August 13, 2026

Unlike simple breath analyser tests for checking if the crew is tipsy, the process of detecting consumption of psychoactive substances is difficult The legal availability of marijuana for either medicinal or recreational use in places like Thailand and Amsterdam has made life difficult for airlines flying there. The reason: Unlike simple breath analyser tests for checking if the crew is tipsy, the process of detecting consumption of psychoactive substances is difficult. The only way to deter their consumption by flight crew members, say officials across multiple airlines, is to increase random dope testing, as there substances usually remain present in the body for much longer than alcohol.The concern across airlines globally to check this stems from the fact that operating a flight “under the influence of any psychoactive substance might render (licensed personnel like pilots) unable to safely and properly exercise” perform their duty, as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation.Possibly the most infamous case of this was a US carrier’s off-duty pilot travelling on the jump seat (extra seat behind pilots) in the flight deck trying to shut down the engines. This off-duty pilot had reportedly taken psychedelic mushrooms two days before the incident and hadn’t slept in 48 hours. “This is a challenge globally. Often the tests are not conclusive if taking some medicine leads to detection of psychoactive substances. However, recent consumption of drugs does show up in tests,” said officials.DGCA rules on “procedure for examination of the aviation personnel for consumption of psychoactive substances” says: “In case the confirmatory test is found positive, the medical in charge of the organisation shall consult a medical review officer to determine if the result was due to a legitimate therapeutic treatment or some other innocuous source (for example pain relief medication containing codeine may trigger a positive result for opiates).Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Airlines try to create awareness and encourage employees to anonymously report addiction so that the same can be addressed. But mostly people avoid reporting the same, so this virtually remains a non-starter, said many officials. Officials running operations across airlines say the focus in India is primarily on self-reporting and de-addiction.“But given the easy availability of psychoactive substances, we need to make the consequences a bit tougher and act as deterrent. We have to increase random testing, that’s the only way out,” said an official. Under DGCA rules, all scheduled commercial airlines and air navigation service providers need to test at least 10% of their flight crew members and air traffic controllers every year.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’123PhotostoriesIndependence Day 2026 ethnic ideas: Bollywood actresses to inspire your August 15 lookLung cancer is not only about smoking: Doctor explains the risks hiding in your air, home and daily routineExclusive – Khatron Ke Khiladi 15’s Ruhaanika Dhawan on being the youngest contestant, on-screen mom Divyanka Tripathi’s reaction to her stunts and moreBaluchari saree: The forgotten Bengali handloom that nearly disappearedKeto, Carnivore, High-Protein Diets: Can eating too much protein or too few carbs put your kidneys under stress?The tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoon123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Unlike simple breath analyser tests for checking if the crew is tipsy, the process of detecting consumption of psychoactive substances is difficult The legal availability of marijuana for either medicinal or recreational use in places like Thailand and Amsterdam has made life difficult for airlines flying there. The reason: Unlike simple breath analyser tests for checking if the crew is tipsy, the process of detecting consumption of psychoactive substances is difficult. The only way to deter their consumption by flight crew members, say officials across multiple airlines, is to increase random dope testing, as there substances usually remain present in the body for much longer than alcohol.The concern across airlines globally to check this stems from the fact that operating a flight “under the influence of any psychoactive substance might render (licensed personnel like pilots) unable to safely and properly exercise” perform their duty, as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation.Possibly the most infamous case of this was a US carrier’s off-duty pilot travelling on the jump seat (extra seat behind pilots) in the flight deck trying to shut down the engines. This off-duty pilot had reportedly taken psychedelic mushrooms two days before the incident and hadn’t slept in 48 hours. “This is a challenge globally. Often the tests are not conclusive if taking some medicine leads to detection of psychoactive substances. However, recent consumption of drugs does show up in tests,” said officials.DGCA rules on “procedure for examination of the aviation personnel for consumption of psychoactive substances” says: “In case the confirmatory test is found positive, the medical in charge of the organisation shall consult a medical review officer to determine if the result was due to a legitimate therapeutic treatment or some other innocuous source (for example pain relief medication containing codeine may trigger a positive result for opiates).Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Airlines try to create awareness and encourage employees to anonymously report addiction so that the same can be addressed. But mostly people avoid reporting the same, so this virtually remains a non-starter, said many officials. Officials running operations across airlines say the focus in India is primarily on self-reporting and de-addiction.“But given the easy availability of psychoactive substances, we need to make the consequences a bit tougher and act as deterrent. We have to increase random testing, that’s the only way out,” said an official. Under DGCA rules, all scheduled commercial airlines and air navigation service providers need to test at least 10% of their flight crew members and air traffic controllers every year.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition DemandDelhi CM Fumes, Rekha Gupta Slams AAP MLA Over Viral Video; Eight AAP MLAs Marshalled OutKashmiri Pandit Employees Sent On Leave After Lashkar-Linked Threat Letter‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’123PhotostoriesIndependence Day 2026 ethnic ideas: Bollywood actresses to inspire your August 15 lookLung cancer is not only about smoking: Doctor explains the risks hiding in your air, home and daily routineExclusive – Khatron Ke Khiladi 15’s Ruhaanika Dhawan on being the youngest contestant, on-screen mom Divyanka Tripathi’s reaction to her stunts and moreBaluchari saree: The forgotten Bengali handloom that nearly disappearedKeto, Carnivore, High-Protein Diets: Can eating too much protein or too few carbs put your kidneys under stress?The tiaras of Brunei royals: A closer look at the lavish jewels behind their most iconic looks10 unique baby boy names that sound both classic and coolOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden secrets about approaching situations in life5 resume mistakes that could quietly cost you your next jobWhat happens when you put a sponge in the fridge? The simple hack that helps during monsoon123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani


Air India Phuket flight probe: Marijuana’s legal availability adds to worries of airlines
Unlike simple breath analyser tests for checking if the crew is tipsy, the process of detecting consumption of psychoactive substances is difficult

The legal availability of marijuana for either medicinal or recreational use in places like Thailand and Amsterdam has made life difficult for airlines flying there. The reason: Unlike simple breath analyser tests for checking if the crew is tipsy, the process of detecting consumption of psychoactive substances is difficult. The only way to deter their consumption by flight crew members, say officials across multiple airlines, is to increase random dope testing, as there substances usually remain present in the body for much longer than alcohol.The concern across airlines globally to check this stems from the fact that operating a flight “under the influence of any psychoactive substance might render (licensed personnel like pilots) unable to safely and properly exercise” perform their duty, as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation.Possibly the most infamous case of this was a US carrier’s off-duty pilot travelling on the jump seat (extra seat behind pilots) in the flight deck trying to shut down the engines. This off-duty pilot had reportedly taken psychedelic mushrooms two days before the incident and hadn’t slept in 48 hours. “This is a challenge globally. Often the tests are not conclusive if taking some medicine leads to detection of psychoactive substances. However, recent consumption of drugs does show up in tests,” said officials.DGCA rules on “procedure for examination of the aviation personnel for consumption of psychoactive substances” says: “In case the confirmatory test is found positive, the medical in charge of the organisation shall consult a medical review officer to determine if the result was due to a legitimate therapeutic treatment or some other innocuous source (for example pain relief medication containing codeine may trigger a positive result for opiates).

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FSSAI has suggested a tabular declaration of the recommended daily requirement of added sugar, saturated fats and salt. Citing industry’s opposition to warning labels on food packets, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suggested a tabular declaration of the recommended daily requirement of added sugar, saturated fats and salt.The FSSAI’s affidavit filed in the Supreme Court only mentions the food industry’s opposition but has ignored the evidence in favour of warning label to help discourage consumption of foods high in added saturated fats, sugar and salt submitted by civil society representatives.FSSAI’s ‘compliance’ affidavit in response to the Supreme Court order directing it to frame Front of Pack labelling regulation states that a “majority of industry organizations were against the inclusion of ‘warning labels’ on the product,” and goes on to suggest a nutrition table giving “the daily allowance for added sugar, added saturated fat and salt vis a vis their presence in per serve of packed food product” on the front of the pack.“The proposed numerical table format being suggested by FSSAI would force consumers to do math at the supermarket shelf. The FSSAI has called it a ‘compliance’ affidavit but in reality, it is defiance. The Supreme Court had explicitly said that the exercise so far had not yielded any positive or good result and it had given FSSAI four weeks to revert. And six months later, FSSAI has filed an affidavit that abandons warning labels altogether and avoids defining HFSS (high fat, salt and sugar) foods.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Clearly, FSSAI has bowed to food industry’s interests,” said Dr Arun Gupta of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi).FSSAI stated in the affidavit that it had held a stakeholder consultation on March 19, 2026 involving consumer groups, food industry representatives and farmer organisations. It stated that industry bodies argued that “consumers should be able to make an informed decision without creating fear amongst the consumers”. The affidavit was silent on the input given by consumer organisations, which had sought warning labels that have been shown to be the most effective in reducing consumption of junk food high in salt, sugar and saturated fats in several countries. NAPi had also given FSSAI evidence generated from studies conducted in India and other countries showing how effective warning labels are.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123Photostories6 foods soldiers ate during World War IIHuskies to Bulldogs: Why some of India’s most ‘trendy’ dog breeds struggle to cope with the summer heat10 most hated foods in the world and why people can’t stand themFrom peacocks to mandalas: 10 best mehendi designs for Hariyali Teej 2026Aluminium foil can clean chimney filters effectively: 3 simple tips to follow7 protein and fiber-rich Oats & Egg combinations for a complete breakfastBirds that eat snakes: Nature’s unlikely serpent huntersKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotions123Hot PicksKaroline LeavittMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChhattisgarh NH-30 AccidentKarnataka Closed TodayMallikarjun KhargeBengaluru Mother AccidentGermany Haryana Youth MurderGujarat SuicideSouth Delhi MurderAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

FSSAI has suggested a tabular declaration of the recommended daily requirement of added sugar, saturated fats and salt. Citing industry’s opposition to warning labels on food packets, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suggested a tabular declaration of the recommended daily requirement of added sugar, saturated fats and salt.The FSSAI’s affidavit filed in the Supreme Court only mentions the food industry’s opposition but has ignored the evidence in favour of warning label to help discourage consumption of foods high in added saturated fats, sugar and salt submitted by civil society representatives.FSSAI’s ‘compliance’ affidavit in response to the Supreme Court order directing it to frame Front of Pack labelling regulation states that a “majority of industry organizations were against the inclusion of ‘warning labels’ on the product,” and goes on to suggest a nutrition table giving “the daily allowance for added sugar, added saturated fat and salt vis a vis their presence in per serve of packed food product” on the front of the pack.“The proposed numerical table format being suggested by FSSAI would force consumers to do math at the supermarket shelf. The FSSAI has called it a ‘compliance’ affidavit but in reality, it is defiance. The Supreme Court had explicitly said that the exercise so far had not yielded any positive or good result and it had given FSSAI four weeks to revert. And six months later, FSSAI has filed an affidavit that abandons warning labels altogether and avoids defining HFSS (high fat, salt and sugar) foods.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Clearly, FSSAI has bowed to food industry’s interests,” said Dr Arun Gupta of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi).FSSAI stated in the affidavit that it had held a stakeholder consultation on March 19, 2026 involving consumer groups, food industry representatives and farmer organisations. It stated that industry bodies argued that “consumers should be able to make an informed decision without creating fear amongst the consumers”. The affidavit was silent on the input given by consumer organisations, which had sought warning labels that have been shown to be the most effective in reducing consumption of junk food high in salt, sugar and saturated fats in several countries. NAPi had also given FSSAI evidence generated from studies conducted in India and other countries showing how effective warning labels are.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123Photostories6 foods soldiers ate during World War IIHuskies to Bulldogs: Why some of India’s most ‘trendy’ dog breeds struggle to cope with the summer heat10 most hated foods in the world and why people can’t stand themFrom peacocks to mandalas: 10 best mehendi designs for Hariyali Teej 2026Aluminium foil can clean chimney filters effectively: 3 simple tips to follow7 protein and fiber-rich Oats & Egg combinations for a complete breakfastBirds that eat snakes: Nature’s unlikely serpent huntersKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotions123Hot PicksKaroline LeavittMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChhattisgarh NH-30 AccidentKarnataka Closed TodayMallikarjun KhargeBengaluru Mother AccidentGermany Haryana Youth MurderGujarat SuicideSouth Delhi MurderAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

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Several candidates reported receiving two different SMS messages within hours, each mentioning a different test city (representative image) NEW DELHI: Hundreds of NEET-PG 2026 aspirants were left confused after receiving incorrect SMS alerts about their allotted examination cities, prompting the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to issue a clarification that a technical glitch had led to wrong messages being sent to some candidates.Several candidates reported receiving two different SMSes within hours, each mentioning a different test city. In one such case, an aspirant was first allotted Gudur (Andhra Pradesh) and later received another message assigning Noida (Uttar Pradesh) as the examination city.In a public notice issued on Wednesday, NBEMS said the test city allocation had been completed as scheduled and uploaded on the official applicant portal. However, “due to some technical issues”, the test city conveyed to some candidates through SMS was incorrect. It said fresh SMSes and emails carrying the correct test city had subsequently been sent to the affected candidates.The Board advised candidates not to rely on SMS messages and instead verify their allotted examination city through the NBEMS applicant portal, which it said contains the correct details for all candidates. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIt also urged aspirants to rely only on official communications and beware of fake websites and misinformation.The clarification comes just days before the conduct of the national postgraduate medical entrance examination, with candidates already making travel and accommodation arrangements based on their allotted test cities. The confusion triggered anxiety among aspirants, many of whom took to social media to seek clarification after receiving conflicting messages.NBEMS maintained that the applicant portal carries the correct examination city details and asked candidates to refer to it for authentic information. It said corrected SMSes and emails have been issued wherever required.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123PhotostoriesBirds that eat snakes: Nature’s unlikely serpent huntersKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type10 classic, smokey and flavourful tikkas perfect for evening snacking5 everyday phone habits that may be damaging your relationship without you noticingThe science behind coriander leaves turning black in the refrigerator and 4 easy hacks to keep them fresh for long123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

Several candidates reported receiving two different SMS messages within hours, each mentioning a different test city (representative image) NEW DELHI: Hundreds of NEET-PG 2026 aspirants were left confused after receiving incorrect SMS alerts about their allotted examination cities, prompting the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to issue a clarification that a technical glitch had led to wrong messages being sent to some candidates.Several candidates reported receiving two different SMSes within hours, each mentioning a different test city. In one such case, an aspirant was first allotted Gudur (Andhra Pradesh) and later received another message assigning Noida (Uttar Pradesh) as the examination city.In a public notice issued on Wednesday, NBEMS said the test city allocation had been completed as scheduled and uploaded on the official applicant portal. However, “due to some technical issues”, the test city conveyed to some candidates through SMS was incorrect. It said fresh SMSes and emails carrying the correct test city had subsequently been sent to the affected candidates.The Board advised candidates not to rely on SMS messages and instead verify their allotted examination city through the NBEMS applicant portal, which it said contains the correct details for all candidates. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIt also urged aspirants to rely only on official communications and beware of fake websites and misinformation.The clarification comes just days before the conduct of the national postgraduate medical entrance examination, with candidates already making travel and accommodation arrangements based on their allotted test cities. The confusion triggered anxiety among aspirants, many of whom took to social media to seek clarification after receiving conflicting messages.NBEMS maintained that the applicant portal carries the correct examination city details and asked candidates to refer to it for authentic information. It said corrected SMSes and emails have been issued wherever required.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123PhotostoriesBirds that eat snakes: Nature’s unlikely serpent huntersKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type10 classic, smokey and flavourful tikkas perfect for evening snacking5 everyday phone habits that may be damaging your relationship without you noticingThe science behind coriander leaves turning black in the refrigerator and 4 easy hacks to keep them fresh for long123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: Revenue earned from foreign patients and affluent Indians should help fund treatment for poorer patients, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has recommended, proposing that corporate hospitals adopt a cross-subsidisation model to make advanced healthcare more affordable.The panel said hospitals that benefit from government concessions such as subsidised land, tax incentives and 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) should earmark part of the revenue generated from medical tourism and high-paying patients to provide advanced tertiary care to economically weaker Indians.The recommendation is part of the committee’s report on the affordability and accessibility of healthcare, which noted that India’s corporate hospital sector has recorded strong growth driven by high-value procedures, rising medical tourism and increasing revenue per occupied bed. While acknowledging India’s emergence as a global healthcare destination, the panel said the benefits of this growth must also reach patients who cannot afford expensive treatment.Observing that private health insurance penetration in India remains low and out-of-pocket expenditure continues to push many families into financial distress, the committee said a structured cross-subsidy mechanism could improve access to life-saving tertiary care for poorer patients. It said hospitals receiving government support should share part of the gains from medical tourism and premium-paying patients with economically weaker sections.The panel also recommended that corporate hospitals reserve a defined quota of beds under government-funded health insurance schemes such as Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY at standard package rates to ensure that beneficiaries have access to advanced treatment at leading private hospitals.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesTo address the uneven distribution of healthcare infrastructure, the committee proposed linking government incentives, including subsidised land, tax benefits and FDI facilitation, to investment in tier-2, tier-3 and rural areas. It also recommended expanding public-private partnerships and extending financial and technology support to smaller hospitals in underserved regions.The recommendations form part of a broader roadmap to make healthcare more affordable. The committee has also proposed capping private hospital room rents in major metropolitan cities at the average tariff of nearby three-star hotels, standardising treatment package rates, improving price transparency and expanding government health spending to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123PhotostoriesBirds that eat snakes: Nature’s unlikely serpent huntersKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type10 classic, smokey and flavourful tikkas perfect for evening snacking5 everyday phone habits that may be damaging your relationship without you noticingThe science behind coriander leaves turning black in the refrigerator and 4 easy hacks to keep them fresh for long123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

NEW DELHI: Revenue earned from foreign patients and affluent Indians should help fund treatment for poorer patients, a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has recommended, proposing that corporate hospitals adopt a cross-subsidisation model to make advanced healthcare more affordable.The panel said hospitals that benefit from government concessions such as subsidised land, tax incentives and 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) should earmark part of the revenue generated from medical tourism and high-paying patients to provide advanced tertiary care to economically weaker Indians.The recommendation is part of the committee’s report on the affordability and accessibility of healthcare, which noted that India’s corporate hospital sector has recorded strong growth driven by high-value procedures, rising medical tourism and increasing revenue per occupied bed. While acknowledging India’s emergence as a global healthcare destination, the panel said the benefits of this growth must also reach patients who cannot afford expensive treatment.Observing that private health insurance penetration in India remains low and out-of-pocket expenditure continues to push many families into financial distress, the committee said a structured cross-subsidy mechanism could improve access to life-saving tertiary care for poorer patients. It said hospitals receiving government support should share part of the gains from medical tourism and premium-paying patients with economically weaker sections.The panel also recommended that corporate hospitals reserve a defined quota of beds under government-funded health insurance schemes such as Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY at standard package rates to ensure that beneficiaries have access to advanced treatment at leading private hospitals.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesTo address the uneven distribution of healthcare infrastructure, the committee proposed linking government incentives, including subsidised land, tax benefits and FDI facilitation, to investment in tier-2, tier-3 and rural areas. It also recommended expanding public-private partnerships and extending financial and technology support to smaller hospitals in underserved regions.The recommendations form part of a broader roadmap to make healthcare more affordable. The committee has also proposed capping private hospital room rents in major metropolitan cities at the average tariff of nearby three-star hotels, standardising treatment package rates, improving price transparency and expanding government health spending to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123PhotostoriesBirds that eat snakes: Nature’s unlikely serpent huntersKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type10 classic, smokey and flavourful tikkas perfect for evening snacking5 everyday phone habits that may be damaging your relationship without you noticingThe science behind coriander leaves turning black in the refrigerator and 4 easy hacks to keep them fresh for long123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

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‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ should begin at RSS HQ, says Priyank Kharge NEW DELHI: Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday targeted the BJP over its ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, saying it should begin at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur.In a post on X, Kharge referred to RSS’s history of hoisting the Indian National Flag at its headquarters, saying the RSS did not hoist the Tricolour at its Nagpur headquarters for more than five decades after Independence.”For over five decades after Independence, the RSS did not hoist the Indian National Flag at its Nagpur headquarters. The Tricolour was officially hoisted only in 2002,” Kharge said in a post on X.He questioned why the organisation had chosen the Bhagwa Dhwaj over the national flag.”Before lecturing every Indian on patriotism, perhaps the BJP should first explain why its ideological parent choose the Bhagwa Dhwaj over the Tricolour and why the national flag was absent from its own headquarters for so long,” Kharge said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesKharge also questioned the presence of the Indian Tricolour in RSS route marches, asking how many such marches had seen uniformed swayamsevaks carrying the national flag.”How many RSS route marches have you seen where swayamsevaks, in full uniform, proudly march carrying the Indian Tricolour? None. And these chaps go around giving “Desh Bhakt” certificates to everyone,” Kharge added.Kharge’s remarks came as the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign is underway ahead of Independence Day.Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the campaign encourages citizens to hoist the National Flag at their homes and build a personal connection with the Tricolour.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123Photostories10 most hated foods in the world and why people can’t stand themFrom peacocks to mandalas: 10 best mehendi designs for Hariyali Teej 20267 protein and fiber-rich Oats & Egg combinations for a complete breakfastBirds that eat snakes: Nature’s unlikely serpent huntersKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type123Hot PicksKaroline LeavittMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChhattisgarh NH-30 AccidentKarnataka Closed TodayMallikarjun KhargeBengaluru Mother AccidentGermany Haryana Youth MurderGujarat SuicideSouth Delhi MurderAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ should begin at RSS HQ, says Priyank Kharge NEW DELHI: Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday targeted the BJP over its ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, saying it should begin at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur.In a post on X, Kharge referred to RSS’s history of hoisting the Indian National Flag at its headquarters, saying the RSS did not hoist the Tricolour at its Nagpur headquarters for more than five decades after Independence.”For over five decades after Independence, the RSS did not hoist the Indian National Flag at its Nagpur headquarters. The Tricolour was officially hoisted only in 2002,” Kharge said in a post on X.He questioned why the organisation had chosen the Bhagwa Dhwaj over the national flag.”Before lecturing every Indian on patriotism, perhaps the BJP should first explain why its ideological parent choose the Bhagwa Dhwaj over the Tricolour and why the national flag was absent from its own headquarters for so long,” Kharge said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesKharge also questioned the presence of the Indian Tricolour in RSS route marches, asking how many such marches had seen uniformed swayamsevaks carrying the national flag.”How many RSS route marches have you seen where swayamsevaks, in full uniform, proudly march carrying the Indian Tricolour? None. And these chaps go around giving “Desh Bhakt” certificates to everyone,” Kharge added.Kharge’s remarks came as the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign is underway ahead of Independence Day.Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the campaign encourages citizens to hoist the National Flag at their homes and build a personal connection with the Tricolour.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123Photostories10 most hated foods in the world and why people can’t stand themFrom peacocks to mandalas: 10 best mehendi designs for Hariyali Teej 20267 protein and fiber-rich Oats & Egg combinations for a complete breakfastBirds that eat snakes: Nature’s unlikely serpent huntersKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type123Hot PicksKaroline LeavittMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChhattisgarh NH-30 AccidentKarnataka Closed TodayMallikarjun KhargeBengaluru Mother AccidentGermany Haryana Youth MurderGujarat SuicideSouth Delhi MurderAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

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