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India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
Curriculum changes and anti-piracy drive boost NCERT sales by 127%
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recorded a sharp rise in textbook sales this year, earning 526 crore in 2023-24, a 127% increase compared to 232 crore in 2022– attribute this spike to two major developments: the centralised crackdown on textbook piracy and the implementation of new curriculum frameworks under the National Education Policy (NEP) the country's apex body for school curriculum and textbook development, has long struggled with the challenge of piracy. For years, pirated versions of its books, cheaper and often riddled with errors, flooded the market, particularly in states where distribution was last year, the education ministry and NCERT jointly stepped up efforts to curb the sale of illegal were conducted in multiple cities, printers were booked, and enforcement agencies were tasked with tracking the supply chain of pirated books.'Retailers and distributors became cautious,' said a senior NCERT official. 'With tighter oversight and more awareness among parents and schools, the demand shifted back to original books.'CURRICULUM CHANGES AND NEP ROLLOUT DRIVE DEMAND FOR NEW NCERTAlongside enforcement, another factor has played a key role, curriculum academic year 2023–24 marked the rollout of new textbooks for Classes 3 and 6, based on the revised National Curriculum Framework (NCF). This led to a nationwide demand for updated NCERT textbooks, especially in CBSE-affiliated to NCERT data, over 9 crore textbooks were sold last year. The surge, officials believe, is not a one-time jump but part of a broader shift in the textbook supply publishers, who earlier cornered a major share of textbook sales in CBSE schools, are now seeing competition from the public publisher. 'There's been a growing preference for NCERT titles, especially after the NEP push,' said a Delhi-based school council is now preparing to release updated textbooks for more classes under the new curriculum guidelines. Officials say a fresh round of textbooks is being written for Classes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11, which will be introduced in the 2024–25 academic has also expanded its digital offerings through ePathshala and other portals, making its content more accessible to students in remote now, the focus remains on streamlining printing, improving distribution, and ensuring that updated content reaches every student without delay.- Ends
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
A book for the naturalist in all of us
Did you know that geckos' long tongues do not just help them catch prey, but also allow them to clean their eyes? Or that ants and flies can taste with their feet, that female spiders send love notes to potential mates by releasing pheromone-soaked silken threads, that moths can expertly navigate their way through the world using stars, like sailors of yore, and that dragonflies have been around nearly as long as dinosaurs? These and many other delightful nuggets of knowledge about the natural world can be found in a new activity-based nature book for children called Be a Neighbourhood Naturalist. Published by Juggernaut Books, it is co-authored by Labonie Roy, Vena Kapoor, and Suhel Quader, and designed by Pratyush Gupta, with illustrations by Tanrus Studio and Upasana Chadha. What makes the book stand out is that the information is supplemented by engaging activities that will help children develop a fascination for the natural world, which include guided observations, from how to differentiate between webs of common spider species, to experiments that include growing mould on bread and making frog croaking sounds with a glass and a rubber band. 'This book is for the naturalist in you! Through questions about nature, it guides you on an exploration of your surroundings and the other living things that share them with you,' states the introductory chapter in the book. Beginnings Suhel says that the kernel of the idea for this book emerged around 2013, when the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), a Mysore-headquartered non-governmental wildlife conservation and research organisation of which he is a part, began developing a set of activities for children. 'The initial concepts for that were serialised in a couple of places,' he says. 'After we saw the response, we felt that we should put together a book of activities.' In 2021, they started from scratch, generating new ideas and activities centred on the same concept. 'The versions NCF had published earlier were for one-time production, so when we decided to put all of it together as a book, it had to flow together,' explains Labonie. The goal was to create a format in which children could go out, explore nature and find the answers for themselves. 'We didn't want it to be a book that you read while sitting on your couch, and passively absorb information. We wanted it to be something where you explore your surroundings and perform scientific activities.' When you set up and prove something to yourself through experiments, information sticks, Labonie says. 'It also gives you a framework to think scientifically. These are the things that excite us about nature-based learning, which is why we wanted to make this an inquiry-based book.' In keeping with that goal, every chapter of the book begins with questions like these: 'What exactly is an insect?', 'Why do leaves look so different from each other?', 'Is that the animal I think it is?' or 'Do all birds use twigs to build their nest?' 'But we aren't giving you the answer right away,' says Labonie. Instead, every question is followed by an exercise or activity that helps a child derive their conclusions before proceeding to receive further information about the animal, plant, phenomenon or behaviour being discussed. 'Rather than give them the information, we wanted to provide them with the tools to find out that information for themselves.' Little things For the three co-authors, noticing and asking questions about the small things they observed around their homes as young people ultimately led them to a career centred on nature, whether as artists, scientists, or nature educators. Labonie, a mixed-media illustrator and nature-learning resource creator, for instance, was and continues to be obsessed with bugs. She was drawn into their world as a child by closely observing the trails of ants in her house. 'I would always be leaving food out to see how fast it could be eaten…atta, sugar, and whole biscuits.' For Suhel, on the other hand, it was the bright and beautiful world of birds that helped catalyse his career as a scientist and educator with NCF. 'I used to think about birds a lot,' he says, remembering how he salvaged bird poop filled with seeds and planted it to figure out what the bird was eating. In the case of Vena, who 'didn't have a childhood filled with curiosity,' her induction into the natural world came a little later, when she started her first job after an undergraduate degree in commerce. 'The supervisor at my first job in Chennai took me for my first spider spotting walk in our small office garden', recalls Vena, who founded and heads Nature Classrooms, a nature-learning initiative that seeks to link everyday learning and education to the natural world. 'On this short walk, she showed me my first spider and its amazingly intricate spider web, and then a few more, and I was completely fascinated and awed by the sheer diversity of life forms in this small space and how I had missed seeing them earlier.' This was a crucial nature learning experience for Vena, one which made her wonder why such a simple act as a nature experience and walk was not part of the school education she received. 'To inspire everyone to feel a sense of wonder and fascination with the nature all around us is now my life mission.' A sense of wonder The book, which primarily focuses on things that children can observe in their balconies, homes, backyards or neighbourhood gardens, also drives home this. 'The idea is that people should not have to go far away from where they are to engage with nature,' points out Suhel, who believes that since nature is all around us, one can engage with it by simply paying attention. 'In that spirit, we ensured that all the activities in the book were those that could be done, either inside the house or within a small radius outside it,' he says. 'There is this huge misconception that nature in cities is fading,' adds Labonie, who feels that the way to look at Nature is that it's evolving, not fading. The team hopes that the book will help instil a sense of wonder about the natural world, as well as deepen their understanding and involvement with it. 'Our lives are so full of other distractions, and this book is an attempt to cut through all this competition for our attention,' believes Suhel, while Vena feels that Be a Neighbourhood Naturalist could be a handy, fun and practical tool and educational resource. 'We can also use it as part of our educator and teacher training workshops,' she says. She also loves the idea of the book becoming part of every school library. 'We hope that through this book, we get people excited and curious about nature, connect deeply with it and ask wonderment questions.'
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
NCERT New Class 8 Social Science Textbook Flags 'Religious Intolerance' In Mughal Era
The NCERT's newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook has sparked attention with its unflinching portrayal of historical figures, including Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb, describing episodes of brutality, temple destruction, and religious persecution during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods. The book, 'Exploring Society: India and Beyond' released this week, is the first in the new NCERT curriculum to introduce students to the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Marathas and the colonial era. While earlier versions covered some of these topics in Class 7, the NCERT says the timeline has now been shifted entirely to Class 8, in line with the NCF SE 2023 recommendations. Describing Babur as a "brutal and ruthless conqueror, slaughtering entire populations of cities", Akbar's reign as a "blend of brutality and tolerance", and Aurangzeb who destroyed temples and gurdwaras, the NCERT's new Class 8 Social Science textbook, which introduces students to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, points to "many instances of religious intolerance" during the period. At the beginning of the book is a section titled 'Note on Some Darker Periods in History', where the NCERT offers context for the inclusion of sensitive and violent events primarily of war, bloodshed. The note urges students to understand "the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule or misplaced ambitions of power" dispassionately and states, "No one should be held responsible today for events of the past." The textbook on one hand notes the way Babur, the first Mughal emperor, has been referred to in his autobiography as a cultured and intellectual ruler, while also adding that he was a "brutal and ruthless conqueror slaughtering entire populations of cities, enslaving women and children, and taking pride in erecting 'towers of skulls' made from the slaughtered people of plundered cities." In the old Class 7 book, the reference to Babur was to being forced to leave his throne, seize Kabul, and then Delhi and Agra. While the book notes Akbar's reign as a "blend of brutality and tolerance" for different faiths, it also mentions that "non-Muslims were kept in a minority in the higher echelons of the administration". Akbar is portrayed as having "ordered the massacre of some 30,000 civilians" after the siege of Chittorgarh. The book quotes Akbar's message of victory that boasted about destroying temples and erasing, "We have succeeded in occupying a number of forts and towns belonging to the infidels and have established Islam there. With the help of our bloodthirsty sword, we have erased the signs of infidelity from their minds and have destroyed temples in those places and all over Hindustan." Aurangzeb's religious policy also comes under scrutiny. While acknowledging scholarly arguments that some of his decisions were politically motivated, the book notes that his farmans (edicts) reveal personal religious intentions. He ordered the destruction of temples in Banaras, Mathura, and Somnath, and demolished Jain and Sikh places of worship. The book also includes a portion on 'Jiziya', the tax levied on non-Muslims, calling it a source of public humiliation and an incentive for conversion to Islam, in contrast to the earlier Class 7 textbook version which had mentioned it primarily as a financial measure that also offered them protection and exemption from military service, paid along with land tax initially and thereafter separately. A chapter titled 'Reshaping India's Political Map' explores the Delhi Sultanate era from 13th to 17th century, its rise and fall, as the book mentions marked by political instability and religious violence. It details "attacks on sacred or revered images in Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples," calling them acts of both plunder and iconoclasm. None of this was mentioned in the old Class 7 NCERT book regarding this period of history. Alauddin Khilji's general, Malik Kafur, is mentioned as having "attacked key religious centres like Srirangam, Chidambaram and possibly Rameswaram". These events, which received little to no mention in the old Class 7 NCERT edition, now form part of a broader, more explicit discussion on intolerance and religious persecution during the period. The chapter also notes that despite this, "Indian society showed adaptability and resilience in rebuilding towns, cities, temples, and other aspects of the economy" during this period under both the Mughals and the Delhi Sultanate. Similarly, after the section on the Mughal rulers, the book notes that "some of the invaders and rulers mentioned above committed terrible deeds and atrocities," but "it is important to keep in mind that we, today, bear no responsibility for actions of individuals hundreds of years ago". While the Sultanate and Mughal sections deal with dark themes, the textbook also celebrates resistance and resilience. Chapters on the Marathas, Ahoms, Rajputs, and Sikhs highlight figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Tarabai, and Ahilyabai Holkar, portraying them as visionary leaders who contributed to cultural and political developments. Shivaji is described as a master strategist in the textbook, who upheld Hindu values while respecting other religions. The book notes his efforts in rebuilding desecrated temples. The Sikh Gurus also receive substantial space, with their resistance to Mughal oppression highlighted, especially under Aurangzeb. Beyond its content, the Class 8 textbook takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining history, geography, and civics. Students explore India's electoral system, visit the new Parliament building through illustrations, and discuss real-life issues like why people vote or don't. The book has also made space for marginalised voices, including tribal and regional uprisings like the Santhal, Kol, and Indigo Rebellions, and has incorporated digital tools, with QR codes linking to additional resources.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pre-bypoll push falls flat: LIT's dues settlement schemes see lukewarm response
Ludhiana: In a bid to woo voters ahead of the Ludhiana West bypoll, the administration rolled out two special policies under the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) — one for settling long-pending non-construction fees and another one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for allottees who failed to pay instalments for their allotted properties. But despite the seemingly generous offer, the public response has been underwhelming. With just 20 days left before the July 31 deadline, the response remains muted — only 155 applications have come in under the non-construction fee (NCF) policy and 100 under the OTS scheme. Officials had hoped for a better turnout but blame poor recordkeeping and lack of awareness for the disinterest. The policies were notified on April 17, but LIT officials now pin their hopes on a last-minute rush, saying beneficiaries often tend to settle dues closer to the deadline. In 2016, a one-time settlement policy had been notified for six months, during which 372 applications were received — a higher response compared to the current policy, which was open for a shorter period. Sources revealed that LIT officials lack accurate data on the number of defaulters for non-construction fees (NCF) or pending instalments. This is largely because records are not maintained plot-wise. Further, officials often don't know whether a plot is still with the original allottee or has been sold further — unless someone approaches the clerks in the sale branch directly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Sources added that this lack of proper recordkeeping has left LIT dependent entirely on defaulters to come forward on their own. In some cases, localities developed by LIT were later transferred to the municipal corporation (MC), resulting in incomplete or lost records. Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) chairperson Tarsem Bhinder admitted that they received fewer applications for the two policies, however, he claimed that he has asked the concerned staff to start contacting the defaulters to reap the benefit of the schemes. He highlighted that the LIT had lesser staff to handle additional tasks. Under the one-time settlement policy for the Non-Construction Fee (NCF), a 50% discount is offered on the total amount due (principal + interest) to allottees of properties under LIT development schemes — whether less than or more than 15 years have passed since the allotment letter was issued. For cases older than 15 years, the NCF is fixed at 5% of the applicable reserve rate. Additionally, senior citizens, women, and legal heirs of Armed or Paramilitary Forces personnel killed in action are eligible for an extra 25% discount on the already reduced NCF amount. After getting an exemption from the govt under the One-Time Relaxation Policy on the NCF, the allottee will be bound to deposit the amount and construct his property by getting the plan approved by Dec 31. Similarly, under the one-time settlement for pending dues where allottees have made some kind of payment, this exemption is applicable only in those cases in which the allottees have deposited 1/4th part of the amount after the allotment of the concerned property. According to this, the allottees will be able to regularise their property by depositing the remaining amount at the applicable rate (at simple interest) and restoration charges at the rate of 2.5 percent at the reserve rate for the year 2025-26 as per the rules issued from time to time. Complete exemption was given on penalty/penal interest.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
State revises timetable for Std 1 & 2; Art & PE hrs restored
Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government has released a revised timetable for classes 1 and 2, dropping the controversial proposal to make Hindi mandatory. The new schedule mandates only Marathi and English as compulsory languages and introduces an 'Additional Enrichment Period' aimed at providing academic support through remedial teaching, skill development, or preparation for competitive exams. The move comes after backlash over the June 18 circular, prompting the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to roll back many of its earlier changes. Art and Physical Education, which had seen their annual hours slashed to 81 and 40, respectively, in the earlier version, have now been restored to 122 and 61 hours. Additionally, class session durations have been aligned with National Curriculum Framework (NCF) norms, increased to 45–60 minutes from the previously proposed 35–45 minutes. Though the state has provided a model weekly timetable, schools retain flexibility in organising the daily order of subjects and start and end times. However, they are not permitted to reduce the total weekly or annual instructional hours. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The Additional Enrichment Period is not part of the standard timetable but serves as supplementary learning time. Another provision includes 10 designated bagless days annually for experiential learning and reducing academic pressure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Glicemia acima de 130? Insira essa fruta no seu café da manhã G!Saú Undo However, concerns remain over the impact of extended school hours. Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals' Association, warned, "With schools operating in two shifts, children may end up leaving as late as 6:45pm. That's too late — especially with city traffic and rural safety concerns after sunset." The new timetable will be implemented for Std 1 from the academic year 2025–26. For Std 2, the rollout will be contingent on the printing of new textbooks.
