New Delhi, Sep 27: The new 30-day recharge rules, aimed at giving prepaid mobile users greater choice in the pre-paid recharge have been welcomed by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who called it a victory for the low-budget mobile phone users.

Hailing the new plans, which offer a validity of 30 days, the noted Parliamentarian said that the changes would offer more flexibility to consumers, including those who primarily use their phones for voice calls and SMS.

He highlighted the government’s new Telecom (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations and said that the introduction of 30-day plans would reduce the need for consumers to make 13 monthly recharges in a year to 12.

Chadha posted on X: “Good news for Prepaid Mobile Users in India. The Govt just introduced Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, consumers will now have: 30-day recharge plans, reducing the need for 13 monthly recharges to 12 in a year, Voice and SMS-only plans for those who do not need data and more suitable options for low-budget consumers who primarily need basic voice calls”

“Many of you had shared your concerns with me about limited and inflexible recharge options. I raised this issue in Parliament on 11th March, seeking greater choice and more affordable options for consumers. I am grateful to the Government of India and TRAI for resolving these concerns in the interest of greater consumer choice and convenience,” he added.

Chadha had earlier raised concerns over 28-day “monthly” recharge cycles and called for more consumer-friendly telecom options.

Notably, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, introducing changes to the framework governing Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for voice and SMS services.

Special Tariff Vouchers are prepaid tariff products offered by telecom service providers for specific services and validity periods. Under the amended framework, telecom operators will be required to offer more voice and SMS-only STVs for consumers who do not require bundled data services.

The new regulations require telecom service providers to offer voice and SMS-only STVs with validity periods corresponding to each validity period of 30 days and less than 30 days that is available for bundled voice, SMS and data STVs.

The changes are intended to provide consumers with greater flexibility in selecting prepaid plans based on their individual usage requirements. In particular, users who primarily require voice calling and SMS services will have additional options without having to subscribe to bundled data services.

Chadha said he had raised concerns over limited and inflexible recharge options in Parliament on March 11 and had sought greater choice and affordability for consumers.

The regulatory changes now provide a wider framework for telecom users to select plans based on their specific requirements, including options focused solely on voice and SMS services.

New Delhi, Sep 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, highlighted cleanliness initiatives being undertaken by young people and communities across the country, saying such efforts were in keeping with Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness.

With October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, approaching, PM Modi recalled Gandhi’s message on cleanliness and called for greater public participation in keeping the surroundings clean.

“My dear countrymen, 2nd October is just a few days away. It is the birth anniversary of our revered Bapu. Bapu gave us many mantras for life. Cleanliness is one of them. We often see many efforts related to cleanliness around us. These efforts are very inspiring and encouraging. On social media, too, such pictures, videos, and reels repeatedly draw our attention. In recent days, I have seen many such efforts,” PM Modi said.

Emphasising the importance of collective participation, the Prime Minister said individual initiatives could inspire wider community involvement.

“One thing is clearly visible: one person started this, and people joined in. This is called public participation. Cleanliness is also the most beautiful tribute we can pay to Bapu.”

PM Modi cited several examples of young people taking up cleanliness drives in different parts of the country.

“Somewhere in Madhya Pradesh, some youngsters are cleaning a river. The entire community is joining their small effort. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, youngsters are cleaning old stepwells and wells. This is helping restore our old heritage sites…”

Highlighting efforts along the coastline, PM Modi said young people in Mumbai were taking the initiative to keep beaches clean.

“In Mumbai, some young people are taking the initiative to keep the beaches clean. Every week, hundreds of young friends gather on one beach or another and serve through cleanliness,” he said.

He also spoke about awareness efforts in the national capital, where children and young people were encouraging residents to segregate waste.

“In Delhi, children and young people are making people aware of the need to keep their waste separate and keep their surroundings clean.”

PM Modi further highlighted efforts in West Bengal, where students and local residents were joining hands to clean public spaces.

“In West Bengal, young students, together with local people, are cleaning markets at picnic spots.”

Madurai, Sep 27: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is likely to offer prayers at the Meenakshi Amman Temple on September 28 on his first visit since taking office.

Temple officials said he may be asked to sign a declaration affirming his faith in Hinduism before entering the inner shrines.

The proposed temple visit is scheduled for 4 p.m., after he launches a newborn scheme at Government Rajaji Hospital and opens the renovated Gandhi Museum.

Police, however, said only the hospital and museum events were on the official itinerary so far, and that a temple visit would depend on Vijay’s decision.

Temple officials said entry to the shrines of the Goddess and Lord Sundareswarar is restricted to Hindus. They cited a Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ruling that permits non-Hindus to worship after making a declaration.

CM Vijay, who is Christian, would either submit a declaration stating his faith in Hinduism or sign an application to that effect, the officials said.

The final arrangements have not been announced yet. The Chief Minister is expected to arrive by private aircraft at 11 a.m. Barricades have been installed along both sides of the airport road for his reception, and he is likely to greet supporters from an open-top vehicle.

His convoy will then travel via the Ring Road to Government Rajaji Hospital, where he will launch the Thai Maman Gold Ring Scheme for babies born in government hospitals.

At 1 p.m., CM Vijay is scheduled to inaugurate the Gandhi Museum, renovated at a cost of Rs 10.25 crore. He will then go to the Circuit House for lunch and a short rest.

Officials have reportedly been told to remain prepared in case he makes an unscheduled stop at a government office on the way.

If the temple visit goes ahead, its administration plans to receive him with a traditional poorna kumbham welcome. Devotees may be barred from entering the temple from the afternoon until he leaves, with an official announcement on the arrangements expected on September 27.

CM Vijay is scheduled to leave Madurai for Chennai at about 5 p.m. after completing his engagements. Police are making security arrangements along the routes to the hospital, museum and temple ahead of the visit.