Chapters on Pakistan, China, Islam to be reworked as part of Delhi University syllabi rejig
NEW DELHI: A Standing Committee meeting of Delhi University held to review postgraduate syllabi across multiple departments on Wednesday kicked off a debate after several courses were either altered or dropped altogether, prompting concerns about academic freedom and the narrowing of pedagogical scope.
While scrutinising the Geography syllabus, the committee recommended the removal of Unit 3—'Internal Conflicts and Problems of Nation Building'—from the Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) course Territorial Bases of Politics in India (Semester 1). The Social Geography DSE course (Semester 2) also faced objections, with the Chair advising caste-related topics, particularly the unit on 'Distribution of SC Population,' be de-emphasised, calling them 'controversial.' The DSE course on Vulnerability and Disaster was scrapped entirely.
In Urban Sociology, violence-focused units were flagged for removal—including work on Muharram processions in Mumbai, caste and nationalism in Chennai, and Dalit religion and resistance.
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Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
Drones, CCTVs to monitor Muharram processions, Kanwar Yatras
Varanasi: Drone cameras and CCTV network will be used to maintain sharp vigil on Muharram processions and Kanwar Yatra to be taken out during Shravan, said Commissioner of Police Mohit Agrawal. While finalising the preparations to ensure law and order during the religious processions, the official instructed to prohibit initiating any new traditions and sought the participation of community members in conducting the religious rituals peacefully. In view of Muharram falling on July 6 and the beginning of the auspicious month of Shrawan, the CP and district magistrate Satyendra Kumar held a meeting with the peace committee, Tazia procession organisers, Kanwariya camp operators, religious leaders, and prominent community members on Saturday evening. They issued guidelines for observing the rituals in a harmonious environment, maintaining peace, and ensuring security arrangements. For proper monitoring of the Tazia processions and the Kanwar Yatra, the CP mentioned that, apart from the deployment of police and paramilitary forces, drones and CCTV cameras will also be utilised for proper surveillance, especially in sensitive areas. No new traditions will be introduced, and all processions will follow the traditional routes. Provocative slogans, weapons, and inflammatory activities are strictly prohibited in Tazia or other religious processions and violations of the norms would lead to strict action. The CP asked the organisers to appoint 20 volunteers at each Tazia Chowk after their police verification for crowd control and maintaining discipline. Special arrangements will be made for the convenience and safety of the devotees in temples during the Shravan month. Officials have asked to keep the sound levels of DJs and drums during Kanwar Yatras within the prescribed decibels. Obscene, provocative, or film songs will be banned during the processions and the height of chariots and DJ vehicles should not exceed the prescribed limit, said the official. Officials said that continuous monitoring of social media will also be ensured, while Quick Response Teams (QRT) will be deployed at any sensitive location, and the police will keep a close watch on anti-social elements. Earlier, Additional Police Commissioner Shivhari Mina and the DM inspected Markandeya Mahadev Temple on the Ganga-Gomati confluence in the Kaithi area and Kanwar Yatra routes. After taking stock of the temple and areas in its vicinity, they held a meeting with the temple's chief priest to discuss essential arrangements and reviewed the local administration's preparations. The entrance and exit routes of the temple, queue management for devotees, and the status of barricading from a security perspective were observed. The officials also reviewed preparations for maintaining cleanliness, security, roads, ghats, and drinking water arrangements. The concerned departments were directed to ensure deep water barricading, jetty installation, changing rooms, mobile toilets, and drinking water tankers at the ghats to prevent drowning.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- New Indian Express
Implement door-to-door policing effectively: Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara
BENGALURU: If the door-to-door police initiative is successfully implemented, the state police will earn national recognition, said Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara after reviewing progress during the second day of the Annual Conference of Senior Police Officers held at the State Police Headquarters. The initiative will help in preventing crimes when police personnel visit homes as they gain direct insight into the issues within their station limits, the home minister said. He added that Karnataka police should set an example for other state police forces. 'Officers and personnel must undergo regular training. We should adopt new technologies. Several types of software applications have been developed and launched within the department. It is necessary to analyse data to assess their effectiveness. Without it, these technologies hold no value. Other states should be able to learn from our police department. Officers should avoid making complainants run from pillar to post. Complaints must be received and responded to in a citizen-friendly manner,' he said. 'Officers must work at the ground level. Issues such as hatred and communal conflicts must be anticipated and addressed. During festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram, various challenges arise. It is crucial to be mindful of these beforehand,' he said. He also noted that the conviction rate is low in cases of atrocities against the SCs, STs, women, and children. 'We have set up 33 Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement police stations across the state to address crimes against SCs, STs,' he said. Referring to drug-related issues, he said the Chief Minister has issued strict directions. 'Cracking down on drug networks is not rocket science. Officers must take greater ownership of drug cases and ensure that the main accused are not spared,' he added.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
L-G Sinha reviews arrangements for Amarnath Yatra with stakeholders
Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday (June 28, 2025) interacted with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in Srinagar to review preparations and ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The interaction, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), was attended by National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with members of civil society, religious leaders, District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons, office-bearers of business and trade associations, and sitting MLAs. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sinha said the administration had made comprehensive arrangements, including security-related measures, to facilitate the comfort and safety of visiting pilgrims. 'Despite challenging weather conditions and tough terrain, efforts have been made to ensure better facilities for the pilgrims. Many of you are aware of this. Significant improvements have taken place. I also know that people from Jammu and Kashmir, especially those involved in this yatra, have served with dedication and will continue to do so,' the Lieutenant Governor said. Speaking to reporters following the consultation, Mr. Sinha stated that all stakeholders had assured him of their cooperation. 'I had invited all the senior leaders and representatives of the political parties to the Raj Bhavan and requested them to make the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram successful. They assured me of support for both the yatra as well as Muharram,' he said. 'The members of the civil society, religious leaders, DDC chairpersons, office-bearers of business and trade associations, and MLAs were here for consultations today. Senior officers were also present. We have been doing this endeavour for the last four years,' Mr. Sinha added. He noted that the stakeholders emphasised the yatra as a people's pilgrimage rather than merely an administrative or shrine board event, pledging their full support for its success. 'I hope that with the blessings of Baba Amarnath, the yatra will be successful,' he said.
