted that filing early helps taxpayers avoid the last-minute rush and ensures faster processing of refunds.
Why You Should File Your ITR Before July 31
Many taxpayers wait until the final few days to file their income tax returns. However, this often leads to heavy traffic on the e-filing portal, which can result in slow loading, technical glitches, login issues, or submission failures.
By filing your return early, you can:
Avoid heavy traffic on the income tax portal.
Reduce the chances of technical errors.
Get your tax refund processed sooner.
Correct mistakes before the deadline if required.
Stay compliant with tax laws and avoid penalties.
Submitting your return in advance makes the entire process much smoother and stress-free.
What Happens If You Miss the ITR Filing Deadline?
If you fail to file your Income Tax Return by July 31, 2026, you may have to file a belated return.
While taxpayers can still submit a belated return up to December 31, 2026, missing the original deadline can have several consequences, including:
Late filing fees under the Income Tax Act.
Delay in receiving tax refunds.
Restrictions on carrying forward certain losses.
Additional compliance requirements.
Filing your return on time helps you avoid these unnecessary complications.
Who Should File ITR-1?
ITR-1 (Sahaj) is the simplest income tax return form and is suitable for most salaried individuals.
You can file ITR-1 if:
You are a resident individual.
Your total annual income is up to ₹50 lakh.
Your income comes from salary or pension.
You have income from one house property.
You earn income from other sources within the prescribed limits.
Agricultural income does not exceed ₹5,000 in a financial year.
This form is ideal for most salaried employees with straightforward income sources.
Who Should File ITR-2?
ITR-2 is meant for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) who do not earn income from business or profession but have more complex financial situations.
ITR-2 is applicable if you have:
Capital gains from shares, mutual funds, or property.
More than one house property.
Foreign assets or foreign income.
Other income that is not covered under ITR-1.
Taxpayers with investment income or multiple income sources should carefully check whether ITR-2 applies to them.
How to File Your Income Tax Return Online
The Income Tax Department allows taxpayers to file returns through its official e-filing portal.
Before submitting your return, make sure to verify all the pre-filled information, including:
Salary details.
TDS information.
Form 26AS.
Annual Information Statement (AIS).
Bank account details.
Capital gains and other income, if applicable.
Checking these details carefully can help avoid errors and future notices from the tax department.
Benefits of Filing Your ITR Early
Filing your income tax return before the deadline offers several advantages:
Faster processing of tax refunds.
Less chance of facing portal congestion.
More time to correct any mistakes.
Reduced stress during the filing season.
Compliance with tax laws without paying late fees.
Early filing also helps taxpayers complete financial documentation required for loans, visas, and other official purposes.
Conclusion
With the July 31, 2026 deadline approaching, taxpayers who have not yet filed their ITR-1 or ITR-2 should complete the process as soon as possible. More than 1.7 crore returns have already been filed, and the number continues to rise every day.
Filing your Income Tax Return on time not only helps you avoid late fees and technical issues but also ensures quicker refund processing and a hassle-free tax filing experience. Before submitting your return, carefully review all the information and choose the correct ITR form based on your income sources.
Train Ticket: Indian Railways has introduced a new reservation facility that makes last-minute train travel much easier. Under the revised booking rules, passengers can now book confirmed tickets for vacant seats in select reserved trains even after the reservation chart has been prepared.
The new system allows travellers to reserve available seats up to 15 minutes before the train’s scheduled departure, provided seats remain vacant after the final reservation chart is released. The initiative aims to improve seat utilisation while offering greater convenience to passengers who need to travel at short notice.
What Is the New Indian Railways Rule?
Earlier, once the reservation chart was prepared, passengers could no longer book confirmed tickets for that train, even if several seats remained vacant.
Under the new rule, Indian Railways will continue accepting bookings for available seats after chart preparation. Passengers can reserve these vacant seats until 15 minutes before the train leaves the station, subject to seat availability.
This move is expected to reduce the number of empty seats and provide more confirmed tickets to passengers travelling at the last minute.
Who Can Benefit from This Facility?
The new booking system is especially helpful for people who need to travel unexpectedly.
It can be useful in situations such as:
Medical emergencies
Business trips
Family emergencies
Urgent personal travel
Last-minute travel planning
Instead of depending only on Tatkal bookings or waiting list tickets, passengers now have another opportunity to secure a confirmed seat before departure.
How to Book a Confirmed Ticket Before Departure
Passengers can book available seats through any of the following official channels:
IRCTC Website
Visit the official IRCTC website, check seat availability, and complete the booking if vacant seats are available after chart preparation.
IRCTC Rail Connect App
The IRCTC Rail Connect mobile application also allows passengers to check real-time seat availability and book confirmed tickets.
PRS Reservation Counters
Passengers who prefer offline booking can visit any Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter to book available seats before departure.
Is the Facility Available for Every Train?
No. The facility is available only for select reserved trains where seats remain vacant even after the reservation chart has been prepared.
If all seats are already occupied, passengers will not be able to book tickets under this provision.
Will This Apply to Vande Bharat Express?
According to railway officials, the revised booking facility is also expected to improve seat occupancy in premium trains, including Vande Bharat Express, wherever vacant reserved seats remain available after chart preparation.
This increases the chances of getting a confirmed ticket even close to the departure time.
Things to Remember Before Booking
Passengers should keep the following points in mind:
Booking is allowed only if seats remain vacant after chart preparation.
Tickets can be booked up to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.
Real-time seat availability can be checked on the official IRCTC website, Rail Connect app, or PRS counters.
The facility is available only for eligible reserved trains.
Why This New Rule Is Important
The revised reservation system benefits both passengers and Indian Railways.
Passengers get another opportunity to obtain confirmed tickets during emergencies, while Indian Railways can improve seat occupancy by filling seats that would otherwise remain vacant after chart preparation.
The new facility also reduces the chances of empty reserved seats travelling unused despite high demand.
Conclusion
Train Ticket: The latest Indian Railways reservation rule offers greater flexibility for passengers who need to travel at the last minute. By allowing confirmed ticket bookings up to 15 minutes before departure for vacant seats, the railway aims to make train travel more convenient and efficient.
If you’re planning an urgent journey, don’t forget to check the official IRCTC website, Rail Connect app, or your nearest PRS counter to see if confirmed seats are still available before your train departs.
Indian Railways Travel Rules: Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, serving millions of passengers every day. Whether you’re travelling for work, education, or a family vacation, knowing the basic railway rules can help you avoid unnecessary inconvenience during your journey.
Many passengers are unaware of important rules related to tickets, boarding stations, luggage limits, refunds, and passenger rights. Understanding these guidelines before your trip can save both time and money.
Here are seven important Indian Railways rules that every passenger should know before boarding a train.
1. Always Travel with a Valid Ticket
Every passenger must carry a valid train ticket while travelling. If you are travelling without a confirmed ticket or a valid travel authority, you may be charged a penalty by the Ticket Examiner (TTE).
To avoid fines and inconvenience, always book your ticket through authorized railway booking platforms or ticket counters before starting your journey.
2. Carry a Valid Identity Proof
Passengers travelling on reserved tickets should carry a valid government-issued identity proof throughout the journey.
Documents such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or any other approved ID may be requested during ticket verification.
If multiple passengers are travelling on a single PNR, at least one passenger should carry valid identification.
3. You Can Change Your Boarding Station
If your travel plans change after booking your ticket, Indian Railways allows passengers to change their boarding station within the prescribed time limit before the train departs.
This facility is useful when you need to board the train from a different station due to unexpected changes in your travel schedule.
However, passengers should update their boarding station through the official process before the deadline.
4. Cancel Your Ticket Early to Get a Better Refund
If you no longer plan to travel, cancelling your ticket as early as possible can help you receive a higher refund.
The refund amount depends on how much time remains before the train’s scheduled departure. Last-minute cancellations usually attract higher cancellation charges, and in some cases, no refund may be available.
Therefore, if your journey is cancelled, it is always better to cancel your ticket without delay.
5. Follow Indian Railways Luggage Rules
Indian Railways allows passengers to carry luggage within the prescribed free baggage limit based on their travel class.
If your luggage exceeds the permitted limit, additional charges may apply. Carrying excessive luggage without proper booking may also lead to penalties.
Before travelling, check the luggage allowance applicable to your class to avoid any unexpected charges.
6. Class Upgrade May Be Available
Passengers may get an opportunity to travel in a higher class if seats are available.
Indian Railways occasionally upgrades passengers automatically or allows upgrades according to its rules and seat availability. This gives eligible passengers the chance to enjoy a more comfortable journey without going through a fresh booking process.
7. Know Your Rights During the Journey
Passengers have the right to seek assistance whenever required during their journey.
If you face any problem related to safety, ticket issues, cleanliness, or onboard services, you can contact the Train Ticket Examiner (TTE), Railway Protection Force (RPF), or railway staff for immediate assistance.
You can also register complaints through Rail Madad or use official railway helpline services to report issues during your journey.
Why Knowing Railway Rules Is Important
Being aware of Indian Railways’ rules can make your journey more comfortable and stress-free.
Whether it’s changing your boarding station, carrying valid identification, understanding luggage limits, or claiming ticket refunds, knowing these rules helps you avoid unnecessary penalties and last-minute confusion.
A little awareness before your journey can save time, reduce stress, and ensure a smoother travel experience.
Conclusion
Indian Railways Travel Rules: Travelling by train becomes much easier when you know your rights and responsibilities as a passenger. Before your next journey, make sure you carry a valid ticket and ID proof, understand the luggage and refund rules, and stay informed about facilities like boarding station changes and class upgrades.
Following these simple Indian Railways guidelines will help you enjoy a safe, hassle-free, and comfortable journey.
