India extends invitation to Maldives President amid strained ties
plans grand welcome for swearing-in ceremony
New Delhi is gearing up to host a grand swearing-in ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term, with a notable guest list including Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Despite strained relations since Muizzu assumed office last November, India has extended an invitation, signaling a diplomatic gesture towards improving ties.
Muizzu's presidency saw a departure from traditional diplomatic protocols, with his initial visits to Turkey and China instead of India. However, India's invitation marks his first official visit to the country since taking office.
The invitation comes amidst past tensions, as Muizzu had criticized India during his election campaign and called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives. Since then, all Indian armed forces have left the nation.
Acknowledging the invitation, Muizzu expressed gratitude to PM Modi and emphasized his commitment to strengthening ties with India. The upcoming ceremony will not only witness Muizzu's attendance but also that of other South Asian leaders, reaffirming India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
