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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US sends 15-point plan to Iran to end war: reports
Washington (PTI): The US has sent Iran a 15-point plan and ceasefire proposal to end the war in the Middle East, multiple news outlets reported here.
The peace plan was shared with Iranian officials Tuesday via Pakistan, according to the New York Times.
ABC News quoted sources saying the plan addresses Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs as well as maritime routes, but would not provide any other details – including which Iranian officials were sent the proposal.
It is also unclear whether Israel has signed onto the proposal.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the 15-point plan calls on Iran to dismantle its three main nuclear sites and end any enrichment on Iranian soil, suspend its ballistic-missile work, curb support for proxies and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In return, the nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, imposed by the international community, will end, and the US will also assist and monitor its civil nuclear programme.
The US has also assured to remove the “snapback” mechanism which allows for the automatic reimposition of sanctions if Iran fails to comply.
The 15-point programme also talks about Iran dismantling the Natanz, Isfahan and Fordo nuclear facilities, granting full access to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to its nuclear facilities.
It also asks Iran to abandon its “regional proxy paradigm” and cease the funding, directing and arming of its proxies.
In his remarks Tuesday afternoon, Trump repeated his claim that the US has already won the war in Iran.
The main goal of the war, Trump said, was to ensure that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. “We’re talking about that, and I don’t want to say in advance, but they’ve agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon. They’ve agreed to that,” he said.
