More than 1,000 Scientists, Academics raise concerns over NIA probe in Elgar Parishad Case
Over 1,000 scientists and academics from India and abroad have endorsed a statement raising concerns over the actions of National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its investigation of the Bhima Koregaon violence.
Researchers from affiliated institutions such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Azim Premji University, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, Shiv Nadar University, Mumbai University, Calcutta University, among others, have alleged that instead of investigating those responsible for the violent clashes in Koregaon Bhima, the NIA (and earlier, the Pune Police) has focused on the Elgaar Parishad event, a large cultural and political gathering reportedly organised by two well-known retired judges.
“Surprisingly, in this process, the investigating agencies have arrested several illustrious citizens — including academics, lawyers and prominent activists. Most of the individuals taken into custody were not even present at the Elgaar Parishad event. So it is (very) unlikely that the government will secure a conviction in this case. However, by using the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the government has prevented those who have been arrested from obtaining bail,” read the statement.
“It appears to us that the NIA’s claims of investigating the “conspiracy” in the Elgaar Parishad case are actually a flimsy cover for cracking down on “urban Naxals” — who, in reality, are only dissident intellectuals — and keeping them in prison indefinitely,” it added.
After arresting Delhi Univeristy professor Hany Babu a few weeks ago, the NIA has continued to interrogate academics and activists, and even defence lawyers for some of the accused. Most recently, the NIA summoned the well-known scientist and activist, Professor Partho Sarothi Ray, of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, to Mumbai on September 10 for questioning in the case, the statement read.
Besides his outstanding scientific work, Ray has also been deeply involved in social causes. “He has worked extremely hard in coordinating efforts in the Nadia district to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, by helping to set up and operate the government-run COVID testing centre in the district,” the statement pointed.
The letter has demanded that the government should immediately end its crackdown on dissidents and release those arrested in the Elgaar Parishad case. It should focus on identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of the violence in Koregaon Bhima instead, it added.
Courtesy: Indianexpress.com
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Designed to develop motor skills in students: Physical edu makes debut in NCERT class VIII textbooks
New Delhi: In a move to prioritise fitness and overall well-being, the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a new subject—Physical Education and Well Being—for Class VIII students this academic year. This addition comes as part of the NCERT's ongoing syllabus upgrades in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Dinesh Prasad Saklani, NCERT Director, states in the foreword to ‘Khel Yatra’ that it is “meticulously designed to develop motor skills in students and engage children in the team sports of Athletics, Table Tennis and Volleyball,” as reported by The New Indian Express on Tuesday.
The subject is divided into six chapters. Each chapter specifies the warm-up to be done, the activity and the cool-down steps.
The first chapter introduces physical games such as the Horse Vault Race, where students partner up and vault over each other, the Mass Drill which involves synchronised movements, and the Conduction Relay, a creative relay race designed to teach the concept of heat transfer. These activities aim to cultivate both physical strength and teamwork.
In addition to promoting fun, the curriculum also raises awareness on important social issues. For example, the lesson Baraf Pani educates students about the harmful effects of bullying and encourages both victims and bystanders to take action in reducing its impact.
As the curriculum progresses, it delves deeper into more structured sports activities. The Athletics chapter focuses on the technique of sprinting, teaching students the importance of posture, drive, and acceleration. Chapter 4 provides a detailed exploration of Table Tennis, covering aspects like grip, footwork, and forehand and backhand pushes. In Chapter 5, students learn about the essential skills in Volleyball, including passing, serving, spiking, blocking, and digging, with colorful and detailed illustrations for better understanding, the report added.
“Yoga can support us, particularly as we navigate changes and learn to manage our emotions,” states Chapter 6. Students will learn various postures, such as Sukshma Vyayama, Surya Namaskara, asanas (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), Pratyahara (sensory control), and Dhyana (meditation).
