China opposes US tariffs on India; says compromise only 'emboldens the bully'
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Hindustan Times
26 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
UGC proposes papers on leaders, thinkers
New Delhi UGC proposes papers on leaders, thinkers The University Grants Commission (UGC) released draft model curricula for undergraduate Political Science courses that include a core or compulsory course on 'Tradition of Political Thinking in Bharat', a discipline-specific elective on 'Rajadharma Tradition in India', and general electives on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, BR Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Basaveshwar and Thiruvalluvar. UGC secretary Manish Joshi said in a notice on Wednesday that the body has developed draft Learning Outcomes based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for nine subjects so far. These include anthropology, chemistry, commerce, economics, geography, home science, mathematics, physical education and political science. 'The draft LOCF will serve as a model curriculum to promote flexibility and innovation in programme design and syllabi development,' Joshi added, requesting stakeholders feedback on the draft LOCFs on or before September 20. LOCFs of different subjects will serve as guiding documents for universities and colleges for their curriculum revision in line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under LOCF, every discipline contains three categories of courses of study: Discipline Specific Core (DSCs), Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and Generic Electives (GEs). DSC courses are compulsory credits within a student's chosen discipline, DSEs are optional credits within the same or related disciplines, and GEs are courses outside the core discipline that provide multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary exposure. UGC's draft LOCF for political science proposes 20 four-credit DSC courses, including 'Tradition of Political Thinking in Bharat', which introduces students to Vedic traditions, Jain and Buddhist literature, political ideas in the Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Thirukkural, as well as the works of Bhasa, Kalidasa, and Kalhana. Other DSC courses cover themes such as India's independence movement, the Constitution, public policy, and the Panchayati Raj system. Among the 15 four-credit DSE courses is 'Rajadharma Tradition in India', designed to help students understand Rajadharma in the Vedas, examine its treatment in the Manusmriti and Shukraneeti, and evaluate its depiction in texts like the Ayodhyakanda of the Ramayana, the Shantiparva of the Mahabharata, and Kautilya's Arthashastra. Additional DSE offerings include papers on political leadership, Indian administration, global politics, and perspectives on democracy. There are 18 GE papers of four-credits each proposed including six separate papers on various Indian leaders and reformers and a paper on women freedom fighters of India that analyse the contributions of women warriors and rulers in medieval Indian history. The paper on Ambedkar examines his ideas beyond caste, covering economy, class, religion, gender, culture, politics, democracy, law, and constitutionalism, and their relevance to contemporary society. The paper on Gandhi introduces his life, philosophy, and methods, focusing on non-violence, justice, and socio-political engagement. The paper on Savarkar studies his 'revolutionary journey', socio-political thoughts, and role in the freedom movement and Hindutva, fostering critical engagement with nationalism and social reform. The paper on Upadhyaya explores his philosophy of Integral Humanism and contributions to India's political, social, and economic thought. The paper on Lingayat social reformer Basaveshwara examines his life, philosophy, and contributions to social justice, equality, and Lingayatism. The paper on philosopher Thiruvalluvar studies the Tamil text Thirukkural and its teachings on virtue, wealth, ethics, and governance, highlighting their contemporary relevance. Harish S Wankhede, assistant professor at centre for political studies in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), said, 'Universities are increasingly being turned into sites of ideological battles, where the BJP is trying to promote its own heroes and certain historic events into the curriculum to challenge the secular-patriotic credentials of nation. Unlike the long consultative process through which figures like Ambedkar entered academic syllabi, this appears to be an agenda-driven addition aimed to legitimise and establish Hindutva ideologues as national icons.' Rajesh Jha, professor at Delhi University's Rajdhani College, said, 'Presently, the right of teachers to frame the syllabi of different subjects have been taken away and imposition is done by UGC. The syllabi should not be used for the narrative building.'
The Hindu
26 minutes ago
- The Hindu
ISF MLA Nawsad Siddique gets bail a day after arrest over protest against SIR in Kolkata
Kolkata Indian Secular Front legislator Nawsad Siddique and other party workers have been granted bail on Thursday (August 21, 2025), a day after they were arrested by Kolkata Police during a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Mr. Siddique and 94 others were produced at court on Thursday. They were arrested during a protest at the Esplanade area in central Kolkata on Wednesday. Mr Siddique is the lone MLA from ISF and was leading the demonstrations on Wednesday when tensions rose and led to clashes between ISF workers and the Kolkata Police. 'These protests will continue. This is a fight of the people, this is just the beginning. They cannot permanently keep us in jail. For how long will they keep us in jail?' Mr. Siddique said on Thursday morning before being taken to court. Huge protests erupted outside the Bankshall Court in Kolkata organised by ISF workers on Thursday. They demanded that their leader and other party workers detained during the protests on Wednesday be released immediately. Hundreds of protesters were waving the Indian flag outside the city court amid heavy police presence. Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner (Central) Indira Mukherjee was also present at the Bankshall Court along with other officials. Mr. Siddique and the others were arrested on multiple accounts, and several non-bailable sections were levied on the 95 persons. The cases were registered at Hare Street Police Station and Bowbazar Police Station. A non-bailable Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was also brought against the ISF leader, which deals with the assault of a public servant during duty. They were also charged under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. All the accused were released on a bond of ₹500 by the court. After his release, Mr. Siddique received a hero's welcome from his supporters waiting outside the court premises. On Wednesday, the ISF MLA from Bhangar constituency and his fellow party workers were protesting against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, the harassment of Bengali migrant labourers in Bharatiya Janta Party-ruled States across the country, and the WAQF Amendment Act among other issues. While being detained, Mr. Siddique, from a police van, said that they were not allowed to hold rightful protests when their own brothers are being harassed.
Indian Express
26 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Emmanuel Macron calls PM Modi, discusses Gaza & Trump meeting on Ukraine war
French President Emmanuel Macron called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shared his assessment on the recent meetings between US President Donald Trump, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had called Modi to share his 'insights' on the meeting with Trump in Alaska. The Prime Minister's office said on Thursday: 'Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron.' 'The leaders exchanged views on the ongoing efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region,' the PMO said. 'President Macron shared assessment on the recent meetings held between the leaders of the Europe, US and Ukraine in Washington. He also shared his perspectives on the situation in Gaza,' it said. The PMO statement said Modi reiterated India's consistent support for peaceful resolution of conflicts and early restoration of peace and stability. Modi posted on X: 'Had a very good conversation with my friend President Macron. Exchanged views on efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Ukraine and in West Asia. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.' Macron said, in a post on X: 'I have just spoken with Prime Minister @NarendraModi. We coordinated our positions on the war in Ukraine in order to move towards a just and lasting peace, with strong guarantees for Ukraine and Europe's security.' 'On trade issues, we agreed to strengthen our economic exchanges and our strategic partnership in all areas — this is the key to our sovereignty and independence,' he said. Following up on the AI Action Summit held in Paris last February, the French President said, 'we are working towards the success of the AI Impact Summit to be held in New Delhi in 2026.' 'For more effective multilateralism, we agreed to work closely together in preparation for the French presidency of the G7 and the Indian presidency of the BRICS in 2026,' Macron said. The PMO said that the leaders also 'reviewed progress in the bilateral cooperation agenda, including in the areas of trade, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, technology and energy. They reaffirmed joint commitment to strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership…' The PMO said Macron conveyed support for early conclusion of the India-EU FTA.
