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Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Odisha govt approves new guidelines for 180-day maternity leave of women employees
Image used is for representative purposes only BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha govt has issued comprehensive guidelines clarifying how women employees can avail themselves of the 180-day maternity leave benefit. This addresses the long-standing confusion that led to varying interpretations by different departments and leave sanctioning authorities. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the proposal that allows female govt employees with fewer than two living children to take maternity leave from three months before the expected delivery date to six months after childbirth . The leave can be taken either continuously or in phases, a govt statement said. Under the new guidelines, women who join govt service after childbirth can avail themselves of the benefit until their child turns six months old, though the leave duration will be proportionately reduced. For instance, if an employee joins service when her child is three months old, she will be eligible for only the remaining three months of leave. The govt has also outlined specific provisions for cases involving miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. In cases of miscarriage or infant death within 28 days of birth, employees are entitled to 42 days of leave from the date of the incident. If the child's death occurs between 29 and 120 days after birth, the employee will receive 14 days of leave. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo "This brings much-needed clarity to the maternity leave policy," said a senior official from the Women and Child Development Department. "The detailed guidelines will ensure uniform implementation across all govt departments," she said. The new rules specify that childbirth must occur in a recognised medical facility. Additionally, if an employee receives a promotion during her maternity leave, her joining report will be considered effective from the date it reaches the appropriate authority, and she can continue with her remaining leave. The guidelines aim to standardise the implementation of maternity benefits across all govt departments while ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Dog whistling': Supreme Court slams Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad's choice of words, grants him interim bail
Supreme Court grants interim bail to Ashoka University professor NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the release of Ali Khan Mahmudabad , associate professor and head of the Political Science department at Ashoka University in Haryana, against his arrest over a social media post on Operation Sindoor . The apex court granted interim bail to Mahmudabad subject to furnishing of bail bonds to the satisfaction of CJM, Sonipat. 'Why try to gain cheap popularity?' The top court also ordered that he shall not write any online article or make any online speech related to both posts, which are subject matter of investigation. A bench while hearing the matter, slammed the professor and asked, "Why try to gain cheap popularity?" 'Dog whistling' It also questioned Mahmudabad's choice of words and said they were used to humiliate, insult, and put others in discomfort. "Although everybody has the right to freedom of expression, statements by Mahmudabad are what is called dog whistling in law," the top court added. SC orders to form SIT, directs professor to cooperate in probe SC further directed to constitute SIT within 24 hours and asked the associate professor to join the investigation and fully cooperate. The SIT will comprise three IPS officers, including a woman officer who would be from outside the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo It restrained the professor from making any comments regarding terrorist attacks on Indian soil or the counter-response given by the nation. SC ordered that he shall surrender his passport. What happened so far? The Ashoka University professor was arrested on May 18 after two FIRs were lodged against him under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India, for remarks made on social media about Operation Sindoor. He was produced before a local court in Sonipat the same day and was initially remanded to two days of police custody. On Tuesday, the court sent him to judicial custody till May 27. 'Misunderstood remarks', says the professor The case against Mahmudabad was triggered by complaints from the Haryana state commission for women (HSCW) and a local village sarpanch, both of which alleged that his posts were inflammatory and disrespectful. In its letter dated May 16 to the state DGP, the HSCW said its complaint was based on 'prima facie evidence and precedent.' The FIR was registered under several non-bailable sections of the BNS, including, Section 152 (Acts endangering the sovereignty or integrity of India), Section 196 (1) (Promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion), Section 197 (Imputations prejudicial to national integration), Section 299 (Outraging religious feelings through deliberate and malicious acts), Section 79 (Insulting the modesty of a woman) and Section 353 (Statements conducing to public mischief) Police said both FIRs were lodged at the Rai Police Station in Sonipat. In his defence, Mahmudabad has said that his remarks have been "misunderstood" and highlighted his fundamental right to free speech.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
U.S. security agency TSA bans 7 items in checked bags; what travellers should know
In a recent update, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced a fresh ban on seven types of items in all checked baggage on U.S. flights. All these are lithium battery powered items and the ban is in effect immediately. All these devices must now be packed in your carry-on luggage. The policy is introduced to reduce the risk of in-flight fires linked to battery malfunctions. The 7 items banned from checked luggage Power banks Cellphone battery charging cases Spare lithium-ion batteries Spare lithium-metal batteries Cellphone batteries Laptop batteries External battery packs and portable rechargers All these contain lithium batteries, which have potential to cause fire. If overheated, these chargers can cause fires in a plane's cargo hold. These batteries are hazardous and hence have been banned by the security. Why Lithium batteries are dangerous The lithium batteries can enter a hazardous state called 'thermal runaway,' where they overheat and cause fires. This can happen because of several reasons: Physical damage Overcharging Exposure to heat or water Poor packing or manufacturing defects Unchecked fires in the cargo hold can quickly become a big deal, causing major damage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo If these devices stay in the cabin, plane crews can respond quickly in case of any emergency. Learning from past incidents In the past, there have been several battery-related emergencies. Some major incidents include: January 2025: Seven passengers were injured after a power bank caught fire on Air Busan Flight 391. November 2024: Back in 2024, a Southwest Airlines flight was evacuated after a cellphone ignited mid-flight. Tips on how to store such batteries Always store batteries in carry-on bags Protect terminals with tape, retail packaging, or battery cases Avoid travelling with damaged or leaking batteries Limit to two spare batteries rated between 101–160 Wh (typical for high-capacity laptops) Larger batteries require airline approval Stay Updated: Visit and for the latest rules With all these updates and bans, make sure you travel safely and comply with these new TSA rules to avoid delays and accidents. Reminder: Real ID Takes Effect May 7, 2025 All domestic flyers must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or a federally approved ID (like a passport) starting May 7, 2025. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
NH-66 collapse on service road at Kooriyad triggers concerns
Kozhikode: A section of the under-construction NH-66 between Kolappuram and Kooriyad bridge collapsed around 2:30pm in Malappuram. The collapse, including the retaining wall, fell onto the service road built over a filled paddy field, causing it to crack. The nearby paddy field also cracked and formed a small mound due to the incident. The collapse occurred on the stretch from Kozhikode towards Thrissur. At that time, four cars on the service road were caught in the collapse. One was carrying a wedding party from Tirurangadi and another had Kavungal Liyakath Ali, former president of AR Nagar grama panchayat. Ali told the media that as the highway collapsed right in front of their car on the way from Kolappuram to Kakkad, the driver stopped at once and everyone ran back to escape. Passengers in other vehicles, who had minor injuries, were taken to a private hospital in Tirurangadi. After getting an alert, a team of CPOs led by Vengara SHO Rajendran Nair and residents helped move vehicles from the site. One car still remains there. Two cars on the service road were damaged when concrete interlock blocks from the retaining wall and mud fell on them. Residents blocked a KNR Constructions vehicle, claiming unscientific construction caused the mishap. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo They said they had repeatedly warned authorities about the poor construction, especially after waterlogging on the service road during rains, but no action was taken. The retaining wall on the elevated road through the fields was built with interlocking cement blocks, which collapsed. People said precast retaining walls should have been used due to the road's height. They demanded that the entire stretch be rebuilt. After the incident, traffic in the area came to a halt. Vehicles from Kozhikode to Thrissur via Kolappuram and Kakkad were completely blocked. Authorities directed all vehicles to use the VK Padi–Mamburam–Kakkad route instead. IUML MP ET Mohammed Basheer said the road collapse during construction at Kooriyad stretch of NH-66 was a serious issue. He urged authorities to address public concerns quickly. Basheer blamed a major structural flaw in the construction for the incident and criticized National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for not taking such recurring incidents seriously. Following the incident, the MP contacted district collector VR Vinod and NHAI officials over phone and urged them to implement immediate remedial measures.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Radiology student who ended life was undergoing psychiatric treatment
Surat: A day after the tragic death of a second-year radiology student at Surat's New Civil Hospital, police confirmed that the deceased, Dr Lokesh Devang , had been undergoing psychiatric treatment for over a year. His body was handed over to his family on Sunday and flown to Bengaluru in the evening. According to officials, Devang, originally from Bengaluru, died by suicide on Saturday afternoon. His friends reported that he had told them he would join them for lunch shortly but instead returned to his room, where he locked the door and hanged himself from the ceiling fan. Police said they recovered medical files and prescriptions from his room, indicating that he had been receiving psychiatric care since 2023. "His room was in disarray, with books, clothes, and personal belongings scattered. The documents we found confirm that he was under treatment for psychiatric issues, which he had not disclosed to his family," a police officer said. Devang was described as having a history of aggressive behaviour and frequent arguments with fellow students, teachers and seniors. On the morning of the incident, one of his teachers contacted his family to express concern about his behaviour. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Hospital authorities also urged the family to ensure he received proper treatment. Devang was a meritorious student who had secured admission under the govt quota. His family members, including his brother-in-law and maternal uncle, arrived in Surat on Sunday. They informed police that Devang's father had passed away a year and a half ago, and he had been living with his mother.
