Regional

New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) Automotive retailing solutions provider izmo locked in another 20 per cent upper circuit on Friday after its special division, izmomicro, developed a high-density silicon photonics packaging platform.

The stock hit a fresh all-time high of Rs 587.55 apiece, up Rs 97.90 during intra-day trade, after the company's achievement led to India’s entry into next-generation semiconductor technologies.

The Bengaluru-based company announced that the innovation will be crucial for advancing artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and future telecom networks. This advancement supports scalability and efficiency for hyperscale data centres, AI clusters, and next-generation 5G and 6G networks.

The company has developed a high-density silicon photonics packaging platform that supports 32-channel fibre input and output, achieving an industry-leading insertion loss of under 2 dB.

It achieved this density by overcoming a significant challenge of reaching nanometre-level optical alignment, using advanced assembly processes, and seamlessly integrating electronics.

The company said in its regulatory filing that the module integrates 32 DC input/outputs, 4 RF input/outputs, and provides high-speed RF performance up to 70 GHz.

“Only a few companies worldwide have demonstrated this capability, and we are proud to be the first in India. This breakthrough positions us as a critical partner for the global silicon photonics industry. As AI and data-driven applications demand ever-higher performance, our innovation will help power the infrastructure of the future,” said Dinanath Soni, Executive Director of izmomicro.

Silicon photonics is taking over copper interconnects for high-speed data transmission, becoming the key technology for multi-terabit optical communication. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, declared that Made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of 2025.

The Union Cabinet this week approved four semiconductor projects worth Rs 4,600 crore. Odisha will receive two new projects, and Andhra Pradesh and Punjab will each receive one. After new approvals, there are ten India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)-sanctioned projects in six states.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) successfully facilitated refunds amounting to Rs 2.72 crore in July, addressing 7,256 consumer grievances across 27 sectors, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said on Friday.

The e-commerce sector recorded the highest volume of refund-related grievances with 3,594 cases, resulting in refunds worth Rs 1.34 crore, followed by the travel and tourism sector, which accounted for refunds of Rs 31 lakh.

The helpline’s technological transformation has significantly enhanced its reach and efficiency.

Call volumes have increased more than tenfold, from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024, the Ministry stated.

Similarly, average monthly complaint registrations have grown from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,11,951 in 2024.

According to the Ministry, consumer adoption of digital channels has also surged, with grievance registration via WhatsApp rising from 3 per cent in March 2023 to 20 per cent in March 2025.

NCH acts as a unified platform bringing together consumers, government agencies, private sector companies, and regulatory bodies. The number of convergence partners has expanded steadily from 263 in 2017 to 1,131 companies in 2025, strengthening collaborative redressal mechanisms.

In line with its mandate to safeguard consumer rights and promote fair trade practices, the Department of Consumer Affairs monitors grievance data received through the NCH.

In addition, the Department also identifies companies with a high volume of complaints that are not yet part of the convergence programme for further engagement.

NCH collaborates with companies demonstrating a proactive approach to grievance redressal, onboarding them as convergence partners voluntarily, the Ministry highlighted.

Once onboarded, NCH provides these businesses with real-time complaint data, facilitating cooperative engagement and a free, equitable, and quick resolution.

NCH has integrated WhatsApp with its toll-free number (1915) in order to improve accessibility and expedite grievance registration during times of high call volume.

When customers experience lengthy wait times because of high traffic or technical issues, automated WhatsApp notifications are sent to them, allowing them to file complaints straight through the app.

This initiative enhances the helpline's responsiveness and efficiency by providing a smooth and easy-to-use substitute.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The Indian white-collar job market is expected to maintain strong hiring momentum, with 94 per cent of employers saying they plan to hire during the second half of 2025 (H2 2025), a report said on Friday.

Additionally, hiring employers, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) indicated they expect new job creation, while 22 per cent of employers specified they largely foresee only replacement hiring to fill existing vacancies, Naukari, a recruitment platform, said in a report.

According to the recruitment agency, IT, Business Development, and Operations functions are expected to drive this hiring momentum.

Surprisingly, the report found that despite the ongoing buzz around job losses due to AI, 87 per cent of employers do not foresee any significant impact on overall employment.

Instead, 13 per cent of them expect AI to act as a catalyst for job creation, particularly in emerging roles.

"Functions most likely to benefit include IT (42 per cent), Analytics (17 per cent), and Business Development (11 per cent), where employers anticipate the rise of new AI-driven opportunities," the report stated.

The strong hiring sentiment is powered by demand for specialised technology roles, with 37 per cent of employers planning to hire for IT positions.

However, this demand is increasingly driven by emerging technologies rather than traditional IT functions, with companies specifically seeking professionals skilled in Machine Learning, Data Science, and AI-related technologies as these capabilities become essential across industries, the report noted.

Mid-level professionals with 4-7 years of experience are most in demand, with 47 per cent of employers planning to hire in this experience band.

Entry-level candidates (up to 3 years) account for 29 per cent of hiring intentions, the report said.

However, the senior-level recruitment tells a different story. Only 17 per cent of employers plan to hire professionals with 8-12 years of experience, while just 3 per cent plan to hire those with 13-16 years of experience, the report highlighted.

The report was prepared by drawing insights from over 1,300 employers.

--IANS

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Jaipur, Aug 21 (IANS) Serious irregularities have been uncovered in the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS), leading to the suspension of nine individuals, including five doctors - two from Ayurveda and three from allopathy - and four other government employees.

In addition, an FIR has been filed against a private hospital, a medical store, three doctors, and a cardholder involved in the alleged fraud. Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, stated that the department had been receiving complaints of irregularities from various stakeholders over a period of time.

Following a detailed investigation, strict action was taken. Suspended personnel include Dr. Kavita Dhankhar and Dr. Pawan Jangid (Ayurveda doctors, Government Ayurveda DB General Hospital, Churu), Dr. Manisha (CHC Bibirani, Khairthal-Tijara), Dr. Narsilal Pachauri (District Hospital, Alwar), Dr. Kapil Bhardwaj (TBC, Alwar), Madan Mohan Pandey (Compounder, Government Ayurveda Pharmacy, Nahri Ka Naka), Chandrashekhar Jatav (Compounder, Ayurveda Pharmacy, Baleta, Alwar), Mohsin Khan (Attendant, Office of Deputy Director, Ayurveda Department, Jaipur) and Mahesh Kumar Mahawar (Assistant Administrative Officer, Water Resources Department) According to Harji Lal Atal, CEO of the Rajasthan State Health Assurance Agency, an FIR has been filed against Rajasthan Pensioners Association Medical Store (Company Bagh Road, Alwar), Mittal Hospital, three doctors, and the staff card holder involved.

The investigation revealed that fake OPD slips were generated in collusion with doctors, pharmacy staff, and the cardholder.

Instead of dispensing prescribed medicines, non-medical items were allegedly taken from the medical store.

Shockingly, using just one OPD card, treatments and medicines worth approximately Rs 26.7 lakh were billed in a single year.

The matter is under further investigation, and more actions may follow, said officials.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, June 28 (IANS) A social media post by a popular urologist, who heads the Urology Department at the prestigious Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital here, has raised eyebrows about the sorry state of affairs prevailing where a vast majority of its patients are from the poor and weaker sections of the society.

Incidentally his post has come at a time when the journalist-turned-Kerala Health Minister Veena George often speaks about the quality of healthcare being given to patients in the state-run hospitals.

The post which surfaced on Saturday following a huge discussion about it, Haris Chirackal withdrew it and posted a fresh one wherein he says that all what he said in his withdrawn post is true.

In the withdrawn post Chirackal said that there is a huge shortage of equipment and medical supplies in his department and it has been affecting proper and timely treatment to his patients.

"I know that I have done my best to ensure the patients who come to my department get the best treatment, but the other day I felt really dejected when I had to postpone a surgery on a patient whose age is that of my son due to shortage of equipment. I am really tired of running from pillar to post seeking funds and fresh supply of equipment. I am not interested in a clash with the bureaucracy. Let my services be terminated," wrote the doctor in the now withdrawn post.

In his fresh post, Chirackal said his only aim and objective is to provide the best patient care to his patients and work as a team for which he says he gets the full cooperation from his staff.

"Being the Head of the Department, I am fully immersed in my work and do not go on tours or even take part in family events as I know I have to be with my patients as this is the institution that I studied from and if I am not able to give justice to my patients then there is no purpose in my working here," he said in a new social media post.

But after his post created huge traction, the health authorities were quick in denial.

"What Chirackal said is not true. As much as Rs 50 lakhs worth equipment purchase was made in the Urology department which includes 45 equipment. A probe that got delayed on Friday and one case posted for surgery had to be postponed and three were done in the Urology department," the authorities said.

Meanwhile, senior medical professional and a former student S.S. Lal, a popular health consultant, said what Chirackal said is nothing new as in the past six to seven years there is a problem in the functioning of the hospitals here.

"My classmate previously headed the Urology department here, who used his own funds to buy equipment so that patients don't get affected. The case is more or less the same in many state-run hospitals. The budgeting for the Health department is flawed. When the world is discussing on the health care to be adopted in 2050, here we just can't do anything on how our hospitals will be able to function tomorrow," said Lal, who was a Congress candidate from the Kazhakootam Assembly constituency here during the 2021 state Assembly polls.

--IANS

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Srinagar, June 28 (IANS) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday reiterated his government’s commitment to making Jammu and Kashmir one of the premier golf destinations in the country.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during a prize distribution ceremony held here at Srinagar, where winners and runners-up of the day’s golf tournament were felicitated.

Earlier, the Chief Minister joined golfers to tee off the tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course, which saw participation from eminent golfers from across the country, including former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah.

Welcoming the golfers to Kashmir, the Chief Minister said their presence was highly encouraging. He also expressed his gratitude to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) for organising the Golf tournament and tourism stakeholders’ interaction in Kashmir.

“It is very reassuring for us to see you all here. There is no doubt that your presence goes a long way in reinforcing what we are trying to do, which is essentially to bring tourism back on track after it had derailed,” he said.

Reflecting on recent challenges, the Chief Minister acknowledged the apprehensions tourists may have felt following the Baisaran tragedy.

“I understand why people would be afraid to visit. I understand the impact of the visuals from Pahalgam on the psyche of those who would otherwise not think twice about coming here,” he said.

“That is why your presence here carries immense significance — the message you take back with you amplifies what we are trying to achieve, in ways perhaps we cannot.”

Highlighting the power of word-of-mouth communication, the Chief Minister noted that the impressions shared by visitors hold greater weight than official statements.

“If I speak about Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism destination, my words will naturally be seen through the lens of a local. But when you return home and share your experiences here, the impact is far greater,” he said.

“I am not being frivolous when I say this, we truly hope each one of you goes back as ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir, conveying that although the region has faced a difficult few months, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and better days lie ahead.”

On the development of golf infrastructure, the Chief Minister assured the gathering that all necessary efforts will be made to provide world-class golfing facilities in both Jammu and Kashmir Valley.

Referring to the recent tournament held in Gulmarg, he shared: “For the first time in over a decade, we were able to organise a small, locally-participated golf tournament using nine holes. By August or September, we hope to have all 18 holes operational. Work on the greens is underway.”

He further added, “Similarly, we will continue to enhance the quality of golf courses in Srinagar and Jammu. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring that each time you return, you experience an improved game and setting.”

--IANS

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Kolkata, June 28 (IANS) The United Forum of State Government Employees, the umbrella body of the West Bengal government employees, spearheading the movement against non-payment of dearness allowance at par with that of the Central government employees and the arrears accrued on it, will organise a protest rally coinciding with Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrs' Day rally on July 21.

The decision had been taken amid the deadline for crediting the 25 per cent dearness allowance arrears to the accounts of the current and retired employees as directed by the Supreme Court last month expired on Friday midnight and the arrears were not credited.

Instead, the state government, during the last moment, filed a petition before the apex court seeking six months of additional time for paying the 25 per cent dearness allowance dues.

The state government, in its plea to the apex court, has said that six months of additional time was required considering the present financial status of the state exchequer.

At the same time, the West Bengal government also appealed to the Supreme Court for a review of the earlier order for payment of 25 per cent dearness allowance dues.

While Trinamool Congress's Martyrs' Day rally on July 21 will be held in central Kolkata, the United Forum of State Government Employees' rally will be organised less than a kilometre away at the base of Shahid Minar within the same time on same day.

Announcing this at a press conference on Saturday, the forum representatives also said that apart from their rally on July 21, they will also be organising a "march to State Secretariat" programme on July 28.

"Besides the members of the different associations of the state government employees, the "untainted" teachers losing jobs following a Supreme Court order in April this year will also be participating at the protest march on July 28," the forum convener Bhaskar Ghosh said.

At the same time, he said, the forum is getting prepared for another round of legal battle on this issue, including filing a contempt-of-court petition in the matter against the state government.

At present, the West Bengal government employees receive dearness allowances at the rate of just 18 per cent, as against 55 per cent received by their counterparts in the Union government and many other state governments.

Payment of 25 per cent of pending dues is expected to cost the state exchequer in West Bengal around Rs 12,000 crore.

The state Finance department employees apprehend that this drain-out might impact some monthly payments under different welfare schemes run by the state government.

--IANS

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Patna, June 28 (IANS) Amid intermittent monsoon rains, lightning strikes claimed the lives of two people and injured two others in Gaya district, Bihar, on Saturday.

In the Guraru block, Dinesh Yadav (40), a resident of Daulata village, died after being struck by lightning near Bhaduki village while returning from Rafiganj in Aurangabad. His sudden death has left the family in shock.

In a separate incident in Pandey Pokhar village of Guraru, Rohit Kumar (14), son of Ramesh Manjhi, died on the spot after being struck by lightning while grazing cattle in a barren field.

“There is news of two people dying due to the lightning strike. At present, one body has been sent to Magadh Medical College Hospital for post-mortem. We will recover another dead body for the post-mortem. Police are taking further action,” the SHO of Guraru Police stated.

Meanwhile, in the Aams block, a lightning strike damaged the upper part of a temple, injuring two people living nearby.

The injured have been identified as Suhana Parveen (12) and Jaimala Devi (30).

Both are undergoing treatment at the Primary Health Centre in Aams and are reported to be out of danger.

“Both injured are being treated and their condition is stable,” said Dr. Mahesh Prasad, Medical In Charge, PHC Aams.

Lightning strikes are regularly reported in Bihar during the monsoon season, despite alerts issued by the Meteorological Department.

Rural areas remain particularly vulnerable, with many people falling victim to such incidents while working in the fields or during daily chores.

Authorities have urged people to take precautions during storms, avoid open fields, and follow weather alerts to minimise risks during the ongoing rainy season.

The officials suggested people stay away from trees, electric poles and clay houses and take shelter inside concrete structures in case of rain.

Meanwhile, the state government has decided to compensate the family members of the deceased with Rs 4 lakh ex gratia.

--IANS

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