Author: Elastic strain

  • Reset:Mind

    Reset:Mind

    GATE

    Related : Preparation

    Believe in Yourself

    Related : Preparation

    What is your Reason?

    Related : Preparation

    Good to Great

    Related : Preparation

    Time Management

    Related : Preparation

    Managing the environment

    Related : Preparation

    How to revise and remember the topics for long

    Related : Preparation

    How to work for longer hours

    Related : Preparation

    Time Management

    Related : Preparation

    Success & Obstacles

    Related : Life Lessons

  • Google NotebookLM: Your AI-Powered Research Assistant

    Google NotebookLM: Your AI-Powered Research Assistant

    Google’s NotebookLM (formerly known as Project Tailwind) is an innovative AI tool designed to transform how you interact with your research material. It helps you turn sources like PDFs, Docs, Slides, web URLs, transcripts, and images into interactive Q&As, summaries, mind maps, study guides, and even AI-generated podcast-style audio.

    Let’s explore everything you need to know about NotebookLM.

    What Is Google NotebookLM?

    NotebookLM is a personalized AI notebook powered by Google’s Gemini models. It allows you to create digital notebooks by uploading your own sources—then uses those sources to answer questions, generate summaries, and help you study or research more effectively.

    Originally launched as Project Tailwind, it was rebranded and released to the public in 2023. As of now, it’s available in over 200 countries and supports many languages.

    What It Can Do:

    • Upload and organize up to 50 sources per notebook
    • Ask complex questions and get citation-backed answers
    • Generate outlines, FAQs, timelines, and study guides
    • Create podcast-style audio discussions based on your content
    • Discover new content and sources by describing your topic

    Key Features of NotebookLM

    AI Audio Overviews

    NotebookLM can generate a podcast-style audio summary of your content, narrated by two AI hosts. You can listen, download, or interact in real time with this feature.

    Notebook Guide

    Automatically generate study guides, outlines, timelines, FAQs, and briefing documents from your uploaded sources.

    Smart Q&A

    Ask NotebookLM questions and get precise answers, complete with clickable citations to the original documents.

    Mind Maps

    Visualize key ideas and relationships across your materials using AI-generated mind maps.

    Source Discovery

    Describe a topic and NotebookLM will suggest relevant documents, articles, or other resources to help you build your notebook faster.

    Mobile App Support

    NotebookLM is available on Android and iOS. You can access your notebooks, listen to AI audio, and upload content from your phone.

    How to Use NotebookLM

    Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to getting started:

    1. Sign In: Go to NotebookLM and log in with your Google account.
    2. Create a Notebook: Click “New Notebook” to start a project.
    3. Add Sources: Upload Docs, PDFs, Slides, URLs, images, or transcripts.
    4. Use the Chat Panel: Ask questions about your content and get AI-powered responses with source references.
    5. Explore Notebook Guide: Generate summaries, outlines, FAQs, and more.
    6. Listen to AI Audio: Tap the “Generate Audio Overview” button to turn your content into a podcast-like discussion.
    7. Use Mind Maps: Open the mind map view to visualize how ideas connect.
    8. Access on Mobile: Download the mobile app to work on-the-go.

    Benefits of NotebookLM

    • Saves Time: Quickly understand complex material using summaries and audio.
    • Enhances Learning: Use study guides, timelines, and FAQs to grasp key concepts.
    • Supports Research: Ask nuanced questions and receive accurate, cited answers.
    • Boosts Creativity: Brainstorm and discover connections through mind maps.
    • Mobile Flexibility: Work from your phone or tablet anywhere, anytime.
    • Multilingual Support: Available in 50+ languages including Hindi, Spanish, and more.

    Use Cases

    • Students: Summarize course material, create study aids, and listen to AI-generated lessons.
    • Researchers: Organize academic papers, generate insights, and track citations.
    • Writers: Draft outlines, brainstorm ideas, and analyze background sources.
    • Teachers: Create lesson plans, quizzes, and summaries for students.
    • Professionals: Analyze reports, generate briefs, and prepare for meetings.

    What’s New and Coming

    • Personalized audio narration with multiple voice styles
    • Higher source limits and better document formatting
    • NotebookLM Plus: a premium version with enterprise features
    • Deeper integration with Google Drive and mobile sharing options

    Final Thoughts

    Google NotebookLM is changing how we interact with information. By blending generative AI with research tools, it enables students, professionals, and creators to unlock deeper understanding and faster insights from their personal libraries.

    Whether you’re preparing for an exam, writing a report, or exploring a new topic, NotebookLM can help you stay organized, informed, and inspired—all in one place.

    Start your journey with NotebookLM today and let AI power your next big idea.

  • Obsidian: The Ultimate Tool for Personal Knowledge Management

    Obsidian: The Ultimate Tool for Personal Knowledge Management

    In today’s digital age, managing information effectively is more important than ever. Whether you’re a student, writer, researcher, or professional, keeping track of notes, ideas, and knowledge can be a daunting task. That’s where Obsidian comes in — a powerful, flexible, and free note-taking app that’s redefining how we manage personal knowledge.

    What is Obsidian?

    Obsidian is a Markdown-based note-taking and knowledge management app that turns a collection of plain text files into a rich, interlinked knowledge base. It’s often described as a “second brain” — a tool to help you store, organize, and connect your thoughts over time.

    Created by Shida Li and Erica Xu, Obsidian has gained popularity for its emphasis on local-first storage, backlinks, and graph-based note linking, making it perfect for building your own “personal wiki.”

    Key Features of Obsidian

    • Markdown Support: Write your notes in plain text using Markdown.
    • Bidirectional Linking: Easily link notes together and see backlinks automatically.
    • Graph View: Visualize how your notes connect with each other in an interactive graph.
    • Vaults: Organize your notes in “vaults” — folders of Markdown files.
    • Plugins & Customization: Highly extendable through community and core plugins.
    • Local-First: Your notes are stored on your device — no cloud needed.
    • Cross-platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

    How to Use Obsidian (Step-by-Step)

    1. Download & Install

    • Go to https://obsidian.md and download the version for your OS.
    • Install the app and launch it.

    2. Create a Vault

    • A vault is your workspace.
    • Click on “Create New Vault,” give it a name, and choose a folder to store your notes.

    3. Create Your First Note

    • Click the “New Note” button.
    • Start typing in Markdown (# for headers, **bold**, *italic*, [[link to another note]] to connect notes).

    4. Link Notes Together

    • Type [[ and the name of another note to create a link.
    • Obsidian shows backlinks—notes that link to the current one.

    5. Use Graph View

    • Click the graph icon to view a web-like structure of your notes.
    • Helps visualize connections and find gaps in your thinking.

    6. Install Plugins (Optional but Powerful)

    • Go to Settings → Core Plugins / Community Plugins.
    • Some popular plugins: Daily Notes, Calendar, Kanban, Templates.

    Benefits of Using Obsidian

    1. Local Control

    • Unlike cloud-based tools, your data stays on your device. You own it 100%.

    2. Networked Thinking

    • Bidirectional links encourage you to think in webs, not just hierarchies.

    3. Productivity Boost

    • Great for writing, journaling, task management, and project tracking.

    4. Flexibility

    • Suitable for Zettelkasten, Personal Knowledge Management (PKM), Second Brain, or Digital Gardening.

    5. Extensible Ecosystem

    • The plugin library allows endless customization — turn Obsidian into a task manager, a knowledge base, or even a writing studio.

    6. Privacy & Security

    • No forced sign-ins. Keep your notes completely offline, or sync with services like iCloud, Dropbox, or Obsidian Sync (optional paid service).

    Use Cases for Obsidian

    • Students: Organize lecture notes, link concepts together.
    • Writers: Draft blog posts, outline books, store research.
    • Developers: Document code snippets, project ideas, or architecture.
    • Researchers: Build a knowledge base from papers and articles.
    • Professionals: Track meetings, manage tasks, record goals.

    Final Thoughts

    Obsidian is more than just a note-taking app — it’s a tool to build your second brain, unlock your creativity, and organize your thoughts in a way that evolves with you. Whether you’re managing a complex research project or just keeping track of your daily thoughts, Obsidian offers a powerful, flexible platform to make your digital thinking clear and organized.

    Start small. Write one note today. Link it to another tomorrow. Let your ideas grow like a garden.

  • Mechanical Engineering: Annual Sub-topic Trends and Analysis (2018–2025)

    Mechanical Engineering: Annual Sub-topic Trends and Analysis (2018–2025)

    Engineering Mathematics

    YearLinear AlgebraCalculus & Differential EquationsComplex Analysis & TransformsProbability & StatisticsNumerical Methods & OthersApprox. Total Marks
    2018Matrix Algebra, Eigenvalues (3m)Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, ODEs (5m)Complex Numbers, Laplace Transform (3m)Probability Distributions (2m)Numerical Methods (2m)~15
    2019Linear Systems, Vector Spaces (4m)Integral Calculus, Partial Derivatives, PDEs (4m)Fourier Series & Transforms (3m)Statistics & Probability (3m)Numerical Integration & Root Finding (1m)~15
    2020Eigenvalues, Orthogonal Matrices (3m)Calculus of Several Variables, ODEs (5m)Complex Integration, Laplace (3m)Random Variables, Distributions (2m)Numerical Solution of ODEs (2m)~15
    2021Vector Spaces, Diagonalization (4m)Multivariate Calculus, PDEs (4m)Fourier Series, Z-transform (3m)Probability & Statistics (3m)Numerical Linear Algebra (1m)~15
    2022Matrix Theory, Eigenvalue Problems (3m)Differential Equations, Limits & Continuity (4m)Complex Analysis, Laplace Transforms (3m)Statistics & Probability (3m)Numerical Methods (2m)~15
    2023Linear Algebra, Eigenvalues (3m)Calculus (limits, ODEs) (5m)Fourier, Laplace & Z-Transforms (3m)Probability, Statistics (2m)Numerical Solutions & Interpolation (2m)~15
    2024*Estimated similar linear algebra topics (3m)Estimated Calculus & ODE topics (5m)Estimated Transforms & Complex Analysis (3m)Estimated Probability & Statistics (2m)Estimated Numerical Methods (2m)~15
    2025*Projected stable topics in Linear AlgebraProjected Calculus & ODEsProjected Fourier, Laplace & Z-transformsProjected Probability & StatisticsProjected Numerical Methods~15

    Key Topics by Section

    Linear Algebra

    • Matrices, Determinants, Systems of Linear Equations
    • Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors
    • Vector spaces and Diagonalization

    Calculus & Differential Equations

    • Limits, Continuity, Differentiation & Integration
    • Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
    • Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
    • Multivariate Calculus

    Complex Analysis & Transforms

    • Complex Numbers and Functions
    • Laplace Transform, Fourier Series & Transforms
    • Z-transform (occasionally)

    Probability & Statistics

    • Probability Theory & Distributions
    • Random Variables & Expectation
    • Statistics Basics (mean, variance)

    Numerical Methods & Others

    • Numerical Integration, Differentiation
    • Numerical solution of ODEs
    • Interpolation & Root Finding

    Applied Mechanics & Design

    YearEngineering MechanicsMechanics of MaterialsTheory of MachinesVibrationsMachine DesignApprox. Total Marks
    2018FBD, Equilibrium (2m), Friction (1m)Stress-Strain, Mohr’s circle, Beams SFD/BMD (5m), Torsion (2m), Columns (2m)Linkages (2m), Gears (1m), Balancing (2m)Free vibration (2m), Damping (3m)Fatigue, Springs, Bolted Joints (4m)~26
    2019FBD & Virtual Work (3m), Friction (1m)Beam Deflection (4m), Thin Cylinders (2m), Thermal Stress (3m)Cams (3m), Flywheels (2m), Governors (2m), Gyroscope (2m)Forced vibration (2m), Resonance (1m)Failure Theories (3m), Welded Joints (3m)~32
    2020Equilibrium & Trusses (2m), Simple Machines (2m)Mohr’s Circle (2m), Beam Bending (2m), Torsion (1m)Gear Trains (3m), Dynamic Analysis of Linkages (2m), Balancing (3m)Free vibration (2m), Critical Speed (1m)Bearings (2m), Clutches & Brakes (4m)~25
    2021FBD & Equilibrium (2m), Virtual Work (1m), Friction (2m)SFD/BMD (3m), Beam Deflection (3m), Columns (2m), Energy Methods (1m)Linkage kinematics (2m), Flywheels (3m), Governors (2m), Cams (1m)Damping & Resonance (3m), Vibration Isolation (1m)Springs (3m), Fatigue (2m)~32
    2022FBD & Friction (4m), Simple Machines (2m)Beams & Columns (3m), Thin Cylinders (2m), Thermal Stresses (1m)Gear Trains (3m), Balancing (3m), Gyroscope (2m)Forced Vibration (3m), Critical Speed (3m)Bolted Joints (2m), Welded Joints (1m)~29
    2023FBD (1m), Trusses (1m), Friction (1m)Mohr’s Circle (2m), Beam Bending & Shear (4m), Torsion (2m), Columns (2m)Cams (3m), Linkages (3m), Balancing (2m), Governors (2m)Free & Forced Vibrations (4m)Failure Theories (2m), Springs & Bearings (3m)~34
    2024*Estimated FBD & Equilibrium (3m), Friction (2m)Estimated Beam Deflection (4m), Torsion (2m), Columns (2m)Estimated Linkage Kinematics (3m), Cams (2m), Gear Trains (3m)Estimated Vibrations (4m)Estimated Machine Design (5m)~24
    2025*Projected similar topics to 2023-24Projected similar distributionProjected similar distributionProjected similar distributionProjected similar distribution~27-32

    Notes:

    • Marks indicate approximate allocation in each year.
    • *2024 and 2025 data are estimates based on previous years.
    • This reflects question trends, not exact marks from official papers.
    • Vibrations often combined with Theory of Machines in official sections.

    Quick Insights:

    • Engineering Mechanics: Regularly 2–4 marks, with emphasis on FBD, equilibrium, friction.
    • Mechanics of Materials: Most stable and heavy, focused on beams, torsion, columns.
    • Theory of Machines: Linkages, cams, balancing, governors appear every year.
    • Vibrations: Increasing in recent years, mainly free/forced vibrations & damping.
    • Machine Design: Failure theories, joints, springs, bearings consistently tested.

    Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences

    YearFluid MechanicsThermodynamics & Thermal SciencesHeat TransferIC Engines & CompressorsApprox. Total Marks
    2018Fluid Statics, Bernoulli, Laminar/Turbulent FlowFirst Law, Second Law, Entropy, Carnot CycleConduction (1D), Convection (forced/natural)Air Compressor, SI/CI Engines~28
    2019Control Volume Analysis, Boundary Layer, Dimensional AnalysisAir Standard Cycles, Thermodynamic Relations, Entropy, PsychrometryRadiation basics, Heat ExchangersIC Engines, Compressors, Nozzle Flow~30
    2020Pipe Flow, Head Loss, Flow Measurement, PumpsProperties of Pure Substances, Gas Mixtures, Exergy AnalysisExtended Surfaces, Transient Heat ConductionGas Turbines, IC Engines, Compressors~27
    2021Inviscid Flow, Flow around Bodies, TurbomachinerySecond Law Applications, Vapor Power Cycle, Refrigeration CyclesCombined Modes, Heat Exchangers, Lumped Capacitance MethodIC Engines, Nozzle & Diffuser Analysis~29
    2022Flow in Pipes & Channels, Pumps, Compressible FlowEntropy Generation, Gas Mixtures, Psychrometrics, CombustionRadiation, Convection, Heat Transfer in Extended SurfacesIC Engines, Compressors, Gas Turbines~28
    2023Boundary Layer, Flow Measurement, Pumps, Compressible FlowAir Standard Cycles, Entropy, Refrigeration Cycles, Gas MixturesConduction, Convection, Heat Exchanger AnalysisIC Engines, Compressors, Turbomachinery~31
    2024*Estimated similar to 2023 topicsEstimated similar core thermodynamics & cyclesEstimated combined heat transfer topicsEstimated IC Engines and compressors~28
    2025*Projected stable topics (fluids + turbomachinery)Projected stable thermodynamics + refrigeration + psychrometricsProjected stable heat transfer + radiationProjected stable IC Engines & compressors~30

    Key Topics by Section

    Fluid Mechanics

    • Fluid properties & statics
    • Control volume analysis & momentum equations
    • Laminar/turbulent flow, Reynolds number
    • Flow in pipes & channels, pump & turbine performance
    • Compressible flow fundamentals & shock waves
    • Boundary layer theory & flow measurement

    Thermodynamics & Thermal Sciences

    • Laws of thermodynamics, entropy, and exergy
    • Air standard cycles (Otto, Diesel, Dual cycles)
    • Vapor power cycles & refrigeration cycles
    • Psychrometry & gas mixtures
    • Combustion basics

    Heat Transfer

    • Conduction (steady & transient)
    • Convection (forced & natural)
    • Radiation fundamentals
    • Heat exchangers & extended surfaces

    IC Engines & Compressors

    • Engine cycles and performance parameters
    • Air compressors (reciprocating, rotary)
    • Gas turbines and nozzles
    • Refrigeration & vapor compression cycles

    Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering (MIE)

    YearManufacturing ProcessesProduction Planning & ControlOperations Research & InventoryQuality Control & ReliabilityApprox. Total Marks
    2018Casting, Welding, MachiningForecasting, SchedulingLinear Programming, Queuing TheoryStatistical Quality Control, Reliability Basics~20
    2019Forming, Machining, WeldingInventory Control, MRPTransportation Problem, PERT/CPMControl Charts, Acceptance Sampling~22
    2020Casting, Machining, FormingAggregate Planning, Capacity PlanningNetwork Models, Game TheoryReliability, Design of Experiments~18
    2021Machining, Welding, CNCScheduling, Production ControlLinear Programming, Queuing TheoryProcess Capability, SPC, ISO Standards~21
    2022Casting, Forming, Additive ManufacturingInventory Management, MRPTransportation Problem, PERT/CPMQuality Control Charts, Reliability~20
    2023Welding, Machining, Metal FormingForecasting, Aggregate PlanningNetwork Models, Inventory ModelsSPC, Acceptance Sampling~23
    2024*Estimated combination of 2023 topicsEstimated Production Planning & ControlEstimated OR modelsEstimated Quality Control & Reliability~21
    2025*Projected stable topicsProjected steady focus areasProjected steady OR & Inventory focusProjected Quality & Reliability topics~22

    Key Topics by Section

    Manufacturing Processes

    • Casting, Welding, Machining
    • Metal Forming (forging, rolling, extrusion)
    • Additive Manufacturing & CNC machining
    • Tool design and metallurgy basics

    Production Planning & Control

    • Forecasting methods
    • Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
    • Scheduling techniques and aggregate planning
    • Inventory management & control

    Operations Research & Inventory

    • Linear programming
    • Transportation & assignment problems
    • Network models (PERT/CPM)
    • Queuing theory & game theory basics

    Quality Control & Reliability

    Reliability engineering fundamentals

    Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts

    Acceptance sampling

    Process capability analysis

    General Aptitude

    YearVerbal AbilityNumerical AbilityApprox. Total Marks
    2018Grammar (5m), Sentence Completion (3m), Verbal Reasoning (2m)Data Interpretation, Number Series (3m)~10
    2019Verbal Reasoning, Grammar, Analogies (5m), Reading Comprehension (2m)Data Interpretation, Arithmetic (3m)~10
    2020Sentence Completion, Synonyms/Antonyms, Verbal Reasoning (6m)Data Interpretation, Number Systems (2m)~10
    2021Grammar, Logical Reasoning, Sentence Correction (5m)Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Data Interpretation (3m)~10
    2022Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completion, Synonyms (5m)Simple Interest, Time & Work, Data Interpretation (3m)~10
    2023Verbal Reasoning, Grammar, Sentence Completion (5m)Number Series, Data Interpretation, Profit & Loss (3m)~10
    2024*Estimated similar Verbal Ability topicsEstimated similar Numerical Ability topics~10
    2025*Projected similar Verbal Ability topicsProjected similar Numerical Ability topics~10

    Key Topics by Section

    Verbal Ability

    • Grammar & Sentence Correction
    • Sentence Completion
    • Synonyms & Antonyms
    • Verbal Reasoning & Analogies
    • Reading Comprehension

    Numerical Ability

    • Data Interpretation (graphs, charts)
    • Number Systems & Series
    • Percentages, Ratio & Proportion
    • Time & Work, Simple Interest
    • Profit & Loss

    Overview

    1. Engineering Mathematics

    • Consistent Core: Linear Algebra (matrices, eigenvalues), Calculus (limits, derivatives, ODE/PDE), Complex Analysis (Fourier, Laplace transforms), Probability & Statistics, and Numerical Methods.
    • Emphasis: Strong foundation in solving linear systems, differential equations, and transform techniques.

    2. Applied Mechanics & Design

    • Core Focus: Free Body Diagrams (FBD), Static Equilibrium, Friction, Beam bending & torsion, columns, stress-strain relationships.
    • Theory of Machines: Linkages, cams, governors, gear trains, balancing.
    • Vibrations: Free & forced vibrations with damping and resonance.
    • Machine Design: Fatigue, springs, bolted & welded joints, failure theories, clutches, bearings.

    3. Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences

    • Fluid Mechanics: Fluid statics, Bernoulli equation, pipe flow, pumps, turbines, compressible flow, boundary layers.
    • Thermodynamics: First and Second Laws, entropy, air standard cycles (Otto, Diesel), vapor power cycles, refrigeration.
    • Heat Transfer: Conduction, convection, radiation, heat exchangers.
    • IC Engines & Compressors: Engine cycles, performance, compressors, gas turbines, nozzles.

    4. Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering

    • Manufacturing Processes: Casting, welding, machining, forming, additive manufacturing.
    • Production Planning & Control: Forecasting, inventory management, scheduling, MRP.
    • Operations Research: Linear programming, transportation problems, network models (PERT/CPM), queuing.
    • Quality Control & Reliability: SPC charts, acceptance sampling, reliability fundamentals.

    5. General Aptitude

    • Verbal Ability: Grammar, sentence completion, verbal reasoning, reading comprehension.
    • Numerical Ability: Data interpretation, number series, percentages, ratio & proportion, time & work, profit & loss.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Strong Fundamentals: Across all subjects, fundamentals and basic principles are tested repeatedly.
    • Balanced Coverage: Each year covers both theory and application-oriented questions.
    • Mathematics & GA: Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude have stable, predictable weightage and topics.
    • Interdisciplinary Overlaps: Some topics like vibrations overlap with theory of machines; thermodynamics with thermal sciences, etc.
    • Consistent Practice: Repeated practice on FBD, beam problems, thermodynamics cycles, OR problems, and language skills will ensure readiness.
  • OpenAI Timeline: Key Innovations from 2015 to 2025

    OpenAI Timeline: Key Innovations from 2015 to 2025

    What is OpenAI?

    OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research and deployment company founded in December 2015. Its mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) — highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most tasks — benefits all of humanity.

    Initially launched as a non-profit by tech leaders including Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI later transitioned into a “capped-profit” company to attract the funding required for large-scale AI research, while still staying committed to safety and ethical goals.

    OpenAI is known for its groundbreaking advancements in natural language processing, multimodal AI, and machine learning safety. It has developed world-renowned models like:

    • GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) – Text generation models used in ChatGPT.
    • DALL·E – Text-to-image generation.
    • Codex – AI code generation.
    • ChatGPT – An AI assistant with conversational and problem-solving skills.

    With AI rapidly becoming part of everyday life, OpenAI is at the forefront of how these systems are designed, deployed, and governed.

    2015 – The Birth of OpenAI

    • December 11 – Founded by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, and others.
    • Vision: To build AGI in a way that is safe, transparent, and aligned with human values.

    2016 – First Tools and Platforms

    • April – OpenAI releases Gym, a toolkit for developing reinforcement learning algorithms.
    • December – Launch of Universe, letting AI agents interact with environments like Flash games and web interfaces.

    2018 – Advancements in Language and Games

    • June – Release of GPT-1, the first generation language model.
    • AugustOpenAI Five competes in Dota 2 and defeats human semi-pro players in live matches.

    2019 – GPT-2 and Microsoft Partnership

    • FebruaryGPT-2 (1.5B parameters) demonstrates highly realistic text generation.
    • March – OpenAI transitions to a capped-profit model.
    • JulyMicrosoft invests $1 billion, beginning a multi-year partnership around AI and cloud computing.

    2020 – GPT-3 and the OpenAI API

    • JuneGPT-3 released (175B parameters); shows state-of-the-art few-shot performance across many tasks.
    • Launch of the OpenAI API, enabling developers to access powerful AI models via the cloud.

    2021 – Codex and AI for Developers

    • July – Release of Codex, trained on text and code. Powers GitHub Copilot for code completion and generation.
    • DALL·E 1 and CLIP showcase OpenAI’s ability to connect visual and language understanding.

    2022 – The ChatGPT Era Begins

    • JanuaryDALL·E 2 unveiled, capable of generating photo-quality images from text.
    • November 30ChatGPT launches publicly and becomes a viral sensation, reaching 1M+ users in 5 days.

    2023 – GPT-4, Voice AI, and Customization

    • March 14 – Release of GPT-4, featuring improved reasoning and multimodal inputs (text + image).
    • ChatGPT expands with:
      • Voice conversation
      • Custom GPTs
      • Memory
      • DALL·E 3 integration

    2024 – Multimodal Intelligence with GPT-4o

    • May 13GPT-4o (“o” for omni) launches, supporting real-time voice, vision, and text.
      • Feels more like talking to a human than any previous AI.
    • Launch of ChatGPT desktop apps and 4o mini, a lighter-weight version for faster performance.

    2025 – Agents, Infrastructure, and AI Hardware

    • January – Launch of Operator, an AI web agent capable of real-world task execution (e.g., booking, searching, filling forms).
    • March – $11.9B deal signed with CoreWeave for GPU compute power.
    • May – Acquisition of “io,” a hardware startup co-founded by Jony Ive, signaling a move toward AI-first consumer devices.
    • June – Wins a $200 million U.S. defense contract, expanding OpenAI’s enterprise and government services.

    What’s Next?

    OpenAI continues to push the frontier of what AI can do while promoting safety and global cooperation. Upcoming focus areas include:

    • Smarter AI agents capable of decision-making across platforms
    • AI-powered hardware
    • Multimodal and real-time learning
    • AI governance, alignment, and transparency
  • Blender: The Power of Open-Source 3D Creation

    Blender: The Power of Open-Source 3D Creation

    Introduction

    In the world of digital art and 3D content creation, few tools are as versatile, powerful, and community-driven as Blender. It’s free, open-source, and used by hobbyists, professionals, and studios alike. Whether you’re interested in modeling, animation, VFX, game development, or even 2D animation, Blender has something for you.

    But what exactly is Blender? How do you use it? And how can you become part of its vibrant community?

    Let’s dive in.

    What is Blender?

    Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entire 3D pipeline, including:

    • Modeling
    • Sculpting
    • Texturing and Shading
    • Rigging and Animation
    • Simulation (Cloth, Smoke, Fluids, Physics)
    • Rendering (Cycles, Eevee)
    • Compositing and Motion Tracking
    • Video Editing
    • 2D Animation (Grease Pencil)

    Blender is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which means anyone can use, modify, and distribute it freely.

    Why Blender is Special

    • Completely Free: No subscriptions, no watermarks, no feature lockouts.
    • Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
    • All-in-One: Replace multiple apps with one powerful suite.
    • Community-Driven: Contributions from users and developers worldwide.
    • Industry Adoption: Increasingly used in studios and productions (e.g. Next Gen, Sprite Fright, Netflix’s support).

    How to Get Started with Blender

    1. Download and Install

    2. Learn the Basics

    Blender can feel overwhelming at first, but learning the UI and workflow is the first step:

    • Navigation: Orbit, zoom, and pan in 3D space.
    • Modes: Object Mode vs Edit Mode.
    • Shortcuts: Blender is heavily keyboard-driven (e.g., G = grab/move, S = scale, R = rotate).

    Learning Resources

    Official Resources:

    Community and Educational Platforms:

    • Blender Guru: https://www.blenderguru.com/ – famous for the Donut tutorial.
    • CG Cookie: https://cgcookie.com/ – paid and free courses.
    • YouTube Channels: Ducky 3D, Default Cube, Grant Abbitt, CrossMindStudio.
    • Udemy & Coursera: Structured courses for various Blender skills.

    The Blender Community

    One of Blender’s greatest strengths is its community:

    Blender also hosts the Blender Conference annually, where developers and artists gather to showcase projects, give talks, and shape Blender’s future.

    Real-World Uses of Blender

    • Movies and Short Films: Used in independent films and even Hollywood.
    • Game Asset Creation: Integrated with engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.
    • Architecture Visualization
    • 3D Printing
    • Scientific Visualization
    • VR & AR Development

    References and Useful Links

    Final Thoughts

    Blender is more than just a tool—it’s a movement. Its open-source foundation empowers artists to create without barriers. With continuous development, an inspiring community, and industry-grade capabilities, Blender is redefining what’s possible in digital creation.

  • Generating AI Images with FLUX.1-schnell by Black Forest Labs

    Generating AI Images with FLUX.1-schnell by Black Forest Labs

    A step-by-step guide to installing and using the powerful gated model from Hugging Face.

    What is FLUX.1-schnell?

    FLUX.1-schnell is a cutting-edge image generation model developed by Black Forest Labs. It builds on Hugging Face’s diffusers framework and offers high-performance, fast image synthesis — ideal for creatives, researchers, and developers alike.

    However, it’s a gated model, which means you need to request access before using it.

    How to Get Access

    1. Visit the model page:
      https://huggingface.co/black-forest-labs/FLUX.1-schnell
    2. Click the “Request Access” button (requires a free Hugging Face account)
    3. Once approved, you’ll see a message confirming access has been granted.

    How to Install FLUX.1-schnell Locally

    1. Clone the GitHub Repository

    git clone https://github.com/black-forest-labs/flux.git
    cd flux

    2. Set Up a Virtual Environment

    sudo apt install python3.10-venv  # If needed
    python3 -m venv venv
    source venv/bin/activate

    3. Create and Add Dependencies

    Create a requirements.txt file with the following:

    torch
    transformers
    accelerate
    safetensors
    sentencepiece
    git+https://github.com/huggingface/diffusers.git
    

    Then install:

    pip install -r requirements.txt
    

    Generate Your First Image

    After installation, create a file named generate_image.py with the following code:

    import torch
    from diffusers import FluxPipeline
    
    pipe = FluxPipeline.from_pretrained(
        "black-forest-labs/FLUX.1-schnell",
        use_auth_token=True,  # Uses your Hugging Face CLI login
        torch_dtype=torch.bfloat16
    )
    
    pipe.enable_model_cpu_offload()
    
    image = pipe(
        prompt="A futuristic cityscape at night",
        output_type="pil",
        num_inference_steps=4,
        generator=torch.Generator("cpu").manual_seed(42)
    ).images[0]
    
    image.save("flux_image.png")

    To run the script:

    python3 generate_image.py

    Tip: Authenticate Hugging Face Access

    Run this command once to authenticate with Hugging Face:

    pip install huggingface_hub
    huggingface-cli login

    Paste your token from: huggingface.co/settings/tokens

    Result

    The script will generate an image like this and save it as flux_image.png. You can customize the prompt, seed, and steps to create different styles.

    Final Thoughts

    FLUX.1-schnell is a powerful model that rivals other image generators in speed and quality. While access is gated, setup is straightforward, and the creative potential is huge.

    Whether you’re an artist, developer, or AI enthusiast — this model is definitely worth exploring.

    Resources

  • GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

    GATE Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

    Here’s the official GATE 2025 Mechanical Engineering (ME) syllabus, along with key details to help you prepare effectively:

    Section 1: Engineering Mathematics

    Linear Algebra: Matrix algebra, systems of linear equations, eigen values and eigen vectors.

    Calculus: Functions of single variable, limit, continuity and differentiability, mean value theorems,indeterminate forms; evaluation of definite and improper integrals; double and triple integrals;partial derivatives, total derivative, Taylor series (in one and two variables), maxima and minima,Fourier series; gradient, divergence and curl, vector identities, directional derivatives, line, surface and volume integrals, applications of Gauss, Stokes and Green’s theorems.

    Differential Equations: First order equations (linear and nonlinear); higher order linear differential equations with constant coefficients; Euler-Cauchy equation; initial and boundary value problems; Laplace transforms; solutions of heat, wave and Laplace’s equations.

    Complex Variables: Analytic functions; Cauchy-Riemann equations; Cauchy’s integral theorem and integral formula; Taylor and Laurent series.

    Probability and Statistics: Definitions of probability, sampling theorems, conditional probability; mean, median, mode and standard deviation; random variables, binomial, Poisson and normal distributions.

    Numerical Methods: Numerical solutions of linear and non-linear algebraic equations; integration by trapezoidal and Simpson’s rules; single and multi-step methods for differential equations.

    Section 2: Applied Mechanics and Design

    Engineering Mechanics: Free-body diagrams and equilibrium; friction and its applications including rolling friction, belt-pulley, brakes, clutches, screw jack, wedge, vehicles, etc.; trusses and frames; virtual work; kinematics and dynamics of rigid bodies in plane motion; impulse and
    momentum (linear and angular) and energy formulations; Lagrange’s equation.

    Mechanics of Materials: Stress and strain, elastic constants, Poisson’s ratio; Mohr’s circle for plane stress and plane strain; thin cylinders; shear force and bending moment diagrams; bending and shear stresses; concept of shear centre; deflection of beams; torsion of circular shafts; Euler’s theory of columns; energy methods; thermal stresses; strain gauges and rosettes; testing of materials with universal testing machine; testing of hardness and impact strength.

    Theory of Machines: Displacement, velocity and acceleration analysis of plane mechanisms; dynamic analysis of linkages; cams; gears and gear trains; flywheels and governors; balancing of reciprocating and rotating masses; gyroscope.

    Vibrations: Free and forced vibration of single degree of freedom systems, effect of damping;vibration isolation; resonance; critical speeds of shafts.

    Machine Design: Design for static and dynamic loading; failure theories; fatigue strength and the S-N diagram; principles of the design of machine elements such as bolted, riveted and welded joints; shafts, gears, rolling and sliding contact bearings, brakes and clutches, springs.

    Section 3: Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences

    Fluid Mechanics: Fluid properties; fluid statics, forces on submerged bodies, stability of floating bodies; control-volume analysis of mass, momentum and energy; fluid acceleration; differential equations of continuity and momentum; Bernoulli’s equation; dimensional analysis; viscous flow of incompressible fluids, boundary layer, elementary turbulent flow, flow through pipes, head losses in pipes, bends and fittings; basics of compressible fluid flow.

    Heat Transfer: Modes of heat transfer; one dimensional heat conduction, resistance concept and electrical analogy, heat transfer through fins; unsteady heat conduction, lumped parameter system,Heisler’s charts; thermal boundary layer, dimensionless parameters in free and forced convective heat transfer, heat transfer correlations for flow over flat plates and through pipes, effect of turbulence; heat exchanger performance, LMTD and NTU methods; radiative heat transfer, Stefan-Boltzmann law, Wien’s displacement law, black and grey surfaces, view factors, radiation network analysis.

    Thermodynamics: Thermodynamic systems and processes; properties of pure substances, behavior of ideal and real gases; zeroth and first laws of thermodynamics, calculation of work and heat in various processes; second law of thermodynamics; thermodynamic property charts and tables, availability and irreversibility; thermodynamic relations.

    Applications: Power Engineering: Air and gas compressors; vapour and gas power cycles,concepts of regeneration and reheat. I.C. Engines: Air-standard Otto, Diesel and dual cycles. Refrigeration and air-conditioning: Vapour and gas refrigeration and heat pump cycles; properties of moist air,psychrometric chart, basic psychrometric processes. Turbomachinery: Impulse and reaction principles, velocity diagrams, Pelton-wheel, Francis and Kaplan turbines; steam and gas turbines.

    Section 4: Materials, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering

    Engineering Materials: Structure and properties of engineering materials, phase diagrams, heat treatment, stress-strain diagrams for engineering materials.

    Casting, Forming and Joining Processes: Different types of castings, design of patterns, moulds and cores; solidification and cooling; riser and gating design. Plastic deformation and yield criteria;fundamentals of hot and cold working processes; load estimation for bulk (forging, rolling,extrusion, drawing) and sheet (shearing, deep drawing, bending) metal forming processes;principles of powder metallurgy. Principles of welding, brazing, soldering and adhesive bonding.

    Machining and Machine Tool Operations: Mechanics of machining; basic machine tools; single and multi-point cutting tools, tool geometry and materials, tool life and wear; economics of machining; principles of non-traditional machining processes; principles of work holding, jigs and fixtures; abrasive machining processes; NC/CNC machines and CNC programming.

    Metrology and Inspection: Limits, fits and tolerances; linear and angular measurements; comparators; interferometry; form and finish measurement; alignment and testing methods;tolerance analysis in manufacturing and assembly; concepts of coordinate-measuring machine(CMM).

    Computer Integrated Manufacturing: Basic concepts of CAD/CAM and their integration tools;additive manufacturing.

    Production Planning and Control: Forecasting models, aggregate production planning, scheduling,materials requirement planning; lean manufacturing.

    Inventory Control: Deterministic models; safety stock inventory control systems.

    Operations Research: Linear programming, simplex method, transportation, assignment, network flow models, simple queuing models, PERT and CPM.

    Previous Year Syllabus

    2025

    2024

    2023

    2022

    2021

    GATE ME Subject-Wise Weightage

    1. Engineering Mathematics

    • Weightage: 13–15 marks
    • Topics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability & Statistics, Numerical Methods
    • Complex Variables (added in 2019)

    2. Applied Mechanics and Design

    • Weightage: 20–25 marks
    • Topics: Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Theory of Machines, Vibrations, Machine Design
    • Lagrange’s Equation (added in 2022)

    3. Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences

    • Weightage: 30–35 marks
    • Topics: Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Applications (Power Plants, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning)
    • Fluid Mechanics (incompressible + compressible — added in 2019)
    • Heat Transfer (Heisler’s charts highlighted post-2020)

    4. Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering

    • Weightage: 25–30 marks
    • Topics: Engineering Materials, Metal Casting, Forming, Joining Processes, Machining and Machine Tool Operations, Metrology, CIM, Production Planning, Operations Research
    • Inventory Models (with Safety Stock in recent years)
    • Additive Manufacturing (added in 2022)
    • Lean Manufacturing (emphasized post-2023)

    5. General Aptitude

    • Weightage: 15 marks
    • Topics: Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability

    Year-wise Subject Weightage Overview

    Key Observations

    • Engineering Mathematics: Maintains a consistent weightage of 13–15 marks across all years.
    • Applied Mechanics and Design: Shows a slight increase in weightage over the years, indicating its growing importance.
    • Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Sciences: Remains a significant portion of the exam, with a steady weightage.
    • Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering: Experiences fluctuations, reflecting changes in exam patterns and focus areas.
    • General Aptitude: Consistently holds a weightage of 15 marks.
  • How to Prepare for GATE Mechanical Engineering: A Complete Guide

    How to Prepare for GATE Mechanical Engineering: A Complete Guide

    Are you aiming to crack the GATE Mechanical Engineering (ME) exam? Whether your goal is a top PSU job, admission to premier IITs/NITs, or a solid GATE score, this guide will walk you through everything — from syllabus breakdown to study strategies, book recommendations, and time management.

    What is the GATE Exam?

    The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national-level competitive exam that tests the understanding of engineering concepts across various disciplines. GATE ME is one of the most popular and competitive papers due to its broad applications in government jobs and higher studies.

    Exam Pattern for GATE ME

    Before diving into preparation, it’s crucial to understand the exam format:

    • Total Marks: 100
    • Duration: 3 hours
    • Question Types: MCQ, MSQ, NAT
    • Sections:
      • General Aptitude: 15 marks
      • Engineering Mathematics: ~13–15 marks
      • Mechanical Core Subjects: ~70 marks

    Important Subjects & Weightage

    Here’s a breakdown of the key subjects and their approximate weightage based on past year trends:

    SubjectApprox. Weightage
    Engineering Mathematics13–15 marks
    Strength of Materials (SOM)7–9 marks
    Theory of Machines (TOM)6–8 marks
    Machine Design2–3 marks
    Fluid Mechanics (FM)6–8 marks
    Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer10–12 marks
    Manufacturing Engineering10–12 marks
    Industrial Engineering3–5 marks

    6-Month Study Plan for GATE ME

    Here’s a realistic 6-month preparation plan, assuming you start from scratch:

    Months 1–2: Foundation Building

    • Focus on: Engineering Mathematics, SOM, TOM
    • Watch lectures or read standard books
    • Start solving topic-wise questions after each concept

    Months 3–4: Core Subjects

    • Focus on: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, HMT, Machine Design
    • Daily practice is a must
    • Make concise notes for formulas and tricks

    Month 5: Remaining Subjects + Revision

    • Complete: Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering
    • Begin revising old subjects regularly
    • Start light test series (subject-wise tests)

    Month 6: Full Mock Tests + Final Revision

    • Attempt full-length mock tests every 3–4 days
    • Analyze your performance: accuracy, time usage, and weak areas
    • Revise notes and formula sheets thoroughly

    Best Books for GATE Mechanical Engineering

    Here are some must-have books for each subject:

    SubjectRecommended Book
    ThermodynamicsP.K. Nag / Cengel
    Strength of MaterialsGere & Timoshenko / B.C. Punmia
    Theory of MachinesS.S. Rattan
    Fluid MechanicsR.K. Bansal / Cengel
    Heat TransferJ.P. Holman
    Machine DesignV.B. Bhandari
    ManufacturingP.N. Rao / Amitabh Ghosh
    Industrial EngineeringO.P. Khanna
    Engineering MathematicsB.S. Grewal
    General AptitudeMade Easy Handbook / RS Aggarwal

    Practice & Mock Tests

    • Solve previous 10–15 years’ GATE ME papers
    • Join a reputed test series (e.g., Made Easy, ACE Academy, Exergic)
    • Maintain an error log and revisit difficult topics
    • Focus on both accuracy and speed

    Tips to Maximize Your Score

    • Don’t ignore Engineering Mathematics and General Aptitude — they’re scoring sections!
    • Make formula sheets and short notes for every subject
    • Revise regularly to retain formulas and concepts
    • Stay consistent and avoid last-minute cramming

    Final Thoughts

    Preparing for GATE ME is a journey that demands patience, discipline, and smart strategy. Stick to your plan, focus on conceptual clarity, and keep testing yourself regularly. Whether you’re targeting IITs, NITs, or PSUs, this plan will set you on the right track.

  • The Internet: Search

    The Internet: Search

    001 Charles Darwin

    002 Steve Job

    003 Jack Dorsey