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Medical Emergency Not An Excuse To evade Fundamental Rights Under Article 21 Of Constitution

It is most heartening, most refreshing and most comforting to note that the Telangana High Court has on May 20, 2020 in a latest, landmark and extremely laudable judgment titled Ganta Jai Kumar Vs State of Telangana Rep. by Chief Secretary and others in Writ Petition (PIL) No. 75 of 2020 authored by Justice MS Ramachandra Rao for himself and Justice K Lakshman has explicitly, effectively and elegantly observed that a medical emergency is not an excuse to trample on the fundamental rights of a citizen under Article 21 of the Constitution. While holding so, the Telangana High Court has quashed a government order which compelled citizens to get testing and treatment for COVID-19 from designated government hospitals and prevented them from approaching private hospitals and laboratories for such purposes even though they have requisite approval from the ICMR. Very rightly so!

                                       Needless to say, the Telangana High Court was unable to agree with the contention of the Advocate General for the State of Telangana that there is a state of emergency in the State in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and that such emergency justifies the State action. It candidly and convincingly stated in para 50 that, “We are unable to agree. Admittedly no emergency has been declared by the Government under Article 356 of the Constitution of India, though there is a pandemic situation undoubtedly.” Besides, it also noted that Article 359 has been amended by the Constitution (44th Amendment) Act to say that the President cannot suspend the right to move a court for violation of Article 20 and Article 21 even in an emergency and seek appropriate relief.

                                     In this backdrop, the Telangana High Court in para 57 then very crucially went on to point out that, “This above decisions of the Supreme Court are a complete answer to the plea of the Advocate General that because there is a medical emergency or a war emergency anything can be done by the State including arbitrarily restricting the right to health conferred under Art 21 on a citizen of the State. An emergency of any sort is not an excuse to trample on the rights under Art 21 and the Courts have the power to see that the State will act in a fair, just and reasonable manner even during emergencies. Whether the State has done so or not is judicially receivable in the light of the law laid down by the Supreme Court.”    

                                          Of course, the Court also in para 56 quoted the famous words of Lord Atkin in Liversidge v Anderson that, “In this country, amid the clash of arms, the laws are not silent. They may be changed, but they speak the same language in war as in peace.”

                                                 In this context, it would be pertinent to mention that in para 33 of this noteworthy judgment, it is rightly held that, “Every human being has a basic and natural born instinct to protect himself and his kith and kin from danger – be it from human, animal or one in the nature of a disease, by utilizing all the means available in his power. The State cannot incapacitate him by restricting his choice particularly when it comes to a disease which affects his life/health or that of his kith and kin.”

                                                       More relevantly, it is then very rightly pointed out in para 28 that, “It is the basic principle of administrative law that every action of the State which affects the rights of citizens must be supported by reasons so that a Court can, while judicially reviewing it, know that there is application of mind to the issue by the authority concerned, which passed the said order. Absence of reasons would undoubtedly vitiate the later order dt 11.4.2020.”

                                  In the same vein, it is also then noted in para 38 that, “According to the Supreme Court of India, it is imperative that any restriction of right of the citizens in that regard must be by a procedure prescribed by “law” and such “law” must be reasonable, fair and just. It cannot be arbitrary, whimsical or fanciful.” Similarly, it is then observed in para 42 that, “As stated by the Supreme Court, the right to health of a citizen is a fundamental right under Art 21 and restriction thereupon must be reasonable, fair and just.” 

                                        What cannot be overlooked is what is then stated in para 43  while emphasizing the role of private sector that, “It is of utmost importance that each and every case (suspects/confirmed) of COVID-19 is isolated and provided appropriate treatment and their contacts traced at the earliest to break the chain of transmission. It is important that support and cooperation of the private sector is enlisted, in this regard. This is the policy which has been declared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in its “Guidelines for notifying COVID-19 affected persons by Private Institutions” notified recently.”

                             While acknowledging the petitioner’s contention, it is then put forth in para 59 that, “As rightly contended by the petitioner, we find that there is no power in Sec. 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 either to prevent private hospitals from testing suspected any victim of an epidemic such as COVID-19 patients or treating confirmed infected patients. In fact in that era (pre 1900), the concept of private sector participation in health care was hardly there in India.”

                                           Furthermore, it is then enunciated in para 60 that, “What the Sec 2 prohibits and what it permits, in a case where there is a dangerous epidemic, disease for which the ordinary provisions of the law are insufficient. In such a case the State may take, require or empower any person to take “such measures” and by public notice such “temporary regulations” to be observed by the public or by any person or class of persons as it shall deem necessary to prevent the outbreak of such disease or the spread thereof.” 

                                      Not stopping here, it is then envisaged in para 61 that, “The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Union of India and the ICMR cannot be said to have ignored these provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and this Court has good reason to believe that the Union of India and the ICMR did give due consideration to this provision of law while permitting testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients by private laboratories and hospitals.”

                                          On similar lines, it is then further conceded in para 62 that, “On the other hand by issuing a set of guidelines called “Guidelines for notifying COVID-19 affected persons by Private Institutions”, the Union of India had clearly applied its mind to the provisions of the above Act which permit the Government “to take measures necessary to prevent the outbreak and spread thereof” by permitting private laboratories and hospitals also to be involved in the said prevention and outbreak and spread of the epidemic.”

                                          Be it noted, it is then observed in para 63 that, “The State Government, in its counter, has not questioned the wisdom of the Union Government and the ICMR in permitting private laboratories to achieve the very object of prevention and spread of the epidemic. On the other hand, the respondent Nos. 1-4 appear to have come to the opposite conclusion, contradicting the wisdom of the Union of India and an expert body like ICMR.”

                                         Going ahead, it is then disclosed in para 64 that, “In fact we find that the ICMR has notified on 3.5.2020, 111 private laboratories and 310 Government laboratories. It is obvious that by permitting 111 private laboratories to conduct COVID-19 tests across the country, the Union Government and ICMR were trying their best to take the private sector on board and to achieve the goal of stopping the spread of the epidemic.”

                                        No wonder, it is then held in para 65 that, “We therefore hold that the respondents Nos. 1-4 have no logical or legal basis to come to an opposite conclusion and come forward with total prohibition.”

                                             More strikingly, in a big setback to the respondents, it is then held in para 66 that, “It is not the case of the respondent Nos. 1-4 that there is a cure for the COVID-19 virus, that only Gandhi Hospital in the State of Telangana has got a vaccine for it, and so everybody in the State of Telanagana, who is infected with the virus has to go to the said hospital. May be the facilities in the said Hospital or other designated Government Hospitals are very good, but that does not mean that the respondent Nos. 1-4 can, under the guise of taking steps to prevent the spread of the Pandemic, restrict the liberty and freedom of a citizen to choose his own doctor and hospital and force him to take a test for COVID-19 infection or treatment from Government sources, if found to be infected with the said virus.” 

                                   Most crucially, it is then observed in para 92 that, “For the elaborate reasons given above, we hereby allow the Writ Petition and we:

(i)                         declare that the proceedings Rc.No.Spl/COVID-19/DMHO/HYD/2020 dt 11.4.2020 issued by the District Medical and Health Officer, Hyderabad which states:

“Adverting to the subject cited above, orders issued by this office regarding certain instructions on treating only emergency cases at notified hospitals in Hyderabad District vide reference 6th cited are hereby cancelled with immediate effect.”

is violative of Art. 14 and Art. 21 of the Constitution of India and also the principles of natural justice (for not giving any reasons) and is set aside;

(ii)                      hold that the respondent Nos. 1-4 cannot compel residents/citizens of the State of Telangana to get (a) testing for COVID-19 in NMS/Gandhi Medical Hospital or only in the other designated laboratories decided by them and (b) treatment/isolation only in hospitals designated by them, when the citizens/residents are willing to pay the cost and get their blood samples tested in the private ICMR approved laboratories or private sector hospitals having the requisite infrastructure by paying the requisite charges;

(iii)                   hold that it shall be the right of the citizens and residents of the State of Telangana to get tested on payment basis, if they choose to do so, for COVID-19 in any private laboratory presently approved by the ICMR or may be approved in future at such rates as may be determined by ICMR or any other competent authority of the Union of India;

(iv)                   hold that it shall be the right of the citizens and residents of the State of Telangana to get treatment on payment basis, if they chose to do so for COVID-19 in any private hospital presently approved by the ICMR or may be approved in future by it; and

(v)                      direct that all private hospitals, who wish to provide treatment/isolation for COVID-19 patients (other than the ones already granted such approval by the ICMR), shall make an application to the ICMR offering their facilities for the said purpose; the ICMR shall nominate qualified and experienced persons to scrutinize the said applications and cause inspections made of the available facilities and infrastructure in the said private hospitals, to verify whether they possess adequate number of qualified doctors, qualified nurses, paramedical staff apart requisite equipment and notify the same. This exercise shall be completed within the shortest possible time in view of the grave urgency and rising cases of persons infected by COVID-19 and deaths caused by it. Only such private hospitals as are approved by the ICMR shall be permitted to treat COVID-19 patients.       

                                           On a different note, it is then further added in this same para 92 that, “It is needless to observe that all protocols approved by ICMR or other competent authority from time to time shall be followed by the ICMR approved private laboratories and hospitals that have already been or would be approved in future by the ICMR for testing or treating/isolation of COVID-19 suspects/patients; and all possible precautions shall be taken by the ICMR approved private laboratories and hospitals to take good care of the suspects/confirmed COVID-19 patients; and the ICMR approved hospitals shall keep the respondent No. 4 or any other authority designated by respondents 1-4 informed on a daily basis of the persons who are being treated by them for COVID-19 and their health status.”

                                       Before parting, the Telangana High Court very commendably observes in para 93 that, “We place on record our appreciation for the petitioner for approaching this Court and bringing to our notice this important issue concerning the health and lives of our fellow citizens.”

                                                     In conclusion, it is a very well written, well balanced and well reasoned judgment. It leaves no room for doubt whatsoever that medical emergency cannot be an excuse to trample upon citizen’s fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. No doubt, all the State Governments as also the Union Government must from now onwards always in their own best interest bear this latest, landmark and extremely laudable judgment while deciding in such cases of medical emergency! 

Sanjeev Sirohi, Advocate,

s/o Col BPS Sirohi,

A 82, Defence Enclave,

Sardhana Road, Kankerkhera,

Meerut – 250001, Uttar Pradesh.

NHAI becomes first construction sector organisation to go ‘Fully Digital’

As one of the biggest reform, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has gone ‘Fully Digital’, with the launch of unique cloud based and Artificial Intelligence powered Big Data Analytics platform – Data Lake and Project Management Software. The entire project management work flow of NHAI is transformed from manual to online portal based, wherein the complete project execution operations including ‘workflow with time lines’ and ‘alert mechanism’ have been configured. All project documentation, contractual decisions and approvals are now being done through portal only. 

With advance analytics, the Data Lake software will forecast the delays, likely disputes and will give advance alerts. Thus apart from expediting the decision making, it will also facilitate in taking correct and timely decisions as the system is likely to predict financial impacts of different alternatives based on the historical data. This will reduce a lot of disputes.

NHAI has a history of having large number of arbitration cases pending with huge amount of claims and counter claims. Majority of the disputes are generic in nature like delay in handing over of encumbrance free site, shifting of utilities, idling charges of plant, machinery, equipment, manpower and delay in decisions etc. These disputes can be minimized as the Data Lake software has provisions to keep track and check on all these constraints and will ensure work is carried out within the deadlines in a transparent manner. As all processes are going to be portal-based, decision-making is going to be faster and will eventually diminish chances of litigation in future.

The complete project documents and correspondences will be stored in Digital format in the cloud-based ‘Data Lake’ linked with GIS tagging and Unique Project ID, so that the project data can be easily retrieved as and when required from any location. NHAI’s all contractors/ concessionaires/consultants/Authority Engineers (AE)/ Independent Engineers (IE) and Project Directors (PDs)/ Regional Officers (ROs) have already started using it extensively. NHAI’s e-Office module is also integrated in the system so that all correspondences can flow digitally in a secured manner from field units to HQ seamlessly. 

In the current Covid-19 pandemic scenario, when most of the organizations are facing serious challenges in working, NHAI employees are continuing their works undeterred and happily without any fear of physical contacts and touching of physical files.  Rather, lockdown period was used by NHAI to train its employees about using Data Lake.

The Data Lake will bring revolutionary changes to NHAI with benefits like No delays, Quick decision making, No question of missing records, Work from anywhere/anytime. It will enhance transparency, as all officers and stakeholders, connected with the project can see what is going on real time basis which will amount to concurrent performance audit by the seniors.

Children integral part of any country and need to be empowered with protection of their rights

On the World Day against Child Labour on June 12, 2020 the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) and the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), New Delhi organized a National Stakeholder Webinar on “COVID-19: Protect Children From Child Labour, Now More Than Ever”. This World Day against Child Labour in 2020 focuses on the impact of COVID-19 crisis on child labour.

The webinar was inaugurated by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Labour and Employment (I/C). He acknowledged the efforts of Shri Kailash Satyarthi and also the efforts of the ILO towards the elimination of child labour. He stated that children are an integral part of any country and need to be empowered with protection of their rights. He mentioned that in observing 12th June as the World Day against Child Labour, the Government of India has reiterated its commitment towards eradication of child labour. The Amendment of the child labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 is a noteworthy achievement of the Government of India, he stated. He also spoke about the various initiatives taken by the government in the eradication of child labour including the increase in the NCLP training centres stipends to Rs 400 from Rs 150 per month per child. He emphasized that the ratification of ILO conventions 182 and 138 reflect on India’s commitment towards this cause. At the end, he highlighted on the need for collective efforts by all stakeholders towards the eradication of child labour.

Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Laureate in his special address, acknowledged the children participating in the webinar. He also referred to the historical decisions taken in the context of child labour in the past. He stated that the efforts of the government of India has contributed immensely in reduction in the numbers in child labour. The ratification of ILO Conventions 182 and 138 reflect on India’s commitment towards the elimination of child labour. He referred to studies which have reflected on the need to invest in children’s education. He highlighted that in order to revive the economy, it is important to attract foreign investment but there is a need to ensure no child labour is engaged in supply chains. He emphasized on the need to ensure adults receive employment instead of children so that the employed children get liberated to pursue education and grow into healthy citizens.

Shri Heeralal Samariya, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, presided over the inaugural session. He highlighted the various labour legislations and policy initiatives taken by the government which have led to amelioration of the child labour problem. He further highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Employment during the COVID-19 pandemic by opening up grievance handling centers throughout the country by the chief labour commissioner office and the efforts of Employees Provident Fund Organization in promptly clearing the disbursals apart from the medical succor provided by the ESIC hospitals. He said that the Ministry is continuously monitoring and taking immediate necessary steps so that the common man and the vulnerable children are taken care of.

Dagmar Walter, Director, ILO India, gave her perspective on the global child labour problem and said that the so called ‘normal’ is getting redefined as today this programme is being held virtually. She called upon all the stakeholders to contribute to reduce the child labour problem.

Earlier, Ms Kalpana Rajsinghot, Joint Secretary in her welcome address highlighted the problem of child labour and also the steps taken by the government in addressing the challenges, from time to time. She also outlined the contours of the webinar.

The inaugural session was followed by Two Technical Sessions on the themes ‘COVID-19: Protect Children from Child Labour-Across Sectors’ and ‘Barriers and Solutions in addressing the Rehabilitation Programme’. Resource Persons from the Central and State Government, ILO, NCPCR, Employers Organizations, Workers Organizations, VVGNLI Faculty, and NALSAR shared various technicalities of the child labour problem.

Dr. H. Srinivas, Director General, VVGNLI proposed the vote of thanks and also provided consolidation and way forward. Dr. Helen Sekar, Senior Fellow, VVGNLI coordinated the programme. The webinar was attended by around 450 government representatives, representatives from ILO and other international organizations, trade unions, employers’ organizations, academicians, representatives from research institutions and faculty and officers from VVGNLI.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2020 – Top 25 Universities

India Ranking 2020 Report has been released by Ministry of HRD under National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2020. There are many surprises in the University category.

As expected Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, India’s science & technology based research university, remains at the top among universities in India. Jawaharlal Nehru University, the top central university, has bagged second place. Banaras Hindu University,  another central university, retains the third place. There is no change of position the top three spots.

There are Six Central Universities among Top 25 in India Rankings 2020. University of Hyderabad secures sixth place. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi for the first time breaks into Top 10 place. University of Delhi secures 11th place while Aligarh Muslim University bags 17th place.

There are seven private universities break into NIRF Top 25  Universities 2020.  Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore has emerged as the Top among universities with a spot of 4th in the University category.  Manipal Academy of Higher Education is another private university remains in the Top 10 with 8th spot.

BITS Pilani and VIT Vellore grab 15th and 16th position in the Ranking Table. The other private universities in the Top 25 are as followed: Siksha `O` Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar-20, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar -24, and Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy, Thanjavur -25.

There are nine state universities that break into Top 25.  Jadavpur University, Kolkata secures 5th spot while Calcutta University bags 7th place. The other state universities in the Top 25 club are as followed: Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune -09,  Anna University Chennai -12, Bharathiar University Coimbatore -13,  Institute of Chemical Technology    Mumbai -18, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam -19,  University of Madras, Chennai -22, and Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram-23.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2020 – Top 25 Universities  

  1. Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru
  2. Jawaharlal Nehru University
  3. Banaras Hindu University
  4. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore
  5. Jadavpur University, Kolkata
  6. University of Hyderabad
  7. Calcutta University
  8. Manipal Academy of Higher Education
  9. Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
  10. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
  11. University of Delhi
  12. Anna University Chennai
  13. Bharathiar University Coimbatore
  14. Homi Bhabha National Institute Mumbai
  15. Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani
  16. Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore
  17. Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh
  18. Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai
  19. Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
  20. Siksha `O` Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar
  21. Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
  22. University of Madras, Chennai
  23. Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram
  24. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar
  25. Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy, Thanjavur
  26. Panjab University Chandigarh

Recommendations of GST council related to Law & Procedure

The 40th GST Council met under the Chairmanship of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman through video conferencing here today . The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Thakur besides Finance Ministers of States & UTs and senior officers of the Ministry of Finance& States/ UTs.

The GST Council has made the following recommendations on Law & Procedures changes.

  1. Measures for Trade facilitation:
    1. Reduction in Late Fee for past Returns:

As a measure to clean up pendency in return filing, late fee for non-furnishing FORM GSTR-3B for the tax period from July, 2017 to January, 2020 has been reduced / waived as under: –

    1. ‘NIL’ late fee if there is no tax liability;
    2. Maximum late fee capped at Rs. 500/- per return if there is any tax liability.

Thereduced rate of late fee would apply for all the GSTR-3B returns furnished between 01.07.2020 to 30.09.2020

  1. Further relief for small taxpayers for late filing of returns for February, March & April 2020 Tax periods:

For small taxpayers (aggregate turnover uptoRs. 5 crore), for the supplies effected in the month of February, March and April, 2020, the rate of interest for late furnishing of return for the said months beyond specified dates (staggered upto 6th July 2020) is reduced from 18% per annum to 9% per annum till 30.09.2020. In other words, for these months, small taxpayers will not be charged any interest till the notified dates for relief (staggered upto 6th July 2020)and thereafter 9% interest will be charged till 30.09.2020..

  1. Relief for small taxpayers for subsequent tax periods (May, June & July 2020):

In wake of COVID-19 pandemic, for taxpayers having aggregate turnover upto Rs. 5 crore, further relief provided by waiver of late fees and interest if the returns in FORM GSTR-3B for the supplies effected in the months of May, June and July, 2020 are furnished by September, 2020 (staggered dates to be notified).

  1. One time extension in period for seeking revocation of cancellation of registration:

To facilitate taxpayers who could not get their cancelled GST registrations restored in time, an opportunityis being provided for filing of application for revocation of cancellation of registrationup to 30.09.2020, in all cases where registrations have been cancelled till 12.06.2020.

  1. Certain clauses of the Finance Act, 2020 amending CGST Act 2017 and IGST Act, 2017 to be brought into force from 30.06.2020.

*****

Note: The recommendations of the GST Council have been presented in this release in simple language for information of all stakeholders. The same would be given effect through relevant Circulars/Notifications which alone shall have the force of law.

COVID-19 recoveries rise to 25,946 in UAE, Cases 1,19,943 in Saudi Arabia

In the United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) yesterday announced 513 new COVID-19 cases in the country and also noted an additional 712 individuals had fully recovered from the infection, bringing the total number of recoveries to 25,946.
 
The total number of cases in UAE now stands at 41,499. The Ministry also announced one death as a result of COVID-19 complications. It added that the total number of deaths in the country has reached 287.
 
In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health in a statement said that the tally of confirmed cases of Novel Corona virus, in the Kingdom, rose to 1,19,943 cases as  3,921 new cases were reported. The death toll in the Kingdom went up to 893 as 36 new fatalities were reported. Majority of the new cases were detected in the city of Riyadh, followed by Jeddah and Mecca.

WHO urges countries to make global political commitment for COVID-19 vaccine access

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged more countries to make a global political commitment so that any emerging vaccine for COVID-19 will be shared equitably. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, vaccines for the novel coronavirus should be made available as a global public good, to ensure everyone had fair access to any life-saving products that are developed.
 
Mr Tedros was speaking after concerns being raised that some countries including the United States could hoard any vaccines or drugs they develop to combat Covid-19, with poorer countries not getting access to the treatments they need. The WHO director-general said, many leaders around the globe have promoted the idea of making any vaccine a global public good, but that should continue to be promoted.
 
He added that more leaders should join the efforts, and they need to have a truly global political commitment and global consensus before they even have the product. The WHO’s top emergency expert Mike Ryan said, the disease was highly active in Central and South America. He said, the current situation in Brazil, was of increasing concern especially in cities.
 
The Latin American country has now one of the global hot-spots for the virus. Mr Ryan said, Brazil’s health system was still coping, although some intensive care units were at a critical stage and under heavy pressure with more than 90 percent bed occupancy rates

Weather forecast for today

The National capital Delhi witnessed a minimum temperature of 32 and maximum is expected to be around 42 degrees Celsius. The sky will be partly cloudy with possibility of development of thunder lightning. Mumbai will witness generally cloudy sky with heavy rain. The minimum and maximum temperature will hover between 27 and 33 degrees Celsius.
 
In the south, Chennai will see a generally cloudy sky with light rain. The temperature will be between 26 and 36 degrees Celsius. Kolkata will witness generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers. The minimum temperature in the metropolis was 26 degrees while maximum will be around 30 degrees Celsius.
 
On to the North, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the minimum temperature was 25 degrees Celsius in Jammu while maximum will be around 37 degrees Celsius. The city will observe partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.  In Srinagar, the temperature will be between 12 and 29 degrees Celsius. The city will face partly cloudy sky with the possibility of rain or thunderstorm or dust storm.
 
In Gilgit, the temperature will hover between 16 and 35 degrees Celsius with the sky becoming partly cloudy with possibility of rain or thunderstorm or dust storm. In Muzzafarabad, the sky will be partly cloudy with the possibility of rain or thunderstorm or duststorm. The city witnessed minimum temperature of 17 degrees Celsius while maximum temperature will be around 35 degrees Celsius.

Kerala govt not to allow devotees in Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple amid increasing Covid cases

Amid increasing Covid cases, Kerala government has decided  not to allow devotees in the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple for now.
It was also decided to defer the 10-day annual festival and to conduct it as a mere ritual.

Earlier it was decided to open the temple through online reservation. Authorities informed that Sabarimala being a large pilgrim centre where people from different parts of South India congregate in large numbers, the risk involved in throwing the holy hillock open for devotees at this situation is very high.

Corona: UP govt to launch state level sample collection campaign

The Uttar Pradesh government is launching a state level sample collection campaign today to find out the level of corona infection among the different sections of society. The campaign will run for one week in which various clusters of the society will be tested which includes delivery boys, newspaper vendors and other daily workers. Principal secretary health, Amit Mohan Prasad said that under this campaign samples to those people will be taken who move frequently due to their work.

AIR correspondent reports, today on the first day the campaign  team of health workers will visit old age homes, women’s hostels, orphanage and juvenile homes and will take samples of the inmates. Tomorrow, on Saturday samples will be taken from slums of city areas. Similarly those people who are involved in home delivery, newspaper vendors, employees of hospitals, milk suppliers, security guards, pharmacist salesman, and clerical staff of hospitals will be tested on different days.

The aim of this exercise is to get the information about the spread of Corona infection so that measures can be taken to control this.

He said that such a campaign was launched among migrant workers in 18 districts of state to know the level of infection.

In these districts 72 villages were chosen where 50 or migrants have been returned and after completion of their 15 days Quarantine other persons of the village were tested to get the information about the spread of virus. The motive was to understand how successfully the workers spent the quarantine period and whether they infected other villages also or not. He said that all reports of tested persons came negative.

Gujarat: Coronavirus cases cross 22k mark with 513 fresh infections

The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat crossed 22,000 mark yesterday with the addition of 513 fresh cases in the last 24 hours. A health department release said 366 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, taking the number of recoveries to 15,109 in the state. The death toll in the state continued to rise even yesterday. With the death of 38 more patients in the last 24 hours, the death toll in the state increased to 1,385. As many as 5, 573 patients are undergoing treatment for Covid 19 across the state.

AIR correspondent reports that the State government yesterday allowed testing by private laboratories based on the preion of any private physician who is an MD. The decision will come into force from today.

The State Health Minister Nitin Patel told the media that private laboratories can test the samples for Covid 19 based on the preion from an MD or above level doctor. The doctor should inform the Health department through email about such cases. Mr Patel said strong action will be taken against the hospitals in case of overcharging. He said citizens can approach directly to his office to register a complaint in this regard. Earlier, only hospitalised patients were allowed to undergo testing from private labs. Talking about the continuous surge in the death toll, Mr Patel said the majority of deaths reported in the state are due to comorbidity. The Ahmedabad district reported a total of 1,117 deaths till date.

The district recorded more than 7 per cent of mortality rate which is one of the highest in the country. Meanwhile, Gandhinagar District administration issued a notice to a private hospital in Dehgam town after it was found to be treating COVID-19 patients without the necessary permission from the authorities.

tate-of-the-art Flood Warning System for Mumbai Launched

  • Floods to be estimated 3 days in advance, at ward-level
  • Decision Support System will enable smart decision-making and field action based on risk assessment
  • State-of-the-art flood warning system developed by MoES is a gift to Mumbaikars: Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray
  • We are no less than anyone else in the whole world in terms of science: Dr. Harsh Vardhan, congratulating the scientists at Ministry of Earth Sciences

iFLOWS- Mumbai, a state-of the-art Integrated Flood Warning System for Mumbai has been launched through video conference jointly by Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Uddhav Thackeray and Union Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan today. 

The system will help make the city become more resilient, by providing early warning for flooding especially during high rainfall events and cyclones. Using this, it will be possible to have an estimate of the flood inundation 3 days in advance, along with 3 hours – 6 hours Nowcast (immediate weather updates). It will be very useful, especially if people need to be evacuated from low-lying areas as we will be able to forecast 12 hours in advance that a particular spot may get flooded.  The system will also forecast the rainfall in each pocket.

In his special address through video conference, the Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan congratulated the scientists at Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) who developed the flood warning system and said, we are no less to anyone else in the whole world in terms of science. “Mumbai floods, especially that occurred in 2005 and 2017 are etched in everyone’s memory. This highly advanced flood warning system will help the people of Mumbai in a big way. A similar system was already developed by MoES and is in operation at Chennai.”  

Dr. Harsh Vardhan further said that MoES scientists have developed the best early warning system for tsunami in the whole world and have never given a false alarm on this issue. This service has also been extended to the countries in Indian Ocean Region who are being highly benefitted.  

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Uddhav Thackeray stated that the state-of-the-art flood warning system developed by MoES is like a gift to the people of Mumbai. In the context of the health disaster as well as the recent Nisarga cyclone, he said that both blood management and flood management are equally important. The Chief Minister congratulated the MoES and IMD scientists for accurate prediction of Cyclone Nisarga and monsoon in the state. Early prediction of Cyclone Nisarga by IMD helped the state government in saving the state from a bigger disaster and loss of lives, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr M Rajeevan, Secretary, MoES informed that more than 160 observatories and 4 more radars (to be used by next monsoon season) which have been ordered for Mumbai will enable us to forecast rainfall with a precision of 500 metres and every 15 minutes. About the flood warning system, he said, “We are happy that we could complete the development of iFlowsMumbai project in time.”

Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Shri Iqbal Singh Chahal said, iFlowsMumbai can be a model for the rest of the country. He expressed gratefulness to MoES and said, it is being launched well before onset of monsoon in Mumbai.

On the occasion, a video of Mumbai Flood Warning System was screened and a digital brochure of the system was also released.

Shri K S Hosalikar, DDGM, IMD Mumbai was also present for the launch event.

How the Prediction System Works

The sophisticated system has been developed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences using its in-house expertise, in close collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC). The system uses rain gauge data and local data such as data on land use, land topography, drainage systems, water bodies in the city, tide levels, infrastructure and population, which has been provided by BMC. Using these as inputs, the prediction system models weather, rainfall, runoff and water movement, tide and storm surge impacts based on which early Flood Warnings for the city will be provided. It will address the flood inundation due to rainfall, river bank breach, storm surge, obstruction of flow due to roads, buildings, rail lines, high tides and sea level rise. 

I-FLOWS is built on a modular structure and comprises seven modules. The Data Assimilation Module gathers a variety of dynamic data including IMD weather forecasts and under-water depth of rivers and lakes across Mumbai city. The Inundation Module will use the data to forecast flood inundation 3 days in advance, while the Flood Module will predict how the water will move across areas expected to be flooded. The Vulnerability and Risk Modules, which together comprise the Decision Support System, enables the administration to take smart decisions to manage the situation based on a scientific and holistic assessment of flooding risks. The Dissemination Module makes information available to field officials through various communication channels, enabling them to take prompt and informed field action.


How it came about


Mumbai the state capital of Maharashtra, a megapolis and the financial capital of India has been facing floods with increased periodicity which brings the city to a standstill in spite of its natural and storm water drainage systems. In a bid to aid in the mitigation of the flood prone city, Disaster Management Department of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) approached the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to develop an Integrated Flood Warning System for Mumbai, on the lines of a similar system developed for Chennai earlier. MoES initiated the development of the flood warning system in July 2019 using the expertise of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), in close coordination with Disaster Management Department of MCGM. 

The Good Character Traits

Live Bold and Bloom

“His conscience was the strongest element of his nature. His affections were tender and warm. His whole nature was simple and sincere – he was pure, and then was himself.”

“Such a nature was admirably constituted to direct an heroic struggle on the part of a people proud enough to prefer a guide to a leader, a man commissioned to execute the popular will but, as in his case, strong enough to enforce his own.”

If you haven’t guessed yet, these good attributes were written about the character of the sixteenth President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

President Lincoln was a role model for integrity and honesty.

He offers us so many examples of good character traits.

These good qualities stayed with him throughout the trials and tribulations of leading a country during one of the worst periods of its history.

Of course, Lincoln was president during the 19th century when the character of a person was a highly-regarded quality.

What’s In This Article
What is good character?
Why is good character important?
Let’s look at 25 good character traits that impact your happiness.
1. Integrity
2. Honesty
3. Loyalty
4. Respectfulness
5. Responsibility
6. Humility
7. Compassion
8. Fairness
9. Forgiveness
10. Authenticity
11. Courageousness
12. Generosity
13. Perseverance
14. Politeness
15. Kindness
16. Lovingness
17. Optimism
18. Reliability
19. Conscientiousness
20. Self-disciplined
21. Ambitiousness
22. Encouraging
23. Forgiving
24. Considerate
25. Thoroughness
Character Traits for Kids
How to Build Good Character
Step 1: Define your core values.
Step 2: Practice the habits.
Step 3: Find people with good character.
Step 5: Take some risks.
Step 6: Stretch yourself.
Step 7: Commit to self-improvement.


What is good character?
Good character includes traits like loyalty, honesty, courage, integrity, fortitude, and other important virtues that promote good behavior.

A person with good character chooses to do the right thing because he or she believes it is the morally right to do so.

Other positive character traits have less to do with morals but still define a person’s character.

For example, being tenacious or creative can be excellent attributes but are not moral imperatives.

When a person possesses good character, it is exhibited through his or her words and actions.

It’s not limited to a single value, but the traits are demonstrated in the “good” choices they make and the “bad” choices they avoid.

Why is good character important?
According to historian Warren Susman in his book Culture as History, the use of the phrase “good character” peaked in the 19th century.

“Character was a keyword in the vocabulary of Englishmen and Americans,” says Susman, and so important to society that it was promoted as an essential component of one’s identity.

Things began to change in the 20th century, as we transitioned from a producing to a consuming society. Emphasis shifted from a focus on virtue and goodness to a focus on self and material possessions.

Says Susman, “The vision of self-sacrifice began to yield to that of self-realization.”

It became more important to cultivate personality traits, influence, and outer perceptions than to develop nobility of heart, mind, and deed.

In fact, Abraham Lincoln likely would never be elected president today.

In this age of cyber-bullying and political discord, it seems that good character traits are losing their relevance.

Is developing personal traits of goodness and virtue an outdated, useless pursuit that has little value in modern society?

It doesn’t take much life experience to discover how essential attributes of integrity are when it comes to one’s self-esteem, relationships, and life satisfaction.

Good character traits . . .

Help build respect and trust from others.
Motivate and inspire better character from others.
Build self-respect and confidence.
Provide a framework for making important decisions and choices.
Reflect leadership qualities in personal and professional endeavors.
In addition, individual virtue is the linchpin for a healthy, functioning society.

Although it may not be a popular pursuit, developing these important character traits is one of the most satisfying, emotionally intelligent endeavors you’ll ever undertake.

Good character consists of defining your values and integrity based on time-tested principles and self-reflection and having the courage to live your life accordingly.

So how do you begin to improve your character?

Would you prefer a video that features this list of good character traits?

If so, we’ve designed a creative video for you to watch that we think you’ll find to very positive and motivational.

Let’s look at 25 good character traits that impact your happiness.
I invite you to look over this character traits list and pick at least one of these good qualities to begin working on:

1. Integrity
Integrity is a personal trait that has strong moral principles and core values and then conducting your life with those as your guide.

When you have integrity, you main your adherence to it whether or not other people are watching.

2. Honesty
Honesty is a good trait that is more than telling the truth. It’s living the truth.

It is being straightforward and trustworthy in all of your interactions, relationships, and thoughts. Being honest requires self-honesty and authenticity.

Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny. ~ Lao Tzu


3. Loyalty
Loyalty is an ethical trait of faithfulness and devotion to your loved ones, your friends, and anyone with whom you have a trusted relationship.

Loyalty is a good quality that can also extend to your employer, the organizations you belong to, your community, and your country.

4. Respectfulness
With this character attribute you treat yourself and others with courtesy, kindness, deference, dignity, and civility.

You offer basic respect as a sign of your value for the worth of all people and your ability to accept the inherent flaws we all possess.

5. Responsibility
This exceptional quality accepts personal, relational, career, community, and societal obligations even when they are difficult or uncomfortable.

character traits infographic
This personal trait follows through on commitments and proactively create or accept accountability for your behavior and choices.

6. Humility
You have a confident yet modest opinion of your own self-importance.

You don’t see yourself as “too good” for other people or situations.

With this honorable trait you have a learning and growth mindset and the desire to express and experience gratitude for what you have, rather than expecting you deserve more.

7. Compassion
This character traits example feels deep sympathy and pity for the suffering and misfortune of others, and you have a desire to do something to alleviate their suffering.

8. Fairness
Using discernment, compassion, and integrity, this a character trait strives to make decisions and take actions based on what you consider the ultimate best course or outcome for all involved.

9. Forgiveness
You make conscious, intentional decisions to let go of resentment and anger toward someone for an offense — whether or not forgiveness is sought by the offender.

Forgiveness may or may not include pardoning, restoration, or reconciliation. It extends both to others and to one’s self.

10. Authenticity
With this virtuous attribute you are able to be your real and true self, without pretension, posturing, or insincerity.

You are capable of showing appropriate vulnerability and self-awareness.

11. Courageousness
In spite of fear of danger, discomfort, or pain, this good human quality requires the mental fortitude to carry on with a commitment, plan, or decision, knowing it is the right or best course of action.


12. Generosity
This good quality is willing to offer time, energy, efforts, emotions, words, or assets without the expectation of something in return.

This character trait offers these freely and often joyously.

13. Perseverance
Perseverance is a character trait steadfast persistence and determination to continue on with a course of action, belief, or purpose, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable in order to reach a higher goal or outcome.

14. Politeness
This character trait is knowledgeable of basic good manners, common courtesies, and etiquette, and are willing to apply those to all people you encounter.

You desire to learn the personal skills of politeness in order to enhance your relationships and self-esteem.


15. Kindness
Kindness is a positive attribute of being considerate, helpful, and benevolent to others.

This virtuous trait is motivated by a positive disposition and the desire for warm and pleasant interactions.

16. Lovingness
This character trait has the ability to be loving toward those you love means showing them through your words, actions, and expressions how deeply you care about them.

It includes the willingness to be open and vulnerable.

17. Optimism
Optimism is a virtuous example of having a sense of hopefulness and confidence about the future.

It involves a positive mental attitude in which you interpret life events, people, and situations in a promising light.

18. Reliability
This character quality can be consistently depended upon to follow through on your commitments, actions, and decisions. You do what you say you will do.

19. Conscientiousness
This character attribute has the desire to do things well or to the best of your ability.

You are thorough, careful, efficient, organized, and vigilant in your efforts, based on your own principles or sense of what is right.

20. Self-disciplined
With this good character trait, you are able, through good habits or willpower, to overcome your desires or feelings in order to follow the best course of action or to rise to your commitments or principles.

You have a strong sense of self-control in order to reach a desired goal.

Developing these traits of good character can be difficult to foster and maintain, but they afford so many positive benefits to improve the quality of your life.

21. Ambitiousness
When you have ambitiousness, you possess the keen desire to achieve your goals.

Whether you are seeking to make more money, build a business, excel in your career, or find the love of your life, your ambition gives you the motivation to make it happen.

This character trait is positive as long as your ambition doesn’t overshadow your values or force you to compromise other positive character traits.

22. Encouraging
When you are encouraging, you offer hope, strength, and positive reinforcement to others. You go out of your way to give someone support and confidence.

This is an excellent trait as it reveals your ability to understand and care for others in an emotionally intelligent way. Because of your encouraging nature, others are naturally attracted to you.

23. Forgiving
The ability to forgive yourself and others reveals that you have a balanced perspective of human nature and the flaws inherent in all of us.

You are able to let go of grudges and resentment which in turn frees you and anyone who might have offended you.

It is an advanced trait that is an act of courage and commitment.

24. Considerate
When you possess the trait of being considerate, you show an ability to think of other people as well as yourself.

You show care to others and seek to understand how they might feel in certain situations and adjust your behavior accordingly.

To be considerate also means being polite and respectful — even of those at a different station in life from you.

25. Thoroughness
When you are thorough, you’re willing to put in the extra effort to ensure things are done completely and correctly.

Others can count on you to fulfill your commitments with great care and attention to detail.

Your ability to be thorough and consistent in your efforts mean you can expect more success and respect in your personal and professional life.

Character Traits for Kids
Good character isn’t something you are born with. Developing good character begins when you are a child, and it’s essential that parents and teachers prioritize teaching positive character qualities.

Through activities, games, lessons, and real-world experiences, children can grow in character and understand how these important traits make them happier, more successful, and more resilient.

Teaching traits like kindness, respect, and responsibility also help children develop self-esteem, as well as moral and ethical values.

When teaching these traits to children, adult role models should consider the following:

Focus more on reinforcing good traits rather than pointing out bad ones.
Offer children more positive ways of behaving and reacting when they exhibit bad character traits.
Discuss with children how these good traits will positively impact their lives and make them more successful.
Set high (but age appropriate) standards for children and make those standards clear and actionable.
Use books and other literature with stories that reinforce positive character.
Set a good example yourself for children to emulate and aspire to.
Setting this good example means that adults must look at themselves to assess their own skills and work to improve any areas where their traits might be weak.

Let’s take a look at how you can become a role model to others by improving your character.

How to Build Good Character
If you believe developing these positive characteristics, here are some action steps to show you how.

Step 1: Define your core values.
Know what is most important to you by determining your values for your professional and personal life.

These are the principles that are the foundation for your priorities, choices, actions, and behaviors.

You can start by looking at this list of values.

Step 2: Practice the habits.
Pick one or two from this list of positive character traits above to practice for several weeks.

Write down the actions you want to take or the behaviors you define that reflect this trait, and implement them in your daily life and interactions.

Wear a rubber band on your wrist or create other reminders to help you practice these good qualities.

Step 3: Find people with good character.
Surround yourself with people who reflect the character traits you want to embrace.

They will inspire and motivate you to build these traits in yourself.

Try to avoid people who have a weak character and make bad decisions.

Step 5: Take some risks.
Start taking small actions toward a goal or value that involves some level of risk.

When you face the possibility of failure and challenge yourself toward success, you become mentally and emotionally stronger and more committed to your principles.

Step 6: Stretch yourself.
Create high standards and big goals for yourself.

Expect the best of yourself and constantly work toward that, even though you will have setbacks and occasional failures.

Every stretch builds your confidence and knowledge that your positive character traits are getting stronger.

Step 7: Commit to self-improvement.
Realize that building your character is a life-long endeavor.

It is something that is practiced both in the minutiae and the defining moments of your life.

There will be times you step up to the character traits you embrace and other times you falter.

By remaining committed to personal growth and learning about yourself, your character will naturally improve, even through the failures.

NIPER : in top 10 institutes of Higher Education in pharma category

National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs), under the aegis of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers makes its place in top ten  Institutions  of Higher Education in pharma  category.

This clearly underlines their improving performances and commitments to the cause of education, research and innovation in field of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.  This  latest ranking have definitely added the shine to ‘’ Brand Niper’’.

Union’ Minister for chemicals and fertilizers Shri D V Sadananda Gowda and MoS (C&F)Shri Mansukh  Mandaviya  have congratulated all faculties and students of NIPERs for tireless efforts displayed by them to achieve this success.

 Union Ministry of Human Resource Development has released “India Rankings 2020” of Institutions of Higher Education in various categories on the basis of their performance on five broad  parameters. 

In pharmacy category NIPERs have much to cheer about on the declared ranking. Out of seven NIPERs all across the country, SAS Nagar (Mohali) has retained its third position, while NIPERs at Hyderabad and Ahmedabad have improved one rank from the last year and have been ranked 5th and  8th position in the country respectively’ as they did in previous year also.

Most importantly, this year ranking saw the remarkable stellar performances by other three NIPERs at  Guwahati, Raebareli and Kolkata,  who have entered for the first time and ensured 11th, 18th  and 27th spots for themselves.  

Under the annual ranking, various Universities, colleges, medicine, dental, law, architecture, engineering, management and pharmacy institutes are ranked.

Always be aware of Agents.

What-do-agents-for-actors-do

Everyone is aware of the name Agents, but here is the clear definition of the Agent, An agent, in legal terminology, is a person who has been legally empowered to act on behalf of another person or an entity. An agent may be employed to represent a client in negotiations and other dealings with third parties. we came across each and every time in any sector whether it is heath, finance, banking, and even education also have agents to get admission in schools and colleges.

There are four types of agents Sales agents, distributors, and Licensing agents

Sales agents :

This type of agent is probably a self-employed sole trader ‘on the road’ selling a range of reproductions, ready-framed pictures, greetings cards and gifts on behalf of perhaps four businesses and/or artists. Sales agents handle sales but do not contribute to other marketing or production costs. They pay for their own car, petrol, hotel bills and insurance. Many sales agents expect financial back-up from their artists in the form of a promotional program (advertisements, mailshots, trade fair stands, etc.), and offering this kind of back-up is a good way for an artist to attract one of the better agents.

Distributors :

Distributors are companies rather than individuals, and they tend to cover the whole country. They are often successful sales agents who have developed into larger concerns employing sales agents of their own. Distributors normally work to develop a corporate image. They have their own marketing programs involving advertising, stands at exhibitions, trade showrooms, catalogs, etc.

Licensing agents :

These agents negotiate licensing deals with print and card publishers, porcelain manufacturers, and giftware companies. Good licensing agents should be able to negotiate better terms and have a wider range of contacts than artists representing themselves, even taking their commissions into account. Some publishing companies, however, will only deal with artists direct. Many print publishers and gallery owners also act as licensing agents for their artists.

Each and every company have agents, which provide the market trend by applying the charges and more, every person, who has a mobile phone they sometimes had experience regarding agents, who tried to sell their policy of life insurance and give home loan and car loan, they always have a target to finish and they get the commissions on each and every person. the same thing happened in the banking sector, when a bank does not grow properly then they hire agents and they sign an agreement to sell credit card and invest money on real estate.

If we look in the education sector whenever any student does not get admission to schools or college, they contact an agent and pay the fees to them and agent cut their commission and give the donation to the education trust then students get admission. the same thing happens in abroad admission when student wont completes their education abroad at that time they contact the agent to get admission in foreign university or college, However, parents also ready to spend their whole money on that thing, sometimes by luck student get admission at the same time agent charge high to the student’s parents, but when a student does not get money back from abroad after rejection on the filing process, then agents do not ready to accept their mistake and also charge same and they do not give the proper answer to the student regarding the money-back process.

So, any person who tries to apply abroad for any purpose like study visa, tourist visa or P.R., please clarify the rules of overseas government and immigration or search online because all countries have a website regarding rules and regulation regarding enter in their country, moreover on social media platform like Youtube also many people from abroad, who keep update us regarding changing immigration rules.

thanks for reading.