NEWS TODAY 31.12.2024

 

IIT-Kgp director focuses on ‘failures’ in his last convocation address ‘Couldn’t Start Hosp, Malaysia Campus’

IIT-Kgp director focuses on ‘failures’ in his last convocation address ‘Couldn’t Start Hosp, Malaysia Campus’ 

Dipawali.Mitra@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Kolkata : Besides highlighting the achievements and rankings of IIT-Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) over the past few years, the institute’s director VK Tewari also emphasized on some ‘failures’ during his tenure while addressing its 70th convocation ceremony on Monday, when his term at the IIT also came to an end. Tewari spoke about the failure to set up the IIT Malaysia campus and start medical education at IIT-Kharagpur. “We wanted to start IIT Malaysia but due to some technical reasons we failed in that. So I take the responsibility. We also failed in getting medical education…The hospital was ready in 2018 itself but I think there were no ef forts. When I took over, Covid also took over and from that time, I was trying to set up the medical college but failed four times,” said Tewari, while he was referring to the medical college named as Dr BC Roy MultiSpecialist Research Centre

Referring obliquely to the recent controversy regarding the shifting of BC Roy Technology Hospital (BCRTH) to Syama Prasad Mookerjee Superspeciality Hospital (SPMSH), Tewari said they tried to start SPMSH and only the OPD services began. “We are in the process of starting the IPD (in-patient department) services at the superspeciality hospital,” said the outgoing director, adding, “We failed in answering questions of some of our friends because the requirements were something different.” Earlier, the campus had witnessed protests from students, campus residents, and teachers over the relocation of the BCRTH to SPMSH, which is four kilometres from the campus. Amidst pressure, the administration kept the relocation “in abeyance.” In Sept, the IIT Teachers’Association wrote to the union education minister alleging that the director had failed to start the hospital, medical college and the overseas campus projects. This letter sparked a rift between teachers and authorities. 

Highlighting the positive aspects, Tewari said in three-and-a-half years, the institute had achieved 400 patents. According to him, the institute is diligently working towards the G-20 declarations in 12 major areas. Tewari shared that during his tenure he ensured that the IIT campus became a safe and secure zone with monitoring at the entry and exit points. He also said that he was able to solve the water crisis, which was a perennial problem at the campus. Chancellor of the University of California, San Diego, Pradeep K Khosla, who is also an alumnus of IIT-KGP, was the chief guest. Former vice-chairman of UGC and national research professor, ministry of Ayush, Bhushan Patwardhan, was the guest of honour. 

A total of 3,456 degrees comprising 480 PhDs were conferred. Thirteen distinguished alumni awards, seven Life Fellow Awards, and one Lifetime Achievement Award were also given. IIT-Varanasi head as interim director Director of IIT-Varanasi, Amit Patra, has been given the additional charge of IIT-KGP as its interim director until further order or new appointment after the tenure of VK Tewari ended on Monday. “The handover is likely to take place on Tuesday,” sources said. Patra was also the deputy director of IIT-KGP. Interview for the next director already took place.

CM for timely completion of 3 new univs, seeks updates

CM for timely completion of 3 new univs, seeks updates

Yogi: Conduct Reviews In Every 15 Days 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 31.12.2024

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, at a high-level meeting on Monday, reviewed the progress of construction, staffing, and operations of three new universities—Maa Pateshwari University, Balrampur, Maa Vindhyavasini University, Mirzapur, and Guru Jambheshwar University, Moradabad. He sought updates from the vice-chancellors and emphasized timely completion of construction while ensuring quality standards. 

The CM directed them that construction work should proceed in phases, prioritizing academic and administrative buildings in the first phase, followed by the VC’s residence, faculty housing, and guest house in the second phase, and hostels in the third phase. He emphasized regular reviews of the construction progress by a committee comprising the university administration, implementing agency, and local authorities. The VCs were instructed to monitor the work daily or every two days, ensuring timely completion with uncompromised quality. The CM instructed the higher education department to conduct reviews every 15 days. In case of any obstacles, VCs were advised to coordinate with the district magistrate or principal secretary and consult the government for necessary adjustments in construction plans. He also directed the government to issue guidelines to implementing agencies and urged higher education ministers to periodically inspect the ongoing construction work. The CM also directed the department to expedite the appointment of regular employees in the under-construction universities to ensure smooth operations. 

He emphasized arranging temporary provisions for staff immediately. The VCs were directed to provide necessary residential and other facilities. The CM emphasized completing the formalities for affiliating colleges within the jurisdiction of the under-construction universities promptly. He also directed the creation of university's logo, motto and Kulgeet. Higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyaya, MoS Rajni Tiwari and VCs of many universities were present in the meeting

Homeopathy grads can pursue PG spl courses next year

Homeopathy grads can pursue PG spl courses next year 

31.12.2024

Jaipur : Beginning in the academic year 2025-26, homeopathy will start postgraduate specialisation courses across six distinct branches, marking a significant development in the field. “The specialisation branches will include clinical oncology, clinical rheumatology, pulmonology, paediatric psychiatry, neurology, and endocrinology,” Dr Tarkeshwar Jain, president of the Homeopathy Education Board, National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH), govt of India, told TOI. 

Dr Jain said, “As of now, there are no courses available for specialisation in homeopathy. It is for the first time it is happening in the country as an advancement in homeopathy studies.” The announcement was shared during the 23rd All India Homeopathy Scientific Seminar ‘Hope Health Homeopathic 2024,’ which concluded on Sunday. After completing these postgraduate programs, home- opathy practitioners will gain expertise in treating specific conditions. This development will enable patients to consult specialists based on their health needs, such as seeking treatment from a homeopathic neurologist for brain-related conditions. 

Dr Anita Meena, former consultant (Homeopathy) with the state govt, said, “Offering courses for specialisation in homeopathy adds a new chapter. The homeopathy doctors will now have a chance to upgrade their knowledge by completing postgraduate courses.” Since every year new cases of cancer are adding up, the NCH decided to train specialists in clinical oncology. Besides, a lot of patients needing treatment related to ailments such as rheumatology, pulmonology, paediatric psychiatry, neurology, and endocrinology will benefit from the specialisation. TNN

Tirumala darshan: AP to honour T MLA, MP letters

Tirumala darshan: AP to honour T MLA, MP letters 

T’gana Leaders Thank Naidu For The Decision 

Roushan.Ali@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Hyderabad : In a significant decision, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu-led govt has decided to accept four recommendation letters, two days a week, from Telangana MLAs, MLCs, and MPs for darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. 

Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy and a large number of MLAs, including ministers from the state, urged the AP govt to accept the recommendation letters of elected representatives of Telangana for the Lord’s darshan. Many MLAs from the state also complained that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam was not honouring the letters issued by them for darshan to the people. 

In his letter to Revanth Reddy on Monday, Naidu stated: “We examined the issues raised by you in your letter dated Dec 16, 2024, about Srivari darshan in TTD. We took a decision on the proposal sent by you to accept the recommendation letters of Telangana’s elected representatives for darshan of Lord Venkateshwara.” “Keeping in view the cordial relations between the two Telugu states, letters from MLA, MLC, MP will be honoured any two days of a week, between Monday and Thursday for VIP break darshan of ₹500 ticket. Only two letters will be honoured. Likewise, two letters will be honoured for the special entry darshan (SED) of ₹300 ticket. For every letter, up to six devotees will be allowed for darshan,” Naidu added. 

The decision to honour the recommendation letters for darshan was taken by also considering the convenience of lakhs of devotees coming from various other states, the daily rush, and the possibility of allowing darshan without difficulty. Res ponding to the letter on X, the Telangana CMO said: “CM Revanth thanked AP CM Naidu for taking a decision to honour recommendation letters of Telangana MLAs, MLCs, and MPs for darshan of Kaliyuga God Lord  Venkateshwara Swamy in TTD.

People of Telangana have an inseparable spiritual bond with Tirumala Venkateswara from centuries. Thousands of devotees from Telangana visit TTD, and that number increases every year.” Telangana council chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy and assembly speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar thanked Chandrababu Naidu and TTD chairman B R Naidu for taking a decision to honour recommendation letters from Telangana's elected representatives.

Naidu tops ‘CM richlist’ with ₹931cr, Didi poorest with ₹15L

Naidu tops ‘CM richlist’ with ₹931cr, Didi poorest with ₹15L 

31.12.2024

New Delhi : Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest chief minister in India, with assets worth more than Rs 931 crore, while West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee is the poorest, with just Rs 15 lakh, according to an Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report released on Monday. 

The report said the average assets per chief minister from assemblies and Union territories is Rs 52.6 crore. While India’s per capita net national income or NNI was approximately Rs 1,85,854 for 2023- 2024, the average self-income of a chief minister is Rs 13,64,310, around 7.3 times the average per capita income of India.

The total assets of 31 chief ministers are worth Rs 1,630 crore. Arunachal Pradesh’s Pema Khandu is the secondrichest chief minister, with total assets worth over Rs 332 crore. Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah is third on the list, with assets worth more than Rs 51 crore. Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, with assets worth Rs 55 lakh, ranked just above Banerjee, while Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan is third, with Rs 1.18 crore. Khandu also has the highest liabilities to the tune of Rs 180 crore. Siddaramaiah has liabilities worth Rs 23 crore and Naidu more than Rs 10 crore, the report said. 

It also said 13 (42%) chief ministers have declared criminal cases against themselves, while 10 (32%) have declared serious criminal cases including those related to attempt to murder, kidnapping, bribery, and criminal intimidation. Of the 31 CMs, only two are women — West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee and Delhi’s Atishi. PTI Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu. The average assets per CM is Rs 52.6 crore, the report said

With ₹930 cr assets, Naidu is wealthiest CM of India

Umamaheswara.Rao@timesofindia.com 31.12.2024

Visakhapatnam : AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the wealthiest CM in India with a net worth of Rs 931 crore, followed by Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu (Rs 332.57 crore) and Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah (Rs 51.94 crore), according to an analysis by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR). AP is no stranger to having affluent CMs as former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was previously recognised as the richest with assets valued at Rs 510 crore during his tenure between 2019 and 2024. Before Jagan, Naidu had declared assets of Rs 177 crore to emerge as the richest CM between 2014 and 2019. Chief ministers with the least declared assets include Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal, with assets of Rs 15.38 lakh. She is preceded by Omar Abdullah of Jammu & Kashmir, who has declared assets of Rs 55.24 lakh. Above him is Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, with total assets worth of Rs 1.19 crore. On the liabilities front, Arunachal CM Khandu leads the list with Rs 180.28 crore, followed by Siddaramaiah (Rs 23.77 crore) and Naidu (Rs 10.32 crore). The analysis is based on affidavits submitted to the Election Commission of India along with the nomination papers.

Naidu third oldest CM in the country At 74, Naidu is the third oldest CM in the country. Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah is 75 and Kerala’s Vijayan 77. Of the 31 CMs analysed across state assemblies and UTs, 13 (42%) have declared criminal cases against them. TDP chief Naidu, who represents Kuppam assembly constituency in Chittoor 12/31/24, 11:51 AM Times of India ePaper hyderabad - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-hyderabad.cms 1/2 district, faces 19 cases, which include 32 serious charges under IPC and 80 other charges. The allegations span offences such as corruption, criminal conspiracy, public safety violations, and breaches under the SC/ST (prevention of atrocities) Act. Naidu 

Petitioner’s expectation alone cannot be an evidence of medical negligence, says HC

Petitioner’s expectation alone cannot be an evidence of medical negligence, says HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  31.12.2024

New Delhi : Delhi High Court recently ruled that medical negligence couldn’t be proven solely through dissatisfaction or claims about “expected standard of care”. Evidence must show that a doctor’s performance was below the level of a competent practitioner in comparable situations, a single bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula pointed out. The court was hearing a petition against doctors at Max Super Specialty Hospital Delhi by a man who claimed that their negligence had led to the death of his wife, diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus/haematemesis, in Oct 2016. 

The petitioner contended that administering 850mcg of fentanyl in a brief period was dangerous and resulted in the patient’s death through poisoning. Delhi Medical Council (DMC) had found the two doctors responsible for professional negligence of duty. It issued a warning and directed them to undergo at least one month of training in emergency medicine at a recognised hospital. However, National Medical Commission (NMC), during its peer review, considered the doctors’ records, which contained comprehensive details about drug dosage calculations based on the patient’s health status and weight requirements, and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove negligence. 

The petitioner challenged the NMC order. Considering the same details, the court determined that no grounds existed to suggest that either the DMC or NMC order was arbitrary or perverse. It noted that NMC found no substantial evidence of medical negligence after reviewing all medical documentation and treatment procedures and dismis sed the plea. The court emphasised that the medical bodies’ findings could not be dismissed unless proven perverse or unlawful. It added that while doctors must maintain reasonable diligence, their actions should not be assessed against predetermined expectations of procedures or outcomes. “While the court empathises with the petitioner’s loss and appreciates the earnestness of his pursuit, it must emphasise that the findings of medical bodies, composed of experts in the field, carry considerable weight. Their determinations, supported by peer review, merit deference unless tainted by palpable perversity or illegality. The court finds no such grounds for interference,” the court concluded, adding that both bodies pointed toward the line of treatment provided considering the patient’s complex medical profile, rather than by professional misconduct