
Be mindful of safety alerts: Priyanka Gandhi expresses grief over electrocution of two brothers in Kozhikode
New Delhi [India], May 26 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Monday, urged everyone in Kerala to remain vigilant and be mindful of the periodic safety alerts in vulnerable areas in the wake of the electrocution of two brothers in Kozhikode.
https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1926864308157247612
Talking to X on Monday, the Wayanad MP said, 'Hearing about the loss of two young brothers, Nidhin and Aivin, in Kodenchery, Kozhikode was heartbreaking. I pray that God gives their family the strength to bear this terrible tragedy'.
'I urge all of you in Kerala to remain vigilant, follow the directives given by the authorities and be mindful of the periodic safety alerts in vulnerable areas. All our colleagues in the UDF are there to provide proactive assistance and care. I am confident that they will make themselves available at all hours and be of help. Let us work together to ensure everyone's safety,' she added in the post.
Due to heavy rain alerts, a holiday has been declared for educational institutions in Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Wayanad, and Kasargod districts on May 26.
The decision comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in 11 districts and an orange alert in three districts due to heavy rains.
The holiday applies to all institutions, including Anganwadis, nurseries, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE and ICSE schools, professional colleges, tuition centres, and madrasas.
However, there is no change in the schedule for exams and interviews.
Since schools have not officially reopened in Kerala, only special classes are currently being held.
On Saturday, the southwest monsoon hit Kerala, marking its earliest arrival on the Indian mainland since 2009, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This year, the Southwest Monsoon set in over Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than its normal onset date of June 1, said IMD.
On July 30, 2024, Kerala was hit with a landslide, the deadliest one in the state, killing more than 300 people and destroying scores of houses and other buildings. (ANI)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
New normal amid a new cold war
The effect of Donald Trump's return to the White House is being felt in capitals all over the world. At the recently-concluded Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the spectre of a new cold war rose once again to dominate discussions. In his ASEAN chairman's statement, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim categorically asserted the return of a cold war to systemic interstate relations. The reference does not augur well for the ASEAN, which has been trying to build resilience within while maintaining a degree of balance between the US and China. The second important aspect of this year's dialogue has been the tough stand India has placed on its recent military stand-off with Pakistan following the devastating terror attack at Pahalgam. The subsequent Indian political and military action against Pakistan has highlighted what the political leadership is calling the 'new normal', signalling that tolerance has its limits. Both these indicated a changed environment at the Shangri-La Dialogue, especially as they implied certain defining shifts. First, the very definition of the term 'cold war' and how this period will be different from the earlier cold war. Second, the Trump administration's impact on the wider Indo-Pacific and what it expects from the region vis-á-vis the US-China rivalry. Third, the choices for ASEAN states, particularly in light of the extending US-China rivalry. And finally, how this affects the role India plays within multilateral forums and how India's definition of the new normal affects the region. First, the reference to a new cold war is not new. Even during the first Trump term, a National Security Strategy paper released by the administration in November 2017 clearly reiterated that the foremost threats to American interests and leadership in the global order were from China and Russia, articulating the tensions at systemic levels.


The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Economics, EdTech, and the illusion of learning
In the late 1970s, when I was hesitantly moving to be a so- called 'research student', I had all kinds of doubts and apprehensions, as the decision on the ' trade-off ' was too difficult, given the state of job opportunities those days. India today is a different India, where income opportunities are aplenty, though the so-called 'jobs' may be fewer. Seeing my hesitation and doubts, my research supervisor advised me,'… do try to get a good Ph.D. in Economics, and try to fool others'. More recently, as I sit on several interview boards, the Economics guys, who come before me, prove it the other way! It so happened that, last week, I had such an occasion, when I found a post-graduate from a premier institution (of great legacy), who has not even heard of the classical and neoclassical theories in Economics! But, surprisingly, he claimed to be adept in a few data processing software such as SAS and MATLAB, as well as open-source options like R and Python! The NEP 2020 aims to reform the education system by promoting holistic learning, critical thinking, and a focus on experiential learning. A theory, in a general sense, is a well-supported explanation of why or how things happen, based on observations and evidence, often developed through ongoing inquiry. While theory arises from enquiries on existing or perceived phenomena, how can one manage even without the framework within which the past generation approached the sciences? The simple answer often pointed out is that such deep learning is not of practical use. Education as information refilling The idea that educational institutions in India are primarily 'information refilling stations' is a common critique, suggesting they focus on rote memorization and standardized testing rather than fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The 'information refilling model' in education refers to the process of regularly updating and enriching students' knowledge and skills, often through diverse learning experiences and engaging with new information. It's a shift away from static, rote learning towards a dynamic, active learning environment where students are constantly acquiring and applying new knowledge. While traditional curricula may emphasize knowledge acquisition, many institutions are also actively working to promote a more holistic approach to learning, encouraging creativity, innovation, and research; but they are a rare species! Today, all-India recruitments, such as civil services and scientist recruitment, are running on these lines. While the 'information refilling' model may reflect some aspects of the Indian education system, it is an oversimplification. Many institutions are working towards a more holistic and innovative approach, but challenges remain in addressing the pressure of standardized testing and fostering critical thinking skills. The statement, 'people who have money can afford the educational refilling stations' highlights a disparity in access to education based on financial resources. Educational refilling stations, which could refer to supplementary educational services like tutoring, enrichment programs, or private schools, are often more costly than basic public education. What is the motive for such refilling? Of course, the spot price and futures price are displayed by the so-called 'edushops' through their advertisements. And surprisingly, people invest in advanced courses in Economics, Management, and hybrids like Public Policy, without understanding their basic economics! 'Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink', goes the saying. To state that 'information illiteracy is the lack of knowledge as to how information can be used in productive activities' is a good starting point, but it's not quite complete. Information illiteracy is more than just lack of knowledge; it encompasses the inability to effectively find, evaluate, and use information to achieve personal, educational, or professional goals. If so, why should one spend his/her hard-earned money on education? It is high time legacy institutions in Economics and Management come forward, address the reality, and come out with innovative solutions. (Views are personal. The author, Senior Fellow & Director, Institute of Small Enterprises and Development, is a senior economist. (email: director@


The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
A Eurocentric reset, a gateway for India
In a diplomatic move, with far-reaching consequences, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer's new agreement with the European Union (EU) signals a powerful 'reset' of their relations, resuming cooperation on food standards, fishing rights, defence and border checks. While this development may appear Eurocentric, it opens a gateway to possibilities and challenges for India that demand urgent attention. The U.K. and the EU are among India's most important trade and diplomatic partners, and their renewed alignment could redraw India's global strategy map. For Indian exporters, this could simplify compliance and revive supply chain fluidity. For policymakers, this presents an opportunity to strengthen strategic alliances. For the diaspora, this could reshape education and migration prospects. In short, the U.K.-EU reset is not just a regional recalibration. It is a moment that could redefine India's trade corridors, diplomatic engagements, and soft power leverage in the West. A reshaping of India's export dynamics The renewed collaboration in areas such as food safety, customs coordination and fisheries is poised to significantly influence Indian exports to both regions. In FY2024, India's exports to the EU stood at $86 billion, while exports to the U.K. totalled $12 billion, highlighting their strategic role in India's external trade. Post-Brexit, Indian exporters have grappled with navigating two separate regulatory regimes, especially in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, seafood, and agro-based products. A harmonised U.K.-EU regulatory framework could simplify compliance, reduce redundancy and lower operational costs. India, a significant supplier of generic medicines to the U.K., fulfilling over 25% of its pharmaceutical needs, would benefit from a unified approval mechanism that accelerates clearances and enhances cost efficiency. Similarly, Indian seafood exports, valued at ₹60,523.89 crore (approximately $7.38 billion) in FY2024, could face fewer trade barriers if the food standards and fishing policies are aligned. However, tighter common standards might challenge Indian Small and Medium Enterprises, which often lack the capital and technical know-how. To remain competitive, India must strengthen its export ecosystem through initiatives such as the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. A stronger voice in global diplomacy Beyond trade, the geopolitical dimensions are significant for India. A more synchronised U.K.-EU foreign policy, particularly in defence and the Indo-Pacific, offers India an avenue to enhance its multilateral coordination with the EU. India already operates under the EU-India Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025, and in 2022, it renewed its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the U.K., covering cyber security, climate action, and maritime security. As the U.K. realigns its policies with the EU, India could benefit from cohesive western support on global platforms, such as the United Nations, the G-20, and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Strategic ties with France, Germany and the U.K. are vital to India's defence modernisation and technological ambitions, especially regarding naval power. Notably, India-France bilateral trade reached $15.1 billion in 2024-25; landmark defence agreements with Germany and the U.K. have focused on technology transfer and joint development. A coordinated U.K.-EU defence policy could open doors for deeper trilateral or multilateral engagements in the Indo-Pacific, where shared concerns over China's assertiveness persist. Additionally, India's leadership in the Global South — spotlighted during its G-20 presidency in 2023 — can be amplified by leveraging the U.K.-EU thaw to drive collective action on climate finance, digital infrastructure and global governance reforms. A unified West could become a more dependable ally for India if it engages with India, strategically and assertively, in the future Enhancing trade and talent power On the mobility front, India has the world's largest diaspora, which includes large communities in the U.K. and across the EU. In 2024, the U.K. issued more than 1,10,000 student visas to Indian nationals, placing India among the top sources of international students. While post-Brexit restrictions limited access for Indian professionals to EU markets, renewed U.K.-EU border coordination could enable partial mobility, creating a semi-integrated talent corridor. This could also bolster India's migration pacts with Germany, France and Portugal by embedding them within a broader U.K.-EU framework. These converging shifts — trade liberalisation, mobility reintegration, and foreign policy alignment — present rare diplomatic and economic opportunities. To seize these opportunities, India must accelerate reforms, modernise its export infrastructure, and assert its role in global governance. Vipin Benny is Assistant Professor and Research Supervisor, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, and the author of 'The Scenario of Economic Innovations in India: An Idea for Inventor' (2021) and 'Elevating Excellence: The Relevance of Internal Marketing in Higher Education Institutions in India' (2023)