Kanchi bus terminus turns crime hotspot

Kanchi bus terminus turns crime hotspot

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:27.10.2021

The Kancheepuram bus terminus which witnesses large numbers of passengers throughout day and night, is turning into the most unsafe zone for the passengers, especially women in the night.

In the past two days alone, three snatching incidents have been reported leaving the passengers in panic.

At 9.30pm on Monday, an unidentified man snatched cell phones of an elderly couple, Srinivasan and Banu, while two other women lost their expensive mobile phones to miscreants on Sunday. On Tuesday, a woman was relieved of ₹7,000 cash.

Passengers complain that anti-social elements lurk there as many of the shops remain closed and consume liquor besides committing crimes.

Commuters say, the main bus stand, though has lights, is not an ideal place for women and it inconveniences them to a great extent. Absence of CCTV cameras has come handy for the miscreants to to have afree run.

They said that more than half of the shops have yet to start functioning. “Since many shops are closed, antisocial elements have taken up space to consume alcohol in public,” says Prathiba, a commuter who takes bus from the terminus to Uthiramerur regularly.

"Except for two or three shops with CCTV cameras, no surveillance is provided by the police for safety. We can see men openly consuming liquor and creating ruckus. They attack people who try to question them," she said.

Even if a crime happens, police will be left clueless about the identity of the miscreants, she added.

Gandhiya Makkal Iyakkam district president Bethraj who recently submitted a petition to the police highlighting the problems haunting the bus depot said that people are scared even during day time.

"We have sought them to increase the policing to keep the miscreants at bay, as it is one of the main bus stops," said Bethraj.

SORE POINT: The terminus witnessed three snatching incidents in the past two days alone leaving the passengers in panic. Passengers complain about lack of CCTV cameras and proper policing

Have no faith in commission probing Jaya death, Apollo tells apex court

Have no faith in commission probing Jaya death, Apollo tells apex court

Says Won’t Be Able To Appear Before Panel

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:27.10.2021

Alleging bias and arbitrariness in the Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission probing the circumstances surrounding the death of former chief minister Jayalalithaa, the Chennai-based Apollo Hospitals has said it would not be able to appear before the commission for inquiry.

The Supreme Court had in April 2019 stayed the commission proceedings, after Apollo Hospitals took the case to the apex court saying the commission was not in a position to understand its submissions as it did not have a doctor or an expert familiar medical procedures and protocols.

Though many political leaders, including former chief minister O Panneerselvam, were yet to appear before the commission for inquiry, the doctors who treated Jayalalitha were made to appear before it repeatedly, said the hospital.

Selective leak of testimony given by doctors resulted in the hospital’s image being tarnished in public eye, Apollo said, adding that the commission was straying beyond its terms of reference. Noting that it was ready to take party in any court proceedings, Apollo said it had no faith in the commission.

The hospital also said that the then AIADMK government had directed the hospital to remove the CCTV on the floor where Jayalalitha was being treated, saying it was a privacy issue.

After a 75-day stay at Apollo, Jayalalithaa died on December 5, 2016. Justice Arumughaswamy commission was set up in September 2017.

FOR A FAIR PROBE: Apollo Hospitals alleges bias and arbitrariness against the Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission probing the circumstances surrounding the death of former CM Jayalalithaa

Selective leak of testimony given by doctors resulted in the hospital’s image being tarnished, Apollo said

Inspection of four medical colleges over

Inspection of four medical colleges over

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:27.10.2021

The National Medical Commission has completed virtual inspections for approval of seats in four proposed medical colleges, said state health minister Ma Subramanian.

In addition, the directorate of medical education has submitted a compliance report to enhance seats from 100 to 150 in four other new medical colleges. If the commission gives its nod, the state will add at least 600 more MBBS seats in addition to the 850 additional seats approved for admissions in the current academic year.

“We have been told the inspection committee is satisfied with our compliance. I will be visiting Delhi with senior officials on Wednesday. We will request the Centre to give us permission to admit students to all11 new medical colleges from the current academic year,” Subramanian said. In addition, the state has urged the centre to allow the Government Medical College in Coimbatore to increase seats from 150 to 200.

HC to medical council: Protect doctors’ interests

HC to medical council: Protect doctors’ interests

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:27.10.2021

While it is the responsibility of the Medical Council to act against doctors found violating code of ethics, the council also owes a duty to protect the medical practitioners, who are rendering yeomen service for the betterment of the general public, from the onslaught of frivolous complaints, Madras high court has said.

Justice R Mahadevan has also suggested a series of guidelines to be included in the new regulation to be framed under National Medical Commission Act.

The suggestion includes altering rules mandating preservation of medical documents for 3 years to 10 years by digitising the documents and disposal of complaints filed against doctors in six months.

The court made the observations while allowing a plea moved by Dr P Basumani against termination of his licence by the Tamil Nadu medical council in a hasty manner.

“The medical council is expected to act in such a manner that every area connected with the complaints can be meted out, which will pave the way for reasonable as well as legally based decisions to be arrived at,” the court said.

Justice Mahadevan has also suggested the council to constitute three experts to inquire into each complaint.

The experts shall be from the field of medicine with which the medical practitioner is associated.

The principles of natural justice, as required in quasi-judicial proceedings, will have to necessarily be followed as the proceedings may end in punishments which would entail civil consequences to either party, the court said.

In order to make the disciplinary proceedings free from any loopholes and to avoid multiplicity of proceedings, the report of the inquiry committee is to be made final and binding on the disciplinary board of the state medical council and Medical Registration Board, the judge added.

The court added that the disciplinary board of the state medical council will have a permanent tenure, fixed three-member body (constituted by election by the commission from amongst its members) will function as the disciplinary authority for the purpose of professional misconduct by registered medical practitioners under the Code/Regulation.

The court ruled on a plea moved by a doctor against hasty termination of his licence by the TN medical council

KGMU medicos showcase talent, help Shahjahan ‘sell’ Taj Mahal

KGMU medicos showcase talent, help Shahjahan ‘sell’ Taj Mahal

Cultural Fest Rhapsody Kicks Off

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow:26.10.2021

Keeping aside their aprons and stethoscopes, medical students of King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Monday showcased their talents in extra-curricular activities — from music and dance to poetry and acting — on the opening day of the three-day annual cultural festival Rhapsody.

Around 600 students and faculty members are participating in the event that was rolled out with a ‘Kathak’ performance followed by singing, skits, plays, medi-quiz, mask-designing and poster making event.

Most of the events had a social theme, besides entertainment.

The comedy play ‘Taj Mahal Ka Tender’ depicted the problems emperor Shahjahan would have faced if he lived today and had to sell the monument.

Kavi Sammelan in the evening witnessed teachers exhibiting their poetic talent. Faculty at surgery department Dr Vinod Jain captured the audience with his poem ‘Jab Sparsh Abhi Tak Ghula tha.’ Festival coordinator and faculty at the pathology department, Dr Rakesh Dixit recited his poem, ‘24 Karat Gold Georgian’ while author Jyoti Sinha read out her poem ‘Rah Me Ishq ki Aisi Arzoo’ and MBBS student Priyanka recited ‘I Am a Cigarette’.

Earlier, the festival was inaugurated by vice-chancellor, Lt Gen (retd) Prof Bipin Puri.

The VC and his wife Dr Anita Puri answered queries related to their personal and professional lives asked by teachers and students in the event called ‘Coffee with VC’.

Students during the cultural fest on the campus on Monday

Full vax certificate must for Chhath Puja at Jhulelal ghat

Full vax certificate must for Chhath Puja at Jhulelal ghat

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow:26.10.2021

Devotees observing the 36-hour fast of Chhath will have to show their double dose vaccination certificate before entering the Jhulelal Ghat and standing in knee-deep water to offer ‘arghya’.

Akhil Bharatiya Bhojpuri Samaj president Prabhunath Rai, who is also the organiser of the festival at Jhulelal Ghat, took part in a cleanliness drive along with cabinet minister Brijesh Pathak on Monday.

Several volunteers also took part in the cleanliness drive ahead of Chhath festivities from November 8-11.

Over 180 Bhojpuri artists from Delhi, Lucknow Bihar, Mumbai will perform at the ghat during Chhath.

“The confirmation of a few guests is awaited. The performance will go on for 18 hours. Devotees coming to offer prayers will have to undergo temperature check, wear masks and show their certificate of full vaccination. We will ensure norms are followed,” said Rai.

Every year hundreds of devotees flock to the river banks with their families to perform Chhath rituals and offer prayers. Many people make artificial ponds at their homes or in parks for performing puja.

The festival will begin with the ‘Nahaye-Khaye’ ritual on November 8 and culminate on November 11.

UP law minister Brajesh Pathak cleans the Jhulelal ghat on Monday

B.Sc student hangs self at Bikaner hostel

B.Sc student hangs self at Bikaner hostel

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bikaner:26.10.2021

A B.Sc nursing student hanged herself in the hostel of Sardar Patel Medical College (SPMC) on Monday.

The deceased student has been identified as Aayoush Dondwal, 22, a 4th year student, a resident of Kotputli in Jaipur district.

Mahavir Prasad Vishnoi, SHO of Jai Narayan Vyas Colony police station said that the deceased was staying with her room mate at the nursing hostel in SPMC and was brought dead by the hostel staff around 3.30pm to the trauma centre of PBM Hospital.

According to police, the hostel staff stated that they examined her room but did not find any suicide note.

The police have recovered her mobile phone and sealed the room, which will be re-examined in the presence of her parents, who are on their way to Bikaner.

A case in this regard has been registered at JNVC police station.

SC: Dependent mother-in-law can get payout for man’s death

SC: Dependent mother-in-law can get payout for man’s death

AmitAnand.Choudhary@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:26.10.2021

Holding that Motor Vehicles (MV) Act should be given a wider interpretation and all dependents of a deceased be allowed to claim compensation, the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that a dependent mother-in-law is also entitled to claim in case of death of her son-in-law.

“In our view, the term ‘legal representative’ should be given a wider interpretation for the purpose of Chapter XII of MV Act and it should not be confined only to mean the spouse, parents and children of the deceased. As noticed above, MV Act is a benevolent legislation enacted for the object of providing monetary relief to the victims or their families. Therefore, the MV Act calls for a liberal and wider interpretation to serve the real purpose underlying the enactment and fulfil its legislative intent,” a bench of Justices S Abdul Nazeer adn Krishna Murari said.

“We are also of the view that in order to maintain a claim petition, it is sufficient for the claimant to establish his loss of dependency,” it said.

Don’t give OTC meds to toddlers: Docs

Don’t give OTC meds to toddlers: Docs

Amrita.Didyala@timesgroup.com

Hyderabad:26.10.2021

The prevalence of fever, cough and cold during this time of the year has led to increase in the use of over the counter (OTC) medicines. However, the use of OTC medicines which are unsuitable for kids has also seen parents rushing their toddlers to emergency wards.

In one instance, a fivemonth-old had to be taken to hospital after turning blue a day after being given an OTC cough syrup. The baby had choked on milk after becoming drowsy due to the cough syrup. A resuscitation was required to save the baby. In a similar incident, an eightmonth-old fell off the bed and received serious injuries after becoming drowsy due to a cough syrup.

“While it is not very common, we do need to be aware this is a possibility and that cough syrups, paracetamol and antibiotics are not harmless. Cough syrups contain dextromethorphan which has a potential for addiction and lot of teenagers are getting hooked on to these. In case of infants, they can even become unconscious, land in a coma and have a stroke as cough syrups have a vasoconstriction effect,” said Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospital.

Experts said it was also alarming that kids may be unknowingly developing antibiotic resistance. “In rare cases, it can lead to liver failure, unconsciousness, drowsiness and reduced attention. This can happen with overuse of cough syrups, paracetamol syrups and drops. Although very few kids land in emergency, some may experience unpleasant side-effects and develop antibiotic resistance early on in life,” said consultant for paediatrics and pulmonology at Ankura Hospitals, Dr Srinivas Jakka.

In case of cough and cold, some OTC medicines suppress secretions but can have a much severe rebound.

“There will be a reboundwith copious flow of secretions from the nose when you stop these medicines. Prolonged usage can result in something called rhinitis medicamentosa wherein the medicines themselves cause persistent cold. These medicines are definitely not recommended for toddlers,” explained Dr Shivranjani Santosh, chief paediatrician at Magna Centres.

ALARMING TREND

Marriage recognised only between man & woman, says Centre

Marriage recognised only between man & woman, says Centre

Abhinav.Garg@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:26.10.2021

Marriage is recognised only between “a biological man and a biological woman” under the Indian law, the Centre on Monday told Delhi High Court, reiterating its stand.

“The law as it stands...personal laws are settled, and marriage, which is contemplated, is between a biological man and a biological woman,” solicitor general Tushar Mehta submitted before a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh, opposing a clutch of petitions seeking recognition/registration of samesex marriages.

Mehta echoed the government’s earlier stand disclosed in an affidavit that a “spouse” means either a husband or a wife and “marriage” is a term associated with heterosexual couples.

“The issue here is whether marriage is permissible between homosexual couples. Your lordships have to see that. There are some misconceptions regarding the Navtej Singh Johar case. It merely decriminalises consensual homosexual act. It does not talk about marriage,” Mehta contended, adding that there is no need for the Centre to file any specific reply regarding Citizenship Act, which has also been invoked by certain petitioners. During a short hearing, the bench also heard the counsel for the petitioners. Advocate Karuna Nandy, appearing for one of the couples, said they got married in New York and the laws applicable in their case were Citizenship Act, Foreign Marriage Act (FMA) and Special Marriage Act.

She pointed out that Centre had not yet filed a reply to her clients’ plea that highlighted how Citizenship Act was silent on the gender and sexuality of the spouse and it provided that a person married to an overseas citizen of India (OCI) whose marriage was registered and subsisting for two years should be declared eligible to apply as a spouse for an OCI card.

Senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal, representing another set of petitioners, said the SC verdict on homosexuality might not have expressly allowed same-sex marriage, but constitutional jurisprudence required interpretation and the verdict favoured recognising it.

T medical staff still shy away from Covid jab

T medical staff still shy away from Covid jab

Sribala.Vadlapatla@timesgroup.com

Hyderabad:26.10.2021

An internal analysis of the health department has revealed how medical personnel in large numbers are refusing to take Covid-19 vaccine saying there is no need for it when there isn’t any spike in the cases.

With many districts still lagging in achieving the 100 per cent vaccination target, authorities are clearly worried.

In Medchal-Malkakgiri, a large portion of which falls within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the number of those who have not received even a single dose remains high.

Concerns over the vaccine’s effectiveness have also been cited as a reason for high hesitancy among the frontline workers.

According to sources, nursing professionals and paramedics in districts like Medchal and Nalgonda are unwilling to take the jab. "It is quite strange that many individuals believe taking precautions to protect themselves from Covid-19 is preferable to taking a vaccine," an official said.

Vaccine must in festive season: Expert

Social media is flooded with footage of people fleeing from health workers attempting to administer vaccines to them, particularly in rural areas.

“Despite massive awareness campaigns, it is unfortunate that many people, including health staff, are harbouring these myths,” a top official said.

Experts said it was incorrect to assume that vaccine should be taken when only if there is an increase in the number of cases.

Many health and science research organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have long said that taking two doses of the vaccine help in decreasing the severity of infection and reducing the death rate.

"After the completion of two doses of vaccine, it will take at least 40 days before antibodies are produced. It would mean that vaccine doses are crucial,”Dr Kiran Madala, an Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) certified researcher told TOI.

Madala said, “Since the festive season will last through January, it is best to get vaccinated.”

Many health and science research organizations, including World Health Organization (WHO), have said taking two doses helps in decreasing the severity of infection

Panel to probe med varsity scam: Govt informs HC

Panel to probe med varsity scam: Govt informs HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bhopal/Jabalpur:26.10.2021

The state government informed a division bench of the MP high court that in compliance to its order, a five-member committee headed by a retired judge of the high court, Justice K K Trivedi, has been constituted to probe the marksheet scam and allegations of financial irregularities in the MP Medical University. The committee will present its report in a month.

In response to three petitions relating to the marksheet scam, corruption and other irregularities in MP Medical University, the court had directed the state government to appoint a committee headed by a retired judge of the high court to probe the matter, while dissolving the eight-member committee formed by the state government led by an additional collector. It was pointed out to the court that in-charge registrar of the university, Dr J K Gupta, had probed the allegations of manipulation of marksheets by the company, which was given contract by the university to organise exams on its behalf and prepare the marksheets. He had found the allegations prima facie right and subsequently the contract with the company- M/s Mind Logic Company- was suspended.

It was also pointed out that the past record of the company has been dubious and Agra Medical University had lodged an FIR against the company in a similar scam. The petitioners contended that Dr J P Gupta was later removed and vice-chancellor of the university Dr T N Dubey also resigned in the wake of the marksheet scam, but exam controller Dr Vrinda Gupta continues to occupy the post.

No substantial action was taken against the company in question either. In the reply presented in the court on behalf of the chief secretary, the court was informed that a committee headed by an ADM was looking into allegations of marksheet scam and other irregularities but the court ordered dissolution of the committee and constitution of a committee headed by a retired high court judge to probe the allegations.

BU convocation ceremony at Minto Hall today

BU convocation ceremony at Minto Hall today

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bhopal:26.10.2021

For the first time, Barkatullah University (BU) will organise the convocation at Minto Hall. The function will be organised on Tuesday.

BU officials said that the degree will be given to the registered students by the Governor and Chancellor of the university, Mangu Bhai Patel.

Preparations of the function are being monitored by vice-chancellor professor R J Rao, registrar Dr I K Mansoori deputy registrar Ajit Srivastava, chairman and members of various committees.

Around 140 students will be receiving their degrees while 50 students will get PhD degrees. Other students’ UG and PG degrees too will be awarded in this convocation. Gold medals will also be given to 25 students, said the officials.

Ceiling for OBCs, EWS: Both ₹8L, but difference is in income components

Ceiling for OBCs, EWS: Both ₹8L, but difference is in income components

Subodh.Ghidiyal@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:26.10.2021

The Rs 8 lakh income-ceiling for OBC ‘creamy layer’ as well as the cap to qualify as economically weaker sections (EWS) for forward caste quotas is same on the face of it, yet different in substance by way of what sources of income are included in the calculations making the math tougher for forward quotas. But, while projecting this substantive distinction between the two caps may help the government duck the charge that “unequals are being made equals”, the BJP regime is actively working to bring them at par.

The Supreme Court’s query to the government on how it arrived at Rs 8 lakh for EWS quota has prised open a tricky debate, the primary being if gradually, a parity is being drawn between the OBC category, which has social backwardness as a key parameter, and the EWS that largely comprises the forward communities with only poverty as criteria.

With all eyes being on the affidavit the social justice ministry will file in the apex court, it is evident that Rs 8 lakh is significantly different in the two categories, the income bar for EWS being a stricter norm than that for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The gross family income for EWS, beyond which a candidate is rendered ineligible for quotas, includes ‘income from all sources’ whereas the same in case of backwards excludes ‘salary’ and ‘agriculture income’. According to experts, ‘salary’ is the main difference between the two categories since agriculture income is not verifiable because it is not taxable.

Yet, any attempt by government to project the method of calculation of family income as being different and more exclusionary for EWS then for OBCs maybe fraught with risk — the reason being that the government plans to narrow the gap between the formula for two family incomes and virtually bring them at the same level.

The government has proposed to tweak the criteria for family income of OBCs by including ‘salary’ in the total income, which is a major departure from the governing 1993 memorandum on ‘creamy layer’ which lays down that ‘salary’ will not be part of the total income.

The cabinet proposal last February triggered a major opposition, including from the national commission for backward classes. It is since lying with the government and the issue is being treated as pending.

Though among other differences between OBC and EWS is the family size included in gross family income — which is larger for EWS than for OBCs, it is in practice seen as prone to misrepresentation, which only makes EWS ceiling strict on paper.

NEET-PG counselling will not start without approval: SC

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to put on hold the counselling for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) PG until it decides the validity of the Centre's decision to introduce OBC and EWS reservation in All India Quota (AIQ).

A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said the NEET-PG counselling will not start without its approval as the court is examining a plea against the Centre's decision for medical admission. The Central government also assured the apex court that the counselling process will not commence till the Bench decides the matter.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, gave the assurance to the apex court, which the court took into the note. The Bench observed that students will be in serious problems if the counselling process goes ahead as scheduled. The top court was told that it has been announced that the counselling will begin from October 25.

The assurance of the Centre came after senior advocate Arvind Dattar, appearing for some NEET candidates, mentioned that by the time the court decides the pending batch of petitions, challenging the July 29 notification, introducing the quota from this academic year, the entire process of admission will be over and serious prejudice would be caused to the students. The SC was hearing a batch of pleas challenging the July 29 notice providing 27% quota OBC and 10% for EWS category for the admission in the NEET for all medical seats. ANI

Howrah train departs 26 minutes late to help child with brain tumour

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru:26.10.2021

The Howrah Duronto special train on Sunday departed 26 minutes late from its originating station, Yeshwantpur, to ensure that a six-year-old girl who had made a recovery from brain tumour faced no difficulty during travel as she was on a breathing support machine.

South Western Railway officials said train no. 02246 to Howrah, which was supposed to leave at 11am from Yeshwantpur on Sunday, departed at 11.26am.

Jainab Mondal, the patient, had come to Bengaluru in mid-August and was on treatment at St Philomena’s Hospital for over two-and-a-half months. The girl had undergone surgery and also suffered from respiratory paralysis. During her recovery, she was on tracheostomy and a BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machine, a respiratory assistive device that also travelled along with her to Howrah.

“With the BiPAP machine the child was stable. As a precautionary measure, the child was also given oxygen cylinders and an oxygen concentrator. As such the girl didn’t require it, but it was kept as a stand-by. The railway authorities wanted to crosscheck if it works given the voltage fluctuation on the train,” said Dr Rajeev V, head of department, pediatrics, St Philomena’s Hospital, Bengaluru. The train covered a distance of 1,953km and reached Howrah at 3.56pm on Monday, ahead of its scheduled arrival time of 4.45pm. SWR chief public relations officer Aneesh Hegde said: “The patient required an oxygen concentrator for the journey. But due to power issues inside the coach, the oxygen concentrator did not function so the kid required oxygen cylinder back-up, which was arranged for at Bangarpet with help from the railways.”

The incident came to light after Kedarnath Reddy, who was at Yeshwantpur station, tweeted. In the video, the child was seen being taken inside the coach on a stretcher.

Test only in Hindi, English: HC suspends central exam

Test only in Hindi, English: HC suspends central exam

Madurai:26.10.2021

The Madras high court has suspended an aptitude test for a centrally sponsored scholarship programme — Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana — slated for November 7 as the examination was to be held only in English and Hindi, reports K Kaushik.

The first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice M Duraiswamy ordered the postponement of the test while hearing a plea which sought the exam in all regional languages. The court also sought response from the Centre on the steps taken to conduct the exam in multiple Indian languages.

KVPY is a national programme of fellowship in basic sciences funded by the Centre’s department of science and technology.

Test can’t be in just Hindi & English: HC

Rejecting \ Centre’s submission that it does not have adequate personnel to assess answers given in various languages and that it may be difficult to find an equivalent term in local languages for scientific words, the judges said: “It would not do for the Centre to say that it does not have qualified assessors to appreciate the material put up by non-Hindi and Englishspeaking aspirants. If at all, it is the deficiency with the Centre and young aspirants from non-Hindi and non-English speaking belts in the country should not suffer on such grounds.”

The main objective of the exam is to identify students with talent and aptitude for research, to help them realize their academic potential and to encourage them to take up research careers in science by providing fellowships.

Even if it is a token scholarship of Rs 5,000, it amounts to recognition of a young mind and every Indian of such age should be entitled to equally participate in the process and exhibit their talent, said the court.

It is possible for a bright young mind groomed in Assamese language or another young prospect from deep in rural Odisha to be able to come up with brilliant ideas that the KVPY project aspires to tap into. Merely because the aspirant may not be adept at Hindi or English languages may not amount to the aspirant being disqualified, observed the judges.

Attack on MSU dean: Court acquits three after 23 years

ORDER IN ABSENTIA

Attack on MSU dean: Court acquits three after 23 years

Complainant, Defendants Didn’t Turn Up For Trial

Jay.Pachchigar@timesgroup.com

Vadodara:26.10.2021

More than two decades after the then dean of MS University’s science faculty was allegedly attacked by three BSc students, the court acquitted the three accused of all the charges.

The dean in his police complaint had claimed that he was attacked after he refused to pass one of the three students who had failed an examination.

A botched up investigation or failure on part of police in gathering evidence wasn’t the reason for the acquittal though. Interestingly, the then dean Bonipailo Beekepailo Christian, who had lodged the case at Sayajigunj police station, and the three students Lakulish alias Lalo Purohit, Vanrajsinh Raj and Vishal Parikh did not appear during the trial.

Only one eye-witness, who was a clerk in the faculty, turned up for his testimony, but he too could not remember the names of the students who had attacked the dean.

As per the details of complaint registered by Christian, on August 20 in 1998 when Christian was present in his office, Parikh, Raj and Purohit stormed into his office and asked Christian to pass Parikh in an examination which he had failed.

When Christian said that he cannot pass Parikh illegally, the trio abused him and attacked him with a chair.

As he moved aside, Christian did not suffer any injuries. Later, Christian lodged an offence of trespassing, assault and insult at Sayajigunj police station against the trio.

When the case came up for trial after the police filed chargesheet, neither of the accused remained present despite summons being issued. The court then decided to continue the trial in their absence. During the trial, the testimony of just one eye-witness Kirit Patel was recorded.

Patel stated that Christian had left Gujarat to settle at his native place long ago. While one witness, who was a senior clerk, passed away and another witness had since changed his home and his new address was not available.

Patel said that the alleged incident did take place inside the dean’s office and some students had abused him and also he had fallen off his chair. However, he failed to recognize any of the students involved in the attack or recollect their names.

The court of additional chief judicial magistrate J A Baxi considered Patel’s statement and also noted that no concrete evidence was presented against the accused to prove them guilty.

The court passed the order of their acquittal in their absence.

The dean was attacked after he refused to pass one of the students

No new self-financed colleges for now: GU

No new self-financed colleges for now: GU

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad  26.10.2021

: The Gujarat University (GU) has decided not to give further permission for new colleges on self-financed basis. At the meeting of the university’s Need committee held on Monday, it was decided to approve new classes in the existing colleges rather than having more colleges.

The university has decided to first fill up the vacant seats in BCom and BA courses the admission for which is going on.

“If students couldn’t get admission, then only the university will think about approving additional classes in the existing colleges,” said an official.

The GU officials said that the meeting of the Need committee is held if a proposal to approve new colleges is moved by the management. The committee takes the decision after evaluating the prevailing situation.

A proposal to convert Gujarati-medium colleges to English-medium was also moved which was kept in abeyance after the committee members opined that they need to discuss the proposal in detail.

10 flights delayed, two cancelled, one diverted

10 flights delayed, two cancelled, one diverted

Ahmedabad:26.10.2021

Ten flights departing from Ahmedabad airport on Monday were delayed ranging from 30 to 200 minutes .

These include flights to Bengaluru, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kishangarh, Delhi, Chennai and Goa. Besides, two more flights to Delhi and Goa, were cancelled. Early on Monday, a Goa-bound flight was diverted to Mumbai.

While the flight operated by SpiceJet departed on time from the city airport around 5am, due to bad weather, it could not land in Goa and as a result, was diverted to Mumbai. The flight reached Goa by 10.30am, confirmed sources. TNN

UP e-rickshaw driver gets ₹3.47cr tax notice

UP e-rickshaw driver gets ₹3.47cr tax notice

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesgroup.com

Agra:26.10.2021

A 40-year-old e-rickshaw driver in Mathura has received a notice from the income tax department directing him to pay tax of ₹3.47 crore for his annual turnover of ₹43.44 crore in 2018-19 financial year. Pratap Singh lodged a police complaint on Sunday but no FIR has not been registered so far.

Superintendent of police (SP), city, MP Singh told TOI that during investigation, police found a Delhibased firm is registered against Pratap Singh’s PAN number. Further investigation is on and an FIR will be registered on the basis of evidence gathered during investigation, the SP said.

In his police complaint, Pratap Singh stated that someone might have stolen his identity as he doesn’t have even a fraction of such a huge turnover. “I have been driving an e-rickshaw for the past four years and earn ₹400-₹500 a day, which is barely sufficient to feed five family members, including our three children. I can’t even think of such a huge amount in my wildest of dreams,” said a shocked Singh to TOI.

Full report on www.toi-.in

IDENTITY STOLEN: Pratap Singh, 40, from Mathura earns around ₹400-₹500 a day

HC not to interfere with medical panel decision

HC not to interfere with medical panel decision

Student not allowed to take FMGE

26/10/2021

Legal Correspondent CHENNAI

The Madras High Court has refused to interfere with a decision taken by the National Medical Commission (NMC) not to allow a student who had pursued medical education in China to write the screening test, Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) required to be cleared before commencing practice here, because she had not studied English as a separate subject during her higher secondary classes.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh dismissed a writ petition filed by a woman candidate on the ground that court could not sit in judgment over the stipulations prescribed by an expert body. Though it was argued that the petitioner had studied higher secondary in English medium and she also has 7.5 out of 9 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the judge refused to allow her plea.

“The individual opinion of a judge cannot come in the way while deciding cases of this nature and this court has to necessarily satisfy itself as to whether a candidate fulfils the qualification prescribed in the regulation. The law on this issue is well settled. In the result, there is no ground to interfere with the impugned communication dated June 14, 2021 issued by NMC,” the judge wrote.

It was brought to the notice of the court that the petitioner was an overseas citizen of India. She had studied under Central Board of Secondary Education stream here up to Class X in Kodaikanal and then pursued her higher secondary course in Sri Lanka after her family moved there.

However, the NMC refused to issue an eligibility certificate to her to appear for FMGE conducted by National Testing Agency on the sole ground that she had not studied English as a separate subject during higher secondary education.

பி.எஸ்சி., நர்சிங் படிப்பு இன்று விண்ணப்ப பதிவு

பி.எஸ்சி., நர்சிங் படிப்பு இன்று விண்ணப்ப பதிவு

Added : அக் 24, 2021 23:58

சென்னை--பி.எஸ்சி., நர்சிங், பி.பார்ம்., உள்ளிட்ட துணை மருத்துவ பட்ட படிப்புகளில் சேருவதற்கான விண்ணப்ப பதிவு இன்று துவங்குகிறது.

நவம்பர், 8 வரை விண்ணப்பிக்கலாம்.தமிழகத்தில், அரசு மற்றும் தனியார் மருத்துவ கல்லுாரிகளில், பி.எஸ்சி., நர்சிங், பி.பார்ம்., உள்ளிட்ட 19 வகையான, துணை மருத்துவ பட்ட படிப்புகள் உள்ளன. இந்த படிப்புகளுக்கு 15 ஆயிரம் இடங்கள் உள்ளன.இந்த இடங்களுக்கு, பிளஸ் 2 மதிப்பெண் அடிப்படையில், மாணவர்கள் சேர்க்கப்பட உள்ளனர்.

மாணவர் சேர்க்கைக்கு www.tnhealth.tn.gov.in, www.tnmedicalselection.org என்ற இணையதளத்தில், இன்று காலை 10:00 மணி முதல் விண்ணப்ப பதிவு துவங்குகிறது.நவம்பர், 8 மாலை 5:00 மணி வரை விண்ணப்பங்களை பதிவு செய்யலாம். விண்ணப்பம் மற்றும் தகவல் தொகுப்பேட்டை, இணையதளங்களில் பதிவிறக்கம் செய்யலாம்.பூர்த்தி செய்யப்பட்ட விண்ணப்பத்தை பதிவிறக்கம் செய்து, தகுந்த ஆவணங்களுடன், 'செயலர், தேர்வுக் குழு, 162, ஈ.வெ.ரா.பெரியார் நெடுஞ்சாலை, கீழ்ப்பாக்கம், சென்னை -- 10' என்ற முகவரியில், நவம்பர்10 மாலை 5:00 மணிக்குள் சமர்ப்பிக்க வேண்டும் என, மருத்துவ கல்வி இயக்கம் அறிவித்துள்ளது.

Teacher booked for touching ex-student inappropriately

Teacher booked for touching ex-student inappropriately

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Jaipur:25.10.2021

A former student of a private school in city’s CScheme area has registered an FIR against a teacher for touching her inappropriately.

This incident is second of its kind to be reported from the school in the last few days.

A case has been registered against the accused under Section 354 (using criminal force to any woman, intending to outrage or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The SHO of Ashok Nagar police station, Vikram Singh Rathore, said, "The girl had written to the DCP South office and we registered the FIR. The girl is a 2019-20 batch pass out. She was in Class 12, when the teacher took such steps. She did not complain then as her session was about to end. However, when another teacher was arrested on the similar charges, she gathered courage to speak up."

"We are investigating the matter and will talk to the girl soon," he said.

As per the FIR, the girl is 21 years old. When she had informed her parents about the harassment by the teacher earlier, they decided not to proceed with the matter.

Sanyukt Abhibhavak Sangh spokesperson Abhishek Jain said, “This is such a shameful matter that two teachers from the same reputed school are now under scanner for molesting girl students. Our children are not safe in schools even after we pay such hefty fees. The government must take action against the teachers."

Earlier, a girl had lodged an FIR against teacher Nikhil Jose, who was later on arrested and later released on bail.

42 yrs later, man acquitted for ₹40 theft

42 yrs later, man acquitted for ₹40 theft

Vaibhav.Ganjapure@timesgroup.com

Nagpur:25.10.2021

Over 42 years after a man allegedly stole Rs 40 by injuring a person, the sessions court here has acquitted him from the charges of robbery recently. During pendency of the over four-decades-old case, his three accomplices as well as the complainant and four of the seven witnesses died.

The accused, Bhimrao Nitnaware, who turned 65 years old this year, along with co-accused — Ramesh Meshram, Madhukar Patil and Hiraman Dhoke – had allegedly attacked complainant Motiram around midnight on January 13, 1978. After injuring Motiram, they allegedly robbed him of Rs.40 which he had earned after selling milk.

After Motiram lodged a complaint with MIDC police station, Meshram was arrested but the other three accused remained absconding for many years. The police had filed a chargesheet against all the four accused under Section 394 of IPC for dacoity. Subsequently, the trial started before the judicial magistrate first class (JMFC). It was later realized that the accused had also attacked the complainant with a knife and, therefore, the charges were reframed under Section 398 of IPC which is for attempting to commit robbery armed with a deadly weapon.

Revision of creamy layer criteria delayed by over 1 yr

Revision of creamy layer criteria delayed by over 1 yr

Subodh.Ghildiyal@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:25.10.2021

In continuing disappointment for the other backward classes (OBCs), the scheduled revision of the income ceiling for ‘creamy layer’ has overshot by more than one year.

The delay is affecting the ‘Mandal castes’ who are being judged by a lower income bar than they should be for being declared as economically better off and ineligible for reservations.

The income ceiling is the eligibility criteria for OBCs to avail reservations in central government jobs and educational institutions. Candidates from families earning more than the ceiling amount are dubbed ‘creamy layer’ who are not entitled to avail opportunities under the 27% quota.

The income ceiling is to be revised every three years and was last hiked from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh in September 2017. The bar was up for upward review in September 2020 but is still hanging fire. The social justice ministry has proposed a hike from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. But the revision is stuck because the government has clubbed the routine hike with the plan to redefine the criteria for ‘creamy layer’, with both the proposals placed in the same cabinet note which was circulated in February, 2020.

While it was expected to sail through, roadblocks came up because the second point about the revision of criteria drew objections from the National Commission for Backward Classes.

The ministry has proposed to include ‘salary’ of an OBC household in its ‘gross annual income’ which is the cut-off mark for creamy layer. This is contrary to the 1993 office memorandum of DoPT which says that ‘salary’ and ‘agriculture income’ are not part of ‘income’ to determine ‘creamy layer’. If the move goes through, it will lower the bar and make it easier for an OBC to be identified as ‘creamy layer’ — thereby ineligible for quotas.

Health insurers see huge surge in non-Covid claims

Health insurers see huge surge in non-Covid claims

Dengue, Cardiac Among Top Cases

Both Amt, Volume Rise

Mayur Shetty & Sumitra Deb Roy TNN

Mumbai:25.10.2021

Even as Covid hospitalisations have dropped from peak levels, insurance companies are witnessing a massive surge in non-Covid claims. While there is a lag in capturing trends, insurers say that there has been a significant jump from September in non-Covid hospitalisations.

“We are seeing an increase in hospitalisations due to dengue, respiratory diseases and other non-Covid claims. The size of these claims has also gone up, perhaps due to the additional protection that has to be taken by hospitals. We will watch this to see whether the increase is temporal or structural,” said ICICI Lombard General Insurance MD & CEO Bhargav Dasgupta, following the company’s results.

Policybazaar, one of the largest distributors of individual health covers, has been seeing an increase in the number of non-Covid calls. The calls are for infectious diseases, dengue and other viral fever. “We are also seeing an increase in accidental injuries,” said Amit Chabra, chief of health business at Policybazaar.

According to Dr Dev Pahlajani, head of interventional cardiology at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, incidences of acute coronary syndrome, sudden heart attacks and cardiac arrest have gone up 40% in the last six to eight months. “There is a surge in circulatory conditions which warrants a close evaluation,” he said. He added that even patients who have been stable for years are coming in with acute heart emergencies. The trend is visible in most cardiac departments, he said.

According to Niva Bupa Health Insurance director (underwriting, products & claims) Bhabatosh Mishra, Covid brought down health claims last year as people were locked in, avoided hospitalisation and delayed elective surgeries. “There is no major change in the number of emergency procedures like appendicitis, but cases like gall bladder surgeries, which can be delayed, are going up,” said Mishra. He added that given the higher than usual monsoon in places, there has been a spike in dengue including Bengaluru and Hyderabad, in addition to Mumbai and Delhi.

“People have lost jobs, their source of income and probably sat idle at home for months. Those factors combined with lack of exercise can build up the stress levels, putting them at risk of heart conditions,” said Dr Pahlajani. He added that people have been missing out on routine checks on sugar and blood pressure levels due to the pandemic. Covid survivors too may see symptoms of inflammation after months. In Mumbai, hospital beds are largely occupied by dengue, malaria and chikungunya cases and not Covid at present, said Dr Gautam Bhansali of Bombay Hospital.

Mishra expects cases to remain elevated as the monsoon is not over yet. Also, many of the elective surgeries are usually scheduled for winter as, given India’s weather, surgical wounds heal better and risk of monsoon infections are lower.