Mumbai, Feb 27: Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer was on Tuesday named in Mumbai's 16-member squad for the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu starting on March 2.

Mumbai qualified for the semifinals after their quarterfinal clash against Baroda ended in a draw at the BKC Ground, with the 41-time champions making it to the final four on the basis of first-innings lead.

Lacking big runs and struggling with a back-related issue again, the 29-year-old Iyer was not named in India's squad for the last three Tests against England.

Iyer, subsequently, also missed Mumbai's quarterfinal match along with all-rounder Shivam Dube.

The timing of Iyer pulling out of the key Ranji clash coincided with BCCI secretary Jay Shah announcing that a directive will be issued to players to compulsorily play domestic matches.

While Dube is on the mend having suffered a side strain issue, Iyer has recovered completely and will be available for the semifinal against Tamil Nadu.

Mumbai squad: Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Bhupen Lalwani, Amogh Bhatkal, Musheer Khan, Prasad Pawar, Hardik Tamore, Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Aditya Dhumal, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Avasthi, Royston Dias, Dhawal Kulkarni.

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Bengaluru: The Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has decided to make parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) mandatory once every two months in all government schools, following an overwhelming response to the state’s first-ever mega PTM.

In a circular issued recently, the department has laid down a schedule requiring schools to invite parents regularly and update them on their children’s academic performance, extracurricular progress and any concerns related to behaviour or learning, Deccan Herald reported on Tuesday.

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The officials of the department reportedly said that the mega PTM held across the state on Children’s Day received overwhelming response. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had inaugurated the event.

A senior department official said regular PTMs would help parents understand their role in their children’s education and strengthen coordination between teachers and families. Such interactions create a supportive learning environment and improve student outcomes.

Teachers say that the concept of PTM itself is new for government schools. “Even if we have to convey something to parents regarding their children, it is not an easy task to convince them to visit schools, especially in rural areas. But after the mega PTM most parents are happy to meet teachers,” said Chandrakala, head teacher working with a government high school.

The department has clarified that a yearly PTM schedule will be issued, and schools must strictly follow it. The aim is to conduct at least five PTMs in every academic year.

During the mega PTM, parents were also served meals prepared under the mid-day meal scheme. Teachers, however, said there is no clarity yet on whether meals for parents will continue during future PTMs.