Latest news with #SIC
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Time of India
SIC flags police delays on motor accident case papers
Gandhinagar: In a recent order, the Gujarat State Information Commission (SIC) has pointed out to Gujarat Police the repeated delays in furnishing accident investigation documents, a lapse that continues to affect proceedings before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). SIC observed that such delays not only obstruct legal processes but also deprive accident victims of timely financial relief. The directive came in response to a second appeal filed by Ashwin Gohil, of a general insurance firm in Ahmedabad who is representing a motor accident case victim. Gohil had sought access to investigation papers related to a road accident which formed the basis of the MACT case. Despite clearly stating his role in facilitating claim settlements, his request — submitted on Jan 10, 2024 — was met with inaction by Jawaharnagar Police Station and the first appellate authority. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Presiding over the hearing on June 20, state information commissioner Nikhil Bhatt expressed concern over the lack of responsiveness. While the public information officer (PIO) claimed that the chargesheet had been filed, and advised the applicant to obtain it from the court, the commission clarified that "the police were obligated to provide a copy of the 'counter' document free of charge. It further ruled that the case diary, being personal to the investigating officer, was exempt under Section 8(1)(J) of the RTI Act, 2005." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The commissioner pointed to references of prior instructions issued by the director general of police, which were based on a Supreme Court judgment. "These guidelines had explicitly directed all police stations in Gujarat to cooperate with insurance investigators and advocates by promptly sharing relevant documents," Bhatt's order states. The order has also pointed out that delays directly affect accident victims, many of whom rely on insurance settlements for urgent financial support," says city-based RTI activist Pankaj Bhatt. The commission has requested that the DGP's office reissue detailed circulars stressing the importance of timely information disclosure to insurance entities. Bhatt's order tells supervisory officers to verify whether requested information has been duly provided. It instructs regional officers to ensure staff maintain courteous conduct and respond promptly to information requests. The order also stipulates that insurance company representatives furnish appointment letters to validate their authority, in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
RTI Act applicable to Century Club as it is a ‘public authority': Karnataka High Court
The High Court of Karnataka has ruled that 7.5 acres of land given by the Maharaja of Mysore in 1913 to Century Club, situated on the land abutting Cubbon Park in Bengaluru, amounts to 'a substantial contribution of financing by the State' to bring the club under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Patron-in-chief The club was started by then Maharaja of Mysore Narasimha Raja Wadiyar, who was its patron-in-chief, and Sir M. Visvesvaraya. '... if the valuation of the land of 7.5 acres as of today is taken into consideration, the same would run into hundreds of crores if not thousands, and the contribution made by the members of the club, as membership fees or any other head of account, pales into insignificance. In that view of the matter, it is clearly and categorically established that there is a substantial contribution made by the State, i.e. the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore, through the Maharaja of Mysore', the court said. Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order while dismissing a petition filed by the club, which had questioned the 2018 order passed by the State Information Commission (SIC). Land given by govt. The SIC had said that the club has to be treated as a 'public authority' under the RTI Act as it has benefited from the land given by the State government in 1913 while directing the club to provide information under the RTI Act to the public. The court said that the club had not made any payment to the then Maharaja of Mysore or the Kingdom of Mysore for the land and no specific document has been placed on record to indicate that the said land belonged personally to the Maharaja of Mysore. Not personal property 'The grant made in the name of the Maharaja of Mysore would also indicate that it is not the personal property of the Maharaja,' the court noted. On the club's contention that day-to-day activities, expenses, maintenance etc., are carried out from the contribution of the members, the court said that the fact still remains that without the land, the activities of the club could not be run.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
NEEEV entrepreneurship scheme: Delhi govt introduces startup training in schools
Students in Delhi government schools will now be introduced to structured entrepreneurial training as part of a new initiative - New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision (NEEEV). The scheme aims to develop innovation, problem-solving and self-reliance among schoolchildren. It will be implemented in classes eight to 12 during the current academic session. The Directorate of Education has shared an introductory overview of the scheme with all government schools and asked principals to nominate a NEEEV School Programme Coordinator from their teaching staff to oversee school-level activities. Weekly classes will be conducted by designated teachers, focusing on experiential learning and real-world application of entrepreneurial concepts, according to a circular. As per the overview, under the scheme, students will participate in a series of practical initiatives, including NEEEV Dialogue, a speaker series featuring entrepreneurs and industry experts, and Startup Stormers - a multi-stage competition where students will develop, pitch, and build their startup ideas. Shortlisted student groups will be eligible for financial assistance of ₹20,000 per project to develop their prototypes or launch ventures. In schools with Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), students will also have access to tools like 3D printers, IoT kits, AI and robotics resources, and STEM learning modules, it read. To ensure an effective rollout, each school will set up a School Innovation Council (SIC), headed by the principal or the school head. Additionally, district and zonal innovation councils will be formed for coordination and monitoring, with designated nodal schools identified in each zone and district, the circular mentioned. It stated that entrepreneurship education has been recognised as a key component of modern schooling under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. Both policies stress the importance of skill-based, hands-on learning to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. The scheme was announced during the Budget in March, and the Delhi government has allocated ₹20 crore for it. NEEEV replaces the previous government flagship scheme Business Blasters programme, increasing students' financial assistance from ₹2,000 per head to ₹20,000 per group and expanding the focus to include digital and financial literacy alongside entrepreneurial skills.
Euronews
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Smell like Putin: Russia releases scented candle to promote patriotism
Scented candles are a popular trend among those looking to create a cosy atmosphere in their homes. Smells vary according to taste: some are sweet but sharp, others fruity and floral. There's something for everyone, and while variety is important, sometimes it goes too far. Marketed for those who love Vladimir Putin so much that they want a constant reminder of his musk in their homes, a series of candles now allows that fantasy to come true. They are "Made in Russia", and the aroma of authoritarianism costs a total of 546 rubles per candle (around €6), with a manufacturer's guarantee. "The handmade indoor scented candle is made from natural wax. The room is filled with aroma in just 30 to 40 minutes," says the product description, quoted by the Russian newspaper The Moscow Times - which says that 25,000 candles have been sold. The manufacturer also claims that the candle's wooden wick imitates the sound of a crackling fireplace. The candle comes in two versions: "Aroma Putin Black Vanilla" and "Aroma Putin Dark Amber" and is available on Russian marketplaces such as Wildberries. There aren't many reviews, but some have five-star endorsements. In addition to the Putin scent, the same manufacturer offers candles with the names "Russia: Symbols of the Russian Empire", "Let's Support Our Own!" and "Aroma of Patriotism" with the image of Russian soldiers in the background. These candles have become a talking point in the press, with Portuguese journalist, writer and commentator specialising in Russian affairs, José Milhazes, calling the phenomenon further proof of Russia's cult of personality in his "Daqui Moscovo" segment on SIC television (Sociedade Independente de Comunicação). Presidential precedents It's not exactly a pioneering move either. While we establish no correlation between the two, US President Donald Trump recently announced a new addition to his personal line of merchandise: branded perfume and cologne that will set you back $249 (€211). The fragrances, called "Victory 45-47" - a reference to his two presidential terms - are "all about Winning, Strength, and Success," Trump wrote on his social network Truth Social. The launch of this latest scent has been heavily criticised, especially because of its timing – which coincided with Senate Republicans hauling Trump's tax breaks and spending cuts bill to passage by the narrowest of margins. One person commented online about the fragrance launch: '16 million Americans are about to lose their healthcare, but go buy my gross perfume…'
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Sandie Peggie: NHS Fife legal fees cost revealed in trans doctor Beth Upton tribunal case
The cost of legal fees for NHS Fife in the Sandie Peggie tribunal case has been revealed. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... More than £220,000 has been spent by NHS Fife on its defence in the Sandie Peggie tribunal hearing. The health board quietly published the cost of legal fees to comply with a requirement from Scotland's information commissioner. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sandie Peggie | John Devlin/National World David Hamilton, the Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC), had previously described the actions of the health board as 'extremely frustrating'. He had warned bosses at NHS Fife they could be in contempt of court if the health board did not comply with FOI laws. Three individuals had submitted Freedom of Information requests seeking the cost of the tribunal, which is centred on a transgender doctor using a female changing room. There has also been pressure from media outlets to disclose the sum, with NHS Fife now confirming it has £220,500 on legal fees to date. However, the costs will be reclaimed by NHS Fife through a national risk scheme. The health board is only liable for a maximum of £25,000, to make sure frontline services are not impacted. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms Peggie, a nurse, was suspended from her work at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in January last year after she objected to Dr Beth Upton, a trans woman, using the female changing room in the A&E department. Dr Beth Upton laves the hearing. Picture: John Devlin | John Devlin She has lodged a claim against the Fife health board and Dr Upton, citing the Equality Act, including sexual harassment, harassment related to a protected belief, indirect discrimination and victimisation. NHS Fife has been urged to concede the case following a Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equality laws. The SIC said the health board's initial response to the FOI requests stated the information was exempt under rules protecting personal information. However, it does not appear to have undertaken any searches for the information in response to the requests. Instead, it was subsequently obtained 'after the review requests were received' from a separate service, the NHS Central Legal Office, which provides legal advice to NHS bodies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Sleekit decision' Conservative MSP Tess White said of the manner of publication: 'This sleekit decision from NHS Fife only adds insult to injury. They have spent months rejecting legitimate requests to reveal how much taxpayers' money they are squandering on this case. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay and Tess White in the chamber at Holyrood. Picture date: Tuesday April 22, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire | Jane Barlow/PA Wire 'Senior figures within the health board must come clean about why this figure was not revealed sooner and how much more money from the public purse they expect to waste when the case resumes.' The NHS Fife statement A statement posted by the health board on its site said: 'NHS Fife can confirm that, as of 31 May 2025, a total of £220,465.93 has been incurred in legal costs relating to an ongoing employment tribunal case brought against the board. 'This figure includes counsel fees and services provided by NHS Scotland's Central Legal Office. These costs will be reclaimed through the national Clinical Negligence and Other Risks Indemnity Scheme (CNORIS). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
