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Kollam(Kerala), Jul 12 (PTI) At Ramavilasom Vocational Higher Secondary School (RVHSS) in Valakom in this South Kerala district, a proud tribute to former student G P Nandana greets visitors at the gate, celebrating her remarkable feat of securing the 2nd rank in Kerala and 47th nationally in the Civil Services Examinations. But the school's acclaim doesn't end there, as it has also become a model for innovation in education, thanks to a unique classroom setup that eliminates the idea of backbenchers entirely. By rearranging seating to ensure every primary student gets equal attention, RVHSS has drawn admiration and imitation. Influenced by the recently released Malayalam movie, 'Sthanarthi Sreekuttan', the school has brought in an innovative seating arrangement where single row seats are aligned with the four walls of the classroom, so everyone sits in front benches. Eight schools in Kerala have already adopted this seating arrangement, and even a school in Punjab has adopted it. "I got a message that a school in Punjab has also adopted it after the principal saw the movie on the OTT platform. He also screened the movie for the students. I am happy that it got national attention," Vinesh Viswanathan, director of the movie 'Sthanarthi Sreekuttan', told PTI. He said the movie had just one scene showing this arrangement, as an idea implemented by a 7th standard student in the film. "It was his experience of being insulted sitting on the backbench that gave him such an idea. I never thought it would get such attention. It is not an idea created by us, but we did have such a seating arrangement earlier in classrooms, as part of District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) and we had lost it somewhere in between," Vinesh said. In fact, it was the farsightedness of Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, whose family runs RMVHSS, that paved the way to introducing this system in this school. Ganesh Kumar had watched the preview of 'Sthanarthi Sreekuttan', a year before its release and discussed the possibility of introducing it in primary classes in RMVHSS with the teachers. "Ganesh Kumar discussed this with us and his wife, who manages the school. We also agreed to start it in one class. The results we got were very positive and we introduced them to all lower primary classes," Sunil P Sekhar, Headmaster of RMVHSS, told PTI. He said this system enabled teachers to give equal attention to all students in the classroom and helped them monitor the students better. Moreover, it eliminated the concept of backbenchers and put all students at the forefront. He said many more schools have now shown interest in adopting this model. "Lower primary classes are where students learn a lot of new things and they naturally get rid of the concept or taboo of sitting on the backbenches. It also helps students to have a more direct interaction with the teachers," he added. Meera, a Lower Primary teacher, with more than 29 years of experience said she found this model more rewarding and productive compared to the conventional seating arrangements in school classrooms. "I am able to attend to each of the students in the classroom, and give better care to each of them. The students are also happy as they see the faces of all students in the classroom and also pay close attention to the teacher," Meera said. The teachers say that such systems are already practiced in countries like Finland and Norway with a better student-teacher ratio in schools. "I got some negative comments from the X platform, where some senior students have posted that they have 80 students in the classroom and how this system can be introduced in such a situation. "It is actually against our existing law to have so many students in a class, and the authorities are now taking action against that school," Vinesh Viswanath said. He said even Anand Mahindra has tweeted, saying it is a welcome move, though he personally likes the concept of backbenchers. PTI KPK HMP ADB
OCCRP had published news articles against Adani; BJP MP Sambit Patra calls Rahul 'traitor of highest order' After a hiatus of two days, the Winter Session of Parliament plunged into chaos again Thursday, this time due to the ruling BJP targeting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing them of being part of a plan to "derail" India's economy and "disrupt" its democracy. Senior BJP MP Nishikant Dubey raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, alleging that a "dangerous triangle" ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 12 (PTI) Malayalam superstar Mohanlal says he will definitely come and work in Hindi movies if filmmakers in Bollywood offer him roles. One of the most influential Malayalam cinema stars, Mohanlal has been part of over 300 films, including all time hits such as "Manichitrathazhu", "Kireedam", "Bharatham", "Drishyam" and "Pulimurugan". "I have done a couple of Hindi films also. But now most of my other films are dubbed into Hindi. When somebody calls me for a role I'll definitely come and work. I don't mind. I don't have a choice. As actors we don't have a choice. Let it come. Let ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought the stand of comptroller and auditor general of India (CAG) on a PIL seeking its 14 reports on city administration to be made public. A bench of Justices Yashwant Varma and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar asked CAG to explain why its report could not be made public, and posted the hearing on January 24. Also Read | Karnataka Shocker: Woman Throws 4 Children Into Canal in Vijayapura Allegedly Due to Financial Distress, 2 Bodies Recovered. Brij Mohan, a retired civil servant, who filed the PIL said the voters in Delhi must be aware of ...Read More >
Bengaluru, June 5 (PTI) In a major development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday suspended Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda and several other senior police officials in connection with the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 people. He also ordered the arrest of representatives of the RCB team, the event management firm DNA Entertainment Private Limited, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), hours after an FIR was registered against them under various charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The state government ...Read More >
Shariq MajeedLudhiana: The Congress, on Thursday, claimed that a large section of Ludhiana's legal fraternity had come out in support of party's bypoll candidate, Bharat Bhushan Ashu during a special meeting held on Wednesday. Reiterating their support for Ashu, senior advocate Rajiv Kaushal described him as a "symbol of courage in the face of political vendetta." "Ashu's unwavering commitment to public service and his clean record have earned him the respect of the legal fraternity," he said. Ac ...Read More >
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 15 places in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam that caused a wrongful loss of more than Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), official sources said. The massive crackdown is underway at the premises across Mumbai and Kochi linked to the accused and suspects as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities. According to the sources, the searches are being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locat ...Read More >
Bengaluru, June 6 (PTI) Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Raghu Ram Bhat and a few other office bearers moved the Karnataka High Court on Friday seeking to quash the FIR filed against them in the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede case. Police on Thursday registered an FIR against RCB, event management firm DNA entertainment private limited, and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Karnataka Chief Minister Siddarmaiah too on Thursday had instructed the state DGP and IGP to immediately arrest the representatives of RCB, DNA entertainment and KSCA in connection with the sta ...Read More >
Berhampur (Odisha), Jun 6 (PTI) Environmental activist Medha Patkar on Saturday appealed to the people of Odisha for protection of Rushikulya river. The government planned to construct a dam in the river Pipalapnaka under Sorada block in the district. While participating in the Save Rushikulya river movement in Ganjam district, she said, "Rivers may be small or big, but they are our mother. We have to protect the rivers from attacks." She attended a meeting were organised by the Rushikulya Banchao Kriyaanusthan Committee (RBKC) and the Centre for Climate Justice, spearheading the agitation a ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) The MSC IRINA, recognised as the world's largest container ship by TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, is set to dock at the Adani Group's Vizhinjam International Seaport on Monday and will be berthed till Tuesday. The monumental arrival marks a significant milestone for the seaport, which was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2. The MSC IRINA boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs, making it a formidable player in global shipping. With a length of 399.9 metres and a width of 61.3 metres, the vessel is approximate ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 27 (PTI) Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance -- which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music -- would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jan 13 (PTI) The Karnataka High Court has dismissed on Monday an appeal by J Deepak and J Deepa, the legal heirs of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, seeking the release of her assets confiscated in a 2004 disproportionate assets case. Jayalalithaa was convicted by a special court in 2014 for amassing wealth disproportionate to her known sources of income during her tenure from 1991 to 1996. Following her conviction, her properties were confiscated by the authorities. Although she was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court in 2015, then congress government in Karnataka ...Read More >
Kottayam (Kerala,), May 27 (PTI) Sister Anupama, who was the face of protests against former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal in a rape case, has renounced nunhood and gone back to ordinary life, leaving the Catholic convent. For several years, she had been an inmate of a Kuravilangad-based convent, which is functioning under the Latin Catholic diocese of Jalandhar. A group of nuns, led by Sister Anupama, had fought on behalf of the victim nun who had accused Mulakkal of raping her multiple times. "She renounced nunhood and left the convent some time back," a church source told PTI. Howeve ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram/Chennai, Jun 6 (PTI) Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko's father died in a road accident near Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu on Friday morning when the family was travelling to Bengaluru, police said. According to a senior police officer in Dharmapuri, the actor suffered a fracture to his left arm, while his brother and mother, who were also in the vehicle, and the driver of the car suffered minor injuries. The incident occurred early in the morning on the national highway from Salem to Bengaluru when the vehicle Chacko's family was travelling in tried to overtake a lorry in front ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 26 (PTI) Several benches of the Bombay High Court have recused from hearing HDFC Bank CEO and MD Sashidhar Jagdishan's plea to quash an FIR of cheating and fraud registered against him on a complaint filed by the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust. While some judges cited having worked with either the Trust or the lawyers appearing for it, one judge on Thursday voluntarily disclosed that he held few shares of the HDFC Bank. Senior counsel Amit Desai appearing for Jagdishan said they do not have an objection with the same but counsel Niteen Pradhan appearing for the Trust took ...Read More >
Chennai, Jun 29 (PTI) A 28-year-old security guard of a temple in Sivaganga district allegedly died when he was being questioned by police in connection with a theft case, and the main opposition AIADMK has demanded a comprehensive probe and legal action against those responsible for his death. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami strongly condemned what he called "the doll chief minister" and alleged Stalin could not even administer the police department that is under his direct control. In order to facilitate a comprehensive investigation, to bring out the whole truth, a committ ...Read More >
Mysuru, Jun 30 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday asserted that the Congress government in the state will remain "as solid as a rock" for five years and maintained that he and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar share good terms. He also hit out at BJP leaders for claiming he would not inaugurate the world-famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations this year, calling them "experts in lying." These remarks come amid renewed speculation about a possible leadership change in Karnataka later this year. "This government will be as solid as a 'bande' (rock) for five years," Siddaramaiah ...Read More >
New Delhi: Lucky Bhaskar, starring Mollywood heartthrob Dulquer Salmaan and Meenakshi Chaudhary in the lead roles, has returned to the spotlight as it is now available for streaming on Netflix. Directed by Venky Atluri, the film has been making waves online, with millions of viewers praising its captivating storytelling, stellar performances, and music. Upon its release on OTT today, netizens took to social media to express their admiration for the film, calling it a "masterpiece." One viewer praised the film's narrative and performances, writing, "Lucky Bhaskar. The best of 2024. A masterpie ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 6 (PTI) The Kerala Government's decision to change Bakrid holiday triggered a political row in the state on Friday with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) accusing it of attempting to implement "communal agenda and fascism" in the state. Originally Friday (June 6) was marked as holiday for Bakrid. However, following the reports that the festival would be celebrated on Saturday across the state, on Thursday, the Kerala government announced that Saturday, June 7, will be a public holiday for Bakrid. As per the change, government also declared that June 6 (Friday) wou ...Read More >
Kochi, Jun 8 (PTI) A war of words erupted between Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev and well-known industrialist Sabu M Jacob over the business environment and investment friendliness in the state. While Rajeeve took a dig at Jacob saying that those who had announced to shift their business from the state were still continuing here, Kitex Groups chairman Sabu Jacob gave a sharp reply saying that Kerala is not the "paternal property" of anybody. The minister and the businessman crossed swords a day after a delegation of Andhra Pradesh government visited Jacob here and invited him to invest ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 28 (PTI) Actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur are the new nemesis of Manoj Bajpayee's spy Srikant Tiwary in the upcoming third season of "The Family", streaming service Prime Video has announced. The OTT platform on Friday shared the first glimpse of the new season of the series, which will see Bajpayee reprise his character of Tiwari, a middle-class guy and a world-class spy. "The wait is over. New season. New mission. #TheFamilyManOnPrime, coming soon in 2025," Prime Video posted on its official social media handles along with the teaser. Created and directed by Raj Nidim ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) A growing wave of protectionism is challenging decades of liberal trade order, dramatically highlighted by the Trump's tariffs, but economic nationalism does not spell the death of globalisation rather it heralds its rebirth, presenting an opportunity for India to emerge as a vital player, according to M&M Ltd Chairman Anand Mahindra. In his address to shareholders in Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) Annual Report for 2024-25, Mahindra, said "India, too, will face challenges" due to the ongoing global turmoil in the midst of a growing wave of protectionism. Also Read | 8th P ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 12 (PTI) Ride-hailing app Uber on Thursday launched 'Uber Moto Women,' a first-of-its-kind service in Bengaluru offering women-only bike rides, the company said. In a statement, Uber said that this on-demand two-wheeler service connects female riders with female drivers and is designed to address women's safety and mobility needs while "empowering female drivers with flexible earning opportunities". "Developed based on feedback from women riders and drivers, Uber Moto Women offers a safe, affordable, and convenient commute option for women who prefer to ride with female driver ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) IT service provider Tech Mahindra on Friday announced the opening of an advanced Manufacturing Experience Centre at its Chennai campus. The centre was inaugurated by Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra and Tech Mahindra CEO Mohit Joshi, according to a company statement. The centre will help manufacturers to quickly prototype and scale AI-based innovations to tackle industry issues like high operational expenses, inefficiencies in processes, supply chain disruptions, and complex operational challenges. Additionally, it will function as a hub where customers can vis ...Read More >
Kochi, Feb 3 (PTI) The opposition Congress-led UDF on Monday intensified its criticism of Union Ministers George Kurian and Suresh Gopi over their recent controversial statements, calling their remarks "immature" and accusing BJP leaders like them of having contempt for Kerala. Addressing reporters here, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, V D Satheesan, strongly criticised the "backward" remark made by Kurian, the Minister of State for Minorities and Fisheries, on Union Budget day, and stated that Kerala has only sought the funds it rightfully deserves from the centre. Taking a ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 7 (PTI) Authorities on Saturday barred Eid prayers from taking place at the Eidgah ground and the Jama Masjid in the old city here, while Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claimed that he was put under house arrest. "Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar deeply regrets to inform that the authorities have once again disallowed Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the Eidgah as well as at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar by closing the gates of the mosque and deploying police personnel outside," the management of the historic mosque said in a statement. ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Revenue minister Suresh Pujari on Saturday said Odisha would not be allowed to follow the lawless path in sand operations like it is in Bihar and West Bengal, while responding to the recent assault of an additional tehsildar in Kaptipada block, Mayurbhanj district, by the sand mafia. He promised stringent action against the sand mafia regardless of their connections, while speaking to mediapersons here on Saturday."The Kaptipada incident represents a serious escalation in conflict between law enforcement and the sand mafia. The attack on officers performing their enforcement dutie ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Jun 27 (PTI) Brihaspathi Technologies Limited a city-based AI surveillance and security solutions provider on Thursday said it gearing up for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the next financial year and the proceeds from it will be utilised to strengthen its research and development (R&D) capabilities, and expand manufacturing capacity. The firm has successfully raised USD 10 million in funding from foreign institutional investors and others and the capital infusion will fuel the company's expansion efforts, including the establishment of a new 72,000 sq ft CCTV manufacturing fa ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) The Congress on Sunday attacked the Centre and Rajasthan governments over the reported plan to redraw the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve for the reactivation of over 50 mining operations, saying the move would be "ecologically devastating". The opposition party also said that with the Rajasthan and Union environment ministers both being from Alwar, this "double engine" cannot be supporting such a move. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X a media report which claimed that a plan to redraw the boundaries of Rajasthan's ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jun 27 (PTI) The discovery of a seemingly stale carcass of a cow in Hugyam forest range in Mahadeshwara Hills on Friday strengthens the doubt that the death of a tigress and her four cubs could be due to poisoning, officials said. These five tigers were found dead in this forest on Thursday. It is suspected that the miscreants had poisoned the cow, and after eating it, the tigress and its cubs might have died. "Either the bovine was poisoned before being left in the forest, or the owner of the cattle, after spotting the dead cow, would have spread poison on its body, which the ti ...Read More >