Latest news with #LDF
New Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Kerala will soon become Muslim majority state: SNDP leader Vellappally Natesan
KOTTAYAM: Launching a sharp attack on the Muslim community, SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan on Saturday accused it of attempting to exert undue influence over administrative affairs of Kerala. Speaking at a state-level branch leadership meeting of various Yogam unions in Kottayam, Vellappally also asserted that a united Ezhava community could potentially determine the state's chief minister. He also expressed concern that both the LDF and UDF were primarily catering to the interests of the Muslim community only. He warned that the Muslim population would soon become the majority in the state and said the current situation is such that the state government should just listen to Kanthapuram and govern.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Educational Apocalypse
Quixotic policies and political one-upmanship are derailing the future of an entire generation Fair is foul and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air.' If the Bard were to write in the milieu of modern-day Kerala, he would have certainly repurposed this famous phrase—uttered by the witches in Macbeth—to conjure up the political debauchery, deceit and ineptitude that plague the state's public education scene. A seemingly bellicose education minister, V Sivankutty, and a pompously self-righteous higher education minister, R Bindu, have reduced the school and higher education sectors into political laboratories, where they conduct reckless experiments with arrogance and incompetence, forcing students to avoid public education institutions. Like her predecessor K T Jaleel in the previous LDF govt, minister Bindu has developed a strong notion of mistaking law and lawmakers as one and the same. If Jaleel courted controversy by toppling the university examination system to offer 'justice' to an engineering student, Dr Bindu found nothing wrong in changing the engineering entrance prospectus arbitrarily in an attempt to ensure 'justice' to a section of students who had been failed by the very policies of her own govt. She publicly insinuated that her sense of justice was somehow superior to that of the high court, which struck down the last-minute changes. The loss of marks—up to 40 in some cases—for state board students in the entrance ranking is a fact. Genuine complaints have been raised over the past five years. But how did a formula introduced by the govt in 2011 to level the playing field in engineering admissions backfire? The answer lies in the inflated results of the state higher secondary board, especially in the post-Covid era. When the state govt focused more on 'feel-good' factors as on many other fronts, Sivankutty excelled in the experiment by notoriously liberalizing higher secondary exam evaluations. The figures say it all. The number of students scoring full A+ in all subjects skyrocketed to 48,383 in 2021, up from 18,510 the year before. This plummeted to 28,450 in 2022, then slowly climbed to 33,815 in 2023 and 39,242 in 2024, before dipping to 30,145 in 2025. The fact that only 14,244 candidates scored full A+ in 2019 explains what went wrong. When the standard deviation is calculated considering the overall performance of students across boards, the high marks of state board students are bound to suffer a drastic cut. 'For standardization, marks obtained by students over multiple years are considered,' said a former commissioner of entrance examinations, requesting anonymity. He said the new method proposed by the govt to replace the 2011 formula may also prove ineffective over time. Since the new system would plug mark losses, it may actually prompt the govt to continue liberal valuation. If CBSE too adopts a similar approach, it could jeopardize the edge the govt plans to create for the state board students. What's urgently needed, he said, is a competent committee to study the issue and develop a fair mechanism for all meritorious students, across the boards. 'If we don't treat the root cause, the disease will resurface in new forms,' he added. Academic and scientist Achuthsankar S Nair, who was on the panel that devised the original formula in 2011, said the formula is scientifically sound and the grievances are genuine—at least for meritorious state board students. 'Serious fluctuations in parameters over the years may have turned the standardization process into a bane for some,' he said. If the sole aim is justice, then using only entrance exam marks might be an option. But if the goal is to level the playing field, the govt may have to give extra weightage to underprivileged sections, without hurting others. Experts agree: A solution to this complex issue is likely to be just as complex. If the entrance exam conundrum requires a more scientific temper and constant monitoring, the plight of higher education in arts and science colleges in the state has almost reached a point beyond redemption. The fight between the governor (who is also the chancellor of state universities) and the state govt over supremacy in university affairs has failed the student community. There is no permanent vice chancellor in 12 state universities. At least 40% of PG and 30% of UG seats remained vacant last year—a figure likely to worsen this year. 'The higher education sector in Kerala could collapse entirely within the next five years,' said former Kerala University pro-vice chancellor and writer J Prabhash. 'Courses that were once in high demand now have no takers. Academic activity is no longer a priority on campuses.' As student mobility and exposure to better opportunities increase, the young generation is looking elsewhere. Our society has lost faith in our public sector institutions, he said, noting that Kerala has failed to establish even a single institution of academic excellence. While the tussle between the governor and the higher education department has given a political opportunity to CPM and Sangh Parivar to engage in a public showdown, the entrance fiasco, which disadvantaged state board students, has already put a break on the migration of CBSE students to the state board for Plus Two studies. The declining intake in govt and aided schools has also ripped apart the govt's claim that public schools are on a path of revival in the state. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Cebu Pacific becomes PH's first carrier with 100-strong fleet
Gokongwei-led budget carrier Cebu Pacific on Friday announced its latest historic milestone as it becomes the first local carrier to operate a 100-strong fleet after receiving the delivery of its latest aircraft — a brand new A330neo. 'Reaching 100 aircraft is more than a milestone — it reflects our unwavering commitment to make air travel accessible to more Filipinos,' said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer. 'With a larger fleet, we're able to operate more efficiently, enhance connectivity across the country and the region, and pass on the benefits of scale through even lower fares,' said Lao. The airline's 100-aircraft milestone came amidst increasing demand for air travel. In June alone, Cebu Pacific said it flew a total of 2.2 million passengers, up 7.9% from the same month last year. From January to June 2025, the airline said it has flown 13.9 million passengers, up 21% from 11.5 million in the first half of 2024. Cebu Pacific said the latest A330neo aircraft is also the 12th aircraft of its kind to join its fleet, reinforcing the airline's position as the largest A330neo operator in the Asia-Pacific. The 459-seater aircraft, which arrived in Manila from Airbus' facility in Toulouse, France, is the second of four A330neos expected to join Cebu Pacific's fleet this year — the first of which arrived on March 28. The airline is expecting a total of seven aircraft to be delivered in 2025. Cebu Pacific's fleet is diversified with a mix of 12 Airbus A330s, 40 Airbus A320s, 26 Airbus A321s, and 22 ATR turboprop aircraft. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
CHR seeks swift prosecution of child sellers
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday called for the immediate prosecution of perpetrators of child selling, including through online platforms. CHR issued the statement in light of the case of a one-month-old child sold online. 'CHR expresses grave concern and vehemently condemns the ongoing practice of child selling in the country. The sale of children—even by their own parents, and regardless of intent—is a clear violation of Philippine law and constitutes child trafficking, punishable under Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) and Republic Act No. 9208, as amended (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act),' it said. 'The government should immediately strengthen the monitoring and regulation of online platforms, enhance surveillance and investigative capabilities, as well as swiftly prosecute these perpetrators of child trafficking,' it added. In addition, the commission urgently called on the Philippine government to uphold its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Article 35 of the UNCRC provides that all state parties should 'take all appropriate measures to prevent the abduction, sale, or trafficking of children,' given that 'these acts represent grave human rights violations that must be addressed with utmost urgency.' 'Let us stand united against the exploitation of children. No child should ever be bought, sold, or treated as a commodity,' the CHR said. Further, it said individuals and couples seeking to adopt a child should do so under a legal and ethical process as provided under Republic Act No. 11642 or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act. 'Legal adoption safeguards the rights and welfare of the child. It is imperative that prospective adoptive parents follow lawful procedures,' the CHR said. 'We urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases of child trafficking to the proper authorities. Protecting our children is a collective duty and a shared societal responsibility,' it added. —Llanesca Panti/LDF, GMA Integrated News
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Kerala May Deliver Double-Edged Mandate In Favour Of Congress-Led UDF
In view of Vote Vibe findings, many wonder whether Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi would risk their credibility to push Venugopal to become the CM face in Kerala According to Vote Vibe survey agency, the 2026 edition of Kerala assembly polls, a strong anti-incumbency wave, a clear desire for change is set to see the downfall of Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF. But the Congress-UDF faces a leadership challenge. Nonconformist Shashi Tharoor is the most popular choice as Vijayan's successor. Tharoor's popularity ratings are 28.4 per cent while his party rivals for the coveted post trail badly. For instance, AICC general secretary in charge of organisation, K C Venugopal is pegged at a poor 4.2 per cent while others, namely V D Satheeshan and Sunny Joseph, have popularity ratings of 15 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively. Other contenders such as Ramesh Chennithala and K Murleedharan have a support of 8.2 and 6 per cent popularity ratings. Significantly, Vote Vibe has conducted the survey after Operation Sindoor which implies that Tharoor's unconventional stand has not undermined Thiruvananthapuram ratings within and outside the UDF-Congress circles. Tharoor was part of the government delegation that was sent abroad to propagate India's stand against terrorism. Subsequently, some of the remarks made by Tharoor became a subject of controversy, drawing criticism from the grand old party. Tharoor went on to describe Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'national asset' in a write-up in a national daily. Tharoor's popularity as indicated by Vote Vibe survey is going to pose multiple challenges for AICC Chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. A number of UDF allies namely IUML, KC, RSP, CMP and KDP representatives reportedly favour Tharoor as UDF's chief ministerial face. Some of the key findings of the survey are: 1. Strong Anti-Incumbency Wave: 47.9% 2. Strong Desire for Change: 62% want to replace their current MLA 3. Party Trust Dynamics: UDF leads with 38.9% 4. Leadership Issue: Shashi Tharoor leads (28.3%), but 27.1% are uncertain. LDF: KK Shailaja tops (24.2%), current CM Pinarayi Vijayan only 17.5%, with a massive 41.5% uncertain among LDF supporters. 5. Electoral Implications: Clear anti-establishment wave; UDF positioned as a change alternative. In view of Vote Vibe findings, many wonder whether Kharge and Rahul Gandhi would risk their own credibility to push Venugopal to become the chief ministerial face in Kerala simply because most AICC office bearers and party leaders living in Delhi want him out as General Secretary in charge of Organisation or simply because they believe that Congress party's fortune will change once KCV is out from the national party headquarters or as a shadow of Rahul Gandhi? Vote Vibe has also conducted an in-depth survey for Bengal stating that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to enjoy significant public support, positioning her as a key player in the upcoming electoral contest. Mamata Banerjee remains the most popular choice for Chief Minister, with 41.7% support, the survey has concluded. The author is a Visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. A well-known political analyst, he has written several books, including '24 Akbar Road' and 'Sonia: A Biography'. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments First Published: July 08, 2025, 16:57 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
