In a unique welfare initiative, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to launch the ‘Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme’ across the state. Under this program, every child born in government hospitals will be gifted a one-gram gold ring. To fund the project, the state government has designated an annual allocation of Rs 755.83 crore.

The Chief Minister has already instructed state officials to immediately begin the tender process required to roll out the initiative.

Eligibility and official launch timeline

Children born in government hospitals on or after June 22, 2026—coinciding with the Chief Minister’s birthday—will be eligible to receive the benefit. While the eligibility begins in June, the scheme will see its formal, official launch later in the year on September 15, 2026, marking the birth anniversary of Perarignar Anna.

Cultural roots and inspiration

According to an official government release, the welfare scheme draws direct inspiration from “Thai Maman Seer,” a deeply rooted Tamil cultural tradition where a maternal uncle presents blessings and gifts to a newborn baby. Through this initiative, the state government will symbolically assume the responsibilities of a maternal uncle, presenting the one-gram gold ring as a token of care, affection, and welcome.

The administration noted that the initiative is designed to preserve and reflect Tamil cultural heritage while offering a symbol of support and love to newborns and their respective families.

From election promise to institutional welfare

The ‘Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme’ originally formed a key component of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s election promises and was highlighted in the government’s ‘Vetri Thamizhagam Vision Document’.

While political organizations in the region have historically distributed gold rings to infants born in government facilities on their leaders’ birthdays, this initiative represents the first time the practice has been institutionalized as an official state government welfare scheme.

An FIR has been registered against several police personnel in Bihar’s Bhojpur district in connection with the encounter killing of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, officials said on Tuesday.

According to officials, the case was lodged at Shahpur police station on Monday following a written complaint submitted by Tiwari’s mother. The FIR names the then Jagdishpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), the then Shahpur Station House Officer (SHO), along with other police personnel linked to the incident.

Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, a resident of Bilauti village under Shahpur police station limits, was killed during a police encounter on June 17. The incident sparked a major political controversy, with opposition leaders and activists questioning the circumstances surrounding the police action.

Judicial inquiry already ordered

Amid growing public outrage and demands for accountability, the Bihar government had earlier ordered a judicial inquiry into the encounter. Several police personnel have also reportedly faced administrative action as scrutiny over the incident intensified.

Meanwhile, Tiwari’s family met Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor in Patna and sought support in their fight for justice. The family also invited him to attend a panchayat meeting scheduled for June 24 regarding the incident. According to a statement issued by the party, Kishor assured the family of all possible assistance.

A petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at the clinic of BJP leader Dr Tarsem Garg in Punjab’s Bathinda, triggering panic in the area and prompting a police investigation. The incident occurred late on Monday night, just ahead of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s scheduled visit to the city.

According to preliminary information, two masked individuals were involved in the attack. CCTV footage reportedly showed one suspect lighting a bottle filled with petrol while another recorded the incident. The burning bottle was then thrown inside the clinic premises before the accused fled the spot.

The sudden explosion-like sound created panic among nearby residents, who rushed to the clinic after the attack. No injuries were reported, although some property, including a parked scooty and plants in the courtyard, was damaged. Burn marks were also found at the site.

Dr Tarsem Garg said he had not received any threats and was unaware of any personal enmity that could have led to the incident. Police teams reached the spot soon after receiving information and began collecting evidence. Senior officers inspected the scene and are analysing CCTV footage to identify the attackers.

SP City Narinder Singh confirmed that two unidentified individuals were involved in the attack and said multiple teams have been deployed to trace the accused. The incident has raised security concerns, particularly because of the chief minister’s visit to Bathinda.