Online classes cannot inspire young minds, says eminent scientist Prof. C N R Rao
Bengaluru: Eminent scientist Prof. C N R Rao on Monday spoke out against introducing online classes for children in view of the COVID-19-induced close-down of schools, underlining the importance of human interface for good communication and inspiring young minds.
He made no secret of his displeasure over easing of a slew of restrictions under new guidelines 'Unlock 1.0', indicating that these steps may have come too early.
"I have no doubt that the eventual solution will be a vaccine (for COVID-19).
I feel that (it) may be available early in 2021", Prof.
Rao, the Honorary President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, told PTI in an interview.
His main worry is about relaxing most of the restrictions in "such a hurry (after lockdowns 3 and 4)". "We have to rethink issues, take urgent steps to minimise the spread (of the coronavirus), the National Research Professor stressed.
Most of all, he is shocked by the indiscipline of even "educated people" in the fight against the COVID-19.
"We must realise that we are basically not disciplined. See people in Sweden.
They practice social distancing without anyone to force it", Prof Rao, who was awarded 'Bharat Ratna' in 2014, pointed out.
"We should have prepared better in handling the migrant problems. We need to show more human concern and empathy", Prof. Rao, who was Director of the Indian Institute of Science from 1984 to 1994, said referring to their exodus to home states in challenging times in the wake of the pandemic.
The Linus Pauling Research Professor said online classes for young children such as KG, first and second grade should be terminated.
"I am not an enthusiast about on-line teaching. We need human interface with students for good communication. That is how young minds can be inspired", said Prof.
Rao, who was Chairman of the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister from 1985-1989, and from 2004-2014.
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18-year-old graphic designer arrested for theft; says he lost job due to AI
Indore (PTI): An 18-year-old graphic designer, who claimed to have lost his job due to AI, was arrested with his NEET-aspirant woman friend on Thursday for allegedly stealing jewelry worth Rs 16 lakh.
The teen duo told police that they were inspired by the 2005 film Bunti Aur Babli, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shrikrishna Lalchandani.
They allegedly stole gold, silver, and diamond jewelry worth Rs 16.17 lakh from a shop in Rau police station area in the city on the night of December 22, the official told reporters.
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The entire booty was recovered from their possession after the arrest in Bhopal where they had fled.
Without disclosing the identities of the accused, DCP Lalchandani said, "Both are 18 years old. The young man is a graphic designer, while the woman is preparing for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The two have known each other since childhood.
"During interrogation, the young man told us that he used to work part-time as a graphic designer at an IT company, but lost his job due to the company's adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and he was finding it difficult to make ends meet," the official added.
The accused, who come from economically weak background, claimed to have planned the theft after watching "Bunty Aur Babli," he said.
"The accused say they tried to sell the stolen jewelry, but the buyers, thinking they were children, wouldn't pay the right price. So they had decided to sell it after Christmas holidays," the DCP said.
