(base) jain@jain-ThinkPad-T440s:~/Desktop/ws/react_native_apps$ npx react-native init ReadingAppForBrightOrange
Need to install the following packages:
react-native@0.81.1
Ok to proceed? (y) y
🚨️ The `init` command is deprecated.
- Switch to npx @react-native-community/cli init for the identical behavior.
- Refer to the documentation for information about alternative tools: https://reactnative.dev/docs/getting-started
Exiting...
👉 This creates a folder MyFirstApp with everything set up.
Move into it:
bash
cd MyFirstApp
3. Run the App
▶️ On Android (emulator or real device)
bash
npx react-native run-android
(Phone must have USB debugging enabled OR emulator running)
▶️ On iOS (Mac only)
bash
npx react-native run-ios
4. Start the Development Server
React Native uses Metro bundler. Start it with:
bash
npx react-native start
This watches your code and reloads app changes automatically.
5. Edit Your App
Open App.js in your project folder.
Change the text inside the default screen, e.g.:
jsx
importReactfrom'react';
import { Text, View } from'react-native';
constApp = () => {
return (
<Viewstyle={{flex:1, justifyContent: 'center', alignItems: 'center' }}>
<Text>Hello Ashish 👋, this is my first React Native app!</Text>
</View>
);
};
exportdefaultApp;
Save → App reloads → You see your changes instantly.
6. Learn Core Components
Some essential components:
View → like a <div> (containers)
Text → display text
Image → display images
Button → basic buttons
TextInput → input fields
ScrollView / FlatList → lists and scrolling
7. Next Steps
Learn React Navigation (@react-navigation/native) for multiple screens
Use AsyncStorage or SQLite/Realm for local data
Try fetching APIs with fetch or axios
✅ With just this, you’ll have a working mobile app you can run on your Redmi A2 (or emulator) and keep improving step by step.
Do you want me to:
👉 (A) give you a minimal working "Hello World" project code you can paste directly, OR
👉 (B) outline a step-by-step practice roadmap (small milestones to learn React Native gradually)?
India's Q1 GDP grew 7.8%, beating forecasts and marking a five-quarter high.
Strong government capital expenditure and robust performance in construction and agriculture fueled growth.
Services sector, including trade, hotels, transport, and financial services, saw significant annual growth.
Exports rose 5.9% in the June quarter, but global trade risks and US tariffs pose challenges ahead.
Domestic demand is expected to sustain growth, with World Bank and IMF projecting India among the fastest-growing economies.
India’s Economy Surges: Q1 GDP Grows 7.8% – What Does It Mean for You?
India’s economy just delivered some great news! In the first quarter of the financial year 2025-26 (April to June 2025), the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) grew by a whopping 7.8%. This is the fastest growth India has seen in the last five quarters, and it’s even better than what most experts had predicted.
What’s Behind the Growth?
The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the latest numbers, and they show that India’s economy is bouncing back strongly. Economists had expected growth to be around 6.7%, but the actual figure beat those estimates by a good margin.
So, what’s driving this growth? A big reason is the government’s increased spending on infrastructure and development projects. In fact, government capital expenditure (money spent on building roads, bridges, and other public works) jumped by 52% compared to last year. This has given a boost to sectors like construction and agriculture.
How Did Different Sectors Perform?
Agriculture: Grew by 3.7% (up from 1.5% last year)
Manufacturing: Up by 7.7%
Services (like trade, hotels, transport, and finance): Grew by 9.3%
Construction: Also saw strong growth
However, not everything was rosy. The mining sector actually shrank by 3.1%, and manufacturing growth, while strong, was a bit lower than last year.
What About Trade and Exports?
Exports of goods and services went up by 5.9%, helped by strong demand from countries like the US. Other positive signs include higher GST collections (a sign that businesses are doing well) and more cargo being moved by air.
Are There Any Risks Ahead?
While things look good right now, there are some clouds on the horizon. The US has imposed higher tariffs (taxes) on Indian goods, which could make it harder for Indian companies to sell their products in America. Some experts think this could slow down growth a little, but most believe India’s economy is strong enough to handle it, thanks to solid demand within the country.
Looking Forward
Big organizations like the World Bank and IMF still expect India to be one of the world’s fastest-growing economies this year, with growth around 6.3-6.4%. If the government keeps spending on development, and if the monsoon is good, things could stay on track.
In short, India’s economy is showing real strength, and that’s good news for businesses, workers, and consumers alike!
Jad Tarifi, ex-Google AI chief, warns against pursuing PhDs due to the rapid evolution of AI and technology.
He believes traditional long degree paths like medicine and law may soon become obsolete.
Tarifi suggests real learning and adaptability happen outside academia, not through slow, formal education.
He champions emotional intelligence, empathy, and intuition over technical credentials for success in the AI age.
Roles involving human connection, such as nursing, are less likely to be replaced by AI, according to experts.
Why Chasing a PhD Might Not Be Worth It in the Age of AI: Advice from Google’s Former AI Chief
If you’re thinking about getting a PhD to jump on the artificial intelligence (AI) bandwagon, you might want to pause and reconsider. Jad Tarifi, the man who built Google’s first generative AI team, has a surprising message: “Don’t bother with a PhD—unless you’re truly obsessed.”
Tarifi, who himself has a PhD in AI from the University of Florida, recently spoke to Business Insider about the fast-changing world of technology. Despite his own academic background, he doesn’t recommend the long, traditional route for most people. According to him, by the time you finish a PhD (which can take five years or more), the AI landscape will have changed so much that your knowledge might already be outdated. “AI itself is going to be gone by the time you finish a PhD,” he warns. Even areas like AI for robotics could be solved by then.
So, what should you do instead? Tarifi suggests that unless you’re deeply passionate about a very specific, still-emerging field—like using AI in biology—it’s better to skip the long academic journey. He believes that real learning and growth happen outside the classroom, in the real world where things move much faster. “If you’re unsure, just say no and focus on living your life. You’ll learn more and adapt better to changes,” he says.
Tarifi’s skepticism isn’t just about AI degrees. He also questions the value of other long, traditional paths like medicine and law. He points out that medical school often teaches outdated information and relies too much on memorization. In his view, spending eight years chasing credentials that might soon be less valuable is not a wise investment.
So, how can you succeed in the age of AI? Tarifi believes that emotional intelligence—skills like understanding people, reading situations, and communicating well—will matter more than technical degrees. He encourages people to work on themselves: meditate, spend time with friends, and get to know your own emotions. These “soft skills” will help you thrive in a world where technology is always changing.
This idea is echoed by Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, who recently said that jobs involving human connection, like nursing, are unlikely to be replaced by machines. While AI can help with some tasks, there are many things we’ll always want humans to do.
In short: Don’t chase degrees just for the sake of it. Focus on learning, adapting, and building real connections—those are the skills that will last.
Raghuram Rajan calls the US's 50% tariffs on India a 'wake-up call' and evidence that India-US relations have 'clearly broken down'.
India is at a disadvantage because its base tariffs are set at 25%, higher than those of other Asian countries.
Rajan warns against over-dependence on any single country and urges India to diversify trade partners and pursue reforms for higher growth.
He believes Trump's tariffs are less about fairness and more about power play, with India being specifically targeted.
Rajan suggests India should reconsider its Russian oil purchases if the benefits do not outweigh the costs imposed by US tariffs.
Why Raghuram Rajan Thinks Trump’s 50% Tariffs Are a Wake-Up Call for India
Recently, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan made headlines by calling the United States’ new 50% tariffs on Indian goods a “wake-up call” for India. But what does this really mean for India, and why is it such a big deal?
What’s Happening?
The US, under Donald Trump, has decided to slap a massive 50% tariff (a kind of tax) on products coming from India. Rajan says this is a clear sign that the relationship between India and the US has “broken down.” In simple terms, things are not going well between the two countries when it comes to trade.
Why Is This a Problem for India?
Rajan points out that India is at a disadvantage because the US has set a base tariff of 25% for Indian goods, while other Asian countries face much lower rates. This means Indian products become more expensive in the US, making it harder for Indian businesses to compete. According to Rajan, this is not just about fairness anymore—it’s about power and politics.
Why Did Trump Do This?
Rajan explains that Trump believes the US is losing out because it buys more from other countries than it sells to them (this is called a trade deficit). Trump sees this as other countries taking advantage of the US, even though American consumers benefit from cheaper goods. Rajan also says that India has been specifically targeted by these tariffs.
What Should India Do Now?
Rajan warns that India should not rely too much on any one country, including the US. Instead, he suggests India should look for new trade partners in Europe, Africa, and other parts of Asia. He also says India needs to make big changes (reforms) at home to boost economic growth and create jobs for its young population.
The Russian Oil Issue
One reason Trump gave for the high tariffs is India’s purchase of oil from Russia. Rajan says India needs to carefully consider if buying this oil is really worth it, since the benefits may not outweigh the costs, especially if exporters are losing money because of the new tariffs.
Final Thoughts
Raghuram Rajan’s message is clear: India needs to be smart and cautious in its trade deals, especially with powerful countries like the US. The new tariffs are a warning sign that India must diversify its trade partners and focus on strengthening its own economy to face these global challenges.
Former Microsoft employee claims the company is filtering out laid-off workers from rehire opportunities despite promises to the contrary.
The ex-employee, a self-described 'strong top performer,' says all their rehire applications have been rejected.
Reddit users advise laid-off workers not to waste time reapplying at Microsoft, suggesting rehiring is unlikely after a layoff.
Other commenters note it's common for HR to make rehire difficult for recently laid-off employees, even if internal applications are allowed.
Microsoft has cut over 15,000 jobs in 2025, with CEO Satya Nadella acknowledging the strain layoffs have caused but stating overall headcount remains 'basically flat.'
Laid Off from Microsoft? Ex-Employee Says Rehire Promises May Not Be What They Seem
Losing your job is tough, but what if you’re told you can reapply—only to find out that’s not really the case? That’s exactly what one former Microsoft employee claims happened to them, and their story is sparking a lot of conversation online.
The ex-employee, who shared their experience on Reddit, said they were let go from Microsoft about four months ago. They described themselves as a “strong top performer,” so the layoff came as a complete shock. During their exit, they were told there was “no cool-off period” and that they could apply for other jobs at Microsoft right away.
But here’s the catch: every single application they submitted was rejected. “It’s clear Microsoft is filtering candidates that they let go, while they keep opening up positions,” the former employee wrote. In other words, even though the company says laid-off workers can come back, it seems like those applications aren’t really being considered.
Other Reddit users chimed in with their own advice and experiences. One person bluntly said, “You are gone! Do not waste your time applying to other positions at the same firm.” Another suggested waiting until there’s a change in management or HR before trying again. Several people agreed that it’s common for big companies to quietly block recently laid-off employees from being rehired, even if they say otherwise.
This discussion is happening as Microsoft continues to make big cuts to its workforce. In 2025 alone, the company has laid off more than 15,000 employees, with 9,000 of those cuts announced just in July. CEO Satya Nadella even sent a memo to staff acknowledging how hard these layoffs have been for everyone.
As of June 2024, Microsoft had about 228,000 employees worldwide. The company hasn’t shared updated numbers since the latest round of layoffs, but Nadella says the total headcount is “basically flat.”
It’s important to note that this story is based on one person’s post on Reddit, and the claims haven’t been independently verified. Still, it’s a reminder that promises made during layoffs—like being able to reapply—might not always match what actually happens behind the scenes.
If you’ve been laid off, it might be worth looking for new opportunities elsewhere, rather than waiting for your old company to take you back. Sometimes, moving forward is the best way to bounce back.
One day the Buddha was sitting with some of his monks in the woods.
They had just come back from an almsround and were ready to share a mindful lunch together. A farmer passed by, looking distraught.
He asked the Buddha, “Monks, have you seen some cows going by here?”
“What cows?” the Buddha responded.
“Well,” the man said. “I have four cows and I don’t know why, but this morning they all ran away.
I also have two acres of sesame. This year the insects ate the entire crop. I have lost everything: my harvest and my cows.
I feel like killing myself.”
The Buddha said, “Dear friend, we have been sitting here almost an hour and we have not seen any cows passing by. Maybe you should go and look in the other direction.”
When the farmer was gone, the Buddha looked at his friends and smiled knowingly. “Dear friends, you are very lucky,” he said. “You don’t have any cows to lose.”
...
Taken from the book by Thich Nhat Hanh: No Mud, No Lotus. The Art of Transforming Suffering
OpenAI will distribute 5 lakh free ChatGPT Plus accounts to teachers and students in India over the next six months.
The initiative is part of the OpenAI Learning Accelerator, launched in India first, aiming to deepen subject understanding rather than just provide quick answers.
Distribution will be coordinated through the Ministry of Education, AICTE, and ARISE member schools to reach government school teachers, technical institutes, and K-12 educators.
OpenAI has partnered with IIT Madras for a $500,000 research project on AI in education and will open its first India office in New Delhi later this year.
An India-specific ChatGPT Plus subscription tier at Rs 399/month with UPI support and the OpenAI Academy AI literacy program have also been launched.
OpenAI Offers 5 Lakh Free ChatGPT Plus Accounts to Teachers in India: What It Means for Education
Big news for teachers and students across India! OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has announced a massive initiative to give away 5 lakh (500,000) free ChatGPT Plus accounts to educators. This is one of the largest education-focused projects the company has ever launched, and it’s happening right here in India.
Who Gets Access and How?
Over the next six months, OpenAI will work closely with government bodies and schools to roll out these free accounts. The distribution will happen through three main channels:
Government School Teachers: The Ministry of Education will help government school teachers (Classes 1 to 12) get access to ChatGPT Plus.
Technical Institutes: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) will coordinate with colleges and technical institutes so students and faculty can use ChatGPT to boost their digital and research skills.
Private Schools: ARISE member schools will offer accounts to K-12 educators, letting them try out AI tools in their daily teaching.
Why Is OpenAI Doing This?
This initiative is part of the OpenAI Learning Accelerator, a program that’s starting in India before anywhere else. The goal isn’t just to make homework easier or give quick answers. OpenAI wants teachers and students to use AI to understand subjects more deeply and improve learning overall.
New Leadership and Research Partnerships
To lead this education push, OpenAI has hired Raghav Gupta, former head of Coursera India and Asia Pacific, as Head of Education for India and APAC. He’ll be working with schools, universities, and government organizations to help teachers use AI in practical ways.
OpenAI is also teaming up with IIT Madras for a long-term research project, backed by $500,000 in funding. This study will look at how AI tools like ChatGPT can change teaching methods and help students learn better over time.
More Accessibility and Local Support
Recognizing India’s huge student population—already the largest user base for ChatGPT—OpenAI is making its platform more accessible. They’ve launched a special subscription plan for India at just Rs 399 per month, with easy UPI payment options. Plus, OpenAI is partnering with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to run the OpenAI Academy, an AI literacy program for students and teachers.
OpenAI will also open its first office in India later this year in New Delhi, showing just how important the country is to its global plans.
In Short
This move could be a game-changer for education in India, giving teachers and students powerful new tools to learn, teach, and prepare for a future where AI skills will be essential. If you’re an educator or student, keep an eye out for updates from your school or college—you might soon get free access to ChatGPT Plus!
