NEWS TODAY 08.02.2025

 

SC asks why refer re-sent bills to Prez, TN guv says no malice

SC asks why refer re-sent bills to Prez, TN guv says no malice

AmitAnand.Choudhary@timesofindia.com 08.02.2025

New Delhi : With Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi refuting the state govt’s charge that he acted with malice in taking decisions on the bills referred to him and claiming that he was discharging his duty as per law, Supreme Court Friday asked him how he could refer bills to the President when the assembly had sent them to him after reconsideration. Appearing for the governor, attorney general R Venkataramani told a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan that a governor acted in the capacity of a neutral advisor under Article 200 of the Constitution. 

“When a state govt intro duces a bill before the legislative assembly and presents it before the governor for her assent and when the governor withholds assent, the bill in question falls through. This means the bill ceases to exist. In such a case, there is no requirement on the part of the governor to go through the procedure of the first proviso. The govt on its own also cannot go through the first proviso, when as a matter of fact the governor has not sent the bill for reconsideration,” the AG said. 

He added that when the bill suffered from repugnancy (inconsistent with the central law), the governor need not necessarily and may not even be obliged to go under the first proviso process. The first proviso says the governor may, as soon as possible after the presentation to him of the bill for assent, return the bill if it is not a money bill together with a message requesting that the House reconsider the bill, and when a bill is so returned, the House shall reconsider the bill accordingly. It says that if the bill is passed again by the House with or without amendment and presented to the governor for assent, the governor shall not withhold assent therefrom. In this case, the governor withheld his assent on bills passed by the assembly. Thereafter, the assembly passed those bills again and sent them to him for approval and this time he referred the bills to the President. Referring to the first proviso, the bench asked how the governor could send the bills to the 
President in cases where the House resent the bills after reconsideration. Summarising the arguments of the AG, the bench said, “You are saying to ignore the proviso and the proviso has no application.”

Airport has an app to answer your queries

Airport has an app to answer your queries 

Developed By AAI To Help Fliers Navigate 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 08.02.2025

Chennai : Did you know that Chennai airport has a dedicated mobile phone application? It’s not officially launched yet but the beta version is available for downloading online, can be handy for frequent, occasional and first-time flyers.

Do you know the vantage point to get a clear view of the airside at the airport? 

It is the security hold area, says the app. Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the app can serve as a one-stop guide to get all travel-related queries answered. Flyers need not depend on the airlines to check their flight status, as the real-time status of the flights, which is displayed at the airport, can now be viewed on their phone screens. The actual status of the departing flight, whether boarding is still underway or the gates are closed, and even the first and final call details, will be available on the app. 

Non-frequent flyers can check the arrival and departure guide, and baggage rules on the app. Another interesting feature of the app is that it can virtually guide you to any specific spot in the airport—be it the eateries, shops, check-in counters, or ticket counters—if the Bluetooth on your phone is switched on. "The entire airport with all its amenities and features has been mapped in the application, and you can browse and walk up to any spot without seeking assistance from anybody," said an airport official. 

Krishnarajan V, a frequent flyer, said he recently stumbled upon the app accidentally and found the navigational features interesting. "Despite travelling often, I still struggle sometimes to locate a facility, but this app gives a bird's-eye view of all three terminals. When more people start using the app, the general queries on X tagging Chennai Airport will come down as almost all the queries are addressed here," he said. The airport authorities are constantly updating it with additional features, and a website version is also on the anvil. Both will be officially launched soon, added the official. 

Left luggage facility coming up in under-construction plaza 

Chennai : Travellers visiting Chennai by air with plans to explore the city for a day or two can heave a sigh of relief as the airport will soon have a left luggage room to drop their excess baggage. It will be part of the plaza under construction outside Terminal 1, which is expected to be completed by April this year. Though the airport had such a facility earlier, it was permanently closed due to multiple construction activities on the frontage of the airport premises over the last few years. "With the plaza nearing completion, the cloakroom facility will be made available again," said an official. After many queries from flyers, Chennai airport authorities decided to resume the service. "The tenders will be floated soon," added the official.

Corrupt officials trapped by DVAC in 11 bribery cases since January 2024

Corrupt officials trapped by DVAC in 11 bribery cases since January 2024

S. Sundar

MADURAI

Law & order 08.02.2025

An increased awareness against corruption has emboldened common man, already dejected over demand of bribe by State government officials and employees, to come forward to lodge complaints with the sleuths of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption unit in Madurai.

The unit has registered as many as 11 cases against bribe-demanding government employees and trapped them along with their conduits since January 2024. As a result, officials from various departments like Survey, Registration, Revenue, Water Resources and Tangedco have been arrested after being trapped. The recent case was the arrest of a Sub-Inspector of Police at K. Pudur, who demanded huge money from a woman complainant for arresting an accused in an assault case.

Anger over harassment

“It is not that every individual person is coming forward to lodge complaints against government employees who put payment of bribe as a prerequisite to offer some official service. When the demand is higher or the applicant is ill-treated or harassed with inordinate delay in carrying out their duties, out of anger and frustration, people come to lodge complaint with us,” a DVAC officer said.

“The State government is paying salary to the employees to discharge their duties, and demanding bribe is a crime under the Prevention of Corruption Act,” he said.

“When people come forward to lodge a complaint, the first thing we tell them is not tell anyone, including family members, about the complaint. Otherwise, there is every chance of the issue reaching the ears of the accused employee, and the process of trapping might fail,” he added.

After registering a case, a team of sleuths would issue tainted currencies to the complainant and direct him/her to follow the diktat of the accused official. The sleuths would watch the happening from a distance and wait for a signal from the complainant of having handed over the currency to swoop upon him. After being caught red-handed, the accused is arrested.

“The issue does not end here. Our manual has mandated us to get the issue, for which the complainant had approached the officer, addressed at the earliest. The only issue is that the complainant should have all the papers right and should be eligible to get the service,” he added.

The officer said those arrested under a trap on corruption charge had higher chances of getting convicted. “They also spend their lifetime in attending court hearings for their act of greed,” he added.

Did T.N. Governor refer 10 Bills to President to avoid assent, asks SC

Did T.N. Governor refer 10 Bills to President to avoid assent, asks SC

Continuing tussle: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, right, with

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Raj Bhavan.R. RAGU

Bench asks A-G if Ravi referred the re-passed Bills to the President only to circumvent the procedure under Article 200; the Governor had sat on 12 Bills sent by Legislature between 2020 and 2023, following which T.N. govt. approached the court

Krishnadas Rajagopal

NEW DELHI 08.02.2025

The Supreme Court on Friday questioned whether Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi referred 10 Bills re-passed by the State Legislature to the President to avoid having to give his consent to them.

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan asked Attorney-General of India R. Venkataramani if the Governor had referred the re-passed Bills to the President for consideration only to circumvent the procedure under the first proviso of Article 200 (Governor’s assent of Bills) of the Constitution.

Under Article 200, a Governor has three options when Bills are sent to him for assent – give assent, withhold assent, or refer the Bills to the President for consideration.

The Tamil Nadu government has argued that a Governor can refer a Bill to the President only in case of any ‘repugnancy’ under Article 254, that is, if the proposed State law is found to be inconsistent with or encroaches into an existing Central law or if the Bill tends to derogate the Constitutional powers of the State High Court.

Under the first proviso of Article 200, if the Governor chooses to withhold assent to a Bill, he has to return it as soon as possible to the House with a “message” to reconsider the proposed law or specified provisions or suggest amendments.

If the House reiterates the Bill and presents it to the Governor, the “Governor shall not withhold assent”. In short, the proviso makes it clear that the Governor has to grant consent.

V-C appointments

In Tamil Nadu’s case, originally 12 Bills, mostly dealing with appointments of Vice-Chancellors to State universities, were sent by the State Legislature for consent to the Governor between January 2020 and April 2023.

The Governor had sat on them. Ultimately, when the State approached the top court against the Governor’s perceived inaction in November 2023, the latter had referred two of the Bills to the President and proceeded to withhold consent on the remaining 10.

Subsequently, the State Assembly re-passed the 10 Bills in a special session within days and returned them to the Governor for his assent. The State argued in the top court that it was following procedure under the first proviso of Article 200. The Governor had proceeded to refer all 10 Bills to the President for consideration. The President had subsequently assented to one Bill, rejected seven and not considered the remaining two proposed laws.

“Having taken a conscious decision to withhold assent, can the Governor take the third choice and refer the Bills to the President? Having withheld assent, can he try to overcome the first proviso procedure by referring to the President? If he withholds assent, the procedure under the first proviso would have to be followed...,” Justice Pardiwala addressed the A-G.

Mr. Venkataramani argued that the Governor, having withheld consent to the Bills, had not asked the State Assembly to re-consider them. The procedure under the first proviso of Article 200 did not cover a situation when a proposed law is found to be repugnant by the Governor.

“What you are saying is that the first proviso covers only small issues like suggestions and amendments to the Bills sent for assent. On the other hand, if a Bill is found to be repugnant, then the first proviso is completely out of play. The procedure of the first proviso does not kick in... In this case, when the State Legislature unilaterally re-enacted these 10 Bills and sent them back to the Governor, but there was no question of you according consent now,” Justice Pardiwala summed up Mr. Venkataramani’s submissions in defence of the Governor.

Mr. Venkataramani said the ‘message’ in the first proviso did not contemplate repugnancy.

The court posted the case for a final day’s hearing on February 10.

NEWS TODAY 6, 7.02.2025

 

AI is newest teaching assistant in many college classrooms

AI is newest teaching assistant in many college classrooms

Preetika.P@timesofindia.com 06.02.2025

Chennai : When history professor Meenakumari J wanted to make her classes more engaging, she turned to artificial intelligence. “I upload chapters to AI and prompt it to prepare mock tests. It creates fun quizzes and games that make lessons interactive. It’s a huge time saver,” she said. Like her, many educators are using AI to streamline teaching, create lesson plans and personalize learning. These ideas took center stage at an ‘AI in higher education’ conference at Wom en’s Christian College (WCC) on Wednesday, inaugurated by Thousand Lights MLA Dr Ezhilan Naganath an. More than 300 students and experts from across the country participated. 

For many professors, AI has made lesson planning and assessments more efficient. “What used to take at least three hours now takes less than 30 minutes,” said WCC principal Lilian Jasper. “We need to explore creative ways to integrate AI into teaching and identify tasks it can simplify.” AI is also reshaping how students consume information. “This is the reel generation. Our students are hooked on scrolling through content. We are competing with that,” said WCC dean of research, Shajini Judith Diana J. Anand S, an eco nomics professor, uses AI to tailor examples to students’ learning levels. “If I need an analogy to explain inflation to a first-year student, I ask AI to simplify it. For advanced students, I ask for a more detailed analysis. It’s like having an on-demand teaching assistant,” he said. Beyond teaching, AI is accelerating research by analysing large datasets, detecting patterns, and speeding up processes. But, concerns over originality and credibility persist.

 “Generative AI can fabricate datasets and mimic existing re search, making it harder to verify authenticity,” said N. Rajendran, Alagappa University former vice chancellor. He added “While AI can enhance research,it must be used responsibly.” Dr Ezhilan highlighted AI’s growing role in healthcare, where it analyses doctor-patient conversations to generate diagnoses and prescriptions. “Imagine if AI could enhance professors-tudent interactions in the same way — personalising education and making learning more effective,” he said.

‘Power to appoint VCs must be with state govt, not governor’

 ‘Power to appoint VCs must be with state govt, not governor’ 

TALKING TO TOI 

The power of appointing VCs should rest entirely with the state govt, says Prof V Balakista Reddy, chairman of Telangana Council of Higher Education. He tells Nirupa Vatyam that new UGC draft regulations are a threat to federalism and a step towards corporatisation and commercialisation of universities. 

Excerpts from the interview:

 ■Can you explain the controversy on appointment of VCs? 

As per the UGC draft regulations, a committee must consist of three members. First, a nominee of the chancellor (in most state universities, it’s the governor); second, a nominee of the UGC chairperson, and third, a nominee from university’s apex body, such as the senate, syndicate, or executive council. This is problematic as it allows the power of appointing vice-chancellors to rest with the chancellor, thereby undermining the role of govts.

 ■What is TGCHE’s stand on the stand-off between the state and Centre on appointment of VCs? 

TGCHE believes that the composition of wsearch-cum-selection committee for VC appointments, dominated by nominees of the chancellor and UGC chairman, restricts the participation of the state. Presently, the state govt forms a three-member search committee and recommends three names to the chancellor/governor, who appoints the VC after consulting with the state govt. This draft is seen as an overreach into state jurisdiction, violating federal principles and reducing the authority of the states.

 ■Why has the TGCHE questioned the new draft regulation with reference to the qualifications for selection of VCs? 

The TGCHE believes that there is a dilution in the qualifications re quired for the selection of  VCs. Candidates for the position of VC must have prior experience of the university system, an understanding of the issues faced by students, faculty, and administrative staff, as well as sufficient knowledge of academics, research, and publications. The draft regulations suggest considering candidates from the corporate sector, public undertakings, and public policy, which indicates an intention to appoint corporate managers and bureaucrats to the administration of state-run institutions of higher education under the justification of innovation and global competitiveness. 

■Are there any recommendations to deal with the Centre-state conflicts over VC appointments? 

Yes, this stalemate can be addressed by following the recommendations of the Sarkaria and MM Punchhi Commissions on Centre-state relations. The Punchhi commission explicitly said that governors should not be vested with the power to appoint VCs, as such powers are not conferred upon them by the Constitution. It argued that involving governors in these appointments could result in controversies, public criticism, and conflicts regarding the functions and powers of the governor’s office and the state govt.

 ■What is the challenge in having seasoned bureaucrats as VCs in universities?

 There are two aspects to this issue. From a constitutional perspective, the Constitution emphasises the importance of education under the Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 41 and 45), which focus on creating a system that promotes knowledge and excellence. The role of a VC is highly specialised and requires academic expertise, research experience, an understanding of education policies, and a comprehensive knowledge of the university system. These attributes cannot be expected from bureaucrats, who receive generalist training and are neither subject experts nor specialists. From a judicial perspective, the judiciary has emphasised that the position of VC should be held by an academic visionary rather than an administrative functionary. 

■What about the process of VC appointments in other countries?

 In Western countries, the process focuses on academic excellence, institutional autonomy, and merit-based selection. For example, in the United States, the equivalent role of university presidents is filled through a rigorous, merit-driven process. A board of trustees or regents, independent from the govt, oversees the selection, often relying on professional search committees that assess the candidates’ academic and administrative qualifications. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, VCs are chosen by university councils or governing bodies, with a strong  emphasis on academic expertise and strategic vision, and minimal govt involvement.

 ■What are the objections raised by the state council when it comes to the appointment of faculty?

The council has raised three major concerns regarding the qualifications and academic credentials of prospective candidates. Firstly, the UGC draft permits appointments based on clearing NET or being awarded a PhD in a subject without having pursued a graduation or master’s degree in that subject. This creates a scenario where candidates may lack an understanding of foundational concepts. Secondly, there appears to be a dilution of the importance of research and publication. Thirdly, the definition of ‘notable contribution’ for selection and promotion is vague and appears achievable by almost anyone. 

■What are your suggestions to resolve the ongoing crisis related to the UGC draft guidelines? 

This issue can be resolved and is not as complex as it is portrayed in the public sphere. The UGC must consult all stakeholders, maintaining a spirit of cooperative federalism. This is crucial, as the states play a substantial role in achieving the gross enrolment ratio in higher education.

5 New WhatsApp features to make your messaging more engaging

5 New WhatsApp features to make your messaging more engaging

With these new updates, WhatsApp is making communication more fun, personalized, and convenient. From AI-powered chats and instant reactions to better call features and enhanced photo customization, these changes are designed to improve user experience in every way.

Written By: Saumya Nigam @snigam04

New DelhiPublished : Feb 03, 2025 14:54 IST, 

 

WhatsApp, one of the popular instant messaging platforms owned by Meta has introduced several new features for the platform. These features will enhance user experience across Android, iPhone and desktop versions. Back in January 2025, several beta features were rolled out, to make the chat experience more interactive, fun and convenient.

So, if you have not received these updates yet, make sure that you are using the latest version of the app. Here are a few of the recently added updates in January 2025.

1. WhatsApp AI Studio: Chat with AI personalities

WhatsApp has introduced AI Studio, where users can interact with AI-powered characters. From cultural icons to pop-culture figures, this feature has been designed for users who like to engage in conversations.AI Studio makes messaging more fun and interactive for anyone and everyone who is using the platform.

2. Call without saving numbers

After several requests raised on social media, finally, the instant messaging platform has added a built-in dial pad for the iPhones. This feature will enable the users to call any number directly from the Calls tab without having to save it as a contact first.

This makes one-time calls and quick dials much easier and more convenient.

3. Double-tap for quick reactionCompatible with both Android and iPhone, this new feature will let you react to messages with ease by using a double-tap gesture.

Instead of long-pressing a message, you could simply double-tap to bring up an emoji reaction carousel.

This works for text messages, media files, and even voice notes, making conversations faster and more expressive.

4. Personalized messaging: Create and share stickers

WhatsApp has introduced photo stickers and sticker pack links, which enable users to convert their photos into stickers.

This means that you could personalise stickers and share sticker packs via links with friends. Certainly, an engaging way to make chats more expressive.

5. Background effects for photos

WhatsApp will enable the users to customize their photos before sending them in individual chats. You can add background effects, filters, and other creative elements to make your pictures more engaging and visually appealing.

Heavy fog disrupts flight movement in Chennai; 12 flights diverted and over 10 delayed

Heavy fog disrupts flight movement in Chennai; 12 flights diverted and over 10 delayed

Chennai Airport sources said that the fog, resembling radiation fog, formed over the entire Chennai region due to high moisture levels and a light, variable wind pattern that persisted throughout the night on Monday.

Representational image.Photo | Express

Express News Service

Updated on:

04 Feb 2025, 11:48 am

CHENNAI: Twelve flights, both international and domestic, were diverted, and over ten flights were delayed at Chennai International Airport due to poor visibility caused by foggy weather. The airport initiated safeguard procedures around 6:06 am to address the situation.

Among the diverted flights were, British Airways flight (BA035) from London to Chennai, Oman Air flight (WY0251) from Muscat to Chenna, AirAsia flight (AK0011) from Kuala Lumpur to Chennai. These flights, along with several others, were rerouted to Bengaluru.

Additional flights diverted included, IndiGo flight (6E0531) from Hyderabad to Chennai (diverted to Tirupati), IndiGo flight (6E0344) from Kolkata to Chennai (diverted to Tirupati), Akasa Air flight (QP1304) from Mumbai to Chennai (diverted to Bengaluru), Air India flight (AI2561) from Bengaluru to Chennai (diverted to Bengaluru), IndiGo flight (6E1032) from Kuala Lumpur to Chennai (diverted to Bengaluru), IndiGo flight (6E1002) from Singapore to Chennai (diverted to Bengaluru), IndiGo flight (6E339) from Coimbatore to Chennai (diverted to Coimbatore), IndiGo flight (6E1412) from Abu Dhabi to Chennai (diverted to Coimbatore), IndiGo flight (6E159) from Pune to Chennai (diverted to Tirupati)

Chennai Airport sources said that the fog, resembling radiation fog, formed over the entire Chennai region due to high moisture levels and a light, variable wind pattern that persisted throughout the night on Monday.

AI-aided technology to monitor SSLC examinations this year in Karnataka

AI-aided technology to monitor SSLC examinations this year in Karnataka

In 2024, the KSEAB introduced webcasting of the examination from all centres. 

file photo

Jayanth R.

Bengaluru  05.02.2025

The Class 10 (SSLC) exams in Karnataka this year will be held under the surveillance of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered CCTV cameras, which will flag any malpractices or irregularities at exam centres.

However, not all examination centres will be watched over by AI-powered CCTV cameras. The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has decided to install them in centres identified as “sensitive” and “hypersensitive” across the State.

“KSEAB will take up a pilot project soon in collaboration with Microsoft, which will provide a customised software for surveillance of exam centres looking for malpractices,” said H.N. Gopalakrishna, Director, KSEAB.

During the SSLC exams of 2023, many students were debarred and over 60 invigilators suspended for malpractices. In 2024, the KSEAB introduced webcasting of the examination from all centres, which was said to have led to a severe drop in the results pushing the board to provide grace marks, indicating how prevalent irregularities were in these exams.

However, the board had to appoint staff to monitor the webcast live to flag malpractices, which is not only tedious and cumbersome but also requires huge human resources. The process is also manual, allowing for errors and discretion. To remove this from the monitoring process, KSEAB is opting for AI to monitor the webcast.

The AI software will flag malpractices or any irregularities, fed to the software earlier, from the video feed. If the system recognises any irregularity, a report on the same with photographs and video clippings will be immediately sent to the chief of the examination centre concerned, the Deputy Commissioners of the districts, and the chairman of KSEAB, among other officials. Officials can immediately rush to the spot, prevent irregularities and take appropriate action against the guilty.

Woman obtains death certificate for living husband, arrested

Woman obtains death certificate for living husband, arrested

The Hindu Bureau

SALEM 05.02.2025

A 40-year-old woman was arrested for obtaining a death certificate for her husband who was alive.

The police identified the accused as Revathi.

In October last year, she had lodged a complaint with Edappadi police claiming that her husband, S. Vijayakumar, 48, was missing.

Later, she went to Bhavani police station, Erode, and claimed that an unidentified body found in the Cauvery was that of her husband. The police conducted a probe and provided the post-mortem report of the unidentified body to Revathi. Based on the report, she obtained a death certificate, and then applied for a legal heir certificate, allegedly to sell a land belonging to Vijayakumar.

After further inquiry, the police found that Vijayakumar was alive, following which they registered a case and arrested Revathi.