
Raipur Diary: Solar-powered coal mining gets a push
Solar-powered coal mining gets a push
The Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) coal mine, operated by the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd in Ambikapur district, about 330 km north of Raipur, has taken a significant step towards 'sustainable' mining with the operationalisation of a 9-MW solar power plant. This is the first direct application of renewable energy in India's coal mining sector. PEKB is a crucial source of coal for electricity generation for nearly 80 million consumers in Rajasthan. Developed by Mundra Solar PV Limited, the 9-MW solar facility established within the mine premises is expected to reduce nearly 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over next 25 years.
Bastar to host Central Zonal Council meet
The 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council, held in Varanasi, declared Bastar as the next venue of the panel's session. This marks a significant stride in integrating India's remote and sensitive regions into the 'national development' discourse. Hosting such a high-level policy forum in Bastar stands as a powerful symbol of the inclusive and transformative governance, a government statement said. 'It is hoped that by the time the next Council convenes, Bastar would have witnessed decisive progress in the ongoing battle against left-wing extremism. The Bastar is set to redefine its identity not as a region of possibilities rather than conflict.'
Hindi to replace Urdu, Persian in police records
Chhattisgarh is set to replace Urdu and Persian words used in official records of the police department with Hindi terms. A list of 109 words have been provided with their Hindi alternatives, suggested to be used in place of the old words with an intent to simplify the vocabulary. The government cited Hindi as a 'convenient language' to understand, saying this will make policing communicative, accessible and transparent. On a directive by the state home department, the DGP has issued a letter to all district police chiefs asking them to change traditional Urdu and Persian words that were in use in police functioning with 'simpler' Hindi words.
Ejaz Kaiser
Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh
ejaz@newindianexpress.com
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Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
Thackeray brothers Uddhav, Raj to unite against ‘Hindi imposition' in Maharashtra schools, lead march
For the first time, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray are expected to appear together as they plan to participate in a protest march on July 5. The march opposes the Maharashtra government's move to make Hindi mandatory as a third language in primary schools. In a post on X, Sanjay Raut said, "जय महाराष्ट्र! 'There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand!' In another post on X, Thackeray asserted that the event will be a display of Marathi unity and cultural pride. Raj Thackeray said, 'We will not allow Hindi imposition from the beginning, and we have decided to organise a march from Girgaum Chowpatty on July 6 to oppose it. There will be no flags in that march. The entire march will belong to the Marathi people. The Marathi agenda will be the only focus. The leadership of that march will be by a Marathi person.' He stressed that the rally will feature no political flags and will be rooted solely in Marathi identity. 'The sole agenda will be Marathi. The leadership of this march will also be by a Marathi person,' Thackeray said, making it clear that the initiative transcends political lines. Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said that while Hindi is widely spoken across the country, it should not be forced upon young students, especially at the primary level. "My view is that Hindi should not be made compulsory in primary education. There is no issue with children learning Hindi after Class 5. But we must analyse how many languages a child of a certain age can realistically learn and what linguistic burden that places on them," Pawar said. "If the pressure becomes too much and results in the mother tongue being sidelined, then that is not acceptable," he added. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said that no language should be forced, emphasising that it will create an additional burden on the students. "We demand that no language should be forced. What we have been learning so far should continue. Education should be enhanced, but no language should be forced. Why is it just Hindi? How much do you want to burden the children? Focus on what they are already studying, restructure it is a little, make it better," he said. The state government last week issued an order, stating Hindi will generally be taught as the third language to students in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. The government maintained that Hindi would not be compulsory, but mandated consent of at least 20 students per grade in a school for studying any Indian language other than Hindi. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Thursday blamed the estranged cousins for politicising the language issue. He termed their opposition to Hindi as 'unconstitutional' and urged the Maharashtra government not to bow to political pressure. Like anyone else, the Thackerays also have a right to protest in a democracy, the minister said. We will not allow Hindi imposition from the beginning. (This is a developing story)


NDTV
18 minutes ago
- NDTV
Raj, Uddhav Thackeray Reunite To Oppose Hindi In Maharashtra Schools
Mumbai: In a rare convergence, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have agreed to join forces against what they describe as the "imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra's school curriculum, said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. After days of parallel announcements, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will now lead a joint march in Mumbai to oppose the state government's three-language formula, which includes Hindi as a mandatory third language for primary school students. Mr Raut confirmed the development today in a post on X , writing,"A united march will take place against the imposition of Hindi in schools in Maharashtra. Jai Maharashtra!" महाराष्ट्रतील शाळांत हिंदी सक्ती विरोधात एकच आणि एकत्र मोर्चा निघेल! जय महाराष्ट्र! — Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 27, 2025 His post was accompanied by an old image of both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray standing in front of a portrait of Bal Thackeray. With the BMC elections approaching, this move is being seen as more than just the estranged cousins coming together for a cultural protest, but also a strategic move ahead of the polls. Thackeray Statements Raj Thackeray, founder of the MNS, had originally announced a protest for July 6. The date clashed with Ashadhi Ekadashi, a day of religious significance in Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray revised the date to July 5. "With warm regards, Jai Maharashtra. This morning, for our Marathi language, for Maharashtra, and for the Marathi people, a morcha was announced on July 6. There is a slight change in that plan; the morcha will now take place on Saturday, July 5, at 10 AM from Girgaum to Azad Maidan. The location and all other details remain unchanged. Therefore, the media and the people of Maharashtra should take note of this change," Raj Thackeray stated in a social media post. Separately, Uddhav Thackeray had backed a July 7 march initiated by the Tribhasha Sutra (Three language formula) Anti-Mumbai Coordination Committee."We will not allow the imposition of Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English schools for Classes 1 to 5 in Maharashtra. This is not just an educational issue; it is cultural encroachment." Uddhav Thackeray also questioned the constitutional basis and political motivation behind the policy, invoking comments made by BJP national president JP Nadda and calling for scrutiny of the state's education system. Speaking on behalf of the next generation of the Thackeray legacy, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said: "No language should be forced. What we have been learning should continue. Education should be enhanced, but not burdened. Why only Hindi? Why not improve what's already in place rather than adding to the load?" Veteran political leader and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar echoed similar views recently. "My view is that Hindi should not be made compulsory in primary education. There is no issue with children learning Hindi after Class 5. But we must analyse how many languages a child of a certain age can realistically learn and what linguistic burden that places on them," Mr Pawar said.


The Print
an hour ago
- The Print
President, PM wish people on occasion of Rath Yatra
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Mjahi also offered best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of the Rath Yatra. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra is the 'combination of faith and belief, which is based on devotion and culture'. Puri, Jun 27 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Rath Yatra on Friday and prayed for happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone's life. As part of the festival, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath are set to begin their nine-day sojourn to their aunt's place at Gundicha Temple in Odisha's Puri. 'On the occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath residing in India and abroad. By witnessing Lord Balabhadra, Lord Shri Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan on the chariot, millions of devotees experience divine bliss,' the President said on X. She also said the 'human-like divine play of the deities is the speciality of the Rath Yatra'. 'On this auspicious occasion, my prayer to the Lord is that peace, friendship, and harmony prevail throughout the world,' Murmu said. PM Modi also offered greetings to the people on the occasion and posted a picture on social media in which he is seen standing in front of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. 'On the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, my heartfelt best wishes to all fellow countrymen. May this holy festival of faith and devotion bring happiness, prosperity, good fortune, and excellent health to everyone's life. Jai Jagannath!' Modi said in another post in Hindi. Shah said, 'Jai Sri Jagannath…Hearty greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Shri Jagannath's Rath Yatra. Shree Jagannath's Rath Yatra is the combination of faith and belief, which is based on devotion, culture. It guides us to move forward by preserving the culture and tradition together and moving it forward.' He wished everyone's welfare and prayed to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra for the progress and welfare of all. The Odisha governor, the chief minister and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Naveen Patnaik, and others also greeted the people on the occasion. PTI AAM AAM BDC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.