Latest news with #Angara
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd vows accountability, clean hiring, no ‘pay-for-position'
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reaffirmed its zero tolerance policy against "pay-for-position" schemes, condemning all forms of corruption involving appointments, promotions, and designations within the agency. In a statement, DepEd emphasized that all personnel movements must be based strictly on merit, fitness, and competence, in line with civil service laws and established rules. 'Any act of soliciting, offering, or receiving money, favors, or undue advantage in exchange for an appointment, promotion, or reassignment is a grave offense,' the agency warned, noting that such acts are punishable under Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and may lead to administrative, civil, and criminal penalties. The department called on educators, staff, and the public to report any such corrupt practices directly to the Office of the Secretary, the DepEd Central Office, or law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)and the Philippine National Police (PNP). 'The Department guarantees that all complaints will be treated with strict confidentiality,' the statement read, adding that whistleblowers will be protected through appropriate safeguards. In a separate message, Education Secretary Sonny Angara gave a firm warning against individuals exploiting the system for personal gain. 'Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, hindi ko pahihintulutan ang anumang uri ng katiwalian sa loob ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, kasama diyan ang mga nababalitang pagbebenta ng posisyon o pagtanggap ng kapalit para sa trabaho, promosyon, o puwesto,' Angara said. (Under my leadership, I will not tolerate any form of corruption within the Department of Education, including reports of selling positions or receiving favors in exchange for jobs, promotions, or assignments.) 'Hindi makatarungan na may mga gustong paikliin ang proseso kapalit ng pera o impluwensiya, habang dumadaan ang karamihan sa maayos, patas, at legal na paraan. Dapat tayo ay may kakayahan, integridad, at malasakit sa bansa at kabataang Pilipino,' he added. (It is unjust that some people try to shortcut the process using money or influence, while others go through it fairly and legally. We must be guided by competence, integrity, and compassion for our country and the Filipino youth.) 'Kung may sinumang lalabag, asahan ninyong hindi kami magdadalawang-isip na isuplong sila sa kinakaukulan. Papanagutin sila ng ating batas at papatawan ng nararapat na parusa,' Angara said. (If anyone violates this, you can be sure we will not hesitate to report them to the authorities. They will be held accountable and punished under the law.) DepEd urged all its personnel to remain vigilant and uphold the values of integrity and professionalism, stressing: 'Positions in the Department are earned—not bought." — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd has opening for 20,000 new teachers, says Angara
The positions—Teacher I, Special Needs Education Teacher (SNET), and Special Science Teacher I—will be distributed to all regions based on school directories, enrollment data, and validated teacher shortages. The Department of Education (DepEd) is looking to hire more new teachers after the Department of Budget Management approved 20,000 new teaching positions for School Year 2025 to 2026. In a press statement, the agency said the move was aligned with President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen the country's education system by ensuring that every learner has access to a qualified teacher. The positions—Teacher I, Special Needs Education Teacher (SNET), and Special Science Teacher I—will be distributed to all regions based on school directories, enrollment data, and validated teacher shortages. The biggest allocations are headed to Region IV-A with 2,655 items, followed by Region III with 2,152 and Region VII with 1,774. 'Sa 20,000 bagong teaching items, may 20,000 bagong pagkakataon para maabot ang mas maraming learners, maibsan ang bigat ng trabaho ng mga existing teachers, at mapaganda ang learning delivery sa field,' Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said. (With 20,000 new teaching items, there are 20,000 new opportunities to reach more learners, ease the workload of existing teachers, and improve learning delivery in the field.) 'Hindi lang ito tungkol sa dami. Ang mahalaga, mas marami ang buong pusong magseserbisyo para batang Pilipino.' (This is not just about numbers. What matters is that more will serve with full dedication to Filipino children.) The announcement comes as DepEd records major progress in teacher deployment. From August 2024 to April 2025, the number of unfilled teaching positions nationwide dropped from 72,964 to 38,862. The national filling rate has risen to 96.03%—up from 94.78% in 2022. To ensure faster deployment, Notices of Organization, Staffing, and Classification Action (NOSCAs) are now being sent directly by DBM Regional Offices to Schools Division Offices (SDOs) for Kindergarten, Elementary, and Senior High School positions, and to Implementing Units (IUs) for Junior High School positions. Appointments will be made quickly based on existing Comparative Assessment Result – Registry of Qualified Applicants (CAR-RQA). 'Bawat bakanteng posisyon ay sayang na oportunidad para sa mga bata. Kaya ginagawa namin ang lahat para ma-close ang gap na 'to. Hindi lang sa mabilis na hiring, kundi sa mas maayos at matalinong pag-deploy,' Angara said. (Every vacant post is a missed opportunity for our children. That's why we're doing everything to close this gap—not just through faster hiring, but through smarter and more effective deployment.) The 20,000 newly approved positions are part of a broader education reform push under Angara's leadership. These reforms include raising the annual teaching allowance to P10,000, streamlining workloads and paperwork, and expanding promotion opportunities through the new Career Progression System. With the deployment of new teachers already underway, DepEd expects a stronger presence of educators in classrooms across the country, improved delivery of education, and a more equitable learning environment in the coming school year. –NB, GMA Integrated News
NDTV
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Is Bridal Jewellery All About The Big Rocks Now?
Are you a modern Indian bride-to-be who has said yes to the proposal and to your wedding dress? The obvious next step is picking the jewellery to add all the sparkles to your look for the big day. What are you inclining towards taking the traditional Indian path of the good old gold and kundan jewels or the one leading to carats worth of shimmer and shine in the form of on-trend gemstones encrusted wedding jewellery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KIARA (@kiaraaliaadvani) Whether it is the OG engagement ring, or the bridal jewellery trousseau; what are the contemporary Indian brides opting for? Are they going the gemstones route taken by many a celebrity in the recent years such as Kiara Advani, Parineeti Chopra, Nayanthara and more? Or are they wanting to take the gold jewellery route? Well, if the road taken is that of the gemstones, let us decode if it is all about the big rocks for the new-age brides or are they going for a different aesthetic? View this post on Instagram A post shared by @parineetichopra NDTV spoke to jewellery industry stalwart and designer, Sunita Shekhawat, and other leading jewellers including Angara, Craftier, Golubhai Badalia Diamonds, Akoirah and more to decode if today's bridal jewellery is all about big rocks being worn as a status symbol or do these choices resound with their tastes as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Every Girl Dreams Of The Big Solitaire As A Wedding Ring, How Has This Trend Stayed Timeless? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunita Shekhawat (@sunita_shekhawat_jaipur) Sunita Shekhawat, who helms Sunita Shekhawat Jaipur, tells NDTV, "I personally feel solitaire has stayed timeless because it represents purity, commitment, and individuality. It's elegance lies in its simplicity, making it just as relevant for the modern bride as it was for generations past. Whether set in classic gold or paired with traditional meenakari, it remains a powerful symbol of love that transcends trends." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunita Shekhawat (@sunita_shekhawat_jaipur) Aditi Daga, co-founder of Angara, seconds Sunita Shekhawat's opinion, "The solitaire is classic because it's versatile and symbolic. Brides still choose it, but today they're looking for more value and personalisation." Namrata Kothari, founder at Akoirah by Augmont, is of the same opinion as well, "The solitaire ring remains a timeless classic because it symbolizes simplicity, elegance, and the commitment that comes with marriage. Its understated design is universally loved and has always been a symbol of eternal love." Achal Gupta, jewellery designer and founder Craftier, too says, "There's a reason the solitaire has maintained its position in the heart of every bride-to-be. The solitaire is a timeless, elegant setting informing all-time commitment. Today, with lab-grown solitaires brides can own that dream, having it beautifully made with consciousness." Golu Bhai and Ishmita Badalia founders of Golubhai Badalia Diamonds, tells NDTV, "A solitaire isn't just a ring; it's a sentiment of a promise cast in brilliance. The timeless appeal of the solitaire lies in its purity and symbolism. Brides may evolve, styles may shift, but the big solitaire remains the ultimate emblem of enduring love." That is a unanimous industry wide opinion, we must say. The Shift From Gold And Kundan Jewels To Gemstone Heavy Jewellery Is Real. What Do The Contemporary Brides Want As Their Bridal Jewels? Sunita Shekhawat expresses her opinion on the shift and the preferences of the modern-day brides, "Today's brides are looking for jewellery that tells a personal story. While traditional gold and kundan will always hold a place of pride, contemporary brides are embracing gemstones bases their colour and individuality. They want sets that are versatile, something they can wear beyond the wedding day, that reflects their personality while still honouring heritage." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunita Shekhawat (@sunita_shekhawat_jaipur) Aditi Daga is coincidentally of the same opinion again, "Brides want jewellery that feels personal, intentional, and wearable beyond the wedding day. There's a move away from bulky sets toward modular, high-impact pieces like stackable gemstone rings, or layered necklaces with mixed cuts and textures. We've seen strong demand for gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds in bridal orders, especially pieces that can be worn again at receptions, anniversaries, or even as daily heirlooms." This expresses how the new-age brides pick pieces that mirror their stories and opt for jewellery that are wearable beyond their wedding day. Do The Brides Of Today Prefer A Certain Gemstone Such As Emeralds Or Diamonds Over The Others? Sunita Shekhawat tells NDTV what the brides of today prefer in terms of gemstones. "Coloured stones are becoming a quiet favourite amongst contemporary brides. They present a unique blend of rarity, luxury, and personal expression. Brides today are looking beyond the traditional they want something meaningful and distinctive. Naturally sourced coloured diamonds, with their subtle hues and timeless appeal, fit beautifully into that vision. They're elegant, expressive, and truly one-of-a-kind-just like the modern bride." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunita Shekhawat (@sunita_shekhawat_jaipur) Anchal Gupta also shares a similar point of view that diamonds are a bride's first choice. "No other gemstone replicates the brilliance and emotional value of a diamond; but emeralds and sapphires are on the rise, especially among brides looking for that exceptional touch with their bridal attire, all-the-while being mindful of sourcing." Are The Size And Carats Of Gemstones Becoming A Symbol Of The Price Tag Attached To Them? Or Is There An Aesthetic Element Involved When Young Brides Look For Their Wedding Jewellery? Sunita Shekhawat tells NDTV that contemporary brides rate the emotional value their jewellery over their carats and size. 'While size and carat still carry a certain prestige, brides are far more attuned to the aesthetic and emotional value of their jewellery. They want pieces that reflect their personality, not just their price tag. The craftsmanship, design, and how a jewel complements their style matter just as much, if not more than the weight or size of the gemstone. At our atelier, we often see young brides choosing refined, thoughtfully designed pieces where the beauty lies in detail, colour, and hentage. For them, it's about how the jewellery feels, not just how much it weighs.' Aditi Daga adds her opinion, "For today's brides, aesthetics and meaning often outweigh just carat size. While size can influence price, it's no longer the sole marker of value. Many brides are now asking smarter questions about origin, treatment, quality, and craftsmanship." How Have Gemstones Set Bridal Jewellery Trends In The Recent Years? Sunita Shekhawat tells NDTV how gemstones can be credited with refreshing the bridal jewellery trends, "Gemstones have brought a fresh vibrancy to bridal jewellery, Brides today are moving beyond all-gold looks and embracing colour-deep emeralds, royal blues, and soft pastels. These stones add personality, emotion, and a sense of individuality, making each bridal look truly unique, It's a beautiful shift toward meaningful luxury." Golu Bhai and Ishmita Badalia express a similar opinion, "Gemstones have diversified bridal palettes, but diamonds continue to dictate the bridal aesthetic. Solitaire engagement rings, chandelier diamond earrings, and layered diamond necklaces remain at the forefront, occasionally accented by coloured stones." Has Kareena Kapoor's Solitaire Wedding Ring Become A Cult Symbol For The Brides Of Today To Get Similar Wedding Rings? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) Sunita Shekhawat completely agrees, "Kareena Kapoor's solitaire ring definitely sparked admiration and set a trend, especially among modern brides who appreciate timeless elegance. The solitaire's simplicity combined with its classic appeal makes it a coveted choice. While each bride wants something unique, Kareena's ring has certainly inspired many to embrace understated sophistication in their wedding jewellery." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunita Shekhawat (@sunita_shekhawat_jaipur) Aditi Daga tells NDTV a different tale on this matter, "It probably set a benchmark for clean, classic design. But today's brides want more than replication. Many still gravitate toward solitaire silhouettes, but they're adding personal touches like hidden halos, coloured side stones, vintage-inspired galleries, and meaningful engravings." Speaking of Celebrities, Comment On How Gemstones Are Taking Centre stage on International Red Carpet View this post on Instagram A post shared by BVLGARI Official (@bvlgari) Aditi Daga tells NDTV, "What we're seeing on global red carpets is a return to jewellery with soul. Gemstones are stepping into the spotlight not just for their beauty, but for their power to communicate individuality, heritage and intention. When Priyanka adorns herself in emeralds or when Diljit pairs a s herwani with emeralds and tourmalines, it's not just fashion. It's storytelling. These choices reflect a deeper cultural confidence and a desire for luxury that feels personal rather than prescribed." View this post on Instagram A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) Golu Bhai and Ishmita Badalia also say, "The MET Gala 2025 was nothing short of a gemstone spectacle. From Priyanka's breathtaking emerald-studded neckpiece to Diljit's diamond-dripped ensemble, one thing was clear-bigger is back. Even celebrities are now leaning into the grandeur of high-carat diamonds. It's not just Hollywood; Bollywood too has caught the fever. Diamonds have officially become the craze of the century, and it's refreshing to see Indian stars take the global stage with unapologetic sparkle. The era of minimalism has made way for maximalism-with diamonds leading the charge." Just Like Gold Jewellery, Do These Gemstones Jewels Hold And Grow in Value Or Are Breaking Your Bank? Sunita Shekhawat tells NDTV about the intricacy of investing in gemstones as bridal jewels, "Gemstones, when carefully chosen for quality and rarity, can indeed hold and even appreciate in value over time-much like gold. However, the key is understanding their origin, craftsmanship, and market demand. While some pieces may be an investment, others are meant to be cherished for their beauty and personal meaning rather than financial return. So, it's about balancing passion with prudence." Aditi Daga keeps it short and sweet and opines the same, "Rare gemstones do hold value and are appreciating assets." Top Three Gemstones For The Contemporary Indian Bride Sunita Shekhawat says, "For the modern Indian bride, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires remain timeless favourites. Emeralds bring a fresh vibrancy and symbolise prosperity, rubies exude passion and strength, while sapphires add a touch of royal elegance. Together, they beautifully blend tradition with contemporary style." Achal Gupta adds, "Well, without any doubt big solitaire diamonds, vintage-inspired sapphires, and rich emeralds for contrast are the top three gemstones. Together, they create a bridal palette that's classy, elegant, versatile, and forward-thinking." Conclusive Take On The Future Of Gemstones And Indian Brides Sunita Shekhawat says that the contemporary brides lean towards expression of their individuality over opting for gemstones as status symbols, "Indian brides today crave individuality, sustainability, and stories behind every stone. Gemstones will no longer just be symbols of status but powerful expressions of identity and values. Expect a surge in ethically sourced gems, bold colour combinations, and personalised designs that break the mold-making every bridal piece as unique as the bride herself." Golu Bhai and Ishmita Badalia add a different point of view, "The future is brilliant and undeniably diamond studded. As Indian brides seek luxury with meaning, we foresee solitaires and standout diamonds continuing to dominate, with accent gemstones adding flair. It's the age of bold elegance, and the big rock is here to stay." Let us be honest, the brides of today follow the 'all that sparkles is a big rock' jewellery mantra while following their hearts desires and aesthetics alike.
Saba Yemen
19-06-2025
- Science
- Saba Yemen
Russia Successfully Launches "Angara-A5" Rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome
Moscow - Saba: The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the heavy-lift "Angara-A5" rocket was successfully launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, carrying a spacecraft on board. "On June 19, 2025, the Angara-A5 launch vehicle, carrying a spacecraft, was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome (Arkhangelsk region) on behalf of the Russian Ministry of Defense," the statement said. The statement noted that this marks the tenth launch in the history of the Angara rocket series. Since 2014, five light "Angara-1.2" rockets and three heavy "Angara-A5" rockets have been launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Additionally, another heavy rocket was launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in April 2024. The Russian state space agency "Roscosmos" has signed a government contract with the Khrunichev Center for the production of three "Angara-A5M" rockets, which are intended for launching modules of the new Russian space station, according to a statement from the agency. The statement, dated June 6, mentioned that the upgraded version will be capable of placing spacecraft weighing up to 27 tons into orbit, compared to the standard Angara-A5, which can carry only up to 24 tons. Roscosmos also stated that the Angara-A5M will be adapted in the future for launching crewed spacecraft. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Filipino Times
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos echoes frustration over Senior High School, says system has ‘no advantage'
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. expressed frustration with the current Senior High School (SHS) curriculum under the K to 12 program, saying it burdens parents financially without offering clear benefits to students. In the latest episode of the BBM Podcast, Marcos responded to Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada's call to reassess the basic education system by possibly removing SHS. Marcos said Estrada's concern reflects his own sentiments. 'It's costing parents more because of the additional two years, and there's no clear advantage. SHS graduates still struggle to find jobs,' Marcos said in Filipino. While noting that Congress holds the authority to amend or repeal the law mandating K to 12, the President said that improvements must continue in the meantime. 'I told Secretary Sonny Angara: let's improve it as much as we can while it's still in place,' he added. Education Secretary Angara recently admitted shortcomings in SHS implementation over the past decade. He cited an overloaded curriculum and limited student choice as key issues. 'There were too many subjects, and students were boxed in. They couldn't choose what subjects to take,' Angara said. Still, he emphasized that only Congress can decide the future of the SHS program. In August 2024, Marcos ordered a review and rationalization of the SHS curriculum to ensure graduates are better equipped for high-quality employment.
