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India's vision as a leading voice in the Global South, and on current tensions with Pakistan
The visit of a multi-party delegation from India visiting South Africa. India has long maintained that terrorism emanating from across the border remains the most serious threat to regional peace. Image: Supplied Mr. Sifiso Mahlangu, Editor of The Star sat with the leader of the all-party parliamentary delegation from India, NCP (SCP) MP Ms Supriya Sule, to discuss the current state of relations between India and Pakistan in the context of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir and the visit of a multi-party delegation from India 1. Ms Supriya Sule, Welcome to South Africa. We saw that there was a brief skirmish between India and Pakistan, which has fortunately ended with a ceasefire. What were the reasons for this clash between the countries? The recent clash was a direct consequence of the Pahalgam terror attack, which tragically claimed 26 innocent lives. India has long maintained that terrorism emanating from across the border remains the most serious threat to regional peace. However, there has been no let-up from Pakistan, which continues to nurture terrorists to disturb peace and tranquillity in India. In the Pahalgam case, male tourists were identified by their religion and were shot dead in front of their families. The Resistance Front, a frontal organisation of Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility. However, Pakistan, as in the past, didn't take any action against them. We, therefore, launched strikes on terrorist camps and terrorist infrastructure across the border. Our response was measured and focused, and non-escalatory, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure. We are committed to peace but reserve the right to protect our citizens. We have made it clear that Operation Sindoor is paused; it's not yet over. The fight against terrorism will continue. 2. Could you elaborate on the importance of the multi-party delegation's visit to selected countries? This delegation reflects an essential unity among India's political parties on a critical national issue— that is, zero tolerance against terrorism. By engaging with key strategic partners, we seek to build global consensus on the need for accountability, especially where states continue to shelter and actively support terror groups. This visit reinforces the idea that terrorism is not a bilateral issue — it's a global challenge demanding a coordinated international response. 3. Why were these specific countries chosen, and what role do they play in India's international counterterrorism partnerships? Seven multi-party delegations tasked with briefing various countries on Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism will visit 32 countries and the European Union. These countries—including South Africa — were selected based on three factors: their role in global politics, their historical alignment with India in multilateral forums, and their growing voice in shaping global norms, especially within the Global South. They are partners whose moral and diplomatic support is critical to isolating and pressuring states that continue to harbour terrorism. 4. Please elaborate on the inclusion of South Africa in the list of these selected key countries. What is the message? South Africa holds a special place for India. Our relationship is historic. We were active supporters of the South African people in their struggle against Apartheid. Also, as a fellow member of the Global South, South Africa's voice carries great weight. Our message here is clear: terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere. We look forward to strengthening our counterterrorism cooperation. 5. How does this diplomatic mission tie into India's broader response following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor? Operation Sindoor is a counter-terror initiative meant to dismantle terror infrastructure, infiltration modules, and deter future attacks. The operations have been executed under self-imposed restraint to avoid collateral damage, only terrorist targets were neutralised, avoiding civilian harm. Unfortunately, Pakistan responded by attacking India's military installations and civilians in India. We responded to their provocations in equal measure and, at their request, agreed to a pause in our military operations. The multi-party delegation abroad complements Operation Sindoor by seeking broader consensus on Terrorism. Terrorism cannot be addressed in silos — it needs global political isolation of perpetrators and structural changes in counter-terror cooperation. 6. What is the central message that the multi-party delegation will be carrying from India regarding cross-border terrorism? Our central message is that India has a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and that the world should also adopt a zero-tolerance stance. Terrorism is an existential threat, and it cannot be normalised or rationalised. There can be no double standards—no 'good' or 'bad' terrorism. India is asking the world to hold accountable those who shelter, finance, or glorify terrorism, and to support efforts for transparent international mechanisms that prevent safe havens. 7. How does India define zero tolerance against terrorism in practical terms, especially when engaging with international partners? Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The visit of a multi-party delegation from India visiting South Africa. India has long maintained that terrorism emanating from across the border remains the most serious threat to regional peace. Image: Supplied UNSC resolution 1566 mentions that terrorism, under no circumstances, is justifiable by considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethical, religious or other similar nature. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that even a single attack is one too many, and even a single life lost is one too many. He has outlined elements of India's zero tolerance against terrorism: ●If there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. ●India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail. ●India will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and its citizens from any threat. ●India believes that terror and talks cannot go together... terror and trade cannot go together…. water and blood cannot flow together. We urge our partners to adopt a common global framework that ensures no terrorist escapes justice, no matter the geography. 8. What counter-terrorism steps, in your opinion, should be taken by Pakistan to satisfy India? Pakistan had offered a neutral investigation of the Pahalgam attack. Why didn't India agree? Honestly, it's a deflection strategy. India has seen repeated patterns of denial and diversion from Pakistan in the aftermath of attacks. Offers of 'neutral investigations' ring hollow when known terrorists operate openly on their soil. We had invited their investigators post the Pathankot terror attack, but did not hear from them afterwards, nor did they allow our investigators to visit Pakistan. What has happened to the Mumbai attack? What has happened to the Pathankot air base attack? What has happened to the Pulwama attack? India has given them dossiers and technical inputs. Even America has shared with them evidence. Everything is there, but they have not taken any action. Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who was the main planner of the Mumbai attack, is still roaming freely. No action has been taken against Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, planner and executioner of the Mumbai attack. No one should be able to believe them. For India to engage, Pakistan must immediately: • Dismantle all terror infrastructure• Hand over to India terrorists like Hafiz Saeed, Sajid Mir and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, just like the US handed over 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana. • Cease support and glorification of terror as state policy. Credibility is key. Without verifiable and sustained action, words are not enough. 9. Explain to us the significance of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) that Pakistan has described as "an act of war"? The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960, and the preamble of the treaty includes two key words - goodwill and friendship.... Over the past many years, what we have seen is that we were allowing water to flow even over our own genuine developmental needs, and what was Pakistan doing - they were actively pushing terrorists into India. So, the two key words that guided the Indus Water Treaty were never honoured, and India, on the contrary, was always battling against terror attacks emanating from Pakistan. We had conveyed to Pakistan that this could not go on like this. Our Prime Minister said that blood and water cannot flow together, and that is the reason that we decided to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. 10. How important is the multi-party composition of this delegation in strengthening India's message abroad? It is immensely important. When we speak abroad on an issue like terrorism, it is crucial to demonstrate that the message comes not from a single party or government, but from the collective will of India's democracy. This multi-party delegation underlines that India speaks with one voice on national security and terror. Sifiso Mahlangu, Editor of The Star sat with the leader of the all-party parliamentary delegation from India, NCP (SCP) MP Ms Supriya Sule, to discuss the current state of relations between India and Pakistan. Image: Supplied 11. How would the multi-party delegation present a unified national voice despite differing political ideologies at home? We are united by the principle that national security transcends party lines. In our deliberations, we've set aside political differences to present a coherent and consistent message. Our delegation is proof that we prioritise unity over partisanship when it comes to our country's security. 12. What specific engagements or meetings are planned for the delegation? We have scheduled meetings with the Government, Political Parties, Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, members of Parliament, civil society organisations, and think tanks. We're also engaging with the Indian diaspora, whose voice and experience are critical in shaping public opinion and mobilising the support needed against terrorism. 13. Are there any expected outcomes, such as joint statements, MOUs, or future frameworks for cooperation, that you can share? We have ongoing, robust counterterrorism cooperation. This visit is specific to project our national resolve against terror and to seek to build a global consensus. We had presented a draft in the UN on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism; we would like to see that our efforts are not constrained by narrow differences. 14. Besides security, will other issues, such as economic ties, multilateral cooperation, or diaspora concerns, be part of your discussions? While counterterrorism is the primary agenda, the delegation would utilise the opportunity to advocate for enhanced trade cooperation, deeper political and people-to-people ties, India-Africa development partnerships, and diaspora welfare. Visit of the delegation is also a chance to reinforce India's role as a trusted development partner and democratic voice in the Global South. 15. How does this effort align with India's vision as a leading voice in the Global South and a key player in multilateral institutions like the UN? India believes that real reform in global governance starts with solidarity among the Global South. By speaking together and acting together, we can influence institutions like the UN and its Security Council to adopt realistic and timely measures against terrorism. This visit is a step toward that long-term vision of a world where sovereignty cannot be misused to harbour terrorism and other forms of extremism. Multi-Party Parliamentary Delegation Ms. Supriya Sule Member of Parliament, NCP (SCPMs. Supriya Sule is from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). She has been a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha since 2009 and has served as the Leader of the NCP (SP) in the Lok Sabha since 2014. In 2023, she was appointed Working National President of the NCP. She served as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament representing Maharashtra from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Rajiv Pratap RudyMember of Parliament, BJPMr. Rajiv Pratap Rudy is a senior politician from Bihar and a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is a four-time Member of Parliament and currently represents the Saran Lok Sabha constituency. He previously served as MP from Chapra in 1996 and 1999, and again in 2014. He previously served as Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and handled Parliamentary Affairs. Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur, Member of Parliament, BJP Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur is a senior politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a four-time Member of Parliament from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, currently serving in the 18th Lok Sabha after his re-election in 2024. Previously held key ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, and Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs. Mr. Thakur has also been a commissioned officer in the Territorial Army since 2016. Mr. Manish Tewari, Member of Parliament, Congress. Mr. Manish Tewari is an Indian lawyer and senior leader of the Indian National Congress, currently serving as a Member of Parliament from Chandigarh in the 18th Lok Sabha. He previously represented Anandpur Sahib in the 17th Lok Sabha and Ludhiana from 2009 to 2014. The visit of a multi-party delegation from India visiting South Africa. India has long maintained that terrorism emanating from across the border remains the most serious threat to regional peace. Image: Supplied Mr. Tewari served as the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting from 2012 to 2014. Mr. Tewari has consistently spoken on matters of internal security and counterterrorism and is the author of the book "10 Flashpoints: 20 Years - National Security Situations that Impacted India", which analyses major national security challenges, including the response to terrorism. In his book, he advocates for a more assertive stance against terrorism. Tewari has consistently emphasised the need for Pakistan to prevent its territory from being used as a base for terrorist activities. Mr. Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, BJP Mr. Vellamvelly Muraleedharan is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Kerala who served as Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs from 2019 to 2024. In June 2019, he was appointed Government Deputy Chief Whip in the Rajya Sabha. Ambassador (Retd.) Syed Akbaruddin, Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in New York, Former Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ambassador (Retd.) Syed Akbaruddin is best known for his tenure as India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from January 2016 to April 2020. A distinguished diplomat who played a pivotal role in advancing India's interests on global platforms, particularly in areas of counterterrorism. Before his UN posting, Akbaruddin served as the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (2012–2015) and as India's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna (2006–2011). Mr. Akbaruddin is widely acclaimed for his skilled diplomacy at the UN, notably his instrumental role in the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar by the UN Security Council. Following his retirement, he took up the position of Dean at the Kautilya School of Public Policy, continuing his engagement in global policy and diplomacy education. Mr. Anand Sharma, Member, Congress Working Committee. Anand Sharma is a senior Indian politician and former Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and MoS External Affairs. A veteran leader of the Indian National Congress, he served as the Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2022. He began his political journey as a student leader, co-founding the NSUI and later serving as President of the Indian Youth Congress. Mr. Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Member of Parliament, TDP Mr. Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu is a Member of Parliament representing Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh. He currently serves as the leader of the TDP Parliamentary Party in the 18th Lok Sabha. Beyond his legislative role, Devarayalu is the Vice Chairman of Vignan University. Mr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament, AAP. Mr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney is an Indian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Punjab. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008 for his contributions to social work and is the International President of the World Punjabi Organisation. Regarding counter-terrorism efforts, Sahney has raised concerns over international financial aid to Pakistan, cautioning against the potential misuse of such funds to support terrorism. A list of major terror attacks in India carried out by Pakistan-based terror groups: Mumbai Serial Blasts • Date: 12 March 1993 • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra• Casualties: 257 killed, 1,400+ injured• Perpetrators: Dawood Ibrahim's D-Company with support from Pakistan • Details: A series of 12 bomb blasts across Mumbai, targeting locations such as hotels, markets, and the Massacre • Date: 20 March 2000 • Casualties: 35 Sikhs• Perpetrators: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) • Details: On the eve of U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit to India, 35 Sikh villagers were killed in Chittisinghpura, Jammu and Fort Attack • Date: 22 December 2000• Casualties: 3 (2 soldiers, 1 civilian) • Perpetrators: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) • Details: Two militants attacked the Red Fort in Delhi, killing 3 Indian attack on the Parliament of India • Date: 13 December 2001• Location: New Delhi • Casualties: 9 Indian nationals killed• Perpetrators: Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)• Details: Five terrorists attacked the Indian Parliament Temple Attack • Date: 24 September 2002 • Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat• Casualties: 30 killed, 80+ injured• Perpetrators: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) • Details: Two terrorists attacked the Akshardham Temple, resulting in a 14-hour siege and 30 Bombings • Date: 25 August 2003• Casualties: 54 (52 killed, 244 injured)• Perpetrators: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)• Details: Twin car bombings occurred in Mumbai at the Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar, resulting in 54 casualties and over 244 Bombings ●Date: 29 October 2005 ●Locations: Paharganj, Sarojini Nagar market, Govindpuri ●Casualties: 62 killed, 210+ injured ●Details: Three bomb blasts occurred in crowded markets and a bus, just before the Diwali festival. Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility under the name "Islamic Inquilab Mahaz."Samjhauta Express Bombings• Date: 18 February 2007• Location: Near Panipat, Haryana• Casualties: 68 killed• Perpetrators: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) • Details: Twin bombings occurred on the Samjhauta Express train near Panipat, India, targeting passengers travelling between India and Airbase Terror Attack• Date: 2 January 2016• Location: Pathankot, Punjab• Casualties: 7 Indian nationals killed • Perpetrators: Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)• Details: Gunmen attacked the Pathankot Air Force baseUri Terror Attack • Date: 18 September 2016• Location: Uri, Jammu and Kashmir• Casualties: 19 Indian nationals killed• Perpetrators: Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) • Details: Four militants attacked an Indian Army brigade headquarters near Uri, resulting in the deaths of 19 Indian Attack • Date: 14 February 2019
India Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Why Sharad, Ajit Pawar's NCPs are abuzz again with reunion talk
Will they or won't they? The Pawar family and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions find themselves on the horns of a Hamlet-ian dilemma over reports of a political (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has hinted at a possible patch-up with his politically estranged nephew and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the rival faction of the party, sparking speculations about another tectonic shift in the state's July 2023, Ajit had split from his uncle to join the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. In the Lok Sabha elections the following year, the NCP (SCP) scored victories in eight of the 10 seats it had contested while Ajit's NCP could win just one of the four seats it fought on. The Election Commission had given Ajit the name and clock symbol of the undivided subsequent assembly elections saw the NCP (SCP) wither down to just 10 seats compared to 41 for Ajit's party. This was despite the NCP (SCP) being seen as the dark horse due to the perceived public sympathy for Pawar Senior, 84. Pawar, who is known for his shrewd and unpredictable political moves, told the media recently that his daughter Supriya Sule and Ajit had to decide if the two sides needed to unite, and that he himself was not actively involved in politics. Pawar said he 'won't be surprised' if the leaders of the two factions came in an interview to an English newspaper, Pawar had said there were two views in the party: one was that they needed to reunite with the NCP and the other was to not go directly or indirectly with the BJP and instead rejuvenate the INDIA alliance. 'Our thinking is to work in the Opposition. We should create a credible alternative to the BJP,' Pawar said, adding that Sule had 'taken a decision of sitting in the Opposition in Parliament'.Sule, the Lok Sabha MP from Baramati, in a conversation with INDIA TODAY, said she had 'not even thought about it (reunion with Ajit and his party)'. 'There has been no discussion,' she underlined, adding that Pawar Senior had 'clearly indicated [that is] he is where he is'.Pawar's grandnephew Rohit, a second-term NCP (SCP) MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed in Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) district, urged that the Pawar family must come together and that it was for Pawar Senior, Sule, party state president Jayant Patil and Ajit Pawar to decide on bringing the two sides on his part, has claimed that no talks had taken place so far. 'No one has discussed this with me,' he told the media the ambivalence, leaders of the two NCPs claim that building bridges would be mutually beneficial. 'Any reconciliation will work out to be a win-win situation for the two parties,' said a senior NCP (SCP) leader. He argued that the party's cohort of eight Lok Sabha MPs could give Ajit significant clout in Delhi as an ally of the Narendra Modi government, and help him upstage the other deputy chief minister in the Mahayuti's internal politics—Eknath NCP has one Lok Sabha MP—Sunil Tatkare from Raigad. Shinde's Shiv Sena has seven Lok Sabha members. Shinde's party is seen as having fallen out of favour with the BJP as against the NCP, whose stock seems to be on the rise.'It is easier for the Pawars to bridge their differences than for the Thackerays, whose battle is more personal than political,' said the NCP (SCP) leader, pointing to how Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray had made stinging personal remarks against cousin and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) president Uddhav Thackeray in the past.'The estrangement between the two NCPs is just two years old and hence, the rivalry in the rank and file of the two parties against each other has not yet ossified,' the NCP (SCP) leader said. Sharad and Ajit Pawar have been seen together at various public NCP (SCP) leader conceded that its elected representatives were upset at being forced to sit in the Opposition benches. 'Our politics is fast transitioning to one centered around exclusion,' he said, adding that Opposition MPs and MLAs stood to suffer in terms of grant of funds and developmental works in their constituencies. He pointed to how Sule, a four-term Lok Sabha MP, had to resort to a hunger strike to get a road repaired at Baneshwar in her NCP (SCP) functionary said there were three prevailing streams of thought in the party—brazening it out in the Opposition to capture the anti-incumbency space, merging with the Congress, or a reconciliation with the NCP. While the Congress lacked a strong leadership in the state, its core support was in case the NCP (SCP) merged with the Congress, its leadership stood to subsume their identity. 'Working in the Opposition has become tough as the INDIA alliance is almost dead. There is no brain-storming on strategy, and the Opposition does not have a strong counter-narrative,' he added. The NCP (SCP) functionary said any reconciliation between the two NCPs could happen only after the Bihar assembly elections and the local body polls in NCP (SCP) source admitted that some leaders with a strong presence in the cooperatives and education sector were in favour of a reconciliation with Ajit and the BJP. He added that another group was seeking that the party occupy the Opposition space to emerge as a credible alternative in the 2029 assembly elections in Jankar, NCP (SCP) MLA from Malshiras in Solapur, has said that four of the party's MLAs from the district had reached out to Pawar via Jayant Patil, seeking rapprochement with the other faction and a share in power.A front-ranking leader of Ajit's NCP said Pawar Senior may have been spurred to offer an olive branch due to pressure from within the party. However, Pawar's statement made it evident that he was not in favour of joining hands with the BJP. This was in line with his position in 2023, after which Ajit split to join the erstwhile Eknath Shinde-led the record, Tatkare, the NCP's president for Maharashtra, has reacted cautiously, saying that while they respected Pawar Senior, there had been no discussions in the party on a are some naysayers in the ranks too. MLC and NCP spokesperson Amol Mitkari has said that for any reconciliation to take place, NCP (SCP) leaders who had attacked Ajit with caustic and personal language must apologise. Mitkari has named NCP (SCP) leaders like Jankar and Dr Amol Kolhe, Lok Sabha MP from Shirur in Pune district, as those who had aggressively attacked the of this comes as the time when the two feuding Thackerays—Uddhav and Raj—have spoken about a possible rapprochement by keeping their 'minor differences' aside for the sake of Maharashtra and its people. Both parties have suffered massive electoral setbacks. The Shiv Sena (UBT)'s strength in the legislative assembly has dwindled to just 20 and the MNS has been wiped out, with Raj's son Amit losing to Mahesh Sawant of the Shiv Sena (UBT) from Mahim in the elections last year.A significant portion of the core voter base of the undivided Shiv Sena has shifted to the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Shinde. The Sena (UBT) and MNS face an uphill challenge in the local body elections due later this year, especially in Mumbai, where the resurgent BJP seems to be eager to come to power in the country's richest civic body.A source close to the Pawars said that on the ground, Sule seemed to be determined to counter her elder cousin Ajit as was evident from her support to farmers protesting against the state government's plans of a greenfield airport at Purandar in her constituency. Sule was also creating a parallel network on the Ajit seemed to be ready to patch up with his uncle, his wife Sunetra, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, and elder son Parth were reportedly against the move. Ajit is said to have made overtures to Pawar Senior after the Lok Sabha elections when Sule handed a shock defeat to Sunetra in Baramati. In the assembly elections, Ajit trounced his nephew Yugendra, the son of his younger brother Shrinivas aka Bapu.A former Congress minister said the 'decisive defeat' of the NCP (SCP), coupled with a sense of drift in the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), may have spurred a rethink in the Pawar camp. A senior leader of the MVA said Pawar Senior may have made these comments to placate his MPs and MLAs, who were seeking a reconciliation with the NCP. This will prevent any fence-sitters from crossing over for now, he explained.'The problem is the Mahayuti is a crowded alliance with little elbow room for its leadership to accommodate the NCP (SCP). The BJP leadership will not allow Ajit Pawar to grow beyond a point. Six of the NCP (SCP) MPs have been elected against BJP nominees and the BJP will not be willing to concede these seats in the future,' he to India Today Magazine
Extra.ie
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Alarm at spike in 'chronic' school absences
Education Minister Helen McEntee has been accused of 'repackaging' old policies, which were 'gutted' in the austerity era, as 'a new solution' to soaring school absenteeism. The number of children 'chronically absent' from school – meaning they miss 20 or more days a year – has increased by 62,000 since the 2017/2018 academic year, to 175,000 in 2022/23. It means that a shocking 24% of the total population at both primary and secondary levels have missed enough days to compel schools to report their absences to Tusla. Education Minister Helen McEntee. Pic: Stephen Collins /Collins Photos Ms McEntee yesterday announced a suite of measures to tackle school absenteeism, which she described as 'hugely alarming'. Among these was a commitment to provide continued investment in the School Completion Programme (SCP) and Educational Welfare Service, and the implementation of a framework to help schools 'analyse and respond to attendance data'. However, funding for the SCP has been slashed since the economic crash in 2008, and is €7million below its level then. Jen Cummins, education spokeswoman for the Social Democrats. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos Jen Cummins, education spokeswoman for the Social Democrats, has voiced 'frustration' over the narrative around the measures, saying: 'We're being told this is a new initiative. It's not.' Ms Cummins worked as a co-ordinator in the SCP for 18 years prior to entering politics. The programme targets students who are potentially at risk of early school leaving and tries to keep them in education or training initiatives. A paper from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that the SCP 'helps make attending school a more positive experience for children and young people'. Pic: Getty Images However, the paper notes widespread dissatisfaction among coordinators in terms of resources. Funding for the SCP fell from €32.9million in 2008 to €23.3million in 2019. Extra money has been allocated to it since 2020, with its funding allocation reaching € 31.6 million in 2023, but the ESRI highlights that current funding lags behind pre-cash levels when inflation is factored in. 'The equivalent of 2008 funding levels would be €38.7million in 2023 prices, compared to actual levels of funding of €31.6million in 2023,' the researchers wrote. Jen Cummins, education spokeswoman for the Social Democrats. Pic: Alan Rowlette/© While Covid was a significant driver of absenteeism, Ms Cummins said the 'erosion' of initiatives like the SCP has been 'deeply damaging', and has made it harder for schools to cope with absenteeism. She told 'We used to have attendance monitors who would work for three hours a day monitoring whole school attendance. 'They promoted positive attendance and punctuality… but during the austerity period the SCP moved under the remit of Tusla and funding was reduced. And it was just death by a thousand cuts, because we had to reduce and reduce and reduce the hours for attendance monitors. Pic: File 'Some staff moved on, some programmes couldn't afford to continue, and none of it was backed up by Tusla or the department. Now, the Department of Education is piloting a new attendance strategy that mirrors almost exactly what SCPs were doing a decade ago. 'We're being told this is a new initiative. It's not. It's the resurrection of a strategy that was working–until the State pulled the rug out from under it.' Ms Cummins welcomed efforts to strengthen the role of educational welfare officers and the announcement of a national communications campaign to promote the importance of regular attendance. She also praised plans to bring children under six within the scope of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 to ensure earlier intervention. However, she questioned how the new framework, called Anseo, will work without extra resourcing. She said: 'It is great they're going to focus on attendance, but they need someone dedicated in school to do that. Are you going to ask the school secretary, who's already doing a million things a day?' She added: 'The reason attendance promoters worked so well is because there was a dedicated staff member. 'Attendance is not just a number – it's a lifeline. This Government is only waking up to that now, after stripping away the teams that were tackling the issue. It's not good enough. 'There must be immediate reinvestment in the SCP, with restored funding for attendance-specific roles across all Deis schools, and accountability for the policy decisions that created the crisis.' Pic: Getty Images Data provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, shows 12.4 million days were lost across primary and secondary students for the 2022/2023 academic year due to absenteeism. This was an increase on the 10.2million days lost in 2017/2018, when data was last available before the pandemic. Over 175,000 students missed 20 or more days in 2022/2023, a rise of 62,000 on pre-pandemic levels to equate to one in every four school children (24%). The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) said there is evidence that the pandemic led to increased absenteeism. 'A key concern for the ASTI is the lack of adequate supports within and outside schools to support them in putting strategies in place for students at risk,' the union said. According to Tallaght Community National School principal Conor McCarthy, numerous factors, some of which are linked to Covid, are fuelling school absenteeism. He cited a rise in the number of parents working from home, more families going on holiday at off-peak times and a growing number of migrant children facing difficulties attending school due to their accommodation. 'In general, parents are not making as much of an effort to send their children to school,' Mr McCarthy said. The principal, who returned to the classroom last year due to a shortage of teachers, said chronic absenteeism means 'any issues a child may experience at school is compounded'. He said missing stretches of the curriculum can have repercussions on a child's educational and social development. 'The less they are in the classroom, the harder they might find it to build relationships, which has a knock-on effect on their social wellbeing,' he said. 'If a student is coming back to school after missing a week, the class might have learned a new song or poem and that child feels on the outside because they can't join in.' Ms McEntee said the issue 'warrants action'. 'This is why I am today announcing a comprehensive suite of measures to improve school attendance,' she said. 'Attendance is linked with attainment and with completing school. While there is excellent practice in schools to support children and young people to attend, we must listen to the data from Tusla and redouble our efforts.' She added: 'These measures are rooted in evidence and collaboration and are designed to ensure every child is supported to attend, engage and succeed in school, to enhance their lifelong opportunities.'
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Minister stresses on quality of development works
Khammam: Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said that development works should be carried out with quality so that they last for a long period. He laid the foundation stone for the construction of internal CC roads and drains to be constructed with CRR (SCP) funds at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh in Chintagurthi village, Raghunathapalem andal on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that development works have been undertaken systematically in Raghunathapalem mandal. He said that the construction of CC road and drain should be completed by the rainy season and made available to the people, and the work being done now should be completed with quality so that it lasts for ten seasons. The Minister said that farmers should implement crop rotation and cultivate profitable crops like oil palm. State Warehouses Corporation Chairman Rayala Nageswara Rao, AMC Chairman Erragarla Hanumantha Rao, public representatives, concerned officials, and others participated in the programme.
Business Wire
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Pet Supplies Plus Synchronizes Business Functions with Manhattan Active
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Manhattan Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH) announced today that Pet Supplies Plus, a leading retailer of pet food and supplies, has selected Manhattan Active ® Supply Chain Planning (SCP) to unify every aspect of its supply chain functions, providing a unified platform from demand forecasting through final delivery to their stores and end customers. This will result in greater agility enabled by unified planning, enhanced forecasting accuracy powered by AI-driven insights and seamless alignment between planning and execution systems. Manhattan Active SCP is the industry's first unified business planning platform that enables collaboration between supply chain planning and execution teams to eliminate systemic and operational silos. Manhattan's forecasting, replenishment and allocation are now unified on a single cloud-native platform. From inventory and labor to distribution and transportation, all elements can now be united, synchronized and harmonized in real-time, unlocking enterprise-wide optimization. By unifying planning and execution, businesses can now align every resource to a common goal and respond to market changes with agility and precision. With the addition of Manhattan Active SCP to Manhattan Active ® Warehouse Management (WM), and to Manhattan Active ® Transportation Management (TM), Pet Supplies Plus will have a seamless, integrated ecosystem to make real-time decisions for real-world efficiency. Inventory flow forecast data is automatically displayed within Manhattan Active WM, providing job function level labor projections well into the future. With Manhattan Active TM, Pet Supplies Plus will further enhance their supply chain capabilities by optimizing transportation routes, carrier selection and logistics costs. Because Manhattan Active SCP adjusts order projections based on real-time sales and supply data, store orders and transportation plans always reflect the latest market conditions for each store. 'At Pet Supplies Plus, we are always evaluating technology that offers agility to react to market changes, and this is a natural extension of our technology modernization journey with Manhattan. This new implementation allows us to witness unified business planning as never before,' said Miles Tedder, chief supply chain officer at Pet Supplies Plus. 'We will be able to adjust the 52-week forecast and see the effects across warehousing, transportation, labor management and fulfillment, and also strengthen our bottom-line by improving our Intra Day Replenishing to avoid lost sales.' 'We are delighted to continue our partnership with Pet Supplies Plus, and this solution is proof of our commitment to innovation to meet evolving customer demands,' said Stewart Gantt, executive vice president, Professional Services at Manhattan. 'With the addition of Manhattan Active SCP, Pet Supplies Plus is empowered to unlock new levels of supply chain efficiency and performance to create synergies that drive significant operational benefits.' About Pet Supplies Plus Pet Supplies Plus, a subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc., is focused on making it easier to get better products and services for your pet. With over 725 locations in 44 states and counting, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural pet foods, goods, and services. Additionally, provides neighbors with additional options to better meet their pet-shopping needs. Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., Pet Supplies Plus ranked No. 21 in Entrepreneur's Annual Franchise 500 ® list and No. 44 on Forbes' list of 'Best Customer Service' brands in 2023. For more information on Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunities, visit About Manhattan Associates Manhattan Associates is a global technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce. We unite information across the enterprise, converging front-end sales with back-end supply chain execution. Our software, platform technology and unmatched experience help drive both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability for our customers. Manhattan Associates designs, builds and delivers leading edge cloud and on-premises solutions so that across the store, through your network or from your fulfillment center, you are ready to reap the rewards of the omnichannel marketplace. For more information, please visit
