Why Indian Business Leaders Are Making Cybersecurity a Boardroom Priority: Afroz Fatta

Afroz Fatta discussing why cybersecurity has become a boardroom priority for Indian businesses.

Cybersecurity has evolved beyond an IT concern to become a core business priority. Entrepreneur Afroz Fatta explains why Indian companies must involve leadership in cybersecurity planning, strengthen digital defenses, manage cyber risks proactively, and build resilience against increasingly sophisticated threats in the AI era.

Read More : https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/why-cybersecurity-is-becoming-a-boardroom-priority-for-indian-businesses-says-entrepreneur-afroz-fatta-a475/ 

NMC Proposes Tougher Rules for New Medical Colleges, Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Norms

 Draft Regulations Aim to Raise Standards in Medical Education

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has unveiled a set of draft amendments that propose tighter regulations for establishing new medical colleges in India. The proposed changes are designed to strengthen transparency, improve infrastructure standards and ensure the long-term sustainability of medical institutions.

The draft amendments to the Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023 were published in the Gazette of India on July 9. The Commission has invited comments from stakeholders before finalising the revised regulations.

National Medical Commission proposes stricter approval rules for new medical colleges in India.

Completed Infrastructure to Become Mandatory

One of the most significant proposals requires institutions seeking approval for a new medical college to have all essential infrastructure and statutory requirements fully completed before submitting their application.

Under the proposed rules, medical colleges will no longer be allowed to apply with partially completed facilities or projects still under construction. The NMC has proposed removing the existing provision that permitted "work-in-progress" infrastructure during the approval process.

The move is expected to ensure that only fully prepared institutions enter the approval stage.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Influencing Regulators

The draft regulations also introduce stricter safeguards to maintain fairness in the approval process.

According to the proposal, any attempt by applicants to influence or exert pressure on the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) during the evaluation process could lead to immediate rejection or suspension of the application.

The Commission says the measure is intended to protect the integrity and transparency of medical college assessments.

Mandatory Corpus Fund Proposed

To strengthen the financial stability of medical institutions, the NMC has proposed making a dedicated corpus fund mandatory.

The requirement would apply not only to newly established medical colleges but also to existing institutions. Officials believe the provision would help ensure long-term operational sustainability and improve financial preparedness.

Eligibility Criteria Clarified

The proposed amendments also define who can establish new medical colleges.

According to the draft, applications will only be accepted from:

• Companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Trusts registered under applicable state laws.

The clarification aims to streamline the approval process by ensuring that only eligible legal entities can apply.

Public Feedback Invited

The National Medical Commission has opened a 30-day consultation period for stakeholders to review the proposed amendments.

Suggestions and comments must be submitted through the official email format specified by the Commission. Physical submissions will not be accepted during the consultation process.

After reviewing public feedback, the NMC is expected to finalise the revised regulations.

Why the Proposed Changes Matter

The draft amendments represent a significant step toward improving the quality of medical education in India.

By insisting on completed infrastructure, stronger financial safeguards and greater regulatory transparency, the Commission aims to ensure that new medical colleges meet higher standards before admitting students.

If implemented, the new framework could strengthen public confidence in medical education while promoting accountability among institutions seeking approval.

Conclusion

The National Medical Commission's proposed reforms signal a more rigorous approach to regulating medical colleges across the country. With stricter infrastructure requirements, mandatory financial safeguards and enhanced oversight of the approval process, the draft rules seek to improve the overall quality and credibility of medical education in India.

Stakeholders now have an opportunity to provide feedback before the regulations are finalised.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What has the NMC proposed?

The National Medical Commission has proposed stricter regulations for establishing new medical colleges, including mandatory completed infrastructure, a corpus fund requirement and stronger compliance standards.

What is the biggest change in the draft rules?

Institutions will need to have all required infrastructure fully completed before applying for approval. Applications with ongoing construction will no longer be accepted.

What is the purpose of the mandatory corpus fund?

The proposed corpus fund aims to improve the long-term financial sustainability of both new and existing medical colleges.

Who can apply to establish a medical college?

Under the draft rules, only companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013, and trusts registered under relevant state laws will be eligible.

Can stakeholders submit feedback?

Yes. The NMC has invited comments on the draft amendments within 30 days through the prescribed email submission process.

Supreme Court Refuses Interim Relief in Asian Games Dressage Team Selection Case

Apex Court Focuses on Improving Sports Selection Process

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant interim relief to two dressage riders who challenged their exclusion from India's Dressage team for the 2026 Asian Games. While refusing to intervene in the immediate selection dispute, the Court said it would examine broader issues related to making the sports selection process more transparent and institutionalised.

A Bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe dismissed the riders' request for interim relief but agreed to issue notice on the larger question of reforms in the selection mechanism.

Supreme Court hears petition challenging India's Dressage team selection for the 2026 Asian Games.

Court Declines to Reopen Individual Selection Dispute

During the hearing, the Bench made it clear that it would not revisit individual selection decisions at this stage.

The Court observed that its primary concern is whether the existing selection framework followed by sports federations requires stronger institutional safeguards rather than addressing last-minute disputes involving individual athletes.

The judges noted that the issue before them should focus on improving the overall system instead of altering the composition of a team already selected for international competition.

Riders Challenged Reserve List Decision

The petition was filed by dressage riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela, who were placed on the reserve list instead of being included in India's final squad for the 2026 Asian Games.

The riders approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court declined to interfere with the final team selection despite identifying procedural shortcomings in the process adopted by the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI).

Delhi High Court Had Flagged Procedural Lapses

Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court observed that the Equestrian Federation of India had failed to fully comply with certain provisions of its own selection policy and had acted with undue haste while preparing the final selection list.

However, the High Court decided against ordering a fresh selection exercise because the deadline for submitting India's final squad to the organisers was approaching. The court noted that reopening the process could affect India's participation in the upcoming Asian Games.

Instead, it directed the federation to strictly follow its selection criteria in future selections.

Supreme Court Stresses Institutional Reforms

During the proceedings, senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the riders, argued that the petitioners deserved consideration under the established selection process after being placed on the waiting list.

The Supreme Court, however, expressed reluctance to intervene in sports selection disputes involving individual athletes shortly before major international events.

The Bench observed that judicial intervention should be limited and that greater attention should instead be given to establishing a transparent, consistent and institutionalised selection system for sports federations across the country.

What Is Dressage?

Dressage is a competitive equestrian discipline in which horse and rider perform a series of carefully choreographed movements designed to demonstrate precision, balance, training and harmony.

The event is one of the recognised disciplines in international equestrian competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympics.

What Happens Next?

Although interim relief has been denied, the Supreme Court will continue hearing the broader issue concerning reforms in sports selection procedures.

The outcome of the case could influence how national sports federations conduct athlete selection in future, with greater emphasis on transparency, fairness and adherence to established guidelines.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court has chosen not to interfere with India's Dressage team selection for the 2026 Asian Games, while signalling its willingness to examine systemic improvements in the selection process. The decision highlights the judiciary's preference for strengthening institutional mechanisms rather than intervening in individual selection disputes close to major sporting events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did the Supreme Court refuse interim relief?

The Court declined to interfere with the immediate team selection but agreed to examine broader reforms to improve transparency and consistency in sports selection procedures.

Who filed the petition?

Dressage riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela challenged their exclusion after being placed on the reserve list for India's Asian Games squad.

What did the Delhi High Court decide?

The Delhi High Court found procedural lapses in the selection process but declined to order a fresh selection because of the approaching deadline for submitting the final team.

What is dressage?

Dressage is an equestrian sport where riders and horses perform a sequence of precise movements that are judged on accuracy, control and harmony.

Kangana Ranaut Supports Anandiben Patel’s ‘Learn to Cook’ Remarks, Sparking Debate on Gender Roles

 Actor-MP Backs Governor’s Comments on Family Responsibilities

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has come out in support of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel’s recent remarks encouraging women to learn cooking for their families, regardless of their profession. Her response has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with users expressing both support and criticism over the comments.

The debate began after a video of the governor’s speech at an event in Kanpur gained attention online. Kangana later reacted to the viral clip on social media, endorsing Patel’s views on the role of women in nurturing families.

Kangana Ranaut responds to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel's remarks on cooking and family responsibilities.

What Anandiben Patel Said

During her address, Governor Anandiben Patel stressed the importance of women learning household skills alongside pursuing careers.

She said women should know how to cook for their families whether they become teachers, civil servants or professionals in other fields. Patel also emphasised the role of mothers in preparing daughters to face future responsibilities with confidence and self-reliance.

Her remarks quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting discussions on traditional family values and changing gender expectations.

Kangana Ranaut Shares Her Perspective

Supporting the governor’s statement, Kangana Ranaut said nurturing has always been a natural quality associated with women.

Reflecting on her childhood, she recalled enjoying activities such as building doll houses, stitching clothes for dolls and pretending to cook using miniature stoves. According to Kangana, these experiences reflected an instinct to care for and nurture others.

She also described nurturing, feeding loved ones and caring for family as qualities deeply valued in Indian culture, referring to traditional representations of women through figures such as Devi, Shakti and Annapurna.

Social Media Reacts with Mixed Opinions

Kangana's comments generated a wide range of responses online.

Some users agreed that cooking and nurturing are valuable life skills that contribute to strong families and cultural traditions.

Others, however, argued that cooking should be viewed as a basic life skill for everyone rather than a responsibility linked to gender. Critics said assigning household duties primarily to women reinforces traditional gender stereotypes.

The discussion has since evolved into a broader conversation about balancing professional aspirations, family responsibilities and gender equality in modern society.

Broader Debate on Gender Roles

The exchange between Anandiben Patel's remarks and Kangana Ranaut's response has reignited conversations about the expectations placed on women in contemporary India.

Supporters believe family values and life skills should continue to be encouraged, while others advocate for shared domestic responsibilities regardless of gender.

The differing viewpoints have made the issue one of the most widely discussed social media topics following the governor's speech.

Conclusion

Kangana Ranaut's endorsement of Anandiben Patel's comments has amplified an ongoing debate about gender roles, family responsibilities and changing social expectations. While many appreciated the emphasis on nurturing and traditional values, others called for a more gender-neutral approach to household responsibilities.

The discussion reflects the diversity of opinions surrounding family life and gender equality in modern India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is Kangana Ranaut in the news?

Kangana Ranaut is in the news after supporting Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel's remarks encouraging women to learn cooking for their families.

What did Anandiben Patel say?

The governor said women should learn cooking and develop family-oriented skills regardless of their professional careers, while also encouraging mothers to prepare daughters for future responsibilities.

Why did the remarks become controversial?

The comments sparked debate because some viewed them as promoting traditional gender roles, while others considered them an endorsement of important life skills and family values.

What was Kangana Ranaut's response?

Kangana said nurturing comes naturally to women and shared childhood memories to explain why she believes caring for family is an important and fulfilling role.

Mother and Son Graduate Together from IIT Madras, Celebrating a Shared Academic Journey

Family Milestone Takes Centre Stage at IIT Madras Convocation

An IIT Madras convocation turned into an unforgettable family celebration as a mother and her son graduated together from the institute's online Data Science programme. The rare moment highlighted how education can bring generations together and inspire lifelong learning.

Jigisha Tailor, 45, and her 21-year-old son, Aditya Kapadia, received their degrees during the same convocation ceremony after completing different levels of the online programme. While neither had expected to graduate together, the shared achievement became one of the event's most memorable highlights.

Mother and son receive their degrees together during the IIT Madras convocation after completing the online Data Science programme.

A Journey That Began with Encouragement

Jigisha had previously worked as an electronics lecturer at an engineering college in Bharuch, Gujarat, for over 16 years. She stepped away from teaching in 2019 to focus on family responsibilities.

Several years later, her son encouraged her to resume her academic journey by enrolling in IIT Madras' online Data Science programme. Inspired by his support, she joined the course in late 2022.

Meanwhile, Aditya had already enrolled in the programme in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when online education became the primary mode of learning across the country.

Choosing Data Science During the Pandemic

Aditya said he selected the IIT Madras programme because of his growing interest in data science and artificial intelligence. Initially, students pursuing the online degree were also required to remain enrolled in a conventional college.

After IIT Madras recognised its BS degree as equivalent to a regular four-year undergraduate programme, Aditya chose to continue exclusively with the institute's online course.

Balancing Studies with Family Responsibilities

For Jigisha, returning to education after a career break required careful planning and discipline.

She created a daily study routine by waking up before sunrise to attend lectures and revise lessons before beginning household responsibilities. Later in the day, she continued studying after completing family commitments.

Instead of taking multiple subjects each semester, she progressed at a pace that suited her schedule, taking advantage of the programme's flexible learning model designed for working professionals and adult learners.

A Partnership Built on Learning

As they studied together, mother and son developed a unique bond as classmates.

Aditya often guided his mother through upcoming coursework, online assessments and viva examinations. At the same time, the two enjoyed a friendly academic rivalry, motivating each other to achieve better grades throughout the programme.

Their shared educational experience strengthened their relationship while creating lasting family memories.

Career Plans After Graduation

After completing his BS degree, Aditya began working as a data science intern before securing a full-time role in the industry.

Jigisha, meanwhile, has decided to delay returning to work so she can support her younger son as he prepares for his Class 12 examinations. She is also considering returning to the classroom, with plans to take guest lectures at a local college.

A Surprise Moment at Convocation

The highlight of their journey came during the IIT Madras convocation ceremony.

Although students from different programmes were seated separately, organisers arranged for Jigisha and Aditya to receive their degrees together after learning about their inspiring story.

The unexpected gesture transformed the graduation ceremony into a memorable family milestone, earning admiration from fellow graduates and attendees.

A Story That Celebrates Lifelong Learning

Their achievement demonstrates that education has no age limit. Whether beginning a career or returning to studies after many years, determination, family support and flexible learning opportunities can make higher education accessible to learners from every stage of life.

Their journey also reflects the growing impact of online education in helping students and working professionals pursue academic goals without putting life on hold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who are the mother and son who graduated together from IIT Madras?

Jigisha Tailor, 45, and her son Aditya Kapadia, 21, graduated together after completing IIT Madras' online Data Science programme.

Which course did they complete?

They completed different levels of IIT Madras' online Data Science and Applications programme.

Why is their story unique?

Although they enrolled at different times, both graduated during the same convocation ceremony, making it a rare and inspiring family achievement.

What did Jigisha do before joining IIT Madras?

She worked as an electronics lecturer for over 16 years before taking a career break to focus on family responsibilities.

What lesson does their story offer?

Their journey highlights that learning has no age barrier and shows how online education can help people pursue higher studies at any stage of life.