top of page

By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 8:56:24 pm

Man gets death for minor’s rape, murder

Mumbai | Nashik: A Nashik Special Fast Track Court has awarded the death sentence to a 25-year old man who was convicted last week for luring a 4-year-old girl with a chocolate, kidnapping, raping and murdering her, here on Friday. Terming the case as the ‘rarest of rare’ crimes, the Special Judge K. D. Paldewar – who had found Vijay Sanjay Khairnar guilty of kidnap, sexual assault and murdering the child on Sep. 30 but reserved the verdict after the final arguments on Oct. 7 – pronounced the...

Man gets death for minor’s rape, murder

Mumbai | Nashik: A Nashik Special Fast Track Court has awarded the death sentence to a 25-year old man who was convicted last week for luring a 4-year-old girl with a chocolate, kidnapping, raping and murdering her, here on Friday. Terming the case as the ‘rarest of rare’ crimes, the Special Judge K. D. Paldewar – who had found Vijay Sanjay Khairnar guilty of kidnap, sexual assault and murdering the child on Sep. 30 but reserved the verdict after the final arguments on Oct. 7 – pronounced the capital punishment today. He also slapped a fine of Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the victim’s family, hailing from Dongrale village before a packed courtroom where the villagers, the victim’s family and others were present. Emerging from the courtroom after the verdict, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told the media that “the Court had considered the gravity of the crime and the circumstantial evidence establishing Khairnar’s involvement” while deciding the sentence. The Court did not take into account the convict’s poverty – he was a daily wager – or illiteracy as grounds for leniency, added the ace criminal lawyer. It was on Nov. 16, 2025 in Dongrale village of Malegaon taluka when Khairnar lured the little girl on the promise of giving her a chocolate and took her to a desolate spot to carry out his devious plans. Betraying the trust of the child who used to call him ‘dada’ (elder brother) due to their acquaintance, Khairnar sexually assaulted her, killed her and abandoned her before decamping from there. A few hours later, the child’s body was found dumped in a nullah and the police were summoned. As details of the gruesome crime tumbled out and spread, it ignited widespread public outrage all over the state. The police swung into action, formed several probe teams and managed to track down Khairnar from his hideout within a few hours. Considering the sensitivity of the crime, the strong emotions plus the mass furore it created, the state government assigned the case to a fast-track court, assigned Nikam as the SPP and the matter was heard speedily. The SPP aggressively led the prosecution, arguing in the court that in view of the gravity of the crime, the circumstances leading to it and other aspects, it warranted the severest punishment – death – for Khairnar, irrespective of his age or financial status. The Dongrale villagers stood in solidarity with the victim’s family and they raised a chorus for quick investigations, an expeditious trial and slapping the death penalty on the convict to serve as a strong deterrent to potential offenders. As per the Indian law, the trial court’s verdict will now go to the Bombay High Court for confirmation. Political leaders from different parties hailed the court verdict and said “justice has finally been done to the victim’s family”.

Artificial Intelligence: Transforming the Future of Education

Writer: Anil D. Salve
Anil D. Salve
Apr 3
3 min read

The birth of Artificial Intelligence is often compared to the birth of the Internet-an innovation that quietly entered our lives and gradually became inseparable from it. Decades ago, the Internet was a luxury; today, it is a necessity woven into our daily existence. Similarly, AI is not just another technological trend-it is steadily becoming an integral part of human life. Whether we consciously choose to use it or not, AI will continue to exist, evolve, and shape the way we learn, work, and think. Its presence is inevitable, and its impact on education is already profound.


India’s education system stands at a crucial turning point. Delivering quality education to millions of students across diverse regions, languages, and socio-economic backgrounds remains a significant challenge. Various assessments continue to highlight persistent learning gaps, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative and scalable solutions. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful catalyst for change.


The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a turning point for digital learning in India. Platforms such as DIKSHA, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp ensured continuity of education during school closures. Even in low-resource settings, mobile-based learning became a lifeline. This rapid digital shift not only exposed existing gaps but also laid a strong foundation for integrating AI into mainstream education.


Biggest Aspect

One of the most transformative aspects of AI is its ability to enable personalised learning. Every student learns differently, with unique strengths, weaknesses, and pace. AI systems can analyse student performance in real time and adapt content accordingly. AI-powered tutors guide students through their individual learning journeys, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and stay engaged. AI is equally empowering for teachers. Educators often face heavy administrative workloads that limit their teaching time. AI tools assist in lesson planning, grading, and performance analysis, reducing routine burdens.


This allows teachers to focus more on meaningful classroom interaction, creativity, and student engagement-ultimately enhancing the quality of education. Assessment methods are also being redefined through AI. Unlike traditional exams that provide delayed feedback, AI-driven systems offer instant insights into student performance.


They help identify learning gaps early and enable timely intervention. For example, AI tools can assess reading skills by analysing pronunciation, speed, and comprehension, making evaluation more accurate and effective. Beyond the classroom, AI plays a significant role in educational governance and administration. Through advanced data analytics, authorities can monitor school performance, student attendance, and dropout trends. This data-driven approach enables better decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and targeted interventions.


Driving Inclusivity

AI is also driving inclusivity in education. Assistive technologies support students with disabilities, while multilingual tools break language barriers, making learning accessible to a wider audience. Innovations like Virtual Reality further enrich the learning experience by making it immersive and interactive, thereby enhancing student engagement and understanding.


However, the integration of AI in education is not without challenges. Limited digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, lack of internet access, and concerns around data privacy must be addressed. It is important to recognize that AI is not a replacement for teachers but a powerful tool to support and empower them.


With thoughtful implementation, continuous teacher training, and responsible use, AI has the potential to revolutionize education. It can make learning more personalized, inclusive, and effective, ensuring that no student is left behind. Artificial Intelligence is not merely a technological advancement-it is a transformative force. Just as the Internet became an inseparable part of human life, AI too is on the path to becoming a defining element of our future. Embracing it wisely today will shape a smarter, more equitable education system for tomorrow.


(The writer is Principal of Podar International School, Ausa, Latur. Views personal.)

Comments

bottom of page