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India Gazette
21-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
UP heatwave intensifies: Balrampur Hospital in Lucknow sets up cold wards, prepares for rising cases
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 21 (ANI): As a severe heatwave continues to scorch Uttar Pradesh, health authorities in Lucknow and other districts of the are stepping up efforts to protect residents from its deadly effects. Balrampur Hospital has launched special measures, including the establishment of cold wards with full medical support, to treat and manage patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. Dr. Dinesh Kumar, the current director of the hospital, said that the facility has set up a dedicated cold ward equipped with all necessary infrastructure to care for patients affected by the intense heat. 'We have a centralized air conditioning system throughout all wards to protect patients from the heatwave. Specifically, 20 beds have been reserved for heatwave patients, of which 10 are ready for immediate admission. All essential medicines, including ORS, are available,' Dr. Kumar said. He added that the hospital is fully prepared with ice packs, rectal thermometers, and other required medical equipment to treat heatstroke and related conditions. 'There is no ward without air conditioning, so patients will not suffer from heat inside the hospital,' he assured. To raise awareness about heatwave precautions, the hospital has also put up posters and banners advising people to avoid stepping out between 12 pm and 4 pm. 'If it is urgent to go outside during these hours, people should cover their heads, wear light clothes, carry cold water and ORS, and protect themselves from direct sunlight,' Dr. Kumar advised. Cold wards have also been established in all Community Service Centres (CSCs) across the region, equipped with coolers and fans to provide relief to those affected by the heatwave. He urged residents of Lucknow to stay indoors during peak heat hours and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this intense weather, as rising temperatures across Uttar Pradesh have already led to an increase in hospital admissions due to heat-related illnesses. Meanwhile, as per IMD, more heat waves are expected this month. As per IMD DG, April 2025 saw sharp weather contrasts. The month was the 50th driest April recorded nationwide since 1901. Yet southern and central India recorded substantial rainfall. The southern peninsular region experienced its 13th highest April rainfall since 1901 and 5th highest since 2001, while central India recorded its 28th highest April on record. Maximum daily temperatures across India were the 8th highest ever recorded for April, while minimum temperatures ranked 9th highest. Most regions in northwest, central, and northeast India recorded normal to above-normal daytime temperatures, and some areas in the peninsular and east-central regions avoided the worst of the heat. Notably, there was a sharp increase in heatwave activity during April. Western India was hit hardest, with Rajasthan and Gujarat experiencing between 6 to 11 heatwave days, significantly higher than the average of 2 to 3. East Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha recorded 4 to 6 heatwave days, while Maharashtra and nearby areas saw slightly fewer than usual. The IMD reported a major heatwave from April 3 to 10 across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Shorter but intense heatwaves followed later in the month, culminating in 72 days of heatwave or severe heatwave conditions across various meteorological subdivisions in the country. (ANI)
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Uttarakhand police achieves over 95% marriage registration under UCC in Kumaon Range
Rudrapur: Uttarakhand, the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), has recorded a significant achievement with 95.61% of police personnel in the Kumaon range successfully registering their marriages under the new law. Officials said that of the 3,212 eligible personnel, 3,071 have completed their marriage registration and all personnel at the Kumaon Range headquarters have achieved 100% compliance, while registration percentages in individual districts ranged from 92.83% to 98.05%. Inspector general (IG) of Kumaon Range, Ridhim Aggarwal , who has been driving the initiative, directed all district police heads to organise registration camps at police lines and stations, coordinate with Common Service Centres (CSCs), and appoint nodal officers to streamline the process. "As soon as I took charge, I made it a priority to ensure 100% registration under the UCC among our personnel," Aggarwal said. "We're closely monitoring progress and addressing all pending issues." For unregistered personnel who are facing issues such as pending Aadhaar corrections, legal separations, or spouses abroad, Aggarwal has instructed district heads to resolve these cases promptly. Appealing to the public, she said, "Citizens should also come forward and register on the UCC portal to ensure future ease and legal clarity." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo So far, the district-wise breakdown is as follows: Almora with 302 out of 308 personnel (98.05%), Bageshwar with 212 out of 219 (96.80%), Champawat with 289 out of 299 (96.66%), Nainital with 902 out of 925 (97.51%), Pithoragarh with 333 out of 350 (95.14%), Udham Singh Nagar with 1,010 out of 1,088 (92.83%) and Kumaon Range HQ with all 23 personnel registered (100%). The UCC, which aims to promote gender equality in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance, came into effect on Jan 27 earlier this year. It was passed by the Uttarakhand state assembly on Feb 7 in 2024 and received presidential assent on March 12. The drafting of the UCC rules was led by senior IPS officer Ridhim Aggarwal during her tenure as additional and special secretary (home).
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Maha Walks On 100-Day Reforms Path Charted By CM Fadnavis
Nagpur: In a bid to promote public interest and transparent governance, Maharashtra govt has rolled out a series of administrative and policy reforms aimed at making the state people-oriented. Revenue department, led by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, acting as a key driver of this transformation, implemented several new measures over the last three months under CM Devendra Fadnavis's 100-day programme. One of the major decisions include establishment of a single-window clearance system in every district collector's office for issuing permits to 1,660 petrol pumps. This decision stems directly from Fadnavis's suggestion to simplify administrative procedures and ensure faster clearances, thereby improving the ease of doing business and reducing bureaucratic red tape. Simultaneously, govt also launched Bawankule's brainchild — New State Sand Policy 2025 — aimed at ensuring affordable sand availability for housing and local infrastructure needs while protecting natural resources. The policy mandates use of at least 20% artificial sand in all govt and semi-govt constructions initially, with plans to increase this requirement in the next three years. The policy also provides for free sand, up to five brass, for beneficiaries under various housing schemes, marking a step toward social equity and support for economically weaker families. Efforts are also underway to remove sand deposits accumulated on agricultural land due to floods, thereby restoring such land for cultivation. The govt fixed royalty rates for sand and other minor minerals, and a penalty of ₹1 lakh will be imposed for illegal transportation of minor minerals. Revenue department also launched a host of services under Digital India initiative. Citizens can now access key services such as land records, 7/12 and 8A extracts, mutation (change) status, inheritance registration, and digitally-signed land documents. These services are also available through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Setu Kendras, aiming to build a transparent, accessible, and technology-driven administrative ecosystem. E-harvest inspections have been made mandatory at village level. Action will be taken against concerned officials if such inspections are not conducted through the prescribed digital system. The govt is working on integrating village-level systems of revenue, agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy development, and fisheries departments to streamline e-crop inspections. The goal is to improve accuracy of crop assessments and ensure that benefits of crop insurance schemes reach deserving farmers. All these services are accessible through official portal and its mobile app, allowing citizens to avail of services from the comfort of their homes, saving time and reducing need to visit govt offices. BOX Maha Push For Ease Of Services * Single-window system in every district collector's office for issuing permits to 1,660 petrol pumps * New sand policy to ensure affordable sand availability for infrastructure needs * At least 20% artificial sand to be used in all govt and semi-govt constructions * Free sand, up to five brass, for beneficiaries under various schemes * E-harvest inspections mandatory at village level * Easy access to land records, 7/12 and 8A extracts, mutation, inheritance registration etc * Official portal
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
India's telecom sector as champion of digital equality
Telecommunication services have emerged as a truly transformative force today. This has not only changed the way we interact with one another but have also contributed to the creation of a digitally connected society. Although this digital transformation is occurring at a rapid pace, a large section of women, especially in rural areas, still remain untouched by its benefits. While it has enabled more women to access education, acquire skills, take up entrepreneurship and become self-sufficient, the digital gender gap remains a serious concern that needs to be addressed promptly. According to the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2023, women in India are 30% less likely than men to use mobile internet-a gap wider than the global average of 19%. More than a third of Indian women who own a mobile phone still do not use it to access the internet. This highlights a deeper challenge that access isn't just about infrastructure, but also about empowering women with the knowledge, tools and freedom to go online. These barriers to digital inclusion for women in India are complex and deeply rooted. Affordability remains a significant challenge; only about 20% of girls aged 14-18 in rural areas own a smartphone, compared to nearly 44% of boys in the same age group, reflecting how women are often deprioritised for device access within households. Digital literacy also lags behind given that just one in three women in India have ever used the internet, compared to 57% of men, with urban-rural divides further widening this gap. India's telecom revolution has delivered far more than just faster speeds. With a combination of policy support, sustained investments and homegrown innovation, the sector has worked to make digital tools more accessible and affordable. Competitive tariffs, low-cost data plans and the widespread availability of mobile services have helped bring millions of previously disconnected citizens online. Even the government's vision of Digital India has provided a major push in expanding internet access and digital literacy, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. However, this would not have been possible without the efforts of telecom operators, who have not only built the physical infrastructure but also created practical, scalable solutions to help bridge the digital divide. India's digital journey is fundamentally about enhancing lives, with women emerging as key agents of change. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) has been instrumental in this transformation, providing digital literacy training to over 63.9 million rural residents between 2017 and 2024, it has helped over 60 million rural citizens, mostly women, pick up basic digital skills that let them access services, find opportunities, and connect with the world. A significant example of grassroots digital empowerment is the network of more than 67,000 women entrepreneurs managing Common Service Centres (CSCs) across India. These aren't just access points, they're change agents. But the story doesn't stop there. Telecom companies have also stepped up with customised digital literacy campaigns, offering content in local languages, mobile money know-how and tools that help women stay safe online. Add to this the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, SANKALP hubs across all districts, and BharatNet's high-speed connectivity in gram panchayats, and you see a full-circle approach. These efforts aren't just about plugging women into the digital world; they're about helping them lead it. The growth of digital commerce, social media platforms and remote work opportunities has opened new avenues for women's employment and entrepreneurship. Access to mobile-based financial services has also enabled many women to take control of their earnings and financial decisions. From digital wallets to mobile banking, women are now better positioned to save, invest and plan for their future. According to GSMA, closing the gender gap in mobile ownership and usage could generate an additional $230 billion in revenue for the mobile industry over eight years, highlighting the commercial and societal benefits of this very digital inclusion vision I am talking about. While the progress made so far is really commendable, achieving full digital gender parity requires continued focus and here the telecom sector has a pivotal role to play and it is already working continuously to innovate around affordability, creating pricing models and device solutions that lower the barriers to entry for women. Collaboration with policymakers is equally important to embed gender-sensitive principles in digital strategies which includes data-driven approaches to track progress, assess the impact of interventions, and course-correction wherever needed. The vision is pretty clear. We need a digitally inclusive India where every woman, regardless of location or background, has access to the tools and opportunities of the digital age. We believe that the telecom industry's role would be crucial to turn this vision into a reality, with sustained efforts and shared responsibility. This article is authored by Lt Gen SP Kochhar, director general, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), New Delhi.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
How fraud and bogus claims forced Maharashtra to abandon its Re 1 crop insurance scheme
The Maharashtra government has rolled back the Re 1 crop insurance scheme that it launched in 2023, and returned to the original Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), in which premiums are calculated as a percentage of the sum assured. Instead of the token Re 1, farmers will now pay premiums of 2% of the sum assured for kharif, and 1.5% and 5% for rabi and cash (commercial/ horticultural) crops respectively. Why has the Devendra Fadnavis government scrapped the scheme launched by the previous Mahayuti government of Eknath Shinde? What was Maharashtra's Re 1 crop insurance scheme? In March 2023, the Shinde government began a version of the PMFBY in Maharashtra that further liberalised the already heavily-subsidised structure of premiums in the central scheme that was launched in 2016. Crop insurance was made virtually free, with the government bearing the cost of the farmer's entire premium barring a symbolic Re 1. The special concession was intended to provide relief to farmers and increase insurance penetration in rural areas. So what went wrong? There was a massive surge in crop insurance applications across the state, and most claims turned out to be bogus. In 2022, before the Re 1 scheme was introduced, there were 1.04 crore applications under PMFBY, a small number of which (11,731) were found to be bogus or ineligible. Following the Re 1 scheme, applications in 2023 more than doubled to 2.42 crore, of which some 3.80 lakh were later found to be fraudulent. The trend continued in 2024, and the agriculture department had, until January 2025, rejected more than 4 lakh claim applications after finding them bogus or manipulated. What kind of bogus claims were made? The fraudulent applications were found to have falsified land records, and made claims without any actual sowing, or about land that wasn't even used for agriculture. According to agriculture department officials and reporting by The Indian Express, some claimants attempted to insure 'crops' on government-owned land, including on plots belonging to government departments such as the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Others made claims on farmland owned by religious trusts, shrines, temples, mosques, and other non-agricultural entities. In some cases, insurance claims were made without the knowledge of the owners of the land by others who used their land records. In Chandwad tehsil of Nashik district, an application for crop insurance was received for land on which a petrol pump was found. In the same district, 'crops' on more than 100 acres of non-agricultural land were insured fraudulently. And how were these fake claims submitted? A large number of bogus applications were filed through Common Service Centres (CSCs), which are digital access points that help people submit government-related applications. The CSC operators allegedly used fake names and land details, often without landowners knowing. The identification of the bogus claims raised serious questions over the security of data and the process of verification under the scheme. What did the government do once the fake claims came to light? The scale of the misuse of the scheme had become apparent by the time of the 2024 kharif crop, and the agriculture department began physical inspections and cross-verification of claims at the application stage. To formulate a policy response, a 25-member expert committee was set up under Agriculture Commissioner Raosaheb Bhagade with the task of evaluating the extent of fraud and recommending corrective actions. In its report submitted to the agriculture department in January 2024, the committee recommended several tough measures. It said that the Re 1 insurance scheme should be scrapped and that the government should return to the original premium structure under PMFBY. Those who had been found guilty of submitting bogus claims should not receive any government subsidy for five years. CSCs that had facilitated the submission of the fraudulent claims should be blacklisted, their operator IDs should be blocked, and criminal proceedings should be initiated against them. Subsequently, 140 CSC IDs were blocked. The government has said that it was necessary to scrap the scheme in order to preserve the integrity of the insurance system, protect public funds, and ensure that only genuine and deserving farmers benefit. According to officials, enhanced verification and accountability measures introduced in 2024 have already helped curb misuse and saved several crores of rupees.
