Government schools in Karnataka to have spoken English classes from this year
Bengaluru: In a renewed attempt at conducting spoken English classes for students of government schools in Karnataka, the Education Department has come up with a comprehensive plan equipped with better resources this year.
The government had planned a project for such classes during the weekends in select government schools last year. The Regional Institute of English had also conducted state-level training for the teachers, but the programme was held back.
According to a report in Times of India, the Education Department is contemplating a project for 180 hours of such classes in an academic year for around 1,000 schools, based on the student strength. The Department plans to recruit one guest teacher per school to handle the spoken English classes. Kannada Public Schools too are to be covered under the project.
Speaking on the project, an academician said that teaching in the regular English classes gets restricted to the prescribed content as there is undue focus on exams and completing the syllabus. The classes lack the environment for the students to speak in English, the academician added and suggested teachers to speak in English for at least 40 minutes in the classes to give the students exposure to English speaking and lead to a natural conversation in the language.
The academician further said that teachers need to design activities in the classroom and have language functions like methods of introducing oneself and asking questions.
AI-powered language is also being launched under the ‘Ek Step’ project announced in the budget this year.
As English medium in government schools is gaining popularity among the masses, the government has announced more such sections. Currently, around 4,190 schools have English medium sections and the government has announced an additional 4,000 schools in the previous budget.
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Mangaluru airport issues advisory to passengers, heightens security measures
Mangaluru: In response to recent cross-border attacks by Pakistan and rising tensions along the international boundary, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports across India to enhance security protocols. As part of this nationwide alert, Mangaluru International Airport has intensified surveillance, and introduced secondary ladder point checks (LPSC).
Explaining about the new protocol, Jaideep Shenoy, Public Relations Officer at Mangaluru International Airport, said that the secondary ladder point security check involves a second round of frisking. Passengers will first undergo standard checks by the CISF at the security checkpoint. Before boarding the aircraft, either via a boarding bridge or a bus, they will be subjected to an additional frisking by airline staff at the gate. Shenoy emphasized that the LPSC is a standard security measure implemented at all airports.
He also urged travelers to stay updated by checking the airport’s official social media channels for accurate and timely information.
In light of circulating reports regarding restrictions on visitor entry, Shenoy clarified that the entry of visitors into the terminal has always been restricted. Visitors may accompany passengers up to the departure gates or receive them at the arrival gates, as per existing rules.
In an advisory issued on Friday, Mangaluru International Airport urged passengers to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures to accommodate extended security checks, and to cooperate with airport and security personnel.
The airport authorities also urged people not to share any unverified information.
#MangaluruAirport is fully operational, with your safety and comfort as our top priority. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey.
— Mangaluru Airport (@mlrairport) May 9, 2025
Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, from security guidelines to handy dos and don’ts.
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