This study aimed to identify the major sources of stress among MPSC aspirants attending coaching institutes in Baramati taluka, Dist. Pune. It also examined the coping strategies used by these aspirants and suggested additional strategies that parents and teachers can use to support them. The study followed a descriptive, cross-sectional design. It was conducted in September, 2025. The population included MPSC aspirants enrolled in full-time coaching institutes in Baramati taluka while also managing other academic or personal responsibilities. The sample consisted of 200 aspirants. Data were collected using a standardised questionnaire with two sections: one on sources of stress (Student’s Stress Scale by Dr. Manju Agrawal, (2012)) and the other on coping strategies. The questionnaire included open-ended questions rated on a 7-point Likert scale. A total of 200 aspirants completed the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The results showed that academic pressure (49%) and parental expectations (38%) were the major sources of stress among MPSC aspirants. Personal stressors (9%) and environmental stressors (4%) also contributed to their stress levels. Aspirants commonly used coping strategies such as practising yoga, listening to music, using the internet, talking to supportive peers, playing outdoor games, communicating with parents, and practising meditation. The study also suggests additional strategies such as visualization, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, better organization, and self-hypnosis. This study provides valuable insights into the stress experienced by MPSC aspirants and the coping strategies they use. It offers practical guidance to students, parents, and teachers for managing stress more effectively. It also opens avenues for further research on stress among aspirants of other competitive examinations, including those who prepare without coaching support.

The main goals of psychology in the field of sports are to help athletes develop mental skills that contribute to their performance, to enhance the mental well-being of those involved in physical activity, and to help them cope with the challenges and adversity of sport. Sports are important for maintaining mental and physical health, and everyone should play sports. Parents should encourage the new generation of boys and girls to play outdoor sports. Encouraging play is not just about having fun, but also about achieving cultural balance. Play brings new ideas to the workplace, improves family relationships, and increases overall happiness. Mental health is as important as physical health and is the greatest asset that needs to be preserved under any circumstances. A person needs to keep themselves healthy. Playing sports regularly has numerous benefits for mental health and mental well-being. Sports psychology has proven that sports can have a significant positive impact on various aspects of people's lives.

India is an important and influential country in South Asia. It shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. India's relations with these countries are very important from a historical, cultural, economic and political perspective. India’s relations with Pakistan have always been turbulent. Although tensions have arisen due to the Kashmir issue and terrorism, India has focused on resolving differences through peaceful dialogue. Relations with China have also been complicated by border disputes. However, both countries maintain dialogue through trade and international cooperation. Nepal is a country close to India culturally and religiously. The two countries have close relations based on open borders, trade, and employment and people-to-people ties. Bhutan is a trusted neighbour of India and India has friendly relations with Bhutan in the areas of development, energy projects and security. India’s relations with Bangladesh have strengthened in the last few years. The two countries work together in the areas of border agreements, trade, water management, cultural exchanges. India is increasing cooperation with Myanmar in the areas of security, India’s maritime security, trade, cultural relations and development projects with Sri Lanka have maintained friendly relations. Overall, India pursues a policy based on peace, mutual development and cooperation with its neighbours. India is constantly striving for stability in the border areas, increased trade and regional peace. It is expected that India’s relations with its neighbours will further strengthen in the future, considering the shared history, culture and mutual interests.

Social media has revolutionized connecting, communicating, and sharing information in the past decade. In 2023, the average time per day spent on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Snap chat is almost 150 minutes. It has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering unprecedented opportunities for social interaction and self-expression. However, while introducing numerous benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge its potential impact on our mental health. The accessibility and constant exposure to curated online lives have raised concerns about the effects on our psychological well-being. So let’s explore how social media positively and negatively influence mental health. The modern world is supposed to be full of comforts and luxuries but a person has lost true happiness let alone peace of mind. Hence the twentieth century is called the Age of Anxiety. Over-anxiety seems to be the main cause at the root of many mental disorders. So let's find out how social media has positive and negative effects on mental health.

Connectivism is a learning theory that focuses on the modern technology that creates the social connection in the field of education. It suggests the knowledge is shared across the networks. The teaching and learning occur through the connections with different sources. It helps to promote the learning with the help of digital tools to boost the educational experience. The application of connectivism in the training of pre-service teachers teaches this theory that knowledge is distributed among the networks and emphasizes social connection technology and collaborative learning. It blends connectivist principles for the pre-service teachers, it enhances the critical thinking teamwork and promotes the digital Awareness of competency among the upcoming future educators. This study benefits for the pre-service teachers from Bachelor of Education including the personalized learning experience and recent information the study investigates the effectiveness of connectivism on the professional planning of 100 pre-service teachers for the future teaching practices.