NEWS TODAY 7.4.2025

 

Can seagrass treat liver cancer?

 Can seagrass treat liver cancer? 

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 07.04.2025

Chennai : Researchers from the University of Madras have found that emodin, a natural compound extracted from seagrass, demonstrates promising results in treating liver cancer. Currently, treatment is mainly surgical removal, organ transplantation, and localised therapies, only effective during the early to middle stages. Researchers obtained emodin from Halodule uninervis, a seagrass variety found in the Gulf of Mannar, Rameswaram. They collec ted samples across autumn, winter, spring, and summer. “Seagrass from the spring season (March) exhibited the highest phytoconstituents and demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth of liver cancer cells (HepG2),” researchers stated in their paper “Understanding the molecular mechanism of emodin in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma: An in vitro and in vivo approach”, recently published in the ‘Chemical Papers’ journal. “A ladder pattern of DNA fragments was observed in cancer cells treated with emodin, but not in untreated cells. This DNA ladder pattern is characteristic of apoptosis, indicating that emodin induces programmed cancer cell death,” said professor S Elumalai, lead author of the paper. The researchers observed that emodin treatment successfully reduced size and number of tumour nodules. Mice getting emodin treatment showed varying degrees of liver structure restoration. “The recovery highlights the potential therapeutic efficacy of emodin in restoring liver function and structure in the context of chemically induced liver cancer,” Elumalai said. The research team included Parthasarathi Perumal and Umamaheswari Arthanari. Further studies should examine emodin absorption, movement through the body, and possible combined effects with existing liver cancer treatments to enhance clinical use. Hepatocellular carcinoma is among the six most frequently diagnosed cancers globally. Risk factors include long-term alcohol use, consuming aflatoxin-contaminated foods, metabolic conditions, and autoimmune hepatitis.

92% of Sathyabama students get job offers 07.04.2025

92% of Sathyabama students get job offers  07.04.2025

Chennai : Students from Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology have received 3,120 job offers from 300 companies so far this year. “Of the total students registered for placements, 92% of them were placed. The average pay package is ₹5.45 lakh a year,” the institute said in a release. It also stated that the industryaligned curriculum and placement readiness programmes were the main reasons for more campus placements. 

It said top companies, such as, Amazon, Accenture, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, Capgemini, JP Morgan, Hyundai Motors, IBM, Nokia, and Oracle, visited the university this year. And, it reported that 216 final-year students enrolled in top national and international universities across the globe for master’s degrees. Students received scholarships from international universities in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, the US, and the UK. The institute commemorated ‘Excellence Day 2025’ at its campus on Saturday. Deemed university chancellor Mariazeena Johnson and its president Marie Johnson lauded students for their achievements.

Tambaram faulty escalator irks commuters

Tambaram faulty escalator irks commuters 

Christopher.M@timesofindia.com 07.04.2025

Chennai : For thousands of commuters passing through Tambaram, the foot overbridge (FOB) connecting GST Road to the pedestrian platform near Tambaram Railway Station has become a source of frustration as the escalator there breaks down frequently. This forces people to take the stairs or lengthy ramps, causing significant inconvenience, particularly for people with disabilities, senior citizens, children, and those carrying heavy luggage.

 “For people like me, it’s an everyday struggle,” said T Suresh Kumar, a person with disabilities, who is resident of Tambaram Camp Road. ‘Elevator under maintenance’ is a common sight for suburban train users in Tambaram. Even on platforms, the escalators rarely function consistently, he said. 

“Just last week, I lost my balance and fell down the stairs. Thankfully, others helped. Despite repeated complaints to the station master, who keeps assuring of a swift resolution, there has been no tangible progress,” he said. 

S Valli, also a regular user of the FOB, pointed out the increasing encroachment by hawkers. “Earlier, vendors only occupied the pavements near the bus terminus. Now, they are all over the foot overbridge. It is difficult to walk through this congestion,” she said. Valli also raised concerns about safety.

 “With the absence of CCTV sur veillance, the area has become unsafe for women” she said. S Aravind, a resident of Tambaram Periyar Street, echoed her sentiments. “Tipplers often occupy the bus terminus and the foot overbridge for illegal activities. Police must take action to curb this menace,” he said. Attempts by TOI to reach railway officials for their comment went unanswered, but an official from the highways department, responsible for the FOB’s maintenance, said that a private contractor is in-charge to daily maintenance. “Repairs are carried out whenever problems are reported,” he said.

Decoding generic medicines

Decoding generic medicines

 GENERIC MEDICINES OFFER THE SAME EFFECTIVENESS AS BRANDED DRUGS AT A LOWER COST. UNDERSTANDING THEIR COMPOSITION, BENEFITS, AND REGULATORY STANDARDS HELPS CONSUMERS MAKE INFORMED HEALTHCARE CHOICES, ENSURING AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TREATMENT FOR

ALL C-Sindhu.V@timesofindia.com  07.04.2025

In the world of healthcare, branding plays a crucial role, particularly in pharmaceuticals. However, many people do not realise that medicines with the same active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have identical therapeutic effects, whether they are branded or generic. Understanding this distinction is essential, especially in a country like India, where access to affordable healthcare remains a challenge. Here’s a closer look at what generic medicines is, why they matter, and how they work. W

HAT ARE GENERIC MEDICINES? Every medicine available in the market consists of chemical compounds that have been scientifically tested and proven to treat specific conditions. For example, paracetamol is commonly used to reduce fever, while ibuprofen, aspirin, or codeine act as pain relievers. Branded pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in marketing, packaging, and distribution, which increases the cost of these medicines. In contrast, generic medicines contain the same active ingredients but do not involve additional expenses related to branding and advertising. As a result, they are much more affordable while maintaining the same effectiveness as their branded counterparts.

WHY DO GENERIC MEDICINES MATTER? Governments and healthcare authorities worldwide encourage pharmacies to stock generic medicines to create an affordable healthcare ecosystem. Generic medicines undergo the same rigorous approval process as branded drugs, ensuring that they meet the required safety, quality, and efficacy standards. 4/7/25, 6:30 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-chennai.cms 1/3 India, with its vast population, has a significant percentage of people living on daily wages or limited incomes. Many individuals struggle to afford high-priced branded medicines, making generic drugs a crucial alternative. They are available in various dosages and formulations, ensuring that people from all economic backgrounds have access to essential medicines.

DO GENERIC MEDICINES WORK AS WELLAS BRANDED ONES?

Experts confirm that both contain identical APIs in the same volume and ratio, making them equally effective. The only difference lies in branding, packaging, and marketing. According to K Suresh Kumar, who runs a generic medicine pharmacy, says, “Despite their proven efficacy, generic med icines often face scepticism. Many people associate quality with price, believing that expensive medicines must be superior. But this perception is largely influenced by marketing rather than scientific evidence.”

REGULATIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES

According to Padma B S, retired associate director of pharmaceutical services, generic medicines undergo strict regulatory scrutiny before they reach the market. “The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), led by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), enforces strict safety and efficacy standards for generic medicines, ensuring their reliability and building consumer confidence in their use. Manufacturers must prove that their generic versions are bioequivalent to branded drugs, meaning they work in the same way and produce the same effects,” she explains. In addition to regulatory approvals, generic medicines undergo stability testing to ensure they remain effective under different environmental conditions. This guarantees that patients receive safe and reliable medication, whether they opt for a branded or generic version.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE GENERIC MEDICINES

As healthcare costs continue to rise, the demand for affordable treatment options is growing. Both central and state governments are trying to provide medicines through their pharmacies at discounted rates. By choosing generic medicines wisely, patients can save money without compromising on quality, ensuring that good health remains within everyone’s reach. Dr Sunil Kumar concludes, “Generic medicines are not just an alternative to branded drugs— they are an essential part of an inclusive healthcare system. By understanding what they are, why they matter, and how they work, patients can make informed choices that prioritise both their health and finances.

” 4/7/25, 6:30 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-chennai.cms 2/3 4/7/25, 6:30 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read

NMC slaps a penalty of Rs 50,000 against medical colleges defaulting on stipends, admission information

NMC slaps a penalty of Rs 50,000 against medical colleges defaulting on stipends, admission information

 Institutions are required to provide details related to stipends and submit supporting documents 

Sonal.Srivastava@timesofindia.com 07.04.2025

The National Medical Commission (NMC) routinely asks medical colleges to submit information regarding admissions including details of stipends given to the resident doctors and MBBS interns. To control irregularities related to admission, details of admitted students and distribution of stipends, NMC plans to impose a penalty of Rs 50,000 on erring colleges. Besides the colleges might face the threat of a reduction in the number of seats, if colleges are found flouting NMC norms. According to a PGMEB public notice dated March 29, 2025, the last date for online submission of this information has been extended to April 7. All institutions are required to provide details related to stipends, whether or not stipends are being paid. If not, institutions must give reasons and submit supporting documents in hard copy. These must include details such as the amount of stipend paid, the stipend paid by government institutions in the respective state, and the name of the postgraduate teacher under whom the student is admitted.

 “The 50,000 penalty is a general fine applicable to institutions that have failed to submit admission data for the 2024–2025 academic year. Some institutions have cited technical reasons for the delay,” said a source in the Ministry of Health, on the condition of anonymity. Unless the NMC has complete data, it cannot act appropriately against erring institutions. “The institutions must submit all required information with an undertaking. This includes stipend details; some institutions have yet to provide this data. The NMC cannot impose penalties arbitrarily; there must be a structured process. 

The Rs 50,000 penalty is more of a reminder with consequences. If colleges still do not comply, stricter action can be taken. The NMC is currently short-staffed, but new members are expected to join soon, who will scrutinise the reports, and if an institution is found guilty, penalties may be imposed, including a reduction in seats,” the source added. 

In 2023-24 AY, 80–90% of colleges paid penalties, depending on the deficiencies noted. Penalties ranged from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh and even Rs 50 lakh. The Rs 50,000 fine is specifically for colleges that fail to submit data to the NMC within the deadline. “There is a general rule regarding payment of stipends. A standard amount has been mandated for all, but students often do not raise complaints. This is also a law-and-order issue—students are legally entitled to file an FIR. However, they must first approach their college, then the university, followed by the state counselling authorities, and finally the NMC. The state is the first responder. It must escalate the matter to the NMC if it cannot resolve the issue. After all, the state issues the essentiality certificate to a medical institution,” says the source. 

Currently, some private state medical colleges are not strictly adhering to stipend regulations. Dr KV Babu, RTI activist, has been following the issue of nonpayment of stipends, for nine years and demands strict action against such medical colleges. “As per the NMC, the state medical councils should keep a check and attend to complaints. I have also written to the Prime Minister’s Office as the current situation is extremely demotivating for interns and resident doctors. 

In Kerala, interns in some private colleges receive as little as Rs 100-200 per day, while their counterparts in government colleges earn Rs 26,000,” says Dr Babu. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has been consistently advocating for mandatory, uniform stipend structures across all medical colleges. “There should be strict penalties for institutions that fail to pay or underpay interns, and a transparent monitoring system where interns can report stipendrelated grievances without fear of retaliation,” says Aviral Mathur, former president, FORDA. Failing to pay stipends raises serious ethical concerns as it undermines the principle of fair compensation for work, especially in a profession as critical as medicine.

 “It reflects poorly on the institution’s commitment to student welfare and creates inequities between interns in government and private colleges, thereby harming the fairness of the medical education system,” says Dr Partha Pratim Mandal, convener, IMA Junior Doctor Network, West Bengal.

CBSE move to bar dummy school students from board exams may drive them to take NIOS route

CBSE move to bar dummy school students from board exams may drive them to take NIOS route 

Board is mulling the idea of amending examination byelaws with a recommendation to implement new rule from academic session 

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 07,04.2025

The CBSE students who are not found attending regular schools will most likely be disallowed from appearing for class XII board exams. This was discussed at the recent CBSE Governing Board meeting, with a recommendation that the new rule be implemented from the academic session 2025-2026. In such a scenario, students admitted to dummy schools that do not mandate 75% attendance requirements will have to bear the brunt. 

Academics feel that the proposed rule will raise awareness of the rising menace of dummy schools and their long-term drawbacks, including gaps in conceptual learning and skill development. As part of its ongoing crackdown on dummy schools, CBSE is also mulling the idea of amending the examination byelaws which will not permit such students to appear in the board exams.

 Eventually, they will have to take the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) exam to complete their class XII. Justifying the feasibility of the move, Pavnesh Kumar, former controller of Examinations, CBSE, while talking to Education Times, says, “As per the board’s examination byelaws, those candidates who do not complete 75% attendance will not be allowed to appear in the board exams. By default, it renders dummy school students ineligible for the board exam. 

The CBSE’s move will address the wide proliferation of dummy schools which is destabilising the schooling system.” 

False notion 

The wrong perception about dummy schools is that all students attending them crack competitive exams. “The truth is, only a minuscule percentage get selected to study at the IITs and NITs. The CBSE initiative, if implemented, will stop the exodus of students from regular schools, many of which run the risk of becoming dysfunctional institutions,” Kumar adds. Sudha Acharya, former chairperson, National Progressive Schools’ Conference (NPSC) and principal, ITL Public School, who has been vocal about the impact of dummy schools, says, “In dummy schools, children are deprived of interpersonal, social, leadership and life skills, essential to face life’s challenges. This may explain why the suicide rate among students is increasing at an alarming rate. In dummy schools, there is also no focus on career counselling, experiential and competency-based lear ning. Even if children qualify for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, CLAT etc, they cannot excel in innovation, research and problem-solving skills which a normal school provides.” 

Data and details 

Defining the true character of dummy schools, Acharya explains, “CBSE has the Online Affiliated School Information System (OASIS) record which includes details of all its schools along with the strength of every class, number of sections and teachers’ information. Based on this repository, it is possible to identify dummy schools where the number of students enrolled in class XI-XII is proportionately high compared to its other classes. The schools also tend to maintain false record of attendance so that students sit for internal and board exams, but during school hours attend coaching classes.” 

Some students and parents might find CBSE’s new rule tough – especially those juggling school with intense competitive exam preparation. “But schools aren’t just exam factories; they are where students learn discipline, build lifelong friendships, and develop skills that matter far beyond test scores”, says Puneet Kothapa, president, Narayana Educational Institutions. Transition strategy As for NIOS with its flexible norms becoming a ‘fallback option’ for dummy school students, it is evident that independent learning can be challenging for students long accustomed to structured schooling, says Mannu Kapoor, principal, ODM Sapphire Global School, Ranchi.

 “While some families may explore NIOS as an option, the overall shift is unlikely to be substantial. Instead, parents may reconsider dummy schools and prioritise structured schooling to ensure their children meet the board’s eligibility criteria,” Kapoor adds.