MEA notice on revised rules for passport changes

MEA notice on revised rules for passport changes 

Neha.Madaan@timesofindia.com  10.04.2025

Pune : Citizens can now add the name of their spouse to their passport without submitting a marriage certificate, thanks to the introduction of Annexure J option. 

A senior passport official said the new guidelines of ministry of external affairs (MEA) would significantly simplify the passport amendment process.

 “The joint photo declaration (Annexure J), signed by both husband and wife now serves as a valid alternative to the traditional marriage certificate requirement that many found difficult to fulfill,” Pune’s regional passport officer Arjun Deore told TOI. 

“Given that MEA is streamlining the documentary process, this change addresses a significant regional disparity. In Maharashtra, marriages are registered by default. But in northern states, many don’t register marriages and thus, don’t possess marriage certificates,” said another senior passport official. “So MEA has given the option of joint photo declaration as an alternative,” the official added.

Apex court issues notice on PIL questioning NAAC functioning

Apex court issues notice on PIL questioning NAAC functioning 

‘Working Is Marred By Corruption And Lack Of Transparency’

AmitAnand.Choudhary@timesofindia.com 10.04.2025

New Delhi : Supreme Court on Wednesday decided to go deep into the functioning of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) which assesses and grades the higher education institutions in the country after it was alleged that its working is marred by corruption and lack of transparency and arbitrariness which is also reflected in CAG audit report and a case registered by CBI against its officials . 

Sensing that the allegations levelled in PIL was very serious which could affect higher education in the country, a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Joyamalya Bagchi said that it would examine the petition questioning the functioning of the council. 

Pleading for the court’s intervention, advocate Mohammad Shoeb Alam and advocate Manan Verma told the bench that the issue was very serious as the very credibility and fairness of the council’s working was questionable. 

The petition filed by NGO ‘Nostro Destino Foundation’, which works with Tihar jail prisoners to impart them education and help them in rehabilitation, requested the court to set up a committee to scrutinise and check assessments and gradings done by the Council of Higher Education Institutions in the last 5 years. 

Agreeing to hear the plea, the bench said “We want to go deep into the matter as to how they are functioning.” The petitioner submitted that the CAG audit done in March 2023 revealed glaring discrepancies in NAAC’s assessment processes and CBI recently in Feb registered a case against NAAC officials and certain educational institutions for accepting bribes in exchange for favorable accreditation scores.

The bribes reportedly included cash payments, gold, mobile phones and laptops highlighting the transactional nature of the accreditation process, it said. “After the allegations of corruption surfaced in the grading process in February, 2025, NAAC removed over 900 assessors without conducting re-assessments of the institutions evaluated by them. 

Further, NAAC arbitrarily initiated a re-DVV process (data validation and verification) after the first process ended for several insti tutions, reducing their previously awarded scores without affording any opportunity of hearing them. The 

 absence of transparency in the NAAC assessment process has led to widespread uncertainty regarding its credibility and fairness,” the petition said. The bench, after a brief hearing, issued notice to UGC, NAAC and Centre’s HRD ministry and sought their response. The petition said the assessment and grading done by NAAC not only affects the reputation of the institutions but also affects the quality of education being provided and the process followed by NAAC is violative of Article 14 and Article 21 of Constitution. It said arbitrary and non-uniform grading processes lead to discrimination among HEIs, as some institutions benefit from corrupt practices while others suffer due to a lack of transparency. “The opaque process of peer team selection and institutional assessments has led to inconsistent and unreliable grading,” the petition said. UNDER SCANNER: We want to go deep into the matter as to how they are functioning, said the SC agreeing to the plea

Technical glitch hits passport servers nationwide for 2 days

Technical glitch hits passport servers nationwide for 2 days 

DOWNTIME 

Creates Chaos At Key Centres, Appts Affected Neha.Madaan@timesofindia.com 10.04.2025

Pune : The technical glitch plaguing passport servers nationwide continued for a second day on Wednesday, with applicants across major cities expressing frustration as appointments continued to be cancelled or delayed. Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and other cities witnessed chaos as server issues that began Tuesday worsened, affecting numerous applicants who had scheduled appointments months in advance.

 “The server problem persisted even on Wednesday pan-India. We are trying to sort the issue as soon as possible, and everything should run smoothly soon,” a senior passport official said. “The PSK Pune-Ghorpadi office has not been operational since yesterday due to server issues. I had an appointment at 3.30pm but received no message or email informing me of any cancellation. I’ve been waiting since 12.30pm,” said Mahsku Phadtare, an applicant who urgently needed to travel abroad for work.

 “Officials are only giving one response: ‘Reschedule your appointment or visit Solapur PSK’. This is extremely difficult when I need to travel urgently for professional commitments.” The Mumbai RPO acknowledged the crisis on social media, posting: “Appointments for passport applications at all PSKs/POPSKs under RPO Mumbai are suspended till 1pm today (Wednesday) due to server issues. Affected applicants may reschedule the appointment to a further date.” It later added that applicants would receive an additional chance to reschedule if they had exhausted their three

allowed attempts. 

Parents of minor applicants have been particularly affected. Rahul Singhvi said on X: “My child missed school because of a scheduled passport appointment. It would have been really helpful if we had been informed earlier.” Pallav Kadhi, a businessman from Warje, told TOI, “We had been standing in extreme heat outside the passport office gate for hours Wednesday, and finally they told us to leave, stating: ‘All passport services were suspended for April 9. Additional chance for applicants to reschedule will be further communicated.’

Now, add spouse’s name to passport sans marriage cert

Now, add spouse’s name to passport sans marriage cert

Neha.Madaan@timesofindia.com 10.04.2025

Pune : Citizens can now add the name of their spouse to their passport without submitting a marriage certificate, thanks to the introduction of ‘Annexure J’ option. 

A senior passport official said the new MEA guidelines would significantly simplify the amendment process. “The joint photo declaration (Annexure J), signed by both husband and wife, now serves as a valid alternative to the traditional marriage certificate requirement that many found difficult to fulfill,” 

Pune’s regional passport officer Arjun Deore told TOI.

“Given MEA is streamlining the documentary process, this change addresses a significant regional disparity. In Maharashtra, marriages are registered by default. But in northern states, many don’t register marriages and thus, don’t possess marriage certificates,” said another senior passport official. 

The ‘Annexure J’ form serves as a joint declaration in lieu of a marriage certificate for passport applicants. The document requires passport applicants to declare their name and residence, and affirm that they are married to their spouse, stating they have been living together as a married couple. The applicant must request that their passport be issued or reissued with their spouse’s name included. The form includes a solemn affirmation that all provided information is correct. 

“A designated space is provided for a self-attested joint photograph of the husband and wife. The form must include the place and date of signing, along with signatures of spouses. Additional details required include names, Aadhaar card numbers, voter ID numbers and passport numbers (if available) of both parties,” Deore said

Patient follows doctor and seeks consultation while he was jogging: This is what the doc did

 Patient follows doctor and seeks consultation while he was jogging: This is what the doc did

etimes.in | Apr 9, 2025, 04.00 PM IST

Have you ever been taken aback by a life lesson that a doctor taught you? Here's one such lesson taught by Dr Sudhir Kumar who recently shared an incident that talks about self-care in volumes.

Dr Sudhir Kumar's post on social media talks about self-care and why it is important. In a country, where there are few doctors to attend to hundreds and thousands of patients, Dr Kumar's post is a lesson for all the doctors who find less time to take care of themselves. The life of doctors in India is a mix of dedication, pressure, and purpose. From long, demanding study years to intense hospital shifts, their journey is filled with sacrifice. Many work extended hours, often in overcrowded hospitals with limited resources, especially in public healthcare.

"A few days back while running, a person on his two-wheeler stopped beside me, and requested a follow-up consultation (he had consulted me about six weeks earlier). I requested him to consult me at hospital. When he visited me at the hospital a few days later, he was upset that I gave more importance to running that doing a follow-up consultation (on the road). I told him: I care about my health and there is a proper place (and time) for medical consultation. He was still not convinced with my explanation," Dr Kumar has posted on social media platform X.

"I remember my train journeys from CMC Vellore (Tamil Nadu) to Bokaro (Bihar, now Jharkhand) in 90s. Journey was about 40 hours+. The moment co-passengers got to know that I am a doctor, the entire journey would become a place for consultation, second opinion, and all sorts of medical advice. Later on, when asked about my job during journeys, I used to say, I work as an office assistant," he writes.

Netizens and fellow doctors were quick to respond.

"I stopped using Dr as a prefix when I was awoken from sleep to tend to a train passenger. No 'thank you' followed. Responding to requests of air hostesses to rush to a hypoglycaemic patient and keep sitting beside him thro the journey, I expected gratitude," one X user has commented.

"It happens in family weddings as well. We have a cousin who is a doctor. Whenever we all assemble for a wedding in that city, each one of us discuss our health issues to get some solutions or ideas on how to proceed, especially oldies," writes another.

Read the post here:

Why self-care is less talked about in medical profession?

In the medical profession, self-care often takes a backseat due to the deeply ingrained culture of self-sacrifice and constant service. From the earliest stages of training, doctors are taught to prioritize patients above all else. Long hours, minimal sleep, and emotional detachment are often seen as badges of honor—symbols of dedication. As a result, many healthcare professionals internalize the belief that taking care of their own well-being is a sign of weakness or lack of commitment.

The fear of judgment or stigma plays a role. Admitting to stress, anxiety, or burnout may be perceived as incompetence or an inability to cope with the pressures of the job. This discourages open conversations about mental health and self-care within the medical community.

Systemic issues also contribute. Overburdened hospitals, staff shortages, and the relentless demand for care leave little time or space for self-care practices. Even institutional policies often fail to address the wellness needs of healthcare workers.

The irony is stark: those trained to heal others often neglect themselves. However, this relentless commitment can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue, and mental burnout. Long working hours, sleep deprivation, emotionally charged situations, and the constant pressure to perform flawlessly take a toll on their overall well-being. This is why self-care is not a luxury for doctors—it’s a necessity.

Regular sleep, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and moments of rest and reflection are essential to sustain their energy and focus. Mental health support, mindfulness practices, and taking breaks from high-pressure environments allow them to process stress and prevent compassion fatigue.

When doctors take care of themselves, they’re more resilient, empathetic, and better equipped to handle the demands of their profession. A well-rested, emotionally balanced doctor is less prone to errors and more capable of forming meaningful connections with patients.

NEWS TODAY 8.4.2025

 

Governors Must Not Create Roadblocks For Elected Governments, Must Respect People's Will: Supreme Court

Governors Must Not Create Roadblocks For Elected Governments, Must Respect People's Will: Supreme Court

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

8 Apr 2025 12:16 PM

The Court stated that the Governors must not thwart the will of the people for political ends.

In a significant judgment underscoring the constitutional role of Governors, the Supreme Court has called upon them to act with "due deference" to the principles of parliamentary democracy and the will of the people, warning against actions that may obstruct or undermine the functioning of elected state governments.

"We are not undermining the office of the Governor," the Court observed while delivering a strong reminder of the limits and responsibilities of the post. "All we say is that the Governor must act with due deference to the settled conventions of the Parliamentary democracy, respecting the will of the people expressed through the legislature as well as the elected government responsible to the people."

A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan made these important observations while declaring as illegal the Tamil Nadu Governor's withholding of the assent on ten bills re-enacted by the State Assembly and their reservation for the President.

The Court highlighted that the Governor is expected to act as a "friend, philosopher and guide" and not as a political actor. His role, the judgment stated, must be “guided not by considerations of political expediency but by the sanctity of the Constitutional oath he undertook.” It added that in moments of political tension, the Governor must work as “a harbinger of consensus and resolution,” using wisdom and discretion to support state governance rather than impede it.

“The Governor must be the catalyst and not the inhibitor,” the Court emphasized, urging that the office should help facilitate the functioning of the state machinery rather than bringing it to a standstill.

Importantly, the judgment cautioned that any attempt by the Governor to stall legislative processes or subvert the electoral mandate would amount to a betrayal of the Constitution:

"The Governor must be conscious to not create roadblocks or chokehold the State legislature in order to thwart and break the will of the people for political ends... any expression contrary to the express choice of the people, in other words, the State legislature, would be a renege on the Constitutional oath."

The Court also stressed that those holding high constitutional offices must be guided by the enduring values of the Constitution, which were born out of the struggles and sacrifices of India's founding leaders. "When called upon to take decisions, such authorities must not give into ephemeral political considerations but rather be guided by the spirit that underlies the Constitution."

Justice J.B. Pardiwala, who authored the judgment, concluded with a poignant quote from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: “However good a constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad.”

The exact words from the judgment are quoted below :

"We are not undermining the office of the Governor. All we say is that the Governor must act with due deference to the settled conventions of the Parliamentary democracy, respecting the will of the people expressed through the legislature as well as the elected government responsible to the people. He must perform his role of a friend, a philosopher and guide, with dispassion, guided not by considerations of political expediency but by the sanctity of the Constitutional oath he undertook. In times of conflict, he must be the harbinger of consensus and resolution, lubricating the functioning of the state machinery by his sagacity and wisdom, and not bring it to a standstill. He must be the catalyst and not the inhibitor. All his actions must be taken keeping in mind the high constitutional office he occupies. It is imperative that all his actions must be guided by true allegiance to his oath and he faithfully executes his functions. The Governor as the Constitutional head of the State is obliged to accord primacy to the will and welfare of the people of the State and earnestly work in harmony with the State machinery.

The Governor must be conscious to not create roadblocks or chokehold the State legislature in order to thwart and break the will of the people for political ends. The members of the State legislature have been elected by the people of the State as a result of the democratic outcome are better attuned to ensure the well-being of the people. Hence, any expression contrary to the express choice of the people, in other words, the State legislature, would be a renege on the Constitutional oath."

"The Constitutional authorities occupying high offices must be guided by the values of the Constitution. These values that are so cherished by the people of India are a result of years of struggles and sacrifices by our forefathers. When called upon to take decisions, such authorities must not give into ephemeral political considerations but rather be guided by the spirit that underlies the Constitution. They must look within and reflect whether their actions are informed by the Constitutional oath and the course of actions adopted by them furthers the ideals of the Constitution. "