Madurai teacher selected for TN 'Best Chemistry Teacher Award'

Madurai teacher selected for TN 'Best Chemistry Teacher Award'

Meenakshi, who has also been working as a NEET coordinator for Chemistry in the district for the past five years, said he never teaches only the subject.

N Meenakshi Sundaram has beeen selected to receive Best Teacher Award for Chemistry subject during the science Day Festival 2025 on Wednesday. (Photo | K. K. Sundar, EPS)

Express News Service

Updated on:

26 Mar 2025, 9:29 am

MADURAI: N Meenakshi Sundaram, a Chemistry teacher working at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Othakadai, was selected for the state's 'Best Teacher Award'. The award will be presented during the Science Day Festival, 2025, organised by the Department of Higher Education, at Science City on Wednesday.

Meenakshi (58), who started his career as a Chemistry teacher in a private school in 1989, later joined a government school in 2010. Earlier, he had bagged the state-level Dr Radha Krishnan Award for the year 2022-23.

Explaining the selection criteria of the award, Meenakshi told TNIE that three rounds of interviews were conducted. After the first round, 29 teachers were shortlisted, and they were asked to appear for a written exam, followed by a personal interview.

Meenakshi, who has also been working as a NEET coordinator for Chemistry in the district for the past five years, said he never teaches only the subject. "I always make efforts to help my students develop interest in the subjects," he added.

It may be noted that the Department of Higher Education's Science city honours the best teachers from government, government aided and private schools across the state, who have excelled in Science subjects, every year.

HC orders TN to consider making woman prof RGGGH dean

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.

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

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.

Missing woman’s son, VAO booked after she is declared dead

Missing woman’s son, VAO booked after she is declared dead 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 16.03.2025

Chennai : A village administrative officer (VAO) has been booked for issuing a death certificate for a 50-yearold woman who disappeared from her house in 2021 but is alive. Police booked the woman's son too for approaching the VAO to issue the death certificate. Janaki alias Lakshmi, who lived with her husband Ragu, 55, and their sons at Elavur near Gummidipoondi, suddenly disappeared from her house in 2021. Ragu died later due to a few illnesses. Lakshmi’s son Vignesh, 24, approached Aathupakkam VAO, Raja, to issue a death certificate for his mother. The VAO conducted an “inquiry” and issued the death certificate. 

Vignesh then transferred the ancestral property to his and his brother’s names. Last year, some NGOs found Lakshmi and took her home. She learned that Vignesh had obtained her death certificate from the VAO and filed a complaint with the Gummidipoondi taluk office. Tahsildar Rajendran conducted an inquiry and found that the VAO did not follow the prescribed norms before issuing the death certificate to Vignesh. Based on the complaint filed by the tahsildar to Gummidipoondi police, a case was registered against Raja, the VAO, and Vignesh. The tahsildar ordered Raja placed under suspension on Friday. Further investigations are on

208 docs to be posted in urban health centres

208 docs to be posted in urban health centres

 TIMES NEWS NETWORK 14.03.2025

Chennai : The health department has invited applications for the recruitment of 208 doctors for the urban health and wellness centres, which will be inaugurated this month. In addition to doctors, the department will also appoint staff nurses, health inspectors, and support staff for these centres. Sixty of these centres will be under Greater Chennai Corporation. 

Earlier this week, the health minister said 500 of the planned 708 urban HWCs opened in June 2023 are functioning across 21 corporations and 63 municipalities. Construction of the remaining 208 centres has been completed. The health department has directed the state health societies to recruit doctors, nurses, and staff for each of these centres on a contract basis, Director of Public Health Dr T S Selvavinayagam said.

 While medical officers will be paid a salary of ₹60,000, staff nurses will receive ₹18,000, health inspectors ₹14,000, and support staff ₹8,500. Applications will be received directly and through post, he said. The last date for receiving applications is Mar 24. Candidates will be called for an interview on Apr 1, and results will be declared the next day.

‘Include UGC Chairman’s nominee in V-C search panel for sports university’

‘Include UGC Chairman’s nominee in V-C search panel for sports university’

R.N. Ravi

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI 12.03.2025

Governor R.N. Ravi has called upon the Tamil Nadu government to notify the search committee for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, “as constituted by the Chancellor”, which included the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman’s nominee, the Raj Bhavan said on Tuesday.

Though the Chancellor had, in October 2024, directed the State government to notify the constitution of the committee with four members, including the UGC Chairman’s nominee, the G.O. issued by the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department on January 28, 2025 “purposefully excluded the UGC Chairman’s nominee, in violation of the judgments of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India”, the Raj Bhavan said.

The notifications issued by the State government was contrary to the existing UGC regulations and orders of the Supreme Court, it said.

The Chancellor had urged the Government of Tamil Nadu to recall the said notifications, the Raj Bhavan said.

It pointed out that the Supreme Court had held in Prof. (Dr.) Sreejith P.S. vs. Dr. Rajasree M.S. & others that any appointment as Vice-Chancellor made on the recommendation of the search committee, which was constituted contrary to the provisions of the UGC regulations, shall be void ab initio.

The search committee constituted by the Chancellor was as per the provisions of Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University Act as well as UGC regulations, 2018, it pointed out.

“The inclusion of UGC Chairman’s nominee in the Search Committee of State Universities is held to be mandatory by the Supreme Court,” it said.

RTI request denied, petitioner told PIO was ‘on leave’

RTI request denied, petitioner told PIO was ‘on leave’ 

Venkadesan.S @timesofindia.com 10.03.2025

Chennai : The role of a Public Information Officer (PIO) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act is to either provide the requested information or deny it based on officially cited reasons. However, in a response to an RTI plea, a petitioner received a reply from the PIO saying the information could not be furnished as he was on leave. City-based RTI activist M. Kasimayan sought details of how Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) funds were used by the model govt higher secondary school at Peru Nagar in Kancheepuram from 2017 to 2023. 

Although the petitioner submitted his application in Feb, the reply he received earlier this month said the details he sought were with headmaster S Ezhil, and could not be provided as he was on leave. The response was sent by the headmaster, but it was undersigned in green ink by an unidentified person. “If the PIO concerned is on leave, the assistant PIO can furnish the information. The undersigned did not disclose who he/she is. The reply raises many doubts,” said Kasimayan, adding that he would file a complaint before the information commission.

2 students killed as car rams truck

2 students killed as car rams truck 

07.03.2025

Chennai : Two college students died when the car they were travelling in rammed a truck near Urapakkam on the Chennai-Trichy national highway on Thursday morning. Three other students in the car sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. The deceased were identified as Thanesh Reddy, 21, a third-year engineering student at a private college in Potheri, and Shreyas, 21, who was studying in Andhra Pradesh. Shreyas had come to visit Thanesh along with his friends Harini, 21, and Uma, 21. On Thursday morning, the group of five —Thanesh, his friend Mohammad, Shreyas, Harini, and Uma —were en route to Tambaram, with Thanesh driving. During their journey, a lorry in front of them suddenly stopped. Thanesh tried to brake but was unable to avoid a collision with the lorry. Thanesh and Shreyas died on the spot. Three other students, Harini, Uma, and Mohammad, 21, were taken to Chengalpet Govt Hospital.TNN

Tambaram residents oppose water deposit hike, demand rollback

Tambaram residents oppose water deposit hike, demand rollback

Activist Govindarajan told TNIE that the deposit hike is unjustified, particularly given the unreliable water supply and ineffective installation of water meters.

Unreliable water supply also affects the residents of Tambaram Corporation.(Photo | Express)

S Kumaresan

Updated on:

05 Mar 2025, 10:36 am

CHENNAI: The residents of Tambaram City Municipal Corporation (TCMC) have strongly opposed the hike in water connection deposit from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,500.

They criticised the corporation for implementing the hike without a public consultation, placing an additional financial burden on middle-class and low-income households.

Several residents, along with activists, including SM Govindarajan, president of the United Federation of Residents Welfare Associations, have appealed to Chief Minister MK Stalin, Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru, and TCMC commissioner S Balachander through X to revoke the revised charges.

Although the deposit is refunded at the time of surrendering the service connection, it has caught those from financially backward families off guard, said residents.

Govindarajan told TNIE that the deposit hike is unjustified, particularly given the unreliable water supply and ineffective installation of water meters. The residents asked the corporation to ensure a regulated quantity and duration of supply before hiking the deposit. VS Jayaraman, another resident, said that he, along with several others like V Santhanam, had made several attempts to oppose the revised deposits but no action was taken.

Commenting over the issue, TCMC AIADMK floor leader G Sankar told TNIE that the issue was raised several times in the council but nothing was done to address the concerns of the residents before going ahead with the revised deposits.

Responding to the concerns, corporation commissioner Balachander told TNIE that the increase was made as per the corporation’s by-law. “Residents are not required to pay the revised charges in one go; they can opt for two or three instalments to ease the financial impact on them,” he stated.

Mofussil buses to terminate at Kilambakkam from tomorrow

Mofussil buses to terminate at Kilambakkam from tomorrow

Mar 3, 2025, 03.55 AM IST

Chennai: Starting Tuesday, all govt mofussil buses from the southern districts will terminate at Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam instead of Tambaram, following a directive aimed at easing congestion on Grand Southern Trunk Road.

While the govt has promised to deploy 100 additional MTC buses to improve connectivity between KCBT and key transit hubs in Chennai, passengers remain unconvinced, citing the inconsistency of MTC services. At present, the govt claims to operate 590 buses from KCBT.

“We often wait 15 to 20 minutes for a bus in the early hours when returning to Chennai after holidays, only to find overcrowded MTC buses. Those who can’t afford to wait are forced to pay higher fares for autos or taxis to reach Tambaram,” said B Ganesh, a resident-activist from Varadharajapuram. He also criticized the decision to reroute buses to Kilambakkam before completing the Kilambakkam railway station and pedestrian pathway connecting it to the terminus. The govt earlier promised to open the railway station by May.

The decision to divert mofussil buses to Kilambakkam is based on recommendations from Tambaram police to decongest GST Road.

At present, TNSTC buses halt in front of Tambaram railway station, blocking one or two lanes of the three-lane road, causing daily bottlenecks. The problem is worsened by autos encroaching on the left-most lanes. On the opposite side, govt buses are often forced to stop in the middle of the road to drop passengers, despite a designated bus bay.

By shifting mofussil bus operations to Kilambakkam, police expect smoother movement of MTC buses and local vehicles through the area, where traffic delays of 10 to 15 minutes have become routine.

Kanchi Shankaracharya wants temples freed from govt control

Kanchi Shankaracharya wants temples freed from govt control

Rajeev.Mani@timesofindia.com  24.02.2025

Prayagraj : Kanchi Shankaracharya on Sunday advocated for handing over temples and their properties across India to temple authorities, freeing them from govt control. “Every Kumbh in Prayagraj has raised a demand, which was fulfilled in due course — such as the demand for Ram temple raised in 2013. Now, the call to free all temples from govt control has echoed from Maha Kumbh 2025,” said Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi, the 70th Jagadguru Peethadipathi of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

 He was in Prayagraj to take a holy dip at Sangam and to attend an event at his camp in Maha Kumbh. “I demand that, firstly, all temples should be restored. Secondly, proper puja should be conducted in these temples; and thirdly, all the offerings (income) received by the temples should belong to the temples. Temples, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, along with their land, assets, and other holdings, should be the sole property of the temple concerned,” he said. 

He added that income from these temples should be used to promote Sanatan Dharma, train pupils well versed in Vedas, establish gurukuls, open gaushalas, and support classical music. “There should be a system of PPP — ‘Praja’ (devotees),‘Purohit’ (priest), and ‘Pujari’ (priest). This ‘Triveni’ will surely uplift not only the temples but also Sanatan Dharma,” he said in an exclusive conversation with TOI.

“There should be a pujari in every panchayat and a temple like Tirupati in every village,” he added. On whether youth are moving away from religious practices, he responded, “It is not true that young people are not inclined toward ‘Aastha’ (faith). I have seen many young boys and girls at Maha Kumbh, arriving in large numbers, applying tilak with full devotion. There is still ‘Aastha’ in the country; what we lack is ‘Sanstha’ (organisation) and ‘Vyavastha’ (rules and regulations).” 

He acknowledged problems faced by the country and families but emphasised the need to begin within families.

“By preserving Sanatan Dharma, we can save our democracy... when the country is safe, only then will there be peace in the world,” he said

Panel to hear govt staff demands

Panel to hear govt staff demands 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 24.01.2025

Chennai : CM M K Stalin has constituted a committee to listen to the grievances of various govt employees’ associations and resolve them. A govt statement said on Sunday that the panel consists of public works department minister E V Velu, finance minister Thangam Thennarasu, school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and human resource development minister Kayalvizhi Selvaraj. 

They would meet representatives from govt associations and discuss their demands on Monday at the secretariat. The move comes after a state-wide protest announced by the joint action council of TN teachers organisations and govt employees organisation (Jacto-Geo) pressing its charter of demands on Feb 25.

‘Tough’ CBSE physics paper has students on tenterhooks

‘Tough’ CBSE physics paper has students on tenterhooks 

Even 1-Mark MCQs Too Complex, Say Students, Feel Out Of Depth & Time

Ramendra.Singh@timesofindia.com 23.02.2025 

Bhopal : This was the board exam or JEE-Mains? That was the feeling among the majority of students after the CBSE class 12 physics paper on Friday. And on Saturday, social media was buzzing with complaints of how tough and lengthy it was. Students complained that the paper was far too heavy on numericals and broke from the pattern of a balanced distribution of topics and complexity.

 “It is not a competitive exam, but a qualifying exam. All three sets were lengthy, complex and needed strong problem-solving skills. How many children in India can solve such a paper without private coaching? How many CBSE students in villages can afford coaching?” asked a school teacher, requesting not to be named. 

Several teachers told TOI that even the section containing one-mark questions included very complex theoretical concepts that required a deeper understanding and far more investment of time than the weightage merited. Students faced ‘unforeseen components’ and numerical problems that demanded extensive calculations, requiring careful time management. Many struggled to finish the paper in time. Most of those who could, didn’t get time to revise. 

“The examination pattern deviated slightly from previous years, catching students off guard,” said a teacher. Derivations got far less weitage that previous years. “The numerical questions, especially those carrying two marks, proved exceptionally difficult. Several MCQs were extremely complicated,” said a student, Samarth Kumar. Some students said that one of the MCQs was drawn from topics excluded from the syllabus. Education experts suggested that the paper's structure could have been more balanced. They emphasised that while challenging questions are necessary to differentiate between students’ 

capabilities, the overall difficulty level should have been more moderate. Some teachers felt that the paper reflected the need of the times and would help acquaint students with the toughness of competitive examinations.

Madambakkam lake full of sewage, hyacinth

Madambakkam lake full of sewage, hyacinth

Feb 22, 2025, 04.01 AM IST

Chennai: Madambakkam lake, covering over 250 acres, once a drinking water source, is now sewage-ridden and marred by unchecked growth of hyacinth. Additionally, there is illegal dumping of garbage, including plastic and meat waste.

In 2024, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) floated a 10-crore tender to restore the lake and transform it into an eco-park, but nothing has changed. The issue was raised in a National Green Tribunal case. CMDA, however, is yet to submit updates on the project. Activists are now demanding that civic agencies drop their plan to build an ecopark.

“The lake should remain a lake instead of being converted into an eco-park. In recent years, many influential people have illegally occupied parts of the lake. They obtained 'patta' using their money and muscle power," said Mohan Srinivas, president, environment qwareness and protection association. “The agency must evict people who have occupied the area illegally,” he said.

Residents say they often see tankers illegally dumping sewage into the lake.

“This lake was once beautiful. We could have our morning walks around the lake,” said Vanitha S, a resident of Madambakkam. “We have seen it deteriorate over the years. Tambaram Corporation has taken no steps to protect it,” she said. In 2024, a team of scientists from IIT-M said the water was mixed with sewage, posing a serious threat to the fish and other aquatic species. To make things worse, waste collected from the area is dumped near the lake and is left to rot.

“We have complained to the Tambaram Corporation about the garbage issue, and we are waiting for them to resolve it,” said Murugesan R, a resident of Madipakkam.

CMDA assistant planner Priya R did not tell TOI why the work on restoration was delayed, but said, “Work is in progress and will be completed at the earliest.”

Stop Periyar univ interview, govt urged

Stop Periyar univ interview, govt urged

TNN | Feb 19, 2025, 04.00 AM IST

Salem: Educationalists on Tuesday urged the state govt to take steps to cancel the interview scheduled by Periyar University on March 1 for the registrar post.

The state govt had in a 2017 directive to all universities advised vice-chancellors against making any appointments or policy decisions within three months of the end of their term.

Pointing out that Periyar University vice-chancellor R Jagannathan’s term would end on May 19, educationalists said the interview for the registrar post was being scheduled just two months and 18 days before the end of the VC’s tenure.

V Vaithyanathan, member, national executive committee of All India University and College Teachers’ Federation, said the VC, who was facing a probe into various corruption charges, was moving forward with the interview plans without any regard for the directive.

“This action is unacceptable and violates the govt order.”

When contacted, Jagannathan declined to comment on the matter, questioning the relevance of a letter from 2017.

“What will I comment on the letter?” he asked, refusing to elaborate.```

Uber scraps commission, leaves fare negotiation to passengers

Uber scraps commission, leaves fare negotiation to passengers

Feb 19, 2025, 04.01 AM IST

Chennai: Uber made a major change in its fare model by scrapping commission charges for auto drivers and switching to a fixed subscription-fee system, similar to Namma Yatri and Rapido. More significantly, fares displayed in the app will be only suggestive, with final pricing left to direct negotiation between drivers and passengers, as the platform will no longer intervene in fare disputes.

In a notification on Tuesday, the platform said it will now act only as a tech intermediary between passengers and drivers. An Uber spokesperson said the shift aligns with the industry-wide move towards subscription-based models and ensures the company remains competitive. However, Uber did not disclose how much will be charged as a daily subscription or platform fee from its drivers from this month-end.

Auto drivers on other platforms currently pay 25 to 30 per shift, after which they retain the full fare collected from passengers. There are no commission deductions, no cap on the number of trips and earnings depend entirely on workload. Previously, Uber deducted 15% to 40% per ride, leading to discontent and a partial boycott in Chennai.

Also, Tuesday’s notification said that Uber suggests a fare, but the final amount is decided by the driver and customer. Passengers will have the option to walk away from a ride with no cancellation charges if they do not agree on a fare. Uber advised riders to discuss concerns directly with drivers.

Additionally, all payments must now be made directly to the driver in cash or via UPI. Digital payment options such as credit/debit cards, Uber-integrated UPI payments and Uber credits will no longer be available. Promotions and discounts will also not apply to auto rides.

With Uber stepping back, booking an auto through the app is now like hailing one from the street. "Fare control is gone, leaving passengers, especially newcomers, vulnerable to overcharging," said D Ramakrishnan, a resident-activist from Adambakkam.

Uber, however, said it would continue to address safety concerns.This story had continued from a page 1 story in the newspaper. For your reading convenience we have added it below.

Passengers, drivers to fix Uber auto fares

Uber on Tuesday announced changes in its fare model scrapping commission charges for auto drivers and switching to a fixed subscription-fee system, similar to Namma Yatri and Rapido, reports Ram Sundaram. Fares displayed in the app will be only suggestive, with final pricing to be negotiated between drivers and passengers. The platform will no longer intervene in fare disputes. An Uber spokesperson said the shift aligns with the industry-wide move towards subscription-based models.

Counselling for docs may begin on Fri: Ma Su

Counselling for docs may begin on Fri: Ma Su

TNN | Feb 18, 2025, 03.57 AM IST

Chennai: Candidates selected by the medical recruitment board will be called for counselling ahead of job postings by Friday, and appointment letters will be handed over to them by Feb end, health minister Ma Subramanian said on Monday.

Based on the exam conducted by the board in Jan, 4,586 doctors were called for certificate verification between Feb 12 and 15. Officials said 557 candidates (12%) who did not turn up during the verification process will be removed from the list. “A few other candidates who have not submitted the required documents will be waitlisted,” a senior MRB official said. The board will prepare vacancies considering 69% reservation and vertical reservation including quotas for women, ex-servicemen, and persons with disabilities.

Allotments will be made during counselling based on the order of merit in the examination and the rule of reservation. Allotments will be provided to waitlisted candidates, but they will receive the job order only aftercertificate verification is completed, the officials said.Counselling is likely to begin on Friday, the minister said. More than 1,000 doctors recruited to 20 districts with high vacancy levels will be given the option to secure transfer before posting new list of doctors.

HC stays order on returning ‘thaali’ to Lankan woman

 HC stays order on returning ‘thaali’ to Lankan woman 

CUSTOMS SLEUTHS FILE APPEAL 

Sureshkumar.k@timesofindia.com 15.02.2025

Chennai : A newly wed Sri Lankan woman, whose ‘thaali’ was seized by Chennai Customs officials a t airport citing rules concerning personal gold j ewellery, will have to wait for the return of the mangalsutra for some more time, as adivision bench stayed a single judge order asking Customs to return it to her. In his order on Jan 31, a single judge ordered the return of 133 grams of gold jewellery, including the ‘thaali’, seized from Thanushika, a Sri Lankan, at the Chennai airport. On Friday, however, a division bench of Justice S S Sundar and Justice C Saravanan stayed the single judge order, on an appeal moved by the customs department. The single judge had justified the order by observing that, as per our customs, it is normal for a newly married person to wear jewellery in such quantity. 

He added that the officers, while conducting searches, must respect the customs of every religion in this country and that it was unfair on the part of the customs officials to remove the ‘thaali’ from the petitioner. In another order, the single judge ordered the return of 135 grams of bangles seized from one Sabeena Mohammed Moidenn on the ground that she wore the bangles on her hands without any secrecy or concealment. 

Aggrieved, the customs preferred an appeal against the orders. When both the appeals came up for hearing, the customs contended that, as per rules, articles valued over ₹50,000 carried through the airports are taxed. They added that an order exempting jewellery worn by persons from the purview of such tax would affect the economy of the country. Concurring with the submissions, the court granted an interim stay against the orders of the single judge

Big relief from SPAM calls, TRAI bans 10-digit numbers for telemarketing!

Big relief from SPAM calls, TRAI bans 10-digit numbers for telemarketing!

These amendments, announced on February 12, 2025, aim to combat unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) while ensuring legitimate marketing activities operate within a transparent framework.

Written by FE Online

February 13, 2025 11:20 IST

The revised regulations come in response to evolving telemarketing practices that exploit telecom channels.

In a bid to curb the misuse of telecom resources and enhance consumer protection, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced stricter regulations under the amended Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018. These amendments, announced on February 12, 2025, aim to combat unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) while ensuring legitimate marketing activities operate within a transparent framework.

The revised regulations come in response to evolving telemarketing practices that exploit telecom channels. The move follows a consultation process initiated on August 28, 2024, where TRAI sought industry feedback on key regulatory gaps. The amendments focus on tightening norms against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs), preventing the misuse of 10-digit numbers for marketing, enhancing consumer complaint mechanisms, and increasing accountability for senders and service providers.

No more 10-digit numbers for telemarketing

In a bid to improve transparency, TRAI has restricted commercial communication via standard 10-digit mobile numbers. Instead, a designated number series must be used: the ‘140’ series will continue for promotional calls, while the newly allocated ‘1600’ series will be used for transactional and service calls.

Easier reporting, faster action

Consumers can now lodge complaints against spam messages and calls from unregistered senders without pre-registering their communication preferences. TRAI has also simplified the complaint process—any report containing essential details will be treated as valid.

The window for reporting spam has been extended from three days to seven days, and telecom operators must now take action against UCC complaints within five days, down from the earlier 30-day limit. Additionally, the threshold for penalising senders has been lowered—from requiring 10 complaints in seven days to just five complaints within 10 days.

To ensure greater transparency, telecom providers must prominently display complaint registration options on their mobile apps and websites, making it easier for users to report violations.

Stronger penalties for repeat offenders

TRAI has introduced stringent penalties for habitual offenders. First-time violators will face a 15-day suspension of outgoing telecom services. Repeat offenders will see all their telecom resources—including PRI/SIP trunks—disconnected across all service providers for a year, with blacklisting. To further deter violations, TRAI has introduced financial disincentives for telecom operators failing to enforce the new regulations. Fines start at Rs 2 lakh for the first violation, Rs 5 lakh for the second, and Rs 10 lakh per subsequent offence.

Additionally, access providers are now mandated to enter legally binding agreements with registered senders and telemarketers, outlining their responsibilities and the penalties for non-compliance.

Empowering consumers with more control

Telecom operators must now provide a mandatory ‘opt-out’ option within promotional messages, making it easier for consumers to block unwanted marketing content. TRAI has also standardised message headers to help users differentiate between promotional (‘-P’), service (‘-S’), transactional (‘-T’), and government (‘-G’) communications. A separate category for government communications has been introduced to ensure essential messages are not missed. Additionally, brands must now wait 90 days before seeking fresh consent from users who have opted out of marketing communications.

AC EMU trains soon; tickets to cost three times more than ordinary

AC EMU trains soon; tickets to cost three times more than ordinary

Feb 13, 2025, 04.02 AM IST

Chennai: Southern Railway’s first fully air-conditioned Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train will soon be introduced on two key routes — Chennai Beach to Tirumalpur and MGR Chennai Central to Arakkonam. The ticket prices may be three times that of regular trains.

While the present 12-rake EMU can seat 1,168 people and 2,336 people can stand, the new AC EMU 12-car rake has only 1,116 seats but space for 3,798 to stand.

With the maximum speed of 110kmph, the train has advanced bogies with fully suspended traction motors, wheel-mounted disc brakes and air spring suspension, similar to Vande Bharat trains.

The rake designed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) is stationed at the commissioning shed in Anna Nagar.

Deputy chief mechanical engineer Udhayakumar said ticket prices have not been finalised, but early estimates suggest fares could be three times higher than regular EMU trains. Southern Railway adopting Western Railway's fare model would mean commuters traveling 29km from Chennai Beach to Tambaram pay 95, with fares set at 35 for 9km, 70 for 24km, and 95 for 34km.

The stainless-steel coaches have wide entrances and automatic sliding doors. Passengers will have access to aluminium luggage racks, GPS-based LED display boards, an announcement system and CCTV cameras in all compartments.