Opinion

SPPU plans to get back to physical classes in graded way, first with practical sessions While Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) is mulling reopening of affiliated-colleges, the varsity will seek the opinion of its students on the matter. SPPU has planned to hold practical sessions in various colleges from December-end and resume physical classes from January 2021. Now, students will be asked to express their opinions on the topic. Talking about the same, NS Umarani, pro vice chancellor, SPPU, said, “We have decided on circulating a Google Forms survey among students through respective colleges to seek their viewpoint on reopening colleges. Information on completed syllabus will also be taken into consideration to help us chart future course of action.” While practical sessions will take off in December, professional courses will get preference thereafter, followed by conventional courses. Officials insisted colleges will be reopened to ensure students do not … [Read more...] about Varsity will seek students’ opinions on reopening instts

Taiwan’s growing popularity in India is unprecedented. The Indian government should sense the popular sentiment, and consider a shift in its Taiwan policy. Several steps may be taken. First, initiating trade talks would be a welcome step. Singapore and New Zealand already have Free Trade Agreements with Taiwan. Taiwan is an integral part of the regional supply chain mechanism, and a trade agreement with Taiwan will help India remain connected to the regional economic dynamism, amidst its attempts to de-couple from China. … [Read more...] about India must engage with Taiwan, and not just because of China | Opinion

By Invitation Sy Quraishi The dust had not even fully settled on the latest general election, and the debate over the idea of simultaneous elections was rekindled again. The returning PM expressed concern regarding frequent elections, and revived the debate by calling an all-party meeting yesterday, within two days of taking oath. It left many questioning: Why the tearing hurry? It is true that the proposal was in keeping with the promise of both the BJP election manifestos of 2014 and 2019. The PM also expressed his thoughts on the issue in an interview with a news channel in January 2018, saying that one nation one election would “save money, resources and manpower”. Navin Patnaik, publicly expressed support ahead of the meeting, many regional and national leaders abstained. The concerns regarding the country being in constant election mode are far from new. The Law Commission recommended simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, the state assemblies and the local … [Read more...] about Pros and cons of ‘One Nation, One Election’

"In my opinion, they are the most impressive Olympic ski jump hills in history, with full facilities. When you climb to the top of the inrun tower, the views are amazing. They have already installed plastic mattings, all systems. Only jumps have not been performed there yet," Pertile said in an interview with Przeglad Sportowy on Wednesday. … [Read more...] about FIS World Cup director Pertile impressed with Beijing Olympics preparation

“We also share an opinion that the due to the high number of new cases ... the restrictions must remain in place until the beginning of January if we do not see an unexpected decrease in the number of infections to less than 50 people per 100,000 [within seven days],” Merkel added. … [Read more...] about Germany extends Covid-19 lockdown until December 20, limitations of social contacts until January