Latest news with #KU
New Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
KU turns battle zone as Bharat Mata image at governor's event sparks protests
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The display of an image of Bharat Mata holding a saffron flag at an event attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar in Kerala University (KU) triggered massive protests by SFI and KSU activists on Wednesday, leading to a tense situation for nearly two hours at the varsity's senate house campus. The trouble began when the image, allegedly used by the RSS in its functions, was spotted at the Senate Hall, the venue of the event organised to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency. The programme, scheduled to begin at 5.30pm, was organised by Sree Padmanaba Seva Samithi, a pro-right wing organisation and attended by BJP leaders, party workers and supporters. On being informed, KU Registrar K S Anil Kumar told the organisers that religious symbols could not be used in a programme held at the varsity. As organisers were reluctant to call off the programme, Anil told them in writing that the event had been cancelled for violating the terms and conditions for using the hall. By then, SFI workers gathered outside the hall in huge numbers, shouting slogans. Pro-left Syndicate members joined in. KSU workers also marched to the varsity and some attempted to enter the hall, leading to arguments and eventually fist fights with BJP supporters who were in the audience. The police soon intervened. Meanwhile, Arlekar informed the registrar he would be attending the event. Amid tight security, he arrived around 6.25pm and offered floral tributes before the image of Bharat Mata.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Guv defies protest, lights lamp before Bharat Mata
1 2 3 T'puram: Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar yet again lighted a lamp before a Bharat Mata picture, at a function inside the Kerala University Senate Hall campus on Wednesday, as the impasse between him and the SFI over the use of the picture at events attended by the former reached its threshold. Despite the KU registrar denying permission for the event citing the image — mostly used by RSS — as a religious symbol, the governor attended it. Outside the venue, Left wing and KSU activists protested, leading to clashes. Sree Padmanabha Seva Samithi, a pro-BJP organisation, booked the Senate Hall for the function to observe 50 years of emergency. A large picture of Bharat Mata with a saffron flag was kept on the stage, which triggered the row. The KU registrar objected to this and asked the organisers to remove the picture but they refused saying they paid the rent for the hall and hence would decide which picture should be used. CPM functionaries, including syndicate members, along with SFI and KSU activists, soon reached the campus and said they would not allow the function to be held. Reports emerged that the organisers cancelled the programme, which was scheduled to begin at 5.30pm. Considering the tense situation, the registrar informed Raj Bhavan not to attend the event. However, Arlekar reached the Senate Hall campus by 6.20pm amid protests and attended the programme. This escalated the tension further and the SFI workers clashed with police when they tried to enter the hall. The police removed them from the campus forcefully. SFI workers decided to block the governor's exit and they staged a sit-in before the main gate of the Senate Hall campus. The police facilitated the governor's exit through the back gate of the campus, which stopped the tension from further escalating.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Towards academic openness
Listen to article At the recent Academic Council meeting of the University of Karachi, the decision to allow the transfer of MPhil and PhD students from private universities into our postgraduate programmes sparked passionate debate. Concerns were raised, caution was advised, and multiple perspectives were articulated – all reflecting the seriousness with which the Council treats matters of academic integrity. Yet, after a rigorous and wide-ranging discussion, the policy was passed and rightly so. As a member of this Council, I listened carefully to both opposition and support. Some colleagues feared this would blur institutional boundaries, or create complications in managing standards. Others questioned the parity between the academic depth of private and public sector research work. But ultimately, a larger and more progressive vision prevailed one that rests on merit, inclusivity and institutional confidence. Let us be clear: the policy does not open a backdoor into Karachi University. It introduces a structured, multi-tiered vetting mechanism: no student may transfer without clearance from the Departmental Research Committee, approval of the concerned Head of Department, and endorsement from the Dean. All admission criteria remain fully intact. There is no compromise on standards. What this policy does, however, is offer opportunity i.e. a word that sits at the heart of public education. Too often, students begin their academic journeys in private universities due to proximity, cost, timing or availability. But with time, many discover a mismatch between their evolving academic ambitions and institutional limitations. Are we, as a leading public university, to tell them that their academic fate is sealed at their starting point? Or should we allow them to be assessed fairly, and if found capable, welcomed into our research community? KU, by design, has been a centre of knowledge dissemination, not isolation. It has long accepted students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, regions and disciplines. This policy simply extends that ethos to embrace students from other universities, while maintaining the same standards we demand of our own. Globally, such transfer pathways are not only permitted, but encouraged. Research thrives in environments where ideas cross-pollinate, where institutional walls do not become intellectual barriers. KU's move signals alignment with these best practices, ensuring our researchers have exposure to diverse academic influences. One must also address the perception that this policy may dilute our reputation. Quite the opposite, it reinforces the fact that KU is strong enough to engage with wider academia, assess on merit, and mentor students regardless of where they began. It is a mark of maturity, not vulnerability. Alongside this, the Council also approved a much-needed revision: the abolition of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement for employed students seeking MPhil or PhD admission. In today's world, where many researchers are also professionals, this requirement often served as a bureaucratic bottleneck. Removing it not only widens access but also reflects KU's sensitivity to the realities of working scholars. Both these decisions, the transfer policy and the removal of the NOC, reflect a shift in KU's academic posture: from gatekeeping to guidance, from rigidity to relevance. They send a message that excellence is not the preserve of a select few, but a goal that can be pursued across institutional lines, provided the standards are met. This is not a softening of KU's identity; it is a powerful reaffirmation of its role as a national academic leader, one that invites talent, not fears it. By embracing merit-based transfers while maintaining rigorous standards, KU demonstrates confidence in its systems and a forward-looking approach to academic collaboration. These bold step reflects not only the Council's collective wisdom but also the visionary leadership of our worthy VC whose commitment to inclusive excellence continues to steer the university in the right direction.
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait leads GCC push for calm as US-Iran war escalates
Food and water supply stable; Institutions, including KU, KFF, discuss emergency plans VIENNA/KUWAIT: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Monday issued a strong call for de-escalation and restraint as military tensions continue to rise in the region following direct US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and Tehran's retaliation with missile and drone attacks on the Zionist entity. Speaking on behalf of the GCC ambassadors accredited to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Kuwaiti Ambassador Talal Al-Fassam stressed the need to halt the regional escalation immediately. 'The recent developments are of great concern and pose a direct threat to security and stability in the region and the world,' he warned during an emergency session of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna. The IAEA's emergency meeting was called to assess the security and radiation risks following the attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Al-Fassam emphasized that the targeting of Iran's nuclear facilities carries potentially catastrophic consequences. 'Calm and restraint represent the most effective path to avoid further tension,' he said, reiterating the Gulf countries' support for diplomacy and dialogue as means of resolving conflicts. He urged the international community, particularly the IAEA's Board of Governors, to take its responsibility seriously and act to address longstanding regional issues. 'These issues have become a growing threat to regional and international peace and security,' Al-Fassam said. The GCC envoys reaffirmed their unified stance on resolving disputes peacefully and promoting regional security through cooperation and lessons learned from past crises. They also acknowledged IAEA updates on radiation monitoring and requested continued briefings amid the ongoing conflict. The GCC's statements follow a sharp military escalation sparked by US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones against Zionist targets and the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council said the missile strike was away from residential areas in Qatar. 'This action does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people, and the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining and continuing warm and historic relations with Qatar,' the council said in a statement. Qatar said it successfully intercepted the attack, which it condemned as a blatant violation of its sovereignty. VIENNA: Kuwaiti Ambassador Talal Al-Fassam speaks during an emergency session of the IAEA Board of Governors. Kuwait Fire Force Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi meets UAE emergency management chief Ali Al-Neyadi to explore ways of boosting cooperation in disaster and crisis response. Local preparations Earlier Monday, Iran's top military official, Abdolrahim Mousavi, accused the US of directly entering the war and warned that Iran would not hesitate to attack American interests. 'We will never back down,' he said in a statement Monday morning. As regional tensions rise, Kuwaiti institutions continue to step up their emergency preparedness. Kuwait University's administration announced on Monday that it had reviewed emergency protocols in coordination with relevant national authorities. The university confirmed its readiness and reaffirmed its commitment to continuous coordination with the state. 'The university administration, led by Director Dr Dina Al-Mailem, will maintain constant communication with national entities to stay updated on developments,' read an official statement, urging the public to report emergencies via its 24/7 hotline: 24983333. No food shortages In the economic sphere, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry assured citizens that the country's food supply remains stable. 'The situation is completely stable. There is no shortage of essential food items,' said ministry spokesperson Abdullah Al-Herz. He noted that water production continues around the clock, supply chains remain uninterrupted, and consumer cooperatives are operating as usual. 'Emergency plans are fully in place,' Al-Herz added, highlighting that commercial inspection teams are actively monitoring markets to ensure price stability and stock availability. Security and defense Meanwhile, regional military and emergency coordination is ongoing. In Kuwait, Naval Forces Commander Major General Sulaiman Al-Hamlan met with UK Defense Senior Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa, Vice Admiral Edward Algerine, at Mohammed Al-Ahmad Naval Base. The two sides discussed key military topics and areas of joint interest. Kuwait Fire Force Chief Major General Talal Al-Roumi also met with UAE emergency management chief Ali Al-Neyadi to explore ways of boosting cooperation in disaster and crisis response. The meeting, which included cybersecurity officials, focused on coordination and joint readiness in light of the regional security environment. — Agencies
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
KU halts PhD admissions in many depts
The administration of the University of Karachi (KU) has decided to temporarily halt PhD admissions in around 10 departments for the 2025 academic session, due to the unavailability of required PhD-qualified faculty members. The decision was made during a meeting of the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR), chaired by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mehmood Iraqi. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Iraqi confirmed that PhD admissions have been suspended in specific departments. He said a similar step was taken earlier for the Law School, as it also lacked the necessary faculty. "If we allow admissions in these departments without adequate teaching staff, students will suffer due to a lack of proper research guidance and course instruction," he added. He clarified that this is a temporary move until faculty availability improves. Departments where both MPhil and PhD admissions have been suspended include: Health & Physical Education and Sports Science, Criminology, and the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Research Centre's Islamic Banking and Finance programmes. Departments where only PhD admissions have been halted, while MPhil still being offered, include: English Linguistics, General History, International Relations, Pharmacy Practice, Islamic Studies with Computer Science Technology (under Sheikh Zayed Centre), Pakistan Study Centre, and the Marine Reference Collection and Resource Centre.
