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Friday, March 21, 2025

Students struggle to get tatkal passport appointments in Hyd

Ashresh.Marupaka@timesofindia.com 21.03.2025

Hyderabad : The ongoing delay in tatkal passport appointments at Hyderabad’s Ameerpet and Begumpet passport seva kendras (PSKs) has raised concerns among those planning to pursue higher education or work abroad. With over three weeks of waiting already in effect, prospective students and educational consultancies are worried about missing the August intake window to foreign universities if they do not have their passports in time.

Currently, the earliest tatkal appointments are available only in the second week of April. “Students, especially for the upcoming August intake, are going to decide now after the global scenario stabilises. For them, the first step is to go for a passport. If passport processing is delayed, they might miss this window,” says Arvind Manduva, a educational consultant. The situation has forced many applicants to explore alternatives, including travelling to smaller cities for appointments. “In Hyderabad centre, we do not have enough slots. They are taking up some other slots to places like Nizamabad and Karimnagar, and people have to travel there to get it done,” explained Sahas Yuvraj, another consultant.

He shared a recent case highlighting the impact of these delays: “A UK-based NRI got married, but his wife does not have a passport. They are trying to apply with their marriage certificate, but no slots are available. They have been waiting for 3-4 days. Now they are forced to go for a change of plans.”

‘Running at 75% capacity’

However, the Regional Passport Office has issued a clarification regarding the reduced appointment availability. Hyderabad’s Regional Passport Officer, Snehaja Jonnalagadda, explained, “We are in the process of system migration, because of which we have reduced the number of appointments. We are running at 75% capacity.” She assured that the situation is temporary and should improve soon. “We are rescheduling appointments and hope it will be solved in a week or two,” Snehaja added.

Key GOs missing on govt site, concerns over lack of access

GOs On Phone Bills & Leaves Uploaded Fast

Koride.Mahesh@timesofindia.com 21.03.2025

Hyderabad : The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) department on March 12 issued two important Government Orders (GOs). One concerning the creation of Future City Development Authority, and the other pertaining to expansion of HMDA jurisdiction. These decisions were made by the Telangana cabinet earlier. However, these two significant GOs could not be found on the state govt’s website, ‘goir.telangana.gov.in’. Similarly, hundreds of GOs issued by various govt departments, such as the guidelines for Indiramma Illu, are also missing from the govt portal.

However, officials promptly upload GOs relating to the payment of telephone bills, sanctioning of leaves, promotions, and sometimes, GOs involving central schemes and budget allocations. AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi had raised this issue of GOs and Budget Releasing Orders (BROs) in the state assembly a few days ago.

He questioned how many GOs issued by various govt departments over the past year had been uploaded to the govt website. He even remarked in the assembly, “Don’t run the assembly as Gandhi Bhavan,” after his question was not addressed and was changed. Previously, public interest litigations (PILs) were filed in the Telangana High Court regarding the failure to upload important GOs on the govt website.

Officials claimed that the practice of not making important GOs publicly available was initiated by the previous BRS govt, and the current Congress govt is continuing it. Now, departments classify the GOs as confidential and internal, before sending them to the officers or departments concerned. Sometimes, the GOs only come to light after several days or weeks when they are eventually reported by media.

“The central govt uploads all GOs and orders immediately. Even the HC previously commented that when HC orders are uploaded to the website within 24 hours, why is the govt not uploading its orders? This attitude of the govt leads to a lack of transparency in the administration and fosters corruption,” said M Padmanabha Reddy, Secretary of Forum For Good Governance, who filed a PIL on GOs in the HC several years ago.

He added that the state govt has not even filed a counter in this case. When the BRS was in power, the Dalit Bandhu scheme guidelines and the sanctioning of units to Vasalamarri were not made publicly available, which led to a case being filed in the HC. Interestingly, BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan, who was formerly with Congress, had also filed a PIL concerning the absence of GOs on the govt website, alleging that portal had been shut down a few years ago.

Magistrate pulled up for denying maternity leave

21.03.2025

Chennai: Dubbing it as “inhuman”, Madras high court censured a judicial magistrate for denying maternity leave to an office assistant who remarried after the demise of her first husband, on the grounds that there was no proof of her second marriage.

Kodavasal, the district munsif-cum-judicial magistrate of Thiruvarur, even went to the extent of speculating that the second marriage appeared to have taken place after the pregnancy. Setting aside the order returning the application for maternity leave, a division bench of Justice R Subramanian and Justice G Arul Murugan directed the registrar-general of the HC to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation for the mental agony the woman suffered.

“It is high time judicial officers reform themselves and take a pragmatic view of things,” HC said, adding, “The action of the judicial officer, to say the least, is inhuman. At a time when even live-in relationships are recognised by the Supreme Court, the judicial officer appears to have taken an archaic view of the matter.” —Sureshkumar K

Govt faces scrutiny over purchase of medicines without issuing tenders

Min Says All Procedures Duly Followed

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 21.03.2025

Jaipur : Govt’s response to a starred question by Congress MLA Rafeek Khan Thursday showed that SN Medical College in Jodhpur purchased medicines worth Rs 5 crore in 2024-25 without going through the mandatory tendering process while medicine supplies worth Rs 28.5 crore were obtained through tenders.

Responding to Khan’s question on the methods deployed to purchase medicines and healthcare equipment, health minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said medical colleges and departments follow established regulations for purchases. He said that due to emergency reasons, purchases are sometimes made without tenders. Khimsar assured Khan that any complaints regarding irregularity will be thoroughly investigated. He promised to forward detailed information on this to Khan.

Khimsar’s written response clarified that some medicines were purchased without tenders from cooperative consumer centres and Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi centres, and also locally for amounts under Rs 10,000. Urgent requirements necessitated some equipment purchases without tenders, he added. The medical department’s tender-based procurement for 2024-25 (until Feb 28) included medicines worth Rs 1,366.7 crore and equipment worth Rs 110.9 crore (until March 3). Khimsar announced that the IPD Tower at SMS Hospital in Jaipur will be completed and ready for commissioning by 2028, while the Cardiac Tower is expected to become operational in 3-4 months. The cardiac building at SMS Hospital will be operational within three to four months and offer cardiac services. The 28-storey IPD tower’s completion is scheduled for 2028

NMC clarifies on promotions, seniority

Intishab.Ali@timesofindia.com 20.03.2025

Jaipur : In a bid to address promotion related concerns raised by Rajasthan Medical College Teachers Association, National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued guidelines this month to ensure eligible candidates receive promotions retrospectively.

Medical colleges’ faculty had raised objections about delayed promotions linked to the BCMET course, particularly when course access was limited. They pointed out the lack of clear selection criteria for course participation, noting that the current system could permanently im

pact career advancement for many members. NMC's intervention is expected to settle the dispute in favour of the affected personnel. NMC’s March 2025 order said, “In view of the requirement of BCMET course for promotion, it is clarified if a faculty member completes BCMET course after due date of promotion and submits the completion certificate, then he should be promoted from due date of promotion.” Those completing BCMET before Apr 1, 2024, will receive promotions this year, whilst later completions will be considered for Apr 1, 2025.

NEWS TODAY 20.03.2025

No maintenance for educated wife, HC advises her to work

Abhinav.Garg@timesofindia.com 20.03.2025

New Delhi : Delhi High Court has underlined that a well-educated wife qualified to work must not deliberately remain idle, only to receive maintenance from the husband. Denying relief to one such estranged wife who did her master’s in international business from Australia and worked in Dubai but preferred not to work, the court stressed that law doesn’t promote idling. “A well-educated wife, with experience in a suitable gainful job, ought not to remain idle solely to gain maintenance from her husband. Therefore, interim maintenance is being discouraged in the present case as this court can see potential in the petitioner to earn and make good of her education,” Justice CD Singh observed on Tuesday.

The court said wives having the earning capacity and qualification but remaining idle should not set up a claim for interim maintenance. “Section 125 of CrPC carries the legislative intent to maintain equality among the spouses, provide protection to the wives, children and parents, and not promote idleness... A well-educated wife, with ex perience in a suitable gainful job, ought not to remain idle solely to gain maintenance from her husband,” it observed, dismissing the woman’s plea against a trial court order denying her interim maintenance from her husband. HC explained that courts need to be satisfied if the wife is genuinely in need of maintenance and the factors leading to such a need for maintenance and encouraged the petitioner to look for a job to become self-sufficient, saying she had wide exposure and was aware of worldly affairs, unlike other uneducated women who were completely dependent on their spouses for basic sustenance.

“This court is unable to comprehend the fact as to why, despite being able-bodied and well qualified, the petitioner has chosen to remain idle since her return to India,” the bench noted, acknowledging her qualifications and past employment record. “There is no reason why she ought not to be in a position to also maintain herself in the future.” It added that though the woman claimed she was trying to find a job, neither did she place any evidence to support her claim nor resume her business activities. “Mere assertion of job-seeking, without corroborative evidence, is insufficient to establish genuine efforts of self-sufficiency,” it noted. The court highlighted WhatsApp chats between the woman and her mother where the latter advises that employment would jeopardise the alimony claims.

“This communication, preceding the maintenance petition, strongly suggests a deliberate attempt to remain unemployed to seek maintenance claims,” the court said. The couple married in Dec 2019 and left for Singapore. The woman said she returned to India in Feb 2021 allegedly because of the cruelty meted out to her by her estranged husband and his family members. In June 2021, she filed a petition for maintenance.

Missing fee records: GU withholds degrees

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 20.03.2025

Ahmedabad : A new controversy has emerged at Gujarat University’s animation department regarding fee-related issues of reserved category students. Recently, students raised concerns about their mark sheets and degree certificates being withheld due to unpaid fees. However, university officials have now admitted that they do not have any statistical data on how many students paid their fees. A student leader formally requested the exact figures, but the university failed to provide any details. It was also revealed that the former coordinator, Kawaljit Lakhtariya, did not maintain proper records regarding fee payments. Due to this lack of data, the department has withheld the mark sheets and degree certificates of all students, causing severe inconvenience. Additionally, the newly appointed in-charge registrar has also confirmed that no official records of fee payments are available. As a result, only students who can personally provide proof of payment are receiving their mark sheets, while others remain deprived. The incident has raised serious concerns about the university’s administrative efficiency, and students are demanding an immediate resolution to the issue.

High court stays GST action against Gujarat Medical Council, other boards

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 20.03.2025

Ahmedabad : The Gujarat high court on Thursday stayed the Goods & Services Tax (GST) department from taking any action against five different councils and boards that regulate and register practitioners of different systems of medicine in the state over payment of taxes. According to the case details, the director general of GST Intelligence (DGGI) issued notices to the Gujarat Medical Council, the Council of Homeopathic System of Medicine, the Gujarat Board of Ayurvedic and Unani System of Medicine, the Gujarat State Dental Council and the Gujarat State Council for Physiotherapy under Section 74 of the GST Act.

It stated that these bodies are corporates and have GST numbers as well, for they provide services in lieu of charging fees. Hence, their services are taxable under the GST law. After getting expert opinion, these councils and boards replied to the department and conveyed that they are not liable to pay GST because they are not private corporate bodies but were formed under the statutes and they act as extended govt bodies. However, the department insisted that these councils and boards are not govt companies, but body corporates and therefore are liable to pay taxes on the services they offer. According to advocate Neel Lakhani, who appeared for DGGI, the councils and boards filed petitions in the HC claiming that they are not taxable persons and demanded that the communication issued by the GST department be quashed.

After a preliminary hearing, Justice Bhargav Karia and Justice D N Ray issued a notice seeking a reply from the department by May 1, and directed the department not to take any coercive action against the petitioners until then

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

‘Two with criminal records selected for panel to choose VC’ HC ISSUES NOTICES

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 18.03.2025

Bhopal : A division bench of MP high court issued notices to respondents in a petition charging that persons with criminal background have been selected in the committee formed to suggest a panel of names for the post of vice-chancellor, Indira Gandhi national tribal university. The court further said that appointment of vice chancellor will be subject to the final decision of the court on the petition. Ajay Mishra from Anuppur town in his petition said that a three-member committee has been constituted to suggest names for the post of vice-chancellor to Indira Gandhi national tribal university. The two names of the committee were recommended by the executive council of the university while the third name was chosen by the President of India.

The two members recommended by the executive council have criminal cases pending against them, he said, praying the court that they be dropped from the committee. The union education ministry, vice-chancellor, registrar and three professors of Indira Gandhi national tribal university have been named as respondents in the case. The bench comprising chief justice S K Kait and Justice Vivek Jain, while asking respondents to give a reply to the petition within three weeks on an affidavit, said appointment of V-C of the tribal university will be subject to court decision on the petition.

HC orders TN to consider making woman prof RGGGH dean

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 18.03.2025

Chennai : Madras high court has criticised the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) for not considering the administrative experience of a petitioner to include her in the panel for appointment as dean to Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai. Justice N Anand Venkatesh observed that the petitioner’s name was dropped ‘like a hot potato’, and the authorities are taking a hypertechnical stand that the petitioner holding the incharge position cannot be considered.

“The authorities have virtually used the services of the petitioner as the HoD whenever it is favourable to them and are denying her position as the HOD when it comes to recognising her administrative experience. Such a stand taken by the authorities is quite un- fortunate and cannot be entertained,” the court said.

The issue pertains to a plea moved by Dr Priya Pasupathy challenging a GO issued by the department dated Oct 1, 2024, as it does not include the petitioner’s name in the panel for the post of dean in RGGGMC, Chennai. The department clarified that the petitioner completed five years as a professor; however, she was not qualified as she does not possess 1-year mandatory administrative experience for the post. Opposing the stand, the petitioner submitted that she served as a director, Institute of Community Medicine, Madras Medical College (MMC) from May 1, 2020, to Aug 18, 2020. This apart, she also served as chief warden of the women’s hostel in the MMC, as a deputy warden of the ladies hostel at Kilpauk Medical College, and as the head of the department (HOD) of community medicine at the MMC.

Recording the submissions, the court said if the stand of the authorities is taken to its logical conclusion, then the recognition and the renewal obtained from the NMC based on the signature subscribed by the petitioner as the HOD will become questionable. “It would mean that such recognition and renewal were obtained by portraying an unqualified person as the HOD before the NMC,” the court said. The court then allowed the plea and directed the department to include the name of the petitioner for the post of dean in the GMC by placing her in the appropriate position as per the seniority within four weeks.

Monday, March 17, 2025

‘Physiotherapists are docs, can seek Dr. title from ministry’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.03.2025 .BHOPAL

Bhopal :The Madhya Pradesh govt clarified its position on the recognition of physiotherapists as “doctors” in response to inquiries from Brajendra Pratap Singh, MLA of Panna. The Public Health and Medical Department, in a written response during the budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, stated that physiotherapists are recognized as doctors by law according to the gazettes of both the Indian and Madhya Pradesh govts, according to Vidhan Sabha reply from MP health minister Rajendra Shukla. These gazettes define physiotherapy and the scope of a physiotherapist’s practice.

“Physiotherapy is defined as a person who practices, provides treatment and advises on physical therapy by means of a comprehensive examination and appropriate investigation of individuals using physical modalities including exercise, mobility, manual therapy, electrical and thermal agents and other electro-therapeutic techniques for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion and recovery of movement or functional dysfunction, dysfunction, disorder, disability, trauma and disease and for the purpose of recovery and pain.” The gazette further states that a physiotherapist can operate independently or within a multi-disciplinary team and must hold a minimum of a graduate degree.

The Madhya Pradesh Nursing Home Act 1973 mandates that any facility offering physiotherapy services must employ a physiotherapist with a bachelor’s degree. Madhya Pradesh clarifies the legal recognition and employment status of physiotherapists.

The state govt confirmed physiotherapists are legally recognized as doctors under the National Commission for Allied and Health Care Professions Act-2021. This recognition grants them authority to practice, diagnose, and treat independently. The Madhya Pradesh Allied and Health Care Professions Rules 2024, enacted under the 2021 Act, are in effect.

The state govt stated, “Clear instructions regarding permission to physiotherapists to use the title Dr. with their name can be obtained from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and action can be taken accordingly.” Regarding employment, the Madhya Pradesh Paramedical Council has 3,028 registered physiotherapists: 286 with master’s degrees and 2,742 with bachelor’s degrees. As of March 13, 2025, no regular physiotherapist positions are approved in Primary Health Centers or Community Health Centers under the 2024 state-approved standard. Data on registered physiotherapist clinics are currently being compiled. The National Health Mission has approved 107 contractual physiotherapist positions, 94 of which are filled, leaving 13 vacancies.

AI ethical monitoring system a must to curb academic dishonesty

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 17.03.2025

With the Supreme Court highlighting technology integration, lower courts will use technically inclined lawyers as their number rises. AI is gradually transforming the legal education system but there is still a wide technical divide that needs to be bridged. The lack of formal integration of AI into legal education in Indian colleges is the biggest challenge that needs to be addressed. Vageshwari Deswal, professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, says, “Colleges can enhance students’ understanding of complex legal theories, case laws, and statutes using AI tools. These technologies provide swift access to vast data, making legal research simpler. Simulated classrooms, techenabled virtual client counselling sessions, and mock sessions with AI chatbots can better equip students for real courtroom experiences. Students must learn that AI cannot contextualise data nor replace human reasoning or judgment.”

“The integration of AI is a work in progress that demands adapting to the technology while preserving the core principles of legal education,” says V Shyam Kishore, dean, Alliance School of Law, Alliance University, Bengaluru. Before incorporating AI into the curriculum, it is crucial to educate students, faculty, and administrators about AI’s benefits, and limitations. “Understanding and using AI tools will become a fundamental skill in future, just like how legal professionals today are expected to know how to use MS Office, legal research databases, and citation tools,” he adds. The legal sector is rapidly adopting AI-driven tools, with several software applications already available for legal research, litigation support, and compliance monitoring. Kishore says, “Many of these tools are already being used by legal firms and institutions to streamline processes, improve research, and enhance efficiency.

However, most of these AI-powered solutions are designed for global markets and must be tailored to India’s unique legal framework.” Currently, there is no national regulatory framework governing the use of AI in law schools, as the BCI is yet to update its policies to reflect the growing role of AI. Kishore says, “The establishment of AI governance mechanisms in law schools is required to regulate AI’s ethical and pedagogical use. AI ethics committees should be formed to monitor AI-assisted legal research and prevent academic dishonesty. These committees should align with ethical AI guidelines, such as those from NITI Aayog, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and international standards like OECD and UNESCO.”

Traditional medical education to soon incorporate AI electives

AI tools can make ayurveda knowledge and services more widely accessible, reaching global audiences

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 17.03.2025

The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) is set to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) curricula to revolutionise the Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM). To equip students with both foundational knowledge of ISM and the skills to incorporate modern technological advancements, the ministry is working on formulating a benchmark framework to offer AI as one of the elective subjects.

To implement the plan, the ministry has been evaluating the sector’s readiness for AI, creating a standardised framework for AI system integration, and developing AI educational tools. Creating a benchmark A framework is needed to integrate AI into traditional medicines to make it scientifically validated, efficient, and globally recognised. The ministry has collaborated with global focus groups to develop benchmarks for AI usage in traditional medicines. Talking to Education Times, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, says, “The Centre of Excellence (CoE) component of the Ayurswasthya Yojana, a project sanctioned to IIT Jodhpur, aims to combine functional genomics, electronics, digital health, and AI to realise evidence based ayurvedic solutions.

The CoE will provide technological solutions for understanding and applying ayurveda’s principles and practices—P5 medicine: Personalised, Preventive, Predictive, Participatory, and Promotive—as well as integrative medicine, including environmental response and disease development.” Integrating AI in ayurveda can enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalised treatment planning, research efforts, and healthcare delivery, says Pooja Sabharwal, assistant professor, Govt of NCT of Delhi. “Training students in traditional medicine to provide AIenabled public health services alongside their core curriculum can empower them to deliver more comprehensive and effective care, contribute to improved health outcomes, and adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.

With AI algorithms, students can identify patterns and correlations in complex datasets, such as ayurvedic diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Analysing these patterns through AI allows it to assist ayurvedic practitioners in diagnosing diseases more accurately and predicting the efficacy of various treatment modalities,” she adds. Moreover, AI can enhance various aspects of education and healthcare, particularly in the context of ayurveda and traditional medicine.

“AI can automate administrative tasks, assist in curriculum development, and provide real-time feedback to educators, allowing them to focus more on mentorship and teaching. AI-driven platforms can also make ayurveda knowledge and services more widely accessible, reaching global audiences,” adds Kotecha. In 2017, the ministry launched AYUSH Grid, an initiative to integrate technology with traditional medicine systems like ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha, and homeopathy. Through the Grid, students are trained in modern technologies to improve healthcare services such as accessibility, quality, and efficiency. Kotecha says, “Students are already using the AYUSH Learning Management System (e-LMS) under AYUSH Grid, where AI-driven analytics are being developed.”

Strengthening research Incorporating AI into research methodology courses will enable students to conduct data-driven research in ayurveda, says Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, director general, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). He says, “The regulatory body of AYUSH education, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), is taking steps to strengthen the research system. The implementation of AI-integrated education at universities and colleges can take several forms. For example, developing a curriculum with dedicated courses on data science, AI, and machine learning, tailored to ayurvedic studies, including their application in traditional medicine research and practice.”

PG NEET: NRI application rejection doubles at 324

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.03.2025 BANGALURU

Bengaluru : Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) rejected 324 applications for NRI (nonresident Indian) quota in PG NEET admissions this time, more than twice the number it did last year. As the PG NEET admissions for 2024-25 come to a close, a closer look at the data shows that KEA received 1,090 applications for NRI seats. This was 91 more than last year. While 766 of these were approved, 324 were rejected. At the same time last year, 850 were approved and 149 rejected. The bigger rejection rate is because of the stringent scrutiny KEA adhered to after a scam in allotting NRI seats was reported from Tamil Nadu.

It may be recalled that in TN, a verification by the selection committee at the Directorate of Medical Education found that at least 44 doctors faked their certificates in their applications. Candidates applying under NRI sponsorship must have a real blood relation to the financial supporter. “As per the SC rulings, it should be up to first-degree relation. But many of the applications had only distant relations with the sponsor, resulting in their rejection. We also wrote to various embassies asking about the genuineness of the certificates, but we are yet to receive any reply from them,” said H Prasanna, KEA executive director.

“Many candidates approached us and asked us to consider their applications under general category,” he said. The number of seats allotted to NRI quota has also fallen drastically this year. Only 87 seats were allotted, while 344 vacant seats were converted to management. Last year, 394 seats were allotted for NRIs, and only 254 were converted to management. “We are unable to understand why only fewer students took up NRI seats this year. Students try through various states and the All India quota. They might have got better seats elsewhere,” he said.

Banned cough syrups seized, two held

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.03.2025

Vadodara : The Vadodara special operations group (SOG) arrested two individuals who illegally stocked banned cough syrups containing codeine, an opiate (used to treat pain), which is abused, particularly among young people.

SOG officials arrested Vipul Rajput (23) a resident of Ratilal Park Society in Wag- hodiya, runs a medical store named Oakland Pharmacy near Gayatri temple in Waghodiya and Keyur Rajput (33), a resident of the Wadi area, runs a medical store named Ma Medical Store.

Police officials said they received a tip-off that the banned syrup was stocked at Vipul’s house in Waghodiya. After the SOG team conducted a raid at the house along with a team of FSL and Vadodara food and drug inspector, the duo confessed to being involved in the illegal racket of selling the banned syrup. Later, the accused also revealed that they used to stock the cough syrup along with other medicines at a rented godown near Gayatri temple. When the SOG team raided the premises, they seized 4,785 bottles of 100 ml bottles of codeine phosphate and triprolidine HCL syrup, Anrex cough syrup worth Rs 10.97 lakh, along with 1,59,120 capsules of NRX dicyclomine hydrochloride, tramadol hydrochloride, and acetaminophen capsules, SEMDEX-plus capsules worth Rs 15.57 lakh.

The total seizure is worth Rs 26.54 lakh, including cash, mobile phones, and vehicles. The duo was arrested and booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act

HC allows legal heir certs based on affidavits in absence of other proof

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.03.2025

Chennai : Madras high court has observed that legal heir certificates can even be provided based on affidavits of applicants and their kin. When there is no other proof, the applicant can be directed to file affidavits and arrange for five affidavits from persons known to the family, which will include relatives and neighbours. On that basis, the certificate can be issued when there is no rival claim, Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy said.

The court passed the order on a plea moved by S Arasu, challenging the order of the Mylapore tahsildar denying him certificates as a legal heir of C P Subramaniyam who died on Dec 19, 1998, and the death was reported. However, so far, no one applied for a legal heir certificate. His application for the certificate was rejected as the authorities could not conclude who the legal heirs of the deceased were.

Aggrieved, the petitioner moved the court. When the plea came up for hearing, the court said, “Once the death is reported, when an application is made for a legal heirship certificate, it has to be determined who the legal heirs are.” Setting aside the order, the court directed the petitioner to appear before the tahsildar for further enquiry on March 28.

The tahsildar shall insist on affidavits or relegate him to the revenue inspector for further enquiry, and the authorities shall make further enquiry and come to a conclusion by their best judgment as to who all the legal heirs are, include the names of those persons, and issue the legal heirship certificate, the court said. The exercise shall be completed within 12 weeks, the judge added.

Stay off roads to beat heat & disease Grabbing A Drink On Roadside In Summers Can Increase Risk Of Infections

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.03.2025

Chennai : The stifling heat may tempt people to grab a glass of lemonade or seasonal fruits sold on the roadside, but in summer these carry an increased risk of viral and bacterial infections that can lead to stomach infections, including acute gastroenteritis disorders, health officials warn.

Doctors across the city say they see cases, mostly family clusters, of hepatitis A and E, typhoid, and gastrointestinal diseases, all caused by contaminated water and food. The public health department says epidemiological data shows contaminated food and water-borne diseases increase in summer. Cut fruits, with their exposed surfaces and high sugar content, are vulnerable to growth of bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, and warm weather can expedite this.

“Fruits naturally spoil faster in hot weather. Cutting them accelerates this process, as the exposed flesh oxidises and decays,” said Dr P Sampath, joint director of public health (epidemics). “During summer, flies and other insects are more prevalent, increasing the risk of contamination. Poor hygiene practices, such as unwashed hands or unclean cutting surfaces, can also contribute to contamination,” he added.

Summer fruits such as watermelon, pineapples, and citrus fruits are high in water content, crucial for staying hydrated. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and immunity, particularly important in summer.

“It’s important for children to eat a bowl of fruits every day. We recommend people buy whole, uncut fruits,” said paediatrician Dr S Balasubramanian. “We must teach children to wash them thoroughly. It is preferable to eat fruit that is washed and cut at home. This way, you know they are clean and hygienic.”

Food safety officials, meanwhile, are holding discussions with vendors, asking them not to use chemicals to ripen fruit. “They pack chemicals such as calcium carbide in fruit boxes to expedite ripening. We have told vendors we will destroy boxes of fruits if we find them using unsafe artificial methods,” said designated food safety officer (Chennai) Dr P Satheesh Kumar.

Officials are also asking street food vendors to ensure they buy fresh raw material in small quantities from authorised dealers and source clean water for cooking and cleaning. “Meat and dairy should be preserved at the right temperature, cooked food must be stored in closed containers, and food handlers must follow hand hygiene practices,” said designated food safety officer (Tiruvallur) Dr Subhash Chandra Bose.

“We also tell people to ask vendors about the source of water and hygienic practices. They can also check for FSSAI licences on food carts and inside hotels. If there are issues, people must file complaints to prevent disease outbreaks,” he said.

8th Pay Commission: Central employees’ commuted pension to be restored after 12 years?

Big employee unions like Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers say that the government is constantly ignoring their demands.

This is increasing resentment among employees and pensioners.

Written by PF Desk March 16, 2025 13:57 IST

8th Pay Commission News: The long-standing demand for the restoration of commuted pensions is again in discussion. Currently, this pension is restored after 15 years, but employee organisations want the government to cut this commutation period to 12 years.

Now, after the announcement of the 8th Pay Commission, employees are hopeful that the government may take up the issue this time. The government is currently in the process of deciding the terms and conditions of the Pay Commission, and with this, the employee organisations have raised their voice.

Big employee unions like the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers say that the government is constantly ignoring their demands. This is increasing resentment among employees and pensioners. The union recently announced demonstrations across the country. Under this, gate meetings and general body meetings were organised.

8th Pay Commission: 6 major demands of employees:

Immediate establishment of 8th Pay Commission and inclusion of demands of employees.

Abolish New Pension Scheme (NPS) and implement Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Immediate release of Dearness Allowance (DA) stopped during COVID-19.

Reducing the restoration period of adjusted (commuted) pension from 15 years to 12 years.

Removing the limit on compassionate appointments and filling the vacant posts soon.

Ensuring democratic functioning of organisation.

The government deducts the pension of retired employees for 15 years. That is, the lump sum amount received is compensated monthly for 15 years. Employees’ demand:

Employees want this period to be made 12 years, so that retired personnel can get full pension soon

Employees’ arguments: Why is this change necessary?

Given the rising inflation and expenses, the reduction of 15 years is unfair.

Employees already bear taxes and deductions during their service. If this change happens, millions of retired employees will get relief.

What is the government thinking?

So far, no formal announcement has been made by the government with regard to a decision on pension commutation and restoration period. Employee organisations are constantly putting pressure, and if their demands are not met, they are preparing to protest on a large scale.

Now The process of the 8th Pay Commission is still in its initial stages. It may become clear in the coming days whether the government will be ready to accept this important demand of the employees.

RGUHS students get same questions from prep paper of two colleges in final Ayurveda exam

Mar 15, 2025, 23:23 IST

Sunday, March 16, 2025

AKTU to use blockchain tech to check fraud, errors in degrees

Mohita.Tewari @timesofindia.com 16.03.2025

Lucknow : The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) is implementing blockchain technology for generating degrees and marksheets. This digital system creates and validates academic credentials through a secure computerised database, ensuring authenticity and preventing unauthorised altera- tions. AKTU officials said that blockchain provides a reliable method for issuing and managing digital credentials. This system eliminates possibilities of errors or manipulations in university documents. Students will have the ability to print their digital degrees as needed.

Following council approval, the university plans to implement this system in the upcoming academic session. “Cases of fraud in degree marksheets often come to the fore in many universities of the country and state. In view of this and further upgrading its technology, the university administration has now decided to use blockchain technology,” said AKTU vice chancellor Prof JP Pandey. He explained that students’ examination and result information will be distributed across multiple ser- vers. The university will compile degree marksheets using roll numbers and other unique identifiers. The system’s security ensures that data remains protected even if individual servers face security breaches or disruptions. “Students will receive login credentials to access and print their degree marksheets as required. Blockchain enhances degree and marksheet security,” said the VC.

‘Prolonged use of steroids linked to risk of glaucoma’

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 16.03.2025

New Delhi : Prolonged use of steroid-based inhalers for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, continuous application of nasal sprays for allergies, and steroid-containing skin creams for allergic reactions and cosmetic purposes may lead to glaucoma, doctors at AIIMS have observed. They have highlighted the issue and advised regular eye check-ups, indicating that early identification significantly improves the chances of vision preservation. Glaucoma is a persistent eye condition that can damage the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss or blindness. Dr Tanuj Dada, professorin-charge of the glaucoma unit, emphasised the significance of timely detection. “Glaucoma is known as the thief of vision because it has no symptoms until significant damage occurs.

After 40, regular check-ups every 1-2 years are essential, even if your vision seems fine.” Dr Dada also cautioned against steroid misuse for children who are often prescribed steroid eye drops by unqualified persons, resulting in glaucoma. He explained that they frequently encountered young children with eye allergies, particularly those from Rajasthan affected by sand-related allergic reactions. These children, when experiencing eye irritation and redness, often get medicines from chemists or seek assistance from unqualified practitioners. Although the immediate allergy symptoms and redness may subside, some children later develop glaucoma. Students sustaining eye injuries from sports equipment such as balls or shuttlecocks during playground activities should also undergo regular eye examinations as these injuries could progress to glaucoma after 10-20 years. The doctor also warned against the use of skin whitening creams that mostly contain steroids. According to doctors, the research also linked stress to glaucoma, with meditation and breathing exercises showing potential benefits.

Only days spent in India to decide NRI tax status: ITAT

16.03.2025

Mumbai : Mumbai Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has ruled in favour of an individual who claimed his tax residential status to be that of a ‘non-resident’ as he had spent 210 days on work abroad, reports Lubna Kably.

As India does not tax overseas income in the hands of a non-resident, M Gulati did not disclose his overseas income of Rs 1.2 crore for FY 2015-16. He contended he had spent less than 182 days in India and was a non-resident. But I-T claimed that of the 210 days, he’d spent 28 days looking for work, and hence a tax resident of India. ITAT made it clear an individual’s tax residential status must be determined solely by the number of days spent in India.

The ITAT rejected the contention of I-T dept, which had recomputed Gulati’s stay outside India as it partly comprised of days spent jobhunting. ITAT order provides clarity on the tax treatment of individuals who split their time between employment and job search abroad. It reinforces that any period spent outside India for employment or in search of job should be counted towards non-resident status determination. The decision will benefit expatriates who go overseas in search of a job and gain employment.

A person who is a tax resident of India has to pay tax on his global income. A nonresident does not pay tax in India on his/her overseas income but only on income that accrues or arises in India (eg: rent from property in India, bank interest, etc). Number of days stayed in India determines tax residency.

Under provisions of I-T Act, viz: Explanation 1 to Section 6(1), if an individual leaves India for ‘purpose of employment’ overseas, he/ she will qualify as a tax resident only if stay ‘in India’ is for 182 days or more in a year. From FY 2020-21, the period was reduced to 120 days or more for individuals whose income (other than foreign sources) exceeds Rs 15 lakh. The I-T officer noted Gulati had spent 210 days outside India in the relevant AY (2016-17), of which 28 days were in search of job.

He held that only days of actual employment could be considered. Thus, based on a revised calculation, he held that Gulati had spent more than 182 days in India and was hence a tax resident. Consequently, the overseas salary of Rs 86.2 lakh and interest income of Rs 2.8 lakh would be taxable in India. The Appellate Commissioner upheld the stand of the I-T officer by holding that during the 28-day period, the taxpayer had not received any salary and the adjustment in days was correctly made. However, ITAT relying on judicial precedents disagreed and overruled the I-T department’s stand. The tax tribunal held seeking employment abroad also qualifies as a legitimate purpose under Explanation 1 to section