Modi engaged celebrities to increase his Twitter visibility: Study
Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar on Twitter to increase his visibility and help his electoral ambitions during the run-up to the 2014 general elections in India, according to a US study.
Joyojeet Pal, associate professor at the University of Michigan, examined over 9,000 tweets from @narendramodi between February 2009 and October 2015 to research Modi's engagement with Indian public figures pre- and post-elections.
Modi started tweeting in the year 2009 when he was among a very few leaders of India on a social media platform. By October 2012, he had over one million followers.
At present, his account has over 46 million followers.
During the early and mid-2000s, a series of public relations challenges plagued the outreach machine of Modi. Antagonistic live interactions with television commentators, made media appearances unpredictable, Pal said.
"A number of mainstream films directly addressed the 2002 Gujarat riots and pointed towards politicians and the administration as the perpetrators of the riots," Pal wrote in the study.
According to Pal, Modi's rise to political leadership coincided with the expanding use of social media in India.
"As a result, a vast range of celebrity engagements, both during the campaign period, and in the subsequent leadership of the government, were enabled and widely disseminated with greater access to digital media outreach online," he said.
Examining Modi's Twitter feed, researchers found 414 instances of tweets with the mention of celebrities, including those in which multiple celebrities were mentioned.
According to Pal, there were three distinct phases of engagement that happened in the six years he studied Modi's tweets.
In the first phase, it was important to move Modi away from being seen either as a provincial politician with polarising views or with no national appeal. He started by creating a more acceptable national image.
During the second phase, he reached out to celebrities like actor Amitabh Bachchan, businessman Narayana Murthy, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
By engaging with them, he presented the notion that people outside of his core supporters and with broad followings were willing to engage with him.
Around 2013, his approach moved to getting support for his campaign by referring to various celebrities in his tweets, posing with them, and in some cases, getting their outright endorsement for his campaign.
During this phase, celebrity engagement was mainly through pictures showing affiliation.
The third phase of celebrity engagement was post election, when he called on celebrities primarily as champions for his initiatives.
According to Pal, this was the phase when he presented his initiatives as campaigns with national appeal rather than something imposed on the country.
This is particularly seen with the "Swachh Bharat," a national movement to clean up India's roads and infrastructure, and, subsequently, with demonetisation.
Celebrity engagement at these points presents the views of a collaborative, thoughtful leader.
Most of the figures who were named by Modi did not publicly express electoral support for him. The references to most of the celebrities were either congratulatory or casual, suggesting an important role for implicit celebrity engagement, researchers said.
"One of the ways he engaged was by calling out celebrities. So for example, he would use the hashtag of a celebrity, like @deepikapadukone, and ask her to encourage young people to vote," said Pal.
Pal said that social media users may not have known if Modi knew the actress Deepika Padukone, but his tweets suggest that he did.
More importantly, it also suggests that he was interested in encouraging citizens to vote. Even if the celebrity is reluctant to take a position in favour of or against a politician, their exchange with Modi ends up being suggestive of a positive relationship.
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Top Strategies for CAT 2026: Insights from Supergrads Experts
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams for aspiring management students in India. With over two lakh candidates vying for seats in India’s top business schools each year, cracking CAT requires more than just academic brilliance—it demands strategy, persistence, and a well-thought-out approach.
For CAT 2026, students need to be better prepared than ever. As competition continues to grow, candidates must be ready to face the challenges posed by a more dynamic and complex exam. Supergrads, a leading institution in test preparation, is renowned for its data-driven approach to exam coaching and its success in helping students achieve outstanding results.
In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the top strategies for preparing for CAT 2026, featuring exclusive insights from Supergrads experts. These strategies, along with the benefits of CAT Online Coaching, will not only help you score well in the exam but will also ensure that you are fully prepared for the entire journey toward your dream B-school.
1. Master the CAT Syllabus: Know What to Expect
The first step in any CAT preparation is to understand the CAT syllabus thoroughly. While the CAT exam format remains fairly consistent, the syllabus might seem vast at first glance. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the key sections and topics tested. According to Supergrads’ experts, the CAT exam consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Each of these sections has specific sub-topics, and students often make the mistake of skimming through these without focusing on the nuances. Supergrads recommends mapping out a personalized study plan based on the CAT syllabus, giving more time to areas where you feel less confident, while also continuously revisiting areas where you are strong.
Key tips:
- Break the syllabus into manageable chunks: Rather than attempting to study everything at once, divide your syllabus into sub-topics and tackle one sub-topic at a time.
- Prioritize topics based on difficulty and weight: Supergrads experts advise spending more time on high-weightage topics like data interpretation and reading comprehension, but do not neglect sections you find challenging.
2. Data-Driven Approach to Mock Tests and Practice
CAT is all about time management and accuracy. According to Supergrads experts, one of the most effective ways to improve your score is through regular mock tests and practice papers. CAT 2026 will be no different, and preparing through mock tests not only sharpens your skills but also familiarizes you with the exam pattern.
Supergrads’ experts emphasize the importance of solving a variety of mock tests. The idea is to simulate the actual exam environment, manage time effectively, and enhance accuracy.
Key strategies:
- Analyze Mock Test Results: After every mock test, conduct an in-depth analysis. Focus not just on the number of correct answers, but also on mistakes and areas that need improvement.
- Regular Mock Test Schedule: Take mock tests at least once a week to understand the evolving exam patterns. Increase the frequency as the exam date approaches.
- Focus on Speed and Accuracy: During practice tests, time yourself strictly. Set targets for both speed and accuracy, and gradually work on reducing the time per question without sacrificing accuracy.
3. Develop Speed with Shortcuts and Techniques
While CAT is a test of knowledge, it is also a test of speed. A candidate who can quickly solve questions without compromising accuracy has a significant advantage. Supergrads’ experts strongly recommend mastering shortcuts and techniques for quicker problem-solving, especially in areas like Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation (DILR).
Key tips:
- Learn Mental Math: Improve your calculation speed by practicing mental math tricks for basic arithmetic. This helps reduce your dependence on a calculator, saving time on simpler questions.
- Shortcut Techniques: Learn algebraic shortcuts, approximation strategies, and quick ways to solve data interpretation problems.
- Time Each Section: Supergrads advises allocating a specific time to each section and adhering to it strictly. For instance, give no more than 60 minutes to the QA section, 35 minutes to DILR, and 40 minutes to VARC.
4. Fine-Tune Your Vocabulary for VARC
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is often a make-or-break part of the CAT exam. Supergrads’ language experts suggest regular reading and vocabulary-building exercises to improve both speed and understanding.
CAT VARC is designed to test both reading comprehension skills and verbal reasoning. The ability to grasp and analyze long passages efficiently is crucial. Supergrads recommends reading diverse materials—books, newspapers, and online articles—to expand your understanding of different writing styles and themes.
Key tips:
- Read Every Day: Cultivate the habit of reading for at least 30 minutes daily. This could be books, journals, or online articles. The more you read, the faster and more accurate you’ll become.
- Practice RC Passages: Regular practice of RC (Reading Comprehension) passages is key. The more passages you read, the better you’ll become at identifying key ideas and nuances.
- Build Your Vocabulary: Learn new words daily and use them in your writing or speaking. Tools like flashcards and vocabulary apps can help in memorizing words.
5. Focus on Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is a crucial part of CAT and often poses a challenge for many students. Supergrads experts advise a strategic approach to DILR, focusing on practice and speed. The key to excelling in this section is mastering different types of data sets and learning how to interpret them quickly.
Key strategies:
- Practice Various Question Types: DILR includes a variety of question types, such as tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and Venn diagrams. Each requires a different approach, so practice as many different types as you can.
- Work on Logical Reasoning: The Logical Reasoning part of DILR requires pattern recognition and deduction skills. Practicing puzzles, seating arrangements, and other logical reasoning problems regularly can help you develop a quick-thinking approach.
- Time Management: The DILR section is often time-consuming. Supergrads advises practicing time management techniques, such as setting a time limit for each question type and moving on if you’re stuck.
6. Strengthen Quantitative Ability (QA) with Core Concepts
Quantitative Ability (QA) is often one of the most challenging sections of CAT. Supergrads emphasizes the importance of mastering core concepts before attempting to solve complex problems. By building a strong foundation in basic math skills, you can tackle advanced problems with greater ease.
Key strategies:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Start with building your basic math skills. This includes mastering arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Without a strong foundation, it’s difficult to perform well in the advanced sections.
- Solve Advanced Problems: After mastering the fundamentals, begin solving more complex problems. Supergrads suggests using textbooks that offer problems based on the latest CAT exam patterns.
- Don’t Memorize—Understand: CAT doesn’t reward rote learning. Instead of memorizing formulas, focus on understanding the underlying principles. This approach will help you solve unfamiliar problems with logic and reasoning.
7. Adapt to the New CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam pattern is dynamic, with changes often introduced every year. In recent years, the exam has seen a shift towards more analytical and application-based questions rather than purely theoretical ones. Supergrads' experts recommend staying updated on any changes to the exam pattern and adjusting your preparation accordingly.
This could involve changes in the weightage of sections, the introduction of new question types, or changes in the duration of the exam. Keeping track of these changes is essential to tailor your study strategy effectively.
Key strategies:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official CAT updates from IIMs or other trusted sources.
- Flexibility in Approach: Be prepared to adapt your strategies if there are any changes in the CAT pattern. Supergrads offers tailored preparation for different exam trends, ensuring that students are never caught off guard.
8. Mindset and Stress Management
Finally, one of the most overlooked strategies in CAT preparation is maintaining a positive and calm mindset. Supergrads experts emphasize the importance of stress management and mental preparation for the big day. A calm mind ensures optimal performance, especially during the high-pressure environment of the actual exam.
Key tips:
- Regular Breaks: Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks during your preparation. Supergrads suggests using techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break).
- Stay Positive: CAT preparation can be mentally taxing, but staying positive and believing in your capabilities can keep you motivated.
- Meditation or Exercise: Incorporating daily exercise or meditation can significantly reduce stress and help you stay focused.
Conclusion
Cracking CAT 2026 will require a well-structured strategy, deep focus, and consistency. By adopting the insights shared by Supergrads experts, you can ensure that you are thoroughly prepared to tackle the exam.
To summarize, make sure to understand the syllabus, engage in regular mock tests, master shortcuts, fine-tune your verbal ability, and strengthen your quantitative skills. Additionally, practicing with the CAT 2025 Question Paper will help you get a feel for the current exam pattern and question types. And, of course, always stay updated on any changes to the CAT pattern. The most important thing is to remain persistent, stay positive, and keep pushing forward.
With the right preparation strategy and expert guidance from Supergrads, you will be well on your way to acing
