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The Star
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ramanan slams people who spread false statements using his name
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has slammed irresponsible parties for spreading a defamatory statement using his name. "Any official statement will only be issued through my office or via my official social media platforms," said the Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister in a statement on Thursday (May 29). Earlier, a statement bearing the name of the Sungai Buloh MP went viral on WhatsApp, titled 'Peletakan Jawatan Rafizi dan Nik Nazmi Bukti Nyata Kesuburan Demokrasi PKR'. Ramanan also advised the public to be cautious of attempts by certain parties to spread defamatory claims. "As I emphasised during my winding-up speech at the PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) convention last week, the spread of defamatory materials is becoming more rampant, and party members must combat it with firm and decisive action," he said. On Wednesday (May 28), Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced their resignations effective June 17 and July 4, respectively, following their defeats in the 2025 PKR election last week. – Bernama


The Hindu
21-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Art in action: Across T.N., students of govt schools learn to paint murals, learn
A mural initiative led by JFIND, an artist collective based in Villivakkam, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Model Schools Society, transformed 36 Tamil Nadu government schools through art. Through this project, government model schools across 36 districts were revitalised with vibrant murals created by local artists and students. The aim was to foster creativity, inclusion, and well-being in educational spaces. More than 6,000 students actively participated in painting these murals. 'Each mural was designed with intention. JFIND chose themes and colour palettes based on cognitive and emotional needs, enhancing memory, focus, and emotional well-being', said Jency, Founder, JFIND. The objective The project was born after JFIND received an invitation from the Holistic Development and Progressive Education Vertical of the Tamil Nadu Model Schools Society. The department approached JFIND and asked to collaborate in an event involving schools, where they would be conducting this wall art initiative. The objective was to foster creativity in children. They wanted to induce curiosity and also for children to learn more about societal changes. Through art, some pressing issues like women's empowerment, global warming, and more were brought to light. Choice of colours The choice of colours played a vital role in the murals. 'We were quite sensitive about picking the colours. The team picked colours that are very sensitive to children, which could affect their cognition and well-being. To do this, we used a mix of base colours, some pastels, and some vibrant ones', said Ms. Jency. Ms. Jency said that vibrant colours help children feel more energetic. The placement of murals was decided by the government; some areas were exterior walls, while others were interior walls. Based on the location and its purpose, JFIND brought in appropriate colours. For example, more energetic colours like red, yellow, and other vibrant hues were incorporated in playground areas. Mentoring by artists In most schools, JFIND's artists went and helped with sketches initially. But in Ramanathapuram district, the children were so enthusiastic that they began sketching on their own. 'That was something we learnt. There was no expectation that children would be this curious to take initiative in such work', said Ms. Jency. The whole day was spent sketching and painting. Artists had to give students certain instructions before using the products and materials, as they might stain their clothes. Extra care was needed while handling the colours. 'The children's observation skills were incredible. Not just in one location, artists from other districts also shared similar feedback. They needed to spend very little time explaining how to use materials or follow instructions. The students grasped everything almost immediately', said Ms. Jency. The JFIND is planning to expand geographically to other states if they are given opportunities and support from other state governments. Ms. Jency says, 'As a muralist and founder of JFIND, I've always believed that art is not just something we hang on walls—it has the power to transform minds, spaces, and communities'.


Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Social Security Amendment Bill Pushes Poverty On People
Press Release – Green Party The Green Party will repeal all benefit sanctions and lift incomes to liveable levels. We will build an economy that works for all of us, not just a wealthy few, says Ricardo Menndez March. The Government's just-passed Social Security Amendment Bill is set to create more benefit sanctions that will push families deeper into poverty. 'Instead of punching down on the poor like the current Government, we can end poverty and provide everyone with what they need to live good lives,' says the Green Party's spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez March. 'Calling these new sanctions non-financial is misleading, as they'll still deprive people of the ability to access financial support like hardship grants. It's a disgrace that the Government is pursuing this despite reports New Zealand ranks near the bottom in child wellbeing. 'We have a plan to provide everyone with what they need to live good lives. Our Income Guarantee would ensure all whānau have the basics for a good life and don't fall through the gaps. 'In this country, we have enough to support those who are struggling. Instead of providing the bare essentials for some of our most vulnerable, Christopher Luxon's Government has chosen to prioritise tax cuts for wealthy landlords and tobacco companies. 'The Ministry of Social Development has already admitted their frontline capacity is oversubscribed and unable to properly support people due to the traffic light regime the Government has brought in. This will make things even worse. 'The Green Party will repeal all benefit sanctions and lift incomes to liveable levels. We will build an economy that works for all of us, not just a wealthy few,' says Ricardo Menéndez March.


Business Standard
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India Needs to Create A Larger Skilled Workforce to Realise the Dream of Viksit Bharat @2047, Says Jayant Chaudhary, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
VMPL Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], April 23: India must significantly scale up its skilled workforce to meet the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, said Jayant Chaudhary, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Citing the Economic Survey, he said the country needs 7.85 million new skilled jobs annually until 2030, calling for a major shift in education. He was speaking at a NAMTECH (New Age Makers Institute of Technology) event under the School Impact initiative, which showcased the NAMTECH Outreach Program--a transformative effort to upskill ITI students through cutting-edge technology and innovation. "To realise the dream of Viksit Bharat @2047 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India requires a larger workforce equipped with cutting-edge skills. Institutions like NAMTECH are redefining the future of technical education by empowering ITI students to become smart technicians through innovation-driven learning. NAMTECH's mission to transform three million ITI graduates into skilled, future-ready, smart technicians over the next decade will play a larger role in India's manufacturing ambitions and drive economic growth. Such forward-looking skill development initiatives at scale are essential in positioning India as a global manufacturing powerhouse," said Minister Chaudhary. At NAMTECH, the Minister interacted with principals from selected partner ITIs and selected students to understand how the smart ecosystem developed by NAMTECH is transforming technical education. He also visited the modern labs and experience centre and presented awards to the winners of NAMTECH Kikaifest. "We are honoured to welcome Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary to our campus and grateful for his encouragement of our outreach programs for ITI students. NAMTECH's vision aligns closely with the Government of India's National Education Policy and the Viksit Bharat @2047 mission envisioned by our Prime Minister. Our focus is on innovative education and skilling in cutting-edge technologies to help build a smart, future-ready workforce which is key to positioning India as a skilled nation in the coming decades. Our 'Mentor Institute-led Hub and Spoke Model' is showing promise and replicability to achieve this goal. We look forward to continued collaboration and support from the Government," said Arunkumar Pillai, Director General of NAMTECH. About NAMTECH NAMTECH (New Age Makers' Institute of Technology), an education initiative by ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), is a pioneering global institution driving innovation in Manufacturing Engineering and Technology (MET). Positioned at the forefront of India's industrial transformation, NAMTECH offers cutting-edge International Professional Master's Programs for engineering graduates in fields such as Smart Manufacturing & AI, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Advanced Robotic Technology, and Sustainability Engineering & Management. NAMTECH School of Social Impact is an initiative for sharing technology, with a mission to transform ITI education by integrating advanced technology, industry-aligned training, and digital learning tools. With this smart upskilling program, NAMTECH aims to scale up ITI students with cutting-edge skills, enhance their employability, and create a workforce that drives India's manufacturing and industrial growth. For Media Queries Sibi Sathyan Corporate Communications +91 9920839261 Follow Us: | Facebook: @NAMTECHOfficial | X: @namtechofficial| LinkedIn: @Namtech | Instagram:@namtechofficial (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)