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Monday, April 13, 2026

NMC invalidates teaching experience from unrecognised departments

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 13.06.2024

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a fresh advisory warning medical institutions and universities against counting postgraduate teaching or training experience obtained in unrecognised departments, declaring such experience invalid for academic and faculty-related purposes.

In a notification dated April 10, 2026, the Commission circulated an advisory issued by its Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), directing all health universities, state directorates, and medical colleges to ensure strict compliance.

The advisory makes it clear that any postgraduate training or teaching experience acquired in departments or units not approved by the NMC will not be considered valid for: Eligibility to appear in postgraduate examinations; recognition as a postgraduate teacher or guide; appointment or promotion to faculty positions; or any academic, regulatory, or administrative purpose. This reiteration aligns with provisions under the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations 2023 and the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations 2025, which mandate that teaching experience must be earned only in recognised institutions and departments with approved infrastructure, faculty strength, and permitted postgraduate seats.

Medical colleges and affiliating universities have been made responsible for verifying the recognition status of departments before issuing experience certificates. The advisory explicitly instructs institutions to: Issue certificates only after verifying NMC recognition status, and avoid issuing any certificate for experience gained in unapproved departments.

Headache that disappears on lying down? Don’t brush it off, say docs

Jahnavi@timesofindia.com 13.04.2026

Bengaluru : For nearly 10 years, a man in his late 30s from Chennai lived with relentless headaches, repeatedly misdiagnosed as migraines. The pain had a peculiar pattern — it disappeared when he lay down and worsened when he stood up — a classic red flag that went unnoticed for over a decade.

It was only after he was hospitalised that doctors finally ordered detailed imaging. An MRI and dynamic myelogram revealed the real cause: a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. By then, the condition had become chronic, requiring surgery. Following treatment, his longstanding pain finally disappeared. Doctors say his story is far from unique. Such misdiagnoses are common among patients with CSF leaks, a rare but debilitating condition often mistaken for migraines or sinusitis.

Dr Sharath Kumar GG, consultant in radiology and interventional neuroradiology at Manipal Hospital, Kanakapura Road, who treated the patient, explained: “The brain and spinal cord float in a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides support and buoyancy — similar to how a ball floats in water. This fluid is contained within a tough, protective covering called the dura. In some cases, the dura develops a hole, causing CSF to leak out. When the loss of fluid exceeds the body’s ability to produce it, the brain loses its cushioning and begins to sink.” Though considered rare — affecting 5 to 10 people per lakh population — experts say the condition is significantly underdiagnosed.

“In a city like Bengaluru, we may see around 500 cases a year, but most go undiagnosed because of a lack of awareness,” Dr Kumar added. One of the biggest challenges is that the symptoms closely resemble more common conditions. Dr Rakshith Srinivasa, consultant in neurosurgery at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, said, “Clinically, the presentation can be confusing. Many of these patients are treated for migraine for a long time. Patients may already have a pre-existing migraine. On top of that, they develop this condition.

When the headache worsens, it can trigger a migraine, making it more difficult to differentiate and diagnose,” said . He stressed the importance of recognising a key symptom pattern: “A high level of suspicion is very important for diagnosis. If a patient presents with a headache that worsens on standing and improves on lying down, we should suspect spontaneous intracranial hypotension.” “To diagnose this condition, we need to ask specific questions about when the headache worsens or improves, as patients often only describe its positional nature when prompted.

A history of postural headache is followed by an MRI scan, which typically shows characteristic findings such as brain sagging due to fluid loss. However, many cases are missed because imaging is incomplete or not done at the right time — often only the brain is scanned, even though the leak is usually in the spine,” Dr Kumar explained.

JEE (Main) key row: NTA reviews chemistry errors flagged by students, urges them to wait

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com 13.04.2026

New Delhi : Allegations of errors in the JEE (Main) answer key have again put the spotlight on the National Testing Agency (NTA), with the testing body stepping in early to review complaints and pause challenge payments for a disputed paper.

The agency said it has reviewed the provisional answer keys of JEE (Main) 2026 Session 2 and made them available online, while acknowledging concerns over the April 5, Shift 2 chemistry paper.

“Reports regarding discrepancies...are under verification,” it said, advising candidates not to pay challenge fees until further clarification. The provisional key and response sheets were released on Saturday, with the challenge window open from April 11 to 13 at ₹200 per question. However, social media quickly saw a surge in complaints, with candidates and parents alleging “gross mistakes” and claiming multiple incorrect answers in chemistry.

A widely shared post urged NTA to recheck the key, arguing that it was “practically impossible” for students to challenge a large number of questions while preparing for other exams. Faculty members also flagged concerns, with one Delhi-based govt college teacher writing to authorities citing “major error” and student distress. In one complaint shared with officials, a parent claimed at least 11 answers were incorrect, warning that such errors could impact high-performing candidates, including those scoring above 99 percentile in earlier sessions.

Responding publicly, NTA director general Abhishek Singh said he would personally have the paper reviewed by experts. “Given the large number of comments... I will get it checked,” he posted, promising an update within a day. Answer key discrepancies have been a recurring issue for NTA in recent years, often leading to court cases, re-evaluations, and in some instances, bonus marks. Previous editions of JEE (Main) and other national tests have seen multiple questions dropped or revised after challenges, fuelling criticism over quality control. This time, however, the agency’s early acknowledgment marks a departure from its typically reactive approach, even as student anxiety remains high.

‘RECHECK THE KEY’: Answer key discrepancies have been a recurring issue for NTA in recent years, often leading to court cases

NMC declares unrecognised dept teaching invalid for medical professionals

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, Updated At : 12:28 PM Apr 11, 2026 IST

Photo for representation. iStock

Now, any teaching experience certificate issued on the basis of service rendered in an unrecognised department/unit would be treated as “invalid” for determining eligibility, appointment, promotion, or academic recognition.

In a significant move aimed at maintaining standards in medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory directing all health universities, state governments, and medical colleges not to count postgraduate teaching or training experience obtained from unrecognised departments.

The commission has also declared that teaching experience certificates issued on such a basis will be treated as invalid. A communiqué in this respect has been circulated to Vice-Chancellors of health universities, Directors General of Health Services of states and Union Territories, and heads of all medical colleges offering postgraduate courses, seeking strict compliance.

“The NMC has observed, in certain instances, that teaching experience certificates and postgraduate training experience are being claimed by the faculty or certified by universities/institutions on the basis of departments or units that are not recognised or permitted by the commission for conducting postgraduate medical education,” reads the communiqué.

The NMC clarified that such practices violate existing regulations governing postgraduate medical education. It has also placed the responsibility on universities and institutions to verify the recognition status of departments before issuing teaching experience certificates. Medical colleges and affiliating universities have been directed to ensure that no certificates are issued for experience gained in unapproved departments. The NMC reiterated that teaching experience for faculty appointments or recognition as postgraduate teachers must be obtained only from recognised medical colleges and duly approved departments.

These departments must have approved infrastructure, adequate faculty strength, and permitted postgraduate seats as per NMC records and regulations, including the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, and the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025. The advisory further stated that postgraduate training or teaching experience obtained from unrecognised departments will not be counted for eligibility to appear in postgraduate examinations, recognition as a postgraduate teacher or guide, appointment or promotion to faculty posts, or determination of teaching experience for academic and administrative purposes.

Additionally, the commission made it clear that any teaching experience certificates issued on the basis of service rendered in unrecognised departments or units will be considered invalid for appointments, promotions, or academic recognition. “The move aims to curb irregularities in faculty appointments and ensure quality medical education across the country,” said an official at the University of Health Sciences, Rohtak.

Tamil Nadu polls: Vijay rejects ‘four-cornered’ contest, says fight is between TVK and DMK

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Apr 12, 2026, 10.52 PM IST

TVK chief Vijay on Sunday dismissed claims of a four-cornered contest in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, asserting that the real battle is between his party and the ruling DMK, while outlining a governance model centred on technology and service delivery, PTI reported.

Addressing a rally, Vijay said, “It is not 4-cornered or 40-cornered fight. There are only two sides here: One is TVK, the other is DMK. Do you want an anti-people Stalin government, or Vijay, who loves people? That's all this election is.”

The actor-politician also undertook a bicycle ride at the venue as part of his outreach campaign. A similar exercise earlier in Karaikudi had turned chaotic, but arrangements in Kanyakumari ensured better crowd management.

Vijay unveiled a “21st-century good governance” vision, proposing India’s first Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, along with plans for an AI City and a dedicated AI University, stating the sector could contribute USD 1.7 trillion to India by 2035.

He also proposed a “Tamil Nadu Citizen Privilege Card” to ensure doorstep delivery of welfare benefits without intermediaries. “This isn't a story like the ones told by Stalin sir; this is scientifically possible. Currently, the system is not 'good governance,' it is 'harassment'. Bribes don't just stop at the officer; a share goes to the minister. We will break this chain,” he said.

The TVK chief said a “Right to Service Act” would be enacted within six months of assuming office and announced a “Vettri Tamil Nadu” Super App to digitise public services such as ration cards and driving licences.

On the state’s finances, Vijay alleged that Tamil Nadu’s debt had crossed Rs 10.5 lakh crore, claiming that borrowings in the last five years exceeded those of the previous decades. “Every rupee spent on interest is a rupee stolen from your child's education and your family's healthcare,” he said.

He also proposed a “People’s Forum” to enable digital participation, where petitions with 5 lakh verified signatures would mandate discussion in the state assembly.

Urging voters to back his party, Vijay called for a “Whistle Revolution,” referring to the party’s symbol. “I have come for you, bearing all the pain, and I will never cheat you with lies. Give your brother one chance,” he said.

The campaign has, however, seen disruptions, with criticism over cancelled meetings and confusion regarding schedules. Vijay had cancelled a scheduled speech in Karaikudi on April 11, disappointing supporters.

Later, TVK general secretary N Anand clarified that the Kanyakumari rally would proceed and urged supporters not to follow Vijay’s convoy to avoid overcrowding and accidents. He also advised vulnerable groups to participate virtually.

Vijay is scheduled to address a rally in Aranthangi in Pudukkottai on April 14, though the event is yet to be confirmed. Elections to the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly will be held on April 23.

What Is Pocket Money in Gpay? Know All About New Google Pay Feature Launched in India

Google Pay’s new Pocket Money feature, powered by UPI Circle, enables parents to grant children digital spending power without a separate bank account. Primary users can set monthly limits up to INR 15,000 or require manual approval for every transaction. The feature requires KYC verification for secondary users and aims to promote financial literacy among minors.

Google Pay (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons). 13.04.2026

Google Pay has officially introduced a "Pocket Money" feature in India, designed to streamline digital payments for children and dependents while maintaining strict parental oversight. Built upon the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) UPI Circle framework, the tool allows primary account holders to share their payment capabilities with secondary users without requiring the latter to have a separate bank account. The move positions Google Pay as a key player in the emerging segment of family-focused financial management, catering to the increasing number of minors using smartphones for daily transactions.

The rollout addresses a long-standing hurdle for parents who were previously hesitant to grant children access to digital payment apps due to security and overspending concerns. By integrating this into the existing UPI ecosystem, Google Pay provides a regulated environment where funds are drawn directly from the parent’s linked bank account, but spent through the child’s individual device.

Google Pay Pocket Money: Delegated Spending and the UPI Circle Framework

The Pocket Money feature functions through a "Primary" and "Secondary" user relationship. A parent (Primary user) can add up to five dependents (Secondary users) by linking their phone numbers or scanning a dedicated UPI Circle QR code. While the secondary user initiates the transaction from their own Google Pay app, the underlying financial responsibility and data remain tied to the primary user’s bank account.

To ensure compliance with local financial regulations and prevent misuse, the setup process requires mandatory verification. In line with Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, parents are required to confirm their relationship with the dependent and submit a government-issued ID for the secondary user. Once the invite is accepted and verified, the delegated spending system becomes active.

GPay Pocket Money Transaction Controls and Monthly Limits

A central component of the Pocket Money feature is the dual-mode control system, which allows parents to choose the level of autonomy granted to their children. In the first mode, parents can set a monthly spending limit of up to INR 15,000. Within this cap, children can make independent payments for routine expenses such as school supplies or snacks without requiring real-time approval for every transaction.

For those seeking tighter monitoring, the second mode operates on a per-transaction approval basis. In this scenario, every time a child attempts to make a payment, a request is sent to the parent’s device; the transaction is only completed once the parent provides manual authorisation. This flexibility allows the feature to scale in complexity as a child grows more responsible with digital currency.

Security and Financial Literacy for Minors

Security remains a priority for the new tool, with the primary user retaining full visibility of all transaction histories initiated by secondary users. By acting as a digital gatekeeper, parents can monitor spending patterns and intervene if necessary. This transparency is intended to serve as a practical educational tool, introducing younger generations to the concepts of budgeting and responsible spending in an increasingly cashless economy.

Industry experts view the introduction of Pocket Money as a strategic response to the rise of specialized "teen-tech" financial apps. By incorporating these features into a mainstream platform like Google Pay, Meta-owned and Google-backed services are aiming to capture user loyalty early, while providing a more integrated experience for families who already utilize UPI for their primary household expenses.

TruLY Score 5 – Trustworthy | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 5 on LatestLY. It is verified through official sources (Google). The information is thoroughly cross-checked and confirmed. You can confidently share this article with your friends and family, knowing it is trustworthy and reliable.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 09, 2026 11:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).