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Bangkok Post
13 hours ago
- General
- Bangkok Post
Communication breakdown
Athipat Boonleang, a deaf gay rider, was on the way to deliver a parcel. Confused by the customer's location, she sent a text message to no avail. She contacted an online sign language interpretation service only to find that it is suspended. "Fortunately, a stranger helped me communicate by phone," she said. "But I am not lucky every time." Siriyada Prachayakanjana, a deaf transgender food vendor, had a medical appointment for hormone treatment. However, the online sign language interpretation service stalls and sign language interpreters are not available to accompany her either. "Without assistance, I struggle to read and understand medical terms [written on paper]. A blunder could affect my life," she said. For nearly two months, the suspension of this communication lifeline has impacted thousands of deaf individuals, including Athipat and Siriyada. The Thai Telecommunication Relay Service (TTRS) announced a hiatus on June 13, citing lack of funding from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC). According to the TTRS, there are around 1,200-1,600 calls per day or 450,000 calls per year. In the aftermath of its temporary closure, around 50 deaf people gathered at the NBTC earlier this month, calling for a renewal of the project. Wantanee Phantachat, director of the TTRS, told media that it has been delayed for two years. According to the Universal Service Obligation of the NBTC, the subcommittee has already given a green light and will forward it to the executive board in August. This incident is just the tip of the barrier of communication problems. As July marks Disability Pride Month, "change is needed to ensure inclusion of deaf people in our society. A sign language interpretation service should be integrated to increase their access to information", Chanakan Pittayapoovanai, manager for the Disability Service Centre (DSC), told Life. The DSC provides support to people with disabilities, including on-site sign language interpretation. Her organisation and the TTRS are under the Universal Foundation for Persons with Disabilities. Lack of communication support Chanakan explained how deaf individuals struggle to develop means of communication. Deaf children of deaf parents learn sign language at an early age, however, the situation is more complex for deaf children of hearing parents. As diagnosis is focused on the first group, hearing parents lose opportunities to raise kids properly until they notice signs of hearing loss. From her experience, some parents use cochlear implant surgery and speech training to improve their communication. "Following surgery, limitations may arise in some daily activities. Chances are surgery doesn't make a big difference. Hearing-impaired kids are treated like other hearing kids, when in fact their hearing is not fully restored," she said. Chanakan said "sign language is the most practical means of communication between hearing and deaf individuals". When it comes to Thai, most are not good at it because there are many registers. For example, while there is one sign for an act of eating, there are many eating-related words in Thai. Lastly, lip reading is very difficult. Chanakan said parents send deaf children to special schools due to lack of a communication method. Although deaf schools focus more on life skill development, students learn sign language and Thai. After graduation, their choices are limited to a certain number of universities that offer sign language support. Some may study in a mainstream environment, but still need support from hearing students and instructors. "When I studied sign language at Mahidol University, I tried to make sure that [on-site] interpretation was available in every activity, but I was often perceived as demanding," she recalled. In the past, the hearing-impaired had to book sign language interpreters to communicate in their stead. With the advent of the project-based TTRS, founded in 2011, the deaf can seek immediate help. After callers communicate using sign language, broadcasting staff translate it into spoken language for recipients and vice versa until the end of their conversation. "It is faster and more convenient for the deaf," she said. Chanakan said, however, her foundation is unable to bear financial burden of providing this service. Regardless of its closure, access to sign language interpretation should be the basic right of the deaf. "The TTRS should be established as a government organisation, not a project," she said. Shortage of sign language interpreters Chanakan said "we are tools for communicating needs of both sides", but "it is not a stable job". Only some organisations hire full-time sign language interpreters. Freelance workers find themselves in a precarious position. While interest in the field has grown, only a certain number of candidates fulfil the criteria for this profession. "This accounts for the decline in the number of sign language interpreters [from 500 to 200]," she said. In June, the minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa, said more sign language interpreters will be employed to support around 430,000 hearing-impaired people nationwide. Currently, there are around 200 sign language interpreters registered with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which is too small to meet demand. Only two universities offer a sign language interpretation programme. Mahidol University's Ratchasuda College offers a bachelor's degree programme, while Suan Dusit provides a one-year certificate programme. Challenges also remain in terms of interpreting in specialised fields. The situation is complicated when interpreters have to communicate new concepts to deaf people. Chanakan said their limited knowledge hinders the creation of new signs. "We don't know how to translate," she said. For example, when the concept of "transgender woman" did not yet have a sign, interpreters had to combine different signs to explain what this new term is. "It circles back to the same problem. Deaf people should receive support in their study of Thai to expand their knowledge. It will encourage the development of new signs and increase access to information," she said. At least 3,000 LGBTI people are registered with the Deaf Thai Rainbow Club. It has collaborated with the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand to create a new glossary. It takes a simpler conceptual approach, creating meaningful visual representation rather than finger-spelling. For example, the concept of "transgender woman" begins with touching the tip of the ear, moving the right hand down to the chest and holding fingertips together as if a flower folds inward. Chanakan urged policymakers to enforce sign language communication in hearing families to ensure that hearing-impaired children do not experience isolation. In addition, schools and universities must ensure that deaf students have access to education. Sign language should be established as an official language in public service. Also, inter- pretation jobs should have better security. "I came across a deaf foreigner who could answer this abstract question, 'what is your dream?'. I was surprised because most deaf Thais typically answer this question like doing true/false exams," she said.


News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Income Tax Return: How To E-Verify Your ITR? Know Steps
Last Updated: Verifying your ITR is a mandatory step to complete the filing process. After filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), it is important to verify it. Without verification, your ITR won't be considered valid. The easiest and quickest way to do this is through e-Verification, which can be done right on the Income Tax portal. You can choose any of the following methods to complete the process: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Aadhaar OTP Electronic Verification Code (EVC) using: – Bank account – Demat account – ATM (offline method) Net Banking What You Need Before e-Verifying: – You must be a registered user on the income tax e-filing portal. – Keep your Acknowledgement Number ready (useful for verifying without logging in). – You must have filed your ITR yourself or through a tax expert. – Click on 'e-Verify Return" – Enter your PAN, Assessment Year, Acknowledgement Number, and mobile number – Enter the OTP sent to your phone – Choose 'e-Verify using DSC" – Download and install the emsigner utility – After installation, choose your certificate provider and sign in with your password. Using Aadhaar OTP (Generate New) – Go to 'e-Verify Return" on the portal – Fill in your details and enter the OTP received on your mobile – Select 'e-Verify using OTP on mobile registered with Aadhaar" – Tick the checkbox to agree and generate OTP – Enter the OTP and validate. Using Aadhaar OTP (If you already have OTP) – Follow the same first few steps as above – Choose 'I already have an OTP." – Enter the OTP and click continue. Using EVC (If you already have the code) – Go to the portal and enter your details – After OTP verification, choose 'I already have an EVC." – Enter the EVC and continue Generate EVC via Bank Account – Log in to the portal and enter your details – Choose 'Through Bank Account" – Enter the EVC received on your registered mobile/email and verify Generate EVC via Demat Account – Similar steps to a bank account – Choose 'Through Demat Account" and enter the EVC received to complete the process. Using Net Banking – Log in to the e-filing portal – Choose 'e-Verify using Net Banking" – Select your bank and log in with your net banking credentials – From your bank dashboard, click the link to access the income tax portal – You will be redirected to your e-Filing account to complete verification. Using a Bank ATM (Offline) – Swipe your ATM card at the bank's ATM (only for supported banks) – Enter your PIN – Choose the option 'Generate EVC for Income Tax Filing" – Use the generated EVC to e-Verify by selecting 'I already have an EVC" on the portal. It is important to note that e-Verification is mandatory to complete your ITR filing. Choose any method that's convenient for you and complete it within the given time. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Business income tax return itr view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 08:30 IST News business Income Tax Return: How To E-Verify Your ITR? Know Steps Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


New Indian Express
20-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
CM Naidu unveils development agenda in Tirupati; vows plastic-free Andhra, clean politics
TIRUPATI: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday unveiled a comprehensive development agenda for the State, emphasising a commitment to public hygiene, technological innovation, and a decisive purge of criminal elements from politics. He also set a target to make the Secretariat plastic-free by August 15 and extend the ban to all municipalities by October, implementing a statewide ban by December. Addressing the gathering in Tirupati's 'Swarna Andhra-Swachh Andhra' programme, Naidu articulated his vision for 'Swarnandhra Pradesh' (Golden Andhra Pradesh) through 'Swachhandhra Pradesh' (Clean Andhra Pradesh), drawing parallels with Japan's renowned cleanliness culture. The Chief Minister expressed pride in Andhra Pradesh securing five Swachh Survekshan national awards, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness. Emphasising promoting reusable items such as steel glasses and raising awareness among government employees to lead by example, he urged citizens to 'chase away the plastic ghost,' promoting recycling and the concept of 'waste not being waste.' On the occasion, Naidu outlined several ambitious projects aimed at propelling Andhra Pradesh into a new era of development. A 'Quantum Valley' will be established in Amaravati, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and aiming to make the capital a hub for quantum technology. Additionally, a 'Green Hydrogen Valley' will be established for clean electricity production, leveraging green hydrogen to combat pollution. Furthermore, a weather information app is slated for launch to provide advanced weather information to the public. By August 15, approximately 700 government services will be accessible through WhatsApp Governance (Mana Mitra), streamlining public interaction with the administration. The Chief Minister committed to the speedy completion of the Mallemadugu and Balaji Reservoirs. A significant promise was also made to bring Handri-Neeva waters via Kalyani Dam to Tirumala, specifically to the feet of Lord Venkateswara Swamy, and to Tirupati. Addressing concerns of the populace, Naidu announced that DSC recruitments would be completed by August 20. Furthermore, he confirmed the implementation of free bus travel for women across the State starting August 15, a key promise under his government's 'Super Six' schemes. He also highlighted the successful implementation of the 'Talliki Vandanam' scheme, providing financial support to mothers based on the number of their children.


News18
17-07-2025
- Business
- News18
ITR Filing FY2024-25: 5 Things You Must Know Before e-Verifying Your Returns
Last Updated: New taxpayers often forget to verify their ITR after filing. The tax department allows e-verification via Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC, ATM, or DSC. ITR Filing FY2024-25: New taxpayers usually make the mistake of believing that filing the ITR is the end of the process. They often forget the next and most important step in the ITR filing process – verifying the income tax return. Beware. Your ITR filing will be treated invalid unless you verify it within a time limit. The tax department now allows taxpayers to do e-verification of ITR. How To e-Verify Your ITR You can e-Verify your Income Tax Return (ITR) through any of these methods: 1. Aadhaar OTP Get an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and complete the process instantly. 2. Net Banking Log in to your bank's net banking portal, go to the income tax section, and select e-Verify. 3. EVC via Bank Account / Demat Account Generate an Electronic Verification Code (EVC) from your pre-validated bank or demat account. 4. ATM-Based EVC (Offline) Some banks allow generation of EVC through their ATMs. You can use this to e-Verify later. 5. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Used mostly by professionals and companies, this is a valid method if you've already registered your DSC on the portal. If you haven't verified your return within 30 days of filing (new rule from Aug 1, 2022), your return becomes invalid. You'll need to: Can Someone Else Verify On Your Behalf? Yes. An Authorized Signatory or Representative Assessee can e-Verify on your behalf using: How Will You Know It's Verified? 5 Things You Must Know Before e-Verifying New 30-Day Deadline: You now have only 30 days from the date of filing to verify your return (for ITRs filed after 1 Aug 2022). No Aadhaar OTP Without Linked Mobile: Your mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar to use this method. Bank/Demat Account Must Be Active: Inactive or unvalidated accounts cannot be used to generate EVC. Avoid Penalties by Verifying in Time: Failure to verify on time means your return is treated as not filed, and you may face penalties. No Need to Post ITR-V if You e-Verify: Once e-Verified, you don't need to send the signed physical copy to CPC Bangalore. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Hi Dubai
17-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai T100 Triathlon Returns in November 2025 with Expanded Races and Global Spotlight
The Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend is set to return for its second edition from November 13–16, 2025, and promises to be bigger and better than ever, according to the Dubai Sports Council (DSC). Organised in collaboration with the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), the event builds on the success of its 2024 debut and is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) calendar. General registration is now open for amateur athletes across multiple categories, including the 100km race (2km swim, 80km bike, 18km run) and the Sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run). New additions this year include a Schools Event and a Corporate Relay, designed to enhance community involvement and promote healthy lifestyles. The 2024 edition saw participation from nearly 10,000 amateur athletes and witnessed world-class performances by top triathletes, including Marten Van Riel (Belgium) and Taylor Knibb (USA), who were crowned the first-ever T100 World Champions. The event also featured a community-focused 5km Music Run, welcoming participants of all ages and fitness levels. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), stated that the event supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by strengthening the city's reputation as a leading sports tourism destination. Eisa Sharif from DSC highlighted that Dubai's world-class infrastructure and inclusive sporting environment have solidified its place as a global triathlon hub. PTO CEO Sam Renouf confirmed the 2025 event will build on its growing status as a 'bucket-list race' in the T100 World Tour, which has already visited Singapore, San Francisco, and Vancouver, with upcoming stops in London and beyond. With its strategic expansion and inclusive approach, the Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend 2025 is expected to attract even greater global participation and offer an energising, festival-like experience for athletes and spectators alike. News Source: Dubai Media Office