News Analysis India

Tag: Tamil Nadu

  • Ranji Trophy 2023-24 Quarterfinals Vidarbha Vs Karnataka, Mumbai vs Andhra, TN vs Saurashtra, MP vs Baroda: LIVE Streaming Details, Schedule, Squads | cricket news

    The Ranji Trophy enters its crucial quarterfinal stage with eight teams vying for a spot in the semis. Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Vidarbha, Baroda, Saurashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra have emerged from a pool of 24 contenders, setting the stage for intense clashes.

    In the Mumbai vs Baroda encounter, Mumbai faces the challenge without Shreyas Iyer and Shivam Dube. However, bolstered by U-19 star Musheer Khan, Mumbai relies on Bhupen Lalwani’s form and Mohit Avasthi’s bowling prowess. Despite Baroda’s recent struggles, Mumbai remains the favourite, banking on Prithvi Shaw’s comeback.

    Vidarbha squares off against Karnataka, with Vidarbha missing Faiz Fazal but boosted by Akshay Wadkar and Karun Nair’s form. Aditya Sarwate and Aditya Thakare lead the bowling department. Karnataka, missing Devdutt Padikkal, looks to Manish Pandey and Sharath Srinivas for batting strength.

    Presenting the Quarter-finalists of the @IDFCFIRSTBank #RanjiTrophy _

    Which team are you rooting for _

    __ 23rd to 27th February_ @JioCinema__ https://t.co/pQRlXkCguc pic.twitter.com/0tByOrXvFz — BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 19, 2024

    Saurashtra, led by Cheteshwar Pujara, faces Tamil Nadu, with Dharmendrasinh Jadeja leading the bowling attack. Tamil Nadu relies on Narayan Jagadeesan and Baba Indrajith’s batting prowess, backed by spinners R Sai Kishore and S Ajith Ram.

    Madhya Pradesh confronts Andhra, with Ricky Bhui in stellar batting form for Andhra and Hanuma Vihari providing support. Venkatesh Iyer and Kumar Kartikeya lead MP’s batting lineup. Andhra enters the match unbeaten, while MP relies on home advantage.

    In these quarterfinal clashes, teams tread cautiously, aware that even the slightest misstep can lead to elimination. The battle for semifinal berths promises excitement and high stakes cricket across India.

    Ranji Trophy 2023-24 knockout schedule

    Quarterfinal 1: Vidarbha vs Karnataka – February 23-27, 2023 Venue: Civil Line Stadium, Nagpur

    Quarterfinal 2: Mumbai vs Baroda – February 23-27, 2023 Venue: BKC Ground, Mumbai

    Quarterfinal 3: Tamil Nadu vs Saurashtra – February 23-27, 2023 Venue: Sri Ramakrishnan College, Coimbatore

    Quarterfinal 4: Madhya Pradesh vs Andhra – February 23-27, 2023 Venue: Holkar Stadium, Indore

    Semifinal 1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF4 – March 2-6, 2023 Venue: TBD

    Semifinal 2: Winner QF2 vs Winner QF3 – March 2-6, 2023 Venue: TBD

    Final: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 – March 10-14, 2023 Venue: TBD

    Ranji Trophy Quarter-finals live streaming

    The Ranji Trophy 2023-24 quarterfinals will be streamed live on JioCinema app and its website.

    Ranji Trophy Quarter-finals: All teams and squads

    Karnataka Squad: Ravikumar Samarth, Mayank Agarwal(c), Nikin Jose, Hardik Raj, Manish Pandey, Srinivas Sharath(w), Vijaykumar Vyshak, Aneesh KV, Muralidhara Venkatesh, Shashi Kumar K, Vasuki Koushik, Dega Nischal, Prasidh Krishna, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Kishan Bedare, Shubhang Hegde, Sujay Sateri, Rohit Kumar

    Vidarbha Squad: Faiz Fazal, Dhruv Shorey, Atharva Taide, Karun Nair, Akshay Wadkar(w/c), Yash Rathod, Aditya Sarwate, Akshay Wakhare, Yash Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Aditya Thakare, Mohit Kale, Harsh Dubey, Lalit M Yadav. , Jitesh Sharma, Sanjay Raghunath, Rajneesh Gurbani, Siddhesh Wath, Darshan Nalkande, Shubham Dubey

    Mumbai Squad: Prithvi Shaw, Bhupen Lalwani, Hardik Tamore(w), Ajinkya Rahane(c), Suryansh Shedge, Shivam Dube, Shams Mulani, Shardul Thakur, Tanush Kotian, Mohit Avasthi, Tushar Deshpande, Dhawal Kulkarni, Royston Dias, Jay Gokul. Bista, Atharva Ankolekar, Prasad Pawar, Amogh Bhatkal, Shreyas Iyer, Suved Parkar, Sylvester DSouza

    Baroda Squad: Jyotsnil Singh, Pratyush Kumar, Shashwat Rawat, Vishnu Solanki(c), Shivalik Sharma, Mitesh Patel(w), Abhimanyu Singh Rajput, Atit Sheth, Mahesh Pithiya, Bhargav Bhatt, Kinit Patel, Akash Maharaj Singh, Soyeb Sopariya, Shivang Sane, Ninad Rathva, Krunal Pandya, Babashafi Pathan, Lukman Meriwala

    Tamil Nadu Squad: Suresh Lokeshwar, N Jagadeesan(w), Pradosh Paul, Baba Indrajith, Mohamed Ali, Vijay Shankar, RS Mokit Hariharan, M Mohammed, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), S Ajith Ram, Sandeep Warrier, T Natarajan, Trilok Nag, Kuldeep Sen, Vimal Khumar, Ajay Krishna, Boopathi Kumar, Sai Sudharsan, B Sachin

    Saurashtra Squad: Kevin Jivrajani, Harvik Desai(w), Sheldon Jackson, Cheteshwar Pujara, Arpit Vasavada(c), Prerak Mankad, Chirag Jani, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Yuvrajsinh Dodiya, Parth Bhut, Chetan Sakariya, Vishvaraj Jadeja, Jaydev Unadkat, Snell Patel , Devang Karamta, Ankur Panwar, Aditya Jadeja

    Andhra Squad: Revanth Reddy, Maheep Kumar, Ashwin Hebbar, Hanuma Vihari, Ricky Bhui(w/c), Kirdant Karan Shinde, Shaik Rasheed, Shoaib Md Khan, Manish Golamaru, Girinath Reddy, Penmetsa Raju, Prasanth Kumar, Lalith Mohan, Cheepurapalli. Stephen, KV Sasikanth, Uppara Girinath, Prithvi Raj Yarra, CR Gnaneshwar, Nitish Reddy, Kuntrapakam Raj

    Madhya Pradesh Squad: Yash Dubey, Himanshu Mantri(w), Harsh Gawli, Shubham S Sharma(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rishabh Chouhan, Saransh Jain, Kumar Kartikeya, Anubhav Agarwal, Avesh Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, Amarjeet Singh, Aditya Shrivastava, Mihir Hirwani, Aryan Pandey, Sumit Kushwah

  • Fireworks Factory Blast Kills 10, Injures 3 In Tamil Nadu; PM Modi, CM Stalin Announce Ex-Gratia |

    New Delhi: A tragic accident at a fireworks factory in Virudhunagar district claimed the lives of 10 people, including four women, and injured three others on Saturday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin sent two state ministers to oversee the rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives in the blast and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

    The Chief Minister said that the blast occurred suddenly in the chemical mixing room of the firecracker unit in Kundayiruppu village in Vembakottai. He instructed State Revenue Minister K K S S R Ramachandran and Labour Minister C V Ganesan to reach the site immediately and coordinate the relief efforts, according to an official statement.

    #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Drone visuals from Virudhunagar, where 10 people lost their lives in an explosion incident at a firecracker manufacturing unit. pic.twitter.com/EAQ4uHw7TC
    — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024

    The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on ‘X’: “I am deeply saddened by the news of a mishap at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar district. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. I hope the injured recover quickly. The PMNRF will provide Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.”

    The Chief Minister also expressed his grief over the incident and offered his condolences and sympathies to the affected families. He announced a solatium of Rs 3 lakh each for the kin of the dead and Rs one lakh each for the seriously injured.

    The accident happened around 12.30 pm on Saturday in the firecracker factory. “Nine people died on the spot and three were taken to Sivakasi Government Hospital for treatment,” Virudhunagar district Collector V P Jayaseelan said.

    He said that a preliminary enquiry revealed that there was overcrowding in the chemical mixing room and the blast could have been caused by mishandling of the chemical. He said that the factory owner had a valid licence.

    When asked about the cause of the blast, the Collector said “it could have been a human error. We have ordered a detailed enquiry by a team of officials from different departments.”

  • INDIA Bloc: “Votes against BJP must not get split”: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin urges INDIA bloc leaders

    Chennai: Amid the differences within the opposition alliance, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged the INDIA bloc to stay united and make sure that the votes against BJP should not split.

    Speaking at an event in Tiruchirappalli on Friday, MK Stalin said that everyone should have one aim not to allow BJP to come back to power.

    “Everyone should only have one aim- not to allow BJP to come back to power. Votes against BJP must not get split,” he said.Meanwhile, the problems for the opposition’s INDIA bloc to find a common ground for the Lok Sabha elections seem unsolved.

    Earlier after announcing to go solo in Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party announced that they would contest all 90 Assembly seats in Haryana alone.

    “We will contest alone in all 90 assembly seats in Haryana. Regarding the Lok Sabha, we have communicated our stance to the national leadership of our party that we are strong and we can contest the elections in alliance and independently as well. The final decision will be taken by the party leadership,” AAP leader Sushil Gupta said.The reports of CM Nitish Kumar severing his ties with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) and reuniting with the BJP have triggered concerns about the stability of the 17-month-old, six-party Grand Alliance government.Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Friday said that the door can be opened if needed, indicating a possible revival of ties between Nitish Kumar -led JDU.

    “We are keeping an eye on all the developments and if needed an appropriate decision will be taken. No door is permanently closed in politics and the door can be opened if needed…” Sushil Modi said.

    The INDIA bloc is struggling to resolve key challenges including finalising seat-sharing arrangements most importantly deciding on a PM face while the BJP has started executing strategies it laid off in 2023 to secure victory in General elections.

  • PM Modi To Visit Ram Setu’s Origin Point, Perform Puja At Dhanushkodi Temple |

    A day ahead of the Pran Pratishta puja at Ayodhya Ram Temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conclude his temple visits today in Tamil Nadu. PM Modi has been visiting temples linked to Lord Ram for the past few days. He started off from Maharashtra’s Nashik and has visited Kerala and Andhra Pradesh as well. Today, Prime Minister Modi will visit the Arichal Munai point, the point from where the Ram Setu was built at 9:30 am.

    PM Modi will perform puja at Sri Kothandarama Swamy temple at 10.15am. The name Kothandarama means Rama with the bow. It is located in Dhanushkodi. It is said that this is where Ravana’s brother Vibhishana first met Lord Ram and asked him for refuge. Some legends also say that this is the place where Lord Ram conducted the coronation of Vibhishana. Earlier yesterday, the Prime Minister visited Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli and Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram in the southern state. 

    Blessed moments at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. pic.twitter.com/0o0vrlOXUn
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024

    The idol of Lord Ram has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya. The idol of ‘Ram Lalla’ is carved by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. The idol is 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The idol portrays Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus also crafted from the same stone.

    Listening to verses of the Kamba Ramayan at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is an experience I will cherish for my entire life. The fact that this is the very Temple where the great Kamban first publically presented his Ramayan makes it more noteworthy. pic.twitter.com/4Flcq5FlsH
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024

    Ahead of the much-anticipated ‘Pran Pratishta’ event in Ayodhya tomorrow, which is expected to draw nearly 8,000 VIP guests, the Uttar Pradesh police force has significantly enhanced security measures in the temple town. Additional Director General (ADG) Lucknow Zone, Piyush Mordia, stated that security patrols along the Saryu River are being conducted using boats, and aerial surveillance is being carried out through high-flying drones.

    Honoured to have got the opportunity to pray at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Prabhu Sri Ram’s connection with this Temple is long-standing. I feel blessed to have been blessed by the God whom Prabhu Sri Ram also worshipped. pic.twitter.com/0dLqTW3FeR
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024

    “Our police force has arrived in Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Our Police force, which was to come to Ayodhya, has arrived and has also been deployed. The entire police force was briefed together again today. Briefing and debriefing sessions are being conducted daily with officers. Drones which have been deployed in the entire district are also being used for aerial surveillance. Patrolling on the Saryu River is being undertaken through boats,” the senior police officer said. (With ANI inputs)

  • 132 Lok Sabha Seats, Four States: PM Modi’s Spiritual Outreach -Unveiling Strategy Behind BJP’s Southern Quest |

    Lord Ram is worshipped across the country and in many foreign countries as well. Ram Lalla’s consecration ceremony on January 22 will mark his return to Ayodhya after a gap of around 450 years. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the consecration ceremony, he is visiting several temples in the south which has strong connections with Lord Ram. Starting from Maharashtra, PM Modi has so far visited Andhra Pradesh and Kerala as well. 

    Now, he will be visiting various significant temples in Tamil Nadu on 20-21 January. On 20th January, he will participate in a programme at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He will also listen to various scholars reciting verses from the Kamba Ramayanam in this temple. Thereafter, he will reach Rameswaram and perform Darshan and Pooja in Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. On 21st January, the Prime Minister will perform Darshan and Pooja at Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi. Near Dhanushkodi, Prime Minister Modi will also visit Arichal Munai, which is said to be the place from where the Ram Setu was built.

    Maharashtra – 48 Lok Sabha Seats

    Nashik holds significant connections to the Aranya Kand of the Ramayana, the epic where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman resided along the banks of the Godavari River. Notably, it is the locale where Lakshman cut off Surpanakha’s nose. The revered Shree Kala Ram Mandir which PM Modi visited, stands in the Panchavati Area of Nashik, a place deeply intertwined with the events of the Ramayana. Panchavati holds a special significance as it witnessed key episodes of the epic. Lord Ram, accompanied by Sita and Lakshman, spent a considerable time in the Dandakaranya forest, which encompasses the Panchavati region. The legend has it that Lord Ram chose this region for his abode due to the auspicious presence of these five significant trees – Panchvati – five banyan trees. Now, by visiting the temple, PM Modi sent a message to the people of Maharashtra that the Ram Temple is ready for devotees. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and BJP is facing tough competition there due to the NCP-Sena UBT-Congress alliance. 

    Andhra Pradesh – 25 Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh on January 16. PM Modi heard verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan in Telugu and witnessed the tale of Jatayu visually presented through the traditional shadow puppetry art form from Andhra Pradesh known as Tholu Bommalata. Lepakshi’s historical significance is rooted in the Ramayana, as it is believed that the injured bird Jatayu, wounded by Ravana during the abduction of Goddess Sita, descended at this location after an intense battle and attended Mokhsa. Even if the BJP manages to win three to five seats out of 25 in the state, it will be a boost for the saffron party.

    Kerala – 20 Lok Sabha Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala on January 17. PM Modi appealed to people to light Ram Jyoti on January 22 to mark the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. The BJP has significantly increased its vote share in some of the seats including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Attingal seats. Of the 20 seats, the BJP is trying to win at least 3-5 seats with the help of Hindu and Christian voters.

    Tamil Nadu – 39 Lok Sabha Seats

    The BJP has gained significant popularity in the state under state unit chief K Annamalai. Now, with PM Modi’s regular visits and temple darshans, the BJP is trying to carve a niche among the Hindu voters. PM Modi’s popularity clubbed with the dynamism of Annamalai is likely to increase BJP’s vote share. And if this translates into victory, it would mark the saffron party’s south expansion. There are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. 

    With the Lok Sabha elections just three months away, the BJP is working round the clock to increase its vote share in the southern states.

  • IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall In Tamil Nadu, Issues Red Alert For 4 Districts

    IMD has forecasted heavy rainfall over Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi Districts in Tamil Nadu on December 19.

  • SC lists Vedanta’s plea on Sterlite copper unit in Tuticorin for hearing on November 29

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has listed the Vedanta group’s plea related to the closure of its Sterlite copper unit in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin for a hearing on November 29. According to an update on the apex court’s website, the plea of the Vedanta group firm will be heard on November 29.

    On October 9, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had assured the firm’s counsel that it had directed the registrar to allocate “two dedicated dates” for hearing the Vedanta group’s plea.

    “I am well aware of the situation. I have already directed the registrar to allocate two dedicated dates (for hearing),” the CJI had said.

    The top court had, in May, asked the Tamil Nadu government to take appropriate decisions in pursuance of its April 10 direction by which it had allowed the Vedanta group to carry out the upkeep of its Sterlite copper unit in Tuticorin under the supervision of a local-level monitoring committee.

    In its April 10 order, the top court had also allowed the evacuation of the remaining gypsum at the plant and made available the required manpower as requested by the company.

    It had noted that the district collector had not recommended activities, such as undertaking a civil and structural safety integrity assessment study on the plant premises, removal and transportation of spares and equipment and evacuation of in-process reverts and other raw materials lying idle.

    “As regards the actions which were not recommended by the district collector, C S Vaidyanathan, senior counsel appearing on behalf of the state of Tamil Nadu, states that the state government will once again evaluate whether any further or supplementary directions should be issued in that regard,” the top court had noted in its April 10 order.

    During the earlier hearing, the counsel for Tamil Nadu had said steps were already taken to implement the directions contained in one of the paragraphs of the April 10 order, which stated that “as regards those actions which have been permitted to be carried out by the communication dated March 6, 2023, we allow necessary consequential steps to be taken.”

    “We direct that all decisions, which are required to be taken in pursuance of the observations contained in paragraphs four and five of the order dated April 10, 2023, shall be taken by the state of Tamil Nadu on or before June 1, 2023,” the bench had said.

    The apex court had then listed the plea for final disposal on August 22 and 23.

    At least 13 people were killed and many injured on May 22, 2018, when police opened fire on a huge crowd of people protesting against environmental pollution allegedly caused by the copper-smelting unit.

    The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, 2018, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and “permanently” close the mining group’s plant following violent protests over pollution concerns. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has listed the Vedanta group’s plea related to the closure of its Sterlite copper unit in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin for a hearing on November 29. According to an update on the apex court’s website, the plea of the Vedanta group firm will be heard on November 29.

    On October 9, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had assured the firm’s counsel that it had directed the registrar to allocate “two dedicated dates” for hearing the Vedanta group’s plea.

    “I am well aware of the situation. I have already directed the registrar to allocate two dedicated dates (for hearing),” the CJI had said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The top court had, in May, asked the Tamil Nadu government to take appropriate decisions in pursuance of its April 10 direction by which it had allowed the Vedanta group to carry out the upkeep of its Sterlite copper unit in Tuticorin under the supervision of a local-level monitoring committee.

    In its April 10 order, the top court had also allowed the evacuation of the remaining gypsum at the plant and made available the required manpower as requested by the company.

    It had noted that the district collector had not recommended activities, such as undertaking a civil and structural safety integrity assessment study on the plant premises, removal and transportation of spares and equipment and evacuation of in-process reverts and other raw materials lying idle.

    “As regards the actions which were not recommended by the district collector, C S Vaidyanathan, senior counsel appearing on behalf of the state of Tamil Nadu, states that the state government will once again evaluate whether any further or supplementary directions should be issued in that regard,” the top court had noted in its April 10 order.

    During the earlier hearing, the counsel for Tamil Nadu had said steps were already taken to implement the directions contained in one of the paragraphs of the April 10 order, which stated that “as regards those actions which have been permitted to be carried out by the communication dated March 6, 2023, we allow necessary consequential steps to be taken.”

    “We direct that all decisions, which are required to be taken in pursuance of the observations contained in paragraphs four and five of the order dated April 10, 2023, shall be taken by the state of Tamil Nadu on or before June 1, 2023,” the bench had said.

    The apex court had then listed the plea for final disposal on August 22 and 23.

    At least 13 people were killed and many injured on May 22, 2018, when police opened fire on a huge crowd of people protesting against environmental pollution allegedly caused by the copper-smelting unit.

    The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, 2018, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and “permanently” close the mining group’s plant following violent protests over pollution concerns. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Apex court directs TN to mention its water plea on August 21 

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court directed the  Tamil Nadu government to mention its plea seeking to direct the Karnataka government to forthwith release from its reservoirs 24000 cusecs of water commencing from August 14, 2023, to meet the pressing demands of standing crops in the state, on Monday. 

    The plea was mentioned by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi before a bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud on Friday. Urging the court to list its plea in the Cauvery water dispute, Rohatgi said that the standing crops in delta districts need water urgently. Considering the counsel’s request, the bench directs them to mention it on Monday.

    READ MORE: Cauvery row: TN govt urges SC to direct Karnataka govt to release due share of water

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court directed the  Tamil Nadu government to mention its plea seeking to direct the Karnataka government to forthwith release from its reservoirs 24000 cusecs of water commencing from August 14, 2023, to meet the pressing demands of standing crops in the state, on Monday. 

    The plea was mentioned by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi before a bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud on Friday. Urging the court to list its plea in the Cauvery water dispute, Rohatgi said that the standing crops in delta districts need water urgently. Considering the counsel’s request, the bench directs them to mention it on Monday.

    READ MORE: Cauvery row: TN govt urges SC to direct Karnataka govt to release due share of watergoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

  • Historical ‘Sengol’ from Tamil Nadu to be installed in new Parliament: Amit Shah

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: ‘Sengol’, a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu, which was received by first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to represent the transfer of power from the British and was kept in a museum in Allahabad will be installed in the new Parliament building to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Wednesday.

    Shah said the purpose of the installation was clear then and even now.

    He said that the transfer of power is not merely a handshake or signing a document and that it must remain connected with local traditions keeping in mind modern needs.

    “Sengol represents the same feeling that Jawaharlal Nehru felt on August 14, 1947,” he said.

    The Home Minister said that the new Parliament building is an example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s far-sightedness. He said the Prime Minister will honour 7,000 workers (shram yogis) on the inauguration.

    Shah said invitations for the inauguration of the new Parliament Building were sent to all political parties who were free to act according to their wisdom.

    ‘Reconsider decision to boycott inauguration’

    Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday termed the decision taken by 19 opposition parties to boycott the inauguration ceremony as “unfortunate” and urged them to reconsider their stand.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new Parliament building on Sunday.

    The opposition parties contend that President Droupadi Murmu should do the honours as she was not only the Head of State, but also an integral part of Parliament as she summons, prorogues, and addresses it.

    “Boycotting and making an issue out of a non-issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join the function,” Joshi told reporters here on the sidelines of a national workshop on the National e-Vidhan Application.

    Joshi said the Lok Sabha Speaker was the custodian of Parliament and he has extended an invitation to the prime minister to inaugurate the building.

    NEW DELHI: ‘Sengol’, a historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu, which was received by first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to represent the transfer of power from the British and was kept in a museum in Allahabad will be installed in the new Parliament building to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Wednesday.

    Shah said the purpose of the installation was clear then and even now.

    He said that the transfer of power is not merely a handshake or signing a document and that it must remain connected with local traditions keeping in mind modern needs.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Sengol represents the same feeling that Jawaharlal Nehru felt on August 14, 1947,” he said.

    The Home Minister said that the new Parliament building is an example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s far-sightedness. He said the Prime Minister will honour 7,000 workers (shram yogis) on the inauguration.

    Shah said invitations for the inauguration of the new Parliament Building were sent to all political parties who were free to act according to their wisdom.

    ‘Reconsider decision to boycott inauguration’

    Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday termed the decision taken by 19 opposition parties to boycott the inauguration ceremony as “unfortunate” and urged them to reconsider their stand.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new Parliament building on Sunday.

    The opposition parties contend that President Droupadi Murmu should do the honours as she was not only the Head of State, but also an integral part of Parliament as she summons, prorogues, and addresses it.

    “Boycotting and making an issue out of a non-issue is most unfortunate. I appeal to them to reconsider their decision and join the function,” Joshi told reporters here on the sidelines of a national workshop on the National e-Vidhan Application.

    Joshi said the Lok Sabha Speaker was the custodian of Parliament and he has extended an invitation to the prime minister to inaugurate the building.

  • Two years of Stalin government: For women, free bus rides and much more

    The DMK government led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched many schemes for the welfare of women.

    MK Stalin first assumed the office of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on May 7 after winning a majority in the 2021 Legislative Assembly elections. Shortly after taking charge as Chief Minister, he cleared five important initiatives, including free bus rides for women.

    The DMK government, which continuously announces and implements important programs in various sectors, has introduced many important programs for women that have all been well received.

    The CM has mentioned on many occasions that the DMK government will proactively work for women’s rights and that women will soon achieve equality with men in the state.

    A look at some of the key measures and achievements:

    Free bus rides

    The free bus ride for women has probably been the most-talked-about measure in the last two years. Many working women have hailed the move and said it has helped them enormously.

    Last February, Transport Minister SS Sivasankar said that till then he free bus travel scheme had benefitted women 233 crore 71 lakh times and an average of 40 lakh free tickets were being issued every day.

    Monthly assistance

    The government will be rolling out the much-expected Rs 1000 honorarium for ‘eligible’ women heads of households in September.

    Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme

    The Rs 1,000 cash incentive given to girl students pursuing higher education under the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme is being credited to their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

    Rs 30,000 crore for loans women self-help groups

    A massive Rs 30,000 crore has been allocated for loans to be given to women self-help groups

    ALSO READ | ‘Self-less’ help group that saved village from clutches of usury

    First female odhuvar

    Suhanjana is now the only female odhuvar and is now at the Thenupureeswar temple at Madambakkam in Chengalpattu district.

    Maternity leave

    Recognizing the importance of motherhood, the Tamil Nadu government announced in March last year that paid maternity leave for women would be increased from 9 to 12 months. It is noteworthy that the Madras High Court welcomed this.

    Increased reservation for women in state jobs

    The 2021-22 budget increased the current reservation for women in state jobs from 30 per cent to 40 per cent.

    The DMK government led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched many schemes for the welfare of women.

    MK Stalin first assumed the office of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on May 7 after winning a majority in the 2021 Legislative Assembly elections. Shortly after taking charge as Chief Minister, he cleared five important initiatives, including free bus rides for women.

    The DMK government, which continuously announces and implements important programs in various sectors, has introduced many important programs for women that have all been well received.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The CM has mentioned on many occasions that the DMK government will proactively work for women’s rights and that women will soon achieve equality with men in the state.

    A look at some of the key measures and achievements:

    Free bus rides

    The free bus ride for women has probably been the most-talked-about measure in the last two years. Many working women have hailed the move and said it has helped them enormously.

    Last February, Transport Minister SS Sivasankar said that till then he free bus travel scheme had benefitted women 233 crore 71 lakh times and an average of 40 lakh free tickets were being issued every day.

    Monthly assistance

    The government will be rolling out the much-expected Rs 1000 honorarium for ‘eligible’ women heads of households in September.

    Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme

    The Rs 1,000 cash incentive given to girl students pursuing higher education under the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme is being credited to their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

    Rs 30,000 crore for loans women self-help groups

    A massive Rs 30,000 crore has been allocated for loans to be given to women self-help groups

    ALSO READ | ‘Self-less’ help group that saved village from clutches of usury

    First female odhuvar

    Suhanjana is now the only female odhuvar and is now at the Thenupureeswar temple at Madambakkam in Chengalpattu district.

    Maternity leave

    Recognizing the importance of motherhood, the Tamil Nadu government announced in March last year that paid maternity leave for women would be increased from 9 to 12 months. It is noteworthy that the Madras High Court welcomed this.

    Increased reservation for women in state jobs

    The 2021-22 budget increased the current reservation for women in state jobs from 30 per cent to 40 per cent.