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The Hindu
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
West Bengal CM Mamata objects to letter from Haryana Police seeking verification of migrants
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (July 22, 2025) took exception to a letter from the Haryana Police seeking verification of Bengal migrant workers working in Gurugram. Addressing a press conference at the State Secretariat, Ms. Banerjee said that the Haryana Police had sent a letter seeking verification from District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police to verify the names of 52 migrants from the State. Only a day before, on Monday, the Trinamool Congress chairperson had announced a 'language movement' in protest against the targeting of migrants from the State in BJP-ruled States for speaking in Bengali, at the party's annual Martyrs Day meeting in Kolkata. 'What do you want? to occupy West Bengal? There is a terrorism on language going on,' she remarked. The development comes at a time when scores of migrant workers from West Bengal are being detained in several States, held for days on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals. The workers are forced to return to their homes. 'BJP is mistaken' Asking the people from the State not to fear, Ms. Banerjee assured that her government would do all that was required. 'Just by indulging in such tactics, if the BJP thinks by deleting names of people from the voter list they can win West Bengal like [they did in] Delhi and Maharashtra, they are mistaken,' she said. At the press conference, the Chief Minister added that a resident of Falakata in West Bengal, Anjali Seal, had received a notice from a Foreigners Tribunal located in Kokrajhar in Assam. 'If you think that you will run the country in this manner, the country will be divided. Once the country is divided, then unity will suffer. We want the country to remain united and strong,' Ms. Banerjee said at the State Secretariat. She advised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to mind his own business and not to interfere in the issues of West Bengal. New outreach scheme announced The Chief Minister also announced a new initiative Amader Para, Amader Samadhan (Our locality, our solution), under which government officials will reach out to people across all localities. 'We are the first to take such an initiative in the country. Our officials will be present on the ground to listen to people's concerns. Each centre will cover three booths, effectively forming one unit for a particular locality,' Ms. Banerjee said. The outreach initiative will begin on August 2. Ms. Banerjee added that since there were around 80,000 booths, it would take approximately two months to complete the entire programme. She added that, under the programme, an amount of ₹10 lakh would be allocated for every booth, and that the State government would spend over ₹8,000 crore on this programme. The initiative is similar to the Duare Sarkar (Government at the doorstep) programme, which the State government had started in December 2020.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Promote electronics units in Rayalaseema: Andhra CM
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has asserted that Andhra Pradesh is an ideal destination for production of electronics components. Reviewing the Electronics Components Manufacturing Policy 4.0 at the State Secretariat on Monday, Naidu said Rayalaseema is an apt location for setting up the units. Opportunities are abundant in Sri City, Hindupur, Kopparthy and other places in Rayalaseema for manufacturing of electronics components. Officials should attract investments in a big way for setting up electronics manufacturing units in Rayalaseema, he said. The new policy aims to attract investments in the electronics sector during 2025-30. Officials informed Naidu that the policy is designed to reduce electronics imports, boost domestic production, and focus on exports. They revealed that India imported electronics circuit boards worth USD 70 billion last year, highlighting the sector's immense demand. Naidu stressed that self-reliance in electronics and achieving 'Make in India' targets be prioritised. AP should launch large-scale manufacturing initiatives to meet global demand, and create its brand for these products, the Chief Minister said.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Unearthing lost timelines: Marungur Chapter
From potsherds to iron tools, the habitation mound and burial site add vital data to the archaeological profile of ancient Tamil Nadu's Naduvil Mandalam. N. Sai Charan digs deep into the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology's recently completed excavation Nestled in a belt of lush green cashew groves at Panruti taluk in Cuddalore district, Marungur, an otherwise quiet village, has recently stepped into archaeological spotlight. A short 2-km detour from the Chennai-Kumbakonam Highway near Kollukkaran village leads to this site, where the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) had recently completed excavation, bringing to light evidence of a long-forgotten past, and further proof of the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu. The region was part of the ancient Naduvil Mandalam or Naduvil Nadu (Central Territorial Division), flanked by the Thenpennai to the north and the Vada Vellar river to the south. Marungur was among eight locations where the TNSDA took up excavations in 2024-25. While the exact period is yet to be confirmed through chemical dating, preliminary findings from Marungur pointed to a well-established settlement, likely inhabited by communities during the transition phase from the later part of the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period, said R. Sivanantham, Director of Marungur excavation, and Joint Director of the TNSDA. He was assisted by archaeologists K. Bakialakshmi and S. Subhalakshmi, as well as research scholars. The exploration by the TNSDA, using remote-sensing techniques such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mapping and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to assess various attributes of the site, revealed that the habitation mound and burial site were positioned at an elevation of 100 metres above mean sea level. Subsequently, a formal excavation was launched to conduct methodical unearthing and analysis of material culture. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on June 18, 2024, launched the archaeological excavation at Marungur from the State Secretariat, along with excavations at Keeladi and its cluster (Kondagai) in Sivaganga district; Vembakottai in Virudhunagar; Kilnamandi in Tiruvannamalai; Porpanaikottai in Pudukkottai; Tirumalapuram in Tenkasi; Sennanur in Krishnagiri; and Kongalnagaram in Tiruppur. Explorations at Marungur The significance of Marungur came to light more than a decade ago. A report published in The Hindu on March 5, 2010, noted that three potsherds with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions were discovered at an urn burial site in Marungur. J.R. Sivaramakrishnan, a history lecturer at Annamalai University, had first noticed and collected the potsherds when an earthmover dug up the soil for strengthening the Vadalur-Panruti Road at Marungur. 'This is the first time such inscribed pots with Tamil Brahmi letters, usually placed as grave goods in urn burials, have been recovered from any archaeological site in Tamil Nadu. This opens a new chapter in archaeological research in the State,' the report said, quoting three experts, including renowned archaeologist K. Rajan. According to official sources in the TNSDA, one was inscribed with 'a-ti-y(a)-ka-n', and the others with 'a-ma-ṉ' and 'a-ta'. These inscribed potsherds could be dated back to the second or third century BCE, on paleographic grounds. Further explorations revealed a variety of artefacts on the surface of the habitation mound, located adjacent to a pond approximately 600 metres southwest of the burial site. Among the finds were light grey rouletted ware potsherds, black-and-red ware potsherds, microlithic tools, and a crescent-shaped iron chisel. On the southern flank of the habitation mound, remnants of a brick measuring 7×21×42 cm, flat terracotta stones of various sizes believed to have been used to play hopscotch, and beads of various colours – green, purple, yellow, black, and white – were found. Other artefacts included black-and-red ware pottery, terracotta pipes, an urn, circular stands, a lid made of black polished ware, and iron implements. Excavation at habitation mound On the eastern side of the tank at Marungur, a total of eight trenches, each varying in depth based on stratigraphic markers, were excavated at the habitation mound, which is situated in a zone predominantly composed of laterite soil. Decades ago, during the creation of the nearby pond, large volumes of silt must have been dumped over the mound. This anthropogenic activity resulted in the accumulation of nearly 2 metres of overlying silt, which was encountered during trenching, Mr. Sivanantham said. A significant discovery from one of the trenches was the unearthing of two large terracotta storage containers, each measuring approximately 1.25 metres, at a depth of 4.4 metres. In one of these containers, six bone points with sharp edges were found at the bottom. A few more bone points were also unearthed during the excavation. The exposed soil in and around the containers was clear evidence of firing activities. From the same stratigraphic layer, charcoal samples were retrieved, offering an opportunity for radiocarbon dating and further contextual analysis, he said. Two inner cores of conch shells, one of which measured 7 cm in length, were unearthed at a depth of 3.6 metres. A 13-cm-long iron knife, broken into three pieces, weighing 22.97 grams and measuring 2.8 mm in thickness, was also recovered from a depth of 2.57 metres. Various potsherds, including black-and-red ware, red ware, red-slipped ware, coarse red ware, rouletted ware with intricate designs, grey-rouletted ware, brown-slipped ware, and perforated ware, were found during the excavation, indicating remarkable diversity in ceramic usage. They also include 12 graffiti-bearing potsherds, with some of the graffiti resembling Indus signs. Several burnishing tools, used to polish the surface of pottery and terracotta wheels, were also found. The excavation yielded a rich collection of 95 antiquities, including a polished stone axe, carnelian, agate, quartz, glass and terracotta beads, copper bangle fragments, an iron knife, and terracotta objects. Antimony rods were unearthed, their blunt edges indicating that they were used for ornamental purposes. A medieval copper coin from the period of Raja Raja Chola I was also unearthed from the top layers. 'The mother trench excavated on the southwestern part of the habitation mound was nearly six metres deep. Beyond a depth of six metres, traces of natural soil were observed, indicating the absence of any further anthropogenic activity,' said Mr. Sivanantham, adding that Marungur was one of the few places in Tamil Nadu where both the habitation mound and its associated burial site were found. Excavation at burial site At the burial site located in a cashew grove, the archaeologists dug two trenches. During the course of excavation, two laterite stone circles were identified, confirming the presence of megalithic burials. In total, 10 urns were unearthed from these two trenches. The first megalithic structure revealed a laterite stone circle with a diameter of eight metres. The surface of the circle was covered with small laterite stones, which, upon removal, revealed two concentric stone circles – the inner circle composed of medium-sized laterite stones and the outer structure of larger stones. The stone circle was divided into four quadrants for methodical excavation. Initial layers yielded hard laterite stone. At the centre, a large capstone was found, placed to protect the burial urn beneath. The urn itself was placed within a laterite bedrock cavity. This megalith yielded two urns, Mr. Sivanantham said. In the second megalithic burial area, beneath the laterite layers, a fine red soil stratum was encountered, from which eight urns made of red ware were exposed at varying levels and in different sizes. Iron swords were found outside two of the urns, while other iron objects were recovered from inside the urns. One urn yielded red jasper beads, he said. In both the trenches, offering pots around the urns were recovered. These included black-and-red ware, red-slipped ware, black-slipped ware, and plain red ware pots. Proposed scientific analysis The samples collected from the habitation mound and the burial site will be subjected to a range of scientific analyses aimed at establishing the chronology of site formation, dating the artefacts and antiquities, and reconstructing the lifestyle and food habits of the communities that once inhabited Marungur, Mr. Sivanantham said. The charcoal samples will be sent to the Beta Analytic laboratory in Florida, U.S., for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry analysis for dating, while the pollen samples collected will be sent to French Institute of Pondicherry. Further, archaeo-botanical investigations, phytolith and petrology analyses, and Optically Stimulated Luminescence and Thermoluminescence dating will be employed to determine the exposure of sediments and ceramics to heat or light. The continuous cultural development in this region – from the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period – will be established through chronological and scientific analyses based on the unearthed artefacts, Mr. Sivanantham added. The University of Madras had already conducted excavations near Marungur, at Karaikadu and Kudikadu. This site also holds significance as it is located close to the ancient port cities of Arikamedu in the Union Territory of Puducherry and Poompuhar in Mayiladuthurai district. The TNSDA has also mooted preliminary surveys at Manikkollai, nearly 30 km from Marungur, for conducting excavations during 2025-26.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu advocates elimination of single-use plastic from daily life
Projecting the single-use plastic as a demon that can potentially harm the earth, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has advocated the need for its elimination from our daily lives. Addressing the public on 'Swarnandhra Swacchandra', at the Praja Vedika conducted here on Saturday, Mr. Naidu explained how the micro plastic entered the food chain and further into the human body, potentially impacting the health of every living being on earth. 'Our government is committed to the 'No Plastic' slogan. Even burning plastic releases fumes that not only harm the environment but also cause respiratory disorders. We will ban plastic less than 120 microns, such as cups and plates,' he said. Explaining the elimination schedule in a phased manner, the Chief Minister said the single-use plastic would be stamped out of the State Secretariat by Independence Day (August 15), and the same would be shown the door from 17 Municipal Corporations by Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). While calling it a sacred movement, Mr. Naidu appealed to the public to join hands with the government to help in its smooth implementation. 'A global holy destination such as Tirupati should lead by example and be the guiding light for the rest of the State,' he remarked. Circular economy Mr. Naidu explained that the State was planning to surge ahead in the direction of circular economy, hinting at the need to reuse and recycle the resources. Referring to the industrial park developed in a whopping 300 acres at Thukivakam integrated waste processing centre, he narrated the process of converting wet waste into compost and biogas, and the process of making discarded plastic into granules. 'We are generating 9,000 tonnes of garbage collectively from 123 local bodies per day — 5,500 tonnes dry waste and 3,500 tonnes wet waste. The previous government has left behind 86 lakh tonnes of waste, which will be removed by October 2,' the Chief Minister said. Renewing his appeal to the public not to litter in public places, Mr. Naidu asked them to emulate Japan, where the roads were considered as sacred as their homes.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
CM releases ₹50 crore development grant to each MLA; to hold meeting with legislators on July 30 and 31
After a series of one-on-one meetings with Congress MLAs and Ministers by AICC general secretary in-charge of the State Randeep Singh Surjewala, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved the release of ₹50 crore as development grants for each MLA. In a bid to gain the confidence of the legislators, particularly those of the Congress, the Chief Minister decided to hold meetings with MLAs district wise on July 30 and 31 at the State Secretariat. Utilisation plan As per the note signed by Mr. Siddaramaiah, out of the ₹50 crore, the MLAs have been instructed to utilise ₹37.5 crore for roads and bridge works under the Public Works Department, both in rural areas, and other works in urban areas. The remaining ₹12.5 crore can be utilised for other department works identified by MLAs in their respective constituencies. The funds would be released from the Chief Minister's Infrastructure Development Programme (CMIDP), and ₹8,000 crore has been allocated in the State Budget for 2025-26. The release of the grants is expected to ease discontent within the Congress, where some MLAs had publicly criticised the delay. The taking up of development works at the local level is also expected to benefit the party in the civic and local body elections in the State. Internal discussions The decision to release funds came after weeks of internal discussions and mounting pressure from party MLAs who had complained of fund shortage for taking up development works in their constituencies. During the meeting with Mr. Surjewala, the party MLAs expressed disappointment over the lack of financial support. Later, Mr. Surjewala held a meeting with Mr. Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and reportedly took up the issue of release of funds for legislators. It may be noted that Congress MLA for Kagwad Raju Kage had threatened to resign over the delay in implementing development works in his constituency and blamed the government for denying funds for the past two years.
