Latest news with #RegistrarofBirthsandDeaths


Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Indian passport revamped: 5 big changes you need to know
Presenting, Indian passport 2.0! Yes, the passport of India has entered into the new digital world and is up for all sorts of modernisation in 2025. Several major changes have been introduced which are aimed at enhancing security, privacy, and accessibility. Here are five big changes you need to know: Introduction of e-Passports : India has started to roll out chip-enabled e-passports in some cities, including Goa and Ranchi. These passports have embedded RFID chips that securely store biometric and personal data. It will include fingerprints and photographs. This digital advancement aims to streamline immigration processes and bolster security by reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud. Note: Current passport holders are not required to replace their existing passports immediately; the e-passport option is available upon renewal or new application . Birth certificate required for those born after October 1, 2023 : All those born after October 1, 2023 will have to submit their birth certificate for a passport. The birth certificate should be issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or a designated authority under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. This requirement ensures uniformity and authenticity in the documentation process. Applicants born before this date may continue to use alternative documents such as Aadhaar, PAN card, or school certificates . Removal of Residential Address : To make things more private, the residential address will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport. Now the address information will be shared in a scannable barcode and can be only accessed by authorized immigration officials. Removal of Parents' Names from passports : Now this is a significant move! The new rule also reflects evolving family structures as the names of parents will no longer be included in new passports. This update simplifies the application process for individuals from diverse family backgrounds, including single-parent households and those with estranged family relationships. : To improve accessibility, the government plans to increase the number of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from 442 to 600 by 2030. This expansion aims to reduce processing times and make passport services more convenient for citizens, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas . These updates signify India's commitment to modernising its passport system. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change

Rhyl Journal
15-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Rise in deaths in state detention an ‘escalating crisis behind closed doors'
Some 546 deaths in state detention were reported to coroners in 2024 – an 11% increase on 492 the previous year, according to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data. The MoJ said this was driven by a 16% rise in deaths in prison custody. One charity boss said the figures were evidence of an 'escalating crisis behind closed doors'. A total of 359 deaths in prison custody were reported to coroners last year – up from 309 the year before. There were also 16 deaths in police custody, four deaths in immigration removal centres and 151 deaths of people subject to detention under the Mental Health Act. All deaths in England and Wales must be registered with the Registrar of Births and Deaths, and can also be reported to coroners who must investigate if there is reason to believe the cause of death is unknown or the death was violent, unnatural, or occurred in custody or other state detention. Nearly a third (31%) of all deaths registered across the two countries were reported to coroners in 2024. Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures show a total of 174,878 deaths were reported to coroners for investigation in 2024 – a 10% decrease on the previous year, and the lowest figure since records began in 1995. Deaths in state detention are systematically investigated, including by other bodies such as the police and ombudsmen, before being subject to a coroner's inquest. Deborah Coles, director of the charity Inquest, said the rise in prison deaths is 'shocking', and called for more focus on coroners' reports on preventable deaths in detention. She said: 'These statistics are a reminder of an ongoing and escalating crisis behind the closed doors of our prisons and mental health hospitals.' The MoJ said the introduction of a new examination system, meaning every death is subject either to a medical examiner's scrutiny or to a coroner's investigation, may have affected the number of deaths reported to coroners. The new system was rolled out to ensure only those deaths which require investigation are referred to coroners, in order to reduce inquest backlogs and delays. Ms Coles warned the increase in prison deaths 'goes hand in hand' with the rise in the number of Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) reports issued by coroners in 2024, which are issued when there is a concern action should be taken to reduce or prevent the risk of other deaths occurring in the future. The MoJ figures show 713 PFD reports were issued in England and Wales in 2024 – a 25% jump from 569 the previous year and up from 404 in 2022. Ms Coles added: 'Without a national oversight mechanism to ensure these reports are acted on, preventable deaths will persist. 'We urgently need a system that tracks these recommendations, ensures accountability, and protects lives.' An MoJ spokesperson person said: 'All deaths in custody are investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and are subject to a coroner's inquest. 'We will always consider these independent investigations carefully and taken action any concerns.'


Glasgow Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Rise in deaths in state detention an ‘escalating crisis behind closed doors'
Some 546 deaths in state detention were reported to coroners in 2024 – an 11% increase on 492 the previous year, according to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data. The MoJ said this was driven by a 16% rise in deaths in prison custody. One charity boss said the figures were evidence of an 'escalating crisis behind closed doors'. A total of 359 deaths in prison custody were reported to coroners last year – up from 309 the year before. There were also 16 deaths in police custody, four deaths in immigration removal centres and 151 deaths of people subject to detention under the Mental Health Act. All deaths in England and Wales must be registered with the Registrar of Births and Deaths, and can also be reported to coroners who must investigate if there is reason to believe the cause of death is unknown or the death was violent, unnatural, or occurred in custody or other state detention. Nearly a third (31%) of all deaths registered across the two countries were reported to coroners in 2024. Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures show a total of 174,878 deaths were reported to coroners for investigation in 2024 – a 10% decrease on the previous year, and the lowest figure since records began in 1995. Deaths in state detention are systematically investigated, including by other bodies such as the police and ombudsmen, before being subject to a coroner's inquest. Deborah Coles, director of the charity Inquest, said the rise in prison deaths is 'shocking', and called for more focus on coroners' reports on preventable deaths in detention. She said: 'These statistics are a reminder of an ongoing and escalating crisis behind the closed doors of our prisons and mental health hospitals.' The MoJ said the introduction of a new examination system, meaning every death is subject either to a medical examiner's scrutiny or to a coroner's investigation, may have affected the number of deaths reported to coroners. The new system was rolled out to ensure only those deaths which require investigation are referred to coroners, in order to reduce inquest backlogs and delays. Ms Coles warned the increase in prison deaths 'goes hand in hand' with the rise in the number of Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) reports issued by coroners in 2024, which are issued when there is a concern action should be taken to reduce or prevent the risk of other deaths occurring in the future. The MoJ figures show 713 PFD reports were issued in England and Wales in 2024 – a 25% jump from 569 the previous year and up from 404 in 2022. Ms Coles added: 'Without a national oversight mechanism to ensure these reports are acted on, preventable deaths will persist. 'We urgently need a system that tracks these recommendations, ensures accountability, and protects lives.' An MoJ spokesperson person said: 'All deaths in custody are investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and are subject to a coroner's inquest. 'We will always consider these independent investigations carefully and taken action any concerns.'


South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Rise in deaths in state detention an ‘escalating crisis behind closed doors'
Some 546 deaths in state detention were reported to coroners in 2024 – an 11% increase on 492 the previous year, according to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data. The MoJ said this was driven by a 16% rise in deaths in prison custody. One charity boss said the figures were evidence of an 'escalating crisis behind closed doors'. A total of 359 deaths in prison custody were reported to coroners last year – up from 309 the year before. There were also 16 deaths in police custody, four deaths in immigration removal centres and 151 deaths of people subject to detention under the Mental Health Act. All deaths in England and Wales must be registered with the Registrar of Births and Deaths, and can also be reported to coroners who must investigate if there is reason to believe the cause of death is unknown or the death was violent, unnatural, or occurred in custody or other state detention. Nearly a third (31%) of all deaths registered across the two countries were reported to coroners in 2024. Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures show a total of 174,878 deaths were reported to coroners for investigation in 2024 – a 10% decrease on the previous year, and the lowest figure since records began in 1995. Deaths in state detention are systematically investigated, including by other bodies such as the police and ombudsmen, before being subject to a coroner's inquest. Deborah Coles, director of the charity Inquest, said the rise in prison deaths is 'shocking', and called for more focus on coroners' reports on preventable deaths in detention. She said: 'These statistics are a reminder of an ongoing and escalating crisis behind the closed doors of our prisons and mental health hospitals.' The MoJ said the introduction of a new examination system, meaning every death is subject either to a medical examiner's scrutiny or to a coroner's investigation, may have affected the number of deaths reported to coroners. The new system was rolled out to ensure only those deaths which require investigation are referred to coroners, in order to reduce inquest backlogs and delays. Ms Coles warned the increase in prison deaths 'goes hand in hand' with the rise in the number of Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) reports issued by coroners in 2024, which are issued when there is a concern action should be taken to reduce or prevent the risk of other deaths occurring in the future. The MoJ figures show 713 PFD reports were issued in England and Wales in 2024 – a 25% jump from 569 the previous year and up from 404 in 2022. Ms Coles added: 'Without a national oversight mechanism to ensure these reports are acted on, preventable deaths will persist. 'We urgently need a system that tracks these recommendations, ensures accountability, and protects lives.' An MoJ spokesperson person said: 'All deaths in custody are investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and are subject to a coroner's inquest. 'We will always consider these independent investigations carefully and taken action any concerns.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rise in deaths in state detention an ‘escalating crisis behind closed doors'
The number of deaths in state detention reported to coroners in England and Wales for investigation increased significantly last year, new figures show. Some 546 deaths in state detention were reported to coroners in 2024 – an 11% increase on 492 the previous year, according to Ministry of Justice (MoJ) data. The MoJ said this was driven by a 16% rise in deaths in prison custody. One charity boss said the figures were evidence of an 'escalating crisis behind closed doors'. A total of 359 deaths in prison custody were reported to coroners last year – up from 309 the year before. There were also 16 deaths in police custody, four deaths in immigration removal centres and 151 deaths of people subject to detention under the Mental Health Act. All deaths in England and Wales must be registered with the Registrar of Births and Deaths, and can also be reported to coroners who must investigate if there is reason to believe the cause of death is unknown or the death was violent, unnatural, or occurred in custody or other state detention. Nearly a third (31%) of all deaths registered across the two countries were reported to coroners in 2024. Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures show a total of 174,878 deaths were reported to coroners for investigation in 2024 – a 10% decrease on the previous year, and the lowest figure since records began in 1995. Deaths in state detention are systematically investigated, including by other bodies such as the police and ombudsmen, before being subject to a coroner's inquest. Deborah Coles, director of the charity Inquest, said the rise in prison deaths is 'shocking', and called for more focus on coroners' reports on preventable deaths in detention. She said: 'These statistics are a reminder of an ongoing and escalating crisis behind the closed doors of our prisons and mental health hospitals.' The MoJ said the introduction of a new examination system, meaning every death is subject either to a medical examiner's scrutiny or to a coroner's investigation, may have affected the number of deaths reported to coroners. The new system was rolled out to ensure only those deaths which require investigation are referred to coroners, in order to reduce inquest backlogs and delays. Ms Coles warned the increase in prison deaths 'goes hand in hand' with the rise in the number of Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) reports issued by coroners in 2024, which are issued when there is a concern action should be taken to reduce or prevent the risk of other deaths occurring in the future. The MoJ figures show 713 PFD reports were issued in England and Wales in 2024 – a 25% jump from 569 the previous year and up from 404 in 2022. Ms Coles added: 'Without a national oversight mechanism to ensure these reports are acted on, preventable deaths will persist. 'We urgently need a system that tracks these recommendations, ensures accountability, and protects lives.' An MoJ spokesperson person said: 'All deaths in custody are investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and are subject to a coroner's inquest. 'We will always consider these independent investigations carefully and taken action any concerns.'