Doctors oppose animal use in PG pharmacology and physiology courses, write to NMC

Doctors oppose animal use in PG pharmacology and physiology courses, write to NMC: New Delhi: Claiming that using animals is unnecessary for routine teaching and training of PG pharmacology and physiology courses, more than 60 doctors have approached the National Medical...

NMC to relook at draft PG regulations, allow improvement of NEXT score every year

NMC to relook at draft PG regulations, allow improvement of NEXT score every year: New Delhi: The upcoming National Exit Test (NEXT), the gateway to PG medical admissions as envisaged by the National Medical Commission (NMC) will allow candidates to appear for improvement...

Dog-bite victim denied admission, left on floor in government hospital premises

Dog-bite victim denied admission, left on floor in government hospital premises

Durai, who lives alone in Triplicane, said he received first aid but was denied admission because he did not have an attender, adding his pleas for proper care fell on deaf ears.

Published: 11th December 2021 06:49 AM |

By R Satish Babu

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Scenes of patients lying on the floor in government hospitals are nothing new. One such incident was witnessed by a TNIE photojournalist at the Royapettah Government Hospital on Friday. Based on a tip-off from a source, the photojournalist rushed to the hospital and found Durai (68) lying on the floor near a bathroom on the premises.

When asked how he ended up there, Durai broke down and said he had presented to the hospital on Wednesday evening to get treated for a dog bite. Upon closer inspection, the photojournalist realised that the deep wound on his left leg was not fresh and was probably infested. Other people in the premises gathered around on hearing his cries.

Durai, who lives alone in Triplicane, said he received first aid but was denied admission because he did not have an attender, adding his pleas for proper care fell on deaf ears and he had been lying near the toilet ever since. On seeing the large crowd, a lady police official arrived on the scene and enquired about what was going on.

After seeing the large crowd, a nurse informed the hospital staff about the situation. Later, they shifted Durai to the casualty in a wheelchair and his wound was cleaned and dressed. The staff then promised the policewoman that Durai would be taken care of. While a senior official said he was not aware of the incident, another did not respond to calls from TNIE.

University appointments row: Governor hits out at Kerala government, says his hands are tied

University appointments row: Governor hits out at Kerala government, says his hands are tied

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said Kerala would be bereft of higher education going by the present state of affairs.

Published: 11th December 2021 12:55 PM 

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. 

By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after Governor Arif Mohammed Khan's letter to the Kerala government expressing his willingness to relinquish the post of Chancellor became public, the Governor hit out openly against the ruling dispensation for its illegal interference in university affairs.

Speaking to the reporters in Delhi on Saturday, the Governor said attempts were being made to tie his hands in university affairs. Terming political interference in institutions of higher learning as intolerable, the Governor expressed his anguish over the government ignoring his repeated warnings against favouritism in university appointments.

Khan said he had tried his best to cooperate with the government for the smooth functioning of universities but the cooperation was not reciprocated. The post of Chancellor has been given to the Governor to ensure transparency in the functioning of universities. However the Chancellor is not able to function freely, he said. Khan said it was in this context that he wrote to the Chief Minister urging him to take up the post.

The Governor said the state would be bereft of higher education going by the present state of affairs. He said instances of illegal appointments in universities were pointed out many times by his office but no action was taken by the government. Such an attitude is unacceptable, he said.

The Governor pointed out that the government recommending a single name to the post of Vice Chancellor in Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit constituted a gross violation of existing regulations. If a selection committee had shortlisted probables as per norms, then the most suitable person could have been selected judiciously, he said. Khan warned of serious consequences in the higher education sector if the present situation continues.

Now, cough up 18% GST to get your certificates

Now, cough up 18% GST to get your certificates

All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) State Secretary S Sugubala said if the government allows universities to collect GST, it will become an additional burden on the parents.

Published: 11th December 2021 06:13 AM 

For representational purposes. (File Photo)

By Express News Service

MADURAI: Anna University’s move to collect 18 per cent GST for issuing certificates has not gone down well with educationalists and students. They claim imparting education is the responsibility of the State and Central governments.

The Controller of Examinations of Anna University in a circular dated November 25 said 18 per cent GST will be collected for issuing certificates, including a correction in consolidated mark statements, degree certificates, and provisional certificates.

Saying that education is not a commodity to be sold, Platform for Common School System’s (SPCSS) General Secretary PB Prince Gajendra Babu said imposing taxes by educational institutions is not good for democracy.

All University Teachers Association (AUT) President P Thirunavukkarasu said Bharathiyar University is collecting GST for affiliation of courses from the colleges not from the students. All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) State Secretary S Sugubala said if the government allows universities to collect GST, it will become an additional burden on the parents.

“If GST is collected on getting certificates, it automatically will affect the students from poor financial backgrounds,” she said. Responding to the issue, Anna University Vice-Chancellor R Velraj said the varsity has just sent a circular and has not yet implemented it. “The Minister for Higher Education assured us to get exemption from both State and Central governments. GST will apply only for the students at the entry-level. Plus, it will also apply when the students seek additional certificates like migration, duplicate provisional and the like. AU has not asked the current students to pay GST,” he added.

Meanwhile, Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) Controller of Examinations (i/c) M Dharmaraj said the university is collecting 18 per cent GST only for issuing migration certificates. “Last year, all the State run universities were asked to collect GST for issuing all certificates. However, we did not collect it,” he added.

TNIE came to know that Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University has been collecting 18 per cent GST for UG, PG and PG diploma course fees under e-Consortium Fees (One time Fee) head from 2018-19 academic year itself.

Railways' e-bike rental sees good response

Railways' e-bike rental sees good response

According to sources, several passengers also enquired whether the facility is available only for railway passengers.

Published: 11th December 2021 06:19 AM 

E-Bike rental service outside Tiruchy Railway Station

By Jose K Joseph

Express News Service 11.12.2021

TIRUCHY: The e-bike rental service, which was inaugurated at the Tiruchy railway station on Thursday, received plenty of enquiries from passengers visiting the station on Friday. Officials said Tiruchy division is the first in Southern Railway to come up with such a facility and they are expecting good response from people.

At present, the facility is available from 9 am to 9 pm and is the only e-bike rental facility in the district. Sources said the railway has plans to make the facility available round the clock. “So many people have approached us to get the details of various packages. Some of them also enquired about the price of e-bikes and charges. At present, we are offering hourly, day rental, weekly and business packages. We are charging about Rs 50 for the hourly package. But, customers have to pay a refundable security deposit of Rs 1,000 for taking the bike. We also need a copy of their Aadhaar and driving licence,” an employee of the e-bike centre said.

Passengers have appreciated the initiative and said the railway should come up with such facilities at more stations. Selvaraj, a railway passenger, said, “It is a good initiative. However, the railway should consider avoiding security deposits. Though the security deposit is refundable, many people might avoid using the facility as they have to pay Rs 1,000 as deposit. Therefore, they should consider reducing the amount.”

According to sources, several passengers also enquired whether the facility is available only for railway passengers.“Anyone can use this facility by submitting the documents and security deposit. All the bikes have an in-built GPS facility and we are able to track its location. We would give the bike with sufficient charge and it can travel a maximum of 110 to 130 km (depending on speed and other factors). But, the customers can use this bike only in Tiruchy and they cannot travel to other districts. If the bike faces any technical issue, they can inform us and we will pick it up from the spot,” an e-bike centre employee clarified.

Meanwhile, a section of students opined that the railway should consider offering some packages for them. “Many of us would like to use this facility as it is very convenient. But, the railway should consider coming up with a package for students as the existing deposit fee is not affordable for us,” said Rahul Raj, a college student and railway passenger.

Bennett, King’s Canada in tie-up for exchange progs

Bennett, King’s Canada in tie-up for exchange progs

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:12.11.2021

Bennett University (BU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with King’s University College, Canada to give an opportunity to students and faculty members for exchange programmes, semester abroad, summer immersion programmes and joint faculty research.

The ceremony was attended by president of King’s University College, Dr David C Malloy, Bennett University executive director Revati Jain, Bennett University vice-chancellor Prabhu Kumar Aggarwal and others.

BU chancellor Vineet Jain said, “The liberal arts programme at BU is rich with12 majors and allows flexibility to students to chart their pathways by choosing relevant electives. It also helps them understand the diverse perspectives and thought processes of an international and environmentally responsible citizen.”

Jain hoped that this association with King’s would further accelerate the quality and growth of Bennett’s liberal arts offerings.

“Bennett’s vision is to be at the forefront of higher education and advocate interdisciplinary education as the next frontier for knowledge. The pedagogy at Bennett is based on a student-centric learning development model, strong foundational knowledge and hands-on experience with real-world challenges that align with its constantly expanding international network,” said the chancellor.

Aggarwal hoped that such collaborations would assist students in becoming responsible and effective leaders in their careers, regardless of the disciplines they selected.

“The school of liberal arts holds immense importance for us as it nurtures students with life and work skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communications, and creativity. This partnership with King’s University College strengthens the overall teaching-learning pedagogy at Bennett,” said Agarwal.

Dr Malloy addressed the BU fraternity on “leading with values in a pandemic”, wherein he stressed on the typology and logic of values and its implication during the pandemic.

“This collaboration presents opportunities that allow students access to diverse experiences, providing professional advantage. Student and faculty exchange programmes, expansion-centric activities to encompass semester abroad and summer immersion programmes and joint faculty research initiatives are added bonuses for both institutions,” said Dr Malloy.

Flyer caught with gold paste in waistband

Flyer caught with gold paste in waistband

Bengaluru:  12.11.2021

A passenger from Sharjah was caught at Kempegowda International Airport this week with gold paste worth Rs 29.5 lakh hidden in custom-made trousers and underwear.

Sources with the air intelligence unit of Bengaluru Customs said the incident took place on December 6 when sleuths caught the middle-aged passenger who claimed to be a worker returning from the Gulf.

When his answers didn’t convince the sleuths, they frisked him and noticed his waist was bulky. They found he was wearing a band stitched to the buckle area of his trousers and a pouch-like thing fixed to his underwear. The officers opened them and found the gold paste, weighing 603 grams. TNN

Junior medicos to be hired to ease residents’ burden

Junior medicos to be hired to ease residents’ burden

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad: 12.11.2021

The state health department has allowed junior doctors to be hired to reduce the burden of resident doctors in their second year of post graduate courses at government-run medical colleges. Resident doctors had gone on strike recently, claiming that shortage of manpower in civil hospitals due to the delay in new admissions to post graduate courses has significantly increased their workload.

“To meet the shortage, the government has decided to look into the demands to hire junior doctors. Also, patients have to suffer due to shortage of resident doctors. We will hire doctors for a period of three months or till the new batch joins, whichever is earlier,” stated a notification issued by the department on Friday. The junior doctors will be paid a fixed monthly salary of Rs 63,000 which is inclusive of all other entitlements.

NEET-PG exams for MD/MS admissions are usually held in January, but were held in September due to Covid. While counselling was to commence on October 25, petitions challenging a central government notification stalled the process.

Senior resident doctors (final year students from the 2018 batch) were relieved a few months ago. As a result, hospitals have been managing with only two batches, instead of three. The resident doctors of Gujarat, who recently joined a recent nationwide protest over delay in NEET-PG 2021 counselling, have been demanding that they be provided with medical officers to assist them till the new batch joins.

32 Omicron cases in 5 states, all have mild symptoms: Govt

32 Omicron cases in 5 states, all have mild symptoms: Govt

New Delhi:  12,11,2021

A total of 32 Covid-19 cases of the Omicron variant have been detected from five states so far, accounting for less than 0.04% of the total variants detected, and the patients have so far reported mild symptoms.

While the health ministry had received reports of 25 cases, seven more cases were reported from Maharashtra later in the evening on Friday.

While Maharashtra (17) and Rajasthan (9) have reported the maximum number of Omicron cases so far, Gujarat has three, Karnataka two and Delhi has one such case.

"All detected cases have mild symptoms," Lav Agarwal, joint secretary in the health ministry, said while underlining the need to maintain increased compliance of public health measures and ramp up coverage of full vaccination. TNN

Chennai Collector hands over Veda Nilayam to legal heirs of Jayalalithaa following court order

Chennai Collector hands over Veda Nilayam to legal heirs of Jayalalithaa following court order

11/12/2021

New owner: Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa paying her respects to the former Chief Minister during her visit to Veda Nilayam in Chennai on Friday.R. Ragu

Special correspondent CHENNAI

Former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa’s niece and nephew, J. Deepa and J. Deepak, received the keys of Veda Nilayam, her Poes Garden residence, from Chennai District Collector J. Vijaya Rani on Friday, following a court order.

Ms. Deepa and her husband visited Veda Nilayam on Friday. She later spoke to presspersons about the house needing repair and renovation as it was in a dilapidated condition.

Revealing her desire to live in the house, she also mentioned that they had to clear all the income tax cases first.

“This is the first time I am visiting the house in the absence of my aunt. I was not allowed to visit the house after my aunt died,” Ms. Deepa said, and added that she was surprised by the condition of the house.

“All the furniture used by my aunt has been removed. The interior used to be beautiful. It seems barren and empty. Many elements in the home are missing,” she said, and added that though she used to frequent the place, she had not visited it in the last 10-12 years.

COVID-19 cases could rise next year: expert

COVID-19 cases could rise next year: expert

The nature of Omicron mutations suggests increased efficiency of infection and evasion of antibodies

11/12/2021

The Hindu

There have been many calls for India to devise a policy for booster doses.

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI

Coronavirus cases in India are expected to rise by early next year following the experience of Israel and the United Kingdom (U.K.) with the Omicron variant, an expert said at an online discussion on Friday organised by the Ashoka University, Sonepat, Haryana.

India is currently adding a little under 10,000 cases a day and has about 88,000 active cases.

Omicron cases in the U.K. could exceed 1 million by the end of the month on the current trajectory, U.K. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said this week in a statement delivered to the House of Commons.

The online discussion was between Shahid Jameel, Director, Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University and Gautam Menon, Professor of Physics and Biology, Ashoka University.

“Before the emergence of the troubling variant of SARS-CoV-2 named Omicron, it was expected that people in India may be able to return to a life similar to pre-pandemic days by early next year, but this possibility now seems distant,” said Dr. Jameel. “The nature of Omicron mutations suggests increased efficiency of infection, transmission and evasion of antibodies and interferon, an early innate antiviral response.” Early lab results from South Africa and Pfizer show a 40-fold and 25-fold drop in virus neutralisation ability of the Pfizer vaccine.

According to various studies, booster shots have shown to increase the number of antibodies and cut reinfection rates. Given these results, it is now time that India devises policies on booster shots and vaccination for children, Dr. Jameel added. “The news of emergence of the new Omicron variant from South Africa is worrying. We will know more in the coming weeks, but what we know so far is that this variant spreads more efficiently and can evade immunity even from an earlier infection of COVID-19 and vaccination.

“There are some positive indications, such as the severity of the illness being possibly less than that caused by Delta variant, but this requires confirmation. In India, it is essential for us to now step up the vaccination programme to vaccinate around 15% of India’s totally unvaccinated adults and also administer the second dose to the remaining population,” Dr. Jameel said.

Tamil Thai Vazhthu is a prayer song, not anthem: HC

Tamil Thai Vazhthu is a prayer song, not anthem: HC

‘There is no law requiring people to stand when it is sung’

The Hindu

11/12/2021

B. Tilak Chandar Madurai

Tamil Thai Vazhthu is a prayer song and not an anthem. There is no Statutory or Executive Order requiring attendees to stand up when it is sung. But the highest reverence and respect ought to be shown to the song, observed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.

Justice G.R. Swaminathan took into account the fact that a Government Order (G.O.) issued in 1970 stated that the song, written by P. Sundaram Pillai, should be sung as a prayer song at the commencement (and not at the end) of all functions organised by government departments, local bodies and educational institutions.

In 2018, the then Governor Banwarilal Purohit released a Tamil-Sanskrit dictionary at a function held in Music Academy, Chennai, in the presence of the pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Shri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal. When Tamil Thai Vazhthu was played, the pontiff remained seated. This had triggered considerable outrage.

The judge observed, “I cannot help asking as to whether the whole controversy was justified in the first place”, while taking cognisance of the government order issued in 1970. A memo was also released in the same year, directing that Tamil Thai Vazhthu be sung in Raaga Mohanam and in Thisra Thaalam as composed by musician M.S. Viswanathan. Thus, it is a prayer song and not an anthem.

“It is true that members of the audience conventionally stand up whenever Tamil Thai Vazhthu is sung. But the question is whether this is the only mode in which respect can be shown. When we celebrate pluralism and diversity, insisting that there can be only one way of showing respect reeks of hypocrisy. One should not forget that a sanyasi occupies a special place in our social and cultural life,” the judge said. Further the judge observed, “On becoming a sanyasi, the person suffers a civil death. He must be taken to have a rebirth. A sanyasi primarily leads a life of piety. When in prayer, he is invariably found in a meditative posture. Since Tamil Thai Vazhthu is a prayer song, a sanyasi is certainly justified in sitting in a state of meditation. In the instant case, the pontiff is seen sitting in a dhyana posture with his eyes closed. It was his way of expressing his reverence and respect for Mother Tamil.”

The court was hearing a petition filed by Kan. Ilango, who sought the quashing of an FIR registered against him. Following the incident in 2018, Mr. Ilango and a dozen other people assembled before the branch of the Kanchi Mutt in Rameswaram and raised provocative slogans. They had allegedly entered the mutt wearing footwear and intimidated the manager. An FIR was registered by the Rameswaram police based on a complaint by the manager.

The judge took note of the fact that the petitioner was ready to make amends for his conduct and had approached the complainant with a letter expressing his regret. Considering the fact that the petitioner and the complainant have reconciled, no purpose would be served by continuing with the prosecution, the judge said, and quashed the FIR.

Applications invited for MKU VC post

Applications invited for MKU VC post

11/12/2021

Staff ReporterCHENNAI

The Search Committee constituted for recommending three names to the Governor for the post of Vice-Chancellor of Madurai Kamaraj University has invited applications from interested academicians.

Those interested in applying can download the application from https://mkuniversity.ac.in. The duly filled-in form in the prescribed format should be sent via email (mkuvcsc@gmail.com) or by post to J. Prakash, Nodal Officer of the Search Committee, who is at the Department of Instrumentation Engineering on Anna University’s MIT Campus.

A release by E. Balagurusamy, former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University and the Convenor of the Search Committee, said the application should not be sent directly to the members of the committee.

The release said that canvassing in any form for the post would result in disqualification of the candidate.

The application should be submitted before 5 p.m. on December 27, the release added.

VIT team wins ₹20 lakh in MEITY contest

VIT team wins ₹20 lakh in MEITY contest

11/12/2021

Staff ReporterCHENNAI

Quinproc, a team from Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, finished fourth and received ₹20 lakh in the Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge organised by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) in Delhi earlier this month.

The scope of the challenge, according to a release by VIT Chennai, was to create innovative solutions around home-grown processors like SAKTHI of IIT Madras, and VEGA of the the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing.

The team proposed a wireless maternal health monitoring system, which can enable personnel to remotely monitor vital parameters of pregnant women. The team comprised A.R. Mirunalini, S. Shwetha, S. Varsha Sri and A. Annis Fathima from the School of Electronics Engineering and was led by John Sahaya Rani Alex from the Centre for Healthcare Advancement, Innovation and Research. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, was present during the finals of the event.

Staff Reporter CHENNAI

Staff Reporter  CHENNAI

11.12.2021

The Hindu

The traditional systems of medicine practised in India had merit and they need not be dismissed as pseudoscience, Governor R.N. Ravi said here on Friday.

Delivering the convocation address at the 33rd convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), he said that there was a tendency among a section of doctors and people from other disciplines as well to reject anything that was not scientifically established.

He laid stress on the need to be open minded and acknowledged that there were serious illnesses and problems such as high infant mortality rates (IMR) and maternal mortality rates (MMR) that required the intervention of modern medicine.

The Governor acknowledged the need for validating traditional systems of medicine.

Mr. Ravi pointed out that the National Education Policy (NEP) tried to integrate modern and traditional medicines and added that one should be cognisant of the other and not be dismissive.

Appealing to the graduating doctors to be ethical, he said ethics was an area that did not get adequate attention.

The Governor stressed on the need for doctors to guard against commercialisation. He urged the doctors to listen to the patients more.

Lauding SRIHER for its vision towards 2040, he said that it was in line with the Prime Minister’s long-term vision.

While the Governor awarded the medals to top performers, Chancellor of SRIHER, V.R. Venkatachalam, conferred degrees to the students. Vice-Chancellor P.V. Vijayaraghavan presented the annual report.

‘Do not play recorded invocation song’

‘Do not play recorded invocation song’

11/12/2021

Special Correspondent CHENNAI

The Tamil Development Department had, a few weeks ago, communicated to the Public Department to avoid using a recording of the Tamil Thai Vazhthu and the national anthem in government functions and instead, employ trained singers.

The unofficial note from the Tamil Development Department issued in September this year noted that in the recent times it was observed that only recording of the song and anthem were being played in government functions. It said those in the audience were mechanically standing for the invocation song and the national anthem without realising the national or Tamil fervour, and the very intention of singing the Tamil Thai Vazhthu and the national anthem was being defeated, a senior official told The Hindu. The organizers were told to arrange for trained singers.

'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' is prayer song, not National Anthem: Madras High Court

'Tamil Thai Vazhthu' is prayer song, not National Anthem: Madras High Court

When the invocation song to Mother Tamil, 'Tamil Thai Vaazhthu' was played, the seer remained seated and this triggered considerable outrage and debate.

Published: 10th December 2021 01:03 PM |

By PTI

MADURAI: The 'Tamil Thai Vaazhthu', an invocation, is only a prayer song and not a National Anthem and hence, there is no need for every one to remain in standing posture when it is rendered, the Madras High Court bench here has ruled.

Justice G R Swaminathan gave the ruling recently while quashing an FIR registered against "Nam Tamilar Katchi" (NTK) functionaries by the Remeswaram police in Ramanathapuram district, in 2018.

The then Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit released a Tamil-Sanskrit dictionary at a function held in Music Academy, Chennai in the presence of the Pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi on January 24, 2018.

When the invocation song to Mother Tamil, "Tamil Thai Vaazhthu" was played, the seer remained seated and this triggered considerable outrage and debate.

Kan Ilango, now associated with NTK and then part of "Tamilar Desiya Munnani", and his men entered the branch of the Kanchi Mutt in Rameswaram, shouting slogans, condemning the Shankaracharya.

They allegedly entered the Mutt premises wearing footwear. When the Mutt manager protested, he was criminally intimidated. Hence, a case was registered against them for offences under various sections of the IPC including rioting and criminal intimidation.

Hence, the present criminal original petition from Ilango, challenging the FIR. Justice Swaminathan noted that Sec. 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 states whoever intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disturbance to any assembly engaged in such singing shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

Article 51A(a) of the Constitution mandates it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to respect the National Flag and the National Anthem.

When three school children who were adherents of Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian denomination, refused to sing the National Anthem, they were expelled from the school, in Kerala.

The matter reached the Supreme Court, which struck down the expulsion and directed their re-admission in the school.

The Supreme Court had held that the children while refusing to sing had stood up respectfully, the judge said. It was noted there is no provision of law that obliges anyone to sing the National Anthem.

The Supreme Court judges did not think it is disrespectful to the National Anthem if a person who stands up respectfully when the National Anthem is sung, does not join the singing.

After a discussion regarding the right to freedom of conscience and freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion the court concluded "our tradition teaches tolerance; our philosophy preaches tolerance; our Constitution practices tolerance; let us not dilute it."

Allowing the petition, the Madras HC also pointed out that there is no statutory or executive order requiring the attendees to stand up when Tamil Thai Vazhthu is sung. It was not a National Anthem.

But highest reverence and respect ought to be shown to Tamil Thai Vaazhthu. It is true that the members of the audience conventionally stand up whenever Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is sung.

But the question is whether this is the only mode in which respect can be shown. When we celebrate pluralism and diversity, insisting there can be only one way of showing respect, it reeks of hypocrisy.

One should not forget that a Sanyasi occupies a special place in social and cultural life. Emperors and Kings have prostrated before Sanyasis and Fakirs.

In the epics whenever a Sanyasi entered the royal court, the King will step down from his throne and pay his respects. On becoming a Sanyasi, the person suffers a civil death.

He must be taken to have a re-birth. A Sanyasi primarily leads a life of piety. When in prayer, he is invariably found in a meditative posture. Since Tamil invocation is a prayer song, a Sanyasi is certainly justified in sitting in a state of meditation.

In the instant case, the pontiff is seen sitting in a Dhyana (meditative) posture with his eyes closed. It was his way of expressing his reverence and respect for Mother Tamil, the judge said and also set aside the case pending before the Rameswaram police station.

Faulty answer key in CBSE Hindi paper, rectified after complaint

Faulty answer key in CBSE Hindi paper, rectified after complaint

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:  10.11.2021

A wrong answer key was sent to schools by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday for Term 1 Hindi test of Class X. As teachers found the results of a particular question paper set unusual during evaluation, they complained to the board, following which a revised key was sent.

According to a principal, the board had to send the revised key for one set. “Such a thing has never happened. The keys are sent when evaluation start. Obviously, teachers had to re-evaluate and upload the papers, so it was extra work,” said another principal.

With the Term 1 examination being multiple-choice questions, the students fill in the answers in an OMR sheet, and the evaluation takes place on the day of a test itself.

“As we were doing the evaluation, the performance of students was below average. Not a single student scored above 15 in the bundle I had. We kept insisting that the answer key is problematic, it needs to be rechecked,” said a teacher who is part of the evaluation at a private school. “Once we had finished, the coordinators came running and asked us to stop the evaluation. This was because the answer key issued by CBSE was wrong.”

The teacher added that CBSE then uploaded a new answer key. “We did the evaluation all over again. The student who got 11/40 earlier now scored 39/40. Just imagine if there was no human intervention in between!”

CBSE did not respond to the query on the matter.

Some principals also claimed there was a delay in sending the code for downloading and printing the question papers. “In my school, it was not a problem because just around 150 students took the exam. But in schools with over 300 students, it is a time-consuming process, adding to the stress,” said a principal.

Clean sweep: All AKTU gold medals bagged by girls from IET

CONVOCATION ON DECEMBER 16

Clean sweep: All AKTU gold medals bagged by girls from IET

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow:  10.11.2021

Four girls, all from the same college, have won the four gold medals at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU).

The winners, students of Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), will be conferred the medals during the convocation ceremony on December 16.

In all, 92 medals will be awarded at the event.

Aatmika Rai of BTech (chemical engineering) and Aditi Gupta of BTech (electronics and communication engineering) have won at the undergraduate level while Ajita Bhadouria of master’s in business administration and Bhawna of master’s in computer application have won at postgraduate level.

AKTU declared the names of all 92 medal winners from private and government colleges on Thursday.

The gold winners have one common wish: to see IET among the top 10 institutes of the country in the National Institutional Framework Ranking (NIRF). The institute will aim for NIRF ranking for the first time in the session 2021-22.

“It is believed that IET is the best engineering college in the state but it is one of the best in the country, be it in terms of faculty or placements. We had the best faculty, who taught us to develop practical knowledge of everything. Rote learning doesn’t work if one wants to score well,” said Aatmika, who wants to make a career in research.

Aditi said, “IET has good infrastructure and is upgrading itself with industry needs. I wish to see my college among top rankers.”

Ajita, who is a government teacher, said, “I was regular with classes and made my own notes. IET has the best faculty and it deserves to be top-ranked,” she said.

TTD: No room bookings from Jan 11-14

TTD: No room bookings from Jan 11-14

Tirupati:  10,12,2021

In view of Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi, which fall on January 13 and 14, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams cancelled advance reservation of all rooms at Tirumala from January 11 to 14. TTD said decision was taken as part of its commitment to give priority to devotees to book accommodation at Tirumala in current booking mode on first come first serve basis. “There would be no room allotments at MBC-34, Koustubham rest house, TBC counter, ARP counters from January 11 till midnight of January 14, 2022. Donors cannot claim privilege allotments during this period,” TTD added. TNN

GST fraud: Firms registered on ID of rickshaw puller and tea-seller

GST fraud: Firms registered on ID of rickshaw puller and tea-seller

Kumar Mukesh TNN

Hisar:  10.12.2021

During 2018 and 2019, out of a total of 51 FIRs registered in Hisar division on charges of GST fraud, 15 FIRs are such in which a firm has been registered on the ID of rickshaw pullers and tea-sellers. Now to solve these cases, the police will interrogate the officials of the excise and taxation department and the concerned CA, Hisar inspector general of police (IGP) Rakesh Aarya said.

According to the rules, whenever a firm applies for a GST number, the officer of the department concerned has to physically identify the firm, place and persons on the spot and only then the GST number is issued. In 15 cases, it has come to the fore that the officers of the department did not do physical verification and issue GST numbers to them, due to which GST fraud of crores of rupees has not been solved yet.

Maximum 38 cases were registered in Sirsa

According to data received from the Hisar IGP, officeout of 51 FIRs registered regarding GST fraud in 2018 and 2019, 38 have been in Sirsa district. Similarly, seven FIRs were registered in Hisar, five in Jind and one in Fatehabad district. In seven, out of 51 FIRs, the firms concerned deposited the dues with the department, after which the police submitted the closure report in court. In 27 cases, police investigation is still going on for two to three years.

Probe into 15 outstanding cases will be completed in a month, says IG

IGP Rakesh Arya said that during the investigation of 15 FIRs, it was found that the registration of the firms was done on the ID of the rickshaw puller and the tea seller. Now, during the investigation of these FIRs, apart from the responsible officers of the concerned department, the CA will also be questioned. However, in 27 cases, a total of 32 persons have been arrested and police reports have been presented against them in the court. Properties, vehicles, bank accounts of the accused worth crores of rupees have also been sealed. Orders have been given to complete the investigation of the remaining 15 FIRs in a month, IGP said.

Chauhan is SUPVA V-C, students say expected ‘icon’

Chauhan is SUPVA V-C, students say expected ‘icon’

Sat Singh TNN

Rohtak:  10.12.2021

The appointment of former television actor Gajendra Chauhan as the vicechancellor of Pandit Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (SUPVA) in Rohtak has disappointed many a varsity students and ex-students who were waiting for a notable film personality to head their institution.

The students said that when the search was underway for the full time V-C of SUPVA, they were expecting the names of iconic personalities like Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik or even Randeep Hooda but to their disappointment, Gajendra Chauhan got the appointment at the coveted post.

Raising concern on the issue, Yogesh Vats, former students of SUPVA and Bollywood director said that varsity has been turned into a place of “adjusting political personalities.” “The institute of film and television was established as an autonomous body, but now appointments are done on political recommendations, sometimes on caste consideration and sometimes for ideological reasons,” he alleged. On the appointment of Mahabharat fame Gajendra Chauhan as VC, he said that notwithstanding the party affiliations, Chauhan is at least from a film background.

“I sincerely hope that he would not let his political leanings get in the way of fixing long-pending varsity issues in the larger interest of the students,” he added. Ranjeet Chauhan, another former 2012-13 batch student from SUPVA, said that the varsity needed a full-time vicechancellor as presently Prof Rajbir Singh was holding additional charge along with Rohtak’s MDU.

He said that there are apprehensions in mind about Gajender Chauhan due to his controversial period at FTII, Pune, but still students feel that he should be given a chance to run the varsity for sometime before arriving at any conclusion.

Another student, who is in his final year, told TOI on anonymity that the students are concerned about their creative freedom in film making. “We have heard his views and seen his tweets about his right wing ideology, which shows that there is narrow space for creative freedom in films,” he said.

Implement UGC pay scale for state teachers, demands BJP ,,,,,,,,,, Chandigarh:

 Implement UGC pay scale for state teachers, demands BJP

Chandigarh: 10.12.2021

BJP has written to Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi highlighting the “sad state of affairs in higher education in the state” where the teachers were on continuous protests seeking implementation of the UGC pay scale. Punjab BJP leader Subhash Sharma said that Punjab was the only state that had failed to implement the notified pay scales so far. TNN

SC: After free care, can’t file consumer case against doctor

SC: After free care, can’t file consumer case against doctor

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:  10.12.2021

The Supreme Court has said that a person cannot file a consumer complaint against a doctor after getting free of cost treatment from a government hospital.

In terms of Section 2(1)  (d)(ii) of the Act, a consumer is the one who hires or avails of any services for a ‘consideration’ which has been paid or promised or partly paid or partly promised. Under this definition a person cannot be termed as consumer and file complaint against government hospital.

Now the SC has further clarified that a complaint cannot be filed against goverement doctors too. “... A medical officer who is employed in a hospital renders service on behalf of the hospital administration and if the service as rendered by the Hospital does not fall within the ambit of 2(1)(0) of the Act being free of charge, the same service cannot be treated as service under Section 2(1)(0) for the reasons that it has been rendered by medical officer in the hospital...,” a bench said.

EXPERT ADVICE Omicron Not Fatal, But Covid Protocol Still Must

EXPERT ADVICE

Omicron Not Fatal, But Covid Protocol Still Must

G Srinivasa Rao, director of public health, Telangana, answers queries from TOI readers on the new variant of Covid-19, its symptoms, severity quotient and if a booster dose is on its way

How dangerous is this Omicron variant and what precautions should one take to keep safe and not contract it? —Manav Parikh

As per the evidence and clinical studies so far, especially from SA (the epicentre of this Omicron), the variant is not dangerous, does not require hospitalisation and does not cause death. Completing the vaccination process, wearing masks, hand sanitisation, social distancing, avoiding crowded places, will give maximum protection from infection/its complications/need for hospitalisation and certainly from death.

What are the symptoms of Omicron? Can it cause severe illness and will existing treatments work? — Shreshtha Raghuwanshi

It usually leads to severe body pains, headache, and weakness. The usual symptoms of Covid-19 (loss of smell/taste, respiratory symptoms, breathlessness etc) are not observed. However, it may take a further three to four weeks for it to fully evolve and for us to know much more. Omicron as of now is not causing serious symptoms/disease. The existing treatment protocols for Covid-19 are to be followed and will be effective. Symptomatic, supportive treatment, isolation at home is enough.

If one does get infected with this variant, what are the general drugs available in the market that one can use to treat it immediately? —Katuru Durga Prasad Rao

It is advisable to get tested for Covid-19, get it confirmed by a doctor and then go for treatment, which varies for non-Covid/Covid/other respiratory disease. It is not advisable to use any medicine without a doctor's prescription/supervision. However, it is assured that all required medicines are abundantly available.

Should we continue following Covid-19 appropriate protocol like wearing masks\using sanitisers\checking temperatures? Should we again start avoiding crowded places like theatres, malls etc? —Krithika L Rao

Certainly yes. We need to take all these measures which help in preventing not only Covid/Omicron/ but other commonly communicable respiratory infections as well.

How vulnerable are completely vaccinated people to this infection? —Rakesh Kumar

Omicron as of now is being detected among the vaccinated population too. But the vaccine prevents it from becoming serious, the need for hospitalisation and death.

Is the variant more likely to cause serious infection among those who have taken only one dose? —Dhanya Raj

There is no such evidence so far. However, those who took a single dose and are due for the second dose I suggest they finish the schedule.

What are the chances of reinfection among the Covid-19 recovered patients? -Pa-rimala G Tadas

There are no studies available yet to ascertain this. But it will be a mild disease for people who have been infected earlier.

Is the virus also dangerous for school going children between 10 and 17 years of age? Is it safe to send them to school? —Akash Singh

Though Covid-19 infections have been observed among school going children so far, they have mostly been mild and not life threatening. They have not required any hospitalisation. The same applies to Omicron as well – that is, if at all it occurs among children. It is safe and needed too for children to be sent to school so as to prevent certain other physical/psychological effects observed due to prolonged home stays with online classes.

I am a retired person running a small tuition class. As there were growing concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine, I have stayed away from it. But now, with the new variant, I am a little worried. What should I do? —Joseph Moolayil

You certainly should take the vaccine since you are certainly susceptible to Covid-19/Omicron infection and its complications, which may be life threatening even if you do not have any pre-existing illnesses, taking your age into consideration.

Though we still do not have any Omicron cases in Hyderabad, what measures are being taken by the government to ensure it doesn’t make its way into the state? Also, does this variant spread much faster? —Geetali Banerjee

As of now, screening of all flyers (especially international), ensuring testing/tracing, enforcing quarantine etc are being taken up by the government. It is up to individuals and community also to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour personally and within their society, to keep the disease at bay. And yes, it does spread much faster than other variants. But thankfully, it is only a mild disease.

With the new variant looming large, why is booster dose not being given to people who are ready to take it? At least senior citizens and others with comorbidities can take it, right? —G S Narayana

Yes, the possibility of a booster dose is being debated and discussed by experts and will be given shortly, based on their recommendations. However, those who took only one dose should receive the due second dose without fail.

n What's your advice to pregnant women/ lactating mothers on Covid-19 vaccination? — Nikhita Menon

It’s highly recommended for them to take the vaccine since it will protect the mother directly and the baby indirectly (by transferring antibodies)

Any special/priority group for vaccination? —Karthik V

All persons above 18 are eligible. However, senior citizens with comorbidities (DM, hypertension, cancer, respiratory/heart/kidney/liver diseases) should receive Covid-19 vaccine compulsorily.

How about vaccination for children? — Neetu Singh

As per the available information it is going to start in a phased manner all across the country in 2022. Children from 12 to 18 years of age, especially with comorbidities will be given vaccines on priority basis. In the case of children younger than that, data/ studies suggest that they have good immunity and Covid-19 is unlikely to become a serious/life threatening issue among them, even if they are infected.

How important is the vaccine cerficate? -Ramesh Rao

It is going to be as important as an ID proof we carry for all practical purposes. But, different from a regular ID, you may need to carry it to enter malls, cinema halls, hotels etc in the future. At present, it is mandatory for air travel to all international and some domestic destinations.

Any further advice for common people to stay safe? — S S Sekhar

People should avoid crowded places up to Sankranti. Travel only if compulsory. Make Covid-19 appropriate behaviour a part of your routine life.

Senior citizens, especially with comorbidities, young children and pregnant women to be more cautious. Do not panic, do not believe in rumours, irresponsible social platforms, check with reliable health authorities for facts and latest updates.