Lucknow University finds no one worthy of Chancellor's Gold Medal

TNN | Oct 2, 2018, 08.01 AM IST

LUCKNOW: Unable to find a suitable candidate, Lucknow University decided not to confer its coveted Chancellor's Gold Medal, awarded for overall excellence, this year at its 61st convocation ceremony. 

This is the second medal after the Vice-Chancellor's Gold Medal which will not be awarded to any student this year.

The Chancellor's Gold Medal is awarded to a student with a good record in academics, extra-curricular activities, has a good behaviour and has been helpful to people in general.

It is first time in LU's history that no student will be awarded the medal which is given by the Governor, the chancellor of all the state universities. As many as 19 students had applied and LU officials had interviewed many candidates on Monday but they did not find any deserving candidate.

"The medal is awarded to a student who is an all-rounder along with an excellent academic record. Other requirements are that he or she should also have leadership qualities, must have done something for the society, should have participated in sports and extra-curricular activities at the national and international-level and should have helped the university in solving its problems. We didn't anyone who had all these qualities," said LU vice-chancellor SP Singh.

Singh said that the coveted medal is given to a student for being a multi-tasker and a multi-talented student.

"It can't be awarded to any student who has performed well only in academics, sports or social work. Hence, we decided not to award the medal this year."

Gadkari faints on stage, says he felt suffocated

TNN | Dec 8, 2018, 01.28 AM IST

NASHIK: Senior BJP leader and minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday fainted at a public function before recovering and continuing with his travel plans to Shirdi and Nagpur after a medical check-up.

Gadkari later told the media that he had fainted due to suffocation and heat on stage because of the heavy robes he was wearing at a university function at Ahmednagar. It was earlier felt that his sugar levels had dipped, but this was not the case, the minister said.

The minister gave his colleagues and sympathisers a scare as he sank to his seat. His office sources said he began to feel unwell as the National Anthem was to be played and was given some chocolate. As he rose thereafter, he fainted, falling back into his seat.

The visual of a staggering Gadkari, who pursues a punishing schedule, made for dramatic TV footage but he recovered quickly and maintained his schedule after being examined by doctors who were part of the ministerial entourage.

“My sugar level and BP is absolutely normal. It was a closed hall and due to the crowd and heat, I started feeling uncomfortable. Heavy convocation attire added into my discomfort and I fell down. However, now, I am absolutely all right. Available doctors at the venue immediately provided necessary treatment to me,” he said.

The Union surface transport ministser was in Rahuri to attend the 33rd convocation ceremony of the Mahatma Phule Krushi Vidyapeeth on Friday when he fainted with Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao standing beside him.

Suspecting that Gadkari, who successfully underwent a weight- loss surgery, might have fainted due to drop of sugar level, doctors first offered him chocolates and water. But the minister fainted again during the singing of the National Anthem.

He recovered fast and, after a few minutes, walked up to the convoy ambulance without any help. Doctors conducted necessary check-up in the ambulance. The check-ups revealed that all health parameters such as sugar and blood pressure were normal and Gadkari’s fall had to do with the uneasiness he felt due to heat and suffocation at the venue.

With an all-clear from doctors, the minister went ahead with the rest of schedule. He had his lunch in Rahuri and went to Shirdi in a chopper. After landing in Shirdi, Gadkari visited the Sai Baba temple and addressed a short press conference there.

Gadkari left for Nagpur in a special aircraft. In Nagpur, he was to inaugurate the Khasdar Culture Festival, a week-long cultural festival organized by him.

Sources at the agriculture university at Rahuri told TOI that Gadkari attended the entire convocation function for more than an hour. He started feeling uncomfortable only at the end of the function.

Maharashtra allows citizens to inspect government records under RTI

PTI

Devendra Fadnavis - PTI

MUMBAI, DEC 3

Residents of Maharashtra can now inspect government records in district-level offices and local bodies under the Right to Information (RTI) Act for two hours every Monday.

A government resolution (GR) to this effect was issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) last week. However, the GR would not be applicable to Mantralaya, the state secretariat.

The move is aimed at increasing transparency and to cut down the number of RTI applications and appeals in the government offices.

“This provision to allow inspection of records will not only ensure transparency, but it will also reduce the number of first and second appeals filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act,” stated the GR dated November 26.

“Residents can inspect government records in district level offices and local bodies such as municipal corporations and councils between 3 pm to 5 pm every Monday. In case of a public holiday on Monday, the inspection will be allowed on the next working day,” it stated.

When contacted, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told PTI that the move was aimed at ensuring transparency and reducing applications under the RTI Act.

RTI activists have welcomed this initiative of the government. “Citizens must use this facility extensively and consistently to ensure its implementation,” former chief information commissioner (CIC) Shailesh Gandhi said Monday.

Mumbai-based activist Anil Galgali said they were awaiting such a move. “Success of this much-awaited initiative depends on its smooth implementation by the state,” he said. Another activist Manoranjan Roy said the order should have applied to all departments of the government. “Leaving out higher offices like the state secretariat would hardly serve its purpose,” he argued.

Hyderabad high court: Not all shrines fall under RTI ambit

TNN | Dec 9, 2018, 05.53 AM IST

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad high court has held that religious institutions like temples, churches and mosques that are not funded by the government do not fall within the purview of the Right to Information Act-2005 (RTI).

Justice Challa Kodanda Ram pronounced the judgment after hearing nearly 100 temples and their trustees from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, who had challenged the decisions of their states' endowments departments, which had asked these religious entities to furnish information regarding their administrative activities under the RTI Act.

Stating that these temples and their officials do not fall under the definition of public authority, as defined in the RTI Act, the judge said the question of these entities following the directives issued by endowments department officials in respect of RTI does not arise.

The judge also set aside several such directives of endowments department officials asking these temples to designate some of their staff as public information officers or assistant public information officers.

‘RTI Act needs to be amended’

The judge agreed with the contention of senior counsel R Raghunandan Rao, who argued the case for temples, that for a temple to be called a public authority it should be either set up by the state, statute or controlled by it. Since none of the temples are established by the government, they cannot be brought under RTI Act, he said.

Though the two state governments are exercising some control over these temples by appointing trust boards, resolving temple staff disputes through endowment tribunals, among others, does not bestow on the state the power to bring these temples under the purview of the RTI Act, Justice Kodanda Ram said.

However, the judge said nowadays since religious institutions receive enormous donations from various sources, it is desirable to amend the RTI Act to at least bring all the registered temples and religious institutions having income over and above a particular limit under the RTI Act.

AIIMS-Patna flouts SC order on signing of lab reports

The SC had on December 12, 2017 ratified the stand of the Medical Council of India (MCI) and ruled that laboratory report could be countersigned only by a registered medical practitioner with a postgraduate qualification in pathology.PATNA Updated: Dec 10, 2018 11:32 IST

Ruchir Kumar 

Hindustan Times, Patna

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)-Patna campus(HT FIle Photo)

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, has been found to be violating a Supreme Court (SC) order on signing of laboratory reports, a fact the institute did not agree to.

The SC had on December 12, 2017 ratified the stand of the Medical Council of India (MCI) and ruled that laboratory report could be countersigned only by a registered medical practitioner with a postgraduate qualification in pathology.

At AIIMS-Patna, however, Dr Ajit Kumar Saxena, a non-medical professional, has been signing reports on karyotype, a test to identify and evaluate the size, shape and number of chromosomes in a sample of body cells.

One such report of November 24, a copy of which is with Hindustan Times, bears Dr Saxena’s signature with his office seal, which reads, “professor and head, department of pathology and laboratory medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna.”

For professor in department of pathology, the MCI’s minimum qualifications for teachers in medical institutions regulations, 1998, stipulates that one should be an MD (pathology) or Ph.D (pathology) or D.Sc (pathology).

Interestingly, Dr Saxena holds a postgraduate degree in zoology, and Ph.D in anatomy, with ‘genetics’ as his topic, as confirmed by the director AIIMS-Patna, Dr Prabhat Kumar Singh.

Dr Saxena was, however, nonplussed.

“My signing karyotype report is not a violation of the Supreme Court order. Karyotyping is a kind of genetic study and not a lab report. The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) guideline says that a few of the reports can be signed by highly specialised persons. Investigation reports pertaining to genetics, which is a highly specialised field of science, can be signed by M.Sc, Ph.D in applied biology. Even at SGPGI, PGI-Chandigarh and AIIMS-New Delhi, investigation reports of highly specialised subjects like immunology are signed according to the NABL guidelines,” said Dr Saxena.

Dr Singh also cited the qualifications for signing lab reports, as mentioned under NABL, and said the PGI-Chandigarh had set aside the MCI order, citing that it was an autonomous body, as was the AIIMS.

“As per the qualifications mentioned by NABL, a MS in anatomy, Ph.D with M.Sc in human anatomy, Ph.D genetics and Ph.D in applied biology can sign genetics report,” said Dr Singh.

He further said the NABL also mentioned that an MD in pathology could sign genetics and even nuclear medicine reports.

Asked about his position on the issue, Dr Singh said, “As far as the institute is concerned, I will continue with the present arrangement. That is the only way. I need to provide correct facility to patients. I cannot train a person who has not read the ‘G’ of genetics and why should I? Science should work for law and law should work for science. I might take this issue to our statutory body.”

A senior professor, who superannuated from AIIMS-Delhi, and was familiar with the issue, had a different take on it.

“AIIMS-Patna or even cancer hospitals should at the very least demand a degree in subjects such as the one CMC-Vellore offers in cytogenetics and molecular biology,” said Ex-professor, AIIMS-New Delhi

“The SC order stating that medical reports must be signed by those with MD pathology clearly spells out who can and who cannot sign medical reports. The SC order is a safeguard against people with dubious qualifications and half-baked understanding and poor grounding in the subjects starting medical labs, including cytogenetics and molecular diagnosis. Judged against the SC order, therefore, non-MD professionals signing cytogenetics reports does not appear to be tenable,” said the retired professor of AIIMS-New Delhi, requesting anonymity.

He further said, “There is an additional factor that must be considered. Clinical cytogenetic services in major medical institutions, covering areas such as cancer cytogenetics or paediatric cytogenetics, both in India and abroad, are often handled by non-medical graduates who have a Ph.D, rather than MD degree. They have been, however, part of a strong clinical group that consists of clinicians and pathologists, etc. so that the specialty develops properly and becomes well equipped to take on the responsibility of patient care.”

“Strong groups such as this exist in our country, for example in CMC-Vellore, which offers separate two-year courses in laboratory cytogenetics and molecular biology as a foundation for laboratory services and research in the subject. Admissions are through an all-India test. An institution such as AIIMS-Patna or even cancer hospitals should at the very least demand a degree in the subject such as the one CMC-Vellore offers in cytogenetics and molecular biology,” the doctor added.

“If what is done in CMC-Vellore is taken as a guide, it is expected that an institution like AIIMS-Patna, being developed as a premier teaching and research institute, should have people of such reputed qualification and skill to develop subjects of cytogenetics and molecular biology, as a foundation of diagnosis and research,” he signed off.

Dr Saxena is facing the heat after separate probes by the ministry of health and family welfare and a high level internal committee of AIIMS, comprising directors of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and AIIMS-Patna, and deputy directors (administration) of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and New Delhi, have questioned his credentials for the post he has been appointed.

Dr Saxena refused to send a written response in defence of his claim, saying he was “busy”. “You give me some time, I’ll think about it,” he said.

This reporter waited for four days after requesting the director and Dr Saxena, but neither sent a written response either on e-mail or WhatsApp.

First Published: Dec 10, 2018 11:31 IST

I didn't steal anyone's money: Mallya 

Source : Last Updated: Mon, Dec 10, 2018 16:46 hrs [United Kingdom], Dec 10 (ANI): 

Absconding Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday, who appeared in a court here in connection with an extradition case, said that he had not stolen anyone's money and his offer to pay back the loan amount of banks was not a bogus one. "I have not stolen anyone's money. My offer to return the loan amount of banks is not a bogus one," Mallya said while responding to questions from the media persons in the court premises. "Extradition is entirely a different matter," he said.

 Mallya said that he has filed comprehensive settlement applications before the Karnataka High Court in the matter related to repaying of loans to the banks. "I have filed comprehensive settlement applications before the Karnataka High Court which coincidently going to be head today," he said. Mallya, who arrived at the Westminster Magistrate's Court in London to hear the judgment in an extradition case, said that his legal team would review the judgment and take proper steps thereafter. "Whatever the judgment, my legal team will review the judgment and take proper steps thereafter," he said. "Yes, I have tweeted saying that I want to repay to bankers and others that have nothing to do with this extradition issue. It is a completely separate matter. 

My settlement matter is not related to the judgment which is going to be delivered today," he added. The Westminster Magistrates Court in London is expected to pronounce its judgment in the extradition case of Mallya on Monday. The court is hearing the case on India's request. On December 6, Mallya reiterated his wish to repay banks completely in a bid to end the narrative of him having "stolen" money from various lenders. A day after Mallya requested banks to accept money from him, the 62-year-old, once again, refuted reports of any connection between his proposed settlement offer and the upcoming ruling in a UK court with regard to his request to block his extradition to India. On Wednesday, the liquor baron, while refuting all allegations levelled against him, had offered to pay back the full amount of the principal loan he owed to multiple banks. 

"Respectfully to all commentators, I cannot understand how my extradition decision or the recent extradition from Dubai and my settlement offer are linked in any way. Wherever I am physical, my appeal is "Please take the money." I want to stop the narrative that I stole money," he tweeted. On Sunday, a joint team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) led by CBI Joint Director A Sai Manohar left for the United Kingdom (UK) for the court proceedings. Earlier, CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana was leading this case. Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the ED on a plea filed by Mallya seeking a stay on the proceedings initiated by the ED to declare him a fugitive economic offender and confiscate his assets. Mallya is facing money-laundering charges in the United Kingdom after India initiated extradition proceedings against him. Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have filed several cases for alleged loan default against him. Mallya has been residing in the UK for the past two years. (ANI)

Read more at: http://www.sify.com/news/i-didnt-steal-anyones-money-mallya-news-international-smkqKIaifbjjd.html

‘Case to answer’: Business tycoon Vijay Mallya’s extradition allowed by UK court

Westminster Magistrates’ Court Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot ruled that there was no evidence which allowed her to find that if extradited, Mallya was “at real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice” or that “the prosecution is politically motivated”.WORLD Updated: Dec 10, 2018 19:21 IST

HT Correspondent 

Hindustan Times, London

Indian businessman Vijay Mallya gestures to the media as he takes a break outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London, Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. A British judge ruled Monday that Mallya can be extradited to India to face fraud allegations.(AP File Photo)(AP)

A United Kingdom court has allowed the extradition of businessman Vijay Mallya to India to face charges of financial irregularities running into thousands of crores.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot ruled that there was no evidence which allowed her to find that if extradited, Mallya was “at real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice” or that “the prosecution is politically motivated”.

“Having considered evidence as a whole. There is a case to answer,” she said as she ruled that the liquor baron could be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

“If the conduct occurred in this jurisdiction, the conduct would constitute the offences of making false representations to make a gain for himself, conspiracy to defraud and money laundering,” she added, referring the extradition case to Secretary of State Sajid Javid, who will pass an order based on the verdict.

The defence team has the right to file for a permission to appeal in the Chief Magistrate’s ruling in the UK High Court.

The verdict was welcomed in India. Union finance minister Arun Jaitley called it a “great day” for India.

“Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free.The Judgement of UK’s Court is welcome. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book,” he said in a tweet.

“We welcome the decision and hope to bring Dr Vijay Mallya back soon. CBI has its own inherent strengths. We worked hard on this case. CBI was always strong on facts and legally we were confident while pursuing extradition process,” said CBI spokesman Abhishek Dayal. A joint team of the CBI and ED led by CBI joint director A Sai Manohar are in the United Kingdom for the court proceedings.

Before the hearing, Mallya, entering the court, told media that whatever the judgement, his legal team will review it and “take proper steps thereafter”.

“Yes I have tweeted saying that I want to repay, that has nothing to do with this extradition issue. It’s a completely separate matter,” he said

Mallya also said that he has not stolen anyone’s money and his offer to pay back the loan amount of banks is not a bogus one.

The 62-year-old former boss of Kingfisher Airlines has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. He has contested that the extradition case against him is “politically motivated” and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

“I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud,” he said in a post on Twitter recently.

“I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it,” the flamboyant businessman tweeted earlier.

First Published: Dec 10, 2018 19:12 IST