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Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Derek O'Brien writes: Unseeing the Northeast
'Even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don't even open properly' — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, May 27. If the Prime Minister of India can propagate a hurtful stereotype against the 4.5 crore people living in Northeast India, are you surprised that fellow Indian citizens in the Northeast are labelled? Many have borne the brunt of racial prejudice and violence for decades. In 2014, the Bezbaruah Committee was formed after a teenage student from Arunachal Pradesh was assaulted and killed in Delhi. The Committee quoted a research report which found that nine out of 10 people from the Northeast faced racial discrimination in Indian metros. Another report quoted revealed that two out of three women from the Northeast frequently suffered various forms of discrimination. The most recent instance was the tragedy of the Meghalaya honeymoon which dominated news cycles till the heartbreaking catastrophe in Ahmedabad took over. Unsubstantiated facts and fabricated reports started doing the rounds on social media, running down a state which has so many natural gems: Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawsmai Cave and more. There was a concerted campaign to denigrate not just Meghalaya, but the whole of Northeast India. Vile messages, from targeting dietary habits to social customs, physical appearance to language, nothing was off bounds. There is little official data in the public domain to showcase the important role played by people from Northeast India, especially in the hospitality, aviation, and health sectors. Data from National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in 2020 suggests that one out of four women migrants from Northeastern India are engaged in the hospitality sector. Five years on, this figure might well be even higher. It also reveals that most are in jobs that are low-paid, informal, and devoid of social security benefits. I have an old connection and a special fondness for the Northeast. In 1991, I quit my job in advertising and started hosting quiz shows. During the first few years, these quizzes were held in cities across the Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong, Kohima, Imphal, Dimapur, and many more. These events were organised to promote a brand of instant noodles, which had a large market share in those parts. My professional fee for each show was Rs 2,500. Flights, trains, buses, mostly car rides — this was a beautiful opportunity to get to discover so much. To learn. To understand. To meet folks who were always welcoming. So it really stings to see people typecasting citizens from the Northeast. While writing this piece, I spoke to Tonshimla Leisan, a 30-year-old woman from Manipur, working as cabin crew in a reputed airline. Here is what she told me, 'A year ago, a group of youngsters kept looking at me and my mother in the Delhi Metro and kept laughing and I overheard them saying 'Chinese, Chi***es'. In the workplace, making a mockery of our unique names by our colleagues is another challenge we have to face. Many passengers motivate us for our hardworking and resilient nature, but others often try to put us down'. Two of the cabin crew members on Air India flight AI171, Lamnunthem Singson and Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma, were from Manipur. Lamnunthem from the Kuki-Zo community, Kongbrailatpam from the Meitei community. It did not matter who was Kuki and who was Meitei. Manipur was united in grief. Bias and othering of residents of the Eight Sisters (states) increased manifold during the pandemic. A study by the Centre for Criminology and Victimology at the National Law University, Delhi, commissioned by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) in 2021 on racial discrimination against people from the Northeast found that 'Northeast India seamlessly fits Indians' imagination of a Chinese person' and that they 'faced an increased number of acts of hate and prejudices against them'. In the recent past, Manipur was discussed twice in Parliament. Once, when opposition parties compelled the Union government to discuss the issue by moving a No Confidence Motion in 2023, and once, through the night in April 2025. Here is what Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, said on the floor of the House in April this year: 'President's Rule was imposed on 13 February 2025, zero violence in November, zero violence in December, zero violence in January, zero violence till 13 March and zero violence since then till today. So we should not try to create misconceptions.' Soon before the Home Minister spoke, here is what your columnist said in the Rajya Sabha: '3,80,000 kilometres. In the last 22 months, it is the distance the Prime Minister of India has travelled nationally and internationally. That is also the distance from Planet Earth to the Moon! But the Prime Minister could not take a flight to Manipur, just 2,400 kilometres away. We are discussing this in Parliament in the dead of night — at three in the morning. No TV channels, no prime time. Look at Manipur straight in the eye during the day.' The writer is MP and leader, All India Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party (Rajya Sabha). Additional research: Ayashman Dey
Business Recorder
21 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PD tells NA body Rs2.50/litre carbon levy to apply from July 1
ISLAMABAD: Petroleum Division Thursday informed National Assembly's Standing Committee on Finance that the carbon levy of Rs2.50 per litre will be imposed on petroleum products from July 1, 2025. Senior officials from the Petroleum Division informed that at present, petroleum levy stands at Rs77/litre on high-speed diesel (HSD) and Rs78.02/litre on petrol. The government plans to cap it at Rs90/litre. Furnace oil, while phased out from public power plants, continues to be used by IPPs (Independent Power Producers). The government plans to borrow Rs1.275 trillion from commercial banks at a rate 0.9 per cent below the three-month KIBOR to retire existing power-related debts. Rs77 per litre PL on furnace oil likely 'This will eliminate IPPs and Power Holding Company liabilities in six years,' the secretary power division said, adding that Rs683 billion will go toward Power Holding Company dues alone, with Rs323 billion repaid annually. The surcharge of Rs3.23/unit will not apply to lifeline consumers, who continue to receive subsidised rates, he stated. The Committee considered the Amendments in the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Levy) Ordinance,1961. The Committee approved the proposed amendments in principle, with the observation that the Ministry shall brief the Committee on the issue of whether the proposed measure should be classified as a levy or a tax. Committee Chairman Naveed Qamar clarified the recommendation for solar taxation originated from the National Assembly panel, not the Senate, refuting member Mubeen Arif's claim. 'It was our recommendation, not the Senate's,' he asserted. Earlier, Qamar recalled, the committee had suggested avoiding any tax on solar to promote renewable energy. The committee also discussed plans to boost electric vehicle (EV) production as per global climate commitments. While Pakistan currently has 76,000 EVs, officials aim to raise production to 2.2 million in five years, mostly comprising electric motorcycles. However, concerns arose as officials revealed the government plans to finance EV subsidies by levying new taxes on vehicle buyers. According to the Industries Secretary, a 1pc levy will apply to cars up to 1300cc, 2pc for cars between 1301cc–1800cc, and 3pc for cars above 1800cc. Committee members were surprised to learn that these levies were not mentioned in the Finance Bill 2025-26. The Committee considered the amendments in the enactment of the New Energy Vehicle Adoption Levy Act, 2025. During detailed deliberations, the Committee observed that there is no comprehensive plan in place for the transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs), particularly due to the inadequate availability of recharging stations. Accordingly, the proposed shift to EVs and the corresponding imposition of tax were deemed unsatisfactory and lacking a proper implementation framework. It was further noted that hybrid vehicles have not been included in the proposed measures. Given these concerns, the Committee decided to defer consideration of the matter until the next meeting, with directions to the Ministry to present a comprehensive and actionable plan for the implementation of the objectives outlined in the proposed bill. The Committee considered the amendments in the Sales Tax Act, 1990. The Committee undertook a clause-by-clause examination of the proposed amendments to the Sales Tax Act, 1990. Following detailed deliberations, the Committee approved the majority of the clauses. However, it proposed amendments to certain provisions where deemed necessary. Provisions relating to fraud were deferred for further consideration, and the Bill was accordingly deferred for reconsideration in the next meeting. Furthermore, the Committee recommended a review of the Export Finance Scheme (EFS) concerning raw cotton, and suggested that tax imposition on local production be brought at parity with that on imported cotton. It was further recommended that these observations be forwarded to the Secretary of Commerce and Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), for necessary action and compliance. The Committee considered the amendments in the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 (XL of 1997). After detailed deliberations, the Committee recommended that the revised amended draft, as submitted by the Ministry, be approved. The Committee considered the proposed amendments to the Stamp Act. During detailed deliberations, it was observed that the term non-filer is being used in the proposed amendment, even though this category has been removed from the applicable laws. In light of this inconsistency, the Committee decided to defer consideration of the amendment until the next meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Sport
- Mid East Info
Ministry of Sports launches ‘Talent Committee Platform' to develop integrated system to identify talented individuals and nurture their abilities
H.E. Dr. Al Falasi: Launching the platform is a pivotal step toward building an intelligent and sustainable sports system that accelerates the talent discovery process and achieves national sporting accomplishments through integrated institutional partnerships. H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum: The platform utilises advanced digital analytics to enhance the development of athletic talent and contribute to elevating the competitiveness of UAE sports. 'Talent Committee Platform' offers a unified entry point, and a comprehensive database integrated with the 'Sportifai' digital platform to accurately and transparently track athletes' technical and physical performance. The UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support (UAETSS) oversees the platform's operation and is responsible for designing and implementing initiatives that support talent development pathways across various sports. As part of its programs, the Committee provides athletes with access to state-of-the-art training facilities, high-quality specialised coaching by expert trainers, and preparation camps both domestically and abroad. The launch ceremony of the platform included honoring the supporters of athletic talents with the 'Sports Giving Award', in recognition of their pivotal role in establishing a sustainable sports environment that enhances opportunities for excellence and success among Emirati athletes. The announcement of the selection of 58 outstanding athletic talents as the first cohort of athletes on the platform, who will be included in the Committee's official support programs. UAE, June, 2025: The Ministry of Sports launched the 'Talent Committee Platform', an initiative overseen by the UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support (UAETSS), which is a key body within the Ministry. The announcement was made during a formal ceremony in Dubai, attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports; and H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector and Chairman of the UAETSS. The event gathered leading national sports figures, investors, federation and club representatives, and a number of athletes. The Talent Committee Platform is designed to transform the way athletic talent is identified and developed across the UAE. Serving as a unified access point for all stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, including athletes, parents, coaches, scouts, clubs, federations, and educational institutions, it offers easy access to a comprehensive and accurate database. The platform is fully integrated with the Ministry's recently launched 'Sportifai' digital platform, enabling real-time, data-driven monitoring of athletes' performance and growth. This integration supports transparent and objective assessments of both technical skills and physical development of the athletes. H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi highlighted that the launch of the platform reflects the vision of the UAE's wise leadership in advancing sports excellence and ensuring long-term sustainability through innovative technologies and strategic collaborations. H.E. said: 'The introduction of the 'Talent Committee Platform' represents a major milestone in establishing an intelligent, integrated sports ecosystem – one that can identify promising talent from an early stage and support their growth through structured development programs driven by data, digital governance, and partnership. This platform not only offers advanced digital tools but also creates a comprehensive national framework that links schools, academies, clubs, and federations. Using digital governance, it streamlines talent identification and development processes, enhances overall performance, and makes access to emerging athletic potential across the UAE easier.' H.E. added, 'Recognising talent from a young age is fundamental to shaping elite athletes and is the central factor in achieving success in Olympics and international competitions. This project will significantly contribute to the objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031 by increasing the number of Emirati athletes qualifying for the Olympic Games. Our current priority is to establish a sustainable national system that not only identifies promising talent but also supports their growth toward the highest standards of competitive performance.' During the ceremony, H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, delivered the opening speech, as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all supporters and sponsors whose contributions have been instrumental to the success of this groundbreaking national initiative. He highlighted that their continued support is crucial in creating a sustainable sports ecosystem that empowers Emirati athletes and enhances their potential for excellence and success. H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, during his speech at the ceremony stated: 'This new platform is a key component of the Ministry's broader digital transformation strategy. It plays a central role in the talent discovery system by integrating digital analytics, data, and technical assessments with personalised talent development pathways. With the aid of advanced technology and a well-defined strategic vision, the platform lays the foundation for a sustainable national system to discover and develop talent, while enhancing the competitiveness of UAE sports and reinforcing its presence on the global stage.' H.E. added: 'The platform plays a crucial role in creating a unified, science-based framework for talent evaluation, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the selection process. It offers advanced analytical tools to track development and performance metrics, enabling informed decisions on the qualification and advancement of athletes at every stage. By providing an integrated environment that includes technical support, training camps, opportunities for local and international competition, and academic guidance, the platform ensures that the athletes see a balanced growth, both in sports and academic careers.' H.E. further pointed out that the UAETSS remains fully committed to identifying athletic talent and providing support for emerging athletes through a well-organised development pathway aimed at preparing them to reach the highest professional level. The ceremony witnessed the announcement of 58 outstanding athletic talents selected as the first batch of athletes to join the platform and benefit from the Committee's official support programs. These talents were chosen following a rigorous evaluation process conducted in collaboration with sports federations and specialized scouts. They represent 13 different sports, including: badminton (12 athletes), swimming (7), archery (7), taekwondo (6), athletics (5), chess (5), rowing and sailing (4), fencing (3), shooting (2), golf (2), football (2), table tennis (2), and triathlon (1 athlete). The event also featured a presentation of the Talent Committee Platform, including a detailed explanation of the registration process for talented athletes. It also highlighted the pivotal role the platform will play in advancing the sports development journey in the UAE and achieving national sports ambitions. The platform is currently in its pilot phase, in preparation for its official public launch, which is scheduled for the first week of July. The selection of athletic talents for the UAETSS followed two main pathways: the first involved direct nominations from sports federations for athletes who demonstrated outstanding performance and the potential to represent the country internationally. The second pathway relied on talent identification during the finals of the School Games, through specialized scouting teams in collaboration with PlayerMaker and Precision Football, utilizing advanced digital analysis tools to detect promising potential. During the event, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi honored individuals and entities that have supported the Committee by awarding them the 'Sports Giving Award'. The UAETSS has activated a growing network of supporters from both the public and private sectors, classified into three main tiers: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. This financial support forms a key pillar in funding the Committee's programs. The Gold category features a distinguished group of supporters, including MAIR group, General Holding Company – Industries, Al Waha Capital, Dolphin Energy Limited, Al Dhahira Holding Group, HSBC Bank, Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi Airports, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, the Economic Balance Council, and the National Marine Dredging Company. Supporters in the Silver category include a diverse group of entities and individuals, such as Emirates Telecommunications Corporation – Etisalat, Lulu Group, Aldar Properties, Seddiqi Holding Group, Binouna Al Gharbia Group, Al Hilal Bank, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company – du, Dr. Abduljaleel Abdulrahman Al Bulooki, Al Masaood Company, Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Acron Trading and Transport Company, H.E. Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Umair Travel Agency, Apparel Group, Al Baraka International Investment, and Emirates Automobile Club. The Bronze category featured a list of supporters, including Sadiq Fath Al Khaja, Abdulhamid Abdulrahman Al Khouri, Rashid Mubarak Al Hajri, Mohammed Rasool Khouri & Sons, and Mohammed Abduljaleel Al Faheem. Notably, the UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support, founded in 2021, plays a key role in shaping and executing programs aimed at identifying and developing athletic talent. The Committee has forged partnerships with sports federations, clubs, and educational institutions to cultivate a new generation of athletes fully prepared to compete on the international stage, within a sustainable and professional sporting environment. The UAETSS carries out its duties in close collaboration with government entities, sports federations, schools, clubs, and academies to identify and develop high-level athletes across the country. The UAETSS is focused on achieving several strategic goals, and the most significant among them is enhancing the systems for identifying sports talent across the UAE, creating an environment that supports athletic growth, and ensuring access to the resources needed for athletes to reach the highest levels of performance. Moreover, through its various programs, the Committee offers comprehensive support to athletes along multiple development pathways. This includes access to state-of-the-art training facilities, expert coaching by specialised professionals, training camps within the country as well as abroad, valuable opportunities to participate in competitive tournaments, and complete administrative assistance to support the athletes' progression in sports.
Jordan News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan News
Government Begins Meetings to Discuss Recommendations for Enhancing the Local Administration Legislative Framework
Government Begins Meetings to Discuss Recommendations for Enhancing the Local Administration Legislative Framework In implementation of the directives stated in the Royal Letter of Designation and the policy statement of Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan's government regarding the review and enhancement of legislation related to local administration, the government has begun holding meetings to discuss the related recommendations since the beginning of June. اضافة اعلان The Subcommittee on Local Administration, stemming from the Royal Committee for the Modernization of the Political System — specifically, the 'Committee on Proposed Legislative Recommendations Related to the Development of Local Administration' — held a meeting to discuss the recommendations outlined in the political modernization document and their alignment with the Public Sector Modernization Roadmap and the Economic Modernization Vision. The committee will continue its dialogues, discussions, and meetings in the coming period to review the recommendations and listen to various viewpoints on mechanisms for developing and improving the legislative framework governing local administration. — (Petra)
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
JNU faces Rs 2-crore deficit, panel seeks ‘rationalisation' of aid for poor students
Facing a widening gap between revenue and expenditure, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has recorded a deficit of over Rs 2 crore — a shortfall that an internal committee attributes largely to the payouts under its Merit-cum-Means (MCM) scholarship scheme for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, The Indian Express has learnt. The committee called for 'due rationalisation' of the system of awarding the scholarship. As per the committee, the university's total fee receipts for the 2023–24 academic year (monsoon and winter semesters) stood at Rs 1,61,24,885. In contrast, disbursal under the MCM scholarship for the same period was Rs 3,65,03,199 — leaving a financial deficit of over Rs 2 crore. 'The Committee felt that… the university is not left with a sufficient amount for day-to-day maintenance, repair, and renovation works of buildings. Therefore, the Committee felt that the system of award of MCM and consequent disbursement calls for due rationalisation,' it stated. Officials at the university did not respond to queries from The Indian Express on whether the proposed rationalisation will affect new or ongoing scholarships. Records show that the annual amount spent on the MCM scholarships has grown dramatically — from Rs 13.3 lakh in 1994–95 to over Rs 3.66 crore in 2023–24. Between 2021–22 and 2022–23 alone, disbursal shot up from Rs 2.13 crore to Rs 3.99 crore. In 2024-2025 (till October 31, 2024), the amount stood at Rs 2,96,89,560. A key eligibility criterion for the scholarship is that the total annual income of the applicant's parents or guardians from all sources must not exceed Rs 2,50,000 per annum. This income cap is intended to ensure that the scholarship benefits students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The MCM is funded through the university's 'internal receipts', a pool that includes tuition fees, recovery of electricity and water charges from employees, shop rents, medical charges, and income from guest houses. 'The committee was further apprised that there is an increasing financial burden on 'internal receipts' due to payment of MCM when viewed against the amount of tuition fees received from students…,' the panel stated. Specifically, the receipts comprise rent from Gomti Guest House, Aravali Guest House, and Aravali International Guest House, as well as fees collected at the health centre and income from miscellaneous sources such as the sale of waste paper, conservancy charges, staff quarter licence fees, and recruitment application fees, amongst many others. But the committee noted that this revenue pool is under strain, especially with maintenance and infrastructure needs rising. 'Because of this, the university is not left with sufficient funds,' the committee concludes. The MCM scholarship application form on JNU's website states that only students enrolled in certain Bachelor's and Master's programmes are eligible to apply. A student is required to submit an undertaking affirming that they are not currently receiving any other fellowship, state scholarship, or form of remuneration. They must also declare their present employment status — whether employed or not in any government or private organisation. Furthermore, the student commits to informing the Dean or Chairperson immediately if they secure any form of employment, fellowship, honorarium, or remuneration in the future. The undertaking explicitly states that furnishing false information may lead to disciplinary action by the Centre or School, including the cancellation of admission if any misrepresentation is later discovered. In 2018, the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) alleged the administration had not released the scholarships to BA-MA students for over eight months, withholding over Rs 50 lakh and causing financial hardship for many students struggling to meet educational and daily expenses. In 2019, official data showed that around 18% of JNU's student population availed of the scholarship, underscoring its significance as a key financial support mechanism for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Since the post-pandemic resumption of JNUSU election, increasing the amount disbursed under the MCM scholarship has remained a key electoral promise made by every presidential candidate, making it a persistent campus issue for students.
