'Medical Seats Can't Remain Vacant': SC Asks Centre to Hold Talks With Stakeholders 2
Seats in medical courses cannot remain vacant, the Supreme Court on Friday said and asked the Centre to hold a meeting with the relevant stakeholders, including the states, and consider the recommendations of a committee appointed over the issue.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan was hearing the matter when it observed, “Seats also cannot go vacant.” In April, 2023, the apex court flagged the issue of super speciality seats in medical courses remaining unfilled.
The Centre had then proposed to appoint a committee, consisting of all the stakeholders including representatives of states and private medical colleges, under the chairmanship of director general of health services to resolve the issue.
On Friday, the Centre’s counsel said the committee comprising the stakeholders was constituted and it had given its recommendations on the issue.
It would be appropriate if the Centre held a meeting with the stakeholders and came out with a concrete proposal, the counsel said.
The bench therefore directed for the meeting to be held by the Centre.
The apex court said the needful be done within three months and posted the matter in April.
In April, 2023, the top court said the plea before it depicted a “very sorry picture” given 1,003 precious super speciality seats were going to waste as no admissions could take place for the seats.
“On the one hand, we find that there is always a shortage of super speciality doctors and on the other hand these precious seats remain unfilled,” it said.
India Always Stood by Maldives: EAM Jaishankar After Meeting His Counterpart 4
India and the Maldives have finalised a framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border trade, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserting that New Delhi has always stood by the island nation.
Jaishankar made the remarks at a meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Khaleel in Delhi.
Khaleel arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to explore ways to bolster bilateral ties in several key areas including maritime security, trade and investment.
“I see that the framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross border transaction has been signed,” Jaishankar said.
“We have increased our engagement in various sectors and I do want to say that India has always stood by the Maldives. You are a very concrete expression of our neighbourhood first policy,” he added.
The Maldives is one of India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.
The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November 2023.
Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.
However, there was a thaw in the relations as Muizzu vowed to boost the bilateral ties with India during his visit to Delhi in October.
Supreme Court Upholds Right to Property: Slams Delays in Land Compensation Case 6
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that the right to property is a constitutional right under Article 300-A, emphasizing that no individual can be deprived of their property without adequate compensation as per the law. The bench, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, highlighted that while the right to property is no longer a fundamental right following the Constitution (Forty-Fourth Amendment) Act of 1978, it remains a human right in a welfare state.
Delivering its verdict on an appeal challenging the Karnataka High Court’s 2022 judgment related to land acquisition for the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP), the court ruled that the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) exhibited a “lethargic attitude,” depriving landowners of compensation for over two decades.
The bench noted that the appellants, whose land was acquired in 2003 and taken over in 2005, had repeatedly approached courts over the past 22 years without receiving any compensation. It criticized the State and KIADB officers for their inaction, stating that justice was only set in motion after contempt notices were issued. The Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) finally determined compensation in 2019, using outdated guideline values from 2011.
The court rejected the notion of compensating the appellants based on 2003 market values, calling it a “travesty of justice” and a mockery of constitutional provisions. Exercising its powers under Article 142, the court directed the SLAO to calculate compensation based on 2019 market values within two months, ensuring fairness and addressing the long-standing injustice.
The bench underscored the principle that money loses value over time due to inflation and missed opportunities for investment, adding that delays in compensation deny individuals their rightful dues. The court emphasized the importance of prompt determination and disbursal of awards in land acquisition cases, urging authorities to avoid similar delays in the future.
Those Indulging in Politics in My Apology Over Ethnic Strife Seeking Unrest in Manipur: CM Singh 8
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday claimed that those who are indulging in politics in his apology to the people over the 20-month-long ethnic conflict are seeking unrest in the northeastern state and said his government’s priority is to restore peace.
Claiming that “past is past,” he appealed to communities to sit together and find a permanent solution to the conflict that has plagued the northeastern state since May 2023.
“Those who are indulging in politics in my statement are seeking unrest. The opposition has no ideology. What I said was an expression of sadness and grief…My apology was to those who have been suffering and have lost their loved ones. Why should I say sorry to terrorists? I am saying sorry to the innocent people and those who were displaced from their homes,” Singh said.
The chief minister had on Tuesday apologised for the ethnic conflict in the state, which claimed more than 250 lives and rendered thousands homeless and appealed to all communities to forget and forgive past mistakes and start afresh.
“I convey my peace message to the community members residing in the state. Again, let us forgive and forget. Past is past. We should sit together and bring a permanent solution. Priority should be the restoration of peace,” he added.
PM Modi Likens AAP to 'Aapda' for Delhi, Calls for Its Defeat in Polls 10
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the AAP as an “aapda” for Delhi, saying this “aapda” has taken the national capital in its grip in the past 10 years.
Addressing people after launching a slew of infra projects in the national capital, including in housing and education sectors, he hit out at the city government led by AAP and said the situation in the national capital would worsen if its reign continued.
On the one hand, the Centre is making a lot of efforts; on the other, the Union Territory government stands for brazen lies, he said, accusing the AAP government of committing corruption in a host of sectors ranging from school education to fighting pollution and liquor trade.
With the assembly elections set to be held in the city next month, the prime minister said Delhi had launched a war on this “aapda (disaster)” and decided to get rid of it.
“This year will usher in a new politics of nation-building and people’s welfare. Therefore, ‘aapda’ has to be removed and the BJP brought in,” he said.
Due to the city government not allowing the Centre’s signature health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, and other programmes in the national capital, Modi said he was unable to the people living here fully despite his efforts.
If highways are being built in the capital and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been able to make houses for the poor, it is because “aapda” does not have much role in these sectors, he added.
Taking a swipe at former Delhi chief minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, Modi said he could also have built a “sheesh mahal” for himself but his dream was to ensure homes for everyone in the country.
“These people commit corruption and then glorify it,” he said, accusing AAP of shamelessness and making false promises.
The BJP has been targeting Kejriwal for allegedly spending a huge amount of money on his official residence when he was chief minister, and described his erstwhile home as “sheesh mahal”.
Supporters of independent MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav on Friday held a rail blockade at a station here to press their demand for cancellation of the recent Bihar PSC exam, police said.
They gathered at the Sachiwalay Halt Railway Station and squatted on the tracks for a brief period, which caused a delay in the movement of trains, an official said.
“Protesters stopped the Buxar-Fatuha passenger train at Sachivalaya Halt Station around 9 am on Friday. The train was stopped for 20 minutes and after that, it left the station,” East Central Railway chief public relation officer Sarswati Chandra told PTI.
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has been on fast unto death since Thursday to press the demand for the cancellation of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13.
Kishor’s protest site was barely a couple of kilometres from Gardani Bagh where civil service aspirants have been holding a round-the-clock sit-in for nearly two weeks.
The administration said the fast unto death at Gandhi Maidan is “illegal as it is not the designated site for holding protests”, an official said.
The district police on Thursday registered an FIR against Kishor and others for the demonstration at the restricted site.
“My primary demand, of course, is the cancellation of the exam held on December 13 and conducting a fresh test. I have also heard of allegations that posts to be filled by the exam were virtually put on sale. Such corrupt officials must be identified and brought to justice,” Kishor said on Thursday, who was accompanied by many supporters.
The CPI(ML) Liberation also announced that its students’ wing AISA, along with like-minded organisations, would stage a demonstration in front of the CM’s residence during the day “to compel Nitish Kumar to break his silence” on the issue.
Notably, more than five lakh candidates had appeared for the December 13 exam.
Hundreds of candidates at Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre here boycotted the test, alleging that the question paper was leaked.
The BPSC termed the allegation as a conspiracy, though a fresh test was ordered for more than 10,000 candidates who had appeared for the exam at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre.
These candidates have been asked to appear on January 4 at 22 newly designated centres across the city.
Puneet Khurana Suicide: Police to Grill Family and In-Laws Amid Harassment Allegations 14
Delhi Police is set to question the family members and in-laws of Puneet Khurana, a café owner who died by suicide in the Model Town area of northwest Delhi. Sources confirmed on Friday that investigators will also meet Khurana’s friends to uncover the circumstances leading to his tragic death.
Khurana, who hanged himself at his residence on Tuesday, reportedly left a 54-minute video on his mobile phone before ending his life. A two-and-a-half-minute excerpt from the video, circulating widely on social media reveals that he was battling depression and details the alleged causes of his mental distress.
Multiple videos from Khurana’s phone have surfaced online, intensifying public and media scrutiny. “We are verifying all the facts. Several teams have been deployed to probe the matter and will interrogate his wife, in-laws, and friends,” said a police source.
Khurana’s family has alleged that he faced harassment from his wife and in-laws, which they claim drove him to take this extreme step. The police are investigating these claims while piecing together evidence from his recorded messages and interviews with close associates.
Bogus Beneficiaries Under Scanner: Maharashtra Government Tightens Grip on Ladki Bahin Scheme 16
The Maharashtra government has launched an investigation into complaints about fraudulent beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme that provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to eligible women. The scrutiny follows allegations of ineligible individuals exploiting the scheme through false documentation.
Announcing the move on Thursday, Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare clarified that the government is addressing only verified complaints. “We are not conducting a blanket scrutiny of all beneficiaries or altering any policies. The investigation is based solely on complaints received by local government offices,” she said.
Introduced by the Eknath Shinde-led government in August last year, the scheme was pivotal to the ruling Mahayuti coalition’s success in the November 2024 elections. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had signaled a review of beneficiaries amid mounting concerns.
Tatkare revealed that data has been sought from the Income Tax and Transport Departments to verify reported cases. Complaints include beneficiaries surpassing the annual income threshold of ₹2.5 lakh or owning four-wheelers, both of which disqualify them. Other issues include duplicate applications, Aadhaar mismatches, and domicile discrepancies, with some beneficiaries relocating outside Maharashtra post-marriage.
The minister also addressed concerns about beneficiaries receiving support from multiple government schemes. “If a woman benefits from another scheme, she will receive only the remaining balance under the Ladki Bahin scheme. For instance, if ₹1,000 is provided by another initiative, she will receive ₹500 instead of the full ₹1,500,” Tatkare explained.
Complaints have been reported from districts such as Palghar, Yavatmal, Wardha, and Phaltan, prompting the ministry to initiate cross-verification. Some beneficiaries have voluntarily opted out of the scheme after securing government jobs, she added.
While the extent of fraudulent beneficiaries remains unclear, Tatkare stated that time is needed to assess the magnitude. “We are committed to ensuring that only eligible women benefit from this program,” she affirmed.
Prashant Kishor Starts Fast Unto Death to Press Demand for BPSC Exam Cancellation 18
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday announced that he was commencing a fast unto death to press the demand for cancellation of the recently held Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam.
Kishor made the announcement at the historic Gandhi Maidan, a couple of kilometres from the spot where several aggrieved candidates have been on a round-the-clock protest for nearly two weeks.
“My demands include cancellation of the exam and holding of fresh tests. I also seek action against corrupt officials who had allegedly put posts, to be filled by the exams, on sale,” Kishor told reporters.
On Monday, shortly after a delegation of protesters met Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, Kishor had said he would wait for “48 hours” and intensify the stir if the Nitish Kumar government failed to take any action on the alleged paper leak for the Combined Competitive Exams held on December 13 last year.
Mamata Accuses BSF of Allowing Infiltration to Destabilize Bengal; BJP Counters 20
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused the Border Security Force of facilitating infiltration from Bangladesh as part of a central government “blueprint” to destabilize the state, a charge the BSF denied, asserting it diligently guards the country’s boundary.
Speaking at an administrative review meeting at the state secretariat, Banerjee alleged that the BSF was allowing infiltrators to enter through areas like Islampur, Sitai, and Chopra.
“We have information that the BSF is letting infiltrators enter India through various border areas. This is a deliberate attempt to destabilize the state. There is a deep-rooted conspiracy involving the central government,” she said.
Banerjee said she could sense a “blueprint of the Centre” behind this attitude of the BSF.
“Goons are entering India. I want peace on both sides of the border. We have a good relationship with neighbouring Bangladesh,” she said.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo further alleged that women were being tortured by the BSF.
“They (BSF) torture women, but why haven’t you protested?” she asked officials present at the meeting.
Banerjee emphasized that border security was not the responsibility of the state.
“The guarding of borders is not in our hands. It’s the BSF’s duty. The Trinamool Congress doesn’t guard the border. When people enter, where are they going? The DMs have information on where they are going,” she said.
A senior BSF official in the eastern region dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that the border guarding force was performing its duties with utmost sincerity.
“The BSF has maintained a 24/7 vigil along the border. We are diligently performing our responsibilities to ensure the safety and security of the borders,” the official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Accusing the Centre of blaming the TMC unfairly for the infiltration issue, Banerjee said, “If someone thinks to destabilize the state and blame it on the Trinamool Congress, I will say it is not the TMC’s fault, as border areas are controlled by the BSF. Some media channels are spreading this misinformation for TRPs.” The CM also raised concerns about the cessation of information sharing related to international arrivals.
“Granting visas is not in the state’s jurisdiction; it is handled by the central government. We used to get the list of people taking flights to come here, but now that has been stopped. So, we don’t know who is entering Bengal through international arrivals,” she stated.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar called Banerjee’s claims baseless and accused her of attempting to shield her party’s shortcomings.
“The chief minister has reached the height of delusion. Despite not providing land for border outposts, she blames the BSF and even her own administration’s officials for infiltration. Her accusations are aimed at deflecting from her party’s failures,” Majumdar said in a post on X.
Banerjee directed Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar to investigate where infiltrators were staying after entering the state.
“I have told the Centre several times that we will follow their decisions. But if I see that someone is helping terrorism to disturb my state, then we will protest. That’s why I will send a strong protest letter to the Centre,” she added.
Referring to a recent bust of a fake passport racket by West Bengal Police, Banerjee said the arrests highlighted how the porous borders were being exploited.
“The passports were issued to people who illegally entered India from Bangladesh. This is another indication of the need for better coordination,” she said.
Highlighting the cultural and linguistic ties with Bangladesh, Banerjee stressed her desire for peace.
“We have a good relationship with Bangladesh. People can come here for treatment, but we must be informed. I want peace on both sides of the border,” she said.
India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-km border of which 2,217 KM is with West Bengal, much of which is porous. The issue has gained prominence amid heightened tension following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina from power in Dhaka and an influx of refugees into India.
Banerjee concluded by reiterating her commitment to opposing any attempt to destabilize the state.
“If anyone supports terror to disturb my state, we will protest strongly,” she said.
