NMC’s disability guidelines for NEET 2025 admission fall short, defy SC directives

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 28.07.2025

The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently released the disability guidelines for MBBS admissions for the academic year 2025-26. Disappointed that the guidelines do not adhere to the Supreme Court (SC) directives, disability rights activists wrote a letter to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), calling for the need to rectify the guidelines. 

However, the NMC says that the interim disability guidelines will be updated regularly in a phased manner based on the feedback collected from the students falling under the Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category. Dr Vikrant Sirohi, activist, Doctors with Disabilities, Agents of Change organisation, stated in the letter to the DGHS, “In the case of Omkar Ramchandra Gond vs Union of India, the SC directed an increase in the number of medical boards across the country, mandating at least one medical board in each state and Union Territory for proper medical examinations. However, the list of medical boards notified for the 2025 counselling includes only 16 centres located in 11 states.” 

Furthermore, the SC directives also required that enabling units and equal opportunity cells, as mandated by the University Grants Commission (UGC), be included in MBBS admission booklets and college websites. Additionally, a database on accessibility and reasonable accommodations at medical colleges should be created. 

Speaking to Education Times, Dr BN Gangadhar, chairman, NMC, says, “To improve accessibility of medical boards for PwBD candidates, the NMC is working to increase the number of medical boards. These reforms are part of our commitment to service and welfare. The commission will seek feedback from PwBD students admitted to MBBS colleges to gather information and build a database on accessibility and reasonable accommodations. For now, the NMC has refrained from fully implementing this, as each disability is unique and requires special attention.” Dr Gangadhar says, “We have conducted awareness programmes for these medical boards, sensit ising them to the needs of PwBD candidates and their screening process. Furthermore, medical assessment officials are now required to submit a report specifying the candidate’s disability and the reasons for denial of admission.”

ePassport in India: How to apply, and watch out for these fake websites

ePassport in India: How to apply, and watch out for these fake websites 

imesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/epassport-in-india-how-to-apply-and-watch-out-for-these-fake-websites/articleshow/122843177.cms

TOI Lifestyle Desk / etimes.in / Updated: Jul 23, 2025, 12:48 IST  

India's passport system is getting a major upgrade with the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, introducing ePassports featuring RFID chips for enhanced security and faster processing. These ePassports store personal and biometric data digitally, preventing forgery and speeding up immigration checks.Read More

Many don’t give importance to their passports or give it a second thought in terms of a valid identity document, until they desperately need one. Whether it’s for that long-awaited Eurotrip, a dream job abroad, or a last-minute travel plan, applying for a passport can either be a breeze or a hassle if you don’t pay attention to details. 

On June 24, 2025, as reported earlier, during the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted this and announced the launch of Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. This upgrade brings emerging technologies, improved transparency, and faster processing times to India's passport system.

The global rollout of the PSP 2.0, including in Indian embassies and consulates, is already underway, further extending the benefits of ePassports to Indian citizens abroad. 

 What it means and who are eligible So, what is an ePassport? Is it different from the conventional passport? 

Well, an ePassport is essentially a smarter version of the conventional paper passport. It looks very similar to the standard passport, but comes equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an embedded antenna. These components are inserted into the back cover of the passport as an inlay. What sets it apart visually is a small gold-colored chip symbol printed below the front cover. This RFID chip securely stores personal details and biometric information of the passport holder, like photograph and fingerprint data, in a digital format.

Why is the ePassport beneficial? One of the biggest advantages of the ePassport is its ability to prevent forgery and tampering. While the passport holder’s information will still be printed on the physical booklet, the same data will also be digitally stored and signed on the chip. 

Immigration officers across the globe will be able to electronically verify the authenticity of this information using advanced systems. The technology behind this security is known as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). It ensures that the data on the chip has not been altered and truly belongs to the passport holder. This makes it extremely difficult for criminals to create fake passports or tamper with existing ones, greatly enhancing international travel security. 

Additionally, ePassports speed up immigration checks, as contactless scanning of the chip allows for faster processing at eGates in many airports. 

 What’s changing and how it matters Do you need to replace your current passport? If you already hold a valid Indian passport, there’s no need to rush to replace it. Existing passports will remain valid until their expiry date. As the ePassport rollout continues, applicants who apply at ePassport-enabled Passport Offices will automatically receive the upgraded version. The government is implementing the ePassport system in phases, and full nationwide coverage will take a few more months. How to apply for an ePassport Applying for an ePassport is straightforward and follows the same steps as a regular passport application — with a few added digital upgrades: 

Visit the official Passport Seva website: www.passportindia.gov.in Create an account or log in if you're an existing user. Fill in the ePassport application with accurate details. Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK). Pay the application fee online. Schedule an appointment for biometric capture and document verification. Visit the chosen center at your scheduled time slot. 

Beware of fake passport service websites The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a warning about fraudulent websites mimicking official passport services. These websites often operate under domains like *.org, *.in, or *.com and may charge extra fees or steal user data. Some known fake websites include (source: https://www.passportindia.gov.in/psp): www.indiapassport.org www.passport-india.in www.online-passportindia.com www.applypassport.org www.passport-seva.in www.passportindiaportal.in

NMC bars use of live surgery broadcasts for promotional gain

NMC bars use of live surgery broadcasts for promotional gain

The guidelines say patientswith high-risk procedures should not be included in live broadcasts.

THE HINDU BUREAU 28.07.2025

NEW DELHI Live broadcasts should not be used for promoting the operating surgeon, hospital, or product brand, and surgeons should not have a financial or commercial interest in the equipment or devices used during surgery or procedures, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has said in detailed guidelines issued this week to regulate the conduct and broadcast of live surgeries.

Issuing specific instructions for patient selection, the commission said that patientswith high-risk procedures, incomplete investigations, or unusual anatomy should not be included in live broadcasts. Also, financial incentives for participation should not be permitted. The process of informed consent should be conducted by the operating surgeon or team and the patient has the right to withdraw consent at any time.

It added that live broadcasts can be provided for new procedures, while recordings should be preferred for established procedures or high-risk cases.

“Patients can be enrolled in insurance coverage to safeguard against any unforeseen incidents. However, patients should be informed about the availability and limitations of this insurance. Any surgery/procedure-related complications should be managed free of cost,’’ it said. It added that during surgery or procedures, the operating doctor can broadcast but should not interact with the audience to maintain focus on the patient’s safety. “Relevant step-wise live commentary by an operating surgeon can be permitted without any two-way communication with the audience in special situations,’’ the directive stated.

Two-year-old bites cobra, toddler faints, snake dies

Two-year-old bites cobra, toddler faints, snake dies 

27.07.2025

Patna : If little Krishna (Govinda) slayed Kaliya Naag in the Yamuna, two-year-old Govinda bit a cobra to death with his tiny teeth, scripting a surreal parallel, reports Kshitiz. The toddler from a hamlet near Bettiah in Bihar’s West Champaran district fell unconscious after the hair-raising duel on Friday but was saved from the snake’s venom, thanks to quick medical intervention. The incident unfolded when Govinda was playing near his home in Majhaulia area’s Bankatwa village. The ever-curious Govinda, son of one Sunil Sah, spotted the reptile and threw a piece of brick at it in play.

Then, the snake struck back, coiling itself around the child’s hands. But instead of screaming or running, the little boy sank his teeth into the snake’s flesh, biting it so hard that it died on the spot.

2-year-old bites cobra, toddler faints, snake dies

2-year-old bites cobra, toddler faints, snake dies 

Kshitiz@timesgroup.com 27.07.2025

Patna : If little Krishna (Govinda) slayed Kaliya Naag in the Yamuna, two-year-old Govinda bit a cobra to death with his teeth, scripting a surreal parallel. The toddler from a hamlet near Bettiah in Bihar’s West Champaran district fell unconscious after the hair-raising duel on Friday but was saved from the snake’s venom, thanks to quick medical intervention. The eerie parallel between the divine legend and the child’s real-life encounter that left many stunned unfolded when Govinda was playing near his home in Majhaulia area’s Bankatwa village. The ever-curious Govinda, son of one Sunil Sah, spotted the reptile and, perhaps unaware of its lethal nature, threw a piece of brick at it in play. Then, the snake struck back, coiling itself around the child’s hands. But instead of screaming or running, the little boy sank his teeth into the snake’s flesh, biting it so hard that it died on the spot. Recalling the jaw-dropping moment, Govinda’s grandmother Mateshwari Devi said: “When we saw the snake in the child’s hand, everyone rushed towards him, but in the meantime, he already bit the snake.” The bite caused Govinda to faint instantly. He was rushed to a local health centre and then to Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Bettiah where doctors described the case as “highly unusual”. According to the doctors, it appears the cobra died from trauma to the head and mouth inflicted by the child’s bite. By contrast, the venom’s effect on Govinda was relatively mild, enough to knock him unconscious, but not enough to be fatal. “Timely treatment saved Govinda’s life. The child’s condition is currently stable. Our medical team is providing continuous medication and he is under observation,” said GMCH doctor Saurabh Kumar. Bankatwa village is under observation, too, from far and wide. Little Govinda has catapulted the sleepy hamlet into the spotlight, evoking amazement and admiration in equal measure with his daredevil fight and survival.

KGMU intensifies preps for NAAC evaluation EYES A++ GRADE

KGMU intensifies preps for NAAC evaluation EYES A++ GRADE

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 27.07.2025

Lucknow : KGMU is going all out on its mission to secure a higher grade in the upcoming assessment by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The NAAC peer team is scheduled to visit the university for a threeday inspection from July 31 to Aug 2. 

Having received an ‘A+’ grade in 2023, the university reapplied with the objective of improving its overall score and getting A++ (the top grade). According to the officials, vice chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand is supervising the preparations, with all clinical and non-clinical departments aligning their work with the assessment framework. Mock presentations are being conducted across departments to highlight various aspects of institutional functioning. NAAC assesses higher education institutions on seven key criteria: teaching-learning and evaluation; research, innovations, and extension; infrastructure and learning resources; student support and progression; governance, leadership and management; and institutional values and best practices.

In its previous assessment, KGMU received lower scores in areas related to student activities and placement outcomes. The university also faced difficulties in presenting its research data comprehensively. Steps have since been taken to address these gaps. KGMU comprises 149 buildings, 77 departments and over 4,000 hospital beds. It has a workforce of more than 550 faculty members, 800 resident doctors and approximately 10,000 other staff members. To support its operations and academic initiatives, the Uttar Pradesh govt allocated Rs 1,843.7 crore to the university in this year’s budget. “Ahead of the NAAC visit, the university has worked to compile its research documentation and improve student-related activities. Efforts are focused on presenting these developments clearly during the assessment,” said a senior official.

NEWS TODAY 27.07.2025