Karnataka plans wider rollout of telescope scheme to govt schools
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka is preparing to expand its flagship telescope distribution scheme beyond the KREIS residential schools to a larger network of government schools, Minister for Science & Technology N S Boseraju said on Thursday.
The proposal for additional funding will be placed before the chief minister during the next budget meeting, he said.
The minister was speaking after inaugurating a training programme for Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KRIES) school teachers on telescope management at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, his office said in a statement.
The initiative is part of the government's push to strengthen astronomy-based learning across the State.
Boseraju said the Department of Science and Technology is keen to extend telescope distribution to more schools, noting that the current project covering KRIES institutions has already achieved a significant milestone.
"Under the scheme, 833 residential schools and PU colleges have each received a telescope, at a total cost of Rs 3 crore. No other government department in the country has implemented such a large-scale initiative," he said.
Underscoring the need to cultivate scientific temper, rational thinking, and curiosity among students, in an era driven by knowledge and innovation, he further said, multiple initiatives are being rolled out statewide to strengthen science education.
The minister said, training sessions are being held in phases to ensure KRIES teachers can properly operate, maintain, and integrate telescopes into classroom learning.
The hands-on workshop is expected to inspire a deeper interest in astronomy among students, he said.
At the event, Boseraju also unveiled the 2026 Astronomical Calendar, developed by the department. The calendar will help teachers guide students through monthly celestial events using the telescopes placed in their schools.
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Hypocrisy-laden message to nation: Cong slams PM's remarks head of Budget session
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on the Budget session, saying he delivers his "usual hypocrisy-laden message to the nation" before the beginning of each session and "today's performance is part of this series".
Congress general secretary in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, "He (PM) will not convene and chair all-party meetings to take the opposition into confidence on national issues."
He will suddenly have Bills introduced at the last minute and bulldozed through Parliament without the necessary legislative scrutiny, Ramesh claimed, adding that Modi would not sit in Parliament and respond to the concerns of opposition leaders, and will instead make election rally speeches in both Houses.
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"Before the beginning of each session, he will give his usual hypocrisy-laden 'desh ke naam sandesh' with Parliament as his backdrop. Today's performance is part of this series," the senior Congress leader said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the free trade pact with the European Union is for an ambitious India and urged manufacturers to benefit from new markets opening for them.
Modi also said that the nation is coming out of long-term pending problems and working towards long-term solutions.
The time has come to find solutions and not create hurdles, he said, adding his government is not confined to just files but ensuring the last-mile delivery of welfare schemes to the people.
"Our priority is always human-centric while taking steps for all-round development of the country," he told reporters in Parliament House complex in his customary briefing at the beginning of the Budget session.
An India full of confidence has emerged as a ray of hope for the world, he added.
