Pioneer in short
India eyeing 2036 Olympics: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India is preparing “with full strength” to host the 2036 Olympic Games, underscoring the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes by bringing major sporting events to the country. Addressing the inauguration of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship via video conference, Modi highlighted the role of initiatives such as Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) in transforming India’s sports ecosystem through talent identification, funding, infrastructure development and global exposure. He noted that India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and has already staged more than 20 major international events in the past decade, reflecting its growing global sporting stature. The Prime Minister said sports governance reforms, including the National Sports Governance Act and Khelo Bharat Policy 2025, aim to enhance transparency while enabling youth to balance sports and education. He also praised Varanasi’s emergence as a sporting hub, hosting the national volleyball tournament with over 1,000 players from 58 teams.
Mamata Targets ECI Over SIR
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI), urging Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to immediately halt the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State. In a sharply worded letter dated December 3, Banerjee termed the exercise “arbitrary, flawed and compromised,” warning that its continuation could lead to mass disenfranchisement and undermine democratic foundations. She alleged the process was being conducted with undue haste, without proper planning, training or clear objectives, despite her earlier letters raising similar concerns. The CM accused the ECI of procedural violations, inconsistent and informal instructions across States.
Thackeray Cousins Unveil BMC promises
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Sunday unveiled their joint manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, marking Raj Thackeray’s first visit to Shiv Sena Bhavan in 20 years. The manifesto focuses strongly on welfare, infrastructure and women-centric schemes. Targeting women voters, the alliance promised a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 for house helps and women from the Koli community under the ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ scheme, along with free electricity up to 100 units for households. Key pledges include affordable housing with a dedicated BMC housing authority, waiver of property tax for homes up to 700 sq ft, cheaper public transport, and expanded health and education facilities.
