Saturday, October 4, 2025
WhatsApp Beta: New features enhance calls and scheduling; call hub, quick access, business verification and more
WhatsApp Beta: New features enhance calls and scheduling; call hub, quick access, business verification and more
WhatsApp plans to roll out a centralised call hub for iOS users, ensuring a consistent experience across Android and iOS platforms.
By: Tech Desk
October 3, 2025 04:46 PM IST
WhatsApp is also set to introduce this centralised call hub for iOS users, ensuring a uniform experience across platforms.(Express Photo)
The latest WhatsApp Beta for Android introduces a centralised call hub, consolidating all call-related features into a single, intuitive interface. Users can now initiate calls, schedule future calls, access the dialer, and manage contacts without navigating multiple screens. This streamlined design enhances communication efficiency by providing quick access to chat, video, and audio calls, as well as call scheduling.
WhatsApp is also set to introduce this centralised call hub for iOS users, ensuring a uniform experience across platforms. This follows the recent WhatsApp for iOS update (version 25.27.73), which improved accessibility and user interaction in the Calls tab, reflecting WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing its calling features for all users.
Unified Call Hub Simplifies Communication on iOS
A recent update enables select iOS users to access a unified call hub within the Calls tab. This structured interface centralises all call-related tasks, allowing users to access the dialer, schedule conversations, or start calls without navigating multiple menus. The revamped Conversations tab is now more intuitive, reducing the steps needed to initiate or manage calls for a smoother daily experience.
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Quick Access to Calls and Scheduling Features
The updated design introduces a convenient shortcut, resembling a “+” button in the top-right corner, enabling users to start calls with up to 31 participants or initiate private conversations. The scheduling feature allows users to plan calls and share details via chat, ensuring all participants are informed. This combination of instant and scheduled calling options provides a versatile solution for both personal and professional use.
Dedicated Dialer and Business Account Verification
The update also includes a dedicated dialer shortcut, simplifying calls to any WhatsApp-registered number without requiring users to save contact details beforehand. Additionally, enhanced verification for business accounts confirms whether a number is linked to a verified WhatsApp account, boosting user confidence in the authenticity of their contacts.
Health Ministry issues advisory on cough syrups among kids: Do not prescribe such medication for children under two
Health Ministry issues advisory on cough syrups among kids: Do not prescribe such medication for children under two
Most acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and resolve without pharmacological intervention, says DGHS
Updated: October 3, 2025 07:27 PM IST
As regards the reports related to two deaths of children in Rajasthan because of contaminated cough syrup consumption, it has been clarified that the product in question did not contain propylene glycol, which can be a potential source of contaminants. (Source: File)
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories on the rational use of cough syrups in children, following consumption-related deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
In its communique, the DGHS advocates “judicious prescribing and dispensing of cough syrups for children,” arguing that most “acute cough illnesses in children are self-limiting and resolve without pharmacological intervention.” It further says that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed for children under two years. “These are generally not recommended for ages below five years and above that, any use should follow careful, clinical evaluation with close supervision and strict adherence to appropriate dosing, the shortest effective duration and avoiding multiple drug combinations,” the DGHS said. It highlighted the need for making everybody aware about adhering only to prescription by doctors.
As a first-line approach for children suffering from cough and cold, it has made a case for non-pharmacological measures, including “adequate hydration and rest.”
Since there have been reports that the deaths were caused by fake drugs, the DGHS has urged all healthcare facilities and clinical establishments to ensure “procurement and dispensing of products manufactured under good manufacturing practices and formulated with pharmaceutical-grade excipients.”
The advisory applies to health departments in all States/Union Territories, district health authorities, government dispensaries, primary healthcare centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), district hospitals and medical institutions.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising experts from NCDC, NIV, ICMR, AIIMS Nagpur and state health authorities is investigating all possible causes behind the deaths. Although there have been reports of contamination and fake syrups, none of the samples tested so far contained diethylene glycol (DEG) or ethylene glycol (EG), contaminants that are known to cause serious kidney injury. The Madhya Pradesh State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) also tested three samples and confirmed the absence of DEG/EG.
Further blood/CSF samples have been tested by NIV Pune for common pathogens. One case has been found positive for leptospirosis.
As regards the reports related to two deaths of children in Rajasthan because of contaminated cough syrup consumption, it has been clarified that the product in question did not contain propylene glycol, which can be a potential source of contaminants. Additionally, the product under reference is a dextromethorphan-based formulation, which is not recommended for paediatric use.
Vijay fled, shows no remorse, says HC, sets up stampede SIT
Vijay fled, shows no remorse, says HC, sets up stampede SIT
politi
Bus Involved & CCTV Footages From Incident Spot To Be Seized
Sureshkumar.K@timesofindia.com 04.10.2025
Chennai : Criticising actorpolitician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) members for first causing a stampede that killed 41 people in Karur on Sept 27, and then abandoning their cadres and followers, Madras HC ordered aprobe by an SIT Friday. Citing two accidents involving Vijay’s campaign vehicle, which did not stop even after dashing against the bikes of his accompanying cadres, HC also ordered registration of a hit-and-run case against the politician. “Both the driver and the leader (Vijay) saw the accident but left the place without stopping... This court highly condemns the attitude of the party (TVK)... There was not even a remote sense of feeling expressed by the party taking responsibility for organising such an event. This only shows the mental state of the leader and the party,” Justice N Senthilkumar said.
“The SIT will be headed by Asra Garg, IGP (north zone), and comprise Vimala, SP, Namakkal, and Shyamaladevi, SP. In addition, Garg is at liberty to select additional team members under any category/designation as he deems fit,” said the judge.
All available CCTV footage from the place of the incident, and in particular CCTV footage inside and outside the bus carrying the head of the political party, shall be seized. The bus involved shall also be seized, the court said. “In both cases (campaign vehicle hitting two bikes), police have not registered an FIR for hitand-run. Court expresses its deep anguish and agony that even if no complaint is filed by the aggrieved, state has suo motu responsibility to register a case, bring the perpetrators of the crime on record, and make them face trial,” Justice Senthilkumar said.
“Neither the politician nor his followers were there at the scene of occurrence after the incident. The President, the PM, Union home minister, CM of Tamil Nadu, and leader of opposition condoled the incident, and almost all political parties were there to rescue people. This court could not understand how the political party that organised the rally abandoned the scene of occurrence immediately after the incident,” the judge said. “The fateful occurrence resulted in the loss of 41 lives.
Unfortunately, the organisers, right from the leader... vanished, leaving their own cadres, leaving their own followers, leaving their own fans in the lurch,” the judge said.
“Such an irresponsible attitude of any politician or organisation cannot be taken lightly. The court owes its responsibility towards its citizens. It is unfortunate to record such leadership quality,” the judge said. The court was passing the order on a plea moved by P H Dinesh, of Chennai, seeking to restrain TN home secretary and DGP from granting permission for road shows to Vijay’s TVK or other political parties until guidelines are framed for such events.
Friday, October 3, 2025
NEET cut-offs for MBBS, BDS drop after 2nd round of counselling
NEET cut-offs for MBBS, BDS drop after 2nd round of counselling
SEAT MATRIX
TIMES NEWS NETWORK 03.10.2025
Chennai : At the end of second round of counselling for MBBS/BDS admissions, cutoffs in NEET-UG 2025 came down by two to four marks in govt medical colleges compared to first round, and up to 10 marks in govt quota seats in self-financing colleges. While the last mark for a student to get into a medical college (state private university) was 354, the cut-off scores in BDS dropped by up to 100-222 marks in round 2 of counselling.
At the end of round 2, cutoffs dropped in almost all categories, although there was no major difference in ranks. For instance, the OC (open category) cut-off for govt colleges plummeted from 650 in 2024 to 534 in 2025. In 2024, NEET cutoff for a student to get into any college in any category at the end of round 2 was 403 marks. In BDS, the cut-off was 245.
The drop in cut-offs doesn’t indicate an easing of admissions, experts say. “There is only a marginal difference in the ranks of students, though we see big differences in scores,” said student counsellor Manickavel Arumugam. “Students, including many repeat candidates, found the NEET 2025 tougher. Overall performance dropped across India. There was no perfect score, and the top score was 686,” he said.
Students who were allotted seats must join colleges of their choice before deadline, or they will have to take part in the round 3 of counselling for colleges of their choice.
The National Medical Commission allowed St Peter’s Medical College Hospital to take 100 more students by increasing total seats to 250, while Vivekananda Medical College Hospital and Research Institute will add 50 seats. These seats, along with 50 more in BDS, will be added to seat matrix once the state medical university grants affiliation, said selection committee officials.
NIRF to begin negative marking for dishonesty
NIRF to begin negative marking for dishonesty
Draft Norms For Univ Ranking Aim To Strengthen Internal Checks
Hemali.Chhapia@timesofindia.com 03.10.2025
Mumbai : Centre is rewriting the rulebook for India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), in what could be the sharpest overhaul of the country’s higher education rankings since their inception in 2015. For the first time, penalties are being formally stitched into the ranking methodology, signalling a tougher stance on research malpractice and misrepresentation of data.
The negative marking system will soon be declared. This year, the framework docked some marks from an institute’s overall score if published papers were retracted by academic journals. From the coming year, though, the consequences will be deeper and wider. Not only will universities be penalised for retracted work, but even citations of such tainted papers will draw heavy deductions in the research score — effectively broadening the circle of accountability.
The change is aimed at curbing what officials describe as a “weakness” in India’s research ecosystem. Papers withdrawn for plagiarism, duplication or manipulated data often continue to be cited, giving them a false academic afterlife. “Retractions damage the credibility of the system. And when retracted papers are cited, they really hold no meaning. And hence, such instances need to be doubly punished with harsher negative marks,” said professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairman of the ranking committee. By extending penalties to citations, he explained, govt is signalling zero tolerance towards dishonesty in academic output.
The revised rules will also push institutions to institute stronger internal checks. Universities that persistently accumulate lapses may face the ultimate penalty — being struck off the rankings altogether. “While the final decision to debar institutes that continue to deliberately misrepresent has not yet been taken, the committee is serious about such cases and is likely to consider harsh measures,” added Sahasrabudhe.
“Rankings are signals to students, employers, investors of faith in an institution. To be rubbed off the table would mean more than a bruise to reputation; it may mean a shut door to opportunity,” said an official. NIRF evaluates institutions across five broad parameters: teaching and learning, graduation outcomes, research, outreach and perception. With over 8,700 institutions participating in the 2024 cycle, its results have become a widely referenced barometer for students, recruiters and policymakers.
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