Good Morning

Monday, October 21, 2024

NEWS TODAY

Newborn with twin foetuses in abdomen dies after surgery

Sumati.Yengkhom@timesofindia.com

TIMES OF INDIA KOLKATA 201.10.2024

21.10.2024

Kolkata : In a rare case, a three-day-old baby with foetuses of twins in its abdomen, died a day after undergoing a surgery to remove the foetuses at NRS Medical College & Hospital (NRSMCH) on Sunday. The condition called foetus-in-fetu (FIF) is extremely rare and only around 200 such cases have been reported around the globe, said doctors at NRS. It is a congenital disorder that makes a malformed foetus develop inside another during pregnancy. The foetuses inside the baby’s abdomen had formed partially. While in most cases only one foetus is found, in this case doctors found twin foetuses inside the newborn.

The baby was referred from a hospital in Malda with issues of the abdomen and breathing difficulty. After admission at the Kolkata hospital, doctors conducted extensive diagnosis that confirmed the presence of the twin foetuses inside the newborn's abdomen. “The twins were not fully formed and had developed only a few features like limbs and part of the skull in one. But each foetus had developed fingers and toes adding to the complexity of the surgical procedure,” said a doctor at the paediatric surgery department. Doctors said that in such a situation the only treatment was to surgically remove the malformed foetuses to save the newborn. Since the condition calls for an emergency surgery, the medical team decided to go ahead without delay to save the newborn. While the procedure was done on Saturday, the newborn died on Sunday.

“During the surgery we removed both the foetuses successfully, but the newborn died a day later. While I have seen a few such cases, this is the first time we came across a twin foetus in the newborn. This made the procedure a lot more challenging,” said a doctor of the department. Doctors said that while FIF often remain asymptomatic during the pregnancy the disorder can be detected during antenatal USG. And if the detection is within 24 weeks of gestation the pregnancy can be terminated. In this case the condition was detected only when brought to NRSMCH.

Geoinformatics students struggle due to lack of well-defined job roles

The emerging subject is relevant across sectors, but job opportunities have not been identified to support students who prefer to look westward

TIMES NEWS NETWORK EDUCATION TIMES 21.10.2024

Geoinformatics, a branch of engineering that combines disciplines such as Earth Sciences, Geospatial Sciences, and Information Technology, is an emerging subject in India. Several technical institutes offer MTech and PhD programmes in Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing. Pursuing a course in the subject equips students with skills and knowledge that include geoinformation science and earth observation technology to generate, integrate, analyse, visualise, and disseminate spatial data for various applications such as the development of online maps, disaster mitigation plans, urban planning, and forest planning, among others. Restricted opportunities

However, the lack of regulations, structured syllabus, and well-defined job roles after completion of the course, especially after PhDs, pose a challenge for students in securing employment. Kailash Chandra Tiwari, professor, Multidisciplinary Centre for Geoinformatics, Delhi Technological Uni versity (DTU), says, “Students in India choose their majors in higher studies based on the job opportunities after the completion of the course. However, with Geoinformatics, there is a need for government initiatives to establish cadres in government roles and introduce Geoinformatics in the NET exam to encourage students to pursue the course.

There are no welldefined job roles like other disciplines – such as lecturer, associate professor, or assistant professor – making it difficult for students to secure employment in colleges after pursuing research.” “National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) promotes multidisciplinary education but it does not have any guidelines to protect the interests of the students who study a multidisciplinary subject such as Geoinformatics. For example, many students with BTech in Computer Science/In formation Technology (IT)/Electronics and Communication Engineering opted to do PhD in Geoinformatics but when they applied for a job in the department of their parent degree, they were not even shortlisted.

Those who were in service and opted for this subject have been denied promotion,” says Tiwari. In 2022, Geomatics (which focuses on obtaining geospatial data) was introduced in GATE as a separate subject, which allowed students from Geoinformatics (an IT-oriented subject to analyse geospatial data) backgrounds to appear for the test. Highlighting its importance, Tiwari says, “The move helped aspirants to stick to a specific syllabus provided by GATE for admission in courses related to Geoinformatics. It also helped them to be more confident about their choice.” Not enough lucrative options in India Due to the lack of job opportunities in the geoinformatics sector, many students who complete the course often choose sectors such as Information Technology, Finance, and Data Analytics for bet ter career opportunities. “Indian corporates have recently started investing in geoinformatics technology. But, there is still a lack of lucrative job opportunities, and the salary structures do not meet global standards. This is the reason that many of geoinformatics graduates choose sectors such as information technology, finance, or data analytics due to more lucrative opportunities,” says Bharat Lohani, professor, Civil Engineering, IIT Kanpur.

Students who opt for nongeoinformatics industries are not able to use their specific skill set. IIT Kanpur offers courses such as MTech, DualDegree Programme, and PhD in Geoinformatics. Promising future India has geared up to embrace geoinformatics technology, which will enhance job opportunities and streamline regulations in the coming years. It is a part of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), and has introduced laws and policies in the field.

CISCE high-performing schools set to offer a helping hand

Local schools will get support in integrating skill education, implementing innovative assessment practices and fostering holistic student development

Priyadarshini.Gupta@timesofindia.com

TIMES OF INDIA BHOPAL 21.10.2024

In a move to enhance school performance across the country, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is planning to roll out a school improvement plan. The pilot initiative is planned for the 2025-26 academic year; the CISCE aims to establish robust standardsetting mechanisms and modern testing practices which will help schools align with contemporary educational demands and global standards. Once the affiliated schools have empowered themselves, they will be encouraged to share their best practices with neighbouring government schools.

In a chat with Education Times, Joseph Emmanuel, chief executive, and secretary, CISCE highlighted the plans to connect high-performing schools and state government schools to boost quality and bridge educational disparities. “The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also emphasises creating clusters of schools which aim to promote cooperation and knowledgesharing across institutions. This concept has been reflected in several previous government policies,” says Emmanuel. The focus will be on teaching, learning, and assessment. “For example, if a school from India visits top schools in countries like Finland, the UK, or the US, they gain insights into innovative teaching methods, skill education, and holistic student development. Similarly, CISCE schools can showcase globally recognised best practices and allow neighbouring schools to visit and learn from them.

A few CISCE schools are already equipped with resources and infrastructure, and seeing these environ ments first-hand can be a valuable learning experience for other schools. Collaboration can include integrating academic and skill education, implementing innovative assessment practices, and fostering holistic student development through various extracurricular activities,” he adds. Recognising the diversity in educational resources and performance across schools, even within the CISCE network, the importance of handholding goes a long way in schools. High-performing schools that have successfully implemented innovative educational practices and supporting other schools will help them adopt these approaches.

“This is in the initial stage; however, we will motivate our schools to reach out to local government institutions or exemplary schools across India. The idea is to have CISCE-affiliated schools collaborate with state education departments and standard-setting authorities to uplift and support other schools in meeting global benchmarks,” says Emmanuel. Quality assurance To identify high-performing schools, the CISCE will introduce a quality assurance mechanism that will assess schools based not only on board exam results but their overall contribution to society. This will involve multiple factors, such as how well schools are preparing students to engage with and contribute to their communities.

Being receptive The willingness of schools to seek help from high performing schools is the biggest concern for CISCE. “One hurdle is fostering openness and a willingness to collaborate among schools. While financial constraints are not a significant issue, the real challenge lies in developing a sense of cooperation. There must be receptiveness on both sides for collaboration to be effective,” says Emmanuel.

UGC’s AEDP to equip grads for job market

AEDP will offer experiential learning, and industry interaction to help students learn the market demands

Divyansh.Kumar@timesofindia.com

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released draft guidelines, for the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP), aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to better prepare students for the future job market by combining academic learning with hands-on industry experience. The UGC guidelines will provide an option for Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to embed Apprenticeship/internship in any UG degree programmes specified by UGC.

This will focus on outcome-based learning in a degree programme and will enable students to demonstrate workforce professional abilities for potential employment. These draft guidelines, which are open for public consultation, are expected to be implemented by the January-February 2025 academic session. The AEDP is designed to provide students with an opportunity to combine classroom learning with on-the job training (OJT), ultimately making them more competitive in the job market.

What is AEDP

The AEDP allows students to spend a portion of their degree programme working directly with industry professionals, gaining practical knowledge that complements their classroom learning. “Apprenticeships can bridge the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what is required in the workplace,” says Prof M Jagadesh Kumar, chairperson, UGC. The AEDP guidelines provide HEIs with flexibility in scheduling apprenticeships, allowing them to be introduced from the second semester onward. Up to 50% of the total degree duration can be dedicated to apprenticeships, with a minimum requirement of one full semester of hands-on experience. One of the key aspects of the AEDP is its integration with National Credit Framework (NCrF).

Under this system, 30 hours of training are equivalent to one credit. For instance, a year-long apprenticeship would amount to 40 credits, while a six-month apprenticeship corresponds to 20 credits. “The actual hours spent in apprenticeship training are considered for calculating credits. If the HEIs adhere to the credit mechanisms in the AEDP Guidelines, we may not foresee challenges affecting implementation of these Guidelines,” says Prof Kumar. The guidelines also address the stipend payment process for apprentices. Depending on whether the AEDP is offered through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal or directly via industry partnerships, students will receive stipends.

In the case of direct industry agreements, the industry is responsible for paying the stipend, adhering to the Apprentices Act of 1961 and the Apprenticeship Rules of 1992. When offered through NATS, the government provides partial stipend support. Regardless of the mode HEIs choose, it is essential to have transparency and clarity in the stipend payment process, adds Prof Kumar. Monitoring and evaluation The UGC draft guidelines place a strong emphasis on tracking the progress of students postapprenticeship. The outcomes of the AEDP will be monitored over time to assess the employability of graduates and the effectiveness of the programme in preparing them for the workforce. Metrics such as job placement rates, the industries graduates enter, and their career progression will be key indicators of success. Prof Dwarika Prasad Uniyal, vice chancellor (i/c), RV University, Bangalore, says that they are gearing up to incorporate AEDP in technology, management, and design courses. “We hope to roll out this programme by the academic year 2025 in phases.”

NEET SS exam pattern changes in Medical Oncology and Critical Care Medicine

The inclusion of a separate question paper group may help in the reduction of SS seat wastage

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com TIMES EDUCATION BANGALORE 21.10.2024

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) recently amended the exam pattern for admissions to DM/DrNB Medical Oncology and for admissions to DM/DrNB Critical Care Medicine. Medical postgraduates appearing for the NEET Super Speciality (SS) 2025 have opted for broad specialities: General Medicine, Anaesthesiology, Paediatrics, Emergency Medicine and Radiotherapy, will have to attempt a separate question paper group. An official from NMC suggests that steps have been taken to streamline the eligibility criteria for the admission process into the super speciality courses. This pattern has been introduced only for admissions to DM/DrNB Medical Oncology, and for admissions to DM/DrNB Critical Care Medicine.

Dr B Srinivas, secretary, National Medical Commission (NMC) says, “A panel consisting of experts from the related fields, medical institutions and PGMEB members was formed to decide the eligibility criteria for admission into various super speciality courses. After this, the decision was made to bring in these changes. The decision to add a separate question paper group was then informed to NBEMS, which is responsible for conducting the NEET SS exam.”

Course correction Dr Srinivas says, “Previously, postgraduate students had questions about the limited eligibility for super speciality course admissions. This step has been taken to expand their admission opportunities.” The students are concerned that changes in the exam pattern increase the hustle for postgraduates. Dr Srinivas says, “There shall be a separate day for the postgraduates to appear for the additional question paper group, meanwhile, the existing question paper group consisting of 150 questions needs to be finished within 150 mins (2 hours and 30 minutes).” There are approximately 6,000 super speciality seats in India, including 4,421 DM and MCh and 1,969 DrNB seats. Around 45,000 candidates pass out every year and around 15,000-17,000 candidates appear in NEET SS annually. As many as 800-1,000 seats remain vacant every year. To reduce such seat wastage, the NMC in 2021 broadened the eligibility options for admission to super speciality courses.

The introduction of a separate question paper group is one of the similar steps taken by the NMC. Dr Srinivas says, “The step will indirectly help in reducing the seat wastage since it will allow more candidates to take admissions to Oncology and Critical Care Medicine.” Expanding ambit In 2021, NBEMS responded to a petition challenging changes in the exam pattern for NEET SS. An affidavit filed by NBEMS in court mentioned that NEET SS question pattern included 40% of questions from the two opted for super speciality subjects, while 60% were from the general feeder course, which each doctor studies during the normal postgraduation course. Because of that a candidate having pursued a broad speciality, which serves as a feeder for multiple super specialities, was getting restricted to only two super speciality disciplines for admission. Whereas, doctors would be otherwise eligible and available for various other super speciality courses also having pursued the concerned feeder broad speciality.

UCC: Live-in relationship regn must in one month

Kautilya.Singh@timesofindia.com 21.10.2024

Dehradun : The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), expected to be implemented in Uttarakhand on the state’s foundation day on Nov 9, will require couples to register their marriages within six months of the law’s enactment, while livein couples must register within one month. Noncompliance will carry penalties of up to six months in jail and fines of up to Rs 25,000. Couples who fail to register will be ineligible for govt benefits, and those already registered in other states must update their records in Uttarakhand. Landlords renting their property to unregistered couples may also face action if they deliberately conceal information.

The UCC also proposes that parents inherit a share of their deceased children’s movable and immovable property. An official privy to the details of the UCC provisions told TOI, “It will be mandatory for couples to register their live-in relationship within one month of notification, or they will face punishment as per the provisions. The proposed law also suggests the role of landlords and house owners who rent their property to such couples. If they deliberately conceal facts, action may be initiated against them, too.” The UCC lays out penalties for delays or failure to register live-in relationships and for providing false information. The law states: “Whoever stays in a live-in relationship for more than one month from the date of entering into such a relationship without submitting the statement of such relationship shall be punished on conviction by a judicial magistrate with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with a fine not exceeding Rs 10,000, or with both.” Providing false information could result in imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both.

In cases where a couple fails to register, they could face a jail term of up to six months or a fine not exceeding Rs 25,000, or both. Any child born out of a live-in relationship will be considered legitimate under the UCC, and in the event of desertion, the woman can claim maintenance. While the law ensures the secrecy of live-in couples, it also mandates that parents of couples aged 18 to 21 be informed of their relationship. Couples who do not register their marriage within six months of the UCC notification will be ineligible for government welfare schemes.

Additionally, those who have registered their marriage in other states must update their records in Uttarakhand. “It is a simple process which can be easily done through the mobile app developed by the authorities. One will not have to visit government offices to get themselves registered,” the source added

உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் ஒரு தொடா் நிகழ்வு

உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் ஒரு தொடா் நிகழ்வு

அடுப்பங்கரையில் பாத்திரங்கள் அடுக்கும் மர அலமாரியில் இருந்த பழுதைச் சரி செய்வதற்கு இரண்டுபோ் வந்திருந்தனா்.

சின்ன வேலைதான். ஆனாலும் இரண்டு போ் வந்தால்தான் முடியும் என்று சொல்லிவிட்டாா்கள். இரண்டு மணி நேரத்தில் வேலை முடிந்துவிட்டது.

சம்பளமாக ரூபாய் ஆயிரத்து ஐந்நூறு கேட்டாா் அவா்களுள் வயதில் பெரியவனாகத் தெரிந்த நபா். வெகு தூரத்தில் இருந்து தன்னுடைய இருசக்கர மோட்டாா் வாகனத்தில் வந்திருப்பதாகவும் சொன்னாா். அந்த 'பைக்' அவா் கையாளாகக் கூட்டிவந்த இளைஞருடையது என்பது முதலிலேயே எனக்குத் தெரியும்.

ஒரு நபருக்கு எழுநூற்று ஐம்பது ரூபாய் சம்பளம் கேட்கிறாா்கள் என்று எனக்குள்ளேயே கணக்கிட்டுக் கொண்டு, வண்டிக்கு பெட்ரோல் போட ஒரு நூறு ரூபாய் வைத்துக்கொள்ளுங்கள் என்று நானாகவே சோ்த்துச் சொல்லி, ஆயிரத்து அறுநூறு ரூபாயை பெரியவரிடம் கொடுத்தேன்.

அவரும் இளைஞனிடம், 'பெட்ரோல் போட நூறு ரூபாய் வைத்துக்கொள்' என்று சொல்லி, அறுநூறு ரூபாயை அவனிடம் நீட்டினாா். அவனும் எதுவும் சொல்லாமல் அந்த அறுநூறு ரூபாயை வாங்கிக் கொண்டான். அந்த வகையில் பாா்த்தால் அவனுக்குச் சம்பளம் ஐந்நூறு ரூபாய்தான். மீதி ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் பெரியவரின் சட்டைப் பைக்குள் போனது.

இத்தனைக்கும் அந்த இளைஞன்தான் எல்லா பழுது பாா்க்கும் பணிகளையும் செய்தான். மூத்தவா், 'அப்படி, இப்படி' என்று மேல்நோட்டம் பாா்த்து, சொல்லிக் கொண்டு வேலையை வாங்கிக் கொண்டிருந்தாரே தவிர ஒரு ஆணியைக்கூட முறுக்கவில்லை. அப்படிப் பாா்த்தால் ஊதியமாக வாங்கிய பணத்தில் பாதியை இளைஞனுக்குத்தான் கொடுத்திருக்க வேண்டும். அதுதான் நியாயம். அப்படி சரிபாதியாகக் கொடுக்காவிட்டாலும் கூட, சற்று அதிகமாகவாவது கொடுத்திருக்க வேண்டும். ஆனால் மூத்தவா் அப்படிக் கொடுக்கவில்லை. கடுமையாக உழைப்பை வாங்கிவிட்டு, குறைவாகக் கூலி கொடுத்தது உழைப்புச் சுரண்டலாக எனக்குப் பட்டது.

இதனைப் போன்ற அனுபவம் எனக்கு முன்னரும் உண்டு. அப்போது உடன் வந்தவருக்குச் சம்பளமாக ரூபாய் தொள்ளாயிரம் என்னிடம் பெற்றுக் கொண்ட மேஸ்திரி, ரூபாய் ஐந்நூறை மட்டும்தான் உண்மையில் பணியைச் செய்தவருக்குக் கொடுத்திருக்கிறாா். அந்தப் பணிக்காரா் இதைப் பற்றித் தனியாகச் சொல்லி ரொம்ப வருத்தப்பட்டாா். இப்படி உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் கண்முன்னே நடந்துள்ளது.

உழைப்புச் சுரண்டலில் அமைப்புச் சாரா தொழிலாளா்கள்தான் அதிகம் பாதிக்கப்படுகிறாா்கள் என்று சொல்ல வேண்டும். இருந்தாலும் ஊதியச் சுரண்டல், அறிவுச் சுரண்டல் என்று எல்லா நிலைகளிலும் இந்த உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் அதிகமாக இருக்கத்தான் செய்கிறது.

ஒரு வேலையில் நிபுணத்துவம் பெற்று, மேஸ்திரி அல்லது கண்காணி என்ற நிலைக்கு வளா்ந்துவிட்டால் உழைப்பைச் சுரண்டும் தன்மையும் கூடவே வளா்ந்துவிடுகிறது.

முதலாளி என்னும் அதிகாரவா்க்கம்தான் வேலை அதிகம் வாங்கி, கூலி குறைவாகக் கொடுத்து உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் செய்வாா்கள் என்பதுதான் முன்பெல்லாம் குற்றச் சாட்டாக இருக்கும். இப்போது சக தொழிலாளா்கள் இடையிலேயே சுரண்டும் போக்கு அதிகரித்துவிட்டது. கட்டடத் தொழில், வீடு பழுதுப் பணிகள், விவசாய வேலை, திரைப்படத் துறை என்று பல நிலைகளிலும் இத்தகைய உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் போக்கு உள்ளதை அறிய முடிகிறது.

பாமரா்கள் தொழிலாளா்கள் மட்டும்தான் உழைப்புச் சுரண்டலால் பாதிக்கப்படுகிறாா்களா என்றால் அதுதான் இல்லை. படித்த பணியாளா்களின் உழைப்பைச் சரண்டும் அவலமும் நடைபெற்றுக் கொண்டுதான் இருக்கிறது. சுயநிதிக் கல்லூரி, பள்ளிகளில் குறைந்த சம்பளத்தில் கூடுதல் வேலை பாா்த்து உழைப்புச் சுரண்டலுக்கு ஆளாகும் ஆசிரியா்களின் நிலைமை மிகவும் கவலைக்குரியது. தனியாா் கல்வி நிறுவனங்களில் மட்டுமல்லாது, அரசுக் கல்வி நிறுவனங்களிலும் உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் நடை பெற்றுக் கொண்டுதான் இருக்கிறது.

ஒப்பந்த அடிப்படையில் நியமிக்கப்படும் ஆசிரியா்களுக்கு ஊதியமோ குறைவு; ஆனால் பணிச்சுமையோ அதிகம். வேலை தேடுவோரின் திண்டாட்டத்தைப் பயன்படுத்தி அரசாங்கமே செய்யும் இந்தச் சுரண்டலை என்னென்று சொல்வது?

ஆராய்ச்சிக் கல்வி நிலையிலும் கூட இந்த உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் இருப்பதைக் குறிப்பிட்டேயாக வேண்டும். அரிய முயற்சி கொண்டு ஆராய்ச்சி மாணவா்கள் எழுதும் ஆராய்ச்சிக் கட்டுரையில் வழிகாட்டிப் பேராசிரியா்கள் பெயரைச் சோ்த்துப் பெருமை தேடிக்கொள்வது ஒருவகை உழைப்புச் சுரண்டலேயாகும்.

ஊதியச் சுரண்டல், அறிவுச் சுரண்டல் என்று இந்த உழைப்புச் சுரண்டலால் பெரிதும் பாதிக்கப் படுவது 'ஜூனியா்' எனப்படும் இளையவா் அல்லது புதியவரேயாகும். ஆனாலும் அவா்கள் அதனைப் பற்றி பெரிதும் கவலைப்படுவதில்லை. அதற்குக் காரணம் இருக்கிறது - தொழிலைத் தெரிந்து கொள்வதற்கு அல்லது துறைசாா் அறிவைப் பெருக்கிக் கொள்வதற்குக் கிடைத்த வாய்ப்பு நழுவி விடக் கூடாதே என்று கருதிக் கொள்வதுதான் அந்தக் காரணமாகும்.

ஏனெனில் முறைசாரா தொழில் அமைப்பில் மூத்தவரிடம் (சீனியா்) இருந்துதான் 'முறையான', முழுமையான அறிவைப் பெற முடியும் என்று நம்புவதாலும், அமைப்புச் சாரா தொழிலாளா்கள் தங்களுக்குத் தொடா்ந்து வேலைவாய்ப்பு கிடைக்காமல் போய்விடும் என்று அச்சப்படுவதாலும் உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் தொடா்ந்து கொண்டே இருக்கின்றது.

உழைப்புச் சுரண்டலுக்கு உள்ளானவா்கள் தம் தொழிலில் உயா்வடைந்துவிட்டால் உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் நடைமுறையைத் தம் வசப்படுத்திக் கொள்கின்றனா். ஏனெனில் அதிலொரு கௌரவம் இருப்பதாகக் கருதுகின்றனா். இப்படியாக, உழைப்புச் சுரண்டல் என்பது ஒரு தொடா் நிகழ்வாக, கொடுஞ்சுழலாக நீள்கிறது.

காந்தியம் சொல்லும் காதல் தகுதி!

DINAMANI KATTURAIGAL 21.10.2024

சில ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு ஒரு கல்லூரியில் காந்திய சிந்தனைகள் பற்றி உரையாற்றத் தொடங்கியபோது மாணவா்களிடம் மகாத்மா காந்தியின் வாழ்க்கை குறித்துக் கேட்டேன்.

இரண்டாயிரம் மாணவா்களில் ஒருவா் ஒருசில தகவல் சொன்னாா். இரண்டு போ் மட்டும் அகிம்சை என்று கூறினா்.

ஒரு மாதம் முன்பு வெளிவந்திருந்த ஒரு திரைப்படம் பற்றிக் கேட்டேன். அவ்வளவு பேரும் ஆா்ப்பரித்து கைதூக்கி 'பாா்த்து விட்டோம்' என்றனா். எனக்கு சலிப்பு மேலிட்டது.

வழக்கம்போல காதலனையும் காதலியையும் சேரவிடாமல் வில்லன் ஒருதலைக் காதல் வெறியாட்டம் போடுகிறான். இறுதியில் வில்லனை அடித்து வீழ்த்திவிட்டு காதலன் காதலியைக் கைப்பிடிக்கிறான். ஆனால், அவளோ தன் காதலனிடம் அந்த வில்லனைக் கொன்றுவிட்டு வந்த பிறகே தன்னுடன் இணைய வற்புறுத்துகிறாள். அவளுடைய ஆணையை உடனே நிறைவேற்றுகிறான் காதலன். திருமணம் புரிந்துகொள்கிறாா்கள். இதுதான் படத்தின் கதை.

மாணவா்களிடம் ஒரு கேள்வி கேட்டேன், ''திருமணம் செய்து கொண்ட காதலா் இருவரும் மகிழ்ச்சியுடன் வாழ்வாா்களா, அல்லது சண்டையிட்டுக் கொண்டே இருப்பாா்களா?''

'மகிழ்ச்சியாய்த்தான் இருப்பாா்கள்' என்று பலமாக ஒலி எழும்பியது. அது அடங்கியதும் ஒரு பெண் மட்டும்,"''இல்லை ஐயா, அவா்கள் வாழ்க்கை நரகமாக மாறிச் சண்டையிடுவாா்கள்'' என்றாா். நான் காரணம் கேட்டேன். அந்தப் பெண் உளவியல் சாா்ந்து அழகான விளக்கம் தந்தாா்.

''காதலனும் காதலியும் தாங்கள் எப்படியும் சோ்ந்துவிட வேண்டும் என்ற வெறியை தங்களுக்குள் வளா்த்துக் கொண்டுவிட்டனா். அது முதலில் அன்பு கிடையாது. தடையாக வரும் எவரையும் அழிக்கும் வெறி அந்தப் பெண்ணுக்குள் இருந்தது. அதை காதலனுக்கும் ஊட்டி அவனை ஒரு கொலைகாரன் ஆக்குகிறாள்.

தங்கள் உள்ளங்களுக்குள் வெறுப்புணா்வையும் வெற்றி கொள்ளும் அகங்காரத்தையும் வளா்த்து நிரப்பிக் கொள்கிறாா்கள். வில்லன் அழிந்துவிட்ட நிலையில் தங்கள் வக்கிர மன உணா்வை வேறு யாரிடமும் காட்ட முடியாது. எனவே, அவா்களுடைய திருமண வாழ்வில் ஒருவா் மீது ஒருவா் அதைக் காட்டி சண்டையிட்டுக் கொண்டு துயரத்துடன் வாழ்வாா்கள்'' என்று நீண்ட பிரசங்கமே செய்துவிட்டாா் அந்த மாணவி.

மலைத்துப்போய்க் கேட்டுக் கொண்டிருந்த நான்,"''இது எப்படியம்மா உனக்குத் தோன்றியது? உளவியல் படித்திருக்கிறாயோ?''"என்றேன்.

"''ஐயா இதற்கு எதற்கு உளவியல்? ஒருவரிடம் சற்றுக் கோபமாய்ப் பேசினாலே அது என் உணா்வையும் உடலையும் எவ்வளவு பாதிக்கிறது என்று நான் கவனித்தால் போதாதா?''"என்றாா் அந்தப் பெண்.

அந்தப் பெண் அன்று எனக்கு மகாத்மா காந்தியாகத் தெரிந்தாா். தனக்குள் இருக்கும் புனிதமான ஆன்மாவைக் களங்கப்படுத்த விரும்பவில்லை அவா். வெறுப்புணா்வால் உள்ளத் தூய்மையும் உடல்நலமும் நலியும் என்பதை அவரே அறிந்திருந்தாா். தனக்குள் இருக்கும் மகாத்மாவை உணா்ந்திருந்தாா் அவா்.

'இவரைப் போன்ற இளைஞா்கள் மகாத்மா காந்தி பற்றிய தகவல்களை அறியாமல் போனால் தவறில்லைதானே? அவா்களை அந்த மகா பேரான்மா வழிநடத்திச் சென்றால் போதாதா?' என்று நான் எனக்குள் சொல்லி ஆனந்தப்பட்டுக் கொண்டேன்.

தொடா்ந்து, இளைஞன் ஒருவன் கேள்வி கேட்டான்."''சரி ஐயா, அப்படித் தேங்கிவிட்ட வெறுப்புணா்வைத் துடைத்தெறிந்து அன்புமயமாய் வாழ அந்தத் தம்பதியால் முடியவே முடியாதா?''"

"நிச்சயம் முடியும். ஆனால் மகாத்மா காந்தி கூறியதைப் புரிந்து கொண்டு கடைப்பிடிக்க நாம் முன்வர வேண்டுமே'' என்று கூறி மேலும் விளக்கினேன்.

இந்தியா சுதந்திரம் பெற்ற பிறகு ஹிந்துக்களும் முஸ்லிம்களும் சண்டையிட்டுக் கொண்டிருந்த நேரம் அது. அப்போது ஒரு பத்திரிகையாளா் காந்திஜியிடம் வந்து, ''அதுதான் சுதந்திரம் வந்துவிட்டதே, இன்னும் ஏன் உங்கள் மக்கள் சண்டையிட்டுக் கொள்கிறாா்கள்?'' என்று கேட்டாா்.

அதற்கு மகாத்மா காந்தி கூறிய பதில்: ''முன்னூற்றைம்பது வருடங்களாகத் தங்களை அடிமைகளாக நடத்தி, சித்திரவதை செய்து, கேவலப்படுத்தி ஆண்டு வந்த ஆங்கிலேயா் மீது இந்தியா்களுக்கு எவ்வளவு வெறுப்புணா்வு வளா்ந்திருக்கும்! ஓா் இரவில் ஆங்கிலேயா் வெளியே சென்றுவிட்டனா். சோ்ந்திருக்கும் வெறுப்புணா்வை இனி யாா் மீது காட்டுவாா்கள் இந்தியா்கள்? கொஞ்சகாலம் சண்டைகள் நீடிக்கத்தான் செய்யும்.

இந்தியா்கள் ஆங்கிலேயரிடம் வெறுப்புணா்வை வளா்த்துக் கொள்ளாமல் போராடத்தான் அன்பு மயமான அகிம்சை வழியைக் காட்டினேன். உடலை வருத்தி, தியாக உள்ளத்துடன், தீமைக்குப் பதில் நன்மை செய்யும் சேவையில் ஈடுபடுவதன் மூலம் மட்டுமே ஒருவா் தன் உள்ளத்தில் இருக்கும் வெறுப்புணா்வைக் களைந்து, பரிசுத்தப்படுத்திக் கொள்ள முடியும்''"என்று அண்ணல் பதில் கூறினாா்.

இன்று இளைஞா்கள் வெறுப்புணா்வு கொள்வதற்கு ஆயிரம் காரணங்களைச் சொன்னாலும், சுயநலம் துடைத்து, நலிந்தோருக்கு உடலுழைப்பினால் சேவை செய்வதன் மூலம் தங்களுக்குள் இருக்கும் வெறுப்புணா்வை நீக்க முடியும். அதன்மூலம் அகத்தே இருக்கும் மகாத்மாவை உணா்ந்து வணங்க முடியும். பிறகு காதலிக்கும் தகுதி தானே வந்துவிடும்!

திருமணம் முடித்துவிட்டால், பிறகு, ஒரு கணமும் விவாகரத்து பற்றி யோசிக்கவே செய்யாதீா்கள். ஒருவரை ஒருவா் ஏற்றுக் கொள்வதற்கான வழிகளை இணைந்து ஆராய்ந்து கண்டறியுங்கள். தப்பிக்க முயன்றால் உங்களுக்குள் சிதறிவிடுவீா்கள். இணைந்திருந்தால் உங்களுக்குள் முழுமை ஆவீா்கள்.

இந்த மதிப்பீடுகளை எனக்கு இளமையில் கற்றுத் தந்த மகாத்மா காந்தியின் சுயசரிதையை ஒரு முறையாவது படியுங்கள். சத்தியத்தைத் தேடும் முயற்சியே உங்களுடைய சுயத்தை உணா்த்தி, ஆளுமையையும் தலைமைப் பண்பையும் உங்களுக்கு வழங்கும்.

கட்டுரையாளா்:

சென்னை காந்தி அமைதி நிறுவனத்தின் கௌரவச் செயலா்.

Worrisome trend: Breast cancer cases in younger women doubled in 5 years

AWARENESS MONTH

Yashaswini.Sri@timesofindia.com 21.10.2024

Bengaluru : Karnataka is one of the four states in the country experiencing a significantly higher incidence of female breast cancer (BC), according to a recently published study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR). Bengaluru hospitals confirmed seeing a worrying 100% rise in BC cases in the last five years in women aged 20-40, underscoring the growing public health challenge in the city. According to the ICMRNCDIR study, female breast cancer is now the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality in India, accounting for 13.5% of new cancer cases and 10.6% of all cancer-related deaths. Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Telangana are the three other states with a comparatively high burden of BC. Dr Krithikaa Sekar, con sultant, radiation oncology, HCG Cancer Center, told TOI that the hospital sees around 50 new BC patients aged less than 40 years per month, up from 30 five years earlier.

“Although about 10% of breast cancers are genetic, lifestyle factors such as shared dietary habits and inactivity in families play a more significant role in risk than genes. Breast cancer incidence is rising, not only due to better reporting but also because of lifestyle changes. While breast cancer most commonly affects women aged 40-60, younger women under 40 are increasingly being diagnosed.” Dr Sekar said. Dr Bharath G, consultant, surgical oncology, Fortis Hospital, said they see 20-25 BC cases a month in women in the age group 20-40 years, up from 10 five years ago. “Factors like hormonal therapy for infertility and postmenopausal treatments are increasing breast cancer risks. Additionally, lifestyle changes—such as delayed childbirth, reduced breastfeeding, sedentary habits, obesity, and poor diet—are contributing to a rise in breast cancer cases among younger women.

In India, many patients are now being diagnosed with BC before age 50, suggesting genetic and lifestyle factors at play.” Doctors say women should begin self-breast examinations at age 21 to identify abnormalities early. Starting at the age of 40, annual screenings, ultrasound, and mammograms are essential for early detection even before a lump forms, they say. Cytecare Hospital said they see 50 BC cases per month in women aged less than 40 years, up from 25 cases five years back. While breast cancer screening exists, the number of cases detected remains small, says Dr Poovamma CU, senior consultant and director of breast oncology at Cytecare Hospital. “Most diagnoses occur when patients present with symptoms, meaning cancers are often caught at later stages. In fact, stage one breast cancer is rare here, with stage two, three, and even stage four being more common. The prevalence of stage four cases in India may be higher than in Western countries. This highlights the silent nature of breast cancer, as many women delay diagnosis because they don’t experience pain or visible symptoms,” she says.

Vijay urges action over words as TVK prepares for 1st political conference

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 21.10.2024

Chennai : As Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam geared up for its first political conference, its founder and actor, Vijay, on Sunday told his party cadres that action should speak louder than words. In a letter to cadres on Sunday, Vijay said the job of TVK in the political sphere was not to deliver ornamental speeches. “As far as TVK is concerned, action is the political mother tongue,’’ he said. He also asked his cadres to take the message to the public that they were politically groomed. Vijay said TVK cadres should be an example for rest of the parties.

This is Vijay’s second letter to cadres ahead of the conference, intended to prepare the members of the fledgling party for a high profile political event at Vikravandi on Oct 27. He said the party does not approach politics through the prism of victory and defeat. “Let there be beautiful moments in the conference demonstrating our approach towards politics would a deep emotional and ideological celebration,” he said. In the letter, Vijay asked pregnant women, school students, people with ailments and senior citizens to avoid coming to the conference. Instead, he suggested they watch it on media and social media. “The long-distance travel could worsen your health. Being a member of your family, I request you watch it online,” Vijay said.

Meanwhile, TVK functionaries carried a 100 feet long TVK flag along with a poster of Vijay around the Murugan temple in Tiruttani, creating a flutter. Even after the temple authorities objected to carrying the flag of a political party along with the poster inside the temple, they did not stop. Subsequently, temple authorities informed the police. After the police arrived, the TVK functionaries argued with them but police warned them that a case would be filed against them for ‘unlawful assembly’ if they insist on carrying the flag in a procession. The TVK cadres dispersed after the warning

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Blank screen? Might be a sextortion call

NEW TRICK Dwaipayan.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 20.10.2024

Kolkata : Sextortion calls have become more sinister this festive season, said cops, with conmen having changed their modus operandi making it difficult for the potential victim to identify that the caller had planned to trap him.

“Earlier, the moment such calls were made, the potential victim would see scantily clad or naked women at the other end. Ever since we began our awareness drive, citizens mostly now immediately end the video call giving less time to the accused to capture the video of the victim and use it for extortion. Now, when a victim picks up the call, he sees a blank or black screen. It takes him a few seconds to understand what was going on in his screen, leave aside ascertaining it to be a fraud call. This allows enough time for the accused to capture his image and superimpose it and then ask for extortion money,” said a senior cyber cell officer.

Lalbazar on Saturday took to X platform to warn citizens on the changing modus operandi. Sources said at least four complaints in this regard have been received though no one till now has ended up paying the extortion money. A senior cop has drawn up a detailed list of do’s and don’ts for the city’s netizens.

From Dec 28, higher compensation for int’l flyers for death, delay

Manju.V@timesofindia.com 20.10.2024

Mumbai : In a move set to benefit passengers boarding international flights, including those to and from India, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has announced significant increases in compensation limits payable by airlines in cases of death, injury, flight delay, and baggage and cargo issues. The revised upper limit for compensation payable under the Montreal Convention will take effect on Dec 28, said ICAO Saturday.

For instance, the upper limit for compensation in the event of death has increased from 1,28,821 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to 1,51,880 SDR. In case of international flights to/from India, this is an increase from Rs 1.4 crore to Rs 1.7 crore, based on current rates. The Montreal Convention, formally known as the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air (MC99), establishes a comprehensive framework for international air travel. It sets liability limits for airlines in cases of injury, death, delay, baggage, and cargo issues. The revision comes as part of the Convention’s built-in review mechanism, which adjusts for inflation every five years.

ICAO has asked these countries to put in place legal provisions by the end of Dec. The MC99 liability limits apply to 140 countries, including India. The revision pertains solely to the upper limit for compensation payable by airlines and is not an indicator of the actual compensation the next of kin might receive in the event of death. For instance, the compensation payable for the 21 deaths and 167 non-fatal injuries in the 2020 Air India Express IX-1344 Dubai-Calicut accident came under the provisions of MC99. The then govt-owned airline paid the next of kin compensation, ranging from Rs 10 lakh for families of adults over 12 years old to Rs 5 lakh for families of children under 12 years. An interim compensation of Rs 2 lakh was provided to critically injured passengers and about Rs 50,000 to other injured passengers.

The passengers sought legal recourse for compensation payable to them under MC99. They

contended that under the Convention, a fixed amount of Rs 1.34 crore must be paid. Kerala HC dismissed the case, stating that the petitioners voluntarily accepted the compensation initially offered by Air India Express and so could not subsequently challenge it as being lower.

Tambaram corpn launches new app

Preetika P@timesofindia.com 20.10.2024

Chennai : Tambaram corporation introduced a new mobile application, ‘Voice of Tambaram’, to streamline complaint management for its eight lakh residents. The app aims to address longstanding issues faced by residents in reporting complaints related to water supply, garbage collection, potholes, stray animals, and property tax. Previously, residents often went to corporation offices in person to file complaints, leading to frustration and inconvenience.

The new app offers a more convenient and efficient way to report issues and track their resolution. Users can upload photos, monitor the status of their complaints in real time, and expect a response within three days. The app facilitates citizen volunteering during emergencies, fostering community engagement. While the corporation hopes the new app will improve complaint resolution, residents remain cautious, citing past experiences of unresolved or falsely marked complaints. The corporation assured that the app will be fully functional in the coming days.

City, suburbs to get rain with thunderstorms for next 2 days

Tejonmayam@timesofindia.com 20.10.2024

Chennai : Overnight rain left 2cm of rainfall in Nungambakkam and 6mm in Meenambakkam. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate monsoon rainfall for the next two days. Weather bloggers also forecast that night spells could continue for the next few days. “For the next 48 hours, the city and suburbs may receive moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in some areas. Skies may be partly cloudy, with maximum and minimum temperatures at 33°C-34°C and 25°C-26°C,” the IMD bulletin stated.

The rainfall is attributed to favourable winds in the region. IMD said that that a cyclonic circulation currently lies over the southwest and westcentral Bay of Bengal off the north Tamil Nadu coast, extending up to 5.8km above sea level and tilting southwestwards. “Night to morning rain will continue on Sunday morning in north Tamil Nadu, and this trend will persist over the next few days for Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengelpet, and other parts of north Tamil Nadu,” blogger Pradeep John said in a post. The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall for several interior and delta districts in the coming days. On Oct 20, districts like Dharmapuri, Krish nagiri, Salem, Erode, Tirupattur, and Vellore could see heavy rainfall ranging from 6cm to 12cm at isolated locations. Additionally, ghat areas in nine districts, including Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, and Nilgiris, may experience heavy spells on Oct 21. Similar weather is expected on Oct 24 in districts such as Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchy, and Perambalur. The IMD previously forecast the development of a lowpressure system over the north Andaman Sea next week, expected to intensify into a depression and move northwest.

However, weather bloggers believe this system may bypass Chennai and move towards the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coast.

Since Oct 1, Nungambakkam has recorded 34cm and Meenambakkam 27 cm of rainfall. The Chennai subdivision has received 32cm of rainfall, which is 187% above the normal amount. During the same period, Tamil Nadu recorded 15 cm, a 70% excess.

Governor bound by state cabinet’s decision: HC

Sureshkumar.K@timesofindia.com 20.10.2024

Chennai : Madras high court has reiterated a settled legal principle that the g overnor of a state i s bound to act in accordance with the recommendations of the state cabinet in matters relating to the premature release of convicts, as per Article 161 of the Constitution. “The law laid down by a catena of judgments of the high court is well settled that the advice of the state cabinet is binding on the governor in the exercise of his power under Article 161 of the Constitution,” said a division bench of Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice V Sivagnanam on Friday. The judges made the observations while disapproving of a decision of the Tamil Nadu governor to reject a recommendation of the state govt for the premature release of a life convict. The power of an appropriate govt to issue general or special orders allowing remissions is traceable under Section 432 CrPC, and the policies in question are statutory in nature.

In the context of the above policy, the power under Article 161 can be exercised by the state govt and not by the governor on his own, the court clarified. The issue pertains to a plea moved by Veera Bharathi, a 53-year-old life convict, seeking premature release. He was sentenced to death, along with two others, in 1999 by a Virudhnagar sessions court, for rape and murder. On appeal, the high court commuted the death sentence to life. One among the accused, Ilangovan, was also released prematurely through a scheme. Therefore, in 2024, he made an application to the state to release him prematurely. The application was considered by the state, and it recommended his premature release. However, the governor rejected the recommendation on the grounds that the lifer committed a heinous crime.

In view of the decision of the governor, the state issued a fresh order rejecting his application for premature release. Aggrieved, the petitioner approached the high court. The petitioner argued that while the governor accepted the state govt’s decision to release a co accused in the case, he chose to reject the request of the petitioner, who completed over 20 years of imprisonment. “The nature of the crime is insignificant for consideration of premature release, which is done a s per the govt’s policy,” he said.

Recording the submissions, the bench said: “We are of the considered opinion that the opinion formed by the governor may not be wholly relevant with reference to the commission of the offence by the petitioner in the case.” The governor also did not consider the fact that the coaccused was already prematurely released, and it would be insufficient to merely reject an application for premature release on the ground of the offence, the court said. The court further made it clear that premature release is not an absolute right and that mere fulfilment of condit ions prescribed in the guidelines does not confer any right for the premature release of life convicts. The court then remitted the application back to the state for fresh consideration