Language lessons: There's no replacing English
The strongest roots of culture grow in the soil of a world-class education. In its pursuit to implement New Education Policy 2020, GOI in May issued a circular reaffirming that primary education ought to be delivered in pupils' mother tongues.
The argument is that learning in a native language improves comprehension and fosters critical thinking. Yet the directive had an unrealistically tight deadline for implementation – to commence by July.
It has plunged schools into disarray, raising a critical question: Is this a progressive step or a political tool that betrays India's future?
Read the full story on TOI+.
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The Print
43 minutes ago
- The Print
Chinese J-20 isn't just a fighter jet—it's a signal to US, Japan and India
State media framed the alleged incident as a textbook display of the J-20's stealth advantage, combat readiness, and pilot skill. One pilot's phrase, ' fighting with bayonets in the air ,' was highlighted as a metaphor for China's fusion of traditional fighting spirit with high-tech modernity. It also underscored a broader theme that China acts decisively to defend its airspace and maritime claims. Reports tied the interception to new Chinese infrastructure projects in the East China Sea, suggesting these developments have unsettled Japan , but that China has the upper hand. While the J-20 East China Sea encounter went largely unreported in English-language Chinese media and may have gone entirely unnoticed by Western outlets, it became a major topic on Chinese platforms like Baidu and Weibo. Hashtags such as '# J-20 pilot says we cannot back down ' and '# J-20 scrambles urgently to repel foreign military aircraft' garnered over 10 million and 47 million views, respectively. The Chinese phrase, 'He who controls the heights, wins,' captures the strategic logic increasingly evident in Chinese discourse—airpower is seen as central to modern warfare. A recent China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast showed a close-range encounter over the East China Sea, where J-20 stealth fighters, codenamed 'Mighty Dragon', claimed to have intercepted foreign aircraft, likely F-35s, approaching China's established Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). 'The J-20 is mighty—the pride of China's aviation industry and a shining star on the international stage,' read one comment. A Weibo post added: 'The J-20 has been fully upgraded—new domestic engines, enhanced avionics, improved tactics, and better training. We are confident and capable of facing future wars.' Another comment noted that the J-20's recent public appearance marked the maturation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's stealth fighter programme. These sentiments reflect a recurring narrative in Chinese state and online media: military strength is both proof and driver of national resurgence. Following China's strong support for Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor, this narrative gained further momentum. In Chinese discourse, the focus is less on tactical details and more on asserting regional air superiority and signalling strategic confidence. The message is clear, at least for the domestic audience: China is no longer playing catch-up; it is leading in its own theatre. J-20: A game changer In China's military narratives, the J-20 is not just an aircraft; it is a symbol of technological independence and strategic reach. It represents China's leap into fifth-generation fighter capabilities, combining stealth, speed, and long-range strike potential. Media coverage often features the J-20 conducting beyond-visual-range engagements under heavy electronic interference, showcasing agility and combat realism. The replacement of Russian engines in Chinese aircraft with fully domestic ones is portrayed as a milestone in defence self-reliance. Reports indicate that China now produces J-20s at a rate that could surpass the regional presence of the US F-35. Testing of a two-seat variant, believed to support manned-unmanned teaming, signals ambitions aligned with sixth-generation airpower. Chinese commentary highlights the J-20's ability to avoid radar detection until it is within 80 kilometres of enemy aircraft, creating what is described as a 'one-sided battlefield'. Its rapid combat readiness, airborne within eight minutes, is regularly cited, as are tactics like 'snake manoeuvres' and visible bomb bay deployments, which are said to deliver both tactical and psychological advantage. Support from electronic warfare aircraft like the J-16D adds to the portrayal of integrated, high-tech combat capability. The pilot corps itself is central to the narrative. With an average age of just 28, J-20 pilots are depicted as the face of a new generation, technically skilled, highly trained, and ideologically committed. A user on Baidu described the J-20 as 'the pinnacle of China's aviation ambitions,' combining sleek design, advanced sensors, and networked combat systems. Yet perhaps more than the jet's features, Chinese discourse highlights production scale as a core metric of power. It's proof of China's growing industrial and military strength. Wang Xiangsui, a professor at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, describes this as a doctrine of 'asymmetric air supremacy', not matching adversaries aircraft-for-aircraft, but offsetting their advantages through stealth, electronic warfare, and strategic agility. The J-20 is crucial to that doctrine. Also read: Japan is stepping back from NATO, not Indo-Pacific ties—China is watching the cracks closely China's sky surveillance edge The J-20 is part of a broader ecosystem of aerial dominance. Increasingly, Chinese narratives emphasise high-altitude drones, especially the Wuzhen-7 and Wuzhen-8, as critical for surveillance and deterrence. These unmanned systems are described as flying between 20,000 and 50,000 metres at speeds above Mach 7, far beyond the tracking range of Japanese F-15Js. The Wuzhen-8, in particular, is praised for its stealth and AI-driven systems, with some Chinese analysts calling it a 'quasi-sixth-generation' platform. These drones are cast as vital ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) assets, capable of sustained operations across contested airspace. Their high speed and long endurance are seen as major advantages over regional rivals, reinforcing China's claims to both technological and strategic superiority. What's the message? 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Hindustan Times
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- Hindustan Times
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Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 2nd July 2025
Sigachi blast exposes chinks in the armour The tragic incident at Sigachi Industries Ltd in the outskirts of Hyderabad, where 15 lives were lost and over 35 injured, is a heart-wrenching reminder of the glaring gaps in workplace safety (The Hans India July 1). The blast was so powerful that it brought down a three-storey building, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos. Witnesses were horrified seeing workers being tossed 100 meters into the air due to the reactor explosion. Despite having robust labour laws like the Factories Act and Industrial Safety Rules, non-implementation of the procedures, such as regular safety inspections, has led to this devastation. Regular safety audits are crucial in chemical and pharmaceutical companies, and regular inspection of boilers and reactors is mandatory. The reactor blast exposes the failure of the inspector of factories in preventing the tragedy. This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and accountability to prevent such avoidable tragedies. Ganti Venkata Sudhir, Secunderabad MIM should stay away from Bihar elections The AIMIM has decided to form a third electoral front in Bihar to stop the Nitish Kumar-led NDA from coming to power. This move will only split the crucial anti-NDA votes of the minorities. The AIMIM is seen as a catalyst for NDA's successes in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is often dubbed as a covert 'B' team of the BJP. Considering that it is not really a major player in Bihar elections, it would be wise if it stays away from the polls and supports the opposition alliance to establish its own credentials. P R Ravinder, New Mirjalguda, Hyderabad Why so much heat over English? The Hans India editorial 'Mandating Hindi and secularism debate may boomerang on BJP' (June 30) is an apt message to the NDA government at the Centre. It could have desisted passing unwanted and unwarranted dialogues without any provocation from any corner of the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's ire at English has triggered a nationwide debate. Is he not aware that the British were driven out from our country, which, however, retained their language which is as good as a mother tongue to many? Teaching in the mother tongue is the first choice, but English must be mandated across educational institutions. Once can choose the third language, which generally is Hindi. The Centre has courted an unnecessary controversy over 'socialist' and 'secular' in the preamble. Dr NSR Murthy, Secunderabad Restrict the entry of pilgrims during festivities This refers to '3 killed, 50 hurt in Puri Rath Yatra stampede' (The Hans India, June 30). Sunday's tragedy near the Shree Gundicha temple in Puri is heartrending. Incidents of fatal stampedes are on the rise in the country. It is a herculean task to curb thousands of devotees and pilgrims from moving towards the deity on such auspicious occasions. Unfortunately, many people, especially pilgrims, are unmindful of their safety. They don't display common sense. Discipline and patience are a part and parcel of every walk of life. The authorities concerned should limit and restrict the footfall of devotees to avoid recurrence of such stampedes and tragedies. Zubair Khan, Tolichowki, Hyderabad Stop construction of houses in industrial areas Monday's major fire accident at Pashamylaram in Patancheru is heart-breaking and a wake-up call to streamline the licensing process for pharma and chemical companies and factories. Sigachi pharma supplies ammonia related chemicals to various pharma firms apart from manufacturing a drug called consistain microstalain. Reportedly, the cause of the fire was the failure to clean the blower on a regular basis. Pantancheru is an industrial area that has many residences and high-rise buildings in the surroundings. It is very dangerous to allow residential buildings in a location where chemicals are being processed. It is time the authorities put a stop to realtors constructing houses in industrial areas like Patancher. Moreover, regular safety audits must be mandated. Pratapa Reddy Yaramala, Tiruvuru (AP)
