8 AUGUST2023INFOCUSINFOCUST he International Cricket Council has imposed a fine on Indian women's cricket team skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur for her behaviour during the third and final ODI against Bangladesh. The skipper drew flak for her behaviour and was fined 75 percent of her match fee. ICC also added 3 demerit points to her record owing to her behaviour.During the final match of the ODI series against Bangladesh, Harmanpreet expressed her displeasure with the umpire's decision of giving her out by hitting the stumps with her bat.The post-match presentation ceremony also saw her making critical remarks about the umpiring during the match.Harmanpreet's conduct at the match and post-match ceremony drew flak from different quarters. While former India captain Anjum Chopra came out with her critical views on the incident but she also acknowledged Harmanpreet's passion for winning."There's no harm in voicing your displeasure, but it's how and when you do it. She should have been more selective with her choice of words too," Chopra said.Ace cricketer Smriti Mandhana made public her dissatisfaction with the umpiring decisions at the match. She suggested that better level of umpiring and a neutral umpiring system must be implemented in future matches."What happened in the middle is part and parcel of the game. We've seen these incidents so much when we see men's cricket so I'm sure you know something like this happening in women's cricket (is not unusual)," Mandhana said."I wouldn't say it is acceptable. But when you really want to win for India, these things happen," she added.SKIPPER HARMANPREET KAUR DRAWS FLAK FOR BEHAVIOUR AT FINAL ODI AGAINST BANGLADESHRAJYA SABHA CREATES HISTORY WITH 50 PERCENT WOMEN IN VICE-CHAIRPERSONS PANELThe upper house of the Indian Parliament has reconstituted its panel of vice-chairpersons with half of its members being women. This historic decision, announced by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar during the monsoon session, received widespread appreciation from women members present.The new panel of vice-chairpersons includes renowned athlete and Padma Shri awardee P T Usha, who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2022. Another notable addition is S Phangnon Konyak, who has become the first woman from Nagaland to be nominated to the panel. She holds the distinction of being the second woman from the state to be elected to either House of Parliament or the state assembly.Joining them are Fauzia Khan, V Vijaysai Reddy, Sulata Deo, Ghanshyam Tiwari, L Hanumanthaiah, and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray. What makes this development even more remarkable is that all four women nominated to the vice-chairperson panel are first-time members.The move signifies a significant step towards gender representation and empowerment of women in the upper echelons of Indian politics. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity has resulted in this unprecedented milestone for the Rajya Sabha.The chairman has the authority to select a group of vice-chairpersons from among the council members in accordance with the rules. There may be no more than six vice-chairpersons on this panel, and in the absence of the chairman and deputy chairman, one of them may preside over the council.The vice-chairpersons nominated will hold office until a new panel is nominated, as per the official sources in the Rajya Sabha. This action is anticipated to inspire more women to join in politics and hold leadership positions.The historic equal representation given to women members in the panel of vice-chairpersons showcases the commitment of the Rajya Sabha to gender diversity and inclusivity. It sets a powerful example for other parliamentary bodies and institutions to follow, promoting a more equitable and representative political landscape.As the Rajya Sabha embraces this transformative change, it has also become fully digital, embracing modern technology to enhance its functioning and accessibility. With this significant step towards gender equality and digital transformation, the Rajya Sabha is taking strides towards a more inclusive and progressive future.
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