India gets 1st guidelines for managing lipid levels, the biggest risk factor for heart attack, stroke
The guidelines are aimed at clinicians and medical laboratories. The cut-off for various lipid markers was modified based on risk factors. Key Points
ThePrintWhy regular, updated dietary guidelines are important as non-communicable diseases rise in India
The proportion of deaths due to such diseases increased to 61.8% in 2016 from 37.9% in 1990. Experts emphasise the need for diet plans tailored to Indian habits & lifestyle. Key Points
ThePrintLenders seek anonymity for officers tagging wilful defaulter accounts
Lenders seek RBI guidance on protecting officers' identities identifying defaulters. Recent court order mandates disclosing committee members. Indian Banks Association seeks advice too. Risks highlighted for officers personally named. Key Points
Economic TimesFinMin asks ministries/departments to follow guidelines on issuance of mobiles, laptops to officers
The finance ministry has directed various departments to follow guidelines for issuing mobiles, laptops, and similar devices to eligible officers of the Government of India for official work. The Department of Expenditure issued guidelines in July, allowing central government officers to receive devices costing up to Rs 1.3 lakh, which can be retained for personal use after 4 years. Key Points
Economic Times'UMMEED': Here is how govt plans to reduce stress and suicides among students
The Ministry of Education has released draft guidelines called UMMEED to address the increasing concern of self-harm and suicide among students. The guidelines aim to improve sensitivity, understanding, and support in such cases. They recommend the establishment of a School Wellness Team responsible for identifying students at risk, responding promptly to their needs, and providing support. Key Points
Economic Times
IIT Bombay gets mindful of caste discrimination, issues guidelines
After the uproar in the suicide case of a B.Tech student, who belonged to a reserved category, in February this year, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, on Saturday, had to issue anti-discriminatory guidelines. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaIndia removes random Covid testing for international arrivals
The Union Health Ministry has relaxed COVID-19 guidelines for international travellers, removing the previous requirement for RT-PCR testing of a random 2% of visitors to India. However, precautionary measures, such as in-flight announcements and isolation of symptomatic passengers as per protocol, shall still be followed. All travellers are advised to preferentially receive full vaccination as per their country's primary schedule and self-monitor their health post-arrival. Key Points
Economic TimesU.S. antitrust enforcers tackle digital platforms in new merger guidelines
New draft guidelines released by U.S. antitrust enforcers on Wednesday lay the groundwork for tougher scrutiny of planned mergers by Big Tech companies like Amazon.com (AMZN.O) and Alphabet's Google (GOOGL.O). Key Points
ReutersCentre revises COVID-19 guidelines; Warns over antibiotics usage sans bacterial infection
The AIIMS/ICMR-COVID-19 National Task Force met on January 5 to revise the clinical guidance protocol. It has also advised doctors not to use convalescent plasma therapy. Key Points
FinancialexpressKeep infants away from sugar, 500g fruit & veg daily — new national dietary guidelines after 13 yrs
Guidelines also advise restricting meal frequency to 2-3 times a day & to avoid ultra-processed foods or those high in fat, sugar & salt. Last such rules were released in 2011. Key Points
ThePrint
Only principal commissioners or higher officials can probe into GST, other sensitive matters: CBIC
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has made it mandatory for high-ranking officials, such as the principal commissioner or above, to approve investigations, searches, or questioning in GST matters related to large industrial houses, multinationals, and those with national implications. This move, aimed at minimizing instances of harassment, follows a directive from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to adopt a more taxpayer-friendly approach. Taxpayers can also approach designated officials of the rank of principal commissioner in case of grievances during an investigation. Key Points
Economic TimesCDC shortens isolation time for COVID-19 patients in new guidelines
New CDC guidelines bring a glimmer of normalcy to COVID-19 isolation. Recovered individuals can resume normal activities one day after fever subsides. Key Points
Hindustan TimesSupreme Court questions 2-year delay in e-device seizure rules
The counsel for Centre informed the Bench that a committee has been constituted by the government and the said guidelines are likely to be finalised by the next week. Get it done , the Bench orally remarked. Key Points
Economic TimesWhy has BBC issued new social media guidelines and what is the Gary Lineker controversy? Know about the ne
The BBC has released updated guidelines regarding the personal use of social media for all its employees. These guidelines include a clear emphasis on the impartiality of flagship show hosts, stating that they should refrain from endorsing or criticizing political parties directly or indirectly. Key Points
Economic TimesUGC suggests de-reserving SC,ST, OBC posts if enough reserved candidates not available
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced draft guidelines stating that a vacancy reserved for SC, ST, or OBC candidates can be declared unreserved if sufficient candidates from these categories are not available. The guidelines are open for feedback from stakeholders and have faced criticism, leading to protests, including burning an effigy of UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar by the JNU Students' Union. Key Points
Economic Times
Diet to reduce disease risk
New ICMR guidelines on non-communicable diseases focus on food groups. Eleven-year old Raghav is pre-diabetic. Born through IVF, he is an over-pampered child,... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaDraft UGC guidelines over de-reservation spark controversy
The Ministry of Education (MoE) clarified that draft guidelines by the University Grants Commission (UGC) proposing de-reservation of reserved posts in higher education institutes have drawn criticism. The Congress alleged a conspiracy to end reservation for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. The JNU Students' Union announced a protest against the UGC Chairman. Key Points
Economic TimesYouTube removes over 2.2 mn videos in India over community norm violation in Oct-Dec
New Delhi, Mar 26 (PTI) YouTube removed over 2.25 million videos in India between October and December 2023 for the violation of its community guidelines, with the country topping the list of video takedowns ahead of nations like the US and Russia. Singapore with 1,243,871 video takedowns ranked second on that list and the United […] Key Points
ThePrintVedanta-Foxconn JV applies again for Semicon sops
The company had earlier applied to receive incentives for making 28 nm chips. It has now modified its application to manufacture 40 nm chips and receive incentives in that category, a source said. Earlier this year in May, the IT ministry had revised the guidelines for applying for incentives and said the applicants would now be able to apply as and when they either have a production grade technology or have a partnership with such company. Key Points
Economic Timesguidelines to curb 'deceptive' e-commerce marketing practices soon: Govt
The ministry will develop a comprehensive framework to protect consumers in collaboration with the Advertising Standards Council of India. Initially, these guidelines will be self-regulatory. Key Points
Firstpost
Govt releases fresh clinical guidance for COVID-19 amid rise in cases
In recent weeks, the risk of H3N2 influenza as well as COVID-19 has risen sharply. Several states have reported an uptick in cases, with officials issuing alerts and calling for precautionary measures to be taken. Key Points
mintFees, Suicides & Fire: Reasons behind govt's big plan to stop malpractices at coaching centres
The government's move to regulate the coaching industry in India is prompted by student suicides, unsafe conditions, high fees, and malpractices. New guidelines set age limits, mandate registration, and tackle false promises in advertising. Emphasizing mental well-being, the rules discourage discriminatory practices, encourage inclusivity, and impose strict fire and building safety codes. Key Points
Economic TimesHealth Ministry issues revised guidelines for Covid-19 amid rise in cases
Antibiotics should not be used unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection. The possibility of coinfection of COVID-19 with other endemic infections must be considered. Systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease, revised guidelines said. Key Points
Economic TimesIncome Tax department to conduct scrutiny where assessees failed to respond to taxmen's notices
The Income Tax department has introduced guidelines that require scrutinizing cases in which taxpayers have disregarded I-T notices. Further, the tax department will investigate cases involving tax evasion flagged by law enforcement agencies or regulators. The department will also register cases wherein taxpayers continue to claim exemptions despite their withdrawal or cancellation. Key Points
Economic TimesRural skilling scheme plagued by low placement rate, govt to count gig work & self-employment too
Centre likely to notify revised guidelines for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana in February. Move aimed at ‘ironing out’ hurdles in scheme, it is learnt. Key Points
ThePrint
Beverage lobby differs with WHO on sweeteners
WHO had said non-sugar sweeteners such as aspartame and stevia do not help in weight loss, while increasing risk of certain diseases. Health groups had called for 'restrictive use only' messages on all foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners. Key Points
Economic TimesWhite kurta, saree and simple jewellery: IIT-Kharagapur convocation dress code
IIT-Khargapur issued a detailed dress code for girls and boys for convocation 2023. Boys have been asked to wear plain, white solid kurta while girls have been asked to wear plain, solid cotton saree. Key Points
India TodayDeclaration of dividends by banks: RBI reviews certain norms, eligibility criteria
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its guidelines for the declaration of dividends by banks. The RBI has requested banks to consider divergence in classification and provisioning for Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and the trend observed under supervisory findings. Banks must also consider auditors' findings and Emphasis of Matter in the Audit report before declaring dividends. Key Points
Economic TimesDisclosure or disclaimer must for celebrities, influencers endorsing as health experts: Govt
The government said disclosure or disclaimer is must for celebrities, influencers and virtual influencers while endorsing as health experts or medical practitioners as it issued additional guidelines on Thursday. Even medical practitioners, health and fitness experts holding certifications from recognized institutions are required to disclose that they are certified health/fitness experts and medical practitioners while sharing information or promoting products or services or making any health-related claims. Key Points
Economic TimesIllegal sex determination racket busted in Punjab’s Sunam; Four held
Radha Hospital in Sunam raided for sex determination racket, 4 arrested. Tests conducted in moving vehicles, violating guidelines. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Commerce min reviewing existing guidelines for elections of EPCs, FIEO
According to an office memorandum, a three-member panel has been constituted to review the existing guidelines and make suitable recommendations about representation of different stakeholders in the managing committee and other posts. The panel is likely to take about two months to complete the exercise and submit its recommendations. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia's updated Covid guidelines advise caution on antibiotics, steroid use
Doctors have been asked to examine the possibility of co-infection of Covid with other endemic infections. They have also been advised to avoid using steroids in mild incidences. Key Points
Economic Times