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Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
As Uttar Pradesh merges schools, longer walks, safety fears keep some away
Unlike Class 3 student Manoj Yadav,7, who is sitting at his assigned seat at the Patti Kalyanpur primary school in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur on a weekday afternoon, his sister Laxmi, 7, also a student of Class 3, hasn't been attending classes since July 1. On July 1, the sole primary school in their village Abbas Nagar, 1 km away, was 'paired' with the bigger Kalyanpur school. While Manoj walks with a group of students from their village to the Kalyanpur school daily, his parents feel the path is unsafe for Laxmi. In line with a recent directive by the Basic Education Department under the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which emphasises greater collaboration, coordination and sharing of resources among institutions, since July 1, over 10,000 government primary schools across Uttar Pradesh have been 'paired' with nearby schools with better facilities. While similar exercises aimed at rationalising resources have been carried out in other states too, UP government officials insist the schools in the state are not being merged but 'paired'. 'Unlike mergers, where schools cease to exist, paired schools can be shifted back to their original buildings in case of overcrowding at the new ones,' said a district-level education officer. However, the Opposition — from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati — has opposed the move, saying it will 'deprive' future generations, particularly those from the backward, Dalit and minority communities, of their right to accessible and affordable education. The policy has also prompted protests from teachers' associations and parents, with petitions being filed against it in the Allahabad High Court. Upholding the state's decision, the court had on July 7 said the move did not violate Article 21A (right to free and compulsory education for children aged six to 14). The court also said the move aimed to provide children with quality education and equal opportunities since resources in small schools were scattered, depriving children access to adequate teaching staff, libraries, sports and digital learning facilities. Kanchan Verma, Director-General, UP school education, says, 'Of 1.32 lakh government schools in UP (with nearly 1.48 crore students), 10,784 primary schools are being paired.' Officials said these pairings were done keeping in mind multiple factors, including low enrolment and poor infrastructure. Yet, since the recent pairings in UP, teachers say some of their students, especially the girls, haven't been attending classes. While the Abbas Nagar school had 41 students, the Kalyanpur school had 115 students and five teachers, including two Shiksha Mitras, before the pairing. Only 14 of Abbas Nagar students were present at Kalyanpur during a recent visit by The Indian Express. 'Twenty-seven of my students — 16 girls and 11 boys — have not been attending school since the pairing. A few have joined private schools, but most are sitting at home,' says Shiv Kumar, the former head teacher at Abbas Nagar school who now reports to the Kalyanpur school. Staff from old schools have been reporting to the new ones since July 1. Sitting near a bundle of freshly cut fodder, Manoj and Laxmi's aunt Meera, 48, says, 'Manoj went to school, but Laxmi does not want to go.' 'Beech mein jungle hai (there is forest on the way),' Laxmi explains sheepishly. Though the family is yet to take a call on Laxmi's education, Meera says her parents are farm labourers and can't afford to send her to a private school. Like Laxmi, Meenaksi Yadav, a Class 4 student from Abbas Nagar village, has not been going to school since July 1. On a school day, she sits next to her mother Radha, 40, a farm labourer, who says, 'Door pad gaya (the Kalyanpur school is far). She would walk alone to the local school. What if someone does something to her in the woods on the way to Kalyanpur?' A senior education department officer in Lucknow said efforts are on to encourage the students to attend the new schools and that all grievances of parents would be addressed. He adds, 'No one is forcing parents to send their children to the new schools. They can send them to their old school.' However, when The Indian Express visited the Abbas Nagar school at noon on a weekday, its main gate was locked. The government's move has triggered similar fears in Lucknow, where nearly 154 primary schools have been paired. At Paharpur in Malihabad tehsil of rural Lucknow, the primary school has been paired with the school in Baka, nearly 3 km away. With the Right to Education Act mandating that the primary school must be in a 1-km radius of the child's residence, Ram Pravesh, Basic Shiksha Adhikari, Lucknow, says, 'We have asked Block Education Officers to carry out a ground-level feasibility check, including schools located far from a neighbourhood.' Till last year, the Paharpur school had just 28 students. After its three teachers — two assistant teachers and one Shiksha Mitra — started encouraging families to send their children to school, the number rose to 54 this year. Though the Paharpur school was merged with one at Baka due to its 'poor infrastructure', none of its 54 students have been attending school. In Paharpur village, the families cited several reasons for keeping the children away from the Baka school — from increased distance to aggressive stray dogs near a gaushala en route. Before the pairing, Mula Devi's grandchildren, Class 2 student Kunal, 7, and Class 3 student Payal, 8, walked barely 500 metres from home to school. 'We took them to the new school one day, but a stray dog attacked us on the way. We decided the children can't walk to school. If the government doesn't reverse its decision, we will either send them to a private school or they will stay at home,' says Devi, 62. Paharpur teachers say they are trying to encourage the students to attend the new school. 'We started ferrying some students to school on our motorcycles, but the arrangement wasn't sustainable,' says Vijay Kumar Bajpai, the former teacher incharge of the Paharpur school. Even the primary school in Bargadhi, which had 14 students, has been paired with the one at Baka, located around 1 km away. Rahisa Khatoon, an assistant teacher at Bargadhi, says all 14 have been attending classes in Baka. In Malihabad tehsil's Datali village, the primary school had just 39 students. Since it was paired with the school in Bhulsi, located around 2 km away, only 12 have been attending classes. Assistant teacher Farhad Kamal says, 'We are persuading parents to send the children to Bhulsi, but they have their own constraints.' An education official said infrastructure from the merged schools will be used to set up Bal Vatikas (pre-primary schools) across the state. 'Anganwadi centres from nearby areas will be shifted to these Bal Vatikas, which will have one Early Childhood Care and Education teacher, child-friendly furniture, outdoor play areas, learning materials, etc.,' the officer added. Back at the Kalyanpur school, Manoj is among the first to line up outside the gate after the final 2 pm bell. As he waits for the others, he says, 'I try to teach my sister Laxmi what I learn in school, but I forget quite a bit by the time I reach home. I liked going to school with her. I hope our old school reopens soon.' Led by Class 5 student Rachit, the senior-most, all Abbas Nagar students form a queue, hold hands and sing songs as they follow him over a narrow pagdandi (trail) through the fields and a thickly wooded area. 'Agar koi gum gaya, toh sabka school band ho jayega (Even if one of us gets lost, none of us will be allowed to attend school),' says Rachit. Asad Rehman is with the national bureau of The Indian Express and covers politics and policy focusing on religious minorities in India. A journalist for over eight years, Rehman moved to this role after covering Uttar Pradesh for five years for The Indian Express. During his time in Uttar Pradesh, he covered politics, crime, health, and human rights among other issues. He did extensive ground reports and covered the protests against the new citizenship law during which many were killed in the state. During the Covid pandemic, he did extensive ground reporting on the migration of workers from the metropolitan cities to villages in Uttar Pradesh. He has also covered some landmark litigations, including the Babri Masjid-Ram temple case and the ongoing Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute. Prior to that, he worked on The Indian Express national desk for three years where he was a copy editor. Rehman studied at La Martiniere, Lucknow and then went on to do a bachelor's degree in History from Ramjas College, Delhi University. He also has a Masters degree from the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia. ... Read More
News18
3 days ago
- News18
Theft at actor Sangeeta Bijlanis farmhouse: Police recover two fingerprints
Last Updated: Pune, Jul 19 (PTI) The Pune police investigating the theft at actor Sangeeta Bijlani's farmhouse in the Maval tehsil have recovered two fingerprints, officials said on Saturday. The farmhouse near the Pawna dam was broken into, and Rs 50,000 cash and a television set worth Rs 7,000 were allegedly stolen. The intruders also vandalised the house, according to the police. The theft and vandalism came to light when Bijlani visited the property in Tikona village on Friday, after a gap of four months. 'A forensic team collected samples from the scene. Two fingerprints have been recovered and are being analysed. It is to be seen whether the fingerprints are of the thieves or anyone accompanying Bijlaniji on Friday," said Lonavala Rural police inspector Dinesh Tayde. He added that the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) connected to the CCTV system had been deliberately disconnected. 'We have recovered the DVR, and it will be analysed to check if any footage was captured before the disconnection," Tayde said. Mohammad Mujeeb Khan, an associate of former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, submitted the complaint with Lonavala rural police on Bijlani's behalf. Khan told PTI that Bijlaniji had kept Rs 50,000 in her father's cupboard for emergencies. The money was allegedly stolen during the break-in. Police are yet to ascertain the exact date of the theft. In her complaint, Bijlani said that the main door and window grills were broken, a television set was missing, and several household items, including beds, a refrigerator, and CCTV units, had been damaged or vandalised. PTI SPK NR view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 23:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Keeway RR 300 Launched in India: Check specifications, features, price, design and more
Keeway RR 300: Moto Vault has expanded its footprint in India's entry-level sportbike segment with the launch of the all-new Keeway RR 300, priced at ₹1.99 lakh (ex-showroom). While this model may look familiar, that's because it's essentially a rebadged version of the Keeway K300 R. The RR 300 is being offered in three colour variants—white, black, and red—catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. Bookings and deliveries The RR 300 is now available for bookings through Benelli and Keeway dealerships across India. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of July 2025, giving prospective buyers just enough time to reserve their unit. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category CXO healthcare Data Science Project Management Product Management Leadership Data Science Public Policy Digital Marketing Degree Technology others Design Thinking PGDM Others Healthcare Cybersecurity MCA Artificial Intelligence Management Operations Management MBA Finance Data Analytics Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Engine & performance Powering the Keeway RR 300 is a 292cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine capable of producing 27.5 hp at 8,750 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox, the bike also features a slipper clutch for smoother and safer downshifts. Keeway claims a top speed of 139 km/h, placing it comfortably in the performance bracket for beginner sportbikes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Click Here Undo Built on a trellis frame, the RR 300 offers good handling dynamics, supported by USD front forks and a rear preload-adjustable monoshock. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 110/70 (front) and 140/60 (rear) tyres. For braking, it employs disc brakes at both ends paired with dual-channel ABS for improved safety. Design & features In terms of styling, the RR 300 is sharp and aggressive, with standout elements like curved LED DRLs, a multi-layered front fairing, and a sleek, upswept tail section. It also includes full-LED lighting and a TFT digital instrument cluster, ensuring it keeps up with modern tech expectations. Live Events The Keeway RR 300 enters a crowded market where it will compete with popular models such as the TVS Apache RR 310 and BMW G 310 RR. While the RR 300 might not have the brand recall of its rivals, its aggressive pricing and well-rounded feature set make it a tempting choice for first-time sportbike buyers.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Keeway RR 300 launched at Rs 1.99 lakh: Engine specs, top speed, features & more
Moto Vault has debuted a new offering in India's entry-level sportbike space: the Keeway RR 300 . The model has been priced at Rs 1.99 lakh , ex-showroom. This fully-faired machine might remind some of the Keeway K300 R, and for good reason as the RR 300 is essentially a rebadged version of it. It is available in three paint options: white, black, and red. As for bookings, the motorcycle can now be reserved through Benelli and Keeway outlets across the country. Deliveries are slated to begin by the end of July. At the heart of the RR 300 is a 292cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that produces 27.5 hp at 8,750 rpm and 25 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed transmission and benefits from a slipper clutch for smoother downshifts. The claimed top speed stands at 139 kmph. MG M9 first drive review: More than just a fancy box on wheels? In terms of hardware, the bike is underpinned by a trellis frame and gets upside-down front forks along with a monoshock at the rear, which is preload adjustable. It runs on 17-inch alloy wheels with a 110/70 tyre up front and a 140/60 section at the rear. Braking duties are taken care of by disc brakes on both ends, assisted by dual-channel ABS . 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 Visually, the RR 300 carries a sharp, modern look, featuring curved LED DRLs, a layered fairing, and a sharply raked tail. The feature list includes full-LED lighting and a TFT digital display. It enters a competitive space alongside rivals like the TVS Apache RR 310 and its BMW sibling, the G 310 RR. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Euronews
7 days ago
- Climate
- Euronews
Athens' reservoirs are now very close to historic lows, study warns
Water reservoirs in Attica, the Greek region encompassing Athens, are approaching historic lows, according to the latest analysis of the FloodHUB service of the BEYOND Operational Unit of IADET/EEA for the water supply system of Athens. The research team identified that water supplies for the region are now under very high pressure due to the prolonged drought in recent years. Attica's water supply system draws water from four main reservoirs: Mornos, Evinos, Yliki, and Marathon. Mornos is the main source of supply, providing the largest amount of water consumed. The Evinos reinforces the Mornos through the Evinos-Mornos tunnel, acting as a transitional reservoir. The Yliki - a natural lake - and Marathon are complementary to the two main reservoirs. The FloodHUB service of the BEYOND Operational Unit of IAADET/EEA has assessed the hydrological and climatic conditions in the two main reservoirs supporting the Athens water supply system - the Mornos and the Evinos - in order to estimate the degree of hydrological stress and drought in the system for the first half of 2025. It found that in the last year, the system appears to be under intense pressure, requiring immediate action from authorities. How did experts analyse the status reservoirs supplying Athens? Medium and high resolution Landsat-5,7,8 (1984-2021) and Sentinel-2 (2017-2025) satellite data were used for estimating the surface area of the lakes. ERA5-Land climate data (1950-2025) allowed researchers to estimate monthly/daily climate variables for drought conditions and unusually hot days that increase evaporation. Here's what they found out about the state of the reservoirs. In May 2025, the surface of Lake Mornos covered only around 65 per cent of the (near) maximum area of depression based on historical data for the month of May. Similarly, in 2024 it was at 79 per cent, and in 2022 it had reached nearly 100 per cent. The current 2025 value of around 11.64 km² is among the lowest observed since the Evinos reservoir was incorporated into the system in 2002, with the exception of the summer/fall of 2008, when the surface area dropped to less than 10 km². In May 2025, the surface area of the lake was only 2.30 km², significantly below the surface area at the overflow level (3.6 km²). The 2024 values are correspondingly low, while other years, such as 2021 or 2022, show a much better picture. In 2024, Lake Mornu saw low snow cover (snow cover of less than 10 per cent), very high heat stress (around 30 per cent), and low precipitation values (SPI-3 < 0, indicating hydrological drought). In 2025, there were slightly better conditions with SPI-3 precipitation index between -0.5 and +1, snow cover ratio around 20 per cent, and heat stress below 10 per cent. With similar climatic patterns to Morno, there was no evidence of statistically strong precipitation or significant reduction in drought at Lake Evinos. Lake levels are approaching historic lows Current reservoir conditions as of May 2025 indicate a retreat of the lake surface to the second-lowest levels in the last 20 years. The 2008 period remains the worst hydrologically, but 2025 shows similar characteristics. In recent years, the surface of the Mornos reservoir has shown a continuous downward trend. In 2025, compared to 2024, although the values of the precipitation index show a relative improvement, they are not sufficient to compensate for the decrease in the amount of stored water. Instead, there is a roughly 10 per cent decrease compared to 2024. Evinus seems to be more strongly affected by drought conditions, due to its small storage volume. The present situation as of early 2025 presents combined unfavourable conditions for the Evinos to Mornos system. Both reservoirs show significantly low filling levels of around 60 per cent, which exacerbates the level of hydrological stress in the system. According to the above analysis, the system in the last year seems to be in a state of intense pressure, requiring immediate action from authorities. Greece faces a growing water scarcity crisis. It ranked 19th worldwide for water shortage risk, according to a World Resources Institute study and a Deloitte report commissioned by the Greek government in May. It found that the country faces severe challenges driven by tourism, agriculture, and ageing infrastructure. What is the Beyond unit? The Space Applications and Satellite Remote Sensing Unit (BEYOND) is a global operational unit, designed to identify hazards in a timely manner and protect societies, the environment and critical infrastructure from natural, man-made or near-space threats. In particular, it provides standard continuous monitoring services for natural disasters in the wider region of South-Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East and North Africa, utilising large satellite data collection antenna infrastructures installed at the NSA. Through the systematic activation of the Copernicus Emergency Management Services programme, BEYOND also serves the global community of Crisis Management Agencies and Services in a wide range of natural disasters. The BEYOND operational unit specialises in monitoring natural disasters such as fires, extreme weather events, volcanic activity, landslides, soil erosion, water shortages, toxic industrial accidents, earthquakes, floods, and desert dust and smoke transport.
