Roads under Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana to be made of cement concrete in Maharashtra: Minister

Chennai, May 3 (IANS) Twenty-five fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard on February 23, returned home on Saturday.

The fishermen, who had been detained for over two months, arrived in Chennai from Colombo via an Air India flight and were provided state-arranged transport to their respective hometowns.

The incident occurred when the fishermen, hailing from Rameswaram, ventured into the Mandapam area in motorised boats.

During midnight, a Sri Lankan Coast Guard patrol intercepted them, alleging that the fishermen had crossed the maritime boundary. The fishermen were taken into custody, later produced in court, and imprisoned.

Following their arrest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging swift action to secure the fishermen’s release along with their boats.

Officials from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka subsequently engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan authorities.

A Sri Lankan court recently ordered their release, after which the fishermen were handed over to the Indian High Commission. The High Commission ensured proper accommodation for the fishermen during their stay in Colombo, provided them with emergency certificates, and arranged flight tickets for their return to India. This latest incident adds to rising tensions between India and Sri Lanka over recurring mid-sea arrests.

Since the beginning of 2025, Sri Lankan authorities have apprehended 119 Indian fishermen and seized 16 Indian fishing vessels. Fishermen’s associations in Tamil Nadu have expressed growing alarm.

VP Sesuraja, a prominent fishermen’s leader, underscored the financial hardship faced by families of detained fishermen, many of whom are unable to pay the heavy fines imposed by Sri Lanka.

He also noted that some fishermen were hesitant to venture out to sea. In response, several fishermen’s associations are planning large-scale protests across the state’s coastal districts.

Antony John, a leader of one association, announced coordinated demonstrations and urged the Union government to take decisive steps, including securing the release of detained fishermen, recovering seized boats, and negotiating a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to prevent further incidents.

Rajagopal C.M., a representative from Thangachimadam, criticised the government’s “inaction” and highlighted that many Indian fishermen remain imprisoned in Sri Lanka, leaving their families in deep distress.

He pointed out that since 2018, around 270 Indian trawlers have been impounded, dealing a severe blow to fishermen’s livelihoods. Chief Minister Stalin reiterated the urgent need for robust diplomatic measures to resolve this long-standing issue, emphasising that the safety and security of Tamil fishermen must be prioritised.

–IANS

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Chhatarpur/Mandsaur, May 9 (IANS) In the heartlands of Madhya Pradesh, where life often flows with quiet resilience, a government scheme is silently scripting stories of hope, security, and survival. The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) — a life insurance initiative launched by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ten years ago (May 9, 2015) — has emerged as a safety net for thousands of families in districts like Chhatarpur and Mandsaur.

An annual premium of just Rs 436 is required to be paid for this scheme. With the modest amount annually, PMJJBY offers a life cover of Rs 2 lakh to beneficiaries between the ages of 18 and 50. The amount is small at a time when private insurance companies charge high premiums. However, the scheme with a modest amount can mean the difference between despair and dignity after a tragedy for families in rural India.

Chhatarpur: Insurance with impact

For the people of Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh, PMJJBY isn’t just a policy — it’s a promise. Across several districts, 234 death claim cases were settled under this scheme in the financial year 2024-25. A total amount of Rs 4.68 crore was disbursed to grieving families.

The State Bank of India (SBI) topped the list, handling 135 claims and disbursing Rs 2.70 crore, followed by Madhyanchal Gramin Bank with 73 claims and Rs 1.46 crore.

Other banks like Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Indian Bank, Punjab & Sindh Bank, and Union Bank also played their roles in honouring claims, each contributing to a larger tapestry of support.

For beneficiaries like Nir Ahirwar, Wali Mohammad, and Sitaram Sahu, this scheme was not just about financial aid — it was about dignity in death and support in sorrow.

“We never imagined something so small could turn into something so meaningful,” said one beneficiary talking to IANS, tears welling up with a mix of grief and gratitude.

They explained how the scheme provided timely support during their darkest hours. Nir Ahirwar, who lost his wife and was left with young children to care for, received Rs 2 lakh through the PMJJBY claim without any hassle. Similarly, Sitaram Sahu, mourning the loss of his mother, was informed by officials that he was eligible for the Rs 2 lakh insurance payout under the scheme — a relief that came when it was most needed. Wali Mohammad, still grieving the heartbreaking loss of his son, shared that Rs 2 lakh received under the PMJJBY scheme brought some financial relief during an emotionally and economically difficult time.

Mandsaur: A shield in the agricultural heartland

Hundreds of kilometres away in Mandsaur, another tale unfolds. Known for its agrarian roots and modest livelihoods, this district found in PMJJBY an unlikely hero.

“Earlier, if someone in the family passed away suddenly, arranging for last rites felt like a mountain. We had to borrow money just to get through those tough days,” recalls Nirmala Gupta, a local resident. “Now, we have a sense of security. It’s not just Rs 2 lakh — it’s peace of mind.”

Residents like Aarti Dave, Santosh Parsai, Mukta Mehta, and Anil Gupta have taken this plan. They see it not just as a policy, but as a “Modi Guarantee” — a phrase now fondly used in many rural households to describe impactful government schemes.

Ashish Srivastava, who is the postmaster at Mandsaur Head Post Office, stressed the importance of the scheme, saying: “It’s one of the most effective and inclusive plans for the poor and middle-class families. I urge everyone to opt in. It’s not just insurance — it’s a shield.”

What sets PMJJBY apart isn’t just its affordability, but its accessibility and reliability. Any citizen with a savings account — whether in a nationalised bank or a humble post office — can enrol. The yearly premium is automatically debited, often going unnoticed, until a moment of crisis arrives — and with it, the quiet comfort of support.

As India continues its journey towards financial inclusion and social security, stories from Chhatarpur and Mandsaur serve as powerful reminders: sometimes the simplest policies carry the deepest impact.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) The Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, is the latest to offer his condolences following the devastating terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The terror attack took place in the Baisaran Valley, a scenic meadow situated in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination about 30 miles southeast of Srinagar, on Tuesday, sending shockwaves throughout the country.

“It is a very sad incident. The way they attacked innocent tourists and killed them is so sad, and there needs to be a strict investigation and action. The entire country stands together as one, we demand strict action,” Shukla told IANS.

The Pakistan-based terror outfit, The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the assault, marking one of the worst attacks in the region in recent years.

Earlier in the day, sources told IANS that cricket players and umpires will be wearing black armbands during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians as a mark of paying homage to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Apart from the black armbands, a one-minute silence will also be observed before the game begins at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday evening, Shukla confirmed.

“BCCI has also strongly condemned what has happened. In the game between the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, no music will be played, there will be no cheerleaders, players will be wearing the black armbands, and the players will also hold a minute of silence for the victims,” he added.

Political tensions between the countries have led to the Indian team avoiding travel to Pakistan since 2008, while the two have not played each other outside of men’s major tournaments since 2013.

When asked if this in any way affects a future India vs Pakistan match, he replied, “India and Pakistan do not play bilateral series, and we will continue to do what the Government tells us to do.”

–IANS

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