#CS Major core;

[self-spaghettification]

The Mystery of Aaravos The Banter Lodge

So, recently an account called "The Banter Lodge" has popped up. April 30th, to be precise. You've seen it. I've seen it. We've all seen it. On Twitter, posting various images in the TDP official style.

A few nights ago, it debuted on Tumblr as well. "Coming May 2024" all of the promotional images and the website itself say.

Who is this account? Is it fan made, is it official? It's May, when exactly in "May 2024" is it coming?

Well, me and a few friends took some time to try to piece the mystery together, and so -- while it may still be 'coming', only dropping hints, I am here to tell you what I know now!

History

Website Code ( I love computer programming so I took the time to dive into that!)

Purpose

A. History

Who's Running the Banter Lodge?

To know that, first we need to delve into the history of the Twitter account.

Despite these images and site debuting less than a month ago, the account itself was founded way back in 2022, and originally called @BantherLodge, with an H, as it is in the show.

@BantherLodge is no longer available, and while it initially did not seem to be connected to The Banter Lodge, there are several interactions linked to the current one, Banter Lodge without an H.

In fact, here is the same tweets linked to the current (banter) account version.

Now we've established that @'BantherLodge' and @'BanterLodge' the same account with a changed name and identity, here is the most important past interaction:

@‘bantherlodge’ is mentioned here, and they are on this call. that said, WHO IS REALLY BEHIND BANTER LODGE? well based off the tweet, it seems that it’s 6 members of the cast and then 2 guests, @‘thebantherlodge’ and @‘ladytheebug’. But don’t take my word for it. Here, more confirmation:

Another person in the call happened to tweet about it too, this time with labels.

Now let’s take a closer look at these two guests. Sara @‘ladytheebug’ seems to be the one on the right, and by process of elimination, on the left is ‘bantherlodge’. aka:

Max….

Max the Mystery! ‘Sara’ and ‘Max’ isn’t really enough information to know more along with no connection to other socials so it’s hard to pin down who they are or what connections to previous fandom projects or creative projects in general they might have. However, they are still connected.

Besides the partially deleted various back and forths between these two accounts, this tweet about the Bait screensaver in the background is additional confirmation that this is @‘bantherlodge’ and @‘ladytheebug’: (note use of word ‘our’)

FURTHERMORE:

Said TV embodies this duo: A person who loves Bait (evident from so many of their tweets) and a person who loves the Banther Lodge…

Reminds you of something, doesn’t it?

“but hold on, just because there’s all these coincidences doesn’t mean the account could be passed on to someone else to run this.” Ok, but one last thing. If that was the case, why would they still be following Sara? In fact, it’s the Only person that they’re following besides TDPO?

(and their following has even been recently updated within the last few days as before then it didn’t include Eugene and Boone.) So, in conclusion,

Max of @‘BantherLodge’, and possibly Sara, (with or without TDPO but I’ll get to that later) almost certainly are the people behind the curtain of this Banter Lodge mystery.

Now, about said mystery… what exactly is the trail building up to?

well, to find out more about that, let’s glean what we can from the website.

B. Website Secrets

The website itself is very simple- A background, the image of the Banter House, and some text saying "Coming May 2024." But, beneath the deceptively simple surface, there was more to be found.

On May 1st Caprinae got this from the page. She also tweeted about it, after which the site changed to remove much of the css, including the part about the episodes and subscribe button. I was pretty excited about this as someone with a few years of coding experience, I wanted to mess around in VSC and see what I could find out.

After formatting the code the most noticeable thing is this right?

And when I make an element for it to apply to (since all that code is just formatting for stuff on the page like the title, images, etc, in this case- an audio bar) + adding in an image and an audio file:

We get this

AUDIO and an image. It looks exactly like a podcast episode. It turns out there’s actually a bunch of code for formatting that’s not used in elements in the site (elements that exist: the title or image), but it’s there, so I made some elements it would apply to. technically, it’s supposed to have a parchment paper background too, but I just chose some colors that you could see the text on.

Doing so, we get this!

(Here’s a video version.)

Plus, Original Code and Modified Code if you’re curious

Anyway, so the site (at least at the stage the code was taken from) doesn’t appear to be finished and there was no Java script written (or at least, linked) but there is definitely the makings for a website for a podcast— some sort of nav bar with the episodes, on an episode page, the image and audio, and then a subscribe link at the bottom!

C. Purpose

Time to speculate on the real identity and purpose of the Banter Lodge. So far, we know it used to be called the Banther Lodge. We know it seems to be run by [insert here.] We know it is almost certainly a podcast of some sort. But what, and why?

Here are some possibilites:

1.Official Content to Tide Over Fans Til S6 As we know, to calm the frustration of fans at Netflix/TDP for the delay of S6, the creators have been putting out content every day for the fans to puzzle over and figure out the season six titles.

Based on the current schedule, it’s set to end on May 13.—although it could be ending either May 13 or May 14 (depending when they do the last hint) after these drop, there will likely be a lull in TDP content, which would be the perfect time for the Banter Lodge to launch.

+ The Banter Lodge teaser campaign has already been perfectly timed for when a bunch of fans would be online on Twitter checking in for clues to begin with.

If this is official content, it would doubly make sense—it’d be timed perfectly to tie the fans over until the actual season six campaign starts (ie, trailer). Considering these two fans also somehow got to have a private panel with the cast, it’s not impossible that they’d be working with TDP on this content, additionally the teaser images put out this far have been somewhat reminiscent of TDP official content—ie, Callum’s lodge notebook->Callum’s sketchbook, Refractions->Reflections, Dear Callum letter from Rayla, design style, etc.

However, there is one big reason I don’t think this is the case: it’s a little too sloppy. For example, if they wanted it to be completely anonymous and unclear what was happening, the tweet mentioning @‘BantherLodge’ in the panel would have been deleted and there wouldn’t have been any hints in the code. Of course, these could still just be honest mistakes. However, it also seems like it is building off of the current world in a more derivative, fan-content fashion, not necessarily adding new material the way TDP Official tends to. It’s copying the official style,—but almost too much if that makes sense.

Like altering a shot from the show for a teaser.

x

Don’t get me wrong. I love the way that they’re building off the world, I’m excited to see where it leads, but for whatever reason, to me, it just doesn’t seem official.

So assuming it’s made by fans, what kind of podcast is it? Second possibility—

2. Fan Made Talk Show

This seems like the most obvious conclusion, considering that The Banter House is a play on a location in TDP, and the word banter, which is synonymous with talking, but specifically back and forth, genial interactions.

Maybe it’s dedicated to analyzing the show or a particular aspect,—maybe centric to the lodge, crystals, Bait and Stella—maybe even interviewing cast/crew!

Well, to get a better idea of what niche it might be filling, let’s take a look at what TDP podcasts are already out there.

Hot Brown Morning Potion Podcast [2019-2023] Hosted by Tamika "Kuno" Williams and Hailey from Cartoon Universe. This podcast [is] full of answering fan questions, interviews, theories and all kinds of discussions on everything Dragon Prince.

News from the Breach [2020-2024] Your hosts Ceilidh and Yana are watching The Dragon Prince from start to finish. Each season of the podcast covers one “Book” (or season) of the Netflix series The Dragon Prince. In each episode we discuss two chapters of the series, except for the season finales.

Calm Chaos Club [2023] Join Kevlar and Lou each week as they discuss topics about animation, design, and all things related to The Dragon Prince on Netflix! With special guests brought on for unique topics and insights into the creative process, these bite-sized episodes will ensure you can get your TDP fix in anywhere and anytime.

There’s no harm in another talk show but as there are a few out there already (and for other reasons) I personally think this is not necessarily the niche the banter Lodge is going to fill. I mean, I do think that it’s still possible I mean, it could be centric to particular aspect around the lodge as mentioned.

However, there’s a possibility that excites me a lot more, that I’m hoping for the most….

3.Fan Made Audio Drama in the Saga Setting I have personally always been a huge fan of audio drama podcasts (TMA,TPP,WTNV) and if there was a dragon Prince audio drama podcast, I think I would just die on the spot honestly from joy. I also think it’s most likely because all of the clues so far have been very story/worldbuilding oriented, as well as writings from familiar characters’ perspectives. It seems as though a story is being crafted here, and I am all for it.

Y’know what? While we’re here on the topic of storytelling podcasts, we might as well throw in D&D/TTRPG or even Tales of Xadia as a possibility because yeah sure. Why not? I mean, tabletop role-play games also involve a lot of talking so it would fit the banter theme. Who knows.

That's all! What do you think? Any other thoughts, additions or other speculation? Feel free to add on!

Thanks to @bycaprinae for Twitter screenshots, html, and general inspiration, and to @parroset for other help with the website part and general support!

[tylleet]

I don’t need the personalities in ur fic to be consistent with the source material but I do need chapter 2 & 17 to feel like the same character

[catboybiologist]

Many billionaires in tech bros warn about the dangerous of AI. It's pretty obviously not because of any legitimate concern that AI will take over. But why do they keep saying stuff like this then? Why do we keep on having this still fear of some kind of singularity style event that leads to machine takeover?

The possibility of a self-sufficient AI taking over in our lifetimes is... Basically nothing, if I'm being honest. I'm not an expert by any means, I've used ai powered tools in my biology research, and I'm somewhat familiar with both the limits and possibility of what current models have to offer.

I'm starting to think that the reason why billionaires in particular try to prop this fear up is because it distracts from the actual danger of ai: the fact that billionaires and tech mega corporations have access to data, processing power, and proprietary algorithms to manipulate information on mass and control the flow of human behavior. To an extent, AI models are a black box. But the companies making them still have control over what inputs they receive for training and analysis, what kind of outputs they generate, and what they have access to. They're still code. Just some of the logic is built on statistics from large datasets instead of being manually coded.

The more billionaires make AI fear seem like a science fiction concept related to conciousness, the more they can absolve themselves in the eyes of public from this. The sheer scale of the large model statistics they're using, as well as the scope of surveillance that led to this point, are plain to see, and I think that the companies responsible are trying to play a big distraction game.

Hell, we can see this in the very use of the term artificial intelligence. Obviously, what we call artificial intelligence is nothing like science fiction style AI. Terms like large statistics, large models, and hell, even just machine learning are far less hyperbolic about what these models are actually doing.

I don't know if your average Middle class tech bro is actively perpetuating this same thing consciously, but I think the reason why it's such an attractive idea for them is because it subtly inflates their ego. By treating AI as a mystical act of the creation, as trending towards sapience or consciousness, if modern AI is just the infant form of something grand, they get to feel more important about their role in the course of society. Admitting the actual use and the actual power of current artificial intelligence means admitting to themselves that they have been a tool of mega corporations and billionaires, and that they are not actually a major player in human evolution. None of us are, but it's tech bro arrogance that insists they must be.

Do most tech bros think this way? Not really. Most are just complict neolibs that don't think too hard about the consequences of their actions. But for the subset that do actually think this way, this arrogance is pretty core to their thinking.

Obviously this isn't really something I can prove, this is just my suspicion from interacting with a fair number of techbros and people outside of CS alike.

[microwave-kid]

Saw a post on my dash about Valve not making 3rd entries in game series with Portal as an example of the huge missed opportunity, but I honestly feel like out of every series Portal is the only one that doesn't NEED a sequel. Basically the only major plot-point that wasn't resolved was the Borealis which was meant to play into Half-Life 3, everything else - the state of Rattman, Wheatley being trapped in space, Chell just kinda being left in a corn field, GLaDOS deleting Caroline - they would all just kinda be cheapened immensely by expanding upon them explicitly (I honestly feel like the Portal universe is already experiencing severe Flanderization with all the spin-offs Valve releases to demo their new hardware).

Series like Left 4 Dead and Half-Life ended on cliffhangers, not to mention their core gameplay loops could be wholly expanded upon.

Team Fortress 2 also currently has a narrative cliffhanger and has since January 2017, not to mention that it's been so neglected and overrun with hackers and bots that I'm genuinely shocked that Valve hasn't received a class-action lawsuit considering the game is literally unplayable a significant portion of the time yet they regularly add new microtransactions to buy without ever updating the core game.

Day of Defeat is a cult game and considering its origins as a mod for Half-Life I feel like Valve is really missing an opportunity not creating a Source 2 sequel using Half-Life: Alyx as a framework.

Honestly it would even make more sense to make a Dota 3 even though Valve already updated Dota 2 to use a new engine and all.

Portal is like the only time Valve has EVER decided to make and conclude a series, and while I get that the universe lends itself to expansion that does make it sting a bit when it's the ONLY series they EVER make spin-offs for.

If you're wondering why I didn't mention Counter Strike, that's because a new CS game is actually coming out in a few months. And honestly considering the way Valve titled it they HAVE to be self aware by this point

[fushitoru]

bridgerton gojo is one of the most well written fics ive ever read! do you have any tips? ngl i wanna write fics but i struggle with narration

AHH thank you! honestly I’m surprised you want to ask ME about narration because i SUCK at it 💀 but regardless i will try my best and hope this helps:

i think you should flesh out what you want from a scene first. for bridgerton!gojo, the chapter 4 scene where gojo was practicing archery with yuji, my notes looked like

“basically gojo and yuji r doing archery bc gojo promised he would give him pointers, bc want yuji to favor gojo and be on his good side to see him like a role model. gojo is hot and sweaty, make sure to emphasize muscles and shi, reader is objective so she thinks he’s hot but hates him and conveys that to nobara who disaproves. nobara gives her advice like a friend to friend dynamic. gojo is very skilled etc etc and reader writes in her diary about how hot he is.”

my notes are actually a bit more incoherent than that but i digress. it’s about brain farting something. in writing, there are two fears: 1. fear of your plot not being coherent/things not connecting i.e. characters being OOC and 2. your tone of writing being bad. brain farting like this means disregarding number 2 and focusing on the character’s actions and characterization + the things you want readers to take away from this scene. THEN i write things to narrate that and what they’re doing in a way that it encapsulates those core ideas, and revisiting to polish what i wrote and my style because I don’t have to worry about my content anymore.

this might be a bit robotic but I’m a cs and math major anyways 😪 I applied to like 20 US colleges last year and had to write a gazillion essays so I’ve gotten rid of the notion of “writer’s block” and started to brain fart because that’s how you write college essays —- highlight traits about yourself and items on your resume through a narrative. it has changed how I write and idk if that’s a bad thing! will deffo be taking lots of creative writing classes in college haha

[cyberstudious]

what's it like studying CS?? im pretty confused if i should choose CS as my major xx

hi there!

first, two "misconceptions" or maybe somewhat surprising things that I think are worth mentioning:

there really isn't that much "math" in the calculus/arithmetic sense*. I mostly remember doing lots of proofs. don't let not being a math wiz stop you from majoring in CS if you like CS

you can get by with surprisingly little programming - yeah you'll have programming assignments, but a degree program will teach you the theory and concepts for the most part (this is where universities will differ on the scale of theory vs. practice, but you'll always get a mix of both and it's important to learn both!)

*: there are some sub-fields where you actually do a Lot of math - machine learning and graphics programming will have you doing a lot of linear algebra, and I'm sure that there are plenty more that I don't remember at the moment. the point is that 1) if you're a bit afraid of math that's fine, you can still thrive in a CS degree but 2) if you love math or are willing to be brave there are a lot of cool things you can do!

I think the best way to get a good sense of what a major is like is to check out a sample degree plan from a university you're considering! here are some of the basic kinds of classes you'd be taking:

basic programming courses: you'll knock these out in your first year - once you know how to code and you have an in-depth understanding of the concepts, you now have a mental framework for the rest of your degree. and also once you learn one programming language, it's pretty easy to pick up another one, and you'll probably work in a handful of different languages throughout your degree.

discrete math/math for computer science courses: more courses that you'll take early on - this is mostly logic and learning to write proofs, and towards the end it just kind of becomes a bunch of semi-related math concepts that are useful in computing & problem solving. oh also I had to take a stats for CS course & a linear algebra course. oh and also calculus but that was mostly a university core requirement thing, I literally never really used it in my CS classes lol

data structures & algorithms: these are the big boys. stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting algorithms, more complicated algorithms… if you're interviewing for a programming job, they will ask you data structures & algorithms questions. also this is where you learn to write smart, efficient code and solve problems. also this is where you learn which problems are proven to be unsolvable (or at least unsolvable in a reasonable amount of time) so you don't waste your time lol

courses on specific topics: operating systems, Linux/UNIX, circuits, databases, compilers, software engineering/design patterns, automata theory… some of these will be required, and then you'll get to pick some depending on what your interests are! I took cybersecurity-related courses but there really are so many different options!

In general I think CS is a really cool major that you can do a lot with. I realize this was pretty vague, so if you have any more questions feel free to send them my way! also I'm happy to talk more about specific classes/topics or if you just want an answer to "wtf is automata theory" lol

[augerer]

@girderednerve replied to your post coming out on tumblr as someone whose taught "AI bootcamp" courses to middle school students AMA:

did they like it? what kinds of durable skills did you want them to walk away with? do you feel bullish on "AI"?

It was an extracurricular thing so the students were quite self-selecting and all were already interested in the topic or in doing well in the class. Probably what most interested me about the demographic of students taking the courses (they were online) was the number who were international students outside of the imperial core probably eventually looking to go abroad for college, like watching/participating in the cogs of brain drain.

I'm sure my perspective is influenced because my background is in statistics and not computer science. But I hope that they walked away with a greater understanding and familiarity with data and basic statistical concepts. Things like sample bias, types of data (categorical/quantitative/qualitative), correlation (and correlation not being causation), ways to plot and examine data. Lots of students weren't familiar before we started the course with like, what a csv file is/tabular data in general. I also tried to really emphasize that data doesn't appear in a vacuum and might not represent an "absolute truth" about the world and there are many many ways that data can become biased especially when its on topics where people's existing demographic biases are already influencing reality.

Maybe a bit tangential but there was a part of the course material that was teaching logistic regression using the example of lead pipes in flint, like, can you believe the water in this town was undrinkable until it got Fixed using the power of AI to Predict Where The Lead Pipes Would Be? it was definitely a trip to ask my students if they'd heard of the flint water crisis and none of them had. also obviously it was a trip for the course material to present the flint water crisis as something that got "fixed by AI". added in extra information for my students like, by the way this is actually still happening and was a major protest event especially due to the socioeconomic and racial demographics of flint.

Aside from that, python is a really useful general programming language so if any of the students go on to do any more CS stuff which is probably a decent chunk of them I'd hope that their coding problemsolving skills and familiarity with it would be improved.

do i feel bullish on "AI"? broad question. . . once again remember my disclaimer bias statement on how i have a stats degree but i definitely came away from after teaching classes on it feeling that a lot of machine learning is like if you repackaged statistics and replaced the theoretical/scientific aspects where you confirm that a certain model is appropriate for the data and test to see if it meets your assumptions with computational power via mass guessing and seeing if your mass guessing was accurate or not lol. as i mentioned in my tags i also really don't think things like linear regression which were getting taught as "AI" should be considered "ML" or "AI" anyways, but the larger issue there is that "AI" is a buzzy catchword that can really mean anything. i definitely think relatedly that there will be a bit of an AI bubble in that people are randomly applying AI to tasks that have no business getting done that way and they will eventually reap the pointlessness of these projects.

besides that though, i'm pretty frustrated with a lot of AI hysteria which assumes that anything that is labeled as "AI" must be evil/useless/bad and also which lacks any actual labor-based understanding of the evils of capitalism. . . like AI (as badly formed as I feel the term is) isn't just people writing chatGPT essays or whatever, it's also used for i.e. lots of cutting edge medical research. if insanely we are going to include "linear regression" as an AI thing that's probably half of social science research too. i occasionally use copilot or an LLM for my work which is in public health data affiliated with a university. last week i got driven batty by a post that was like conspiratorially speculating "spotify must have used AI for wrapped this year and thats why its so bad and also why it took a second longer to load, that was the ai generating everything behind the scenes." im saying this as someone who doesnt use spotify, 1) the ship on spotify using algorithms sailed like a decade ago, how do you think your weekly mixes are made? 2) like truly what is the alternative did you think that previously a guy from minnesota was doing your spotify wrapped for you ahead of time by hand like a fucking christmas elf and loading it personally into your account the night before so it would be ready for you? of course it did turned out that spotify had major layoffs so i think the culprit here is really understaffing.

like not to say that AI like can't have a deleterious effect on workers, like i literally know people who were fired through the logic that AI could be used to obviate their jobs. which usually turned out not to be true, but hasn't the goal of stretching more productivity from a single worker whether its effective or not been a central axiom of the capitalist project this whole time? i just don't think that this is spiritually different from retail ceos discovering that they could chronically understaff all of their stores.

[ameceeashish]

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[karankale]

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[jamesvince9898]

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These classes are crafted to make students industry-ready, not just exam-ready.

4. CA Foundation Institute Built on Academic Excellence

As a CA foundation institute, we specialize in building a solid base for future CAs. The foundation level is critical, and our program is geared to help students grasp core subjects like Principles and Practice of Accounting, Business Laws, and Quantitative Aptitude with ease and confidence.

Why students prefer our foundation coaching:

Simplified conceptual teaching

Visual aids and examples for better retention

Interactive classroom sessions

Frequent quizzes and progress tracking

Students who begin their journey with ArivuPro often continue with us through all levels, citing our foundational training as the catalyst for their success.

5. Personalized Learning for CMA (India & US)

ArivuPro Academy is a top choice for students searching for CMA classes near me. Our coaching for both CMA India and CMA US is tailored to the specific syllabus and examination patterns of ICMAI and IMA respectively.

For CMA India:

Comprehensive syllabus coverage with module-wise tests

Industry-focused case studies

Strategic Financial Management training

For CMA US:

Globally recognized coaching material

Coaching aligned with IMA guidelines

Performance metrics and exam simulations

We are among the few academies offering expert-led training for both variants, making us a one-stop solution for aspiring management accountants.

6. ACCA Coaching in Bangalore with a Global Perspective

As a reputed center for ACCA coaching in Bangalore, ArivuPro Academy prepares students for success in this internationally recognized qualification. ACCA is the passport to a global accounting career, and our coaching reflects the same global mindset.

Our ACCA program includes:

Modular teaching for each paper (Applied Knowledge, Skills & Strategic Professional)

International case studies and application-oriented learning

Career guidance for global job markets

Internships and industry interaction opportunities

Whether you’re a working professional or a full-time student, our flexible batch timings and online support make it easy to balance your study schedule.

7. Cutting-Edge Learning Infrastructure

ArivuPro Academy takes pride in offering an immersive and resource-rich learning environment. Our classrooms are equipped with modern teaching aids, while our LMS (Learning Management System) ensures students can access lectures, notes, and assignments from anywhere.

Facilities include:

Recorded video lectures

Real-time progress analytics

Doubt forums with expert faculty support

Weekly current affairs and newsletter updates

This infrastructure ensures students get the best blend of traditional and tech-enabled learning.

8. Mentorship That Goes Beyond the Classroom

We believe coaching is more than classroom teaching—it’s about mentorship. Every student at ArivuPro Academy is assigned a mentor who provides academic, emotional, and career guidance throughout their journey.

Our mentorship program offers:

Personalized career counseling

Motivational sessions by industry veterans

Time management and exam strategy workshops

Soft skill and interview training

This hands-on approach helps students stay focused and confident from enrollment to employment.

9. Flexible Learning Modes: In-Center and Online

We cater to both local and remote students through our hybrid teaching model. Those searching for ca coaching near me in Bangalore can attend our in-person classes, while others across India and abroad benefit from our fully online, interactive learning portal.

Features include:

Live-streamed lectures with chat support

Playback options for missed classes

Mobile-friendly learning interface

Interactive online tests and analytics dashboard

This flexibility ensures no learner is left behind, regardless of their location or schedule.

10. Career Success with Global Credentials

ArivuPro Academy is not just about helping students pass exams—we aim to empower them to build dynamic careers in India and globally. Our past students have secured positions at Big Four firms, Fortune 500 companies, and leading startups.

By offering coaching in globally recognized qualifications like CMA US and ACCA, alongside domestic programs like CA and CS, we open multiple pathways for success. Our placement guidance, resume workshops, and alumni network support students in transitioning smoothly from exams to employment.

[allianceuniversityeducation]

BCom Honours vs. General BCom: Which One Should You Choose?

When deciding to pursue a commerce degree, one of the most common dilemmas students face is whether to choose BCom Honours or a General BCom. Both courses offer unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your career goals, interests, and academic aspirations. Institutions like Alliance University, one of the top bcom colleges in India, offer well-structured programs in both streams, enabling students to build a strong foundation in commerce.

The bcom programme is designed to provide knowledge in areas like finance, economics, accounting, taxation, and business management. While the core concepts may overlap, the approach, depth, and opportunities vary between the bachelor of commerce honours and General BCom.

Understanding BCom Honours

The bachelor of commerce honours is a specialized undergraduate program that delves deeper into the core subjects of commerce. It is often offered by prestigious institutions such as Alliance University, recognized among the top 10 bcom colleges in India. The bcom hons syllabus is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills.

One of the major highlights of the BCom Honours is the availability of b com specialization options. Students can choose from areas like Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Taxation, or International Business. These bcom specialization choices help students tailor their education according to career aspirations. The b com hons subjects also include research-based projects, practical assignments, and internships to provide hands-on learning.

Understanding General BCom

The General BCom course provides a broad overview of commerce-related subjects. Unlike BCom Honours, it may not offer deep specialization or elective-focused learning. It is suitable for students who wish to gain a foundational understanding of commerce without narrowing down to a specific stream. The curriculum generally includes Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Business Mathematics, and Taxation.

While General BCom is less rigorous than the bachelor of commerce honours, it provides flexibility for students who want to explore multiple fields before choosing a specific career path or opting for higher education like MBA, CA, or CS.

Curriculum and Syllabus Comparison

The key difference lies in the structure and depth of the curriculum. The bcom hons syllabus is typically more detailed, covering advanced topics and offering in-depth understanding in selected bcom specialization areas. The General BCom, on the other hand, focuses more on a wide array of subjects without deep specialization.

For instance, b com hons subjects may include courses like Advanced Financial Accounting, Business Analytics, Investment Analysis, and International Finance, whereas General BCom may offer a broader mix with less emphasis on each topic.

Institutions like Alliance University, ranked among the top 10 bcom colleges in bangalore, regularly update their syllabus to meet industry standards and enhance employability.

Career Opportunities

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing BCom Honours is the career edge it offers. With a specialization in a particular domain, students are more attractive to recruiters. Fields such as investment banking, financial consulting, auditing, and market research often prefer candidates with a bachelor of commerce honours degree.

On the other hand, General BCom graduates also have ample job opportunities, but may need to pursue additional certifications or higher studies to compete with Honours graduates. Those planning to prepare for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, or banking exams may find General BCom more manageable due to its relatively lighter academic load.

Graduating from the top bcom colleges in India, especially a reputed university like Alliance University, can further boost your chances of landing a job in reputed organizations, regardless of whether you choose Honours or General BCom.

Higher Education Prospects

If you plan to pursue postgraduate studies like M.Com, MBA, CFA, or CA, both degrees provide a good foundation. However, the bachelor of commerce honours offers a deeper academic grounding, especially in quantitative and analytical areas, making it a better fit for research-driven or technical postgraduate programs.

Many students from top 10 bcom colleges in India pursue a Master’s degree after BCom Honours to enhance their subject expertise and job prospects. The Honours degree may also give you an edge in entrance exams and interviews for top-tier institutions.

Eligibility and Admission Criteria

The b com eligibility for both courses is largely the same. Most colleges require students to have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board with commerce or mathematics as a subject. Some top institutions like Alliance University may conduct entrance tests or personal interviews for admission into the bcom programme.

Admission to the bachelor of commerce honours course may also require a higher percentage compared to General BCom, given the competitive nature of the program and limited seats in top bcom colleges in India.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you have a clear career goal, enjoy academic rigor, and wish to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular area of commerce, BCom Honours is the ideal choice. The availability of b com specialization options and practical learning makes it a smart investment for future growth.

However, if you’re still exploring your interests, or want a more flexible and less intense academic journey, General BCom might suit you better. It offers a balanced overview and allows you to pivot into various careers or higher education programs later.

Conclusion

Choosing between BCom Honours and General BCom depends on your academic strengths, career goals, and personal preferences. Both courses have their unique advantages, and both open doors to promising futures when pursued from a reputed institution. Studying at Alliance University, which is consistently ranked among the top 10 bcom colleges in bangalore, ensures you receive quality education, practical exposure, and access to excellent placement opportunities.

Whether you opt for the in-depth learning experience of the bachelor of commerce honours or the broad-based approach of General BCom, aligning your choice with your goals will help you make the most of your undergraduate journey in commerce.

[tccicomputercoaching]

Best Programming Languages for CS Students

Choosing the best programming languages for CS students is essential for building a strong foundation in computer science. Mastering multiple languages helps students understand core programming concepts and enhances career opportunities.

Here are some of the most important languages that every CS student must know:

1. Python

Because of all these reasons, Python is said to be good for starting learning programming. It is very simple and flexible. There would be no boundaries in web development, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), or automation. Its syntax is easy to read so that a student can focus on problem-solving rather than syntax issues.

2. Java

Java is one compulsory language that every CS student should learn; even more so for software development and mobile app enthusiasts. Most Android applications are built with Java as well as all systems found in almost every major enterprise application. Some fine features of Java's object-oriented programming (OOP) have contributed to the development of a strong base for coding.

3. C and C++

C and C++ help in the understanding of how deep a computer should work. C is widely used in the fields of system programming, operating systems, and embedded systems. C++ adds to the benefits of C and provides OOP features that are ideal for game development, high-performance applications, and competitive programming.

4. JavaScript

JavaScript is an important programming language for web development, and it allows students to make interactive and dynamic websites. With React and Node.js, JavaScript has also increasingly gone beyond just front-end development into applications on the server-side.

5. SQL

The use of SQL or Structured Query Language addresses Managing and Manipulating Databases. Whether a software application or examining the data analytics topic, SQL knowledge is important for handling data effectively.

6. Swift and Kotlin

So, for students wanting to get into Mobile Development, it's worth learning Swift (iOS) and Kotlin (Android). They are all modern, efficient, and developer-friendly for mobile app development.

Conclusion

CS students must learn multiple programming languages. This will create rounded programmers. Python and Java will provide good fundamentals, whereas C/C++ will add some low-level understanding. JavaScript and SQL would then be very important for web and database applications. Students are assured of confidence in every area of computer science by mastering these languages.

Location: Bopal & Iskon-Ambli Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Call now on +91 9825618292

Get information from: https://tccicomputercoaching.wordpress.com/

[sicsrpune20]

Best Computer Science Colleges in Pune for Aspiring Tech Professionals

Pune has emerged as a major hub for education and technology, attracting students from across the country. With the rise of digital transformation, the demand for computer science professionals has grown significantly. Aspiring students looking to build a career in technology must choose from the top computer science colleges in Pune to gain the right skills and exposure.

Why Choose Computer Science Colleges in Pune?

Pune is home to some of the finest institutions offering specialized courses in computer science and engineering. Enrolling in computer science colleges in Pune provides students with access to cutting-edge technology, experienced faculty, and strong industry collaborations.

Benefits of Studying in Pune:

State-of-the-art infrastructure and research facilities

Industry-relevant curriculum and hands-on learning

Strong placement records with top tech companies

Exposure to a thriving IT and startup ecosystem

Students pursuing computer science education in Pune gain a competitive edge, making them industry-ready upon graduation.

Top CS Engineering Colleges in Pune

For those looking to specialize in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data science, enrolling in CS engineering colleges in Pune is the right choice. These institutions focus on providing a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring students excel in their careers.

Features of Leading CS Engineering Colleges:

Comprehensive curriculum covering core and advanced computing subjects

Strong emphasis on practical learning through labs and projects

Internships and training programmes with leading IT firms

Opportunities for research and innovation in emerging technologies

Choosing one of the best CS engineering colleges in Pune ensures a strong foundation in computer science and opens doors to lucrative career opportunities in top tech companies.

Why Choose SICSR for Computer Science Education?

Regarding quality education in computer science and IT, Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research (SICSR) stands out as a leading institution. It offers top-notch undergraduate and postgraduate programmes tailored to meet industry requirements, making it a preferred choice for students.

Why SICSR?

Industry-focused curriculum designed for future tech leaders

Expert faculty with real-world experience

Collaboration with IT companies for internships and placements

Cutting-edge infrastructure with modern labs and learning resources

With its strong academic foundation and commitment to excellence, SICSR continues to shape the future of aspiring tech professionals. Choosing SICSR ensures that students receive the best education, exposure, and opportunities to thrive in the competitive tech industry.

[nishantsah]

Income Tax Act 2025: Key Changes & Implementation Timeline

The Income Tax Act 2025 marks a significant transformation in India's tax system. Designed for simplicity, transparency, and efficiency, it replaces outdated provisions with modern tax laws. By aligning with global standards, the new tax framework ensures streamlined compliance and reduced legal complexities. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for individuals and businesses planning their finances.

Overview of the Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act 2025 replaces the existing tax laws to simplify compliance and minimize disputes. Previously referred to as the Direct Tax Code, this reform ensures clarity in taxation. Taxpayers can download the Income Tax Act 2025 PDF for a comprehensive understanding of all provisions and modifications.

Implementation Timeline of the Income Tax Act 2025

Understanding the timeline is essential for a smooth transition. The new tax structure becomes effective on April 1, 2026, making the financial year 2026-27 the first taxable period under the revised framework. Taxpayers must prepare in advance to ensure compliance.

Exam Guidelines for CA, CS & CMA Students

Exams before March 31, 2026, will follow the Income Tax Act 1961.

Exams after April 1, 2027, will be based on the Income Tax Act 2025.

Key Objectives of the Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act 2025 focuses on several core objectives, including:

Aligning Indian tax laws with global standards.

Simplifying compliance by reducing legal complexities.

Enhancing transparency in tax calculations.

With these objectives, the Income Tax Act 2025 ensures a more structured and dispute-free tax framework.

Major Changes in the Income Tax Act 2025

1. Reduction in Sections

The new act reduces the number of sections from 298 to 536, eliminating redundant provisions for easier compliance.

2. Restructured Chapters

Earlier, tax laws were divided into 47 chapters. The Income Tax Act 2025 consolidates them into 23 chapters, providing better clarity.

3. Simplified Language & Format

A structured format with clear tables and formulas reduces ambiguities, making tax laws easier to understand.

4. Reduced Word & Page Count

Old Act: 5.12 lakh words, 822 pages

New Act: 2.6 lakh words, 622 pages

5. Measures to Reduce Litigation

By incorporating past judicial rulings, the Income Tax Act 2025 aims to minimize legal disputes and ensure smoother compliance.

6. Introduction of a Single ‘Tax Year’

Terms like ‘Previous Year’ and ‘Assessment Year’ are replaced with a single Tax Year (April 1 – March 31), making tax planning simpler.

7. Retention of Old & New Tax Regimes

Taxpayers can still choose between the old and new tax regimes, offering flexibility in financial planning.

8. Virtual Digital Assets (VDA) Taxation

The new act formally recognizes cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and other digital assets as taxable, ensuring compliance in the digital economy.

9. No Changes in Tax Slabs

The existing tax slabs remain unchanged, and an effective NIL tax applies to incomes up to INR 12 lakh due to rebates.

10. Retention of Five Income Heads

The five traditional income heads remain unchanged:

Salary

House Property

Business/Profession

Capital Gains

Other Sources

11. New Section Numbering System

The Income Tax Act 2025 introduces a revised numbering system:

Salary Income: Sections 15-19 (previously 15-17)

House Property: Sections 20-25 (previously 20-27)

Business/Profession: Sections 26-66 (previously 28-44)

Capital Gains: Sections 67-91 (previously 45-55)

Other Sources: Sections 92-95 (previously 56-59)

Conclusion

The Income Tax Act 2025 is a landmark reform aimed at modernizing India's tax system. By simplifying compliance, reducing litigation, and ensuring transparency, it aligns taxation with global standards. Staying informed about these changes is essential for professionals, taxpayers, and businesses.

Download the Income Tax Act 2025 PDF to explore all provisions and stay ahead in tax planning. Preparing in advance will ensure a seamless transition and compliance under the new framework.

[umichenginabroad]

Week 1: 25,000 steps, $2 beer, and 6 classes later

After a quick stop in London to visit a few friends, I finally made it to Prague for the start of my semester abroad. One week in, and it already feels like so much has happened. New people, places, memories, and a very different cost of living (for better and worse).

Orientation & First Impressions

My roommate Isa and I were the first to arrive in our new apartment. As our flatmates came in, we met the six other girls we would be sharing a space with for the semester. The next day, we had our first day of orientation at the Villa where we have school. It’s a gorgeous building in the middle of a park that makes going to class much more appealing.

We heard lectures about culture, classes, and the city, and spent time meeting people in our IFSA program. There are 98 students in IFSA (the biggest group to date), with a majority from UM, but there’s representation from other schools as well. I haven’t gotten the chance to meet everyone yet but it’s been really fun chatting with people from all over and making new friends!

Classes

A full week of classes later and here’s the rundown: I’m taking 6 classes with four of them being 1-2 credits and my two heavier classes, Software Engineering (3 credits) and Introduction to AI (4 credits). With this coursework, I’m able to significantly advance my degree at UM. This covers a ULCS and flex tech course, as well as lighter required EECS classes such as 496, 497, and tech comm 497. These smaller courses also come together to count for my MDE credit, which is a huge win in terms of getting ahead. Let’s just say this program is extremely helpful with completing relevant classes for the Computer Science major since you’re able to take more technical courses in one semester here versus Michigan due to their rigor. Since I’m in the College of Engineering, all the classes will transfer as Pass/Fail, which is different for those in LSA. Here’s my schedule (taken from my Google Calendar) along with the credits they’re transferring over as for UM.

After the week, I have struggled a little with making it to all my classes since I’m not very used to that as a CS major at UM. However, they are pretty strict with attendance; four missed classes in a 1-2 credit course or six in a 3-4 credit course results in a fail. So I’ve definitely had to keep that in mind when sleeping in sounds really nice or planning weekend trips. Additionally, classes leave large gaps during the day that I’m still navigating how to best take advantage of. So far those gaps have been used for a power nap but now that I’m more adjusted I want to take that time to walk around and explore the city more.

One last note about classes so far, I’ve really been enjoying the professors! They seem to be in touch with and relate to their students more so than profs at UM (at least the courses I take in huge lecture halls). The smaller class sizes have also made me feel more engaged and connected to the material, I’m enjoying this kind of environment and team-building school setting.

First Look at Prague 1 with the Walking Tour

Prague is divided into numbered districts like Prague 1, Prague 2, Prague 3, etc. for administrative and historical reasons. The lower numbers (1-10) are historical districts and the higher numbers (11-22) are mainly suburban or newer areas. Prague 1 is the area that people think of when they think of Prague (historic core): the touristy sights, busier streets, and multitude of stores. This was my first time going to the more known areas since arriving, so I was super excited. We hit all the main spots: Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock Tower, Old Town Square, and many more. The architecture in Prague is some of the oldest and most beautiful I’ve seen, it is the only major European city left almost untouched by WWII. As a result, medieval and Baroque architecture remain remarkably intact throughout the city; the buildings are a tell of time that cannot be seen anywhere else. However, it is a little weird to see the most stunning buildings of all time be used for a McDonalds or Starbucks. Prague has so much to offer and picturesque scenes on every corner, and it was great hearing the added historical context from our guide!

After our tour, a group of us decided to walk the 49 minutes home to continue the spirit of the tour. We walked past a ton of stores and cafes I took note of to come back to. I was so tired after but got a boost of dopamine when my Health app notified me I had walked about 25,000 steps that day.

Getting Around

On our first day, an IFSA buddy helped us get set up with tickets for the public transportation system here. We paid for a 1-month pass ~$22 and a 3-month pass ~$61 on an app called pid litacka. This may seem like a lot, but after visiting my friend in London and comparing how much is spent on transportation there, it’s a great deal. At first, I wasn’t sure what exactly the pid pass covered, but after trial and error I realized it works for both the tram and subway system. The tram is the most common way to get around the city, an above ground system that has stops all over. They're very easy to navigate and the public transportation is Apple and Google Maps friendly and are very clear in their directions. With the pass, you can use public transportation an unlimited amount of time, which is amazing. I use it every day to get to school which is about a 15 minute commute (and about a 20 minute walk).

To ride, you just hop on and off, they use an honor system for both methods of transportation. I haven’t been asked for my ticket yet but you will get fined if caught without one. The subway stations are more spread out, but very useful when traveling to slightly farther destinations. For the most part though, I’ve enjoyed walking all over the city especially in the first week to familiarize myself as much as possible! It has been a little chilly though, in the 30s and 40s, so I use the public transportation every day. Though it is thankfully not as bad as Michigan here, it is still winter and gets cold when walking around outside for a lot of the day. Before coming to Prague I bought two sets of Uniqlo’s heat tech long sleeve and leggings that have been amazing and kept me warm all day even without a super warm jacket on.

Another huge help with getting around Prague has been Bolt, Prague’s version of Uber. I definitely recommend getting it, I’ve called a lot of Bolts in just one week (mostly on nights out) and they’re super cheap compared to Ubers in the US!

Making our House (Apartment) into a Home

I’ve luckily been getting really close to my roommates and enjoying our time in the apartment! Someone does come clean (we suspect once a week but are not sure), but for the most part it’s up to us to take out the trash, wash dishes, wipe surfaces, etc. There is a washing machine and drying racks, which hasn’t been the hassle I thought it would be. It also came fully furnished with a lot of dishes and kitchen appliances, chairs, tables, etc. The apartment also has a funny layout in general but especially with the bathrooms, where we have two rooms that are just a shower, one that’s just a toilet, one with just a sink, and one with a shower and a toilet. Somehow, the layout does seem to be working out with 8 of us, so I’m not complaining! We also started a polaroid wall and are looking for more decorations to liven up the space which I’m excited for. I’m sharing a room with my direct roommate Isa, but it’s super spacious and we each have our own closet, desk, night stand, and shelf space which has been great. The apartment has 3 shared bedrooms and 2 individual bedrooms, along with a kitchen, the bathroom situation I explained earlier, and a hallway with a couch that we call our living room. As I’ve been creating more memories with my roommates in the common spaces (like throwing my DJ board on a drying rack and mixing with my roommates), I can say I truly have no complaints about the apartment and am happy to live here for the rest of the semester. Attached are some pictures of our kitchen, hallway/"living room", my room from two different angles, and our growing polaroid wall.

Our building is in Prague 2 and one of the nicest neighborhoods in Prague, it is more central but slightly less touristy which makes it great as a student. I’ve felt very safe on my morning runs and it’s a beautiful older building. It also seems to be the main one that IFSA students are staying in, since every unit in the building is a group of students from the program. This has definitely been nice for meeting up with others for classes and social outings. However, it is completely random and there are people living in farther apartments with less students from the program which makes it less convenient.

Food & Nightlife

Now for the fun part!! I’ve heard a lot about Prague’s vibrant nightlife as well as great restaurants, among Czech cuisine and many others. Drinking culture is very big in the Czech Republic, especially beer, and the country holds the title for the highest beer consumption per capita in the world! During orientation, they told us it’s part of their way of life and if you’re paying more than $4 for a beer, you’re probably getting scammed. After all, the world-famous Pilsner originated here in the 19th century, and Pilsner Urquell remains a traditional staple, found in nearly every pub and restaurant.

So far, we’ve had some pretty exciting nights out with the majority of the program, from dancing at popular clubs to more intimate conversations at nice cocktail bars or watching sports games at pubs and drinking beer cheaper than water. I’ve also heard about a lot of jazz bars that I would love to go to soon.

My favorite club so far has been Epic, granted it’s only been a week so I don’t have many options to choose from, but I love techno music and it was a great time. Similarly, my favorite bar is dog bar, definitely a must in Prague. It has something for everyone and is a great time no matter what day of the week you go. I also like that in Prague the night can start fairly late. I’m a bit of a night owl and preferred Madrid’s late nightlife scene to Michigan’s almost-everything-closes-at-2am-vibe. Prague is a bit in the middle, which is great considering a busy class schedule.

I’ve also been eating out at restaurants a lot recently; groceries have been fine but I’ve only made pasta for dinner and eggs in the morning so restaurants it is. I’ll get better at buying groceries and cooking soon hopefully, but it has been a little harder than expected because everything is in Czech and takes a bit to make sure I’m buying what I mean to. For now, however, my reviews on Beli (restaurant reviewing social media platform) have been going crazy since I got to Prague. From rating some great Czech cuisine at the Vinohradsky Parlament Restaurant to enjoying the atmosphere and smash burgers at Hoxton Burgers or trying amazing new cafes and bakeries (I have so many recommendations already), Prague has delivered on delicious food with extremely reasonable prices.

Budgeting & Finances Abroad

Prague is a relatively cheap city, especially compared to more touristy cities in Europe or the United States. My daily lattes cost $3-4, and restaurants, bars, and groceries are much cheaper comparatively. However, in the nature of study abroad, there are always plans happening and forever being made. There are also really cool and enticing clothing stores and lots of vintage thrifting. So I have spent way more money than I had previously assumed for my time abroad so far, which to me has been the biggest shock. I knew Prague was a cheaper city, so I figured the increase in plans and shopping would balance it out. Well! I was very wrong but that’s also my individual experience. The first week is also more hard-hitting than others, I think, because it’s when many people book a lot of weekend trips for the semester. So far, I’ve booked Berlin, Vienna, and St. Anton for skiing in just one week. As a result, I created a detailed spending tracker on my favorite productivity platform, Notion, that I’m hoping will keep me more aware and on top of the financial aspect of studying abroad. We’ll see how that goes and if I succeed in budgeting better these upcoming weeks.

That’s all my updates for week 1 in Prague, thank you if you’ve read this far! Next week I’m excited to share more about lessons learned and places visited in Prague along with a weekend trip to Vienna.

Na shledanou,

Natalie Ramirez