logo
Chemists' association demands high-level enforcement task force to act against counterfeit drug networks

Chemists' association demands high-level enforcement task force to act against counterfeit drug networks

The Hindu03-06-2025
Drawing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's attention to the escalating crisis of counterfeit medicines in Karnataka, the Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA) has demanded that a high-level enforcement task force be set up to conduct Statewide operations against spurious drug networks.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, the chemists' body has said there is an urgent need for a dedicated team led by senior IPS officers and enforcement officials from the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration to conduct Statewide operations against counterfeit drug networks.
Global reputation
Lauding the government for its decision to recall not-of-standard quality (NSQ) drugs from end points, BDCDA president B. Thirunavukkarasu said the menace of counterfeit drugs not only endangers the lives of our citizens but also tarnishes India's global reputation in the pharmaceutical trade and inflicts significant economic damage. 'Recent reports indicate a 50% surge in counterfeit medicines post-COVID-19 pandemic, attributed to factors such as consumer preference for discounted drugs, inadequate government vigilance, and lenient prohibitive laws,' he said.
'The recall of NSQ drugs addresses only a fraction of the problem. The root issue lies in the unchecked manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit medicines. Notably, Karnataka has flagged 26 medicines as misbranded or spurious, consumed for common problems such as acidity, pain relief, and for cholesterol control. However, the absence of widespread seizures in the State does not imply the non-existence of counterfeit drugs. It highlights potential gaps in detection and enforcement,' Mr. Thirunavukkarasu said.
Pointing out that Karnataka's Health Minister has acknowledged the acute shortage of drug inspectors in the State, with only eight out of 112 sanctioned posts filled, he said, 'This shortfall hampers effective surveillance and enforcement against counterfeit drug operations. To address this, we propose the formation of a high-level task force led by IPS officers, in collaboration with enforcement officers from the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration. Such a team will be instrumental in conducting Statewide search and seizure operations, ensuring stringent punishment of culprits involved in the counterfeit drug trade.'
Breach of QR code security
The letter, also addressed to the Health and Home Ministers apart from the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary (Health), pointed out that the integrity of QR codes, introduced as an anti-counterfeiting measure, has been compromised. Reports indicate that counterfeiters have successfully replicated functional QR codes on fake medicine packages, rendering the current authentication system ineffective. This breach poses a significant threat to consumer safety and undermines trust in pharmaceutical products, the letter stated.
'Our observations suggest a disturbing trend of unauthorised supplies infiltrating Karnataka through semi-wholesalers, procuring agents, and sub-stockists. These entities are instrumental in supplying counterfeit medicines to unregulated e-commerce and quick commerce platforms, exacerbating the spread of fake drugs.'
The chemists' body has also demanded that the online sale of medicines be temporarily suspended until a robust and enforceable regulatory mechanism is established.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

TCS layoffs: MeitY takes note; staff union writes to labour minister
TCS layoffs: MeitY takes note; staff union writes to labour minister

Time of India

time26 minutes ago

  • Time of India

TCS layoffs: MeitY takes note; staff union writes to labour minister

TCS layoffs: MeitY takes note; staff union writes to labour minister Also in the letter: TCS layoffs draw government attention Context: Why it matters: What's next: TCS faces union heat over 12,000 job cuts What they said: Also Read: Backdrop: Why it matters: With automation and realignment reshaping roles, concerns around job security and fair practice are bubbling to the surface, while also forcing the government to take a closer look at how India's tech sector handles disruption. TCS job cuts may set precedent for India's IT sector The signal: AI not the culprit (yet) No status quo: Samsung exports slump 20% as PLI benefits lapse Why it matters: Also Read: The bigger picture: The company is seeking credit for FY22, which it claims was impacted by Covid-19. What to watch: Also Read: Google deposes before ED in online betting probe The case: Google may have to submit internal records and compliance statements as part of the investigation. Google's response: Why it matters: What's next: The union government is taking an interest in the TCS layoffs that spooked employees and investors. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.■ Broader IT shakeup■ Samsung in slow lane■ ED grills GoogleTCS CEO K KrithivasanIndia's IT Ministry is closely monitoring Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) decision to cut 12,261 jobs – roughly 2% of its global workforce – as alarm grows over job losses at India's largest tech firm. Government officials are in touch with TCS, seeking clarity on the rationale behind the said the layoffs are part of its drive to become a 'future-ready organisation', involving the adoption of artificial intelligence, global expansion, and a reorganisation of its workforce. Most of the cuts target mid- and senior-level creation remains a key political priority, and the government is weighing whether schemes like the Employment Linked Incentive can soften the blow. The episode also highlights the growing urgency for IT firms to reskill at ministry may push for more aggressive skilling interventions and wants clearer insight into existing talent gaps. TCS, for its part, said it will offer severance packages, counselling support, and outplacement services to affected union Nascent IT Employees Senate (NITES) has urged labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya to halt TCS's plan to axe over 12,000 jobs , calling the move 'illegal' and demanding the reinstatement of affected its letter, NITES accused the IT giant of sidelining over 600 lateral hires and questioned the fairness of the layoffs, pointing to hefty executive pay packets. The union also called on the government to hold senior leadership had framed the cuts as being part of a broader transformation drive. CEO K Krithivasan insisted the decision wasn't AI-led, but stemmed from a skill mismatch , particularly among senior standoff reflects the growing friction between India's tech majors and their workforce, as companies chase agility and cost move to cut 12,000 jobs has rattled nerves in India's IT industry, raising concerns about a broader shakeout . No other firm has followed suit yet, but the hiring chill is hard to added just 5,000 employees in Q1 FY26, while rivals like Infosys have slowed onboarding . The company has also cracked down on idle time , capping non-billable days at 35 annually. The message is becoming clearer: Productivity is now non-negotiable.: While TCS is investing heavily in automation, its CEO insists that the layoffs stem from role overlaps and outdated skills, not machines replacing people. Still, the pace of tech disruption is others adopt TCS's strategy, job security, particularly for mid-career professionals, could be affected. Expect boardrooms to prioritise workforce agility, reskilling, and internal smartphone exports from India tumbled 20% year-on-year in Q1 FY26 to $950 million after the South Korean electronics giant stopped receiving incentives under the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, industry executives told sharp drop has sparked concern over India's cost competitiveness in electronics manufacturing. Without PLI support, India's export costs are estimated to be 10–15% higher than those of Vietnam and China. Apple, Dixon, and other firms could hit a similar wall after FY26, when their PLI cycle comes to an was one of PLI's biggest beneficiaries, scaling exports from $1.2 billion in FY21 to $4.4 billion in FY25. That momentum now risks stalling.A new Rs 22,919-crore components PLI scheme is on the table. But for anchor players like Samsung to stay committed, policy continuity may be just as important as fresh executives appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday as part of a probe into alleged promotion of illegal online betting and gambling platforms. Meta officials, who were also summoned, skipped the ED is examining whether digital platforms enabled ads for unlawful betting sites, potentially violating the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).The company said it prohibits illegal gambling ads and is cooperating fully with the authorities. 'We are committed to keeping our platforms safe and secure,' a spokesperson told the news agency Press Trust of marks one of the first PMLA-linked cases scrutinising the ad practices of Big Tech companies in India. With the upcoming Digital India Act, the government is pushing for tighter oversight and platform investigation could widen if more violations surface. Advertising rules may soon become far more stringent, particularly for sectors such as gaming, cryptocurrency, and high-risk finance, where regulatory grey areas have long been the norm.

Now, US tightens visa interview waiver norms
Now, US tightens visa interview waiver norms

Time of India

time38 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Now, US tightens visa interview waiver norms

AI image means for representation only NEW DELHI: The US has further tightened its non-immigrant visa norms, including the conditions for interview waivers. From Sept 2, all non-immigrant visa applicants — including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 — 'will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer' barring a few exceptions, the US state dept said in a July 25 update. This exception includes 'applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa… within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa's issuance.' 'To be eligible for an interview waiver based (applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa), applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they: (a) apply in their country of nationality or residence; (b) have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and have no apparent or potential ineligibility,' the update says, adding, 'Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. ' Soon into President Trump's second term in office, the US had this Feb reverted to the pre-Covid interview waiver condition of a same class visa expiring within 12 months of applying for the same. In Nov 2022, when the wait time for B1/B2 (business and tourism visa) interview in India had crossed 999 days (touching almost three years), the US had increased the eligibility for same class drop box visa renewal — which does not require interview — from 12 months to 48 months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Sylhet - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo As of now, the state dept website shows B1/B2 average interview wait time is 14 months in Chennai, 9.5 months in Mumbai; 8 months in Delhi and 6 months in Kolkata. 'Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate's operating status and services,' the July 25 update adds. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

US changes visa interview policy from September 2: What it means for student applicants
US changes visa interview policy from September 2: What it means for student applicants

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

US changes visa interview policy from September 2: What it means for student applicants

New US visa policy removes interview waivers for most student applicants. (AI Image) The US Department of State has announced changes to its visa interview waiver policy, which will take effect from September 2, 2025. The updated policy requires most non-immigrant visa applicants, including student visa applicants, to attend an in-person interview, reversing several exemptions introduced in recent years. The policy update, released on July 25, 2025, narrows eligibility for interview waivers that had been expanded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Students planning to study in the US for the upcoming academic year may now face additional steps in the visa process. Interview now mandatory for most student visa applicants Under the revised rules, most non-immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, must appear for an in-person interview. This includes children under 14 and adults over 79, who were previously exempt in many cases. The changes apply to F and M category student visas as well, which were previously covered under broader interview waiver provisions. The announcement marks a departure from the waiver guidelines issued on February 18, 2025, which had allowed more applicants to skip interviews based on age, visa category, or past visa history. Limited interview waivers remain in place Interview waivers will still be granted in limited situations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Innovative ideas for home improvement. Home Builder World Learn More Undo These include certain categories such as diplomatic and official visa applicants under the A, C-3 (excluding attendants or personal employees), G, and NATO visa categories. The TECRO E-1 category for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office also remains eligible for waivers. Applicants renewing full-validity visitor visas (B-1, B-2, or B1/B2) may still qualify for an interview waiver, but only under specific conditions. The renewal must be within 12 months of the previous visa's expiration, and the applicant must apply in their country of nationality or residence. Additionally, the applicant must not have had a previous visa refusal unless it was later overcome or waived, and must have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Summary of US Visa Interview Policy Changes Effective from September 2, 2025 Category Old Policy (Until Sep 1, 2025) New Policy (From Sep 2, 2025) Age-based exemptions Children under 14 and adults over 79 were generally exempt from in-person interviews All applicants, regardless of age, generally required to attend interviews Student visa applicants (F, M) Eligible for waivers under COVID-era policies Must attend in-person interviews unless exempt under other criteria Diplomatic/official visa holders (A, C-3, G, NATO) Waivers commonly granted Still eligible for waivers TECRO E-1 visa Eligible for waivers Still eligible for waivers Visitor visa renewals (B-1, B-2, B1/B2) Waiver allowed within 48 months of previous visa expiry Waiver allowed only within 12 months, with stricter conditions Consular officer discretion Could request interview despite waiver eligibility Still applies under new policy Applicable update replaced Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025 Replaced by new guidance issued on July 25, 2025 Discretion still allowed for consular officers Despite meeting waiver criteria, applicants may still be required to attend an in-person interview if a US consular officer deems it necessary. This means eligibility does not guarantee exemption from the interview process. Implications for international students in India The updated policy is expected to affect Indian nationals applying for B1/B2 visitor visas as well as student visa categories. Many Indian applicants have previously benefited from the interview waiver system, particularly in high-volume consulates located in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. With the change, more applicants—including returning students—may be required to schedule and attend interviews, which could result in longer wait times at US consular posts in India. Advice for applicants The US Department of State recommends that all visa applicants visit the official websites of US embassies or consulates where they plan to apply. These sites provide information on document checklists, wait times for interview appointments, local procedures, and operational updates. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store