Airfares shoot through sky for yearend travel

Airfares shoot through sky for yearend travel 

Cheapest Fares Have Inconvenient Flight Timing 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK Mumbai : Airfares for yearend domestic travel from Mumbai are sky-high, but largely only to leisure destinations such as Srinagar, Dehradun, Cochin, Port Blair, and such. Fares for travel in the last week of December on non-stop flights between metros such as those from Mumbai to Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru aren't that high this time around, as the cheapest return fares are still priced between ₹9,000 and ₹13,000. The last weekend of the year, comprising Dec 28 (Saturday), and Dec 29, are particularly high in demand for travel out of metros with the most expensive fares. Even on the Mumbai-Kolkata route, which typically sees perennially high fares priced at around ₹10,000 for one-way travel, is at present selling at ₹17,000, which isn’t bad given it is a return fare on non-stop flights. The ones who are hit the most, as usual, are passengers who need to travel for emergency purposes and buy 24-hour advance purchase fares. 

One-way fares on flights from Mumbai to places such as Ranchi (₹20,000), Patna (₹18,000), and Kochi (₹12,000) are high, though not so high to places like Lucknow, Nagpur, and Raipur, which are for now selling for around ₹8,000. Then there are other cities where even 24-hour advance, one-way fares on non-stop flights are not too high, such as Indore (₹5,000), Delhi (₹6,000), Hyderabad (₹4,000), and Bengaluru (₹7,700). The catch, as always, is that the cheapest fares are on flights with inconvenient flight times. The bad boys are all fares to leisure destinations for travel between December 23 and January 1 (see box). Nishant Pitti, CEO and cofounder of EaseMyTrip, says, “Indian travellers are experiencing a complex airfare landscape this year-end season, with significant variations across domestic and  international routes. For domestic routes, the data reveals mixed fare patterns. The Delhi-Goa route, a perennial favourite, shows a modest 2% increase with average fares at ₹9,301. 

He added: “However, some routes like Pune-Benga- luru have seen dramatic fare surges, with prices jumping 80% to ₹10,000-11,000, compelling travellers to reconsider their holiday plans.” “In terms of top destinations, domestic travellers are gravitating towards Goa, Delhi, and Bengaluru, with Goa maintaining its status as the premier year-end celebration destination,” he said.

India doubles medical colleges, MBBS seats rise by 130%, PG seats by 135%

India doubles medical colleges, MBBS seats rise by 130%, PG seats by 135%

The government has reported a 102% rise in medical colleges with a 130% growth in MBBS seats and 135% growth in PG seats since 2014, boosting healthcare infrastructure across India and surpassing WHO standards in the doctor-to-population ratio.

The government has reported a 102% rise in medical colleges with a 130% growth in MBBS seats and 135% growth in PG seats since 2014, boosting healthcare infrastructure across India and surpassing WHO standards in doctor-to-population ratio.

India Today Education Desk

New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 5, 2024 21:16 IST

In ShortIndia now has 780 medical colleges, up from 387 in 2014

MBBS seats increased by 130%, from 51,348 to 1,18,137

Doctor-to-population ratio improves to 1:811, exceeding WHO standards

The Indian government has reported a remarkable 102% increase in medical colleges and a 130% rise in MBBS seats since 2014, aiming to strengthen healthcare access and meet global standards.

India now has 780 medical colleges compared to 387 in 2014, reflecting a 102% surge, Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed the Lok Sabha last week.

MBBS seats have also soared from 51,348 in 2014 to 1,18,137 in 2024, a 130% jump. This significant growth is attributed to policies encouraging the establishment of new colleges and the expansion of existing ones.

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PG seats have risen by 135%, from 31,185 in 2014 to 73,157 in 2024.

STATES MAKING BIG STRIDES

Several states saw major progress in their medical education infrastructure. Uttar Pradesh now leads with 86 medical colleges, up from 30 in 2014, and has expanded its MBBS seats from 3,749 to 12,425.

Karnataka has 73 colleges, Maharashtra increased its count from 44 to 80, and Rajasthan rose from 10 colleges to 43.

Telangana, which had no medical colleges in 2013-14, now boasts 65 colleges and 9,040 MBBS seats.

Tamil Nadu added 5,835 MBBS seats, reaching a total of 12,050. Smaller states and UTs, such as Nagaland and Mizoram, opened their first medical colleges, while Telangana stands out with exponential growth.

INDIA SURPASSES WHO STANDARDS

India's doctor-to-population ratio is now 1:811, surpassing the World Health Organization’s standard of 1:1000.

This improvement is due to the combined efforts of increased MBBS and postgraduate (PG) seats.

The government’s initiatives include upgrading district hospitals into medical colleges and establishing new AIIMS. Of the 157 approved medical colleges, 131 are functional. Additionally, 19 out of 22 new AIIMS have begun undergraduate courses.

Efforts to tackle faculty shortages include recognising DNB qualifications and raising the retirement age of faculty to 70 years.

Pushpa 2 in race to be among top grossers in US

Pushpa 2 in race to be among top grossers in US 

Spiralling Ticket Prices Touch $70 

Amisha.Rajani@timesofindia.com 06.12.2024

Hyderabad : Amid the tragedy back home, ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ made a killing with its premier shows across the US. According to some local industry sources, the collections of the Allu Arjun-starrer has already crossed the $3.9 million and secured a spot among the top 3 movies with biggest openings. The tremendous rush has, meanwhile, sent ticket prices spiralling with seats being sold for $40 (₹3,400), almost four times the usual price, in many locations, said movie buffs there. Some claimed that tickets were resold too for anywhere between $50 (₹4,250)and $70 ( ₹5,800) — rates never heard of before. “The excitement for the movie has been tough to contain. We have been waiting for this for too long,” said Rajesh Pothula, a tech professional from New Jersey.

 “Even though $40 felt like a stretch, I didn’t want to miss experiencing it on the big screen.” Others, however, were less enthused by the inflated rates. “It’s amazing how much hype the movie has generated, but $70 for a ticket? That is insane,” said Swapna Reddy, a student from California. “I had to skip the premiere because it was way beyond my budget,” she added. Anil Choudhary, an IT consultant working in Dallas had to do the same. “I understand there’s a demand, but charging $40 feels like exploiting fans,” said Anil who waited months for the movie, but gave it a miss after seeing ticket price. 

High ticket prices due to limited shows: Film distributors The film’s distributors in the US claimed that the high prices were because of limited shows. “Pushpa’s massive fan base overseas guarantees packed theatres,” said a distributor in Dallas, Texas. “Premium pricing during premieres isn’t unusual, especially for Indian blockbusters with high production costs and star power.” Despite the hefty prices, the movie drew packed audiences, with several shows running full house. “It was worth every penny,” said Ravi Kumar, who drove over two hours to watch the film in Chicago. “The energy in the theatre was electric. It felt like a festival

Draft UGC rules moot flexibility for students

Draft UGC rules moot flexibility for students 

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com 06.12.2024

New Delhi : Students from any stream in Class 12 can now pursue an UG programme of their choice, and UG students can join any PG discipline, provided they clear a nationalor universitylevel entrance exam, such as CUET, according to a draft of new UGC regulations aiming to bring sweeping reforms in India’s higher education.

UGC also proposes to offer biannual admissions, flexibility in minimum credit requirements to obtain a degree, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities through an option of pursuing two programmes simultaneously. The regulations released on Thursday for feedback and suggestions, will be applicable to central, state, private and deemed universities. These aim at dismantling the traditional disciplinary rigidities by allowing students to choose programmes outside their prior streams, provided they meet entrance exam requirements. 

Latest framework encourages recognition of prior learning 

Irrespective of the disciplines taken by a student in level 4/class 12 schooling, a student is eligible for admission in any discipline of UG programme, if the student qualifies the national level or university level entrance examination in the discipline of UG programme,” according to the regulations. UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar said, "The draft UGC regulations, 2024, aim at transforming higher education by promoting flexibility, inclusivity, and adaptability. 

By  removing rigid disciplinary boundaries, students can now explore diverse learning opportunities, ensuring India's education system evolves to global standards." The latest framework also encourages mobility between vocational and general education, and recognition of prior learning — whereby students' professional experiences can translate into academic credits. Under these regulations, higher education institutions (HEIs) are authorised to conduct admissions twice a year — during July/Aug, and Jan/Feb. 

The draft further introduces options for multiple entry and exit points, allowing students to transition between academic levels with interim certifications such as diplomas or degrees, depending on their earned credits. Minimum of 50% of total credits must be earned in the student's chosen core subject to obtain a degree, while the remaining can be accumulated through multidisciplinary or skill-based courses. The reforms also redefine attendance norms, allowing HEIs to tailor minimum requirements based on the programme structure, in align ment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The focus on continuous formative assessment and flexibility in curriculum content reflects a commitment to fostering holistic and multidisciplinary education, the UGC said.

The regulations also have provisions for three or four year duration for UG degrees, with optional extensions under the extended degree programme or acceleration via the accelerated degree programme. For PG a two-year programme is standard, though graduates from four-year UG courses may qualify for a one year master's programme. The UGC has also acknowledged learning acquired through non-formal channels, introducing the recognition of prior learning provision. The regulations advocate for the integration of skilling, internships, and apprenticeships into UG and PG curricula. The credit-based structure aims at seamless transitions and interdisciplinary exploration, with the academic bank of credits serving as a centralised repository for credit storage and transfer across institutions.

HC: Repeated suicide threats cruelty, ground for divorce

HC: Repeated suicide threats cruelty, ground for divorce

06.12.2024

Raipur : “Repeated threats of suicide constitute cruelty,” Chhattisgarh high court has said, while granting divorce to a husband and dismissing the wife’s plea for restitution of conjugal rights, reports Partha Behera. “When such statements (suicide threats) are frequently made, no spouse can live peacefully. In this case, the husband has provided substantial evidence that the wife repeatedly threatened to commit suicide and even attempted to end her life by jumping off the roof. 

Cruelty is defined as behaviour towards a spouse that instils a reasonable apprehension that living with the other party would be harmful or detrimental. The wife’s actions were of such a nature and magnitude that they caused pain, suffering, and mental agony to the husband, amounting to cruelty under matrimonial law,” observed a division bench of Justice Rajani Dubey and Justice Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal, citing various SC judgments. 

The court also directed the husband to pay Rs 5 lakh as permanent alimony to the wife. The couple were married on Dec 28, 2015, but began living separately from Feb 2018. The husband sought divorce, while the wife sought reconciliation, alleging harassment by the husband.

Secretariat staffers hit by flurry of fake int’l calls Fear Their Personal Data Hacked From Govt Records

Secretariat staffers hit by flurry of fake int’l calls Fear Their Personal Data Hacked From Govt Records 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 05.12.2024  BHOPAL 

Bhopal : Employees of the Madhya Pradesh state secretariat are receiving an alarming flurry of fake calls and missed calls from international numbers. The numbers being targeted are those registered with the govt. The employees’ union has complained about this to the general administration department. At least 60 employees have complained through the union, fearing that their database is being hacked or leaked from govt records. The employees union reported that for the past few days, a number of employees in the secretariat are receiving international calls on their mobile numbers. The employees who received the calls were asked to click on different numbers on their mobile keypad if they wanted to continue mobile service. Many employees did not answer the calls for fear of being conned. 

On Nov 19, many secretariat employees received calls simultaneously from international numbers. When the employees searched the numbers on the Internet, they found they were from the US, South Africa, Arab countries, and other countries. This has been ongoing for the past few days. On Friday, retired govt employees and pensioners al so received similar fake calls. The employees union stated that such suspicious international calls are coming only to those numbers registered with the general administration dept. 

Those employees or officials who have more than one number have received calls only on the number they provided to the govt. The officers and employees brought this complaint to the notice of the employees union. Employees fear that the data of officers and employees secured with the govt has been leaked to fraudsters.

The employees union has submitted a memorandum in this regard to the general administration dept and has demanded an inquiry into the matter. The list of numbers on which the calls have been received has also been submitted to the govt. Breaching the data secured with the govt, if it has happened, is a serious matter, the employees stated. Sudhir Nayak, president, Mantralaya Seva Adhikari/ Karmchari Sangh, said it is a serious matter and needs immediate govt attention. At least 60 employees have contacted him and complained in this regard. Similar complaints were received from pensioners too. Govt data and records must be protected from being compromised, he added. 

Secretariat staff attend fire safety drill Bhopal : A fire drill was conducted at the state secretariat recently. The employees were briefed on how to use fire extinguishers and react in case of a fire incident. The drive was conducted under the supervision of Vallabh Bhawan chief security officer, Avinash Sharma. A similar drive was conducted in Satpura Bhawan and Vindhyanchal Bhawan recently. Employees were briefed on how to attend to those injured in the fire until medical assistance arrives. Close to a hundred employees were present when the fire personnel briefed them during the fire drill. Vallabh Bhawan I building caught a major fire on Mar 9. The alertness has been stepped up after the incident.

Miracle survival: 840gm preterm baby thrives after 80 days in NICU

Miracle survival: 840gm preterm baby thrives after 80 days in NICU 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  05.12.2024 

In a groundbreaking case in north Karnataka, a preterm infant weighing 840 grams, delivered at 25 weeks (six months of pregnancy), survived after receiving 80 days of specialised care, said Dr Marthandappa DH of Sparsham Children Hospital, Hubballi. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi Thursday, he said this case represents one of the earliest surviving premature births by gestational age in north Karnataka region.

The male infant was delivered in Sept 2024, following complications of cervi cal incompetence and premature rupture of membranes, which was managed by obstetrician Dr Seema Bhayiri. The infant initially experienced considerable difficulties due to incomplete development of vital organs, including the lungs, brain, gut, and skin. “The baby was placed on non-invasive mechanical ventilation for several days before being weaned to be given continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support for 30 days,” he said. “Kangaroo mother care even on CPAP, nutritional aspects with colostrum painting, and other supportive measures were provided and gradually the baby began to breastfeed,” he added. 

After 80 days in the NICU, the infant was discharged on Nov 25, reaching a weight of 1.6kg. Infants born before 28 weeks are classified as ‘micropremies’ and their survival presents significant challenges, requiring careful recreation of womb-like conditions in NICU with minimal light and sound exposure, he added.