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Time of India
24-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
DU admissions: Zoology breaks into top 3 popular UG courses; BCom (Hons) remains top choice
NEW DELHI: Delhi University's 2025 admission season has seen an unexpected reshuffle of its most sought-after courses. While BCom (Hons) remains firmly in the lead with 48,336 first-preference applications in the initial round, it is the rapid ascent of BSc (Hons) Zoology that is turning heads. The programme surged to third place with 12,722 top-choice applications, overtaking the traditionally popular English (Hons). With 15,295 applications, Political Science (Hons) was in second place. Last year, the three most preferred courses were BCom (H), BA (H) English, and BA (H) Political Science while Zoology (H) didn't figure even in the top five courses. However, this year appears to mark a decisive turn for the subject. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Pandemic a turning point in how many perceive life sciences An increasing number of students are getting drawn to life sciences, driven not only by academic interest but by a growing desire to engage with the world in more purposeful and tangible ways. According to Professor Rita Singh, head of DU's zoology department, this rising interest is no accident. "There are compelling reasons why students are choosing zoology more now than before. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Filipinos don't know about this! Read More Undo Zoology offers a wholesome understanding of life - whether it is biodiversity, drug design or toxicology," she explained. "Conceptual clarity is key, and zoology provides that foundation - right from how receptors work to understanding environmental toxins like endocrine disruptors. This core knowledge gives the subject a strong edge. " She added that the Covid pandemic was a turning point in how students perceived life sciences. "During the pandemic, students realised that the disciplines addressing immunity, vaccination, genetics and PCR were all rooted in zoology. Now, those interested in setting up diagnostics startups or small biotech ventures are turning to this subject. It offers interdisciplinary strength, hands-on experience and opens doors across research, healthcare and industry. " Singh also noted that the subject's integration with the new National Education Policy, especially the fourth-year research option, is encouraging more students to engage deeply with the discipline. "It is not just about animal biodiversity anymore. Students are learning how physiology links with environmental science, how allied fields like biotechnology and medicine intersect - and how zoology can be a bridge to all of them. It offers a truly multidisciplinary future." The surging popularity of zoology reflects a broader generational shift. Students today are viewing education through the lens of purpose and real-world application. For many, the subject is a launchpad into diverse fields - from scientific research and wildlife conservation to sustainable entrepreneurship. "My interest in zoology and wildlife began with books and deepened through environment-related videos on YouTube. I have always admired those who speak up for the voiceless - people committed to protecting animals and nature. What draws me most is the hands-on fieldwork which resonates with my belief that work should be both meaningful and fulfilling. There are many ways to serve the environment, but the most powerful path is one that brings both purpose and joy," said Shreya Singh, a BSc (Hons) Zoology final-year student. Experts say this trend is rooted as much in practical ambition as it is in passion. Dr Sanjiv Mullick from Dyal Singh College's zoology department highlighted the applied nature of the subject. "Zoology has highly applied branches like economic zoology - fisheries, sericulture, apiculture. These are fertile grounds for entrepreneurship. Many students today want to launch their own ventures in fishery science or silk and honeybee production," he said.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Time of India
Child labour rescue cases increase in delhi this year compared to 2024
New Delhi: There has been an increase of nearly 51% in child labour rescue cases in the city this year compared to 2024, Delhi Police data shows. As per the data, 202 children were rescued between Jan 1 and May 31, 2025, up from 134 in the corresponding period last year. A total of 22 people allegedly involved in forcing children into labour were arrested this year, compared to only nine in 2024. Investigation by police revealed that most of the children were trafficked into the city to work as domestic helpers in private homes, bungalows or in various factories. According to those involved in rescue operations, traffickers often used false promises to lure vulnerable children, many of whom suffered emotional trauma, physical abuse and neglect, and earned meagre wages in unhygienic environments. Most rescued children came from states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, they added. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The root causes of child labour and trafficking, said the rescuers, included poverty, a lack of access to education, and inadequate social protection. A high demand for cheap, exploitative labour in certain industries further fuelled the problem. "If they bring in adults, they would ask for money and cannot be easily threatened. However, children cannot revolt or demand money, making it easier for factory or household owners to threaten them to work," said one of the rescuers. Roop Sudesh Vimal, a former official of the Child Welfare Committee, said child labour was deeply tied to illiteracy and poverty in vulnerable communities. He highlighted that children working in factories are often subjected to harsh and unhygienic conditions, and invariably labour for at least 10 hours each day. Such children typically live cramped together in a single room with poor living standards. "They are forced to meet demanding daily production targets -- such as making 50-60 garment pieces -- yet receive meagre wages of only Rs 3-5 per piece, far below a liveable income," he said. Rita Singh, a former Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights member currently working with Udayan Care, an NGO that advocates for child rights, explained how traffickers lure children from remote villages to the city with promises of a better life. "They target families living in very poor economic conditions and entice their children to come to the city. These children are then placed as domestic helpers or in factories, but in both cases, they do not receive proper wages and live in poor conditions. The children often suffer mental trauma and physical abuse," she said, adding that children living in remote villages often lack proper documents, which prevents them from benefiting from govt schemes, forcing them to work. According to police, their raids are conducted after getting information and tip-offs, after which the children are rescued. The accused are then booked under the Juvenil Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
