Latest news with #PublicInterestLitigations
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Vodafone Idea in talks with government on AGR relief: CEO Akshaya Moondra
NEW DELHI: Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra, during an investor call following the release of the company's Q4 and FY25 financial results, confirmed that the company is actively engaged in discussions with the government regarding the long-standing Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) issue. He noted that there are no existing restrictions that prevent the government from extending support. "As far as the government relief is concerned, I think we are engaged with the government... what the government will do, I cannot comment on their behalf. But definitely post the judgment, we continue with our engagement with the government to find a solution to the AGR matter," Moondra said, as quoted by news agency PTI. Highlighting broader challenges in the telecom sector, Moondra pointed out that India continues to have the lowest Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) globally, while industry returns remain below the cost of capital. He called on the urgent need for a revised pricing framework, stating that higher data consumption should be charged proportionally more- a departure from the current pricing model. Moondra also referred to the 2021 telecom reforms, emphasizing that despite Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in the Supreme Court, the court upheld that policy decisions fall within the government's domain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo He suggested this precedent indicates the government retains the authority to implement relief measures for the sector. The CEO further clarified the government's position regarding its 49 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea, acquired through a recent dues-to-equity conversion. "There is no intent to take up any board seat, the shareholding of the government is a consequence of the government providing support in reducing dues," he stated. This clarification gains importance as Vodafone Idea seeks a waiver of approximately Rs 30,000 crore in AGR dues. The company is grappling with statutory liabilities and a declining subscriber base. According to TRAI data, VI lost 6.47 lakh mobile users in April, bringing its total to 20.47 crore subscribers. Following the Supreme Court's dismissal of its AGR relief plea, Vodafone Idea informed the Department of Telecommunications that its operations beyond FY26 would be unsustainable without government intervention, a key concern in ongoing discussions with banks regarding future funding. Also read: 'No more conversion of equity in Voda-Idea' Financially, the company reported a reduced net loss of Rs 7,166.1 crore for the March quarter. Its revenue for Q4FY25 rose 3.8 per cent year-on-year to Rs 11,013.5 crore. For the full fiscal year, losses narrowed to Rs 27,383.4 crore from Rs 31,238.4 crore in FY24. To strengthen its financial position, Vodafone Idea's board has approved a fundraising plan of up to Rs 20,000 crore, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. The capital infusion may be raised 'either by way of further public offer or private placement or through any other permissible mode as may be considered appropriate,' the company said. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Whistleblowers expose rampant quackery in wellness, cosmetic industry
Hyderabad: A group of whistleblowers, including Purnima Mandava, advocate Hanumanth Rao, public analyst Srinu, and evidence presenter Pawan, exposed the alarming rise of quackery and medical misrepresentation in the wellness and cosmetic sector in Telangana. Addressing the media on Tuesday, the speakers presented evidence of fake doctorates, impersonation through media branding, and procedures being performed by unqualified technicians instead of certified medical professionals. A widely circulated video involving actor Ali – misled by someone falsely claiming to be a doctor – was cited as a key example. They emphasised how unchecked media promotion and the false use of medical titles have endangered public safety and created mass confusion. The speakers also highlighted misleading GST billing practices and detailed how end-to-end cosmetic and wellness procedures are often conducted by unqualified individuals in the absence of medical oversight. Concerns were raised about the use of social media influencers to discredit whistleblowers and silence public criticism. Legal action, including Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and complaints under broadcasting and consumer protection laws, is being planned. This citizen-led initiative is supported by professionals from diverse fields – doctors, entrepreneurs, IIT and IIM alumni, tax experts, and public health advocates. The group stressed that this is not a business rivalry, but a collective effort in the public interest to restore ethics and accountability in the wellness and cosmetic industry. They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting consumers and challenging unsafe practices carried out under the guise of medical expertise.
New Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
E-KYC must be made accessible to persons with disabilities: SC notes digital access a 'fundamental right'
NEW DELHI: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held that mandating physical expressions such as blinking during the e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process discriminates against persons with disabilities, including acid attack survivors and those with visual impairments. The Court stated that digital access is a fundamental right and must be made universally accessible. 'The right to digital access is intrinsic to Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It emerges as a distinct component of the right to life and liberty (Article 21), necessitating that the State proactively design and implement an inclusive digital ecosystem not only for the privileged but also for persons with disabilities, marginalised who are being historically excluded,' observed the bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan. The bench was hearing two Public Interest Litigations (PILs), one filed by an acid attack survivor and another by a blind or low-vision person, challenging the inaccessibility of digital KYC procedures. The acid attack survivor, in her plea, stated that she faced severe eye disfigurement and facial damage. In July 2023, she approached a bank to open an account but could not complete the e-KYC process because the bank required a live photograph in which she blinked. Due to this condition, she was denied access and sought relief from the apex court. Highlighting the barriers created by such practices, the petition pointed out that the mandatory requirement of proving a customer is alive, regulated by the RBI, can currently only be fulfilled if the person blinks before the camera, effectively excluding many with disabilities. In response, the apex court passed 20 directions to ensure accessibility in the digital KYC process. It held that acid attack survivors and persons with visual impairments are entitled to protection under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. 'The constitutional provisions confer a statutory right on the petitioners to be accommodated in the KYC process. It is imperative that digital KYC guidelines are revised with the accessibility code. In the contemporary era, where economic opportunities etc. is through digital (access), Article 21 needs to be re-interpreted in light of such technology and the digital divide increases,' the court stated.
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
After HC's criticism, Jharkhand staff panel promises to wrap up teacher appointments by August second week
Days after the Jharkhand High Court directed it to speed up the appointment of 26,000 school teachers in the state, the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has promised to appoint upper primary teachers by the first week of August and primary teachers by the second week of August. The state will also file a compliance report by June 30. The state gave the timeline during a hearing of the case in the high court Wednesday. The court was hearing a series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed last June by economist and activist Jean Drèze and co-petitioner Paran Amitava, highlighting the shortage of teachers in primary (Classes 1 to 5) and upper-primary (Classes 6 to 8) schools in Jharkhand and calling for the better enforcement of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, in the state. Advocate Piyushita Meha Tudu, appearing for the petitioners, emphasized before the court that a substantial number of additional teacher appointments are essential to meet the requirements of the Act. In its previous counter-affidavit filed on April 11, the JSSC proposed a year-long timeline for appointing teachers but the court had asked the state to complete the recruitment before the next academic year. Meanwhile, in a new affidavit they filed on April 21, petitioners referred to a statement by the Ministry of Education on September 19, 2020 that there were 95,897 vacant teacher posts in government schools across Jharkhand in 2020-21 – mostly at primary and upper-primary levels. The court, however, said the affidavit would be revisited after JSSC submits its compliance report at the end of June. According to petitioner Jean Drèze, independent studies by professors Geeta Kingdon (University College London) and Sandip Datta (Delhi School of Economics) show Jharkhand would require significantly more than 26,000 additional school teachers to meet the pupil-teacher ratio norms mandated by the RTE Act, 2009. The RTE Act mandates that the pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) should not exceed 30 students per teacher in any primary or upper-primary school, and each school must have at least two teachers.
